Here is your round-up of the nine best dry dog food options. (Spoiler alert: Purina One was our top pick!). If you’ve decided that dry dog food is best for your dog, then the next choice to tackle is which product is the best fit.

You will need to consider size – particularly if you have a large breed dog or a toy breed – plus whether you dog has a a sensitive stomach or skin allergies? And are you purchasing for a puppy or a particularly picky eater? All of these will help determine which is the best dog food option for you.

Dry dog food is less messy and can be easier to store. It's also easier to portion out and can help prevent overfeeding. When choosing a dry food option, the protein should be from a high-quality source, and it should contain enough healthy fats and carbohydrates to support brain health and energy levels.

We also spoke to vet, Dr Rebecca MacMillan, about choosing the best dry dog food for your pet.

The quick list

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The best dry dog foods we recommend

The best overall dry dog food

If you're looking for a reputable brand that offers high-quality nutrition with everything your pup needs to thrive, then Purina ONE is hard to beat. Featuring real lamb as the first ingredient, this meaty kibble supports strong muscles and a healthy heart while also being great for the immune system.

Made with high-quality ingredients, including natural prebiotic fiber, Purina ONE Lamb & Rice Formula is easy to digest and nurtures your dog’s digestive microbiome to ensure their gut functions optimally.

High in protein, it also comes packed with omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to support the skin and coat while also adding a sparkle to the eyes. You'll also find it increases energy levels and has natural sources of glucosamine to help maintain healthy joints.

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Best dry dog food for small dogs

It's important to consider the size of your kibbles if you're the owner of a toy dog breed or a small dog. You don't want the kibbles to be too big as they can pose a possible choking hazard for your pooch.

This line of Hill's formulas has been carefully crafted with small and mini dogs in mind. Not only is it the perfect size, but it is also packed with vitamins and minerals to support your dog's health. One of the best ingredients in this formula is DHA, from fish oil to support healthy brain and eye development.

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Best budget dry dog food

If you're looking for a reputable brand that offers high-quality nutrition with everything your pup needs to thrive, then Purina ONE is hard to beat. Featuring real lamb as the first ingredient, this meaty kibble supports strong muscles and a healthy heart while also being great for the immune system.

Made with high-quality ingredients, including natural prebiotic fiber, Purina ONE Lamb & Rice Formula is easy to digest and nurtures your dog’s digestive microbiome to ensure their gut functions optimally.

High in protein, it also comes packed with Omega 6 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to support the skin and coat while also adding a sparkle to the eyes. You'll also find it increases energy levels and has natural sources of glucosamine to help maintain healthy joints.

Best dry dog food for senstive stomachs

A hit with both pet parents and their furkids, Blue Buffalo True Solutions Digestive Care dog food is one of the best natural kibbles available today. With real chicken as the first ingredient and using only the highest-quality proteins and ingredients, this nutritious and delicious dry dog food ticks all the boxes.

Packed full of wholesome whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal and overflowing with an array of healthy garden vegetables, this fiber-rich formula supports a healthy digestive system while still being gentle on the gastrointestinal tract, making it superb for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Featuring Blue’s exclusive antioxidant-rich Lifesource Bits that have been designed by holistic vets and animal nutritionists to deliver all the vitamins and minerals your furkid needs to thrive, it’s suitable for all life stages and promotes a strong immune system and a healthy oxidative balance.

With calcium and phosphorus for strong bones, glucosamine for joint health, and an optimal balance of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids for a shiny coat and soft skin, it also contains cranberries to help prevent urinary tract infections.

Free from poultry by-products, corn, wheat, soy, and artificial flavors and preservatives, this high-quality natural kibble excludes all the potential allergens found in other brands. Containing everything your doggy needs and none of what they don’t, this food has been designed to ensure your canine companion thrives.

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Best dry dog food for skin allergies

Skin allergies in dogs can be tricky to navigate. Symptoms of skin allergies can be frequent itching, skin or ear infections, hair loss, and redness of the skin. We always recommend working with your vet to develop the best plan to tackle allergies. However, a lot the the time, vets will recommend a change in diet.

That's where the Purina Pro Plan for Sensitive Skin and Stomach comes in. This formula has been specifically designed for pooches with sensitive skin or skin allergies. It's also great for dogs with sensitive stomachs. The salmon and oatmeal are designed to be easily digestible and gentle on their digestive systems.

This formula also contains 26% of protein, which is higher than some other options on this list. The secret star of this product is the live probiotics that are added. This is to support the immune and digestive system.

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Best dry dog food for large dog breeds

Large dog breeds need plenty of solid nutrients to support their larger frames. This is why one of our tips for caring for large-breed dogs is investing in quality dog food that is designed for them.

Blue Buffalo has created a unique formula designed to support bigger dogs. Along with all-natural chicken as its first ingredient, this list also includes L-carnitine, glucosamine, and chondroitin. All these will promote good joint health in dogs and support lean muscles.

Their Blue Life Protection Formula boasts real meat, wholesome grains for energy levels, and even omega three and six fatty acids to promote skin and coat health.

This dry dog food is perfect for dogs from one to seven years old and has been expertly crafted by vets and animal nutritionists.

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Best dry food for senior dogs

Like humans, as dogs age, their health and stamina slowly decline, and their bodies lose the ability to repair themselves and maintain normal body functions. That's why choosing quality dog food to support their changing bodies is on our list of tips for taking care of senior dogs.

As a result, when looking for options to suit your aging pooch, formulas high in protein and fiber with an adequate fat balance and suitable carbohydrate levels could be the best option.

Nature's Recipe ticks these boxes, offering a minimum crude protein content of 24% coming from whole chicken, as well as high-quality lamb and chicken meals to maintain your dog’s lean muscle mass and satiety.

