12 Best Dog Foods in 2025, Vet Recommended

Our panel’s top pick comes from Hill’s Science Diet with its Adult Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food. The company is a favorite among veterinarians due to the brand’s science-backed research, employment of veterinary nutritionists, and long-term standing in the veterinary nutrition field.  

“For value and quality, this is an excellent choice for overall dog food,” says panelist Tara Hansen, DVM. “Hill’s brings decades of scientific research into formulating their foods and performs extensive in-house feeding trials, employing multiple full-time, board-certified veterinary nutritionists to oversee product development.”

This not only ensures your dog is getting quality nutrition, but also a taste and texture they’ll likely love.

“Over decades, Hill’s has optimized flavors, textures, coatings that make dry food more acceptable to many dogs,” says panelist Tiffany Tupler, DVM.

When it comes to ingredients, you can trust that Hill’s did their homework, from the farm to the factory. “Hill’s utilizes ingredients that can be tracked from their source, and extensively tests their food for safety during the manufacturing process,” adds Dr. Hansen.

In addition to skin-soothing omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E, this formula also features Hill’s ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit to help promote digestive health.

“Hill’s ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit means it contains a specific blend of prebiotic fiber to support digestion and the delicate balance of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract,” says panelist Molly Price, DVM.

As a kibble, it has the added benefit of helping to keep teeth and jaws strong, thanks to all that chewing action. Plus, it’s easy to store.

Things To Consider:

• Appropriate for adult dogs
• Highly palatable
• Omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E promote healthy skin
• Prebiotic fibers support digestion
• High-quality formulation backed by research

Looking for a dry dog food that kicks things up a notch? Purina Pro Plan’s Complete Essentials Shredded Blend scored high with our judges for its highly palatable kibble that features a range of textures.

“The dual texture of crunchy kibble and meaty shredded pieces gives an interesting mouthfeel, which can help entice picky eaters,” says Dr. Tupler.

Boasting a high protein content, this diet also includes added vitamins and minerals to support your pet’s whole-body health. “This formula contains a blend of live probiotics to support digestion, as well as omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin A for healthy skin and coat,” says Dr. Price.

A favorite among vets, Purina Pro Plan is known for its high-quality, research-driven diets that don’t break the bank.

“Purina Pro Plan is backed by decades of nutrition research and is formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists,” says Dr. Hansen. “It’s an excellent value for its quality, and is generally sold at a lower price point than its competitors.”

Things To Consider:

• Appropriate for adult dogs
• High protein content
• Enticing texture
• Omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin A promote healthy skin
• Live probiotics support digestion
• High-quality formulation backed by research
• Budget-friendly price point for a premium food

Highly palatable, wet food can be a good option for picky eaters, as well as dogs who need more water. This wet food from Hill’s Science Diet won over our veterinary panel with its high-quality formula, enticing texture, and pup-approved taste.

“This is a great wet food, as it’s a savory stew with real chunks of beef and vegetables—the gravy and high-quality protein make it a favorite among dogs,” says panelist Barri Morrison, DVM.

In general, “wet foods tend to be more enticing to many dogs in terms of texture, aroma, and flavor,” says Dr. Tupler. “Canned foods add water, which can help with urinary health, kidney support, and overall hydration, especially for dogs who don’t drink enough.”

Featuring biotin and vitamin E for skin health, this recipe is also made with gentle fibers for fussy tummies. “This is a formula that is highly digestible, which makes it less likely to cause stomach upset,” adds Dr. Morrison. 

Even if your dog usually eats kibble, wet food can be a fun way to “dress up” dinner for a special treat. “Wet food can be fed on its own, or mixed with dry food to provide another eating experience for your canine friend,” says panelist Veronica Higgs, DVM. 

