Vet Recommended Dog Food (2024)

Top Dog Food Brands Recommended By Veterinarians in 2024

Dogs, like humans and all other animals, need balanced diets and all the necessary nutrients to develop properly. However, not all dogs are the same. Certain breeds suffer from food allergies or sensitive stomachs; thus, consumption of some foods could trigger severe reactions that could even threaten the life of the pet.

Furthermore, different breeds require different food components in their diets, all based on their growth characteristics. For instance, larger breeds, such as Great Dane or Mastiff, require energy-rich and bodybuilding meals, etc., so their diets may differ from those of chihuahuas.

These and many other factors play major roles in choosing the best dog meal for your Fido. The same factors make it extremely difficult for most masters to make the correct choice. Therefore, they end up spending a lot of money in vet consultation. Well, we consulted a veterinary officer who understands what pet lovers, especially new canine owners, go through in choosing the best dog food. Therefore, we have put together helpful information on the top ten best products currently on the market.

These and many other factors play significant roles in choosing the best dog food for your Fido, but they also complicate it. Therefore, many dog owners end up spending a lot of money on a vet consultation.

Well, we consulted a vet who understands what pet lovers, especially new dog owners, go through in choosing the best dog food. Therefore, we have put together a helpful guide of the top best vet recommended dog food available now on the market that will provide your beloved pet with the right nutrition that he will like.

One thing you must understand is that all dogs have unique nutritional needs. It is vital that you consult with your veterinarian before making any choice. This way, you will understand the specific needs of your dog so that you can feed them with the best foods adjusted to those particular requirements. For the purposes of this article, we have created an arbitrary list of the top vet recommended dog food products that are good enough for a vast majority of dogs.

The Top 10 of Vet Recommended Dog Foods

The following are the most delicious, nutritious, balanced and palatable vet recommended dog food brands to check out.

Product available from Chewy

Royal Canin products at Chewy

If you have a small dog (under 22 pounds) with any type of urinary issues, this food will help you to keep him in better health and mood. It was specially
developed to support the urinary tract and bladder health, which will keep your dog from frequent trips outside and peeing inside the house without making him dehydrated. It’s effective and has a great influence on your dog’s health, that’s why you need your veterinarian’s authorization to buy it. Royal Canin is one of the most trusted dog food brands that keep providing the dogs with nutrition and foods of high quality.

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets

This dog food developed by Purina Pro Plan can provide your adult canine with all the necessary nutrients to keep him healthy and energized. If you choose it, you can be sure you feed your furry friend wholesome meals that he willy actually like and enjoy. You will stay calm and satisfied, being sure that you keep your dog on a balanced and complete diet. Your Fido will be happy and eager to play, he will stay in shape while also maintaining healthy teeth and a shiny coat.

Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties

Stella & Chewy don’t lie when they advertise their dog foods as only the good stuff. All recipes are crafted with care to provide your dog with high-quality, cage-free turkey (other, all-natural meats available), organs and bones, and 100% organic fruits and vegetables – just like your dog would eat if he was still living in the wild. This is one of the best choices when it comes to raw dog food, with ingredients as close to their natural state as possible. It will improve your dog’s appetite and digestion while reducing the risk of allergies.

Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties

Focus is a Purina Pro Plan’s specially developed line of dog foods made for adult dogs with sensitive skin and stomachs. It will help any dog of a small breed develop properly, stay active and in good shape, no matter how sensitive his stomach is. It will allow you to balance your dog’s diet with both dry and wet dog food to help your dog digest, support healthy joints, and to improve and prolong his mobility while also maintaining his good, healthy looks.

Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food

Wellness Core will make your dog happy and healthy with their 100% grain-free and filler-free meals with optimal levels of the best nutrition – the perfect balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Thanks to high-quality animal proteins, the whole meal tastes delicious while providing your canine with a variety of benefits. This dog food will allow you to feed your furry best friend a perfectly balanced diet and keep them away from harmful by-products, wheat, corn, soy, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

Royal Canin Gastrointestinal

Whatever the breed size, if your dog has problems with digesting fat, this dog food provided by Royal Canin’s special veterinary diets line will be the answer to your worries. The ideal blend of antioxidants will help your friend’s immune system, while the combination of the right proteins and probiotics will maintain the balance of bacteria in his gut. Other necessary nutrients will also help him stay in shape and good mood. It’s a veterinary diet item, which confirms its effectiveness, but also requires a veterinarian’s authorization for you to buy it.

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet

This time, Royal Canin answers to the worries of all owners of dogs with severe digestion problems. This highly-palatable dog food contains a protein source broken down to an amino acid level to make it possible for all dogs to digest it without any issues. It also helps your dog to reinforce the natural skin’s barrier, keep his skin healthy, and his coat shiny. This product requires veterinary authorization. It’s one of the best dog foods on the market made with care to provide dogs with well-balanced and healthy nutrition.

Hill’s Prescription Diet Dry Dog Food

If you and your dog are struggling with your Fido’s weight management, Hill’s prescription diet may be the ideal nutrition choice. However, it can only be prescribed by a veterinarian, so don’t implement any changes without consulting one. This dog food was specially formulated to help your canine stay in shape while also providing him with all the necessary nutrients. It works with his metabolism, keeping him full and satisfied between meals, and improves his overall health.

