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- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
For many pet parents, dry food is the diet of choice because it’s convenient to serve and typically more affordable. Fortunately, today’s market is stacked with quality options, which makes it possible to find a kibble worthy of your dog’s bowl.
The best dry dog food will appeal to your pup’s palate while meeting their dietary needs. You’ll also want to consider ingredients, storage requirements (helpful when choosing bag size), cost, and a company’s processing methods.
To guide your search, we’ve gathered 12 of the best dog kibble recipes on the market. This lineup speaks to a range of canine needs and pet parent preferences. As you weigh your options, don’t forget your veterinarian is an excellent resource. It’s always a good idea to get their input before choosing—or changing—your dog’s diet.
Best Dog Kibble: Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Shredded Blend
Purina holds itself to some of the highest standards in the industry. Developed by a team of scientists, nutritionists, and veterinarians, every recipe undergoes feeding trials to ensure nutritional integrity. The brand’s Pro Plan line is WSAVA and AAFCO compliant and hits high marks with pet parents for taste and nutrition.
This dry food combines crunchy kibble with tender shredded pieces for a pleasing texture. It also delivers natural prebiotic fiber for better gut health. Plus, you’ll find omega-6 fatty acids, live probiotics, and antioxidants that support the immune system.
Key Nutrients:
- 387 kcal/cup
- Protein: 29.5%
- Fat: 18%
- Carbohydrate: 48.9%
- Crude Fiber: 3.4%
- Calcium: 1.3%
Ingredients: Chicken, Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Poultry By-product Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Soybean Meal, Beef Fat Preserved With Mixed-tocopherols, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Dried Egg Product, Fish Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Natural Flavor, Glycerin, Wheat Bran, Calcium Carbonate, Mono And Dicalcium Phosphate, Salt, Soybean Oil, Potassium Chloride, Fish Oil, Minerals [Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Biotin (Vitamin B-7)], Choline Chloride, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (Vitamin C), Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, L-lysine Monohydrochloride, Garlic Oil
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Best Dehydrated Dog Food: Spot & Tango UnKibble
This unique food from Spot & Tango combines some of the purported benefits of fresh food (e.g., palatability and digestibility) with the convenience of dry kibble. Unlike traditional dry food that undergoes a high-heat extrusion process, moisture is gently removed from UnKibble’s raw ingredients at low temperatures. This process is thought to better maintain the food’s nutritional value.
UnKibble is made with fresh, whole ingredients like pumpkin and spinach. Each of the brand’s four dry recipes meets AAFCO nutritional guidelines for All Life Stages, including the growth of large-breed puppies.
Spot & Tango is only available through subscription. During sign-up, they’ll ask for key information about your pup to recommend a personalized meal plan.
Key Nutrients (Beef & Barley Recipe):
- 4,426 kCal/kg
- Protein: 29.6%
- Fat: 18.2%
- Carbohydrate: 48.9%
- Crude Fiber: 3.4%
Ingredients: Beef, Barley, Flax Seeds, Carrots, Green Beans, Beef Liver, Beef Heart, Beets, Cranberries, Spot & Tango’s Nutrient Blend [Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Safflower Oil, Fish Oil, Choline Chloride, Threonine, Tryptophan-L, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Selenium Yeast, Vitamin E, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Riboflavin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A, Apples, Blueberries, Broccoli, Cherries, Oranges, Pumpkins, Shiitake Mushrooms, Spinach, Strawberries, Tomatoes, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D], Rosemary, Salt, Dried Kelp, Mixed Tocopherols
Find on Spot & TangoBest Air-Dried Dog Food: Sundays Dog Food
Like dehydrated kibble, air-dried food removes moisture from raw ingredients at low temperatures in an effort to better preserve nutrients and improve digestibility. Air-dried food is convenient to serve and doesn’t require refrigeration.
All Sundays recipes are formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists. They’re also grain-inclusive and incorporate healthy, low-glycemic index grains like millet, oats, and quinoa.
