When we became new pet parents, navigating the world of dog food seemed daunting, especially with the myriad of choices available on Chewy. The best dry dog food on Chewy strikes a balance between pour-in-the-bowl convenience and premium ingredients. Additionally, these dry food options that we found were not on gentler on our wallets, but also had longer shelf lives and were less messy as compared to raw food as well. We did face the challenge of deciphering nutrition labels and finding out which food suited our dog specifically, since there was no one-size-fits-all when it comes to dog food. So, we did the legwork and research, putting together this excellent list of the best dry food for doggies on Chewy. Every item we chose is tailored to pups of various sizes and with a variety of preferences and needs.
You might want to start off by reading about the best Chewy dog food brands for traveling dogs.
Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Puppy Food
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We begin with the Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Puppy Food, which has been specially formulated for young puppies like ours. It’s important for the dog food that your growing pup gets to set the stage for their development and health. This is exactly why we chose this specific dry kibble, which supports high energy and growth levels for our pup. One of the best things was that it had real chicken as its No. 1 ingredient. So, the crunchy kibble combined with the meaty and tender shreds made for a texture and taste that our pup loved. Plus, it also had essential nutrients like omega-rich fatty acids that supported both vision and brain development, with the live probiotics and antioxidants bolstering digestive health and the immune system. What more could we ask for?
Pros
- Phosphorous and calcium helps with bone growth.
- Real chicken is the main ingredient.
- The shredded and crunchy kibble makes for an engaging texture.
Cons
- This needs to be introduced to the pup slowly.
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Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Adult Dry Dog Food
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We believe that dog nutrition isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. That’s why, we liked the Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Adult Dry Dog Food which was tailored to the needs and preferences of our pug. As with other items on the list, this dry kibble also meets AAFCO’s nutritional guidelines for adult maintenance. However, it’s specifically formulated for the nutritional and higher metabolism needs of small breeds that weight less than 20 lbs. Moreover, it also helped maintain our pug’s ideal weight, while optimizing L-carnitine and calorie content. Finally, we, and our dog’s vet, appreciated the inclusion of DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids that help enhance skin, joint, and brain health. The best bit? Our pug found the Royal Canin dry food very palatable, and ours is a very fussy eater indeed!
Pros
- The small kibbles were perfect for our small dog.
- This dry dog food is very palatable.
- The contents promote coat and skin health, along with weight management.
Cons
- It’s on the pricier side.
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Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food
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It’s always been difficult to choose the right kind of dry food for our large dogs, but not after we found the Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food. Since large dog breeds have a slower metabolism and hence, need fewer calories, it’s very important to have food that’s specific to their needs. Luckily, this Hill’s Science Diet food tailors the formula accordingly, focusing on a vitamin and mineral profile that was perfect for our larger dog. What’s more, it even has natural chondroitin and glucosamine, thus promoting the development of healthy joints. If all that wasn’t enough, the antioxidants like vitamins C and E helped with overall wellness and bolstered immunity, while the omega-6 fatty acids supported brain and skin health.
“We’ve always been worried about nutrition for our larger dog, a St. Bernard. This Hill’s Science Diet dry food not only provided nutrition but filled their bellies with tasty food.”
WOW Travel
Pros
- The antioxidants help build a strong immune support.
- The omega-6 helps with skin health.
- Thanks to the chondroitin and glucosamine, our doggie’s joint health was taken care of.
Cons
- The packaging could be better.
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IAMS Proactive Health Minichunks Chicken & Whole Grain Recipe Dry Dog Food
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Since we were looking for dry dog food on a budget, we couldn’t find a better choice than IAMS Proactive Health Minichunks Chicken & Whole Grain Recipe Dry Dog Food. This vet-recommended dry dog food boasts affordable, science-based nutrition, even meeting AAFCO’s (The Association of American Feed Control Officials) nutritional standards for adult maintenance. We loved the dry kibble for its high-quality sans the hefty price tag, while our doggies loved it for its delicious taste. What’s more, it’s loaded with fiber and natural probiotics, helping our dogs have a happy and healthy digestive system. Moreover, thanks to the omega fatty acids, it even helped our doggies get that shine on their coats back. The best bit? It’s missing artificial flavors and preservatives.
