10 Best Affordable Dog Food Options to Keep Fido Healthy (& Your Wallet Happy)
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Getting a dog is definitely an expensive endeavor. There’s the gear you have to buy, the vaccines and of course, the food. Unlike one-time costs like adoption or breeder fees, dog food is something you’ll have to pay for consistently over time. This means budgeting for monthly trips to PetCo or setting up autoship with Chewy. The best affordable dog food will vary from household to household based on breed, life stage and more. As long as your dog is getting the nutrients they need, you don’t need to shell out a small fortune for their food. Our best overall choice for affordable dog food is Diamond Naturals Adult Lamb Meal and Rice, available for just over $1 per pound. When in doubt, ask your vet to make sure you’re spending your money in the right spot.
The Best Affordable Dog Foods at a Glance:
Meet the Expert:
Jennifer Maitland, is a certified canine nutritionist who studied at the Companion Animal Sciences Institute. She knows all about how your dog’s body processes foods and why some brands are better than others when it comes to nutritional value and ingredients.
How I Vetted and Chose the Best Affordable Dog Food
After consulting our expert, Jennifer Maitland, a CASI-certified canine nutritionist, Ialso consulted Dog Food Advisor for budget-friendly products with high quality ingredients. Then, I considered real customers’ experiences with certain brands and formulas. Finally, I considered pricing, specifically what you might have to spend per pound or ounce (we tried to stay under $2 per pound and $0.30 per ounce). Buying in bulk can save you money in the long run, so go that route if you can afford to.
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1. Diamond Naturals Adult Lamb Meal and Rice
This dry food recipe from Diamond Naturals works for all breeds and at all life stages, according to the manufacturer. The primary protein source is pasture-raised and the kibble is 23 percent crude protein. We also love the pro- and prebiotics in the recipe that can help with digestion. One Reddit user says their two dogs love Diamond Naturals. “My boys love the lamb and rice or beef and rice. I pay about 45 [dollars] a month for a 40-lb. bag for my rottie and houndie.” If you find the lamb meal and rice recipe difficult to track down, we think the beef meal and rice recipe is another terrific option.
2. Nature's Recipe Lamb, Barley & Brown Rice
Adult dogs need a variety of ingredients to get a well-rounded meal, according to the American Kennel Club. A mixture of proteins, grains, fruits and vegetables is ideal. We like this dry food from Nature’s Recipe because of all the fiber it provides, which aids in digestion. One reviewer notes: “Feeding an ancient 15-year [German Shepherd Dog] and a young Malinois about to hit one year old. Surprised and grateful they'll eat something this economical.”
3. Chicken Soup for the Soul Puppy Chicken, Turkey & Brown Rice Recipe
In general, puppies need more protein than adult dogs because they grow at such a rapid rate. Large breed puppies, like tiny Great Danes, may require extra diligence when it comes to food because their joints are at greater risk for injury when they’re little. This dry food formula from Chicken Soup for the Soul says it works with all breeds, but check with your vet to make sure if you have a large breed puppy. We love that it contains lots of protein sources (chicken, turkey, duck and salmon) plus fruits and veggies like carrots, blueberries and spinach.
Beyond the 30 percent crude protein level, there’s salmon oil and omega fatty acids for vision, brain and joint development. One enthusiastic reviewer says their Australian Labradoodle inhaled the food after transitioning off the meals received through a breeder. “This food has always come very fresh and loaded with quality nutrients” the reviewer says. “The food has provided him with wonderful tools to grow, the vet has even been impressed with his growth and health.”
4. Iams Proactive Health Large Breed Adult with Real Chicken
Large breeds often require different nutrition profiles than small breeds, in part because their bodies take longer to mature (Bernese Mountain Dogs have a LOT of growing to do!). Iams recommends waiting until large breeds (those weighing 50 pounds or more when fully grown) reach 12 to 24 months before feeding them adult formulas. We like this proactive health dry food recipe because of its high protein content and lack of fillers. One reviewer also loves the value: “Iams is a really good top shelf dog food my dogs love. I’ve found purchasing the large bag from Amazon saves money compared to buying from the grocery store.”
5. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Chicken & Sweet Potato Formula
Some dogs with specific health issues (kidney or urinary problems) benefit more from wet food than dry kibble, according to VCA Animal Hospitals. One drawback is that wet food tends to be a little pricier than dry kibble over time. We like this wet food formula by Natural Balance because it’s ideal for stomach sensitivities and digestive issues. At $.29 per ounce, it’s the priciest wet food on our list, but the limited ingredients (sweet potatoes and chicken) may be worth it for pups who need more digestive support. This stuff works well for all life stages, too, including seniors. “It has put some pep back into my 15-year-old Shepard Mix,” one Amazon review notes. “It is formulated in such a way that his sensitive, tumor-riddled system is able to process it easily.”
