8 Dog Food Brands Vets Actually Recommend

For this story, I consulted two veterinarians for guidance on what to look for when choosing a nutritious dog food, including the ingredients and nutritional standards pet owners should consider. I used their expert input to help inform our recommendations.

Our final picks include products recommended by veterinarians, as well as foods that have been favorites among Good Housekeeping staffers’ dogs. Each food meets nutritional standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for the life stage indicated on its packaging.

I also reviewed each product’s ingredient list and availability and considered hundreds of online reviews to better understand pet owners’ experiences with the foods.

Dogs need animal protein—even if you're a vegetarian, your dog can not be. Grains, fruits, and vegetables are all healthy, in addition to the meat, poultry, or fish that is their main source of sustenance.

✔️ Trust your vet: "Your veterinarian knows your dog's specific needs and can provide valuable guidance on selecting the right dog food," Dr. Caos says. "They can consider factors like age, breed, size, activity level, and any health conditions to recommend an appropriate diet."

✔️ Your dog will have opinions: You can lead a dog to a premium kibble, but you can't necessarily make it eat. You may need to try a few flavors to find what they love, so consider buying a small bag when you're trying a new dog food.

✔️ Find a formula that fits them: While puppy food may be formulated to support their growth, senior dog food is created to help their joints, bones, and skin as they get older. The American Kennel Club notes that large dogs can be more prone to musculoskeletal problems than their small-breed counterparts, so you'll want to ensure that you're purchasing dog food specifically for large breeds if you've got one, since it has a different balance of nutrients. Smaller dogs, meanwhile, benefit from food that features smaller kibble pieces, which are easier for them to eat.

✔️ Check the ingredient list: "High-quality ingredients [should be] the primary components of the dog food," Dr. Caos says. "The first few ingredients should ideally be named animal protein sources, such as chicken, beef, or fish. Avoid foods that list vague terms like 'meat meal' as the main protein source."

Your vet can also advise you on any foods or substances to avoid with your dog. For instance, most dogs don't need grain-free dog food, but some dogs do benefit from it. "If your dog has specific dietary restrictions or allergies, choose a food that accommodates those needs," Dr. Caos says.

✔️ Get expert-formulated recipes: To ensure your pet is getting the healthiest (and tastiest) chow, you'll want to look for brands that use board-certified nutritionists to formulate the diet. This means they'll test for nutrient content and adequacy, and assess the food for contaminants. Most major brands do this.

The fewer words in the name, the better, most likely:

✔️ If the ingredient is present in the name of the dog food, it must make up at least 95% of the food (not including water). If water is included in these numbers, then the combined ingredients in the name must make up at least 70% of the food. So, if you're looking at "chicken and rice" dog food, at least 95% of the product by weight will be made up of both chicken and rice.

✔️ If the name of the food comes with a descriptor like "dinner," "platter," or "entrée," then the meat ingredients in the name must make up 25% of the product.

✔️ Finally, if it's described as "food with chicken," then chicken only needs to make up 3% of the formula.

✔️ "Look for dog foods labeled as 'complete and balanced' by reputable organizations like the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)," says Dr. Caos. According to the AAFCO, when a dog food says it's "complete," it means it contains all the nutrients your pet needs for its life stage. "Balanced," on the other hand, means that those nutrients are in the correct ratios. Different doggie life stages require different nutrient ratios.

✔️ Like with people food, ingredients are listed in descending order based on how much of the dog food they make up by weight. The ingredient listed first is the most prominent one in the recipe.

✔️ Find feeding directions on the container to know how much food to pour for your pet based on their weight.

If you're in the market for dog food, you've probably heard three of the most common buzzwords: grain-free, human-grade, and raw.

"Whole grains, rather than being fillers, contribute valuable nutrients including vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and fiber to diets," according to the clinical nutrition team at Tufts University's Cummings Veterinary Medical Center on their blog. "It is becoming more common in the saturated pet food market for manufacturers to perpetuate myths to sell diets and increase market share. Grain-free diets are often an example of this strategy."

Dr. Caos notes that while some pets thrive on grain-free diets, others need healthy whole grains. "The decision between grain-free formulas should be based on careful consideration of your dog's nutritional needs, health status, and professional guidance from a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist," he says.

Similarly, human-grade food signifies that the ingredients meet federal regulations for human consumption, but according to AAFCO, just because the food is human-grade does not mean it is nutritionally the best (or safest) for your dog.

Finally, there's no proven benefit in raw dog food. On the Tufts website, the team writes, "Despite anecdotal reports from pet owners and even some veterinarians, there is currently no evidence that raw diets offer any benefits over cooked diets. However, there is substantial evidence that these diets may be associated with dental fractures, bacterial and parasitic infections, and other health concerns in pets."

If you've decided to switch your dog's food to a new brand, it may seem daunting to get them accustomed to the change. To make it go smoothly:

• Transition slowly: A too-abrupt transition may prevent your pet from getting acclimated to a new food. "Gradually introduce the new food by mixing small amounts of it with the old food over a period of about seven to 10 days," Dr. Caos says. "Start with a small proportion of the new food and gradually increase the amount while decreasing the old food. This allows your pet's digestive system to adjust."
• Monitor your pet's response: Keep an even closer eye than usual on your dog's behavior and note any physical changes, like their appetite, energy level, and more. "If you notice any concerning symptoms or persistent issues, consult with your veterinarian for further guidance," Dr. Caos says.
• Try some variety: Picky eaters may take a bit longer to warm up to new flavors and smells. "Consider offering different flavors or varieties of the new food to see if there's a particular one your pet prefers," Dr. Caos says. "You can also try warming the food slightly or adding a small amount of low-sodium chicken broth or water to enhance palatability."
• Chat with your vet: "If your pet continues to have difficulty adjusting to the new food, it's advisable to consult with your veterinarian," Dr. Caos explains. They should be able to offer personalized recommendations.

This article was written by Contributing Writer Jessica Hartshorn, who regularly reviews products such as orthopedic dog beds. While she currently lives with just one cat, she recently shared space with her cousin's dog and has plenty of friends and family members who are dog people. She previously covered pet and parenting products for Parents magazine.