Orders ship free to all 50 states and can be ordered as a one-time purchase or recurring subscription in a cadence of every 1 to 8 weeks. A small caveat: the chunks look substantial, so pet parents with small dogs may need to break them down before serving.
Key Nutrients (Turkey Recipe):
- 550 kcal/cup
- Protein: 44.7%
- Fat: 25.9%
- Carbohydrate: 17.7%
- Crude Fiber: 3.5%
- Calcium: 1.2%
Ingredients: Turkey Heart, Turkey Liver, Egg Yolk, Millet, Pumpkin, Kale, Ground Bone, Fish Oil, Sea Salt, Parsley, Chicory Root, Flaxseed, Kelp, Turmeric, Ginger, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Blueberries, Pumpkin Seed, Shiitake Mushroom, Sunflower Seed
Find on SundaysBest for Large Breeds: Royal Canin Large Breed Adult Dog Food
This large-breed formula from Royal Canin is appropriate for dogs 15 months to five years of age, weighing between 56 and 100 pounds. The brand also carries a formula for Giant Breeds that will work for adult dogs (2+ years) weighing over 100 pounds. All Royal Canin recipes are developed by veterinarians and nutritionists, and they undergo testing at the company’s research facilities.
This recipe accounts for the slower metabolisms of large-breed dogs with a moderate 360 calories per cup. Since large dogs also put more stress on their bones and joints, it contains omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin to maintain mobility. Designed for bigger jaws, the large-sized kibble can help prevent indigestion and bloat from eating too fast.
Key Nutrients:
- 360 kcal/cup
- Protein: 26.7%
- Fat: 16.7%
- Carbohydrate: 53%
- Crude Fiber: 3.7%
Ingredients: Chicken By-Product Meal, Brewers Rice, Wheat, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat, Corn Gluten Meal, Natural Flavors, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Fish Oil, Calcium Carbonate, Monocalcium Phosphate, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Silico Aluminate, Choline Chloride, L-Lysine, Vitamins [Dl-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Source Of Vitamin E), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source Of Vitamin C), Biotin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Niacin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid], Trace Minerals [Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Copper Proteinate], Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Dl-Methionine, Chondroitin Sulfate, Rosemary Extract, Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols And Citric Acid
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Best for Small Breeds: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Formula
Small-breed dogs have speedier metabolisms, so they need more calories to keep them energized. Formulated specifically for smaller breeds, Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection contains 38 more calories per cup than our large-breed selection. This food also features a smaller kibble size to account for tinier jaws.
This line contains the addition of “LifeSource Bits,” which supply a blend of nutrients and antioxidants. Two flavors are available: chicken and lamb, both with brown rice. The brand also carries a small-breed formula for seniors and puppies.
Key Nutrients (Chicken Recipe):
- 398 kcal/cup
- Protein: 28.9%
- Fat: 16.7%
- Carbohydrate: 50%
- Crude Fiber: 4.4%
- Calcium: 1.3%
Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids), Natural Flavor, Peas, Dried Tomato Pomace, Dried Yeast, Dried Egg Product, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, Calcium Carbonate, Dried Chicory Root, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, L-Threonine, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, DL-Methionine, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Taurine, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Vegetable Juice for color, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Copper Sulfate, Biotin (Vitamin B7), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), L-Lysine, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary
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Best for Seniors: Nutro Natural Choice Senior Dog Food
As our dogs get older and become less active, they often require food with fewer calories to prevent weight gain. At 319 calories per cup, Nutro Natural Choice has the lowest amount of calories in our lineup. It also has the lowest fat level.
Designed for senior dogs seven years and older, Nutro offers a moderate level of protein to maintain muscle mass. It also contains fish oil and calcium for healthy joints and bones. Plus, essential antioxidants support your dog’s immune system to ward off illness in their golden years.
Recipes are available in chicken & brown rice and lamb & brown rice. Nutro also carries size-specific options for small-breed seniors and large-breed seniors.