Things To Consider:

• Appropriate for adult dogs
• Highly palatable
• Biotin and vitamin E promote healthy skin
• Gentle fibers support digestion
• High-quality formulation backed by research
• Can be fed on its own or mixed with kibble

Fresh dog food diets are getting a lot of attention these days, but they aren’t all created equal. Our veterinary panel recommends this variety pack from JustFoodForDogs for its wholesome recipes crafted by veterinary nutritionists.

JustFoodForDogs offers fresh food made from “human grade” ingredients, meaning ingredients that meet the same safety and quality standards as food for people. The recipes meet AAFCO guidelines and are supplemented with essential vitamins and minerals, ensuring a complete and balanced meal.

“JustFoodForDogs employs veterinary nutritionists to formulate and balance their diets, which makes them a leader in the human-grade food space,” says Dr. Higgs.

For ingredient-conscious families, JustFoodForDogs offers the opportunity to feed your pet a dinner that more closely mirrors the one on your dining room table. “This fresh dog food doesn’t contain preservatives, and it undergoes gentle cooking or minimal processing compared to commercially prepared traditional diets cooked at higher heats,” says Dr. Price.

Highly palatable, fresh food diets are most often recommended for pets who can’t (or won’t) eat traditional, shelf-stable dog food. “Examples of these situations include dogs with severe food allergies, digestive problems, severe illnesses such as heart failure or cancer, or dogs on palliative or hospice care,” adds Dr. Price.

Things To Consider:

• Appropriate for adult dogs
• Highly palatable
• Crafted with fresh, human-grade ingredients
• Includes seven different recipes
• High-quality formula developed by veterinary nutritionists
• Must be kept frozen, then thawed when ready to use
• Higher price point than traditional dog food

Is your best friend getting gray in the muzzle? Specially designed for senior dogs, Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Adult 7+ recipe won over our panel with its brain-boosting formula.

“As dogs become seniors, around the age of 7, their brains change, and they need an extra boost,” explains panelist Stephanie Howe, DVM. “This kibble features a blend of enhanced botanical oils to provide an additional fuel source for the brain, promoting memory, attention, and trainability.”

In addition to nutrients for mental sharpness, this recipe includes glucosamine and EPA (an omega-3 fatty acid) for joint health; vitamin A and linoleic acid for skin and coat support; and live probiotics for healthy digestion. “Every ingredient in this diet is precisely selected for a specific purpose,” says Dr. Morrison.

Bright Mind is also high in protein, which offers a number of benefits for aging pets experiencing digestive and joint issues.

“High-protein diets help senior dogs maintain muscle mass, while also helping to not put on weight, which can exacerbate age-related changes like arthritis,” adds Dr. Morrison. “It’s also highly digestible, to help with a sensitive tummy.”

Things To Consider:

• Appropriate for senior dogs ages 7+
• High protein
• Enhanced botanical oils promote alertness and mental sharpness
• EPA and glucosamine support joint health
• Vitamin A and linoleic acid nourish the skin and coat
• Highly digestible formula
• High-quality formulation backed by research

Proud puppy parents, this one’s for you. Formulated with growing pups in mind, Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites recipe scored high marks with our judges.

“Puppies have unique nutritional needs—they are not just smaller versions of adults,” says Dr. Price. “This diet is formulated specially for puppies, with a perfect blend for optimal growth and development.”

This nutrient-packed recipe includes DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid) from fish oil for healthy brain and eye development, prebiotic fibers to support digestive health, and an antioxidant blend to help support your puppy’s developing immune system.

“This food is an excellent foundation for a puppy’s start in life,” says Dr. Higgs.

High in calories and made with high-quality protein, this recipe is ready to fuel all of your pup’s romping and rolling. “Puppies need more calories per pound than an adult dog because they are growing and are burning off more energy with activity,” explains Dr. Hansen.

Additionally, the kibble is designed specifically for extra-small and small-breed puppies. “For small-breed puppies, this formula can be helpful because it is made for a small mouth and small teeth to easily chew,” adds Dr. Hansen.