The formula’s real strength lies in its rich superfood profile to promote glossy coats and increased energy, including Vitamin B-rich oatmeal, flaxseed, chia seeds, and lamb fat as sources of healthy omegas and dried fruit and vegetables like kale, spinach, pumpkin, and blueberries.

Alongside glucosamine and chondroitin for optimal joint health, chelated minerals (ones that are chemically attached to proteins) to aid digestion are included, an ingredient typically added in higher-quality dog foods.

With a 24% protein content and a fat level of 12%, the formula represents an above-average protein and below-average fat content when compared to its competitors.

But overall, the formula is one of the top options for aging dogs, particularly with regard to the strength of the macro and micro-nutrients offered from its high superfood content.

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Best dry dog food for puppies

For the youngest furry member of your family, it’s hard to go past Nulo with their solid reputation for providing quality wet and dry food dishes that are always hugely popular with dogs.

Created to fit a puppy’s specific needs, this kibble features real, farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient to promote strong muscles, plus essential minerals to help build strong bones.

This formula contains 22 key nutrients like those found in mother’s milk, including omega-3 DHA to promote healthy cognition, and comes enriched with antioxidants to help develop a robust immune system.

Offering complete and balanced nutrition, this kibble contains no artificial preservatives, flavors, or fillers. There is also a range of dry dog food for large puppies!

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Best dry dog food for picky eaters

Along with the popular chicken and rice flavor, this range also comes in three other flavors that you can choose from – including beef and a fish option. So, no matter your pup's preference, there is a flavor they are sure to love.

As with the other Blue Life options on this list, you can count on all-natural and wholesome ingredients to nourish your pooch. All ingredients are designed to support your dog's immune health, joint support, and mobility. Not to mention skin coat and health.

This is also a great choice if your dog has allergies. This formula is free from soy, corn, and wheat. All of which are common food allergies in dogs. We also love the fact that there are no animal by-products in this line. No matter which food flavor you choose. If you want to read even more about this product, you can check out our Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula review for more details.

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How to choose the best dry dog food

Choosing the right dry dog food for your pet requires considering several factors before making a decision. The first thing to consider is whether your dog has special needs. Age, disease, activity level, and allergies all play a part in picking an appropriate kibble.

You'll also want an option that fits your budget and that your dog actually wants to eat. This means taking a look at the ingredients and opting for a choice that is high in protein, carbohydrates, and balanced nutrients.

Dr. Rebecca MacMillan says, "Ingredients are listed in order of weight, so you want to see a type of meat protein at the top. This protein should be named rather than just being referred to as generic ‘meat’."

You also don't need to be put off by the term by-product.

"The term by-products refers to meat products that humans wouldn’t tend to eat, for example, organ meat. By-products like heart, kidneys, and liver all have excellent nutritional value for our pets," says MacMillan.

Which dried dog food is best?

There is no one-size-fits-all dry dog food because each dog has its own needs. When choosing dog food, you want an FDA-approved food that includes a balance of ingredients to ensure it has everything your furry friend needs to thrive.

When choosing dog food, it may take time to find the kibble that fits your budget and your pooch's needs. Remember, the most important thing is finding an option your dog will eat, so they have all the vitamins and minerals they need for a long life of wagging tails and belly rubs!

Read next: How to increase your dog's appetite

Edited by: Georgia Guerin and Megan Milstead.

Pet food can be very expensive these days, so it’s important to keep it stored properly with the best pet food containers. Airtight containers can extend the life of your pet’s food, keeping it from going stale and saving you money in the long run.

Whatever size or shape you need, there are some excellent storage options out there. Larger tubs to store the best dry dog food, smaller options for the best dry cat food, portable containers on wheels, and plenty that come with convenient food scoops to help you portion out meals.

There are other benefits to pet food containers too — decanting a big, bulky bag of kibble into a sturdy, stackable box makes it much easier to store away in the cupboard. This makes feeding time a lot easier, as you can simply lift up the tub, scoop out the kibble, and slot it back onto the shelf. No more fighting with cumbersome bags and food bag clips that refuse to stay attached.

You can also store your pet food container next to the best automatic pet feeders, making the process of reloading these clever gadgets even easier.

The best pet food containers 2024

How to choose the best pet food container

Selecting the best pet food container really comes down to the space you’re working with, and the pet you have. Smaller spaces and smaller pets will require less space, but you may want something a little larger so that you can store several months’ worth of food in a single place. Equally, larger pets may require more food, so you should look for a pet food container that's big and stackable, unless space really isn’t an issue. Certain pet food containers can be stored outside but you need to be confident that they are sturdy enough to withstand the elements, and their airtight seal is strong enough to not degrade quickly.

In terms of materials, we would always suggest plastic, and always recommend that you check it is PBA-free and comes with some kind of assurance from a government agency. While you’re unlikely to get chemicals leaking into your pet’s food, it just isn’t worth the risk, and while you may save a few bucks on a cheaper container… you’ll spend big when it comes to veterinarian bills if your dog or cat does get sick.

If you want metal, always make sure that you’re storing it in a cool, dry area (because few come with airtight seals) and that you get a steel container with no harmful chemicals or elements that can rust. Rusted iron or lead in your pet’s food really, really isn’t good for them. Metal bins are often more attractive and expensive, so be sure they suit your practical needs when you buy one.

Does dry pet food need to be kept in airtight containers?

Pet food is just like human food — it needs to be stored properly in order to extend its life. As our expert vet Dr. Hannah Godfrey explains, “keeping dry food in sealable Tupperware or similar will help to keep it fresh and more palatable and prevent contamination from bacteria or molds, meaning it will last longer.”

Tupperware, or other airtight containers, also keep out air and moisture that would cause the food to spoil quicker. On top of this, they keep out bugs called storage mites, which Dr Godfrey warns can cause problems if your pet is allergic. 

