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26 Best Affordable Dog Foods

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Published on
Tuesday 18 August 2020
Last updated on
Tuesday 9 May 2023

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best affordable dog foods
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Are you looking for the best affordable dog foods? Then let us help you with our complete guide to high-quality dog nutrition on a budget. You are going to learn the following:

  1. What makes this type of food different
  2. How to choose an excellent inexpensive dog food
  3. What are the best options on the market are

Be it that you are looking for the cheapest grain-free dog food or the best affordable wet dog food, we have included different options in our guide, so you can choose the one that better meets the needs of your pet.

26 Best Affordable Dog Foods

Using the criteria from the previous section, we have selected the top 26 affordable dog foods on the market, to bring your pet high-quality nutrition at a fair price. They have met all the nutritional standards we have described, and therefore, you can buy with confidence.

1. Hill’s Science Diet Wet Dog Food

The Hill’s Science Diet Wet Dog Food features high-quality beef protein, pork liver, and barley as the main ingredients. Furthermore, they use natural ingredients for the other macronutrients. They include plenty of nutrients in the form of vitamin E, omega-6s, and beta-carotene.

The most prominent benefit of this dog food is that it is one of the few affordable wet foods on the market. Furthermore, their content of real meat and antioxidant blend makes it a great choice for dogs of all ages.

According to reviews, this canned food has excellent flavor, and dogs do not experience issues at the hour of switching their regular food. Furthermore, the owners report that the texture is smooth and less processed, which makes it an even better choice. The only complaints are regarding the shipping because some owners have reported that some canned arrived dented.

2. Diamond Premium Recipe Maintenance

The Diamond Premium Recipe Maintenance affordable dog food features 22% of protein and 12% of fat, in a carefully determined composition. They use chicken as the main protein source, along with chicken fat and nutrients such as Vitamin E and added fiber. Furthermore, they use scientifically advanced protocols to ensure food safety.

The main advantage of the food is the low price and honest approach to marketing because they advertise what their food really contains. Nonetheless, their price is so low and the value of the food is solid enough that we had to include it here.

According to reviews, the dogs love the flavor of the food. They have also reported benefits such as shinier coats, improved digestion, and better mood. The only con of the product is that they base their product on chicken, which can be problematic for some dogs, and it is something we have verified in the reviews.

3. Hill’s Science Diet Wet Dog Food Small Paws

The Hill’s Science Diet Wet Dog Food Small Paws is an affordable option for small breeds. It features a balanced composition that is ideal for small dogs from 1 to 6 years old. This product uses real meat as the main protein source to ensure optimal body composition and healthy muscle mass.

It comes in two versions featuring real beef or chicken, along with gentle fibers, healthy vegetables, omega-6 fatty acids, and vitamins (E, B12, and D3) to promote a healthy and shinier coat.

According to reviews, the food has a great flavor and it actually improves digestion and makes the coat shinier and healthy. Small dogs such as Yorkies love it, especially those that are very picky when it comes to food. Furthermore, the owners comment that it actually looks like real meat and vegetables. The only con that they report is regarding the packaging because the cans can be difficult to open at times.

4. Amazon Brand – Solimo Basic Dry Dog Food with Grains

The Solimo Basic Dry Dog food features a formula that combines American beef, corn, vitamins, and minerals. They are transparent about their offer because as they state it, they use corn as the first ingredient, followed by meat and bone as the second ingredient.

The formula of the food is free from artificial flavors and it includes nutrients such as Vitamin B12, riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, and folic acid, along with minerals such as zinc. Furthermore, the main benefit of the food is the price and their transparent approach to marketing. You get exactly what they advertise.

According to reviews, the food has decent flavor and most dogs will eat it. Overall, the owners do not complain about the price, but they also report that other options are better, especially since it uses corn as the main ingredient, which can be problematic for many dogs. Therefore, we would recommend you to check out the other options from our list, because this option by Solimo is only good for those on a very tight budget.

5. V-Dog Vegan Kibble Dry Dog Food

Even though we do not recommend vegan foods, here you have an option if you decide to follow that path. On the other hand, it is a good and affordable choice to balance the diet of your dog, in case you are already feeding it animal protein from other sources.

