As dog owners, possibly the most difficult decision for us to make is what to feed our pets to help keep them as happy and healthy as possible. With so many options out there, it’s not easy to decide on what’s best for our particular dog to eat, and if we have a picky eater on our hands, the decision making process gets ten times more difficult.
There are pros and cons to both wet and dry dog food, but many choose to give their dogs dry food for a few reasons in particular; it’s quite a bit cheaper, for one thing, even at the same level of quality. It’s more convenient to feed to them because it can be served in just about every type of dog food feeder out there, and it’s easier to store because it takes up less space. There are a lot of different brands out there, though, so here we’ve compiled a list of the best dry dog food brands on the market, and listed reasons why they may be right for you and your furry best friend.
Before getting into the specific brands that provide the best dry dog food, I thought it might be helpful to go over some things to look for when choosing a dry dog food that has overall quality. Some ingredients used in dog foods can be harmful, such as corn, meat-meal, wheat, BHA, and anything that says ‘by-products,’ but here are some things to keep an eye out for that are healthy for your pup:
- Whole proteins such as fish, chicken, beef, duck, liver, and eggs;
- Whole grains such as oats and quinoa;
- Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin;
- Natural preservatives like vitamins C and E;
- Healthy vegetables like sweet potatoes, peas, and carrots, and
- A label that says “Certified Organic” or something similar.
Taste Of The Wild
Taste of the Wild has a product line comprised of seven different dry dog foods, all packed with proteins such as peas and flaxseed, and also potato proteins and garbanzo beans. It’s made with purified water, and all types are grain-free, making them a healthier option for your dog if you’re looking to get them back to a healthier weight or if they are having an allergic reaction to something in their current dog food.
Canidae Grain Free Pure
This line of dog food is unique in that it markets each of their different types of dry dog foods as ‘elements’ (i.e. Sea, Sky, and Land). Each is made with high-quality ingredients without the danger of harsh and difficult to digest chemicals, packed with proteins in a range of different flavors, and contain healthy additions such as omega-3 fatty acids. They also contain skin and coat conditioners that help keep your dog’s coat looking healthy and shiny.
Natural Balance Synergy
Natural Balance Synergy dry dog food contains many different natural meat ingredients depending on the flavor you choose, from chicken to lamb, as well as a healthy portion of B-vitamin rich oatmeal, flaxseed for a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, and brewers yeast, which is great for repelling fleas and supporting their immune system.
Forza 10 Oto Nutraceutic
The formula for this brand was actually put together by a team of veterinarians to help benefit dogs by making the best dry dog food possible, especially for dogs with otologic problems – or, more simply put, a tendency to easily get infections or inflammation within the middle portion of their ear. It uses all natural ingredients and also helps to boost your dog’s immune system, keeping them healthier for longer.
Dogswell Nutrisca Dry Dog Food
This brand of dog food is also grain free, as well as being high in antioxidants. It comes in two flavors for you to choose from; Chicken, which has been raised cage-free, and lamb which is sourced in the United States, neither with any added hormones, making them completely natural ingredients. This best dry dog food choice provides an optimal source of protein and amino acids, and the option of lamb is great for dogs with an allergy to poultry.
As always, it is in the best interest of you and your dog to consult your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet for many reasons. Your vet will be able to tell you for certain if something is causing an allergic reaction, or if a particular food is not ideal for your type of dog, and will even be able to recommend the best dry dog food for your dog. It’s always better to be safe rather than sorry, and when it comes to your pet’s health, you’ll be happy you consulted your vet first.
