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Top 8 Best Limited Ingredient Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs In 2023
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Dog owners understand the necessity of high-quality nutrition for their furry friends. However, the task of choosing the right food for your pet can be challenging due to the multitude of choices. One popular type of dog food that stands out is limited ingredient dog food, which contains fewer components compared to standard dog food.
Limited ingredient dog food is ideal for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies, as it eliminates many common allergens such as grains and dairy. It also often contains high-quality protein sources, such as salmon or lamb, which can be easier for dogs to digest.
When choosing the best limited ingredient dog food, it's essential to pay attention to the ingredients list and ensure that it meets your dog's nutritional needs. Look for food that contains high-quality protein and healthy fats, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.
We spent hours researching and testing ten different limited ingredient dog foods to identify the ones that provide the best nutrition for dogs with food sensitivities. In this article, we'll share our top picks and provide essential information to help you make the best decision for your furry friend.
Best Limited Ingredient Dog FoodWe understand how important it is to feed your furry friend with the best possible food available out there. Limited ingredient dog food is an excellent option for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. It contains a simple list of high-quality ingredients that are easy to digest, making it an ideal choice for dogs with digestive issues. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best limited ingredient dog food available in the market. We have researched and analyzed various products based on their ingredients, quality, and customer reviews to ensure that you make an informed decision for your furry friend.
1. Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Salmon & Sweet Potato Formula Dry Dog FoodIf you're looking for a high-quality limited ingredient dog food that provides balanced nutrition, then Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Salmon & Sweet Potato Formula Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice.
Pros
Cons
As dog owners, we understand the importance of providing our furry friends with high-quality nutrition that meets their unique needs. Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Salmon & Sweet Potato Formula Dry Dog Food is a great choice for dogs who require a limited ingredient diet, as it contains only the essentials and is free from common allergens such as chicken, beef, and grains.
One of the standout features of this formula is the use of real salmon as the #1 ingredient, providing high-quality protein and essential fatty acids for optimal health and vitality. Additionally, this formula is produced in the USA with the world's finest ingredients, ensuring quality, safety, and nutrition in every bite.
Another great feature of Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Salmon & Sweet Potato Formula Dry Dog Food is the 'Buy With Confidence ' guarantee, which ensures that every bag meets strict quality standards and provides complete and balanced nutrition for your furry friend.
While this formula is an excellent choice for many dogs, it may not be suitable for those with certain dietary restrictions or allergies. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste of salmon or sweet potato, so it's important to introduce this formula gradually and monitor your dog's reaction.
Overall, we highly recommend Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Salmon & Sweet Potato Formula Dry Dog Food for its high-quality ingredients, balanced nutrition, and 'Buy With Confidence ' guarantee.
2. Zignature Turkey Small Bites Dog FoodIf you're looking for a limited ingredient dog food for your little furry friend, Zignature Turkey Small Bites Dog Food might be worth considering.
Pros
Cons
We recently tried Zignature Turkey Small Bites Dog Food for our small dog and we were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The high-quality turkey as the first ingredient provides a rich source of riboflavin and selenium which are essential nutrients for dogs. The smaller kibble size is perfect for small dogs and our furry friend had no trouble eating it. We also appreciate that it's fortified with probiotics to support gut health.
However, we did notice that it's not suitable for dogs with chicken allergies. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste of the food, which can be a downside. Lastly, it's more expensive than other dog food brands, which may not be affordable for everyone.
Overall, if you're looking for a limited ingredient dog food that's designed for small dogs and fortified with probiotics, Zignature Turkey Small Bites Dog Food is worth considering.
3. Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Duck & Potato Formula Dry Dog Food, 22 lbs.If you're looking for a limited ingredient dog food option, Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Duck & Potato Formula Dry Dog Food is worth considering.
Pros
Cons
We recently tried Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Duck & Potato Formula Dry Dog Food for our dog who has a sensitive stomach. The first thing we noticed was that farm-raised duck is the #1 ingredient, which made us feel good about feeding it to our pup. We also appreciated that it's produced in the USA with high-quality ingredients.
Our dog seemed to enjoy the taste of the food, but we did notice that it's more expensive than some other dog food brands. Additionally, the limited flavor options may be a downside for some pet owners.
Overall, we would recommend Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Duck & Potato Formula Dry Dog Food to anyone looking for a limited ingredient dog food option. It's a quality product that we feel good about feeding to our furry friend.