“Storage mite allergies can cause your pet to have itchy and irritated skin, recurring ear infections, hair loss, and other symptoms” warns Dr Godfrey. Prevention is the best cure here, so she advises you “avoid their exposure by storing dry food in an airtight, sealed container, somewhere cool.” 

Finally, Dr Godfrey has a handy tip to preserve pet food for longer — portion your dog’s food into separate containers for each week, so that you’re not exposing the entire volume of food to the air at every meal time. This should keep the later half of the kibble bag tasting almost as fresh as the first bowl.

Airtight containers aren’t a magic preservative solution though. Pet food will go bad eventually, even if properly stored, so be sure to check the best before dates on the packaging. You should always store pet food in a cool, dry place, regardless of what container you’re using to hold it.

Feed your hungry hound with the best dog foods. We've put together a comprehensive list of the seven best dog food options out there, with tasty treats to suit dogs of all shapes and sizes, along with some specialised options for dogs with health issues.

With so many options to choose from, it can be tough to nail down which is the right product for you and your canine companion. Even more annoyingly, the truth is that there is no single right answer. The best dog food for a dog with diabetes won't be right for one with a sensitive stomach, and vice versa. Don't fret, though – we're here to help, and we spoke to expert vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan to make sure you're getting the best advice possible.

Whatever choice you make, you should look for high-quality ingredients when picking a dog food product – you want to see real meat as a primary ingredient. Beyond that, consider if any health or allergy conditions your dog suffers from need a specific diet. We've got recommendations below for a range of needs.

The Quick List

The best dog foods we recommend

Best dog food for allergies

To put Merrick Limited Ingredient through its paces, we enlisted the help of our tester, Sarah, and her canine companion, Duke. Duke suffers from mild digestive issues, but Sarah noted that this dog food helped keep his tummy settled while also helping her manage his weight.

Despite not usually being a huge fan of salmon foods, Duke “absolutely loved it”, according to Sarah. It's easy to see why, too, given the heavy focus on tasty ingredients and the lack of grain fillers.

Another of our expert vets, Dr Joanna Woodnutt, was also a fan of this food, noting that: "This range contains limited protein sources, reducing the chance of a food allergy. The inclusion of fish oils and flaxseed adds omega-3 and 6, which have anti-inflammatory properties in the skin.”

The only real downsides that Sarah noted during testing were in the packaging. If you buy the big 22lb bag, then it's very big and bulky, and the lack of any easy way to reseal the bag means that the fishy smell can waft its way into the rest of the room. We'd recommend transferring it into a resealable container to avoid this.

Best dog food for senior dogs

Older dogs can often benefit from a switch to wet foods, as they're softer on their teeth, can help with hydration, and are often better suited to their slower metabolisms.

Alongside being a wet food, Hill’s Science Diet Senior Adult 7+ ticks a lot of other boxes too. It's made with natural ingredients and key nutrients, and the recipe is specifically formulated to support older dogs' needs. This includes minerals that support good heart and kidney health, and plenty of protein to keep their muscles strong.

While we haven't done hands-on testing with this particular dog food, we have reviewed numerous other Hill's Science foods for both cats and dogs, and we've always been impressed with them. With a 4.6 out of five-star rating on Amazon from more than 3,300 reviews, it seems that you all share in that glowing assessment, too.

Best dog food for sensitive stomachs

If your pup has a fussy stomach, Blue Buffalo's Digestive Care is our top recommendation to help keep their tummy and gut health in top condition. It's made with made with real chicken as the primary ingredient, and doesn't contain any other poultry by-products like bone meal.

The rest of the ingredients list puts health and nutrition at the forefront, with an array of healthy garden vegetables to provide a fiber-rich diet that supports a healthy digestive system and should keep your pooch regular. On top of that, it contains what Blue Buffalo calls its "LifeSource Bits" – a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that have been "carefully selected by veterinarians and animal nutritionists" to help support immune system health.

It contains calcium and phosphorus for strong bones, glucosamine for joint health, and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids to promote a beautiful, shiny coat. It even packs in cranberries to help prevent urinary tract infections. We were impressed by the detailed breakdown of the ingredients and nutrients that Blue Buffalo provides for all their pet foods on their website.

From there, you can see that Blue Buffalo isn't completely grain-free – you'll find whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal in there, but it's completely free of corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, and preservatives. It's not the cheapest dry dog food out there, but it's made with high-quality ingredients and designed for dogs suffering from digestive distress.

Best dog food for diabetic dogs

If you've got a diabetic dog and you aren't sure what food is right for them, Royal Canin's Glycobalance formula could be the answer. You can't just buy this at a supermarket, though – you'll need a prescription from your vet, so book an appointment if you're concerned that your dog is diabetic and isn't getting the nutritional help they need.

The ingredient list might not look very appetizing at first glance – chicken by-product meal is the main ingredient after all – but it's all for a good reason. Meal contains three times more protein than fresh chicken to help your dog retain muscle mass.

Likewise, the reduced levels of starch in the formula are designed to support healthy blood glucose levels. This ensures they stay fit, healthy, and able to enjoy an active lifestyle, which in turn helps control your dog's diabetes.

Like most specialised dog foods, Royal Canin Glycobalance isn't cheap when compared to supermarket brands, but you get what you pay for here – a nutritionally balanced food that's tailor-made to help manage your dog's health condition.

Best dog food for puppies

Puppies have different nutritional needs from adult dogs, so they need a food that's designed with them in mind. Nulo's Freestyle kibble features a high-protein, low-carb recipe with real turkey (or salmon) as the primary ingredient to help your canine build up strong muscles. It's also packed with essential minerals like calcium & phosphorus to help build strong bones.