6. Nature's Recipe Grain-Free Salmon, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin
While grain-free diets aren’t ideal for all dogs, some pups can’t digest grain very well. Your vet will be able to tell you whether a grain-free diet is appropriate. If so, we recommend this salmon, sweet potato and pumpkin kibble from Nature’s Recipe. Salmon is the first ingredient, offering healthy omega fatty acids. The sweet potato and pumpkin provide tons of fiber for easier digestion. Reviewers say Nature’s Recipe is less pricey than other limited ingredient kibble while still offering quality ingredients and getting results. “My pitty has severe allergies, scratching and chewing like crazy. Pulls his hair out and goes is bald [sic] from waist down…Tried several more foods with nothing. Found NR (salmon being what the vet suggested) [and] the diarrhea has stopped and he is now growing his hair back. Love NR!!”
7. American Journey Limited Ingredient Diet Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe
This formula by American Journey is similar to Natural Balance’s limited ingredient recipe, but it costs a little less and contains more protein. If chicken doesn’t agree with your pup, American Journey makes lamb and duck versions of this wet food that may work well. Beyond going easy on your dog’s tummy, several reviewers noticed a dramatic improvement in their pet’s skin and coats after switching to this food. For dogs who love their kibble but need the extra hydration, this wet food can be used as a meal topper to encourage healthy bowel movements. “My dog loves this and the lamb flavor,” says one reviewer. “He has chronic pancreatitis and usually requires [prescription] food. But, he can eat this with no problems!!!!! Probably due to the limited ingredients.... And it's cheaper than the [prescription] options!”
8. Chicken Soup for the Soul Mature & Senior Chicken, Turkey & Duck
The AKC says diets for senior dogs vary based on need, so always check with your vet before switching to a mature or senior formula. We love this recipe because it offers up a ton of protein from a variety of sources and is easy to chew because it’s wet food. Some seniors prefer wet foods or wet toppers that have been heated up because it enhances aromas and flavors. Others need to lose weight as their agility decreases, which makes wet food a better choice than kibble. Plus, reviewers rave about their dogs going gaga over the flavors: “My 17-year-old was tired of the usual food she's been eating. Dog Food Advisor recommended this brand so I tried it. She LOVES the canned AND the dried for mature dogs, licks the bowl clean!”
9. Iams Proactive Health Minichunks with Real Chicken & Whole Grains
Iams’ minichunks dry food is designed for smaller breeds and smaller sets of teeth. While chicken is the first ingredient, this recipe does contain byproducts, which isn’t ideal. However, it meets the AAFCO’s nutritional guidelines for maintaining adult dog health and is also full of flaxseed, carrots, vitamins and minerals that will keep small breeds happy and healthy. Iams is definitely a go-to affordable option for many dog parents who don’t want to sacrifice quality for a better price. “We have been using Science Diet dog food for years but with inflation needed something less expensive,” says one reviewer. “Iams fits the bill. Our poodles love it as much as the other and it saves us money.”
10. True Acre Foods Weight Control Chicken & Vegetables
Helping your dog maintain a healthy weight is crucial to their longevity and overall happiness. This doesn’t mean just feeding your dog less, it means feeding them food that is nutritious and filling without leaving them hungry. True Acres has a budget-friendly option that is lower in calories and fat than their other recipes. It also contains L-carnitine to support metabolism. We also love that it helps keep joints healthy, which means easier exercise and walks for your dog. “My vet even wanted to know the kind of food we used to help our obese rescue get fit,” says one reviewer. “[The dog] has been on it for maintenance for a couple of years now. Our little dog went from 19 to 11 lbs., all while loving his food.”
What Brands Offer High-Quality Yet Affordable Dog Food?
Jennifer Maitland, a canine nutritionist certified by the Companion Animals Sciences Institute, says two of her favorite dog food brands offering high-quality, affordable options are Open Farm and Natural Balance.
“While I generally do not love kibble for dogs, these two brands have high-quality ingredients and no fillers,” Maitland says. “They also offer grain-free, soy-free, and wheat-free options, as well as different single ingredient protein options to accommodate dogs with any allergies or food sensitivities.”
We’ve included Natural Balance’s Limited Ingredient Diets Chicken & Sweet Potato Formula on our list, but found that Open Farm was slightly above the price point we tried sticking to. By all means, check out Open Farm if you’re willing to spend a little more for the ingredients offered!
What to Consider When Choosing Affordable Dog Food for Your Pup
Choosing an affordable dog food can lead to decision fatigue. There are so many options! To help you narrow it down, consider the following:
Is Human-Grade Dog Food Worth It? Vets Weigh in on Their 3 Favorite Brands
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