Top-Rated Healthy & Nutritious: Best Dry Dog Food Picks, A Complete Guide

Pet parents like to ask… “What’s the best dry dog food on the market?”

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

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

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

The Dog Food Advisor – Editor’s choice

Best Dry Dog Food October 2024

Here are The Dog Food Advisor’s best dry dog food brands for October 2024.

Open Farm Grain-Free Dry Dog Food – Best Dry Dog Food

1. Open Farm Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Grass Fed Beef is one of 21 dry recipes in our review of the Open Farm product line.

This Open Farm recipe obtains the bulk of its animal protein from beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 18% fat and 38% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 48%. A perfect source of premium nutrition. Recommended.

Main Ingredients- Humanely raised beef, ocean whitefish meal, field peas, sweet potato, beef livers
Texture- Dry
Type- Grain-free
Protein Percentage- 36%
AAFCO Standards- All Life Stages
Best For- All dogs and puppies

Redbarn Grain-Free Dry Dog Food – Best Dry Dog Food

2. Redbarn Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Redbarn Grain-Free Sky is one of 3 dry recipes studied in our review of the Redbarn dry product line.

Redbarn Sky derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh turkey and chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 31% protein, 17% fat and 44% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 10%. A wholesome grain-free product. Recommended with confidence.

Main Ingredients- Turkey, chicken, chicken meal, duck meal, turkey meal
Texture- Dry
Type- Grain-free
Protein Percentage -31%
AAFCO Standards- All Life Stages
Best For- All dogs and puppies

A Pup Above Whole Food Cubies – Best Dry Dog Food

3. A Pup Above Whole Food Cubies

Chicken Pupatouille is one of 4 dehydrated recipes covered in our review of the A Pup Above product line.

This particular recipes derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 21% fat and 38% estimated carbs… resulting a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.

Main Ingredients- Chicken, chicken heart, sweet potato, barley, oat
Type- Grain-inclusive (barley, oat)
Protein Percentage- 33%
AAFCO Standards- Maintenance
Best For- Adult dogs

Wellness Complete Health Dry Dog Food – Best Dry Dog Food

4. Wellness Complete Health Dry Dog Food

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

This Wellness Complete Health formula derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the product contains 27% protein, 13% fat and 52% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.

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

Main Ingredients- Deboned chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal, ground barley, peas
Texture- Dry
Type- Grain-inclusive
Protein Percentage- 27%
AAFCO Standards- Maintenance
Best For- Adult dogs

Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food – Best Dry Dog Food

5. Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food

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

This particular recipe derives the majority of its meat protein from fresh buffalo, as well as both chicken and lamb meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 20% fat and 36% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.

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

Main Ingredients- Buffalo, lamb meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, peas
Texture- Dry
Type- Grain-free
Protein Percentage- 36%
AAFCO Standards- Maintenance
Best For- Adult dogs

The Pets Table – Best Dry Dog Food

6. The Pets Table

The Pets Table Chicken and Sweet Potato is one of two recipes included in our review of the The Pets Table (Air-Dried) dry product line.

This recipe derives the bulk of its animal protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 35% fat and 28% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 122%.

This product range uses single animal protein and is cooked at lower temperatures to preserve the healthy proteins, vitamins, and antioxidants. It contains no added fillers, preservatives, or artificial flavors. Best Dry Dog Food

Please note: If your dog is susceptible to weight gain this range would not be an ideal choice due to the high FPR (fat-to-protein ratio).

Main Ingredients- Chicken, carrots, sweet potato, coconut oil, sunflower oil
Type- Air-dried
Protein Percentage- 29%
AAFCO Standards- All life stages
Best For- All dogs

Instinct Original Grain-Free Dry – Best Dry Dog Food

7. Instinct Original Grain-Free Dry

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

This Instinct example derives the majority of its animal protein from beef and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 40% protein, 23% fat and 29% estimated carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.

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

Main Ingredients- Beef, chicken meal, white fish meal, peas, chicken fat
Texture- Dry
Type- Grain-free
Protein Percentage- 40%
AAFCO Standards- All Life Stages
Best For- All dogs and puppies

Spot and Tango Unkibble – Best Dry Dog Food

8. Spot and Tango Unkibble

Chicken and Brown Rice Unkibble is one of 3 dry recipes included in our review of the Spot and Tango product line.

This particular formula derives the majority of its animal protein from fresh chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 26% protein, 17% fat and 49% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 64%.

The quality of fresh ingredients just dry. Highly recommended. Best Dry Dog Food

Main Ingredients- Chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, carrots, apples
Texture- Dry
Type- Grain-inclusive
Protein Percentage- 26%
AAFCO Standards- All Life Stages
Best For- All dogs and puppies

Jinx Dry Dog Food – Best Dry Dog Food

9. Jinx Dry Dog Food

Salmon, Brown Rice and Sweet Potato recipe is one of 4 dry foods included in our review of the Jinx product line.

This Jinx recipe derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh salmon. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 16% fat and 46% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.

A fully-balanced, grain-inclusive dog food. Highly recommended.

Main Ingredients- Salmon, pearled barley, ground peas, turkey meal, brown rice
Texture- Dry
Type- Grain-inclusive
Protein Percentage- 30%
AAFCO Standards- All Life Stages
Best For- All dogs and puppies

Nature’s Logic Dry Dog Food – Best Dry Dog Food

10. Nature’s Logic Dry Dog Food

Nature’s Logic Canine Chicken Meal Feast is one of 11 dry recipes included in our review of the Nature’s Logic product line.