Pros
- It had different kibble sizes for different dog breeds.
- It’s packed with natural fiber and probiotics for healthy digestion.
- The omega fatty acids helped our dogs get a shiny and healthy coat.
Cons
- It’s best to introduce this gradually to your dog, as some mentioned upset stomachs if given all at once.
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Victor Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food
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We were worried about finding good dry food for our senior doggie, which is why we chose the Victor Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food. Not only does it provide complete body support, but also it helps them maintain a healthy weight. Firstly, the beef meal in this recipe provides a concentrated protein source for bulking up the muscles. The rest of the ingredients provided proper nutrition due to their maintenance-friendly measurements. Thanks to the added chondroitin and glucosamine, the dry kibble promotes joint health, thus ensuring optimal mobility. Wrapping things up are zinc and selenium for overall health of our senior dog.
Pros
- The dry food boosts immunity.
- There’s added chondroitin and glucosamine for joint support.
- It makes for the perfect maintenance diet.
Cons
- Dogs with dental issues might face issues.
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Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Dry Dog Food
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Sitting at the top of the list is, not surprisingly, the Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Dry Dog Food. Trusted by most veterinary professionals, this dry kibble is full of bursts of flavor, thanks to the Purina meaty morsels. What’s more, the recipe was full of more than 600 million live probiotics that aid the gut health of our four-legged friends. They not only repair gut and intestinal troubles but also promote healthy digestion and strengthen joints, thanks to the added glucosamine and friendly ingredients. Since it contains adequate minerals, vitamins, phosphorous, and calcium, it provides complete nutrition, the best for dried kibble. Did we mention that it also came with a wet canned food recipe that was the same? Yes!
Pros
- There’s a wet food option in this recipe.
- The meaty morsels add flavor.
- There are guaranteed live probiotics.
Cons
- None.
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How To Choose The Best Dry Dog Food on Chewy?
Ingredients
One of the most important features to look for in dry dog food is the ingredients. They’re very important as they provide the nutrients necessary for your doggie’s health. So, it’s critical to look for whole food and high-quality ingredients and avoid by-products or fillers.
Digestibility
Secondly, dry dog food should be easily digestible, as it’s important for your pup’s digestive system. Thus, you need to look for ingredients that are gentle on your dog’s stomach. Also, you need to avoid artificial preservatives or additives that could cause digestive issues.
Nutritional Value
Next, you need to look at the nutritional value of the dry dog food. it’s crucial for your four-legged friend’s overall well-being and health. So, look for a balance of healthy fats, carbohydrates, and protein, as well as essential minerals and vitamins.
Palatability
Last but not least, it’s important that your dog enjoys their food, and not just look at its nutritional and health value. Dry dog food that’s palatable will not only make their mealtimes more enjoyable, but it could also encourage them to eat well so as to meet their own nutritional needs. In such cases, look for textures and flavors that your doggie enjoys.
Meanwhile, you might also want to look at our favorite Chewy.com dog bowls and Chewy.com dog toothbrushes for their before and after food needs.
What ingredients should I look for in dry dog food?
Some of the best ingredients include real meats, healthy whole grains, and whole fruits and vegetables. Additionally, look for minimally processed, artificial, and filler food or ingredients.
How long does dry dog food last?
Dry dog food generally lasts for up to as long as 18 months when it’s unopened. However, you should check the expiration dates just to be sure. Once you open it, use it up within six weeks while storing it in a dry, cold place.
How can I switch my pup to a new dry food?
The process should be gradual, starting by mixing it with increasing amounts over time.
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