Aafco Approved Dog Food List 2020

Conflicting advice, deceptive marketing and thousands of dry dog food options can make finding the best brands a challenge.

So… we combined the top picks from our own editors… with those of the many pet food designers, nutritionists and veterinarians we’ve interviewed since launching The Dog Food Advisor… back in 2008.

On this page… we’ll share the best dry dog foods on the market. And we’ll answer the most frequently asked questions we get about finding and feeding quality kibbles.

How AAFCO Helps the Consumer

While AAFCO doesnt help consumers directly, AAFCO has clearly stated in its philosophy regarding feed regulations in the Official Publication that “The most important aspect of feed regulation is to provide protection for the consumer as well as the regulated industry. A major function of feed regulations is to safeguard the health of man and animals. Another important function of feed regulation is to provide a structure for orderly commerce.”

We also use expert nutrition opinions to establish nutrient standards (profiles) for dogs and cats.

Pet Food is directly regulated by the States and by FDA.

If you have concerns about a specific product you should contact your state regulator or FDA.

Pet Owners

For dog, cat, caged and aquarium animal owners.

The Best Dry Dog Foods September 2022

Here are The Dog Food Advisor’s best dry dog foods for September 2022.

Rating:

Wellness Complete Health Adult Deboned Chicken and Oatmeal is one of 13 dry recipes included in our review of the Wellness Complete Health product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal, ground barley, peas
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (oatmeal, barley, brown rice)
  • Other recipes: Senior, puppy, large breed, small breed, whitefish and sweet potato, lamb and barley, turkey and oatmeal and more
  • Price: $$
  • See all 13 available recipes
  • This Wellness Complete Health formula derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the product contains 27% protein, 13% fat and 52% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.

    One of the best grain-inclusive kibbles on the market. Highly recommended.

    Rating:

    Instinct Original with Real Beef is one of 5 dry recipes included in our review of the Instinct Original product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Beef, chicken meal, white fish meal, peas, chicken fat
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Other recipes: Small breed, chicken, duck, rabbit, salmon and more
  • Price: $$
  • See all 5 available recipes
  • This Instinct example derives the majority of its animal protein from beef and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 40% protein, 23% fat and 29% estimated carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.

    With multiple “flavor” options, Instinct makes an ideal choice for feeding picky eaters. Highly recommended.

    Rating:

    Nature’s Logic Canine Chicken Meal Feast is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Nature’s Logic product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, millet, chicken fat, pumpkin seed, yeast culture
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (millet)
  • Other recipes: Venison, beef, pork, rabbit, sardine, turkey, lamb, duck and more
  • Price: $$
  • See all 9 available recipes
  • This Nature’s Logic example recipe derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the product contains 40% protein, 17% fat and 36% estimated carbs… yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 42%.

    Nature’s Logic is one of the few dry brands meeting AAFCO nutrient standards by using live feeding trials. Highly recommended.

    Rating:

    High Prairie is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Taste of the Wild product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Buffalo, lamb meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, peas
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Other recipes: Puppy, small breed, salmon, venison and more
  • Price: $
  • See all 9 available recipes
  • High Prairie derives the majority of its meat protein from fresh buffalo, as well as both chicken and lamb meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 20% fat and 36% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.

    Taste of the Wild provides a top-rated, nutrient-balanced formula at an affordable price. Highly recommended.

    Rating:

    Blue Buffalo Life Protection Chicken and Rice is one of 21 kibble recipes included in our review of the Blue Buffalo Life Protection product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, oatmeal
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (brown rice, barley, oatmeal)
  • Other recipes: Puppy, large breed, small breed, senior, lamb, fish and more
  • Price: $
  • See all 21 available recipes
  • This Life Protection example derives the majority of its animal protein from chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 16% fat and 50% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 58%.

    A top-rated, grain-inclusive kibble. One of The Advisor’s most popular recommendations.

    Rating:

    Pro Plan Large Breed Adult is one of 19 kibbles featured in our review of the Purina Pro Plan Focus product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, brewers rice, whole grain wheat, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (rice, wheat, corn, barley)
  • Other recipes: Puppy, small breed, sensitive skin and stomach, senior, weight management and more
  • Price: $
  • See all 19 available recipes
  • Focus Large Breed Adult derives the majority of its animal protein from fresh chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 14% fat and 49% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 46%.

    Pro Plan is one of the dog food brands most frequently mentioned by breeders and veterinary professionals.

    Each recipe has been expertly formulated by a team of board certified veterinary nutritionists.

    In addition, the entire Pro Plan product line is designed and manufactured according to rigorous guidelines recommended by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.

    Purina Pro Plan is one of the very best brands you’ll find on this or any list. And it’s easy on the budget, too. Highly recommended.

