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22 Best Tasting Dry Dog Foods

Written by Laura
Laura is passionate about all sorts of domesticated pets. They have written dozens of articles across the web.
Published on
Friday 19 November 2021
Last updated on
Wednesday 4 January 2023
dry food for dogs
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For owners of picky eaters, shopping for dog food is no easy feat. You want to make sure what they eat is just as healthy as it is tasty, as well as cost-effective for you.

Or, maybe you just want your dog to have the best food possible! Either way, let us take out the guesswork, by reading our list of the tastiest dog foods currently on the market. Keep reading for everything you need to know.

22 Best Tasting Dry Foods For Dogs

These are the tastiest dry foods for dogs!

1. Bil-Jac Picky No More Dog Food

Bil-Jac’s ‘Picky No More’ dog food is specially designed for picky eaters. It comes in options for small, medium, and large dogs, and contains real chicken and Omega-3 & 6 fatty acids for immune system support. It’s slow-cooked to ensure none of the taste or nutrients are lost and it’s available to buy in 6, 15, and 27 lb bags. Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with several buyers calling it a life-saver!

Pros

  • Suitable for picky eaters
  • Rich in healthy fats
  • Supports immunity

Cons

  • The flavor may not be appealing to some dogs
  • Some customers have problems with the packaging

2. Crave Dry Dog Food

Craves dry dog food is a popular favorite among owners. They design their products to be as natural and delicious as possible, with 36% protein from 60% meat and 40% vegetable sources. The high protein content also means that it is ideal for super active pets, performing dogs, and working dogs.

It’s free from grains, soy, and dairy, and comes in helpful resealable bags. It’s an Amazon’s Choice product and it’s available to buy in four flavor options; beef, chicken, lamb, and salmon. You can buy the food in 4, 12, and 22 lb bags and they’re super affordable. Reviews rave about the product!

Pros

  • Promotes healthy hair and coat
  • Improves digestion
  • Suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes

Cons

  • It is a bit expensive
  • It contains beans and can cause indigestion

3. The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters

The Honest Kitchen prides itself on being the world’s first pet brand to create human-grade dog food. Their dry dog food is made with 100% human-grade ingredients and is produced in a human food facility. It’s also suitable for puppies and adult dogs, including pregnant and lactating mothers, and provides complete and balanced nutrition.

The food contains muscle meat and liver, low glycemic carbs, beneficial fats, and live probiotics. It’s also free from meat meals, fillers, GMOs, and artificial preservatives. It undergoes minimal processing through cold-pressing, slow-roasting, and dehydrating to retain its nutritional value and rich flavor.

THK’s dry food is available to buy in 1lb, 5lb, and 20lb bags and comes in beef, chicken, and turkey flavors, all of which are grain-free. There is, however, an option to buy a whole-grain beef and oat version of the food. Reviews cannot recommend this product highly enough and say it works wonders with fussy eaters.

Pros

  • Free from artificial ingredients and GMOs
  • Even picky eater dogs like the taste
  • Suitable for dogs and pups of all ages

Cons

  • Buyers find burned pieces in the bag
  • It may cause indigestion in some dogs

4. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Formula

This dry food by Taste Of The Wild is available to buy in 5 lb bags, 14 lb bags, and 28 lb bags and is suitable for all sizes and breeds. TOTW pride itself on using all-natural and real meat in all of their foods whilst providing good value for money.

This particular food is nutritiously complete and chock full of protein-rich ingredients like bison, roast venison, and beef to support strong muscles. It also has added vitamins, minerals, and powerful antioxidants from real fruits and vegetables to support overall health. Plus, omega-3 and 6 fatty acids for healthy skin, bones, and coats.

It is completely free from grains and filler ingredients, making it easy to digest and great for dogs with sensitive stomachs. The brand also states that all of its ingredients are ethically and sustainably sourced and reviews highly recommend the product.

