Dog owners often ask…
What are the best dry dog foods available today?
With so many brands, conflicting opinions, and flashy marketing claims, finding the right dry food can be confusing and frustrating.
That’s why this guide was created — to help pet parents cut through the noise and discover the best dry dog foods based on careful research, ingredient analysis, customer feedback, and product transparency.
No vets or pet food companies involved — just honest reviews focused on what really matters: quality ingredients, nutritional value, and how well each formula meets a dog’s dietary needs.
On this page, discover top-rated dry dog foods worth considering, along with answers to common questions about feeding, nutrition, and choosing the right kibble for any breed or life stage.
Best Dry Dog Food 2025
Top picks from Dogfoodsy for the best dry dog food brands 2025
1. Open Farm Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This grain-free formula is one of 18 dry recipes in Open Farm’s product line, standing out for its high-quality animal protein sourced primarily from grass-fed beef.
- 30% Protein (primarily from beef)
- 15% Fat
- 38% Estimated Carbs
- Fat to Protein Ratio: 50%
A top-tier choice for dogs thriving on beef based formulas. Highly recommended for pet parents seeking quality nutrition from ethical sources. (View On Amazon)
Read our review of the full Open Farm Grain-Free Dog Food (Dry)
Why We Like It
- When it comes to beef go for grass-fed and wild-caught salmon
- Supports digestion, immunity, and skin health
- Free from grains and artificial ingredients
- Fully traceable ingredients
- Human-Grade Kitchen Cooked
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Main Ingredients | Beef raised on grass, Salmon caught off the coast, Pumpkin, Garbanzo beans, Coconut oil |
Type | Grain-free dry dog food |
Protein Content | 30% (d.b, approx.) |
AAFCO Standards | All life stages |
Best For | Dogs of all breeds, including grain sensitivities |
Preservative-Free | No artificial preservatives or meat meals |
Sourcing | Traceable, sustainably sourced and wild-caught ingredients |
2. Redbarn Grain Free Sky Recipe Dry Dog Food
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Redbarn Grain-Free Sky Recipe is a high-protein dry dog food containing duck and turkey as the 1st ingredient. Formulated for all dogs including those with grain sensitivities, this food contains superfoods such as flaxseed, turmeric, and salmon oil for overall health support. (View On Amazon)
- 30% Protein (mainly from duck and turkey)
- 16% Fat
- 36% Estimated Carbs
- Fat to Protein Ratio: 53%
A great choice for animal lovers who want a premium grain-free food made with responsibly sourced poultry proteins.
Check out our Complete Review of Redbarn Dry Dog Food Line
Why We Like It
- Wholesome duck and turkey as the first ingredients
- Supports Health and wellness of joints, skin and coat
- No Grain, No Gluten, No added Artificial preservatives
- Enhanced with probiotics for digestion
- Perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Main Ingredients | Ducks, Turkeys, Chickpeas, Peas, Flaxseed, Salmon oil |
Type | Grain-free dry dog food |
Protein Content | 30% (d.b., approx.) |
AAFCO Standards | All life stages |
Best For | Working dogs, Dogs with food sensitivities |
Preservative-Free | No artificial preservatives, flavors or colours |
Sourcing | High-quality, responsibly sourced animal proteins |
3. Jinx Dry Dog Food
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Jinx works really well for us
Lamb & Pumpkin recipe is one of 5 dry foods included in our review of the ACANA Singles + Wholesome Grains product line.
This ACANA recipe derives most of its animal protein from fresh or raw lamb. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 31% protein, 17% fat, and 44% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 55%.
A limited-ingredient, grain-inclusive formula crafted for dogs with food sensitivities. Highly recommended.
Check out our Complete Review Of Jinx Dry Dog Food
Why We Like It
Main Ingredients | Lamb, deboned lamb, lamb meal, whole sorghum, pumpkin |
Texture | Dry |
Type | Grain-inclusive, Limited Ingredient |
Protein Percentage | 31% |
AAFCO Standards | All Life Stages |
Best For | Adult dogs with food sensitivities |
4. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dry
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The Chicken and Brown Rice formula is one of 21 dry dog food recipes featured in our comprehensive review of the Blue Buffalo Life Protection lineup.
This particular recipe gets most of its animal-based protein from deboned chicken and chicken meal. Based on our dry matter analysis, it contains approximately 27% protein, 16% fat, and 50% estimated carbohydrates, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of around 58%.
A premium-quality, grain-inclusive option that consistently ranks as a top pick for adult dogs.
Check out our Complete Review Of Blue Buffalo Dry Dog Food
Why We Like It
Main Ingredients | Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, oatmeal |
Texture | Dry |
Type | Grain-inclusive |
Protein Percentage | 27% |
AAFCO Standards | Maintenance |
Best For | Adult dogs |
5. Canidae Grain-Free Pure Dry Dog Food
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Canidae Pure Real Salmon and Sweet Potato is one of 10 grain-free dry kibble recipes included in our review of the Canidae Grain-Free Pure product line.
This recipe provides a high quality source of protein with fresh salmon and is supplemented with nutrient-dense salmon meal and menhaden fish meal. A full dry dog food is a dry matter analysis It has a 36% protein, 20% fat and 36% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of 56%.
This high-quality dry food does not contain corn, wheat or soy, making it perfect nutrition for the adult dog. A high-end option for pet owners looking for a healthy, grain-free diet.
Read our in-depth review of Canidae Pure Grain-Free Dry Dog Food here.