It contains 22 key nutrients that are usually found in their mother’s milk, including omega-3 DHA to support brain & eye development, and probiotics to support healthy digestion. To top it all off, there are no artificial preservatives, flavors, or grain fillers, which is great for pets with allergies or sensitive stomachs.

Overall, Nulo Freestyle has a 4.5 out of five-star rating on Amazon from 612 reviews, with most pet owners praising the product, saying their dogs loved it. Some negative reviews noted allergic reactions and a smelly aftermath, so maybe try a small bag as a tester to start out.

Best dog food for small breeds

It's not the size of the dog that matters, it's the size of the food in their bowl. Hill's Science Diet Small & Mini Dry Dog Food is made with smaller dog breeds in mind, which includes smaller pieces of kibble that are easier for pint-sized pooches to eat.

The recipe includes chicken as the primary ingredient, alongside whole grains, including brown rice. It's also packed with vitamins and minerals to support your dog's health, including omega-6 and vitamin E to give them a shiny coat and healthy skin, and fish oil-derived DHA, which supports healthy brain and eye development.

There are different versions of this kibble depending on your dog's age, with one to six, seven to 10, and 11+ formulas out there, so make sure you get the right one for your dog. Also note that the inclusion of grains in the recipe does mean that it's not suitable for dogs with allergies or food sensitivities, though.

Best dog food for large breeds

Big dogs need big meals to help keep their hefty frames in working order, and that's where Purina's Pro Plan comes in. It's made using high-quality ingredients, with real chicken as the primary protein source, and rice serving as a highly digestible source of energy, all served up in a delicious gravy.

It includes 23 essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and phosphorus to help promote strong bones, teeth, and joints – that last one is especially important in large breed dogs as their bulkier frames put a lot of stress on their joints. Finally, it's packed with omega-6 fatty acids to give them healthy skin and a silky soft coat.

As we mentioned, though, it does contain rice and other grains, including wheat gluten, which means it's not going to be suitable for dogs with allergies and other digestive issues.

How to choose the best dog food?

Before choosing the right dog food, there are several factors you need to consider. We spoke to expert vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan to find out more:

"First of all, there is not one perfect diet out there. Different foods may suit different dogs and their owners. You will have to select one that is not only suitable for your dog but meets your needs too, in terms of things like price and storage."

When it comes to wet food vs dry food, there is no right answer. Dr MacMillan explains that the pros of best wet dog foods are that it tends to be "more palatable and preferred by some dogs", but she also notes that it costs more than best dry dog foods on a per-meal basis.

"Wet food is less energy-dense than dry kibble, due to its high water content. This means a large dog fed solely on wet food could need several cans every day! Wet food can also be more of a pain to store in bulk, and some owners also don’t like the smell."

Foods with a high moisture content can also help prevent dehydration, and it's also much easier to eat, which is a bonus for dogs with dental issues.

While your affordability and convenience are important, Dr MacMillan is keen to stress that good quality food is essential to your pet’s health. In practice, this means ensuring that their food is specifically formulated for their life stage (puppy, adult, senior) and size.

"It should also have AAFCO approval, which you will see on the manufacturer’s label. This will give you confidence that the diet actually meets its nutritional claims," says Dr MacMillan.

Speaking of nutritional claims, you should always take a good look at the ingredients list to see what is in the food you're giving to your best friend. According to Dr MacMillan, a named meat source at or very near the top of that list is a good indicator of the diet’s quality.

“If your chosen food features its main protein source lower down the list with cheaper carbohydrates above it, then this could indicate a lower quality pet food."

Much like with you would be in a restaurant, be very suspicious of any protein source listed only as "meat" or "meat meal", as this indicates a low quality product.

If your dog suffers from allergies or stomach sensitivities, there are grain-free foods and other specialised recipes that can help alleviate the symptoms. Grain-free diets don’t necessarily mean better quality, though.

As Dr MacMillan points out, "Unless your pet has been diagnosed with an allergy through a proper dietary trial, there is no need for them to avoid grains."

Likewise, MacMillan warns that you should "beware of diets that feature ‘superfood’ ingredients. These can be a marketing gimmick, and some manufacturers often only feature their superfood in very tiny amounts, so scan that ingredients list to check".

Finally, Dr MacMillan cautions against raw feeding, too.

"Most health claims are only anecdotal, whereas the scientific evidence shows proven health risks, not only to dogs but to their owners too".

If you are Immunocompromised, you are at a greater risk of harmful bacteria, including E. coli and salmonella, if you handle raw pet food.

Read next: Dog food ingredients explained

Edited by Georgia Guerin.

Can you freeze dry dog food? It’s a question you may be asking if you’re wanting to keep your canine’s kibble fresh for as long as possible. And the good news is, you absolutely can! In fact, not only is freezing dry dog food great for extending its shelf life, it’s a wonderful way to provide your pup with a cooling treat in the warmer months.

The best dry dog food is rich in all the nutrients your fur friend needs to thrive, but it can also be expensive, so it’s understandable you want to make it last as long as possible. Although dry kibble lasts longer than wet food, it can still go off if it's left to sit around for too long.

Thankfully, there are lots of options when it comes to freezing dry dog food — and expert vet Dr. Rebecca MacMillan shares some of her favorites below. Plus, we reveal the best ways to store dry dog food outside of the freezer and how long you can keep a bag of opened kibble for before it starts to spoil. Let’s dive in…

Can you freeze dry dog food?

"You can definitely freeze dry dog food and there are a few reasons why you might want to do this," says Dr. MacMillan. "The first is to create refreshing treats for your dog, especially in warm weather. If this is the case, then it is best to soak the kibbles in water first or mix them with wet dog food. This will help them stick together and allow you to stuff them into an interactive toy like a Kong to make a frozen snack.