Things To Consider:

• Appropriate for small-breed puppies up to 12 months old
• DHA from fish oil support brain and eye development
• Added antioxidants for immune system support
• Prebiotic fibers support healthy digestion
• Small kibble size
• High-quality formulation backed by research

Food allergies can be tough on dogs (and dog parents!), causing skin irritation and gastrointestinal issues. Highly recommended by our panel, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Ultamino Dry Dog Food is specially formulated to reduce the chances of an allergic response.

In a process known as hydrolysis, the food’s protein molecules are broken down into tiny pieces, making the dog’s body less likely to treat them as allergens. 

“This is the best food option for many dogs with food allergies,” says Dr. Hansen. “It is extensively hydrolyzed to prevent their immune systems from recognizing any proteins in the food as allergens.”

Hydrolyzed foods are difficult to manufacture, requiring dedicated equipment to prevent cross-contamination. Royal Canin is a leader in the industry, with a reputation for strict standards and top-notch research, so pet parents can rest easy.

“Royal Canin is a highly respected company in the veterinary community, and employs a team of veterinary nutrition specialists and veterinarians,” says Dr. Price. “They follow strict development and testing protocols for quality control, safety, and to meet AAFCO standards.”

Additionally, this recipe provides skin and digestive support, which are common concerns for dogs with food allergies.

“I like that it contains the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA to help support healthy skin and coats,” says Dr. Howe. “It also contains an exclusive blend of fiber to help support healthy digestion.”

Things To Consider:

• Appropriate for adult dogs with food allergies
• Available only with veterinarian’s authorization
• Omega-3 fatty acids support healthy skin
• Exclusive fiber blend supports digestion
• High-quality formulation backed by research
• Premium price reflects specialized formula

For dogs who require a high-protein diet, our veterinary panel recommends Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance, which is specially formulated to meet the nutrition needs of highly active dogs.

Standard adult dog foods must contain 18% protein to meet AAFCO standards. By comparison, this recipe contains 30% protein, along with a high fat content (20%) and added amino acids to nourish muscles.

“This is a balanced macro profile for performance, providing both building blocks and energy to support metabolic needs and maintain lean muscle,” says Dr. Tupler. “It’s intended for performance and working dogs with elevated caloric needs.”

This formula also features added supplements to support the joint needs of working dogs and canine athletes. “I like that the ingredients contain glucosamine and fatty acids, which are beneficial for athletic dogs that may be stressing their joints,” says Dr. Hansen.

It’s important to note that performance diets aren’t appropriate for most dogs. Calorically dense and highly palatable, this formula is designed for active dogs, like farm dogs and dock divers, not pups who prefer leisurely strolls around the block. Additionally, dogs with kidney disease should avoid high protein and fat consumption.

“The increased protein and fat make this a very palatable diet, but also not the best diet for all dogs,” says Dr. Howe. “If your dog is older, has a sensitive digestive system, has a sedentary lifestyle, or has kidney disease, this diet would not be for them.”

Things To Consider:

• Appropriate for working and sporting dogs of all ages
• High protein and fat content not suitable for all dogs
• Highly palatable
• Glucosamine and EPA support joint health
• High-quality formulation backed by research

While dogs with true food allergies often require prescription diets, over-the-counter formulas can be beneficial for those with less severe sensitivities. Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach impressed our panel with its wholesome, gentle ingredients.

“This is a great diet. I feed the large-breed version of this to my own dog with a sensitive stomach,” says Dr. Howe. “It features salmon as the first ingredient, along with rice and oatmeal, which are all highly digestible. And it contains a great blend of prebiotic fibers for digestive health.”

Made without corn, wheat, or soy, this recipe also includes supplements to soothe sensitive skin. “Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids support the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and help the skin and coat,” says Dr. Tupler.

If you suspect your dog has sensitivities or allergies, consult your veterinarian before trying a new diet. “If your dog is having skin, ear, or digestive issues, it is important to have your dog examined first by your vet to check for medical conditions and serious causes,” says Dr. Price.

