As a veterinarian, dog lovers are always asking me for my opinion on the top vet recommended dog food brands that are healthy for dogs.
But one thing owners want to consider is the price range they can afford, so I have to consider the best cheap dog food brands that are also good enough for pets.
This list of veterinarian recommended dog foods will help you make a better choice for your Fido.
I always mention that even though I have my favorite vet recommended dog food brands, each canine will have specific needs, and there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to dog nutrition and foods (source).
It is best to have a chat with your veterinarian about your specific dogs individual needs before switching his diet.
Healthy dog food that ticks off the boxes while being somewhat affordable is the name of the game.
Still, for this article, Ive put an arbitrary list of 13 vet-recommended dog food brands that are good enough for many canines. And then after that, if youre dog likes wet dog food Ive gone ahead and put that list together as well.
Best dog food for large or giant-breed dogs
First ingredients are salmon, barley, and rice | Large breed | Dry food
According to the experts we spoke to, owners of large and giant-breed dogs should avoid foods that contain legumes as a protein source. Nicole Goudey-Rigger, the owner and CEO of doggy-day-care service Pets a Go Go, told us she took her two purebred Akitas and two medium-size mixed breeds (a golden retriever–Chow Chow mix and an Australian shepherd mix) off their low-grain diets after the potential connection between DCM and grain-free food was identified. Instead, she now feeds her four big dogs Purina Pro Plan Salmon Sensitive Stomach, which contains brewer’s rice and barley (and no legumes). She and three other experts we spoke with like Purina Pro Plan foods because, as Gstrein points out, the recipes meet AAFCO standards and are formulated by a veterinary nutritionist. Goudey-Rigger adds that the Purina Pro Plan line features a wide variety of proteins, including chicken, beef, salmon, duck, lamb, pork, and even quail. Looking for a variety of proteins in a brand’s line is important, she says, because “not all proteins agree with all dogs.” Ochoa’s dog also likes Purina Pro Plan and gets a small portion of the brand’s shredded-chicken food (a legume-free mix that includes chewy and crunchy pieces) as a complement to Hill’s Science Diet.
The 7 Best Vet-Recommended Wet Dog Foods
Our best overall goes to The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food. This human-grade fresh food is by far the best dog food that you can feed your dog, their recipes are formulated by veterinary nutritionists, and come with the AAFCO’s stamp of approval. The Farmer’s Dog is nutrient-rich, and its high moisture content adds to your dog’s hydration levels for optimal health.
The Farmer’s Dog is free from preservatives and low in byproducts such as AGE’s (advanced glycation end-products) which have been linked to disease development and are found in many highly processed pet foods.
The Farmer’s Dog has a variety of fresh food recipes such as chicken, turkey, pork, and beef all formulated with a species-appropriate macronutrient ratio. The protein comes from real meat, instead of commonly used meat meals.
The Farmer’s Dog exceeds the industry standards established by AAFCO and it can be fed to dogs in all life stages. With recipes cooked in USDA-approved kitchens, pre-packed in ready-to-serve individual portions, and delivered right to your door we truly feel that The Farmer’s Dog blends health and convenience which takes our spot in the best overall place.Pros
Cons
Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic + Mobility – Best for Weight Loss
If your dog needs to lose weight, a veterinary prescription diet is the best way to do it. Simply feeding less of your dog’s usual diet can result in them not getting enough vitamins and minerals. I tend to recommend Purina Pro Plan, as it is clinically proven to encourage safe weight loss.
Hill’s has now brought out this combination of their j/d (joint diet) and their metabolic (weight loss) diet. This is ideal, as obesity and arthritis often go hand in hand; and once you have an arthritic dog, getting enough exercise for them to lose weight can be tricky.
This diet contains high fiber to encourage your pet to feel fuller for longer. It also contains ingredients to boost your dog’s metabolism and weight loss. The omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health to protect your dog from the consequences of obesity, as well as help them exercise off their weight.
Lastly, I love that this food has very clear instructions for feeding amounts, with information for weight loss and maintenance once ideal weight has been reached. The feeding guide might look complicated, but it allows you to adjust your dog’s diet to help them lose weight.Pros
Cons
FAQ
What is the number 1 healthiest dog food?
- The Farmer’s Dog – Best Overall. …
- Solid Gold Barking at the Moon High-Protein. …
- Nature’s Logic Sardine Meal Feast All Life Stages. …
- K9 Natural Beef Feast Raw Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog Food. …
- Sojos Wild-Caught Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food.
What is the most healthy food for dogs?
- Purina Pro Plan Savor Adult – Best Overall. …
- Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic + Mobility – Best for Weight Loss. …
- Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d – Best for Urinary Health. …
- Purina Pro Plan Sport – Best for Weight Gain. …
- Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d – Best for Sensitive Stomachs.