Another reason for freezing your dry dog food is to extend its shelf life. Although dry dog food lasts longer than wet food once opened, it can still go stale, and the fats it contains may go rancid.

Freezing also has the advantage of reducing microscopic storage (grain) mites, which contaminate many dry foods. These may contribute to allergies in some dogs, so I often advise freezing dry kibble to decrease mite numbers for pets that have been diagnosed with this condition."

Is it okay to put dog food in the freezer?

Because there are so many things dogs can eat besides dog food, you may find you often have extra kibble on hand that you want to save for later on. So is it okay to put it in the freezer?

"It is fine to put dog food in the freezer," Dr. MacMillan confirms. "Freezing dry dog food won’t affect its nutritional content, in fact, it will preserve the food and help it to last longer. If you buy your dry kibble in bulk then freezing a proportion of it will stop it from going stale before you get to the bottom of the bag."

What is the best way to freeze dog food?

"When freezing dry dog food, it is best to decant it into an airtight container or individual plastic bags," Dr. MacMillan advises. "You should also label your food with the date it goes into the freezer, so you can keep track of it."

Can you freeze kibble in a Kong?

When it comes to how to use Kong toys, popping some kibble inside and then freezing it makes for a great enrichment activity.

"You can freeze dry food inside a Kong or other interactive rubber toy," says Dr. MacMillan. "It is best to soak the kibbles first to make them soft and stick together. Alternatively, you could mix dry biscuits with wet dog food. You can then smear and stuff them into the rubber toy and put it into the freezer to set."

Is it safe to store dry dog food in a plastic container?

"Dry food is best stored in something airtight to stop it from spoiling, so a suitable plastic container would be absolutely fine for this purpose," Dr. MacMillan confirms. "Just make sure that the container is regularly cleaned out with warm soapy water, rinsed, and dried before new food is put into it. It is important not to just top up the container with new, fresh biscuits on top of older ones."

Can you put dog food in ziploc bags?

"Dog food can be stored in ziplock bags," says Dr. MacMillan. These can also be useful for freezing food too. Some owners may wish to use ziplock bags so that individual portions of food can be easily defrosted and dished up. Depending on the size and shape of your appliance, it may also be easier to store multiple smaller bags in the freezer than it is in one large container."

How to store dry food after opening it

While dry dog food lasts longer than the best wet dog food, it is still perishable and needs to be stored in the right way. Here’s what to do to make sure it stays as fresh as possible:

1. Seal the bag

Once you open the bag of dog food, you’ll need to check it’s sealed properly in order to keep out any air or moisture as this is how bacteria gets in. Roll down the sides of the bag and seal it tightly using a bag clip.

2. Keep in an airtight container

If kibble is exposed to air, the oxygen breaks down the oils in the food, which speeds up the process by which it goes bad. To prevent this from happening, keep the bag of dog food in an airtight container.

The best options for these are stainless steel or glass as they have better seals, are easier to clean and last longer. If you do choose to use a plastic container you will need to keep it clean and dry and replace it regularly as the chemicals in the plastic can seep into the food.

3. Leave it in its original packaging

Instead of emptying dog food out of its bag and into a container, place the whole bag into the container. This will add an extra barrier to prevent air and moisture from getting in. Plus, keeping the original packaging means you have the expiry date and manufacturer details in case there is a problem with the food.

4. Clean the container regularly

Before you place the dog food in the container make sure you wash it using hot soapy water or white wine vinegar, rinse it and dry it thoroughly. When you buy a new bag of dog food, don’t mix it in with the previous bag. Rewash and dry the container to prevent oils building up and turning the food rancid and to stop mold from forming due to excess moisture. 

5. Store it somewhere dry

Store the dog food somewhere dry and cool such as a pantry– nowhere hotter than 100 degrees Fahrenheit (you may want to avoid garages and sheds). This will prevent moisture causing mold and high temperatures breaking down the nutrients in the food.

6. Freeze it

If you’re worried about dry dog food going bad, buy it in bulk and freeze it so that it is preserved for longer.  

How long can you keep dry dog food for?  

Unopened dry dog food may last from 12 to 18 months, but once opened it may only be good for as little as two to six weeks. Check the expiry date to be sure. If there is no expiry date it is best not to take a risk and to throw the dog food out as you don’t want your dog to get ill. 

Dry dog food that has gone bad may start to smell bad or change texture. You may notice mold on the inside of the bag. If it looks and smells fine, but your dog won’t eat it, this may also be a sign that it’s past its sell-by date.  

Pondering the question, why is my dog not food motivated? We have the answer!

Reading a dog food ingredients list can feel like a bit of a minefield — and trying to compare the labels on the back of two different brands can feel even more overwhelming. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be.

While terms like ‘chicken meal’ and ‘animal derivatives’ can leave you wondering if the best dog food really is as good as it claims to be, rest assured that there are guidelines in place that ensure all wet and dry dog food is nutritionally complete and balanced.

Choosing dog food can seem complicated, especially if you’re like most pet parents and are keen to feed your pup a high-quality diet. But armed with a little expert knowledge, those trips to the grocery store can be a lot less stressful.

With that in mind, we turned to vet Dr. Joanna Woodnutt to get her advice on what you as a dog owner need to know about dog food ingredients. Below, she goes into great depth about what to look out for, how to read a food label and which ingredients are best avoided. Let’s dive in…

What are the main ingredients of dog food?

Firstly, both the best dry dog food and the best wet dog food needs to contain a high-quality protein source, which is usually animal-based. This could be chicken, beef, fish, turkey, or other meat products, or plant-based proteins like oats, peas, or nutritional yeast if you choose vegan dog food.

Carbohydrate is another vital component of dog food and is usually achieved with cereals like maize or wheat.

Dogs also need a source of fat in their diet. These are often at least partly animal-derived if the diet is not vegan or vegetarian. In addition, dog food must contain dietary fiber and the correct balance of vitamins and minerals. 