Key Nutrients (Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe):
- 319 kcal/cup
- Protein: 26.7%
- Fat: 13.3%
- Carbohydrate: 55.6%
- Crude Fiber: 4.4%
- Calcium: 1.3%
Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Whole Grain Barley, Split Peas, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Whole Grain Sorghum, Natural Flavor, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Fish Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Citric Acid (preservative), Mixed Tocopherols (preservative), Chia Seed, Dried Coconut, Dried Tomato Pomace, Dried Egg Product, Dried Pumpkin, Dried Kale, Dried Spinach, DL-Methionine, Salt, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), D-Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Potassium Iodide, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract
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Best Budget Dry Food: IAMS Proactive Health MiniChunks
IAMS is a strong choice for pet parents on a budget who don’t want to compromise on quality. The brand’s Proactive Health MiniChunks meet both AAFCO and WSAVA guidelines. And it goes for just $1.54/pound on Chewy.
This nutritious kibble is available in two flavors: chicken & whole grains and lamb & brown rice. It includes a good amount of fiber and prebiotics for healthy digestion. You’ll also find antioxidants for a strong immune system.
Key Nutrients (Chicken Recipe):
- 380 kcal/cup
- Protein: 27.8%
- Fat: 15.6%
- Carbohydrate: 52.2%
- Crude Fiber: 4.4%
- Calcium: 1.2%
Ingredients: Chicken, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken By-Product Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Egg Product, Flaxseed, Caramel Color, Potassium Chloride, Carrots, Fructooligosaccharides, Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Manganous Oxide), Mixed Tocopherols (preservative), Citric Acid (preservative), Rosemary Extract
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Best for Picky Eaters: A Pup Above Cubies
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Rover test pups volunteer to test Cubies. Image courtesy of Jaimee LaTorra
Feeding a picky eater can be tough. And generally speaking, dry kibble is a harder sell than wet or fresh food. If you’ve yet to find a dry food your dog will eat, Cubies may win them over. This food was enthusiastically devoured by even choosy Rover test pups.
Ingredient-wise, Cubies are similar to the brand’s gently cooked fresh food, with the addition of antioxidant-rich cranberries. The food is gently dried through the company’s proprietary “Nutridy” process, which is designed to preserve nutrients. In testing, we noticed visible bits of whole foods.
The brand carries several flavor options (chicken, beef, turkey, and pork), so you’re bound to find one your dog likes. Cubies are available as a one-time purchase or subscription.
Key Nutrients (Turkey Pilaf):
- 444 kcal/cup
- Protein: 32.6%
- Fat: 19%
- Carbohydrate: 46.3%
- Crude Fiber: 2.1%
Ingredients: Turkey, Sweet Potato, Barley, Oat, Eggs, Carrot, Cauliflower, Turnips, Pork Plasma, Cranberry, Flaxseed, Salt, Salmon Oil, Cultured Dried Skim Milk, Thyme, Parsley, Minerals [Calcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Magnesium Oxide], Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid]
Find on A Pup AboveBest for Dogs With Allergies: Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Duck & Brown Rice Recipe
While food allergies are rare in dogs, the most common offenders are proteins like chicken and beef. For this reason, affected dogs usually need to switch to a novel protein. Every Natural Balance L.I.D. recipe features a single source of protein—choose from options like bison, duck, venison, and salmon. These foods also have a pared-down ingredient list that makes them easier to digest. While most of the recipes are grain-free, there are a few grain-inclusive formulas. For instance, the brand’s Duck recipe features whole-grain brown rice, which is rich in fiber for better digestion.
Key Nutrients:
- 340 kcal/cup
- Protein: 23.3%
- Fat: 15.6%
- Carbohydrate: 56%
- Crude Fiber: 5%
- Calcium: 1.1%
Ingredients: Duck, Duck Meal, Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran, Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed, Brewers Dried Yeast, Natural Flavor, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Dl-Methionine, Taurine, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate), Citric Acid (Preservative), Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Rosemary Extract
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Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food
If your dog is prone to sour stomachs or skin issues, this highly digestible dry food may be able to help. Hill’s recipes are developed by a team of experts, including veterinarians, food scientists, and nutritionists. They all meet AAFCO and WSAVA nutritional guidelines.
