Our pets are our babies, and they deserve the best in all areas of life, including nutrition. When it comes to dog food, we want to know our pups are eating ingredients that will lead to a long healthy life. Evaluating dog food brands starts with looking past marketing claims and focusing on the ingredients, nutritional balance, and the company’s safety record. The best foods list real, identifiable meats as the first ingredient, avoid excessive fillers like corn or wheat, and meet AAFCO nutritional standards for your dog’s specific life stage.
It’s also important to check whether a brand has veterinary nutritionists on staff, conducts feeding trials, and maintains transparent sourcing practices. Recalls and manufacturing issues can be revealing; companies with frequent or poorly handled recalls may be less trustworthy. Ultimately, choosing a high-quality dog food means weighing a multitude of factors, including ingredient quality, nutritional science, brand transparency, and your dog’s individual needs, including age, breed, health conditions, and activity level.
Dog food brands today are numerous, offering a range of different formulas for specific sizes, breeds, food preferences, and medical conditions. But no matter your dog’s specifics, whether perfectly healthy or in need of some focused nutritional help, he certainly deserves the best at mealtimes. Discover 10 dog food brands that just don’t cut it!
Factors to Consider
When choosing the right dog food for your dog, it’s crucial to consider factors such as your dog’s age, size, breed, and activity level. Nutritional needs vary; puppies, adults, and senior dogs require different balances of proteins, fats, and vitamins. Check the ingredients list for high-quality protein sources and avoid foods with excessive fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products. Your dog’s specific health conditions, such as allergies or sensitivities, should also guide your choice. For example, many pups have skin allergies. In fact, on April 30, Rayne Nutrition relaunched their Skin Relief Dry Dog Food, citing that roughly 15% of the pup population suffers from atopic dermatitis. Consulting with a veterinarian can provide personalized recommendations to ensure your dog receives a well-balanced diet tailored to their individual needs.
1. IAMS
Founded in 1946, this animal food company created protein dry dog food following the Great Depression, allowing dog owners to provide their pups with affordable sustenance.
The Questionable Bits of IAMS
Aside from the controversy surrounding animal cruelty in 2002 and 2003, IAMS has continuously changed its recipes, leaving owners scrambling to find something more suitable for their pets.
2. Purina
This pet food company was founded in 1894 and was initially geared toward farm animals. However, it shifted to include companion animals.
The Questionable Bits of Purina Dog Chow
There have been several Purina recalls in recent years, which the FDA explains is for “mislabeling,” “potentially elevated Vitamin D,” and “potentially elevated ingredient level.”
3. Alpo
The aim of Alpo was to create a simple food that doesn’t skimp on nutrients. But dog owners have had to deal with what this food does to their pups’ tummies.
The Questionable Bits of Alpo
Unfortunately, many pet parents have trusted Alpo only to deal with an uncomfortable pup. Some of the symptoms customers list include vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive flatulence.
4. Kal Kan
This company was founded in 1936. A little research shows you the dissatisfaction and at times, the unbridled anger from customers, regarding this dog food brand.
The Questionable Bits of Kal Kan
The first ingredient in dog food should be meat. But not in Kal Kan’s dog food. It’s ground whole corn instead. Yuck!
5. Cesar
This dog food experienced a rebrand, but its ingredients are still lacking. Take a look yourself and you’ll see they’re using cheap fillers that don’t benefit your pup in the slightest.
The Questionable Bits of Cesar
This dog food is high in fat, which can lead to a host of problems related to weight gain and obesity in dogs.
6. Kibbles ‘n Bits
Founded in 1981, Kibbles n’ Bits reputation tanked when it was discovered a euthanasia drug was included in the product.
The Questionable Bits of Kibbles n’ Bits
This food was recalled after the discovery of pentobarbital, which is designed to euthanize animals. You can’t make this stuff up.
7. Beneful
When there’s a class action suit claiming dog food is harmful to dogs, it’s worth paying attention.
The Questionable Bits of Beneful
Beneful falls under the Purina umbrella, and there’s a reason several of their brands are included in this list. In the end, Beneful walked away from the lawsuit without taking any accountability. Makes you wonder.
8. Pedigree
You can have unhealthy food in a pinch, too. But you know what it does long-term for your body. It’s the same for your pup with foods like Pedigree.
The Questionable Bits of Pedigree
Remember how the first ingredient in dog food should be meat? In Pedigree, it’s ground whole grain corn. That’s a no for pups.
9. Great Choice
You’d think with a name like ‘Great Choice,’ this dog food would live up to it. Not quite.
The Questionable Bits of Great Choice
Yet again, another dog food with ground whole corn listed as the first ingredient. You’d think they’d know to avoid this. But at least you know to avoid this dog food.
10. Gravy Train
Given a choice, pups would rather have flavorful, meaty foods. Not euthanasia drugs. Yep, this dog food brand was recalled, too.
The Questionable Bits of Gravy Train
In 2018, the FDA issued an alert that this dog food, among others, was contaminated with pentobarbital, the animal euthanasia drug.
Look for the Good
When selecting dog food, there are several positive qualities to look for to ensure your pet’s health and well-being. First, high-quality protein sources like chicken, beef, or fish should be listed as the primary ingredients, as they provide essential nutrients for muscle development and overall health. Look for whole grains, such as brown rice or oats, which offer digestible carbohydrates and fiber that support digestive health. Healthy fats, like those from fish oil or flaxseed, are also important as they contribute to a shiny coat and healthy skin.
Additionally, the inclusion of fruits and vegetables provides natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that boost your dog’s immune system. Finally, check for added probiotics to support gut health and avoid artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, which can be harmful over time. These positive attributes ensure that the dog food is not only nutritious but also contributes to the long-term health of your pet.