Ingredients to look for in a good dog food 

Don’t be alarmed if you look at the ingredients list of your chosen dog food and find that you’re not sure whether it’s good or bad compared to others. You can look out for a few ingredients, often found in good-quality dog foods. 

Firstly, the most obvious element to look for is meat and ‘meat meal’. Animal-derived protein can be digested and processed efficiently by your dog to give them the amino acids needed to maintain and repair their body. 

Don’t be put off if you see the term ‘meat and animal derivatives’, though. It might not sound as pleasant, but the ingredients are often the same. The term is usually only used to give the manufacturers a little flexibility if their favored ingredient is temporarily unavailable. 

You should also look out for grains and cereals, fats, and oils. All complete dog foods should also contain vitamins and minerals. 

What does 'meat meal' mean?

You may see that a bag of dog food contains the ingredients 'meat meal', 'chicken meal', or 'fish meal'. 

It sounds off-putting and makes you think of ground heads, bones and feet, right? Well, ‘meal’ simply refers to the fact that the protein source (ie. muscle meat or liver) has been dried and heat-treated, then ground to a powder. Don’t worry, meat meal isn’t allowed to include things like hair, bristles, or stomach contents. 

Pet food manufacturers may use meal because it’s cheaper to ship. On a large scale, it’s also homogenous – one cup of it is likely to contain very similar nutrients to the next. This helps manufacturers to create a consistent product, rather than having their nutrition thrown off by the differing fat content in breast meat compared to thigh meat.

What does ‘meat and animal derivatives’ mean?

One of the most picked-apart ingredients in your dog’s food is ‘meat and animal derivatives’. You may have heard people say that this is a way of feeding rubbish to your dog or that manufacturers are using the term to ‘hide’ ingredients.

Actually, ‘meat and animal derivatives’ is a term that is legally defined by European law as being “all the fleshy parts of slaughtered warm-blooded land animals, fresh or preserved by appropriate treatment, and all products and derivatives of the processing of the carcass or parts of the carcass of warm-blooded land animals”. 

In addition, ‘meat and animal derivatives’ can only be taken from animals passed as fit for human consumption. In other words, ‘meat and animal derivatives’ are by-products of the human meat trade. And by-products aren’t necessarily bad! 

In fact, the nutritious organ meats (livers, hearts, tripe, and kidneys) aren’t fashionable in all countries, and may be thrown away if not used for the pet food trade.

 ‘Meat and animal derivatives’ can even include muscle meats – including favorites such as steak! This happens when an animal is passed as fit for human consumption, but errors in slaughter or butchery cause unsightly problems that mean they won’t be sold on a supermarket shelf.

Ingredients to avoid in dog food 

Just like there are some ingredients to look out for, there are also ingredients that are best avoided. Additives like colorings, sweeteners, and preservatives are examples of this. 

Propylene glycol is sometimes used as a preservative in pet food and treats, and food dyes are used in some dog kibble brands to make the food more colorful and exciting. These additives are of no health benefit to your dog and are best avoided. 

How useful is the ingredients list on your pet’s food?

Your dog food ingredients list has a few limitations in helping you to choose a good food for your dog. 

Firstly, producers can choose whether to list the individual ingredients, or just ingredient categories, which allows them to change the formulation slightly if the chosen ingredient is not available without changing the label. 

Secondly, there is no way to determine the quality of an ingredient from the dog food ingredient list. One producer’s ‘beef meal’ may be more nutritious than the next. However, manufacturers may use phrases like ‘human grade’ or ‘fresh’ to make you think their ingredients are higher quality than their competitors. 

Thirdly, the composition section of your dog’s food lists the ingredients in order of weight, leading some pet owners to assume that it’s also in order of the amount of nutrition your pet gains from the product.

How to choose the best dog food 

This is all very well, but you’re probably wondering how to compare pet foods to find a good dog food if you shouldn’t be solely relying on the ingredients list. The single most important thing is to find a brand that meets the WSAVA guidelines.

If following the guidelines and contacting the manufacturer sounds like hard work, the good news is that the Pet Nutrition Alliance did some of the initial research for you. After that, look for a diet that contains an AAFCO or FEDIAF ‘complete and balanced’ label claim – these show that the product contains all the nutrients your pet needs, in the right ratios, according to the body of scientific evidence.

It’s important to note that there is no one dog food that is 'best' for every dog. Just like a person, your dog has unique needs, and what works for one dog may not always be the best option for another. 

However, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Breed
• Age
• Weight and body condition score
• Health status
• Lifestyle and activity level
• Any chronic health issues or risk factors
• Your dog’s taste and texture preferences
• Your budget

It is also important to consider the calorie content of the food you choose and how this will affect your dog’s portion sizes. Just like the foods we eat, every dog food will have a different calorie content per serving.

Look under the nutritional information to find the calorie content per cup of food.  Your veterinarian can calculate your dog’s required daily calorie intake to help you determine how many calories your dog should consume at each meal.  Don’t use the feeding guide on the back of the bag – you’ll likely be feeding your dog too much, especially if your dog is already overweight!

For further guidance, be sure to read our vet's guide on choosing which dog food is best for your canine companion. 

What types of dog food are there? 

Until reasonably recently, there were broadly three types of dog food – dry dog food, wet dog food, and raw dog food. Commercial dry and wet foods could be further split into puppy, adult, and senior foods. 

Of course, these types of dog food still exist, but there are even more subcategories! For instance, if your dog is a pedigree, there are breed-specific dog foods. If your dog is a working dog, there are specially formulated diets containing lots of carbohydrates and protein to keep their energy levels up and their muscles healthy. 