4. Nutro Ultra Adult High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins from Chicken, Lamb, and SalmonIf you're looking for a limited ingredient dog food that's both nutritious and delicious, then Nutro Ultra Adult High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins from Chicken, Lamb, and Salmon is a great option.
Pros
Cons
We've been using Nutro Ultra Adult High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins from Chicken, Lamb, and Salmon for a few months now, and we've noticed a significant improvement in our dog's coat and overall health. We love that this dog food is made with high-quality, real ingredients sourced from trusted farmers and suppliers, and that it contains no chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy protein, and no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Our dog also seems to love the taste of this limited ingredient dog food, and we love that it provides a balanced diet for adult dogs that's nutrient-rich and full of flavor. We appreciate that Nutro Ultra Dry Dog Food protects the integrity of the food at every stage of the process, and we feel confident that we're feeding our dog a high-quality, nutritious meal.
Overall, we highly recommend Nutro Ultra Adult High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins from Chicken, Lamb, and Salmon to any dog owner looking for a limited ingredient dog food that's both nutritious and delicious.
5. NUTRO Natural Choice Small Bites Adult Dry Dog Food, Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe Dog KibbleIf you're looking for a limited ingredient dog food that is rich in nutrients and full of flavor, then you should definitely check out the NUTRO Natural Choice Small Bites Adult Dry Dog Food, Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Kibble.
Pros
Cons
This recipe contains essential nutrients and antioxidants to support whole-body health in adult dogs. It is formulated for dogs that prefer smaller kibble and contains no artificial flavors or preservatives, no chicken by-product meal, no artificial colors, and no corn, wheat, or soy protein.
We have found that our dog enjoys the taste of this dog food and it has helped to keep her healthy and energetic. The smaller kibble size is perfect for her and we appreciate that it contains real lamb as the first ingredient.
One downside is that it is a bit more expensive than some other dog foods on the market. Additionally, if your dog has certain dietary restrictions, this dog food may not be suitable for them. Finally, some dogs may not like the taste of this dog food, so it may take some trial and error to find a food that they enjoy.
Overall, we highly recommend the NUTRO Natural Choice Small Bites Adult Dry Dog Food, Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Kibble to anyone looking for a limited ingredient dog food that is both nutritious and tasty.
6. NUTRO SO SIMPLE With Beef Adult Dog Food, 11 lb. 11 Pound (Pack of 1)If you're looking for a simple and nutritious dog food for your furry friend, NUTRO SO SIMPLE With Beef Adult Dog Food is an excellent option.
Pros
Cons
We recently switched our dog to NUTRO SO SIMPLE With Beef Adult Dog Food, and we have been impressed with the results. Our dog loves the taste of the kibble and has had no issues transitioning to this food. We appreciate that the recipe contains limited ingredients and is made with high-quality sources of protein, grains, and vegetables. Additionally, the NUTRO FEED CLEAN philosophy ensures that we can feel good about giving our dog a meal that is free from artificial ingredients and preservatives.
Overall, we highly recommend NUTRO SO SIMPLE With Beef Adult Dog Food to any dog owner looking for a simple and nutritious meal for their furry friend.
7. Nutro So Simple Dry Dog FoodIf you're looking for a limited ingredient dog food that is uncomplicated, Nutro So Simple Dry Dog Food is a great option.
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Cons
The Nutro So Simple Dry Dog Food is crafted with a handful of key ingredients sources like chicken, brown rice, barley, peas and flaxseed, plus natural flavors, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. As part of the NUTRO FEED CLEAN philosophy, this delicious recipe starts with real chicken as the 1st ingredient.
One of the best things about this limited ingredient dog food is that it's made with non-GMO ingredients and has no chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat or soy protein. It's a simple recipe that is full of flavor and nutrients.
The Nutro So Simple Dry Dog Food is also cooked in the USA facilities with the finest ingredients from around the world. This ensures that the food is of high quality and safe for your dog to eat.
Overall, if you're looking for a limited ingredient dog food that is simple, nutritious, and full of flavor, the Nutro So Simple Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering.
8. NUTRO MAX Adult Mini Chunk Recipe Dry Dog Food With Farm-Raised ChickenIf you're looking for a high-quality limited ingredient dog food for your adult small dog, NUTRO MAX Adult Mini Chunk Recipe Dry Dog Food With Farm-Raised Chicken is an excellent choice.