The V-DOG Vegan Kibble Dry Dog Food is free from soy, corn, wheat, by-products, and fillers, which make it superior in quality to the most cheap kibble options on the market. Furthermore, their formula meets all the AAFCO guidelines for adult dog nutrition.

According to reviews, this dog-favorite flavor and has improved to alleviate allergies, even severe cases. Nonetheless, it is low in fat, which can be a problem. In addition, it is better used as a supplement rather than the only food you bring to your dog because as we have stated, and many owners have done as well, animal protein is the name source of nutrition for your pet.

6. Purina Pro Plan SAVOR Shredded Blend with Probiotics

The Purina Pro Plan SAVOR Shredded Blend with Probiotics affordable kibble features real beef meat, easy-to-digest carbohydrates such as rice, and live probiotics to promote optimal digestion. It contains a shredded blend that combines crunchy kibble and tender meaty pieces.

The main benefit of this food is that it comes from a reputable brand, it uses beef as the #1 ingredient and it has a high content of protein (26%).

According to reviews, it offers excellent nutrition at a low price, in addition to great flavor and noticeable health benefits such as improved digestion, better mood, fewer allergies, more energy, and shinier coat.

7. Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct Natural Adult Dry Dog Food

The Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct Natural Adult Dry Dog Food features a formula that uses turkey and venison as the first ingredients, bringing your dog top-notch protein sources, ranking at 30% of protein content. Furthermore, it is free from additives, preservatives, artificial flavoring, and poultry by-products.

It provides optimal nutrition on a budget for dogs all of the ages, especially young dogs, thanks to its high content of animal protein. Furthermore, it also features a high concentration of tender, meaty morsels, which makes it even more likable for dogs.

According to reviews, the food has an exquisite taste, it has improved the skin and coat of several dogs, alleviated sensitive stomach problems, solved gas issues, and boosted vitality and energy. Furthermore, the owners comment that the food is free from dyes and that it has brought excellent results in a short time after switching to Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct.

8. Fromm Gold Nutritionals Adult Dry Dog Food

The Fromm Gold Nutritionals is good quality food at a reasonable price. It contains a blend of protein, probiotics, and other nutrients for a dog’s overall growth. You can buy any of the three bag sizes- 5 pounds,15 pounds, and 30 pounds. Every ingredient in this dog food passes through testing and sampling to ensure the high quality of the dog food.

According to the reviews, dog food is suitable for every dog breed. Additionally, some users say that even their picky eaters would not eat anything else like this food and clean their bowls every time. 

On the other hand, some people found that the protein content in this food is less for their highly active large dogs. In addition, it is not grain free and can result in an upset stomach in some dogs.

Pros

  • Picky eaters gobble up this food.
  • Improves energy level
  • Promotes healthy fur and skin

Cons

  • The protein content is slightly less.
  • It can cause an upset stomach in some dogs.

9. IAMS Minichunks Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken

The IAMS dry dog food is affordable if you have an adult dog. It contains a balanced mix of protein, fiber, antioxidants, and prebiotics. It contains real chicken and is free of artificial colors, preservatives, and fillers. It is available in two variants- wet plus dry and dry food

According to the reviews, this dog food helps older dogs remain active and healthy. Also, the dogs love the flavor of this food, and even picky eaters have no trouble eating this food. It even helped relieve symptoms of skin infections in some dogs. 

However, this dog food is not suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Many owners have complained that this dog food gave their dogs upset stomachs and vomiting.

Pros

  • Builds immunity in dogs
  • Clears out a skin infection
  • Suitable for lean muscle development
  • Keeps an active dog energetic
  • Reduces bad breath

Cons

  • May cause loose stools and vomiting in some dogs
  • Some dogs may be allergic to chicken

10. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet

The natural balance limited ingredients diet gives you control over your dog’s diet. It contains protein, amino acids, fatty acids, and other nutrients for a dog’s health. In addition, this dog food passes through safety checks to ensure it is free of contaminants. It is available in four bag sizes and seven different flavors containing beef, duck, chicken, and salmon as the main ingredients. It is suitable for dogs of small breeds.

