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Find the best dog food for your canine from some of the best dog food brands most popular with our pet parent customers.
What to look for in the best dog foods
Quality nutrition can help your dog live a long and healthy life. Here are some things to consider when choosing the best dog food for your pet.
Your dog's age
From puppyhood to senior years, make sure to reassess your dog’s food needs based on their life stage.
Health needs
Whether your dog has food sensitivities or needs to lose weight, it’s important to find a recipe tailored to their specific profile.
Ingredients
Choose dog food with high-quality ingredients and a complete and balanced recipe. Our list of best-sellers includes a variety of flavors, textures and consistencies to choose from.
Find the right food
Get a personalized recommendation for your dog with our Right Food Finder.
Pet parent faves
These healthy dog food brands offer optimal nutrition for your dog with quality ingredients and vital nutrients.
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The Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs and Skin Allergies
The Best Dog Food for Large Breed Dogs
The Best Grain-Free Dog Food
The Best Dog Food for Weight Loss
The Best Dog Food for All Life Stages
The Best Dog Food for Adult Dogs
The Best Veterinary Diet Dog Food
| Dog Food | Life Stage | Dog Breed Size | First Ingredient | Sizes Available | Specialty | Average Review* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food | Adult | 5 to 120 lbs. | Chicken | 4 lb., 15.5 lb. and 30 lb. bags | Sensitive Stomach and Skin | 4.7/5 |
| Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach with Probiotics Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food | Adult | 3 to 100 lbs. | Salmon | 5 lb., 16 lb., 30 lb. and 41 lb. bags | Sensitive Skin and Stomach | 4.6/5 |
| Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food | Adult | Large Breeds 50 to 160 lbs. | Chicken | 15 lb. and 35 lb. bags | Large Breed Adults | 4.8/5 |
| Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Roasted Bison & Venison Dry Dog Food | Adult | 3 to 100 lbs. | Water Buffalo | 5 lb., 14 lb. and 28 lb. bags | Grain-Free | 4.8/5 |
| Orijen Original Grain Free High Protein Fresh & Raw Animal Ingredients Dry Dog Food | All Life Stages | Most Breed Sizes | Deboned Chicken | 12 oz., 4.5 lb., 13 lb. and 25 lb. bags | Grain-Free | 4.8/5 |
| Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food | Adult | Most Breed Sizes | Chicken | 4 lb., 14 lb. and 28.5 lb. bags | Weight Management | 4.7/5 |
| WholeHearted Grain Free All Life Stages Beef & Pea Formula Dry Dog Food | All Life Stages | Most Breed Sizes | Beef | 5 lb., 14 lb., 25 lb. and 40 lb. bags | Grain-Free, All Life Stages | 4.7/5 |
| Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food | Adult | Most Breed Sizes | Deboned Chicken | 5 lb., 6 lb., 15 lb. and 30 lb. bags | Complete, Balanced Nutrition | 4.8/5 |
| Purina Pro Plan High Protein with Probiotics Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice Formula Dry Dog Food | Adult | 3 to 100 lbs. | Chicken | 6 lb., 18 lb., 35 lb. and 47 lb. bags | High Protein, Probiotics | 4.7/5 |
| Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Hydrolyzed Protein Adult HP Dry Dog Food | Adult | Most Breed Sizes | Brewers Rice | 7.7 lb., 17.6 lb. and 25.3 lb. bags | Veterinary Diet for Dogs with Digestive and Skin Sensitivities | 4.7/5 |
*Ratings as of April 6, 2022
The Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs and Skin Allergies:
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
One of the best natural dog food options is this Hill’s Science Diet formula designed to support digestive health. The recipe includes prebiotic fiber to help your pet’s microbiome flourish, while highly digestible ingredients help with nutrient absorption. Vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acid supplements will help nourish your dog’s skin and coat.
Features:
- Comes in 4 lb., 15.5 lb. and 30 lb. bags
- Prebiotic fiber supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria
- Ingredients support heart health
- Made with natural ingredients
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach with Probiotics Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
Keep your best friend’s skin and fur healthy while giving them a tasty kibble that is also gentle on their stomach. This formula is from one of the best dog food brands, Purina. Your dog will enjoy salmon as the first ingredient in this kibble, while prebiotic fiber will support the growth of healthy bacteria in the digestive system.
Features:
- Comes in 5 lb., 16 lb., 30 lb. and 41 lb. bags
- High-protein formula supports lean muscles
- Sunflower oil and omega-6 fatty acids nourish skin and coat
- Antioxidants support a healthy immune system
The Best Dog Food for Large Breed Dogs:
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food
One of the healthiest dog foods available is this recipe from Hill’s Science Diet. This tasty kibble is made with easy-to-digest ingredients and includes glucosamine and chondroitin, which support joint health. Omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E will help your dog’s coat shine.
Features:
- Comes in 15 lb. and 35 lb. bags
- Provides for all the energy needs of large breed adult dogs
- Chicken protein helps maintain lean muscle mass
- Made with natural ingredients
The Best Grain-Free Dog Food:
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Roasted Bison & Venison Dry Dog Food
If you’re looking for grain-free dog food, try this option from Taste of the Wild. The formula includes easily digestible sweet potatoes and peas along with real roasted meat. Many dogs will enjoy the meaty taste of this recipe, while the added fruits and vegetables help complete their nutritional needs.
Features:
- Comes in 5 lb., 14 lb. and 28 lb. bags
- Protein is the number one ingredient
- Includes vitamins and minerals from fruits and superfoods
- Omega fatty acids support healthy skin and coat
Orijen Original Grain Free High Protein Fresh & Raw Animal Ingredients Dry Dog Food
Orijen, a healthy dog food brand, offers this mouth-watering formula packed with quality animal ingredients, including free-run chicken and turkey. With each bite, your dog will enjoy the most nutrient-rich parts of prey animals. This grain-free recipe is also ideal for any pups with grain sensitivities.