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As someone who has used this product, I can confidently say that NUTRO MAX Adult Mini Chunk Recipe Dry Dog Food With Farm-Raised Chicken is a great option for adult small dogs. The crunchy, smaller kibble is perfect for smaller mouths, and the chicken protein as the #1 ingredient ensures that your dog is getting high-quality nutrition.
One of the biggest pros of this limited ingredient dog food is that it contains no chicken by-product meal, no corn, wheat, or soy protein, and no added artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. This means that you can trust that your dog is getting a wholesome meal with real, recognizable ingredients at every serving.
Another pro of this dog food is that it supports healthy digestion with natural fiber and promotes skin and coat health with Omega 6 & 3 fatty acids. This is especially important for small dogs, who may be prone to digestive issues and skin/coat problems.
However, it's important to note that trace amounts of allergens may be present due to potential cross-contact during manufacturing. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste, and the chicken protein may not be suitable for dogs with chicken allergies.
Overall, if you're looking for a high-quality limited ingredient dog food for your adult small dog, NUTRO MAX Adult Mini Chunk Recipe Dry Dog Food With Farm-Raised Chicken is definitely worth considering.
Buying GuideWhen looking for the best limited ingredient dog food, there are several features to consider to ensure that you make the best choice for your furry friend. Here are some of the most important factors to keep in mind:
IngredientsThe first thing to look at when choosing a limited ingredient dog food is the ingredients list. Make sure to choose a product that contains high-quality, easily digestible proteins, such as chicken, lamb, or fish. Avoid products that contain fillers or artificial preservatives, as these can cause digestive issues and other health problems.
Nutritional ValueIn addition to the ingredients, you should also consider the nutritional value of the dog food. Look for products that contain a balanced blend of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. This will help ensure that your dog receives all of the nutrients they need to stay healthy and active.
Allergies and SensitivitiesIf your dog has allergies or sensitivities, it's important to choose a limited ingredient dog food that is specifically formulated to meet their needs. Look for products that are free from common allergens, such as wheat, soy, and corn, and that are designed to be easy on sensitive stomachs.
Brand ReputationFinally, it's important to choose a brand with a good reputation for quality and safety. Look for products that are made by reputable manufacturers and that have been tested for safety and effectiveness. You can also check online reviews and ratings to see what other dog owners have to say about the product.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best limited ingredient dog food for your furry friend and ensure that they receive the nutrition they need to stay healthy and happy.
Frequently Asked Questions What are the benefits of feeding my dog limited ingredient dog food?Limited ingredient dog food can be beneficial for dogs with allergies or food sensitivities. It typically contains fewer ingredients than traditional dog food, making it easier to identify and eliminate potential allergens. Additionally, limited ingredient dog food often contains high-quality ingredients and may be easier to digest.
What are some affordable options for limited ingredient dog food?Some affordable options for limited ingredient dog food include Blue Buffalo Basics, Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach, and Natural Balance L.I.D.
Which limited ingredient dog food is best for small breeds?Some limited ingredient dog food options that are well-suited for small breeds include Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet, Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet, and Canidae Grain-Free PURE.
What are some options for dog food for allergies and yeast infections?For dogs with allergies or yeast infections, it's important to choose a limited ingredient dog food that avoids common allergens and contains high-quality ingredients. Some options include Taste of the Wild PREY Limited Ingredient Diet, Zignature Limited Ingredient Formula, and Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet.
How does Instinct Limited Ingredient Dog Food compare to other brands?Instinct Limited Ingredient Dog Food is a high-quality option that contains a limited number of ingredients and avoids common allergens. It is comparable to other limited ingredient dog food brands such as Blue Buffalo Basics and Natural Balance L.I.D.
What should I look for when choosing a limited ingredient dry dog food?When choosing a limited ingredient dry dog food, it's important to look for high-quality ingredients, a limited number of ingredients, and the absence of common allergens. Additionally, it's important to choose a dog food that is appropriate for your dog's size and age.
The Best Dry Dog Food For Every Life Stage, According To Veterinarians
When choosing between wet and dry dog food, you and your pup's personal preferences play a big role. Both dry and wet food options can be good nutritional choices for your dog, but each comes with pros and cons, says Dr. Dottie Laflamme, an independent animal nutrition consultant. Dry dog food is convenient, cost effective and can benefit oral health when formulated for dental care. However, canned food provides significantly more moisture than dry food, so talk with your veterinarian if your dog has any conditions that might benefit from a moisture-rich diet.