According to the reviews, this dog food makes their dogs energetic, and even the fussiest of dogs like the flavor of this dog food. However, one of the main issues people complained about was finding fish bones in the salmon recipe. Also not a good choice of food for dogs with skin allergies.

Pros

  • A good choice for fussy eaters
  • Aids in digestion
  • Strengthen muscles
  • Improves fur quality
  • Healthy gums and teeth

Cons

  • May aggravate skin allergies
  • The Salmon recipe contains fish bones in some kibbles

11. Eukanuba Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food

The Eukanuba dog food features a blend of animal protein, carbs, fats, and other nutrients essential for increasing energy levels in a senior dog. It also contains chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, vitamin E, and DHA to maintain an old dog’s overall health. It is available in three different bag sizes to choose from.

According to the reviews, this dog food offers complete nutrition at a reasonable price, and they don’t have to give additional supplements to their dogs. 

However, picky eaters don’t seem to enjoy the flavor and avoid the food altogether. Additionally, it contains wheat as the second ingredient, so maybe not be a good choice for dogs who are intolerant to gluten.

Pros

  • Healthier gums and teeth
  • Improves brain health
  • Strong bones, muscles, and joints
  • Makes dogs energetic
  • Strengthen immunity in dogs

Cons

  • Not gluten-free
  • Picky eaters won’t eat it

12. Eagle Pack Power Natural Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Pork

The Eagle pack power is another affordable option for high-quality dog food. The chicken and pork recipe features an optimal blend of all essential nutrients for a dog’s good health. It is free of meat by-products, wheat, corn, and artificial ingredients. This dog food is suitable for adult dogs of all breeds.

According to the reviews, this dog food helped underweight dogs achieve healthy muscle mass. It also improves dogs’ fur and skin quality and makes them more energetic. However, every dog is different, and so is their taste. Some of the dogs don’t seem to like this food very much. Other than that, some people also complain that this dog food gives their dog digestive issues.

Pros

  • Increases energy levels in dogs
  • Betters the immunity
  • Healthier fur, skin, and joints
  • The USA made
  • Builds muscle mass

Cons

  • Not suitable for picky eaters
  • Causes digestive issues

13. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food

The Blue Buffalo life protection formula is affordable dog food for adult dogs to improve their vitality. The first ingredient is real chicken, along with grains, fruits, and vegetables to meet the nutritional requirement of your adult dog. It is available in six distinct flavors containing chicken, lamb, beef, and fish as the protein source. There are four bag sizes for you to choose from.

According to the reviews, this dog food lowers cholesterol in dogs, and the taste is good enough for picky eaters. It also helped relieve skin allergies in dogs. However, it seems to cause excessive gas. Also, some dogs developed diarrhea and vomiting after switching to this food.

Pros

  • Strengthen the muscles in dogs
  • It makes dogs highly energetic
  • Promotes healthy joints for better mobility
  • Lowers the risk of diseases
  • Shiny and healthy coat and skin

Cons

  • It may cause gas in dogs.
  • Causes diarrhea and vomiting in dogs with a sensitive stomach

14. Pedigree Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken Flavor, All Bag Sizes

The Pedigree dog food is one of the most affordable dog foods on our list and is suitable for adult dogs of all breeds. It is available in seven different bag sizes. You can choose between chicken or chicken and beef flavors. 

It contains whole grains, meat meal, animal fat, and other ingredients, which offer a balanced mix of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and antioxidants. It fulfills the nutritional requirement of your dogs. 

According to the reviews, dogs love the flavor of this food. It also helps them maintain their energy and promotes healthy skin and fur

However, it is unsuitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs or who are allergic to grains. It seems to cause digestive issues in them.

Pros

  • Dogs like the flavor
  • Maintains oral health in senior dogs
  • Improves immunity 
  • Healthy skin and coat

Cons

  • It contains grain as the first ingredient
  • Not suitable for dogs with a sensitive stomach

15. Rachael Ray Nutrish Dry Dog Food, Beef, Pea & Brown Rice Recipe

Next on our list is the Rachael ray dog food with beef, brown rice, and pea. Beef is an excellent protein source that supports the overall development of your dog. Peas and brown rice are low-carb, high-fiber ingredients that improve your dog’s digestion. In addition, it contains several vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants essential for a dog’s health. The dog food is available in four bag sizes.

