Dogs. They make us laugh, they make us cry and, yes, they also can make us mad sometimes. One thing our dogs can’t do, though, is make proper choices when it comes to feeding themselves. No, despite what a dog may claim, eating inappropriate things they find on the ground doesn’t count. That’s where their owners come in. It is up to a dog’s “mom and dad” to make proper choices when deciding what to feed their fur babies. The goal is always to feed them the best dog food possible.
And making that choice isn’t always easy. There is so much information out there about this ingredient or that ingredient and how it is either good or bad for dogs. And don’t forget about all the horror stories about dog food recalls. Honestly, choosing the best dog food can be at times terrifying. So where should pet parents start? Who should they turn to for advice? The simple answer is to ask a veterinarian. He or she is well-qualified to discuss what they feel are the best dog food brands.
Vets agree that the best dog food brands focus on high-quality sources of animal proteins along with a balanced mix of fruits, vegetables and healthy grains. Be careful to read the label, as some pet food manufacturers will load their product with plant-based proteins like peas and lentils which can actually do a dog serious harm. But that’s a topic for another article.
So, let’s dive in and look at some of the best vet-recommended dog food brands. For purposes of this article, the assumption will be that you are feeding an adult dog with no underlying medical issues.
Stella & Chewy’s Dinner Patties
This freeze-dried, raw form diet with its 40% protein certainly qualifies as one of the vet-recommended dog food brands. This premium food may seem a bit on the expensive side but remember that with higher-end dog foods, the recommended daily amount is usually less than a grocery-store, brand food, so it all works out in the end.
Hill’s Science Diet (Various Formulations)
Committed pet parents have undoubtedly heard of the Hill’s Science Diet brand. We’d be shocked if we found a veterinarian’s office that didn’t have it on hand. Hill’s, probably the most widely recognized, vet-recommended dog food on the market, comes in two levels, prescription strength (which you can only get with a veterinarian’s approval) and regular (which you can pick up at your local pet store).
Royal Canin
Another vet-recommended dog food you may want to consider feeding your canine companions is Royal Canin. Readily available at stores like Petco and PetSmart, Royal Canin is available in several varieties and they even offer formulations based on breed.
NomNomNow Fresh Dog Food
Many pet owners have opted to go the holistic route when it comes to feeding their dogs. Full of high-end, fit-for-humans grade ingredients, NomNomNow is also easy to dish out. There’s no wondering how much to feed because it is pre-portioned. So, you have less wasted food and it may keep your dog from becoming overweight.
These are but a handful of the best vet-recommended dog food brands. What will work best for your dog can depend on so many factors like age, weight, breed and health conditions. It’s usually recommended that dog owners consult with a veterinarian before making a feeding decision or change.