While ingredient lists are informative, the quality of your dog's kibble is primarily determined by four factors, according to Laflamme: palatability, a complete and balanced recipe, affordability and whether the food meets your veterinarian's approval based on your dog's nutritional needs.
To help narrow down the list of quality dry foods for your dog, we spoke with veterinarians about how to identify a complete and balanced recipe for their diet. We also rounded up their recommendations for the best dry dog food to consider.
SKIP AHEAD Best dry dog food to consider this yearHow to shop for the best dry dog food
Selected.Our top picks See 4 More
While comparing dry food for dogs offered on the market today, our experts recommend keeping the following factors in mind:
Price: "Dry dog food tends to be more cost-effective compared to wet dog food, primarily due to factors such as production costs, packaging, and shelf life," says Savageau. If budget is a concern, dry dog food can be a more economical choice." Given this, we considered a range of quality options at various price points.
The following highly rated dry food share two important considerations: They meet or exceed the nutritional recommendations set by AAFCO and are formulated with the oversight of a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. These factors ensure that your dog is getting the right nutrients for their age and breed size. However, you should always check with your dog's veterinarian first about your dog's specific dietary needs in conjunction with age to get an expert read on any dietary needs or restrictions.
Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food$59.99
Amazon
$59.99
$66.99
Petco
$59.99
$61.99
PetSmart
Royal Canin is a favorite among our experts for the brand's peer-reviewed research, owned facilities and well-regarded reputation among pet parents and veterinarians. Both Select updates editor Mili Godio and manager of editorial operations Shari Uyehara are fans of Royal Canin, too. Uyehara says her pup Loki, a 1-year-old cavalier King Charles spaniel, has been eating this dry food since he was just a few months old after her breeder recommended it. Royal Canin increases palatability by sourcing ingredients that dogs crave, like chicken and chicken fat, according to the brand.
Purina ONE + Plus$31.58
Walmart
$31.58
$33.58
Chewy
$38.49
Target
The feeding instructions on the back of the kibble bag are merely a guide — your veterinarian is the best resource for determining the appropriate number of calories your dog should eat, says Laflamme. Between veterinarian visits, you should monitor your dog's body condition using the nine-point scale based on observation and physical touch, she says. You can do this by standing above your dog, putting your thumbs over the backbone and fingers over the ribs. Gently move your hands from front to back. If you can easily count and feel your dog's ribs, they are likely a healthy weight.
If you and your veterinarian determine your dog is overweight, your veterinarian may suggest a reduction in calories or a weight management diet, such as this Purina ONE Weight Control formula. It's the recipe Laflamme feeds her own dogs and is part of Purina's budget line. However, if pet owners want to add probiotics and more natural ingredients to their dog's diet, a slightly pricier alternative is available from Purina, Purina Pro Plan Weight Management. While it may cost a bit more, Select's associate updates editor Zoe Malin says her 100-pound yellow lab, Chance, is both healthy and happy eating this formula.
IAMS Adult Minichunks$29.98
Amazon
$29.98
$30.99
Chewy
$29.99
$31.99
PetSmart
When it comes to kibble, there is often a wide range of options available to pet parents at varying price points. For those on a budget, certain dry dog foods may include byproducts that help keep the cost down. "Byproducts are ingredients that are not typically used for human consumption," says Stockman. It's not because the ingredients aren't nutritious, but it might include meat that isn't visually appealing or internal organs that aren't culturally accepted as a food source. Byproducts are a great source of vitamins and minerals for dogs, and from a sustainability standpoint, using byproducts also helps to reduce food waste, says Stockman.
IAMS' recipe offerings are diverse, and IAMS Adult Minichunks is a standout choice due to its high-quality protein sources, such as lamb, chicken and whole-grain barley. The recipe also contains a blend of fibers and prebiotics to promote a healthy digestive system, according to the brand.
Wellness Complete Large Breed Puppy$65.99
Amazon
$65.99
$72.99
Chewy
$65.99
$72.99
Petco
When allowed to overeat, large-breed puppies tend to grow too quickly, and their bones might not be able to keep up, says Laflamme. This puts them at risk of developing orthopedic or skeletal issues. "One of the best ways to prevent this is by keeping your puppy lean, limiting the amount of food they're allowed to have and feeding them a diet specifically formulated for growing large breed puppies," she says.