Pros

  • Promotes brain growth and development 
  • Improves immunity
  • Supports muscle growth

Cons

  • Not suitable for dogs with allergies
  • It may result in digestive issues in some breeds of dogs

5. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet

Blue Buffalo’s turkey and potato flavor puppy food is perfect for youngsters. It contains real turkey, peas, and pumpkin, and is fortified with LifeSource Bits; a special blend of essential vitamins and minerals chosen by vets and animal nutritionists, with antioxidants to support a strong immune system and developing bones.

It also contains DHA to support kidney function and cognitive development, great for all that learning and training. The small bites are perfect for puppy mouths, and the shape and texture of the kibble bits themselves scrape plaque and tartar from the teeth, promoting good dental health. It is available in a 4 lb bag, an 11 lb bag, and a 24 lb bag. Reviews call the product great value for money.

Pros

  • Aids in fast learning and brain development
  • Strengthen the immune system
  • Promotes healthy teeth and gums

Cons

  • Can result in diarrhea and bloody stool in some pups
  • Picky dogs may not like this food

6. Oriijen Senior Dog Food

This food for older dogs by ORIJEN is available to buy in a 2-kilogram bag. It contains 85% fresh animal ingredients like free-run chicken, turkey, wild-caught fish, and cage-free eggs. The kibble is slow-cooked, biologically appropriate, nutritionally complete, and tailored to older dogs.

It’s an Amazon’s Choice product and can be eaten by dogs of all breeds and sizes. Although it’s a little on the expensive side, buyers love it and reviews praise the quality of the food.

Pros

  • Promotes muscle growth
  • It improves digestion
  • Lowers down skin allergies

Cons

  • The price is a bit higher than other brands
  • Some fussy eaters may not like the flavor

7. Acanaa Singles LI Dry Dog Food

Acana’s limited ingredient dry dog food is suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes. It comes in several flavor combinations including duck & pear, lamb & apple, pork & squash, beef & pumpkin, and turkey & pumpkin. It’s also available to buy in several bag sizes ranging from 0.75 lb bags to 25 lb bags and all of its protein sources come from free-roaming farms in the USA.

65% of the food comes from meat sources and it contains no filler ingredients. It’s also fortified with key vitamins to be nutritionally complete and support all aspects of doggie health. Buyers love all of the different flavor choices and say it stops their dogs from getting bored.

Pros

  • Improves the heart health of dogs
  • Easy to digest
  • Makes dogs energetic

Cons

  • The kibbles can be too big for small dogs

8. VICTOR Elite Canine Dry Dog Food For Large Breeds

This food by Victor contains 25% protein, 70% of which comes from premium quality chicken and fish, 17% from gluten-free grains, and 13% from plants and veggies. The recipe is super tasty and specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of large dogs.

It contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints and is fortified with essential vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids. It also contains Victor’s unique, clinically tested VPRO Blend of ingredients that promote superior digestion, immune system function, and healthy skin and coat. The food is available in 5lb, 40lb, and 50lb bags and reviews cannot rate the product highly enough.

Pros

  • Helps with a sensitive stomach
  • Strengthen the bones and joints
  • Improves immunity

Cons

  • Some buyers got an opened bag of dog food

9. Canidae Grain-Free Pure Limited Ingredient Recipe

This food by Canidae has a simple, delicious, all-natural recipe of only eight ingredients with no additives or fillers. It contains salmon, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas, canola oil, sun-cured alfalfa, and potatoes. The food is available to buy in 4 lb, 12 lb, and 24 lb bags. It is suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes and is ideal for those with allergies of all kinds.

It’s also fortified after cooking with Canidae’s HealthPLUS blend of probiotics, antioxidants, and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids and buyers seem to love the product as it has hardly any negative reviews.

