Best Dry Dog Foods 2025 - Forbes Vetted

The best dry dog foods strike a balance between premium ingredients and pour-in-the-bowl convenience. Compared to other feeding styles, kibble is typically more affordable, less messy and longer lasting. The challenge is deciphering nutrition labels and finding the truly high-quality options in a market crowded with subpar choices. After consulting trusted veterinarians, we determined that Open Farm, a sustainable pet food brand, makes the best formula overall. Because there’s no one-size-fits-all option, though, we also assembled an expert-approved list of additional picks tailored to pups with various needs and preferences.

We named Open Farm the best dry food overall thanks to its sustainable, high-quality ingredients.

Dr. Tina Aiken, DVM, a holistic veterinarian in New York, emphasizes that a dog’s nutritional requirements depend on multiple factors, including age, breed size and specific health conditions. Keeping that in mind, certain quality markers in dry dog food are universally important. Dr. Ray Spragley, DVM, an integrative veterinarian in New York, recommends first checking for the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) statement on the label, which indicates the kibble is nutritionally complete and balanced. Dr. Candice Akers, DVM, a holistic veterinarian in Colorado, highlights the importance of animal-based proteins and advises avoiding foods that rely primarily on grains like wheat and soy, or legumes for protein.

Additionally, Spragley advises steering clear of byproducts, artificial additives and chemical preservatives like BHA. Ultimately, consulting your veterinarian will help you find the ideal dry dog food tailored specifically to your pet’s individual needs. Ahead, we’ve simplified your search with vet-approved and staff-tested options worth considering.

Open Farm

Rarely do the words “ethically sourced” and “dog food” appear in the same sentence, but Open Farm changes that. The Canadian-based company is committed to sourcing ethical, sustainable and traceable ingredients (including humanely raised meat, fish and poultry), which has two major benefits: It ensures that pups are getting the best nutrition and lessens negative impacts on the environment. Open Farm kibbles are also free of chemicals, artificial preservatives and cheap fillers. Akers also likes the brand’s easy-to-digest carbohydrates, which she says are ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or who are senior. The brand also has grain-free recipes and a wholesome puppy formula for new four-legged additions.

What our editors say: Karen Tietjen, senior updates editor for Forbes Vetted, shares, “We've been feeding my dog Open Farm for years and we've stuck with this brand because company uses quality, traceable ingredients (and low-quality ingredients is a huge problem in the pet food industry). She is nine years old and quite healthy, and while we supplement her diet with real foods, I feel good knowing she's eating nutritious kibble—I always recommend it to friends, too! Overall, I think it's a great option for those who don't have the time or budget to feed their dogs raw."

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Dr. Nick Horniman, MRCVS, a veterinary surgeon based in the U.K. and the founder of online pet pharmacy My Pet’s Vet, explains, “A lot of pups are allergic or intolerant to poultry such as chicken and turkey.” For this reason, he recommends Merrick’s Grain-Free Salmon and Sweet Potato recipe, adding, “It is perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs.” Real deboned salmon tops the natural ingredients list, which is also free from soy, corn, wheat, dairy, eggs and any artificial additives. Plus, it’s suitable for adult dogs of all sizes, but make sure to consult the feeding chart for the best proportions.

Chewy

Both Aiken and Akers say that freeze-dried raw foods, which are much less processed than kibbles, can be very beneficial to a dog’s diet. One of Akers’ favorites is Stella & Chewy's Super Beef Dinner Patties. “This recipe includes multiple organ meats such as the liver, kidney, heart, tripe and bone. These are important nutrient-dense ingredients full of vitamin A, magnesium and the whole B-vitamin complex,” she says. Plus, Akers says this pick is suitable for pups with food sensitivities: “The brand is also great at separating proteins. This means they don't mix chicken livers into their beef recipes and vice versa,” she explains.

What our editors say: Brinda Ayer, Forbes Vetted’s executive managing editor and mom to a boxer mix, shares, “I like to mix up our dog's dinner from time to time with the Stella & Chewy Super Beef Dinner Patties. I take about half of a patty and crumble it up over George's kibble and he goes absolutely wild. The first five ingredients of these medallions are pure beef meat and organs, then assorted produce like pumpkin, broccoli, beets and blueberries, so I know George is getting a full slate of nutrition without any weird stuff.” Ayers also offers a helpful pro tip if you’re traveling with your pup: The pucks, which are very lightweight, can be crumbled up to use as “higher-value” treats in between meals.

Chewy

Combining the convenience of kibble with the taste of raw freeze-dried meat, Akers shares that Stella & Chewy’s Raw Coated Kibble is one she recommends for her four-legged patients. This high-protein formula is packed with beef, pork, lamb, bison, venison and goat. What’s more, the brand only uses responsibly sourced ingredients and never adds harmful chemicals, hormones, antibiotics or anything artificial. The brand offers this kibble in both grain-inclusive and grain- and legume-free varieties, like this Red Meat Recipe. Akers adds, however, that you shouldn’t transition to this pick immediately if your dog is used to a diet of corn- or rice-heavy kibble. “I have heard some instances of certain batches of food that had palatability issues. Pet parents may have a harder time transitioning from ‘’junk food’ directly to ‘more healthy food,” she explains.