    Rating:

    Canidae Pure Real Salmon and Sweet Potato is one of 10 dry kibble recipes included in our review of the Canidae Grain-Free Pure product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Salmon, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Other recipes: Puppy, senior, bison, lamb, duck, small breed, large breed, limited ingredient and more
  • Price: $$$
  • See all 10 available recipes
  • This Canidae Grain-Free product derives the majority of its meat protein from fresh salmon, as well as salmon and menhaden fish meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 20% fat and 36% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.

    An exceptional, dry recipe, free of corn, wheat or soy. A top recommendation.

    Rating:

    Orijen Original is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Orijen product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, deboned turkey, Atlantic flounder, cage-free eggs, whole Atlantic mackerel
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Other recipes: Puppy, fish, venison, duck, senior and more
  • Price: $$$
  • See all 9 available recipes
  • This Orijen product derives the majority of its animal protein from chicken, turkey and fish. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 21% fat and 28% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.

    A meat-rich, dry dog food made by a quality company… known for its superior, biologically appropriate designs. Not cheap… but worthy of serious consideration.

    Rating:

    Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete is one of 13 kibble recipes included in our review of the Diamond Naturals product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, chicken, ground white rice, chicken fat, cracked pearled barley
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (ground white rice, cracked pearled barley)
  • Other recipes: Large breed, small breed, puppy, senior, lamb, beef and more
  • Price: $
  • See all 13 available recipes
  • This Diamond Naturals formula derives most of its animal protein from chicken meal and fresh chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 28% fat and 29% estimated carbs… which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 78%.

    Diamond Naturals was recently selected as one of our most affordable dog foods. Highly recommended.

    Rating:

    Nulo Freestyle Adult Turkey and Sweet Potato is one of 9 dry kibble recipes included in our review of the Nulo Freestyle product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned turkey, turkey meal, salmon meal, chickpeas, chicken fat
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Other recipes: Salmon, trout, lamb, cod, small breed, large breed, puppy, senior and more
  • Price: $$$
  • See all 9 available recipes
  • This Nulo Freestyle recipe derives the bulk of its meat protein from turkey, as well as turkey and salmon meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 37% protein, 20% fat and 35% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 55%.

    A superior, grain-free kibble, offering balanced nutrition… for a wide range of dogs. Recommended with confidence.

    Rating:

    Nutro Ultra Adult is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Nutro Ultra product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain sorghum, whole grain barley, whole grain oats
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (sorghum, barley, whole grain oats)
  • Other recipes: Beef, duck, lamb, fish, small breed, large breed, puppy, senior and more
  • Price: $$
  • See all 9 available recipes
  • This Nutro formula derives most of its meat protein from chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 24% protein, 15% fat and 53% estimated carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.

    Available in a wide range of flavor and recipe options. One of our top value picks.

    Rating:

    Go! Carnivore Chicken, Turkey and Duck Adult is one of 5 kibble recipes included in our review of the Go! Carnivore product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, turkey meal, salmon meal, de-boned chicken, de-boned turkey
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Other recipes: Salmon, turkey, duck, cod, puppy and more
  • Price: $$
  • See all 5 available recipes
  • This Go! Carnivore formula derives the majority of its animal protein from chicken, turkey and salmon meals, as well both chicken and turkey. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 18% fat and 36% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.

    Free of GMO (genetically modified) ingredients and loaded with meat. A rare find. Highly recommended.

    Rating:

    Eagle Pack Power Adult is one of 7 dry kibble recipes included in our review of the Eagle Pack product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, pork meal, ground brown rice, peas, chicken fat
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (ground brown rice, dehulled barley)
  • Other recipes: Puppy, small breed, large and giant breed, lamb, pork and more
  • Price: $
  • See all 7 available recipes
  • This Eagle Pack recipe derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken and pork meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 21% fat and 38% estimated carbs… yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.

    A superior kibble at an affordable price. Made by the same trusted company that also produces Wellness. Exceptional value. Highly recommended.

    Rating:

    Wellness Core Original is one of 12 dry recipes included in our review of the Wellness Core product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned turkey, turkey meal, chicken meal, peas, potatoes
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Other recipes: Puppy, large breed, small breed, duck, rabbit, whitefish, senior and more
  • Price: $$
  • See all 12 available recipes
  • This Wellness Core formula derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh turkey, as well as turkey and chicken meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 18% fat and 36% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.

    Core has appeared on our Best Grain-Free Dog Foods list for more than 10 years. Enthusiastically recommended.