Pros

  • Antioxidants and probiotics improve immunity and digestion
  • Picky eaters love this food
  • It improves skin allergies

Cons

  • Some buyers found mold in their bags of dog food
  • Not suitable for a dog with a sensitive stomach

10. Zignature Duck Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Zignature’s limited ingredient formula contains a handful of clean ingredients, including its sole protein source, duck from western France. The recipe is rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, creating a complete source of nutrition for your dog, and it is also free from fillers, additives, and common allergens.

This limited ingredient dog food is available to buy in 4lb bags, 12.5 lb bags, and 25 lb bags, and it’s suitable for all adult dogs. Reviews are overwhelmingly positive and a lot of buyers say that the tasty, natural recipe is successful with even the fussiest of dogs.

Pros

  • Rich protein source helps build lean muscles
  • Good for dogs with allergies
  • Healthier skin and coat

Cons

  • The kangaroo flavor might cause congestive heart failure in some dogs
  • Some dogs may not be able to digest it properly

11. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Dog Food

Wellness’ dry dog food for small breeds comes in 4lb and 12lb bags. It contains complete and balanced nutrition that is specifically tailored to smaller dogs and promotes complete health. The food supports skin, coat, digestive, eye, and oral health, whilst boosting the immune system, and keeping energy levels high. The main ingredient is turkey, and it also contains wholesome oats, flaxseed, blueberries, and spinach.

The crunchy kibble contains no by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives and is made in the USA. Reviews are highly complimentary of the product, with several buyers calling it their dog’s favorite food.

Pros

  • Keeps the skin and coat of dogs healthy
  • Reasonable price
  • Improves digestive health

Cons

  • It might be too rich for smaller dogs
  • Large-size bags are not resealable

12. Instinct Be Natural Dry Dog Food

This food by Instinct is made with responsibly sourced animal protein, which is listed as the #1 and #2 ingredients, plus whole grains, fruits & vegetables, and Omegas for overall health support. The kibble comes in 4.5lb, 12lb, 24lb, and 25lb bags.

It is available to buy in beef, chicken, lamb, and salmon flavors and is free from all fillers and preservatives. The freeze-drying process retains all of the taste and nutrients and the raw coating makes it even healthier and tastier.

It’s an Amazon’s Choice product and made in the USA. Reviews absolutely love it and several say it works well with picky eaters and dogs with sensitive tummies.

Pros

  • Suitable for picky eaters with multiple flavors to choose from
  • Completely raw diet
  • Improves digestion

Cons

  • Some buyers found mold in the packet
  • The quality is not consistent

13. Health Extension Little Bites Dry Dog Food

Health extension dog food is one of the best tasting foods if you have a dog of a smaller breed. It contains organic deboned chicken, chicken meal, lamb meal, and menhaden fish as the primary protein sources. 

The brown rice in this dog food adds fiber and makes the food easy to digest. This dog food is also free from artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, wheat, corn, and soy. 

It is available in five bag sizes ranging from 1 pound to 30 pounds. This dog food’s omega-three and six fatty acids maintain healthy skin and coat. Buyers say that their dogs love this food, and there is an excellent improvement in skin allergies their dog suffered from.

Pros

  • The pellet size is ideal for small breed dogs
  • Improved gut health
  • Supports healthy skin and fur

Cons

  • Might cause an upset stomach in some dogs.

14. Rachael Ray Nutrish Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Veggies Recipe

If your dog is a picky eater, the chances are that it is going to love the Rachel Ray Nutrish dog food. It contains farm-raised chicken as a protein source. The fiber from peas and brown rice aids in easy digestion. It is available in four different bag sizes starting from 6 pounds and up to 40 pounds.

Additionally, this dog food contains several added vitamins and minerals essential for maintaining good health in dogs. Buyers love this dog food at its affordable price.

Pros

  • Elevated energy levels
  • Promotes healthy fur and skin
  • High quality at a reasonable price

Cons

  • Some users found mold in the large bags
  • Upset stomachs in some dogs

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

This product is available in three flavors: chicken, lamb, and salmon. Even a picky eater dog is going to love these flavors. 