The Selection Criteria For The Best Dog Food Brands

While working on this list of the best dog foods on the markets, I have applied all my knowledge, skills, and experience as a veterinarian. I wanted to create a relevant and helpful list for any dog owner to stop worrying: which is the best dry dog food? What’s it made with? What is the most important nutritional quality? To help you understand my choices and the quality of dog foods better, here are the factors that I took under consideration:

1. The Dog Breed

The most important thing to consider while choosing the best dog foods is the dog breed. There are multiple dog breeds, and each of them has different needs. In general, there are large, medium-sized, and small breeds. Obviously, each of these breeds has specific nutritional requirements because of their characteristics. You have to understand your dog to know what you should feed him.

2. The Age Of Your Dog

Puppies have underdeveloped gastrointestinal systems, and they require dog foods specially formulated to help in growth and development. Very young puppies, e.g., a month-old puppy, may need different meals than a 5-month-old puppy. Adult dogs also differ in their nutritional requirements, which are based on their level of activity, weight, skin and coat condition, and more. In summary, there are special products for puppies, adults, and senior dogs based on the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards and recommendations.

3. The Health Status And Medical History

As I mentioned in the introduction, certain dogs can have food allergies and/or stomach sensitivities. Some ingredients in dog food, such as corn or wheat, may trigger these problems. But there is good news as well: some brands prepare foods specifically designed for dogs with allergy or stomach sensitivity. However, you have to be careful while making a choice, because some dog food brands aren’t exactly truthful while selling their products.

4. FDA Recommendations

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates not only human foods and drugs but also these of animals, both livestock and pets. When looking for the best pet food, you need to take into account the recommendations of the FDA alongside those of the AAFCO. You can read product labels to see if the product is FDA approved and AAFCO compliant.

5. The Reputation Of The Dog Food Company

Do you remember the 2007 melamine pet foods recall and recent Salmonella contamination scares? They affected even some of the biggest brands. This may make it difficult to know which dog food brand is trustworthy, as almost all popular brands had to contend with bacterial infection at some point. Going with the so-called freshly prepared diet or boutique raw diet is not helpful either.

It is difficult to find a spotless brand when it comes to dog foods bacterial contamination. So, some pet owners choose to narrow it down and to contend to brands that have been associated with fewer problems. But it is not good enough. The top commercial dog food brands I have listed in this article are highly reputable, and therefore, you can expect to be provided with safe and healthy meals.

The Top Vet Recommended Dog Food Brands

The following are the most delicious, nutritious, balanced, vet recommended dog food brands to check out:

1. Hill’s Science Diet

The first dog foods brand in my review is the Hill’s Science Diet. Products from this premium dog food brand are specifically designed to meet the specific nutritional needs of all dogs. In fact, the company’s mission is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationship between people and their pets, a job they are doing very well.

The safety standards of the Hill’s Science Diet are modeled after human foods manufacturers. Depending on your needs, the company offers you different versions of pet foods, including “Prescription diet dog food,” “Science diet dog food,” and “Ideal balance dog food.” To underscore the reputation Hill, the company has been a forerunner in quality control and AAFCO nutritional standards since the 1930s.

Also, since the melamine scare of 2007, Hill’s Science Diet has been sourcing its raw ingredients from North America only and manufactures all its products in the United States. For this reason and more, you can be confident that your pet is in the right hands.

2. Royal Canin

Royal Canin is one of the global leaders when it comes to cat and dog food. Compared to the Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin is just as good in terms of nutrition and quality. The company prepares unique meals for specific breeds, which can be extremely helpful. All diets are tailor-made for all the nutritional needs of the canine.

For instance, foods for puppies support growth and development, while for adults, you can find diets aiming for preventing weight gain, stomach sensitivity, and food allergies. Furthermore, the company offers its customers more information to help them care for their favorite companions. Royal Canin is perhaps the most widely distributed canine brand in the world.

3. Purina Pro Plan

Purina ProPlan is a trusted brand when it comes to pet food. The company offers a variety of specially-prepared, both healthy and tasty meals for your pet. The brand develops its products through research with over 400 scientists, including veterinarians, nutritionists, and behaviorists. Thanks to that, they deliver high-quality and advanced canine nutrition year after year.

Purina has been active in research for over eight decades, gaining a reputation that most other companies only dream of. Purina’s more premium line of products is favored by both veterinarians and dogs. The company has enjoyed a lot of publicity lately due to its continuous innovation and its genuine drive to satisfy the majority of its customers.

4. Wellness Natural Food For Dogs

Wellness Natural Food for Dogs is one of the most popular brands. I recommend this brand for you if you are a health nut who wants to find affordable yet safe and healthy commercial products, both the best dry, and wet dog foods. The company produces whole-food-based nutrition with the right balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as a good boost of antioxidants and probiotics for healthier digestion.

Wellness brings together carefully sourced natural ingredients. These ingredients are formulated to promote growth, maintenance, and provision for individual needs. Besides, Wellness prepares meals for a healthy weight, for different ages, for food allergies, for a sensitive stomach, and more. It is incredible that this brand is one of the cheapest in the market.

5. Stella & Chewy’s Natural Goodness For Dogs Best Dog Food

Stella & Chewy’s is a dog food company that provides our canines with some of the best raw meals on the market. It was founded by a true dog lover who experienced the wonders of putting a dog on a raw diet. Their experts focus on delivering high-quality nutrition to keep our furry friends happy, healthy, and energized. They carefully prepare various meals for dogs, all of them raw, healthy, and approved by veterinarians.

Stella & Chewy’s make the raw diet more palatable and convenient for pets and their loving owners.
They offer a variety of products, types of dog foods and treats, but you can be sure that they are all made with natural, safe ingredients and of high quality. It’s worth mentioning that the company has recently gone green, transitioning its packages to recyclables ones, which is supposed to be the first step to sustainability.