Features:
- Comes in 12 oz., 4.5 lb., 13 lb. and 25 lb. bags
- The first five ingredients are fresh or raw
- Includes wild-caught fish and cage-free eggs
- Formulate for all breeds and life stages
The Best Dog Food for Weight Loss:
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
Looking to help your best friend manage their weight? This Hill’s Science Diet dry dog food is formulated for weight management. The company claims you should be able to see visible results in 10 weeks. The chicken protein in this formula will provide your dog with energy and support the maintenance of lean muscle mass.
Features:
- Comes in 4 lb., 14 lb. and 28.5 lb. bags
- Made with natural ingredients
- Chicken is the number one ingredient
- Included added vitamins, minerals and amino acids
The Best Dog Food for All Life Stages:
WholeHearted Grain Free All Life Stages Beef & Pea Formula Dry Dog Food
From puppies to seniors, this dry dog food will deliver great taste and complete nutrition to your best friend. Added probiotics support a healthy digestive system, while omega-3 fatty acids help keep your pet’s coat shiny and skin nourished. Your dog will enjoy the wonderful flavor of one of the top dog food brands on the market.
Features:
- Comes in 5 lb., 14 lb., 25 lb. and 40 lb. bags
- Real beef is the first ingredient
- No corn, wheat or grains
- Includes antioxidants for immune health
The Best Dog Food for Adult Dogs:
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
The first ingredient is real meat in this formula from Blue Buffalo. The recipe contains the right mixture of proteins and carbohydrates to fuel your dog while also supporting lean muscle mass. Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids support healthy skin and coats and added “LifeSource Bits” help protect your dog’s immune system.
Features:
- Comes in 5 lb., 6 lb., 15 lb. and 30 lb. bags
- LifeSource Bits contain antioxidants, vitamins and minerals
- Contains wholesome whole grains, vegetables and fruits
- No corn, wheat or soy
Purina Pro Plan High Protein with Probiotics Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
Looking for the healthiest dog food? You can’t go wrong with this chicken and rice formula from Purina. Chicken is the first ingredient in this formula, which includes hard kibble and soft, shredded pieces for added texture. Every serving contains plenty of protein, along with vitamin A, omega-6 fatty acids and live probiotics.
Features:
- Comes in 6 lb., 18 lb., 35 lb. and 47 lb. bags
- Vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids support healthy skin and coat
- Prebiotic fiber helps maintain healthy gut bacteria
- High protein formula helps maintain lean muscles
The Best Veterinary Diet Dog Food:
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Hydrolyzed Protein Adult HP Dry Dog Food
Ideal for dogs with food sensitivities, this formula from Royal Canin is designed to lower the risk of triggering an immune response from your dog. The recipe is also engineered to reduce skin and digestive reactions.
Features:
- Comes in 7.7 lb., 17.6 lb. and 25.3 lb. bags
- Hydrolyzed protein is designed for puppies and adult dogs with food sensitivities
- Essential nutrients support skin health
- A special blend of fibers and prebiotics supports a healthy digestive system
We’re here to help
Beyond food, our stores offer health & wellness products and services to help make sure your dog has everything they need to thrive.
Grooming
Target their specific needs with essential care and customized packages.
Dog Training
Reinforce good behavior while strengthening their total well-being.
Vet Services
Get the care your pet needs to feel their best at every stage of life.
Pet Pharmacy
Save big on heartworm preventives, pain relievers, Rx flea & tick control and more.
Learn More About Dog Food
Vets can help you choose a food that fits your dog’s nutritional needs based on their age, lifestyle, health concerns and activity level. For example, a dog with food sensitivities may do better with minimally processed dog food, while younger dogs should eat puppy food formulated specifically for dogs in their first year or two of life.
Hill's Science Diet is a favorite brand among vets because its formulas are consistent, natural ingredients are tested for purity and its recipes do not have any artificial flavors or preservatives. Take a look at other veterinary diet dog foods.
One of the best ways to avoid potentially harmful ingredients in your dog’s food is to purchase commercially produced food that adheres to Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards. Commercial brands do quality-control testing to help ensure a complete and balanced diet. It’s also important to avoid dog food that contains artificial ingredients.
Petco offers a variety of dog food options from some of the best dog food brands available.
When reading food labels, pay attention to the order in which ingredients are listed. Ingredients that make up the most weight are listed first, while ingredients that make up the least amount of weight are listed at the end.
Important ingredients to look out for include:
- Protein: This is one of the most important parts of a dog’s diet, so make sure it’s one of the first few ingredients.
- Carbohydrates: Raw carbohydrates can be difficult for a dog to digest. Many top dog food brands contain processed carbohydrates like wheat, corn, rice, oats or potatoes that are easier to digest.
- Fat: This provides fuel for your dog. Fish sources (like salmon and tuna), plant sources (like flaxseed oil and nuts) and eggs are all good sources of essential fat.
- Vitamins and minerals: Your dog needs a variety of vitamins and minerals to stay in shape, including calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium. They should also have small amounts of zinc, iron, manganese and iodine in their diet.
There is no one-size-fits-all dog food brand, and the best option for your dog will depend on a number of factors, including their breed, age, lifestyle and activity level. For example, the best dog food for Pit Bulls may differ from the best dog food for German Shepherds. Your veterinarian can help you find the best dog food for your unique canine.
Your dog’s preferences for particular ingredients, flavors, textures and more should also be considered when choosing a good dog food for your best friend.
Keep in mind that the best dog food is only one part of supporting your dog’s health. Petco offers a great selection of all the dog health and wellness solutions you need to give your pup their best life.
*Based on petco.com customer reviews.