    Rating:

    Whole Earth Farms Adult recipe is one of 6 kibble recipes included in our review of the Whole Earth Farms product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, rice, barley, pork meal
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (rice, barley)
  • Other recipes: Small breed, turkey, salmon, pork, beef, puppy and more
  • Price: $
  • See both available recipes
  • This Whole Earth Farms product derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 28% protein, 16% fat and 48% estimated carbs… which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.

    A quality yet affordable, grain-inclusive kibble made by Merrick. Highly recommended.

    Rating:

    Holistic Select Adult and Puppy Health is one of 11 kibble recipes included in our review of the Holistic Select Grain-Free product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Salmon, anchovy and sardine meal, potatoes, peas, menhaden fish meal
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Other recipes: Puppy, small breed, large breed, senior, salmon, turkey, lamb and more
  • Price: $$
  • See all 11 available recipes
  • This Holistic Select formula derives most of its meat protein from fresh salmon, as well as anchovy and sardine meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 16% fat and 44% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 48%.

    An exceptional grain-free dog food offering numerous recipe and flavor options. Highly recommended.

    Rating:

    Dr. Tim’s Pursuit Active Dog Formula is one of 8 dry kibble recipes included in our review of the Dr. Tim’s product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, brown rice, chicken fat, whole oat groats, dried beet pulp
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (brown rice, oat groats)
  • Other recipes: Active formula for sporting dogs, salmon, pork, chicken and more)
  • Price: $$
  • See all 8 available recipes
  • This Dr. Tim’s product derives the bulk of its animal protein from chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 22% fat and 36% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 67%.

    One of the best-kept secrets in the dry kibble market. And it’s one of our top picks, especially for sporting dogs. Highly recommended.

    Rating:

    Iams Lamb and Rice Adult formula is one of 12 dry recipes included in our review of the Iams Proactive Health product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Lamb, chicken by-product meal, brewers rice, ground whole grain barley, ground whole grain corn
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (rice, barley, sorghum)
  • Other recipes: Large breed, small breed, puppy, chicken, turkey, senior weight management and more
  • Price: $
  • See all 12 available recipes
  • Iams Lamb and Rice derives a large portion of its animal protein from fresh lamb. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 28% protein, 16% fat and 49% estimated carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.

    An affordable, “classic” design offering multiple recipe options. A top selection popular with veterinarians and professional breeders. Highly recommended.

    Rating:

    Victor Hi-Pro Plus is one of 5 kibble recipes included in our review of the Victor Classic product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Beef meal, grain sorghum, chicken fat, pork meal, chicken meal
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (grain sorghum, whole grain millet)
  • Other recipes: Chicken, puppy, active sporting dog formula and more
  • Price: $
  • See all 5 available recipes
  • Victor Hi-Pro Plus derives the bulk of its meat protein from beef meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 22% fat and 37% estimated carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 67%.

    An affordable, all life stages kibble… recently added to our budget-friendly dog foods list. Highly recommended.

    Rating:

    Annamaet Ultra is one of 8 kibble recipes included in our review of the Annamaet product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, brown rice, chicken fat, whole dry eggs, herring meal
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (Brown rice, millet)
  • Other recipes: Puppies, salmon, small breed, senior, weight loss and more
  • Price: $$
  • See all 8 available recipes
  • This Annamaet kibble derives most of its meat protein from chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 22% fat and 34% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.

    Especially popular with sporting dog professionals. Enthusiastically recommended.

    Rating:

    Real Beef and Brown Rice is one of 13 recipes included in our review of the Merrick Classic dry product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned beef, pork meal, brown rice, barley, oatmeal
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (brown rice, barley, oatmeal)
  • Merrick Classic Healthy Grains derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh deboned beef and pork meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 17% fat and 46% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 58%.

    This fully balanced formula contains zinc amino acid complex and 4 other chelated minerals, superior nutritional supplements typically found in higher quality dog foods. Reasonably priced. Highly recommended.

    To view more top dry dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.

    FAQ

    What dog foods are approved by AAFCO?

    What pet foods are AAFCO-approved? In short, AAFCO does not approve, certify or otherwise endorse pet foods. There is no AAFCO-approved pet food. Most state feed laws and regulations reference to the AAFCO Official Publication as part of the nutritional adequacy labeling for pet foods.

    What is the number 1 healthiest dog food?

    The 10 Best Healthiest Dog Food Brands
    1. The Farmer’s Dog – Best Overall. …
    2. Solid Gold Barking at the Moon High-Protein. …
    3. Nature’s Logic Sardine Meal Feast All Life Stages. …
    4. K9 Natural Beef Feast Raw Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog Food. …
    5. Sojos Wild-Caught Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food.

    Does Purina Pro Plan meet AAFCO?

    Purina Pro Plan is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for complete and balanced nutrition for all life stages of dogs.