9 Best Dog Foods of 2025, Recommended by Vets
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All products in this article have been reviewed by our trusted vets and experts. PetMD is owned by Chewy.
When it comes to finding the best dog food, the choices can be overwhelming, with hundreds of options seemingly all promising different things.
Moreover, dog food labels aren’t exactly easy to understand. They lack the simple nutrition panel we’re used to on our own food, there may be unusual-sounding ingredients, and dogs have different nutritional requirements than we do.
“Reading a pet food label can be very confusing,” says Chewy veterinarian Veronica Higgs, DVM.
To help guide you in your choice, our panel of veterinary experts selected their picks for the best dog foods, from the best wet food to the best dry food to the best foods for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Use these vet-recommended dog foods as a starting point. Before switching to a new food, always talk to your vet or a veterinary nutritionist who can help you identify the optimal diet for your individual dog’s breed, health status, and life stage.
How To Pick the Best Food for Dogs
The best dog foods are veterinarian-approved, meet standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), and are tailored to your dog's life stage, size, health needs, and taste preferences. When you’re shopping for dog food, consider the following:
Your Veterinarian’s Input
Your vet is a great resource to get information and advice on your dog’s individual nutritional and health needs. This is especially important if your pet has any existing health conditions, such as kidney disease or diabetes, or if they are overweight or have any other special needs. Consulting a board-certified veterinary nutritionist is a good resource as well.
AAFCO Standards
All dog foods should meet standards set by AAFCO, a private, non-profit organization that establishes standard ingredient definitions and nutritional requirements for pet food. Look for an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement on the packaging.
Your Dog’s Age
Choose the best dog food designed for your pet’s life stage. Puppies require specially formulated food to support their growth; older dogs may benefit from senior formulas fortified with nutrients to support age-related health conditions. Adult dogs, meanwhile, benefit from a balanced food that offers a complete nutrition profile.
Your Dog’s Size
Most dog foods are formulated for medium-size dogs, unless indicated otherwise. Many will also come in large and small breed varieties. Select a kibble that’s an appropriate size for your pet.
Large kibble meant for large-breed dogs can present a choking hazard to small dogs. Smaller dogs also have different nutritional needs than large dogs; they have higher metabolic rates and require more calories per pound of body weight than larger dogs.
Your Dog’s Health
If your dog has conditions, such as a sensitive stomach, obesity, or dental issues, consider a diet that supports their unique health needs.
Budget
Finally, it’s important to keep price in mind, especially since this will be a recurring purchase and it’s not ideal to frequently switch your dog’s food. The diet you choose should be affordable, but also nutritious.
Most of the diets on our list come with premium price tags, but they offer high-quality nutrition backed by research.
How We Evaluated the Best Dog Foods
This list of the best dog foods was meticulously curated by a panel of veterinarians and veterinary technicians who are employed by Chewy, the publisher of PetMD.
They were asked to choose the best dog foods in their honest opinion, across multiple categories, based on the following:
- Brand reputation
- Clinical trials and science-backed research
- Ingredients (nutritional value)
- Palatability
- Price
Opinions and product recommendations in this article belong solely to the review panel of veterinarians and animal health experts. Manufacturers and vendors cannot pay for placement in Vet Verified articles or exert influence on our panelists as they evaluate products.
Our sole goal with this program is to provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for your pets.
Best Dog Food FAQs
What are the healthiest foods for dogs?
The healthiest, safe human foods for dogs include lean proteins such as chicken and turkey; digestible whole grains such as barley and oats; fruits such as blueberries, apples, and bananas; and vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and green beans. Many of these ingredients are also found in commercially available dog foods.
Which brand of dog food is best?
The best dog food brands are those with research-backed formulas developed with veterinary nutritionists that meet AAFCO nutritional guidelines for dogs of different life stage and health needs. Top picks include Hill’s Science Diet, Purina Pro Plan, and Royal Canin.
What is the highest-rated, fresh dog food?
High-rated, fresh dog foods are minimally processed, highly digestible and come from reputable companies with board-certified veterinary nutritionists on staff. As with regular dog food, they should adhere to AAFCO nutrition guidelines. Fresh dog food brands that meet these requirements are JustFoodforDogs JustFresh, Freshpet Homestyle Creations, and Nom Nom Freshly-Made.
What dog food is best as recommended by vets?
Veterinarians prefer a dog food that comes from a reputable brand, with a formula backed by research that meets not only AAFCO nutrition guidelines but also the specific nutritional requirements of your unique pet, with a taste and texture your dog loves. Top vet-recommended dog foods are made by Hill’s Science Diet, Purina Pro Plan, and Royal Canin.