This Nature’s Logic example recipe derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the product contains 40% protein, 17% fat and 36% estimated carbs… yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 42%.

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

Main Ingredients- Chicken meal, millet, chicken fat, pumpkin seed, yeast culture
Texture- Dry
Type- Grain-inclusive
Protein Percentage- 40%
AAFCO Standards- All Life Stages
Best For- Adult dogs and puppies

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dry – Best Dry Dog Food

11. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dry

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

This Life Protection recipe derives the majority of its animal protein from chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 16% fat and 50% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 58%.

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

Main Ingredients- Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, oatmeal
Texture- Dry
Type- Grain-inclusive
Protein Percentage- 27%
AAFCO Standards- Maintenance
Best For- Adult dogs

Canidae Grain-Free Pure Dry Dog Food – Best Dry Dog Food

12. Canidae Grain-Free Pure Dry Dog Food

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

This product derives the majority of its meat protein from fresh salmon, as well as salmon meal and menhaden fish meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 20% fat and 36% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.

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

Main Ingredients- Salmon, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas
Texture- Dry
Type- Grain-free
Protein Percentage- 36%
AAFCO Standards- Maintenance
Best For- Adult dogs

Orijen Dry Dog Food – Best Dry Dog Food

13. Orijen Dry Dog Food

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

This Orijen product derives the majority of its animal protein from chicken, turkey and fish. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 21% fat and 28% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.

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

Main Ingredients- Deboned chicken, deboned turkey, Atlantic ﬂounder, cage-free eggs, whole Atlantic mackerel
Texture- Dry
Type- Grain-free
Protein Percentage- 43%
AAFCO Standards- All Life Stages
Best For- All dogs and puppies

Nulo Freestyle Dry Dog Food – Best Dry Dog Food

14. Nulo Freestyle Dry Dog Food

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

This recipe derives the bulk of its meat protein from turkey, as well as turkey and salmon meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 37% protein, 20% fat and 35% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 55%.

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

Main Ingredients- Deboned turkey, turkey meal, salmon meal, chickpeas, chicken fat
Texture- Dry
Type- Grain-free
Protein Percentage- 37%
AAFCO Standards- All Life Stages
Best For- All dogs and puppies

Go! Carnivore Dry Dog Food – Best Dry Dog Food

15. Go! Carnivore Dry Dog Food

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

This Go! Carnivore formula derives the majority of its animal protein from chicken, turkey and salmon meals, as well fresh chicken and turkey. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 18% fat and 36% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.

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

Main Ingredients- Chicken meal, turkey meal, salmon meal, de-boned chicken, de-boned turkey
Texture- Dry
Type- Grain-free
Protein Percentage- 38%
AAFCO Standards- Maintenance
Best For- Adult dogs

Wellness Core Dry Dog Food – Best Dry Dog Food

16. Wellness Core Dry Dog Food

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

This formula derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh turkey, as well as turkey and chicken meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 18%

fat and 36% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.

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

Main Ingredients- Deboned turkey, turkey meal, chicken meal, peas, potatoes
Texture- Dry
Type- Grain-free
Protein Percentage- 38%
AAFCO Standards- Maintenance
Best For- Adult dogs

Holistic Select Grain-Free Dry Dog Food – Best Dry Dog Food

17. Holistic Select Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

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

This formula derives most of its meat protein from fresh salmon, as well as anchovy and sardine meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 16% fat and 44% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 48%.

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

Main Ingredients- Salmon, anchovy and sardine meal, potatoes, peas, menhaden fish meal
Texture- Dry
Type- Grain-free
Protein Percentage- 32%
AAFCO Standards- Maintenance
Best For- Adult dogs

Dr. Tim’s Dry Dog Food – Best Dry Dog Food

18. Dr. Tim’s Dry Dog Food

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

This Dr. Tim’s product derives the bulk of its animal protein from chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 22% fat and 36% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 67%.

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

Main Ingredients- Chicken meal, brown rice, chicken fat, whole oat groats, dried beet pulp
Texture- Dry
Type- Grain-inclusive
Protein Percentage -33%
AAFCO Standards- All Life Stages
Best For- All dogs and puppies

Iams Proactive Health Dry Dog Food – Best Dry Dog Food

19. Iams Proactive Health Dry Dog Food

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

This recipe derives a large portion of its animal protein from fresh lamb. Our dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 28% protein, 16% fat and 49% estimated carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.

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

Main Ingredients- Lamb, chicken by-product meal, brewers rice, ground whole grain barley, ground whole grain corn
Texture- Dry
Type- Grain-inclusive
Protein Percentage- 28%
AAFCO Standards- Maintenance
Best For- Adult dogs

Annamaet Dry Dog Food – Best Dry Dog Food

20. Annamaet Dry Dog Food

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

This Annamaet kibble derives most of its meat protein from chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 22% fat and 34% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.

Especially popular with sporting dog professionals. Enthusiastically recommended.

Main Ingredients- Chicken meal, brown rice, chicken fat, whole dry eggs, herring meal
Texture- Dry
Type- Grain-inclusive
Protein Percentage- 36%
AAFCO Standards- All Life Stages
Best For- Adult dogs and puppies

The Best Wet Dog Food for Happy, Healthy Dogs