9 Best Cheapest Dog Food
Dog lovers always strive to provide the best for their furry friends, but quality doesn’t always come with a high price tag. In the vast world of dog food, there are numerous brands that offer nutritious options without breaking the bank. Let’s explore some of the best options based on expert recommendations, user reviews, and industry insights.
Understanding the Gold Standard: WSAVA Guidelines
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) guidelines are a useful measure of quality. Brands that adhere to these guidelines are often recommended due to their scientific backing and nutritional value.
Top Recommendations
1. Purina One
Popularity: Frequently mentioned across Reddit and expert discussions.
Special Mention: Most of Purina One’s formulas undergo feeding trials, making them reliable for your dog’s nutrition.
Range: They have a variety of flavors and formulations, including the Purina One Smart Blend Sensitive Systems that’s based on salmon and suitable for dogs with sensitivities.
2. Iams
Reputation: Globally recognized and backed by scientific research.
Affordability: Comparable to other budget brands but with a trusted nutritional profile.
3. Diamond Naturals
Highlights: Known for using high-quality ingredients like real meat, fruits, and vegetables.
Diverse Offerings: They cater to specific needs such as life stage, breed size, and unique dietary requirements. The brand also offers grain-free options.
User Feedback: Many dog owners vouch for the brand’s effectiveness in promoting a shiny coat, healthy skin, and overall vitality.
4. Taste of the Wild
Nature Inspired: As the name suggests, this brand aims to offer diets mimicking what dogs would naturally eat in the wild.
Unique Protein Sources: It includes unusual meats like bison, venison, and salmon, beneficial for dogs with allergies to common protein sources.
Grain-Free: All their recipes are grain-free, focusing on delivering energy from sources other than grains.
5. Eukanuba
Research Backing: Eukanuba invests significantly in canine dietary research, ensuring its products are top-tier.
Life Stage Specific: They offer puppy, adult, and senior formulas tailored to the different nutritional needs of each life stage.
Special Formulas: Eukanuba provides breed-specific formulas ensuring optimal nutrition for specific breeds’ unique needs.
6. Kirkland’s Nature’s Domain
Affordable Premium: Exclusively available at Costco, it’s often compared to more expensive premium brands in terms of quality.
Organic Ingredients: Uses USDA certified organic ingredients, ensuring that your dog isn’t consuming any unnecessary additives.
Diverse Range: Whether you’re looking for a salmon meal & sweet potato or turkey meal & sweet potato, they’ve got diverse offerings to keep mealtime exciting for your pup.
7. Rachel Ray’s Nutrish
Celebrity-Backed: Developed by celebrity chef Rachel Ray, this line combines culinary delight with nutritional needs.
No Junk: Free from poultry by-product meals, fillers, artificial flavors, and artificial preservatives.
Range: Nutrish offers both dry and wet foods, allowing pet parents to mix and match for variety.
8. Merrick Grain-Free
Ingredient-Centric: Merrick emphasizes the importance of whole foods, sourcing fresh meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables.
Probiotic Boost: Their formulas include probiotics for digestive health, which is a significant plus for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Bone Broth Inclusion: Some of their recipes include bone broth, which is a rich source of collagen and other joint-supporting nutrients.
9. NutriSource
Family Owned: Known for its high manufacturing standards and exceptional quality control.
Prebiotics and Probiotics: Their recipes are packed with both, promoting optimal gut health and boosting the immune system.
Specialty Recipes: NutriSource offers high-quality specialty recipes like large breed puppy and weight management, catering to unique canine needs.
Insider Tips for Savings
Store-specific deals: Many users on Reddit have mentioned that the Petsmart app offers games that reward coupons. It’s always a good idea to check out such apps for deals and discounts.
Bulk purchases: Brands like Kirklands Natures Domain from Costco can provide substantial savings when bought in bulk.
Switching based on deals: While it’s essential to maintain consistency in your dog’s diet, if you’re considering a change, do it gradually and ensure the new food also meets required nutritional standards.
What About Walmart?
Contrary to popular belief, not all dog food at Walmart is of low quality. Brands like Purina ONE, Iams, and Dog Chow are available there at affordable prices. These diets have scientific backing, making them trustworthy options for pet owners on a budget.