Large-breed formulas that meet AAFCO's nutritional adequacy recommendations have all the protein and minerals your puppy needs, but with fewer calories. This Wellness formula has just 367 calories per cup, which includes protein from deboned chicken and chicken meal, as well as energy-rich carbohydrates like brown rice and oats, according to the brand. The formula also has glucosamine, which helps maintain joint health and is particularly beneficial for large-breed dogs, according to Wellness.
Merrick Healthy Grains Large Breed$88.98
$88.99
PetSmart
$88.98
Chewy
$88.98
Petco
Most large-breed dogs are no longer considered puppies when they reach about two years of age. However, this can vary depending on the individual dog and when they stop growing. During this period, Laflamme recommends two options for transitioning your dog to a formula suitable for adult dogs: either switch to an all life stages food that provides nutrients for both puppies and adults, or consider an adult formula that's not suitable for a growing puppy.
This adult formula from Merrick is made in small batches in Merrick's Hereford, Texas kitchen. It's packed with omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which means it's specially formulated with glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy hips and joints, according to the brand. It also contains L-Carnitine, a supplement that helps to keep your gentle giant lean, according to Merrick.
Hill's Science Diet Puppy$45.99
$49.99
Amazon
$45.99
$49.99
Chewy
$45.99
$49.99
Petco
Puppies require more calories per pound of body weight than adult dogs to fuel their growth and active lifestyles. AAFCO recommends that puppy food include 22% protein and 8% fat, and other important vitamins and nutrients for growth.
According to both Laflamme and Kaufman, Hill's is a trustworthy brand that delivers quality pet food to pet parents and their pups, and Hill's Science Diet's dry dog food for puppies is no exception. It's packed with the nutrients your puppy needs for a healthy start to life, like calcium and phosphorus to help build strong bones and teeth, and the omega fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to support healthy brain and eye development. The formula contains antioxidants and vitamins E and C to support your puppy's developing immune system, according to the brand.
Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Rabbit$97.99
Amazon
$97.99
Chewy
Many pet food diets are touted as grain-free, meaning they don't contain common carbohydrate grains, like wheat, rice and barley. But unless your pup has a gluten intolerance, grain-free diets aren't known to provide additional benefits when compared to other complete and balanced foods, according to our experts. Unlike their gray wolf ancestors, there's evidence that domestic dogs are perfectly able to digest carbohydrates, says Dr. Jonathan Stockman, assistant professor of clinical veterinary sciences at Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine.
A novel protein or limited-ingredient diet may relieve your dog's symptoms if they have a food intolerance or a true food allergy. This option from Instinct uses rabbit as its protein source and leaves out any ingredients that include corn, wheat and soy, according to the brand. Additionally, probiotics and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids soothe the digestive tract, skin and any lingering inflammation.
There's a lot to consider when buying the best food for your dog, and most come down to you and your dog's personal preferences, as well as your dog's life stage and breed size, experts told us.
What is the best dry dog food vets recommend?
The best dry dog food is the one that is palatable to your dog and meets AAFCO's nutritional guidelines for their life stage, according to our experts. It should also be affordable and approved by your veterinarian based on your dog's nutritional needs. Meat doesn't need to be the primary ingredient in food, as dogs are omnivorous and can get the necessary amino acids from plant-based sources, says Laflamme. Unless your dog has an allergy or intolerance, grain-free dry food isn't necessary, veterinarians told us.
Is dry food best for dogs?
Both complete and balanced wet and dry dog food formulas can be nutritious choices for your dog, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Dry food is a convenient and cost-effective option for pets, and certain dental diets approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council can also promote oral health. This higher moisture content in wet food can help keep dogs hydrated, especially if they don't drink enough water on their own , says Savageau . You should also consult with your veterinarian if your dog has any conditions such as renal disease that can benefit from a moisture-rich diet.
Is dry food healthy for puppies?
If labeled with the AAFCO statement for puppies (growth) or all life stages, dry dog food is a healthy option for your puppy. The AAFCO statement means that the recipe meets or exceeds the association's recommended nutritional requirements for growth, which include an appropriate balance of protein (minimum 22%), fat (minimum 8%) and vital vitamins and minerals, such as DHA and calcium. It's crucial to choose a recipe based on your dog's breed, as large- and small-breed puppies have distinct growth patterns and, as a result, differing calorie needs, according to Laflamme.