Key Ingredients | Salmon, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas |
Texture | Dry kibble |
Type | Grain-free |
Protein Content | 36% |
AAFCO Standard | Maintenance |
Best For | Adult dogs |
6. Nulo Freestyle Dry Dog Food
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Nulo Freestyle Adult Turkey & Sweet Potato isn’t the first choice on the list of nine high-protein grain-free kibbles that make up the Nulo Freestyle collection.
Loaded with real deboned turkey as the first ingredient, plus turkey meal and salmon meal for an added protein punch. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 37% protein, 20% fat and 35% estimated carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 55%.
A grain-free formula with a focus on nutrient-dense ingredients, this kibble is intended for dogs at all life stages—from young pups and growing puppies to playful adults. An excellent choice for quality and digestibility, especially for pet owners.
Learn more by reading our full review of Nulo Freestyle Dry Dog Food.
Primary Ingredients | Turkey (deboned), turkey meal, salmon meal, chickpeas, chicken fat |
Texture | Dry kibble |
Type | Grain-free |
Protein Content | 37% |
AAFCO Standard | All Life Stages |
Best For | All dogs, puppy and adult |
7. Go! Carnivore Dry Dog Food
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Go! Carnivore Chicken, Turkey & Duck Adult is one of the five high-protein kibble formulas in the Go! Carnivore lineup.
This nutrient-dense recipe is packed with premium animal protein from chicken meal, turkey meal, and salmon meal, along with fresh deboned chicken and turkey. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 18% fat and 36% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
Made with no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives and 0 percent fillers, meat by-products or soy, this adult dog food features high-quality, natural ingredients plus vitamins and minerals. An excellent option for Pet owners looking for a biologically appropriate, nutrient-rich food.
Read our extensive review of Go! Solutions Carnivore Dry Dog Food.
Primary Ingredients | Chicken meal, turkey meal, salmon meal, deboned chicken, deboned turkey |
Texture | Dry kibble |
Type | Grain-free |
Protein Content | 38% |
AAFCO Standard | Maintenance |
Best For | Adult dogs |
8. Holistic Select Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Holistic Select Adult & Puppy Health is a high-end option in the 11-item line of grain-free kibbles.
The nutrient dense formula includes fresh salmon as the first ingredient, complemented by anchovy and sardine meal for additional omega fatty acids. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 16% fat and 44% estimated carbs which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 48%.
Read our full review of Holistic Select Grain-Free Dry Dog Food here.
Primary Ingredients | Salmon, anchovy & sardine meal, potatoes,, peas, menhaden fish meal |
Texture | Dry kibble |
Type | Grain-free |
Protein Content | 32% |
AAFCO Standard | Maintenance |
Best For | Adult dogs |
9. Dr. Tim’s Dry Dog Food For Active Dogs.
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Dr. Tim’s Pursuit Active Dog Formula is one of the eight high performance kibble options in the Dr. Tim’s brand, providing superb nutrition for dogs that lead an active lifestyle.
This high protein, grain free kibble + freeze dried raw piece is an ideal meal for a dog who demands high protein and the taste of real meat for peak vitality; Sustainably sourced high quality proteins for muscle development and performance Our high content of animal based protein, and low carbohydrate, calorie content is what your dog needs to thrive: no high carbohydrate content like some other foods. Our high protein dog food is great for some of the most active canines.
Why We Like It:
- Whole grain recipe with high-quality ingredients like brown rice and oat groats
- Nutrition designed to meet the high energy demands of Racing, Sporting, and competition dogs in addition to dogs that need to gain weight
- Professional trusted quality and results
The performance dog food category leader, this formula is a standout not just for high active dogs, but excellent for all life stages.
Find out why this is one of our top rated performance feed in our complete Dr. Tim’s Dry Dog Food review.
Main Ingredients | Chicken meal, brown rice, chicken fat, whole oat groats, dried beet pulp |
Texture | Dry |
Type | Grain-inclusive |
Protein Percentage | 33% |
AAFCO Standards | All Life Stages |
Best For | All dogs and puppies |
Feeding Stages: All Life Stages Protein:26% or more Fiber:6.5% or less Calcium:1.2% or more Moisture:11% or less A.A.F.C.O.
Best For: Dogs during sporting activities, working breeds, and all life stages from puppy to adult
10. Iams Dry Dog Food a Budget-Friendly Price
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Iams Mini Chunks Lamb & Rice Dry Dog Food delivers 12 key nutrients for active dogs! Made with real lamb, rice, and essential fatty acids—no filler proteins. Supports strong muscles & energy. Your dog will love the taste! 🐶🔥
It isn’t the best source of proteins but as a whole they are well used in this recipe. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 28% protein, 16% fat and 49% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
Iams Dry Dog Food Benefits:
- Easy-to-digest whole grains (barley, corn)
- Mini-chunk kibble—perfect for small dogs
- Trusted for 50+ years by vets & breeders
- Premium quality at an affordable price
🐶 Your dog loves the taste & crunch!
Discover why this is still a veterinarians’ top choice in our full Iams Proactive Health Dry Food review.
Primary Protein | Lamb |
Supporting Proteins | Chicken by-product meal |
High-Quality Carbohydrates | Brewers rice, whole grain barley, whole grain corn |
Texture | Dry kibble (mini chunks) |
Diet Type | Grain-inclusive |
Protein Content | 28% |
Nutritional Standards | AAFCO Maintenance |
Perfect For | All breeds and sizes of adult dogs |
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