Parting Advice
While price is a factor, always prioritize your dog’s health. Look out for sudden changes in your dog’s behavior, energy levels, or physical appearance after switching foods. Consulting a veterinarian for personalized advice is also a wise step.
FAQs on Budget-Friendly Dog Foods
1. Why is there such a wide price range for dog foods?
Different dog foods have varying production costs, ingredients, and research backing them. Brands that invest in high-quality ingredients, rigorous quality control, and scientific research often have higher retail prices. Additionally, marketing, packaging, and distribution channels also influence the final price.
2. Can cheap dog food be harmful to my pet?
Not necessarily. While some low-cost brands might use fillers or subpar ingredients, many budget-friendly brands adhere to nutritional standards set by recognized organizations. However, always read the ingredients and ensure the food meets WSAVA guidelines or has veterinary approval.
3. How can I identify quality ingredients in dog food?
Quality dog foods generally list real meat, poultry, or fish as their primary ingredients. Look out for whole foods like real chicken, beef, fish, and recognizable vegetables and grains. Avoid products with unidentified “meat by-products” or excessive fillers.
4. What are feeding trials, and why are they important?
Feeding trials are studies where the dog food is fed to actual dogs to observe its effect on their health and well-being. They provide practical evidence of a food’s nutritional value, as opposed to just a formulated nutrient profile. Brands that conduct feeding trials often mention this on their packaging.
5. Should I be concerned about grain in dog food?
Grains, when properly cooked, can be a digestible and valuable source of energy. Unless your dog has a specific grain allergy diagnosed by a vet, grain-inclusive diets can be beneficial. Remember, grain-free doesn’t necessarily mean carbohydrate-free; these diets replace grains with other carb sources like potatoes or peas.
6. Are there health benefits to rotating between different dog food brands or flavors?
Some veterinarians and pet nutritionists believe that rotating foods can provide a more varied nutrient profile and reduce the risk of allergies or intolerances. If considering rotation, ensure each brand or flavor meets the necessary nutritional requirements and introduce any new food gradually to avoid digestive upset.
7. How do I switch my dog’s food without causing stomach upset?
When transitioning to a new dog food, do it gradually over a week or longer. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with the old. Gradually increase the proportion of the new food while decreasing the old one. This slow transition helps your dog’s digestive system adjust.
8. Are there benefits to making homemade dog food?
While homemade dog food allows owners to control ingredients, it’s crucial to ensure the food provides a balanced diet. Before switching to homemade, consult with a veterinarian or pet nutritionist to ensure the meals meet all your dog’s nutritional needs.
9. How often should I feed my dog?
This varies based on the dog’s age, size, activity level, and specific health needs. Typically, puppies require frequent meals (3-4 times a day), while most adult dogs are fed twice daily. Always refer to feeding guidelines on the dog food package or consult your vet for personalized recommendations.
10. Can I supplement my dog’s diet with human food?
While certain human foods are safe and even beneficial for dogs, others can be toxic. Always research before giving any human food and provide them in moderation. Remember to account for these calories to prevent overfeeding. Avoid foods like chocolate, grapes, onions, and xylitol, which are harmful to dogs.
11. How do dry and wet dog foods differ nutritionally?
While both can offer complete nutrition, dry kibble tends to have higher carbohydrate content, whereas wet food often has a higher moisture and protein content. Wet food can be beneficial for dogs that don’t drink water frequently or have specific dental issues. However, dry kibble can assist in dental health by reducing tartar buildup.
12. Why is meat meal listed as an ingredient?
Meat meal is dehydrated and rendered meat. The water and fat are removed, leaving a concentrated protein source. While it might not sound appealing, meat meals often provide more protein than whole meats since they’re in concentrated form. Just ensure the source of the meal (like chicken or beef) is specified.
13. Is corn filler a bad ingredient?
Corn often gets a negative reputation in pet food discussions. However, when properly processed, corn is a digestible carbohydrate source that provides essential nutrients, including protein, fatty acids, and vitamins.