What is the best way to store dry dog food?
"The best way to store dry dog food is in an airtight container that is kept in a cool dry space," says Kaufman. "All dog food bags should be placed in this container and properly sealed once opened." Make sure you wash this container regularly. A good rule of thumb is to wash it every time you finish a bag of food.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Janelle Leeson is a Portland-based freelance writer who holds a bachelor of science degree in biology. Her approach to pet-care writing and reporting is rooted in scientific principles that consider a pet's biological need for play, proper nutrition and environmental enrichment.For this piece, Janelle interviewed two experts who specialize in veterinary nutrition. She also researched dozens of dry dog foods on the market that met criteria based on our experts' insights. She included dry dog foods recommended by experts, along with those that are highly rated and meet expert shopping guidance.
Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers topics like beauty, home and lifestyle.
Catch up on Select's in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
The Best Wet Dog Food To Keep Your Pup Healthy And Nourished
Sales of wet dog food have been rising, and for good reason: Beyond just seeming more appealing to many dogs, the best wet dog food is frequently packed with the same amount of protein as dry food—just with fewer carbs. Of course, the convenience of dry kibble is hard to beat, and when it comes to deciding between dry versus wet, "it really is just personal preference," confirms Joseph Wakshlag, DVM, PhD, professor of nutrition at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. That said, Wakshlag maintains that wet food can be helpful for pups in need of extra hydration, especially if they struggle with health conditions like urinary stones and diabetes. Our top choice for 2024 is the Hill's Science Diet Adult Wet Dog Food, which offers quality ingredients, time-tested integrity and ample flavor options.
The best wet dog food is flavorful, filling and contains essential nutrients for dogs of every age ... [+] and size.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: RetailersIf you need yet another reason to invest in wet dog food, take it from Elena Leavitt, DVM, small animal clinical nutrition instructor at the Missouri University College of Veterinary Medicine: This type of food really does appeal to more four-legged consumers. Wet food, she claims, "can have higher palatability due to smell [and] texture." That said, as Leavitt reminds, it's important to consult with your vet before making any big changes in your pup's feeding routine. But if you've already got the green light on wet dog food, consider one of these top options for your pooch.
Life stage: Adult dogs, 1 to 6 years of ageCalories: 329 kcal/can
Hill's Science Diet has been in the wet dog food industry for years. The brand offers a range of flavors to appeal to favorite family canines, including beef and vegetables, chicken and barley and chicken and vegetables. This 12-pack of food has a stew-like consistency—meaning, you don't need to slice it up for your pet—and contains real ingredients like beef, pork liver, brown rice and carrots. Dogs as small as five pounds get 5/8 of a can at feedings, while those who are 10 pounds can get a whole can, minimizing waste. Larger dogs also need more cans: An 80-pound dog, for example, should have five cans for a meal unless you mix it with dry food. Hill's Science Diet also contains added ingredients like biotin, vitamin D and vitamin E to support your dog's health.
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MOST POPULAR
Life stage: All life stagesCalories: Varies depending on the flavor
Wet dog food servings run from petite 3.5 ounce portions to significantly larger helpings. One downside of leftover wet dog food is that it requires refrigeration and should be tossed after a few days if it's unused, making it important to match the portions you buy with the size of your dog. JustFoodForDogs' sampler pack comes in seven 18-ounce pouches to give dogs a hearty serving in one container. This dog food is made from "human-grade" foods featuring a compact list of ingredients that recommended protein and vegetables, as well as necessary carbohydrates. Food can be stored in your freezer for up to a year for peak flavor and convenience. Once it's thawed, it can stay in your refrigerator for up to four days.
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Life stage: PuppyCalories: 112 kcal/can
Puppies from small breeds don't eat much, especially compared to their larger counterparts. Cesar offers wet dog food in 24 petite 3.5-ounce packs, making it simple to open the container and give it to your four-legged friend. Cesar has very specific guidance on the label about how much to give your dog based on their age and weight—it's important to follow the instructions to adequately meet your pet's nutritional needs. The brand's chicken and beef recipe lists chicken and chicken liver as the first ingredients, followed by other forms of protein. Keep in mind that Cesar's food comes in a loaf, so you may need to slice it up before serving it to your pet.