There are even dog foods designed for neutered and unneutered pets and diets for specific health issues like urinary disease, allergies, obesity, diabetes, and dental disease. 

More recently, additional types have been developed that are in keeping with our desire as humans to be healthier. These include natural diets, grain-free dog food, gluten-free diets, and even vegan diets. Sounds complicated, doesn’t it? 

Well, the critical thing to remember about any doggy diet is that it must be nutritionally balanced and ‘complete’, containing all the nutrients they need.

Understanding a dog food label 

When you’re looking for the perfect dog food, it can be hard to decide what’s fact and what’s good marketing. The world of dog food is full of brands claiming to be the best; after all, that’s how they sell their product. But with so many vague terms and unsubstantiated claims, how can you make the right choice? 

Well, firstly, you should always look at the ingredients label rather than skimming the rest of the packaging. Although laws regulate the pet food industry, some loopholes allow manufacturers to be a little deceptive. 

For example, a dog food might claim to contain ‘added’ or ‘extra’ ingredients, but they only have to add a tiny amount of them to make this statement true. The small amount is unlikely to make any difference to either the taste of the food or your dog’s health. 

So, check the actual ingredients list, and remember that ingredients are listed in order of weight, with the heaviest first. 

How do you read dog food labels? 

When reading a dog food ingredient label, you should remember that the ingredients are listed in order of weight, with the heaviest first. However, this can be a bit confusing and misleading.

You might expect the meat to appear first on the list because protein should be the main component of dog food. So, you might understandably discount any dog foods where the meat appears second or even third on the list. Don’t be fooled, though; if the meat source is dehydrated, it may not be as heavy as other ingredients, even if it contains a large amount of protein. 

How much protein should a good dog food contain?

The recommended crude protein in adult dog food is no less than 18 per cent, according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials, but for puppies, it should be around 22.5 per cent.

On the other hand, you don’t want to give your dog too much protein, especially if they are older or have kidney problems. So, what protein to fat ratio is best for dogs? Well, it really depends on your dog’s age, activity levels, and health status, so speak to your veterinarian.

What does the law say?

There are lots of laws that cover the ingredients in dog food and how they are named on the packet. For instance, a packet of dog food must list the ingredients in order of weight, with the heaviest ingredients first. Some terms also have a legal definition, including ‘meat and animal derivatives’ or ‘minerals’ – these must be strictly adhered to. 

There are also specific requirements for whether a label can claim 'with fish', 'rich in fish', or 'fish dinner', depending on the amount of fish in the product. In the UK, these laws are laid down by the EU, while in America the FDA and USDA have labeling laws. The American Association of Food Control Officials (AAFCO) and FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry) also lay down regulations and guidelines for members. 

But despite all the laws, lots of things are not covered, and manufacturers can use these loopholes to turn their ingredients label into a marketing tool. For instance, 'super premium' and ‘holistic’ don’t have a legal definition; manufacturers use them to sway you into purchasing their product rather than the next one on the shelf.

In addition, many ingredients are simply added (in tiny proportions) to make them sound tasty or to insinuate a health benefit, such as 'with fresh herbs' or 'plus blueberries and coconut' – it’s likely these don’t change the taste of the food, but they sound like something we would buy for ourselves. 

Which dog food ingredients cause allergies?

An allergy happens when the body mounts an immune response to something that it shouldn’t need to. In dogs, this can be to the environment, pollen, insects, or food. Although food gets blamed for a lot of allergies, only about 1 in 100 dogs are thought to be allergic to ingredients in their diet. 

Dogs are usually allergic to proteins – beef is the most common allergen, but pork, fish, and chicken are also known allergens in dogs. Gluten allergies in dogs are not as common as the gluten-free marketing companies would have you believe, with corn allergy affecting around 1 in 1,000 dogs, and the other cereals less. You can read more in our article: four common allergies in dogs and what you can do about them.

You should also take care, as ‘hypoallergenic’ doesn’t have a legal definition in pet food and manufacturers like to apply it as a marketing ploy. In addition, just because a product lists ‘beef and fish’ as the proteins in the ingredients list doesn’t mean it doesn’t have microscopic amounts of other proteins. 

These tiny amounts are enough to set off your dog’s allergy, so it’s important to only use a well-respected brand if your pet has allergies. If your pup is having a reaction to a particular protein or other ingredient, speak to your vet about whether it's worth switching them over to the best dog food for allergies.

Are fewer ingredients better in dog foods?

It’s easy to see how people make the connection between fewer ingredients and a more ‘natural’ approach. But balancing a diet correctly requires a certain number of ingredients. If your chosen pet food doesn’t list much under ‘composition’, you should check whether it is ‘complete and balanced’. 

If it doesn’t say this on the packet, or says ‘complementary’ instead, this diet is not a suitable main diet for your pet and should be given as a treat or topper. Even if a food claims to be complete, too few ingredients is still a red flag - minor changes in the quality of the supply to the manufacturer can change the nutrient profile and cause major problems for your pet.

It can be confusing to read ingredients from dog food labels, but it’s worth knowing what you’re feeding to your canine companion. After all, if they have any health issues, there could be a dog food out there that suits their needs better. However, if your dog is healthy, is a good weight, and enjoys eating their current diet, there’s probably no need to make a switch. If you do decide to do this, check out our guide to changing dog food for tips on how to transition dog food safely.

With so many dog food options, you’re probably left wondering “Is dry dog food best?” We get it. With so many opinions on wet food, a raw food diet, or a mixture of wet and dry dog food meals, it can be hard to narrow down which is the best option for your dog.

What to feed your canine can be the center of many discussions, with everyone having strong opinions on what you should do. This can be particularly overwhelming for new dog parents as they navigate feeding.

But with the right amount of research, you can decide if the best dry dog food is actually best for your canine. We also always recommend working with your vet for support in feeding your dog. But for now, let’s check out all the ins and outs of dry dog food and determine if it’s the right fit for your pooch.