According to the reviews, this dog food has exceptional quality even at an affordable price. Users mention improved skin and fur quality in their dogs. It also helps maintain the weight of overweight pups. 

However, picky eaters are not very fond of the taste, because of the brown rice base which some dogs don’t like. Secondly, the high fiber content of this dog food can cause a lot of poop in some dogs.

Pros

  • Improves skin allergies
  • Shiny coat
  • Reduces constipation
  • Healthy gut
  • Lean muscle development

Cons

  • High in fiber, can cause indigestion
  • Not suitable for golden retrievers

16. Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Easy to Digest Dry Dog Food

Nature’s Recipe dog food is a high-protein, low-fat dog food free of grains. It is suitable for dogs of all breeds and ages. The dog food recipe features real chicken, pumpkin, and sweet potato, which makes it easy to digest for dogs. It makes use of all-natural ingredients and is free of artificial fillers. It is available in four bag sizes to choose from.

According to the reviews, this dog food is a good choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs. The food is hypoallergenic and clears out infections in dogs. It also improved bones and joint health in older dogs. 

On the other hand, fussy eaters may not like this food too much because of the sweet potato flavor which some dogs don’t prefer. The food also has a harsh smell which can sometimes be a problem for both the dog and the pet parents.

Pros

  • Suitable for dogs with food allergies
  • Easy on stomach
  • Strong bones, joints, and teeth
  • Lean muscle development
  • Improved immunity

Cons

  • Not for picky eaters
  • Has a bad smell

17. Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Medium Adult Dry Dog Food

The Royal Canin dog food is another affordable but high-quality food for adult dogs of medium breeds. It contains a balanced mix of protein, fiber, fat, and other essential vitamins and minerals for your dog’s optimum health. In addition, the presence of DHA and EPA improves the coat and skin of your dog. It also contains antioxidants and prebiotics, which help build immunity in dogs.

According to the reviews, the dogs seem to like the flavor of this dog food. It also helps maintain their weight while giving them enough energy to remain active. 

However, one of the significant issues that people faced with this dog food was shipping. Many of the people complained that they received torn or open food bags. Also, several dogs got diarrhea and vomiting after eating this food.

Pros

  • Protects against diseases
  • Easily digestible
  • Improved gut health
  • Healthy skin and fur
  • Healthy gums and teeth

Cons

  • Not suitable for dogs with a sensitive stomach
  • Low in protein 

18. Nutro Ultra Weight Management Adult Dry Dog Food

The Nutro Ultra dog food is an affordable choice for people who are trying to maintain their dog weight. It contains a medley of chicken, lamb, and salmon to create a protein-rich and low-fat diet for dogs. Apart from these, this dog food also has the goodness of superfoods like brown rice, oats, blueberries, tomatoes, chia seeds, and others. In addition, it is free of GMOs and available in three bags and two breed sizes.

According to the reviews, this dog food is an excellent weight management product with complete nutrition but lower calories. 

However, some people complain about this dog food causing diarrhea in their dogs, because of the high amount of fiber content. Also, the kibble size is not apt for larger breeds of dogs.

Pros

  • Healthy and shiny coat
  • Improved skin quality
  • Weight management
  • Improves oral health
  • Healthy muscles and bones

Cons

  • Cable size too small for large breed dogs
  • It can result in digestive issues

19. Taste Of The Wild Pine Forest Grain-Free Recipe

The Taste of the wild dog food contains all locally sourced, high-quality ingredients. It contains pasture-raised venison as the first ingredient, which is also the primary source of protein in this dog food. In addition, this dog food contains several vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and prebiotics which are essential for a dog’s health. It is available in three bag sizes to choose from.

According to the reviews, people trust the high-quality ingredients, and the dog food seems to sit well with dogs having food allergies

However, if the negative reviews are anything to go by, this dog food is linked to kidney issues in some dogs. Also, some people mention that their dogs don’t like the taste of this dog food.