14. How does breed-specific dog food differ from regular dog food?
Breed-specific foods are formulated considering the unique needs of particular breeds. For instance, a breed prone to obesity might have a formula with fewer calories. While these can be beneficial, a well-balanced diet that meets general canine nutritional standards can also suffice for most dogs.
15. How do I store dry dog food to ensure it remains fresh?
To maintain freshness, store dry dog food in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use an airtight container to prevent moisture and contaminants. Remember to check the expiration date, and don’t buy in such bulk that the food goes stale or exceeds its use-by date.
16. Are dog food “toppers” or “mix-ins” necessary?
While not essential, toppers or mix-ins can enhance the palatability of your dog’s meal and might provide additional nutrients. However, it’s vital to ensure that any additions don’t throw off the balance of the primary food. It’s also crucial to factor in the additional calories to avoid overfeeding.
17. How is a limited ingredient diet different?
Limited ingredient diets (LIDs) typically have fewer components, focusing on a single protein source and minimal carbohydrate sources. These diets are beneficial for dogs with allergies or sensitivities, allowing owners to isolate and eliminate problematic ingredients.
18. Are “all life stages” dog foods suitable for every dog?
“All life stages” foods are formulated to meet the nutritional needs of both puppies and adult dogs. While they can be convenient, puppies and seniors have specific dietary requirements. It might be more appropriate to choose a life stage-specific food for puppies, large breed dogs, or senior canines.
19. Is there an advantage to grain-free diets?
Grain-free became popular due to perceived allergies and intolerances. While some dogs might benefit from grain-free diets due to specific issues, grains aren’t inherently bad. It’s essential to base your decision on your dog’s individual needs rather than trends.
20. How can I ensure the dog food I choose adheres to safety and quality standards?
Look for brands that undergo third-party testing, have transparent sourcing practices, and are members of recognized industry groups. Check if they’ve had recalls in the past and how they were handled. Lastly, consult with your veterinarian for recommendations and insights based on their experience and knowledge.
21. What role do probiotics play in dog food?
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support digestive health. When included in dog food, they promote a balanced gut microbiome, aiding in digestion and potentially bolstering the immune system.
22. What is the significance of omega fatty acids in canine diets?
Omega fatty acids, specifically Omega-3 and Omega-6, contribute to a healthy skin and coat, reduce inflammation, and support cognitive function. Sources include fish oils, flaxseed, and certain animal fats.
23. How often should I transition my dog’s food?
Regular food changes aren’t necessary unless prompted by specific reasons like life stage transitions, health concerns, or dietary sensitivities. A sudden switch can upset your dog’s stomach, so if changing, do so gradually over 7-10 days by mixing the new food with the old in increasing proportions.
24. Are by-products harmful to my dog?
By-products are non-rendered parts excluding meat, derived from mammals or poultry. They can include organs which are nutrient-dense. While the term might sound negative, quality by-products can be nutritious. Always consider the overall quality and source of the ingredients.
25. Does a higher price always indicate better quality dog food?
Not necessarily. While some premium brands offer exceptional quality, there are affordable options that meet standard nutritional guidelines. Research, vet consultations, and ingredient analysis are pivotal when making decisions.
26. Can I give homemade dog food to save costs?
Homemade diets can be fulfilling but require thorough research to ensure they meet all nutritional needs. Before switching, consult with a veterinarian or a pet nutritionist to avoid nutrient imbalances.
27. Is it essential to have a variety of proteins in dog food?
While not mandatory, a protein variety can ensure a broader amino acid profile and reduce the risk of developing allergies to a specific protein if exposed over prolonged periods.
28. How can I identify if my dog is allergic to its food?
Common signs include itching, red skin, ear infections, and gastrointestinal issues. If you suspect a food allergy, consult your vet, who might recommend an elimination diet to identify the culprit.
29. Does ‘human-grade’ labeling on dog food indicate superior quality?
‘Human-grade’ means the food is fit for human consumption. While it suggests higher ingredient quality, it doesn’t necessarily indicate the food’s overall nutritional appropriateness for dogs.
30. Are there specific ingredients to avoid in cheaper dog foods?
Be cautious of non-specified meat meals (like “meat meal” instead of “chicken meal”), artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin. Also, avoid excessive fillers that don’t offer nutritional value.