How is dry dog food made?

So what exactly is in dry dog food? A dry diet, biscuit diet, or kibble diet is a processed pet food diet. Ingredients are added, blended, cooked, and then formed into biscuits. These can be various shapes and sizes, and you may even find diets with several shapes in the mix.

The food-making process involves removing most of the water, resulting in a diet that is 6-10% moisture – hence ‘dry’. Each stage of the dry dog food production process is highly controlled.

Dry dog food can be found in a huge range of brands and sizes, from boutique bags made in very small kitchens right up to supermarket brands in 25kg bags. The choice is somewhat bewildering, and they’re all vying for your purchase.

For your dog’s main diet, buy foods that are complete and balanced, as there are more and more foods available that are designed as toppers to sprinkle on your dog’s usual diet.

These are labeled as “Complementary” foods and do not contain all the nutrients your dog needs to thrive.

Reasons for dry dog food

Dry diets have lots of potential benefits for dogs, as well as for their pet parents. For dogs, eating a dry diet has been purported to increase dental health. There is surprisingly little evidence for this unless the dry diet is a specially formulated ‘dental’ diet.

Many dry diets have some dental care ingredients added, but any improvement is likely to be minimal unless you buy one of the Veterinary Oral Health Council approved foods.

One advantage of dry dog foods is that they’re good for picky eaters. Because every piece of kibble is identical and contains the same nutrients, dogs can’t pick out the bits they prefer and end up unbalancing their diet.

Another advantage for pet parents is that a dry diet is often less expensive than some of the best wet dog food options. Not only are you not paying for water in the food, but shipping is generally cheaper, too. It’s also potentially better for the environment, as there’s a lot more nutrition in a smaller, lighter product, and shipping the product produces less CO2.

Logistically, feeding dry food is often easier, especially if you have a large breed dog - opening several cans and hoping they don’t go bad in the bowl if your dog leaves his food isn’t ideal.

Reasons against dry dog food

Many dogs will thrive on a dry diet, but some dogs can struggle. Dry food is often not as tempting as wet food – so if your dog won’t eat kibble or has always been fed wet, they may be less likely to find a dry food that they like.

Dogs that suffer from kidney problems, bladder problems, and crystals or stones in the urinary tract may do better on wet food; whilst dry food can work for these dogs, many may need wet food to increase their water intake. The same is true for dogs that seem to drink too little despite the heat – a little added water can be a good thing.

Some dogs – especially small breeds and those with flat faces like many brachycephalic breeds - may find eating kibble difficult; a combination of breathing problems and dental problems can mean that these dogs may prefer to eat a high-moisture diet. Many dry dog food brands have biscuits that are too large for very small dogs, which can be a problem.

What about wet dog food?

A wet dog food is any food that comes in a can, tin, tub, or pouch. They’re called wet foods because they have a 75-80% moisture content. You may find wet dog foods in pate-style, chunks in gravy, or even with recognizable pieces of meat and vegetables. Make sure you’re looking at foods that are “Complete and balanced” though.

Some wet foods are complementary foods which means they don’t have everything your pet needs to thrive, and should only be fed as an occasional treat or topper, not as a main meal. If the food contains everything your dog needs, it’ll have the AAFCO (US) or FEDIAF (UK) label claim.

Benefits of wet food

Wet diets are much more affordable for smaller dogs than they are for larger dogs, which is good, as these breeds are the ones most likely to struggle with a dry food diet. A wet diet removes the difficulty of finding the right kibble size for your dog if they’re tiny. Small dogs are often fussier too and wet diets may be more appetizing for these dogs.

Wet diets are up to 80% water, which can mean your pet taking in a larger amount of water and producing more dilute urine - great if you have a pet with urinary stones or that doesn’t drink enough on hot summer days.

Dogs prone to dehydration due to kidney disease, Cushing’s disease or diabetes may also benefit from canned dog food. And, talking of diabetes in dogs, wet diets tend to have lower carbohydrates, which may help diabetic dogs not to have a large blood-sugar rise after eating.

Drawbacks of wet food

In my experience, dogs fed wet diets are more likely to be overweight. However, this may not be down to the wet diet itself. Because wet foods often come in cans and tubs, we rarely weigh the food but instead say ‘half a can’ – which is inaccurate and likely leads to overfeeding. And if, like me, you’re guilty of not wanting to leave a ‘silly amount’ in the fridge overnight, you probably overfeed on an almost daily basis.

In addition, excepting the pate-style diets, wet food diets do tend to favor picky dogs, allowing them to take out the bits they like and leave the bits they don’t - which can result in unbalanced nutrition. Wet diets are also harder to store, taking up a lot more space than dry foods, and expensive to buy and ship, often with excessive packaging to boot.

Is dry dog food the best option?

As long as the diet you choose is “complete and balanced”, and your dog is doing well on it, what you feed your dog is up to you. However, if you find your dog is suffering from regular stomach upsets that may suggest a food allergy or intolerance, you may need to consider a switch.

Try taking a look at our guide to the best dog food for allergies for some options that may suit dogs with sensitive stomachs. Dry food is usually cheaper and easier to store than wet food. It may seem boring to us humans, but dogs rarely get bored of their food and don’t seem to need a large variety of options.

Having said that, having a few cans of wet food to give on hot days or to stuff Kong-type toys with is a great idea; just don’t forget to take the calories out of your dog’s allowance so as to avoid obesity.

Finding high-quality, well-tested food is important, though, to avoid potential problems. Pet parents might like to explore the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) guidelines to help them to find quality dog food.

Found this helpful? Check out How much should I feed my dog or surprising things dogs can eat besides dog food.

Edited by Georgia Guerin and Megan Milstead