A dog food bowl filled with kibble, with text stating "Vet recommended DOG FOOD."

Vet Recommended Dog Foods

When it comes to food, there are many factors involved in choosing the best food for your pet. Breed, size, age, weight, skin and coat condition, medical history, overall health, and of course price are all important when it comes to choosing the best fit for your pup. Your furry friend’s veterinarian is a great source for finding different dog foods that are healthy for Fido. They can recommend brands and even supplements your dog can find beneficial.

If you feel up to the task, you can even make homemade food for your dog! Keep in mind, you need to know what you’re doing and should connect with your vet on proper ingredients. Which is exactly why we’re bringing you a list of dog foods that are vet-approved and recommended. If you’re thinking of switching up your pup’s diet, below are some options to consider.

Recommended Brands

  • Hill’s Science Diet – A leader in quality control and AAFCO nutrition standards, this brand sources its raw ingredients from and manufactures its products North America only.
  • Royal Canin – Another leader in quality and nutrition, it even offers breed-specific formulas that are beneficial for some breeds nutrient-specific needs.
  • Purina ProPlan – As one of the oldest pet food companies in North America, Purina has published much of the nutritional research out there for canines; with their “premium” ProPlan line, it offers innovative and well-founded nutrition that satisfies the average customer.
  • Orijen – A standout in human-grade food and AAFCO standards, this Canadian company sources from Canada only and even lists the exact province their fish, meats, fruits, and vegetables comes from.
  • Wellness Natural Food for Dogs – If whole-food based nutrition and healthy digestion is your priority, Wellness long established company and is fairly inexpensive with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, antioxidants, and probiotics.
  • Castor & Pollux – Offering one of the few USDA Organic brands, most of their canned foods resemble stew-like meals and they have established trust in many veterinarians.
  • Iams/Eukanuba – This company offers diets for not only specific breeds but also medical issues at an affordable price.
  • Nutro Ultra – Providing proper nutrition with a natural blend of ingredients for various sized dogs, it uses grains less likely to cause allergies and the grain-free options are a top contender for veterinarians.
  • The Honest Kitchen – This freeze-dried, human-grade option option is great if you don’t have the time to cook for your dog; it also continues to grow and innovate with increasingly better products.
  • Natural Balance – A more affordable “natural” food with balanced nutrition, this is a great option for dogs with allergic dogs without needing a prescription diet.

While these dog foods are vet-approved, it’s still important to remember that every canine is different. So, just because a vet recommends it, doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for your pooch. Whether you’re purchasing your dog’s food or making it yourself, be sure to consider balanced nutrition, palatability, and quality control.