The main ingredient is real meat which is a natural source of protein. The grain-free recipe of this dog food makes it the best food for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Buyers love this dog food and say it has resolved digestion issues in their dogs.

Pros

  • Good for skin allergies
  • The flavors are good for picky eaters
  • Promotes healthy bones and joints in dogs

Cons

  • Some buyers found wooden pieces inside the packets
  • Not suitable for pups with sensitive stomachs

16. Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Adult Chicken & Rice Dry Dog Food

Even a fussy eater will love the taste of this Purina chicken and rice dog food. Dog food contains glucosamine which promotes healthy joints in dogs. It has chicken as the primary protein source and added vitamins and minerals for optimum health of your dog.

It also contains probiotics for a healthy gut in dogs. As clear from the reviews, the buyers love it and say their dogs can not get enough of this food.

Pros

  • Improved gut health and strong bones
  • Good for a sensitive stomach
  • Boosts immunity

Cons

  • Some dogs show aversion to the smell of this food
  • Causes allergic reactions in some dogs

17. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties Dog Food

The raw dinner patties from Stella & Chewy are a hit among picky eaters. It is available in three different pack sizes. 

With the food available in meat varieties like beef, chicken, duck, venison, salmon, and many others, you will find one that sits well with your pup. It is made using 95% meat; the rests are organic fruits and vegetables. 

Moreover, the freeze-drying technique ensures that all the nutrients of the dog food are preserved. Buyers say their dogs love this food and finish it in one go.

Pros

  • The taste is great even for picky eaters
  • Helps build lean muscles in dogs
  • With freeze-drying, there is no loss of nutrition

Cons

  • Patties have a crumbly texture and may break during shipping

18. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach & Skin

Hill’s science dog food is available in both grain and grain-free varieties. It is available to buy in multiple-size packs. This dog food is made using beet pulp, a prebiotic fiber, and also helps improve your dog’s gut health. 

This dog food is free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. However, the small kibble size makes it suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes. The buyers and their dogs love this dog food.

Pros

  • Improves the immunity in dogs
  • Prebiotics maintain gut health
  • Flavors are likable even to fussy eaters

Cons

  • Some dogs may be allergic to beet pulp
  • It may cause an upset stomach in some dogs

19. K9 Natural Freeze-Dried Dog Food 

This dog food from K9 natural contains 90% fresh beef meat, ground bones, and organs.

It is a grain-free recipe which makes it suitable for dogs with allergies. This dog food contains fatty acids, reduces dogs’ inflammation, and promotes healthy skin and fur.

Furthermore, it is made using all-natural ingredients and is available in several packs. Buyers love this dog food and say their dogs eat it without any fuss.

Pros

  • Meaty flavors are an excellent choice for picky eaters
  • Helps with skin and food allergies
  • Suitable for all breeds and ages of dogs

Cons

  • The pellets are delicate and break easily

20. Dr. Harvey’s Canine Health Miracle Dog Food

This dog food base from Dr. Harvey is made using all-natural human-grade ingredients. It also contains six organic grains, nine vegetables, and crushed eggshells for natural calcium. It is available in a 6.5-ounce trial bag to determine whether your pup likes it or not. 

All you need to do is add raw meat and fish oil to make nutrient-dense homemade food for your dog. Buyers love this dog food and say that their fussy eater dogs gobble this food down.

Pros

  • Promotes kidney health
  • Easy to carry on trips
  • Available in trial pack size to test for your dog

Cons

  • Adding protein sources and oil adds an extra step
  • Does not help with inflammation

21. Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food

It contains 85% pork meat and bones, and the rest, 15%, consists of organic blueberries, pumpkin seeds, carrots, coconut oil, and other nutrient-rich superfoods. Other than pork, you can also get chicken, beef, lamb, and turkey. It is available in three different pack sizes. 

Moreover, you can use this food as a meal mixer, topper, or complete meal. Either way, your dog is going to love eating it. Buyers say their dogs love the flavor of this dog food.