Pros

  • High in protein
  • Improves immunity
  • Easy to digest
  • Makes dogs energetic
  • Healthy gut

Cons

  • Not for picky eaters
  • Causes kidney issues

20. Blackwood Dog Food Made in USA Slow Cooked Dry Dog Food

The Blackwood dog food is available in three distinct flavors- lamb, chicken, and whitefish. It features premium quality ingredients, and smaller batches of food ensure the freshness of the food. Besides protein, fat, and fiber, it contains additional nutrients like probiotics and prebiotics, antioxidants, vitamins, and essential minerals.

 According to the reviews, the texture of this dog food is enjoyable, and it breaks easily, making it easier to eat even for older dogs. People also find this dog food suitable for their small breed dogs because of its smaller kibble size. 

On the other hand, many say that their dog refused to taste the food. Also, it resulted in vomiting and diarrhea in dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Pros

  • Supports dog’s growth through all life stages
  • Better gut health for healthy digestion
  • Assured freshness
  • Free of artificial ingredients
  • Balanced nutrition with low-fat content

Cons

  • Picky eaters won’t touch this food
  • Not suitable for dogs with a sensitive stomach

21. Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Dry Dog Food

The Whole earth farms dog food contains meat as the first ingredient, which is also the primary source of protein. Adding fruits, vegetables, and superfoods to this dog food makes it highly nutritious for dogs. You can choose from the chicken and turkey, salmon and whitefish, or beef, pork, and land recipe. It also comes in two different bag sizes. 

From the positive reviews, dog food is excellent for dogs with grain allergies. Also, it is suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs with no filler ingredients. 

On the other hand, the negative reviews were full of consistency issues. People complained of inconsistent quality and changes in the texture of the kibbles. It also resulted in some of the dogs getting sick.

Pros

  • Protection from diseases
  • Builds muscle mass
  • Shiny and healthy skin and coat
  • Improved joint health for better mobility
  • Aids in digestion

Cons

  • Quality has decreased in the last few years
  • Causes vomiting and diarrhea in dogs

22. “I and love and you” Naked Essentials Dry Dog Food

Another high-quality, affordable dog food is from I and love and you. It features a no-grain formula that contains high protein real meat as the first ingredient. The omega fatty acids, probiotics, prebiotics, and other necessary vitamins and minerals in this dog food support the healthy growth of your dog. You can choose from chicken and duck, salmon and trout, or lamb and bison recipes for your dog. It is available in four bag sizes to suit your dog’s eating needs.

According to the reviews, this dog food is high in protein, has excellent flavor, and keeps your dog happy and healthy. Senior dogs seem to benefit a lot from it. 

However, some people complain that this food makes their dogs sick. Also, due to shipping failures, some people received torn food bags. There is no way to return the dog food either since the company doesn’t accept returns.

Pros

  • 30% protein in each serving
  • Improved immunity
  • Healthy gut
  • Suitable for all breeds and ages
  • Healthy fur and skin

Cons

  • Induces vomiting and diarrhea.
  • Shipping issues

23. Acana Grain Free Adult Dog Food, Light and Fit to support Healthy Weight

Acana dog food is another affordable option for adult dogs with a balanced blend of nutrients that suits the health needs of an adult dog. The dog food contains chicken, turkey, and fish as the primary protein source providing 33% protein in every serving. It helps develop lean muscle mass in dogs. Other than that, the presence of vegetables, fruits, vitamins, and minerals ensure the overall development of your dog.

If the positive reviews are anything to go by, this dog food tastes great and helps dogs reduce their extra weight. However, one of the main issues people complain about is their dog getting sick after eating this food. It might be because of a bad batch, or the dogs may be sensitive to one or other food ingredients.

Pros

  • Suitable for dogs with food allergies
  • Healthy muscle mass
  • Highly energetic dogs
  • Shiny coat and healthy skin
  • Easy to digest
  • Manages weight

Cons

  • Vomiting and diarrhea in some dogs
  • Inconsistency among food bags

24. Kirkland Signature Expect Moore Nature’s Domain Dog Food

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The Kirkland signature dog food contains a formula containing salmon, sweet potato, and superfoods like blueberry, tomatoes, and raspberries. It also contains essential vitamins like B1, B2, B6, B12, E, folic acid, and minerals like iron and zinc. The food is affordable and available in a 35-pound bag.