Things To Consider:

• Appropriate for adult dogs with food sensitivities
• Omega fatty acids to support healthy skin and joints
• Highly digestible ingredients
• Fortified with prebiotic fiber for healthy digestion
• High-quality formulation backed by research

Crafted specifically to meet the unique needs of small-breed dogs, Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Adult Dry Dog Food won high marks from our veterinary panel—and their dogs.

“As a veterinarian and momma to four small dogs, I reach for this Royal Canin diet because it is highly palatable, and I know my pack will eat it due to the great taste,” says Dr. Higgs. “But I also take comfort knowing that they are getting excellent nutrition.”

Fortified with calcium and phosphorus for bone health, this formula features a smaller kibble size, ideal for tiny mouths.

“Small breed dogs have unique needs and considerations requiring tailored nutrition, including an appropriate kibble size, shape, and texture for their small mouths,” says Dr. Price. “Many small-breed dogs, depending on the breed, have crooked teeth and abnormal bites.”

Additionally, the higher calorie content is ideal for the anatomy and metabolic needs of small breeds.

“Small dogs have smaller stomachs and higher metabolic rates than large-breed dogs, and need more calories per pound body weight than large breed dogs,” explains Dr. Hansen. “So small dog foods tend to be more calorie-dense.”

Because of the high calories and high palatability, pet parents should be especially conscious of portion control when feeding this diet.

“Small dogs are at a greater risk of obesity, making it very important to follow the specific feeding instructions on the bag or as calculated and directed by your vet,” says Dr. Price.

Things To Consider:

• Appropriate for adult dogs weighing 9–22 pounds
• Small kibble size
• High calorie content
• High palatability
• Calcium and phosphorus blend maintains strong bones
• High-quality formulation backed by research

Purina Pro Plan Adult Large Breed High Protein Chicken & Rice Dry Dog Food is our panel’s pick for large-breed dogs thanks to its tailored formulation that supports healthy weight maintenance and mobility.

Just like small breeds, large dogs have unique nutritional requirements. This recipe is specifically designed to meet their metabolic needs.

“Large dogs need fewer calories per pound of body weight, but have big stomachs to fill,” explains Dr. Hansen. “So large-breed dog foods are sometimes more conservative in their caloric-density and fat content.”

With 26% protein and 12% fat in every serving, this recipe helps maintain muscle mass while avoiding excess pounds. “The lower-fat formula helps large-breed dogs maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of joint problems, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer,” says Dr. Price.

Additionally, this recipe is fortified with supplements to support healthy skin and joints.

“Large-breed dogs are more prone to joint disease, so they need joint-supporting ingredients,” says Dr. Howe. “This diet has glucosamine and EPA for joint health and mobility.”

Things To Consider:

• Appropriate for adult dogs over 50 pounds
• Lower in fat
• Glucosamine and EPA support joint health
• Vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids promote healthy skin
• High-quality formulation backed by research

Budget is an important factor to consider when selecting a dog food. After all, this will be a recurring expense. With most bag sizes under $2 per pound, Purina ONE Natural Adult Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food offers high-quality nutrition at an affordable price.

“Purina is a great brand that acknowledges pet parents have different budgets,” says Dr. Howe. “They provide high-quality nutrition at different price points to help ensure pet parents are providing their pups with the best diets in their price ranges.”

The recipe offers premium perks, including added omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to support healthy skin; antioxidants for immune system health; natural sources of glucosamine for healthy joints; and prebiotic fiber for gut health.

“This food is a great option at a great price.” says Dr. Higgs. “It gives pet parents comfort knowing they are feeding an excellent brand, with good, balanced nutrition, at a price point that makes everyone happy.”

Things To Consider:

• Appropriate for adult dogs
• Budget-friendly price for high-quality nutrition
• Added omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals for skin health
• Natural sources of glucosamine for healthy joints
• Prebiotic fiber for digestive support