Chewy

Horniman recommends Nulo’s puppy formula, which includes at least 80% animal-based protein from real salmon or turkey. “The formula includes fruits and vegetables such as carrots, blueberries and apples, which can make a huge difference when it comes to supporting your puppy’s growth and development,” he says. The formula also contains several key fatty acids that help support the development of your puppy’s brain and eyes. In addition to being grain-free, the Freestyle Puppy formula is also free from poultry and egg in case your pup has sensitivities or allergies.

Open Farm

“For senior dogs, I look for a kibble that is a bit easier to digest. Older dogs don't make as many digestive enzymes as younger dogs,” Akers shares. One brand that fits her criteria is Open Farm, whose formulas (like this grain-free one formulated especially for seniors) contains easy-to-digest carbohydrates balanced with a variety of animal proteins. It’s also full of two types of fatty acids that help with senior dogs’ mobility and joint health, as well as several vitamins that support digestion.

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Akers offers Orijen brand as an example of high-quality kibble and specifically points to the small breed formula for pint-sized companions. To understand why, one only has to look at the ingredient list: “Here we see: lots of whole-prey animal proteins, dehydrated (not rendered) muscle meats, lots of nutrient-dense organ meats, a few whole legumes, superfoods, antioxidants and herbs,” Akers explains. Plus, the formula, which contains a high percentage of animal-based protein (85%), is designed to both support the high-energy needs of small dogs as well as help them maintain a healthy weight, according to the brand.

Our team of remote editors and writers have spent years conducting lengthy research, interviewing experts and testing dozens of pet products to find the best ones—including the ones that help make sure our dogs are living healthy and happy lives. Our canine-related articles include the best dog beds, best dog leashes and best dog food delivery services.

To find the best dry dog food, we combined hands-on testing, professional insights and extensive research, prioritizing foods we'd feel confident feeding our own pets.

Shopping for dry dog food involves more than just grabbing the first bag off the shelf. Here are key factors veterinarians recommend considering to ensure your dog’s nutritional needs are truly met.

Good dry dog food starts with high-quality animal-based protein sources. Vets stress that clearly named proteins—like beef, chicken and fish—are essential for your dog’s overall health. Akers advises avoiding foods that rely heavily on grains, legumes or ambiguous "meat meals" as primary protein sources. Foods like Open Farm Grass-Fed Beef & Ancient Grains and Stella & Chewy’s Super Beef Dinner Patties clearly list animal-based proteins first, giving your dog easily digestible nutrition from trusted sources.

Look for an AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) nutritional adequacy statement on the food label. This label means the food is formulated to be complete and balanced according to industry standards. Spragley emphasizes this label ensures your dog is getting essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients required to thrive. All of the dry foods we’ve recommended, including top picks like Nulo Freestyle Puppy Recipe, clearly display AAFCO compliance statements on their packaging.

Avoid foods that contain artificial preservatives, fillers and additives, which can negatively affect your dog’s overall health. Ingredients like BHA, BHT, dyes or overly processed byproducts should be red flags, according to Spragley. Opt instead for brands that are transparent about their ingredients and sourcing. Foods like Orijen Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food and Merrick Limited Ingredient Recipe specifically avoid these artificial additives, making them safer, cleaner options for your pet’s diet.

What Is The Most Vet-Recommended Dry Dog Food?

Veterinarians rarely agree on a single "best" dry food, but most recommend brands that use high-quality, transparent ingredients. The holistic vets we spoke with frequently mentioned Open Farm for its clear ingredient sourcing and ethical standards, as well as Stella & Chewy’s for its freeze-dried and raw-coated kibbles. Still, your veterinarian knows your dog best—ask them for a personalized recommendation based on your pet’s needs.

What Do Vets Say About Dry Dog Food?

Many vets believe dry dog food can be nutritious, convenient and budget-friendly—but they also emphasize that quality matters. Dr. Ray Spragley, an integrative veterinarian, recommends looking for the AAFCO statement on labels, which confirms the food meets nutritional standards. Vets also suggest prioritizing dry food with named animal proteins and minimal additives or fillers. Always discuss your dog's individual needs with your vet to find the right option.

What Is The Healthiest Food To Feed A Dog?

The healthiest food depends entirely on your dog’s individual health, age and dietary needs. More and more vets are recommending fresh or human-grade foods, but quality dry foods like our top pick from Open Farm can also deliver excellent nutrition. Ultimately, the best diet is one tailored specifically to your dog, so it's always smart to check with your veterinarian before making a final choice.