According to the reviews, dog food contains high-quality ingredients and high nutritional value. It also helps relieve skin allergies and rashes in dogs. On the other hand, there are some complaints of this dog food accusing vomiting and diarrhea in their dogs. Also, picky eaters don’t like the flavor.

Pros

  • Suitable for dogs with skin allergies
  • Complete blend of nutrition
  • Develops muscle mass
  • Betters the immunity
  • Healthy and shiny coat

Cons

  • Not ideal for dogs with a sensitive stomach
  • Picky eaters may not like the taste

25. Amazon Brand – Wag Dry Dog Food, No Added Grains

Wag dry dog food is grain-free affordable dog food with all high-quality ingredients. It is available in three flavors: chicken, beef, and salmon. In addition, there are two different bag sizes available for you to choose from. This dog food fulfills your dog’s all nutritional needs with a balanced mix of all necessary vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. In addition, it is free of any artificial ingredients.

According to the reviews, dogs seem to love the taste of this dog food. It also helps develop muscle mass and healthy hair and skin in dogs. However, this dog food does not sit well with dogs with sensitive stomachs. People complained that their dogs got diarrhea and vomiting issues. In some dogs, this food even caused an allergic reaction.

Pros

  • Builds lean muscle mass
  • Improved immunity
  • Healthy skin and fur
  • Picky eaters like the taste
  • All natural ingredients

Cons

  • Not suitable for dogs with food allergies
  • Dogs with a sensitive stomach may develop diarrhea

26. Inception Dry Dog Food – Complete and Balanced Dog Food

The Inception dry dog food contains whitefish and catfish as the first two ingredients. Whitefish are high in protein and low in fat. In addition, the omega fatty acids in the fish help strengthen the immunity of dogs. Besides, dog food also contains balanced nutrients that support a dog’s growth through all life stages. There are two four different flavors of this dog food for you to choose for your dog- pork, chicken, chicken, and pork or fish. 

According to the reviews, this dog food helps dogs with skin and food allergies. Most of the people were satisfied with the price and the food quality. However, some people felt that the dog food smelled too strong. It also resulted in smelly gas in some dogs.

Pros

  • Complete nutrition for dogs of all breeds and ages
  • Improved immunity protects against diseases.
  • Lean muscle development
  • Suitable for allergic dogs
  • Keeps dog healthy 

Cons

  • It has a strong smell
  • Causes gas in dogs

What are Affordable Dog Foods?

As the name clearly suggests, they are dog foods where the price is more affordable than the market average. Especially in a niche where many brands pump up the real value of their products with marketing.

An important point to make is that some of these foods are fabricated by lesser-known brands. For example, in our ranking, you will find options like Diamond. Which although less well-known than Hill’s Science and Purina, is of just as high of quality. Furthermore, they do not contain hyped-up ingredients that drive up the perceived value of the product. In this sense, they are restricted from meeting precise dietary standards.

Following the same line, they frequently lack “superfoods” such as chia seeds, collagen, added vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids. Even though they certainly help your dog to be healthier, they are not strictly necessary. Even more, when you know you can add them in more affordable ways such as bone broth. They are more generic as they are not intended to treat specific conditions or illnesses. Therefore, they are more affordable. Their lack of specialty is another reason why they are more affordable.

How to Choose an Affordable Dog Food?

The price tag does not mean anything if it does not come accompanied by the actual value. Therefore, let us show you how to pick affordable pet food that will actually nurture your pet.

Presence of Meat

Dogs get their main nutrition from animal protein. Therefore, the food you choose must contain real meat, be it beef, bison, lamb, salmon, chicken, or turkey. However, we would recommend you to take it easy on chicken, due to their disproportionate Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio.

Make sure that they are not including it as a by-product, because they could have used anything. Meat such from dead animal zoos, road kills, and diseased animals may have been used in poor brands. Therefore, the best move here is to choose a food that places meat as the first ingredient and that they clearly specify the source. It is essential to read the ingredients list, to see how much meat they are really using in their product and what the source is.

meat in affordable dog food
Dog food should contain at least 25% of protein.