Pros

  • Promotes lean muscle development
  • Good for dogs with food allergies
  • Even picky eaters enjoy this food

Cons

  • As a meal, it is expensive
  • It may cause an upset stomach

22. Lucy Pet Formulas Dry Dog Food

Lucy’s pet dog food contains salmon as the primary protein source, offering 25% of the protein in each serving. It contains taurine and L-carnitine, which keeps your dog’s heart in good health. 

The prebiotic balanced fiber in this dog food helps balance the bacteria for optimal gut health. It is available in a 4.5 pounds bag size. It is suitable for dogs of all breeds and ages. 

The antioxidants and amino acids improve the immunity in a dog and keep their skin and coat healthy. Buyers say that even their pickiest dogs love this food.

Pros

  • Healthier skin and coat
  • Maintains gut health
  • It keeps the heart of your dog healthy

Cons

  • It may not be digestible for some dogs
  • The kibble size might be too big for miniature dog breeds
dental health for dry dog food
Dry dog food supports oral health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup.

Dog Food Basics

A dog’s daily diet should consist of dog foods containing real, natural ingredients that are fortified to be nutritionally complete and balanced. Along with high-quality, lean protein sources such as chicken and fish, and fiber-rich fruits and vegetables.

The amount of food your dog eats will depend on their age, size, and activity level. Use the feeding instructions on your dog’s food packaging to determine how much they should eat every day. Most dogs do well on two daily meals that are evenly spaced out.

Nutrition & Taste

Thankfully, good taste and good nutrition go hand in hand when it comes to dog food. However, many commercial pet foods contain ingredients known as ‘fillers‘. This includes things like gluten and artificial additives, which are unnatural, unhealthy, bad tasting, and are hard for dogs to digest.

Most dogs who eat these foods won’t be noticeably affected by it, but over time, they won’t be as healthy and energetic as they could be. Others can become unwell quite quickly, especially if they have sensitive stomachs or allergies. Eating will also just be a less enjoyable, fulfilling experience as filler foods are often tasteless or artificial tasting.

Although it may sound counterintuitive, lots of pet food contain filler ingredients because they’re so much cheaper to manufacture than good, wholesome ingredients. However, thankfully, as holistic health grows in popularity, more brands are starting to shift their approach, and new, holistic brands are appearing more and more.

Foods containing real meat and real fruits and vegetables are super tasty and satisfying for dogs, as well as healthy and nutritious, so you don’t have to worry about sacrificing one for the other! They can be more expensive than low-quality foods, but it is worth the price to enrich and lengthen your dog’s life. That said, they are becoming more affordable as they become more mainstream.

Cooking & Taste

The method of preparation can also affect the taste (and quality) of the food. There are several ways that dog food companies cook their products, but one of the most common ways is through extrusion.

This is when all of the raw ingredients are collected, ground down, mixed, and pressed together into kibble with extreme heat. The problem is, this extreme heat often kills off a lot of the food’s nutritional value and taste, so they end up using artificial additives to put flavor back into the food.

It’s best to look for foods that have been slow-cooked or freeze-dried, which lock in both the flavor and nutrition.

Dogs & Picky Eating

Although dogs are often thought of as greedy creatures, there are plenty of picky eaters in the canine world. Picky eating is not the same thing as lack of appetite, which may come as a result of stress, illness, or a dental problem. Fussy eating does not affect a dog’s appetite, it just means they have a small list of strong food preferences that they don’t like to venture out of. For owners of fussy eaters, it’s essential to find things your dog likes.

Dogs can be fussy eaters for a few different reasons; it could be temporary following an illness, the result of abuse or mistrust, or it could just be your dog’s personality. Certain breeds are also more prone to being picky eaters, such as Greyhounds. That said, any dog can be a fussy eater.