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Life stage: All life stagesCalories: Varies depending on your dog's individual meal plan
The Farmer's Dog offers a unique take on dog food. At the start, owners fill out a survey about themselves, along with information about their dog, and then they receive tailor-made and perfectly-portioned meals for their pet. The Farmer's Dog is made with human-grade ingredients and prepared at a facility that is USDA-inspected, so you could technically eat it if you wanted to. Food is delivered to your door on a schedule and stored in your refrigerator or freezer until you're ready to serve it to your pooch. The Farmer's Dog's meals are designed to nourish your dog at the weight and age they are at, but is designed as a diet that grows with them as well. As a result, you can start feeding your puppy the brand's food now and continue well into adulthood.
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Life stage: All life stagesCalories: 168 to 206 kcal/cup, depending on the flavor
Nom Nom Now delivers fresh dog food straight to your home, based on the customized plan of your choice. To use the service, create a profile for your pet and Nom Nom Now makes recommendations. From there, you build a meal plan based on your dog's needs, as well as how often you want to receive deliveries. Select a delivery that drops every week, every two weeks or every four weeks. Dishes in this particular sampler pack feature pork potluck, chicken cuisine, turkey fare and beef mash, so there's a tasty variety to offer your pooch. Food arrives frozen and can be stored for up to six months, so you can hold onto as much or as little as you want at any given time.
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Life stage: SeniorCalories: 370 kcal/can
Older dogs have specific nutritional needs that are different from puppies or dogs in stages of young adulthood. Hill's Science Diet is formulated for canines ages 7 and up, with cuisine that's easy to digest. These formulations are designed to support your dog's health and longevity. This 12-pack features 13-ounce cans, with ample food for large and small dogs alike. Choose from flavors like beef and barley, chicken and barley, turkey and barley or a variety pack. Worth noting: Hill's Science Diet's 7+ food is also offered in 5.8-ounce servings that may be preferred for smaller dogs.
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Life stage: AdultCalories: 370 to 400 kcal/can, depending on the flavor
Having a dog with a sensitive stomach can be a messy situation, not to mention uncomfortable for your pet, which is why it's so important to talk to your vet—and choose the right nutrition from the start. This formulation from Purina Pro Plan is designed for dogs with digestive issues and is free of artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, soy and wheat—ingredients with the potential to upset your pet's stomach. The 12-pack is available in a range of flavors, including salmon and rice, turkey and oat, and lamb and oat.
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Why Trust Forbes VettedThe editors at Forbes Vetted report on pet products regularly. We're also pet owners and have personally served some of the options that made our list to our favorite furry friends, giving us real-world knowledge into how well our dogs and other dogs respond to their flavor and quality. For this article, we consulted with two veterinarians to help pet owners determine what to look for in wet dog food: Joseph Wakshlag, DVM, PhD, professor of nutrition at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, and Elena Leavitt, DVM, small animal clinical nutrition instructor at University of Missouri's Veterinary Health Center.
How We Chose The Best Wet Dog FoodTo choose the best pet food, we consulted with two veterinarians for information on ingredients, nutrition and other elements to consider when choosing the right food for your dog. From there, we looked at the most popular wet dog foods on the market and narrowed the field based on elements like quality of ingredients, serving sizes and value. Only foods with reviews of an average of four or more stars were considered and included. Customer insight into how well their dogs liked the food was also factored into our final decision.
What To Look For In The Best Wet Dog FoodWhen selecting wet dog food, consider several key factors for your pet's well-being. Keep in mind factors such as the ingredients' quality, nutritional value and your personal budget. Additionally, you might want to assess the following components:
Your Pet's Individual Needs"Generally, I would recommend discussing daily or maintenance energy requirements with your primary care veterinarian," Leavitt says. "Based on this, veterinarians and owners can together determine the ideal split of canned vs. Kibble for each healthy individual pet, based on owner preference, optimal management for conditions and making sure appropriate calories are being consumed from a complete and balanced source." If you're concerned that your dog has sensitivities to food, she recommends sticking with a protein source you know your pet can easily tolerate. "Unfortunately for pets, food sensitivities can be learned when new foods are fed with foods that cause a reaction," Leavitt says.
IngredientsVeterinarians generally recommend choosing dog foods
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