Ideally, the dog food should contain at least 25% of protein, because it will help you to ensure that your pet is getting the nutrition it needs. Especially when it is young and still in developing phases. It makes even more sense when you see that old dogs need food that contains a minimum of 25% of protein to be healthy, as shown by this study. Therefore, make the presence of meat and the actual content the most important factor when you consider buying specific dog food.

Other Ingredients

Even though protein ranks at the top, you must also pay attention to what ingredients they use. Check the fat and carbohydrates on their ingredient list.

For fat, they should stick to high-quality animal fat, and even better if they supplement it with Omega-3 fatty acids. Chicken is frequently used too, and it is not bad as long as it is not the only fat source they use. For carbohydrates, they should be complex and fiber-rich. The best examples are sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, kale, brown rice, and fruits like blueberries.

You also need to ensure that they are not including problematic ingredients. Soy, cornmeal, wheat, poultry meal, and artificial coloring/flavoring should all be monitored. Such ingredients tend to trigger allergies and other health problems. Even though they tend to drive down the price of the food, they will damage your pet.

Nutritional Value

As we have been saying, it is critical to read the label of ingredients. As we have seen in the previous section, many problematic ingredients could cause health issues for your pet.

When buying cheap dog food, becomes even more important. As many brands tend to use more fillers and low-quality protein to cut corners, pump up the perceived nutritional value of the food,[ and then use such “facts” to advertise it.

Therefore, as we said at the beginning, here you are playing a game against hyped-up marketing. In consequence, your mission is to determine the real value of the food you are buying. The only way of doing so is by reading the ingredients label.

Packaging

Once again, another tactic that brands use to pump up the real value of cheap dog food is to use cluttered front-cover designs. They often contain several claims. Which in fact, means nothing unless you verify them to be true after reading the ingredients list.

Therefore, now that you know the truth about affordable dog food. You have all the tools and knowledge to ensure that you are buying a product that will nurture your pet for real.

nutritional value in affordable dog food
Be sure to check the nutritional value when buying affordable dog food.

Best Affordable Dog Foods – FAQs

Here we are going to answer the most frequently asked questions about this type of food. Below, find our concise answers to solve all of your doubts.

What is the Best Dog Food that is Inexpensive?

When it comes to canned wet food, the best and most affordable option is Hill’s Science Wet Dog Food. When we talk about kibble and dry food, the best option on the market is Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, because it contains real protein and a high content of it 30%.

Both options contain excellent ingredients as they use real meat to elaborate their food. However, in our opinion, the superior option here is Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct, because it puts a special emphasis on top-quality protein, which is especially important for young dogs that are still developing.

What is the Best Affordable Dry Dog Food?

The market has excellent options for affordable dry dog foods and the best choices are Solimo Basic Dry Dog Food and Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct because they offer solid nutrition at a fair price.

They contain at least 25% of protein, they use real meat, and include healthy carbohydrates and fats. Furthermore, they are fabricated by reputable brands in the industry, which hold high standards of quality.

However, we consider Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct Natural Adult Dry Dog Food to be the best affordable kibble because it contains premium ingredients, and therefore, it will bring your dog high-quality nutrition. In addition, it is free from poultry by-products, additives, preservatives, and artificial flavoring.

Are There any Affordable Wet Dog Foods?

You can find affordable wet dog foods on the market and the best option nowadays is Hill’s Science Diet Wet Dog Food because it uses real meat, no fillers, and no additives, and contains high-quality ingredients for its content of fats and carbohydrates.

In the case of Hill’s Science Diet Wet Dog Food, it includes real beef, an excellent antioxidant blend, and vitamin E, which are excellent add-ons that drive up the value of a real affordable wet dog food.

What is the Best Dog Food Recommended by Vets?

The best dog food recommended by vets depends on what you are looking for. In case you are looking for affordable options, then the best choices on the market are Hill’s Science Diet Wet Dog Food and Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct, thanks to their real protein-rich formula that includes key nutrients, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.

dog food recommended by vets
Choosing the best vet recommended dog food will depend on your dogs’ needs.

There is a wide variety of affordable dog foods for you to consider. From dry to wet dog food, these products don’t compromise on quality. Therefore, you don’t have to compromise on your dog’s health and happiness.

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