Other explanations

Sometimes it can also appear that your dog is being fussy when they are actually just bored. If your dog suddenly becomes picky, try to vary their food. If you’ve found a kibble that they like, try a different flavor by the same brand and alternate between them. Or, if they like a particular flavor, try a similar flavor from a different brand. Try varying the texture, too. Add warm water to their meals sometimes to create a tasty gravy and make it more interesting to eat.

You could also try changing up their protein source and adding different vegetables, for example, give them chicken and carrots or green beans on weekdays and tuna with cucumber or leafy greens on the weekends. And don’t forget treats! Always buy healthy, filler-free dog treats containing natural, tasty ingredients or make your own at home!

Sometimes, it appears that older dogs have gone off their meals when they are actually just finding it hard to eat. If you have an older dog, try elevating their dinner bowl using a bowl stand and adding warm water to dry food to make it easier to eat.

What To Look For In Dry Dog Food

When looking for dog food, you may want to consider the following things:

  • Food tailored to your dog’s size
  • Age appropriate food
  • Natural ingredients
  • No filler ingredients
  • 100% complete nutrition
  • Food that caters to specific needs such as allergies
  • Flavor
  • Trusted brands
  • Poducts approved by official bodies
  • Positive reviews
  • Cost
  • Bag size
  • Ethically sourced ingredients
dry dog food buying
Quality dog foods specify what kind of “poultry” they include in the food – whether it’s duck, turkey, or chicken.

Tasty Dry Dog Food: FAQ

To make sure you feel fully informed about tasty dry dog food, we have put together these FAQs.

Do dogs get bored of their food?

Just like humans, dogs can get bored of their food if they are eating the same thing every day. Sometimes it can appear that your dog is being fussy when they are actually just bored. Try to vary their food by buying different flavors of kibble every other month, changing up their protein sources, and adding different vegetables. You can try varying the texture by adding water, too. It’s important that dogs don’t get bored as it can cause distress and result in destructive behaviors.

How do I get my dog to try something new?

If your dog won’t try something new, try mixing it with something he likes. If he still won’t eat it, chances are, he just doesn’t like the smell of it. Or, if there’s a particular brand of food he likes, try buying another flavor from that brand, or if there’s a particular flavor he likes, try a similar flavor from another brand.

Can dogs live on dry food only?

Yes. Dogs are fine with dry dog food but sometimes they get too bored of this plain diet. That’s the reason why owners mix different healthy ingredients such as vegetables and fruits for their dogs to be more excited about their meals. Just make sure that the ingredients are not toxic to your dogs before you feed your fur buddies.

How much should I feed my dog?

Generally, puppies should eat 20g of food per 1kg of their body weight, and they should eat 3-6 small meals per day depending on their size. Most adult dogs, on the other hand, do well on 2 meals a day, unless they are miniature. In which case, they should eat little and often to prevent blood sugar drops.

According to Purina, dogs that weigh between 3 – 12 lbs should eat 1/3 to 1 cup of food per day, 13 to 20 lb dogs 1 to 1-1/3 cups, 21 to 35 lb dogs 1-1/3 to 2 cups, 26 to 50 lb dogs 2 to 2-2/3 cups, 51 to 75 lb dogs, 2-2/3 to 3-1/3, 76 to 100 lb dogs 3-1/3 to 4-1/4 cups, and 100+ lb dogs 4-1/4 plus 1/4 cup for every 10 lbs of body weight.

What can be mixed with dry dog food?

If you think that dry dog food is too bland for your dog, you can try mixing ingredients to improve the flavor of your dog’s meal. You can add raw or steamed vegetables, oils for essential fatty acids, raw and meaty parts of poultry, eggs, and raw or cooked meat. Take note, that raw feeding can affect your dog’s eating habits so it’s best to consult your vet first.

Those are the best-tasting dry foods for dogs. Remember that food is fuel – but it’s meant to be enjoyed too! Try out one of our recommendations and remember to change it up every once in a while to keep it interesting.

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