The 12 Best Dog Food Brands at Target That'll Get Tails Wagging — Starting at Less Than $2
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When it comes to our pets, we would move mountains for them if we could — they deserve it after all of the unconditional love, support and snuggles they give us. Aside from regular vet checkups, teeth cleanings and grooming appointments, nutrition is probably at the top of the priority list when it comes to your pooch. Providing the best dog food is essential, and it’s something your veterinarian can help you choose.
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How to Identify the Best Dog Food Ingredients, According to Vets
Once the vet gives feedback on your pup’s specific nutritional needs, there are ways to ensure you’re selecting top-shelf dog food formulations. That starts with knowing which ingredients to look out for — and which ingredients to avoid.
“Look for high-quality animal protein sources,” says board-certified veterinary nutritionist Korinn Saker. She says things like chicken, turkey, beef and fish should be the first ingredient in the list. And don’t skip the byproducts — things like heart, liver and other highly nutritious organ meats and even bones. “People give it a really bad connotation, but the true definition of a byproduct is just a secondary product from what your primary reason for slaughtering the animal is.”
There should also be a nutritional adequacy statement, says veterinarian Nicole Reuter VMD. “The nutritional adequacy statement tells what type of pet and what stage of their life the product is made for. And of course, it should provide feeding directions that indicate the appropriate level of nutrition for each stage of a dog’s life.” Beyond that, make sure the packaging says that the food provides “a complete and balanced diet.”
“This statement indicates that the food contains all the required nutrients in the correct ratio for the stage of the pet’s life it is intended for, and that the product meets the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Offical) standards,” adds Reuter.
Dog Food Ingredients to Avoid, According to Vets
Both Sakker and Reuter agree that the jury is still out on the ‘grain versus grain-free’ debate. “There continues to be investigations regarding grain-free diets,” notes Reuter, while Sakker says the grain-free diet craze started with one pet parent who omitted grains from her dog’s diet to cure an allergy — and it went viral, as things do on the internet. “But she didn’t say what other changes there were in the diet,” Sakker points out.
Reuter suggests avoiding raw food diets for your dog, too, as uncooked food could court infections from things like Salmonella and Listeria. “Unless a grain-free or raw food diet is recommended by your veterinarian, it is best to avoid these foods,” she says. Ultimately, the choice is yours.
So, in your quest for dog food with clean and healthy ingredients for your four-legged bestie, make sure you check out the best Target dog food brands.
It’s no secret that Target is a mecca for the best shopping, and now it will be your new favorite spot for dog food. The retailer always has their shelves stocked with different-sized bags which cover all price points, and also has many treat options that you can bring home too. You’ll find brands like blue Buffalo, Rachael Ray, and Kindfull, to name just a few. Keep scrolling to see the best dog food brands.
Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Target is a SheKnows sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
IAMS
The popular IAMS makes dog foods that include seven essential nutrients for head-to-tail health. This top-rated Mini Chunks dog food has more chicken and chicken byproducts than you can shake a stick at, and it’s teeming with antioxidants for superior immunity. “I have used IAM’s dog food for 30 plus years. All my pets have lived long healthy lives!” wrote a happy dog parent.
Nature's Recipe
For the dog who loves a little bit of everything, Nature’s Recipe has a variety pack that includes 12 cups of nutritious wet food to make them drool. Real chicken is the top ingredient in each, but they include proteins like duck and venison, too — and zero artificial flavors or preservatives. Add them as toppers to kibble or serve them alone as a juicy treat. “My mini poodle is extremely picky with all dry kibble, raw foods, and wet foods. Finally found something she’s excited to eat,” wrote a shopper.
Purina ONE
Chicken is the number one ingredient in Purina ONE SmartBlend, a high-protein, antioxidant-rich dry dog food tat Target shoppers adore. The kibble even has Omega-6 fatty acids to keep your pup’s coat looking shiny and shampoo commercial-worthy. This Purina ONE formulation comes in plenty of other flavors too, including lamb and turkey.
Nutro
Made with real lamb and tons of nutrients and antioxidants, Nutro Natural Choice Small Bites is a clean kibble for smaller breeds. “I have a chihuahua and she would not eat any other food I tried everything. We bought the special mixed food and even tried Farmers dog, but she refused to eat it. Once we bought her Nutro she has not wanted anything else,” wrote a pet parent.
Cesar
If you truly want to pamper your pooch, Cesar is the way to go. The brand is famous for its decadent flavors, including duck, prime rib and filet mignon. Real animal protein is the top dog in this formulation, and it works great as a topper or a standalone meal. And you truly can’t beat the price point on this customer favorite. “I bought this a day ago and my dog ate it in a whopping 52 seconds!” wrote a shopper.
Kindfull
Kindfull is makes it a mission to pack each of its products, like this chicken and brown rice recipe, with clean ingredients that contain no by-product meals, wheat, corn, or soy. The recipes are also guided by a veterinarian to ensure your dog gets the best vitamins and nutrients.
“My dogs love the food and treats!” one shopper wrote. “My dogs are picky eaters and they love this food. I have three dogs. I switched because nutro has become too expensive. I bought a small bag to try out and it’s been well received by my brood and I will be switching over permanently. I also purchased 1 pkg of every treat they offer, they’re affordable and my dogs ate them up in a heartbeat.”
Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food
You probably know Rachael Ray as a Food Network personality and cook, but did you know she also has her own line of food for your dog? Right now, at Target, you can get food that includes wholesome ingredients like salmon, beef, and chicken with no preservatives. There aren’t any added grains, gluten, or fillers. You can’t go wrong with this bag of Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food or the soup bones.
Freshpet Select Roasted Meals Tender Chicken and Vegetable Recipe Refrigerated Wet Dog Food
If you’re looking for fresh food for your dog, check out Freshpet. As its name suggests, the brand offers the freshest food for your pet that you refrigerate and pull out just like any other meal. Freshpet’s recipes don’t contain any fillers and puts meat first in every bag of food.
Tender & True
Tender & True‘s delicious ocean white fish and potato recipe will quickly become a favorite for your pooch. It has tasty flavors that are always grain free. And you can also surprise your pet with yummy treats from the brand.
Blue Buffalo
Blue Buffalo is one of the most popular brands you can pick up for your furry friend during your next Target trip. The brand has tons of options when it comes to food. From dry to wet food, there’s a formula for every dog. If you’re not sure what to shop for, we recommend trying these wet dog food toppers — it makes an excellent mixer or special, tasty treat for your pet.
Jinx
Jinx is another option at Target when looking for the best dog foods. They add patented BC30 probiotics, which support digestive health. This salmon, brown rice and sweet potato mix also has twenty superfoods that nourish your pet and keep them healthy.
I and Love and You
This Irresist-A-Bowl Chicken and Beef Wet Dog Food is packed with antioxidant-rich meats and vegetables. The wet food packs are sold in sets of three for under $12 and make an easy and quick meal for your best friend. I and Love and You also has plenty of other choices to fit your pet’s needs too.
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