This formula features beet pulp, which contains prebiotic fiber to promote healthy gut bacteria. It also includes easily digestible chicken and brown rice. You’ll also find omega-6 fatty acids and Vitamin E, which support your pup’s skin and coat. Pet parents report improved fur and better digestion after switching to this formula.
Key Nutrients:
- 394 kcal/cup
- Protein: 22.2%
- Fat: 14.4%
- Carbohydrate: 58.9%
- Crude Fiber: 4.4%
Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Yellow Peas, Cracked Pearled Barley, Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Sorghum, Egg Product, Chicken Fat, Soybean Oil, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Liver Flavor, Lactic Acid, Flaxseed, Pork Liver Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Iodized Salt, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Choline Chloride, Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Natural Flavors, Beta-Carotene
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Best for Weight Control: Purina Pro Plan Weight Management Formula
Maintaining an optimal weight is critical for your dog’s health. But some dogs need a little help getting there.
This Purina formula sits on the lower end of calories (only 330 kcal per cup) and has 15% less fat than the brand’s Essential Shredded Blend Chicken Recipe. But that doesn’t mean it skimps on taste. Like the brand’s Essential formula, this Weight Management Recipe contains both crunchy kibble and shreds of meaty chicken for a canine-pleasing texture. It also includes wheat bran, which supplies natural prebiotic fiber. Plus, there are live probiotics for optimal digestive health. Generous protein levels ensure your pooch doesn’t lose lean muscle mass during weight loss.
Key Nutrients:
- 330 kcal/cup
- Protein: 30.7%
- Fat: 13.6%
- Carbohydrate: 49.4%
- Crude Fiber: 6.3%
- Calcium: 1%
Ingredients: Chicken, Rice, Whole Grain Corn, Poultry By-Product Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Corn Germ Meal, Soybean Meal, Whole Grain Wheat, Corn Gluten Meal, Beef Fat Preserved With Mixed-tocopherols, Fish Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Natural Flavor, Glycerin, Wheat Bran, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Soybean Oil, Mono And Dicalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Minerals [Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], Choline Chloride, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Biotin (Vitamin B-7)], Dl-methionine, L-lysine Monohydrochloride, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (Vitamin C), Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Garlic Oil
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Most Transparent Ingredient Sourcing: Open Farm Homestead Turkey & Ancient Grains
Transparent sourcing is more traditionally associated with fresh food, but Open Farm extends this approach to the brand’s dry kibble, too. The company makes it easy to trace the source of every ingredient on its website. For instance, the turkey in this formula comes from family farms in Pennsylvania. And the oats hail from Minnesota and North Dakota.
Open Farm carries a lot of variations within its dry food line, including both grain-free and grain-inclusive formulas. You’ll also find options for both puppies and seniors.
Key Nutrients:
- 3,750 kcal/kg
- Protein: 29.4%
- Fat: 16.3%
- Carbohydrate: 44.29%
- Crude Fiber: 2.45%
- Calcium: 1.79%
Ingredients: Turkey, Oats, Ocean Whitefish Meal, Sorghum, Quinoa, Coconut Oil, Pumpkin, Herring Meal, Natural Flavor, Brown Rice, Salmon Oil, Carrots, Apples, Cranberries, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Chicory Root, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Selenium Yeast, Calcium Iodate, Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols (a preservative), Cinnamon, Turmeric, Rosemary Extract
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How We Chose
The dry foods featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing and a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms. We prioritized recipes with high-quality proteins, wholesome grains, and balanced nutrient levels. Additionally, we included brands with a focus on transparent ingredient sourcing and stringent testing protocol. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.
