Dog Food: Reviews

Updated August 2010

According to the reviews and research we read, there really is a difference between dog food brands. And though it more expensive, better quality dog foods might seem a poor value initially, experts say your dog won't need to eat so much of them, so the cost differences even out. Based on the opinions of veterinarians and canine-diet experts, we scrutinized ingredient lists to hone in on foods that contain the fewest fillers and other ingredients your dog doesn't really need.

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December 7th:
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From: ConsumerSearch

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Premium dry dog food

Orijen Adult Formula

*Est. $40 per 15.4 lb. bag Compare Prices

Orijen is recognized by experts as a very high-grade dry dog food. It contains no grains, relying instead on potatoes for carbohydrates. Experts note that potatoes are also a good source of B vitamins and minerals.… expandDeboned chicken, chicken meal and turkey meal are the top three ingredients. Other meats, namely lake whitefish, turkey and salmon meal also can be found on the ingredient list. In addition, all other ingredients are of very high quality and include whole fruits such as apples, vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes, whole eggs and more. There's also a good assortment of herbs, botanicals and probiotic microorganisms. Users are as enthusiastic as experts, despite the fact that Orijen is expensive. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

DogFoodAnalysis.com: Dog foods here are evaluated according to contents listed on the label and rated from 1 to 6 stars.

PetFoodRatings.net: This site also does a good job in evaluating dog food ingredients.

DogFoodAdvisor.com: Though Mike Sagman specifically evaluates a different variety (Orijen Six Fish), he says his comments apply to other varieties, including Orijen Adult.

PetsumerReport.com: PetsumerReport.com puts dog foods like Orijen Adult Dog Food under the microscope, discussing the ingredient line up, the inclusion of controversial ingredients and more.

Whole Dog Journal: Whole Dog Journal clearly outlines criteria for what it considers to be superior dog food and publishes annually updated lists of the dog foods, including dry dog foods, that qualify.

RateItAll.com: More than 300 owner reviews give Orijen a high average score.

ZooToo.com: There aren't a huge number of reviews at Zootoo.com for Orijen Adult dog food, but of the more than 25 posted, the overwhelming majority are glowing.

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Buy from
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for $49.00

Dry dog food

Natural Balance Ultra Premium

*Est. $30 per 15 lb. bag Compare Prices

Natural Balance dry dog food is less expensive than premium brands, but it has top-quality ingredients. Meats and meat meals, including chicken, lamb and salmon, are joined by brown rice, oatmeal and barley as the top… expandingredients. Minerals are chlelated, which leads to better absorption. Only natural preservatives are used. The company has also instituted a testing program and posts the results of each batch test online for consumers to read. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

DogFoodAdvisor.com: Though it only earns DogFoodAdvisor.com's second highest grade of 4 stars, Mike Sagman finds enough to like to highly recommend Natural Balance Ultra Premium.

PetsumerReport.com: PetsumerReport.com evaluates Natural Balance Ultra Premium, considering the quality of the ingredients used and whether it contains any "controversial" ingredients.

PetFoodRatings.net: Christopher Eng gives Natural Balance Ultra Premium this site's second highest rating, adding that it is a very good choice for the money.

DogAware.com: Natural Balance earns a spot on Mary Straus' list of recommended dry foods.

DogFoodScoop.com: DogFoodScoop.com comments on Natural Balance foods.

Petco.com: Natural Balance Ultra Premium dog food gets feedback from more than 100 dog owners here.

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Buy from Amazon for $28.59
MrChewy.com for $33.99	Amazon for $28.59

Premium canned dog food

Newman's Own Organics Organic Beef & Liver

*Est. $2.50 per 13 oz. can Compare Prices

Reviews say a dog's diet should include both wet and dry food, and generally, reviews say canned food is of better quality, with fewer fillers, grains and preservatives. Newman's Own Organics Organic Beef & Liver takes… expandthat a step further; it contains no grains or fillers, with a nutrient profile that replicates what a dog would eat in the wild. Though a bit pricey, organic certification can help reassure pet owners concerned about unhealthy additives, preservatives or other ingredients. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

DogFoodAdvisor.com: Newman's Own Organics Grain-Free dog foods earn the highest rating here (5 stars) and an enthusiastic recommendation.

PetsumerReport.com: PetsumerReport.com doesn't specifically address Newman's Own Organics grain-free varieties, but it does provide some general comments about the company's dog foods that dog owners should find helpful.

DogAware.com: Newman's Own Organics makes this list of better canned dog foods.

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Buy from
Amazon

for $26.45

Canned dog food

Canidae Chicken, Lamb and Fish All Life Stages

*Est. $1.55 per 13.2 oz. can Compare Prices

Canidae is a little more expensive than most supermarket and chain pet store brands, but the ingredient lineup is more impressive. The Chicken, Lamb and Fish All Life Stages variety lists chicken, chicken broth, lamb,… expandchicken liver, ocean whitefish, brown rice and eggs, at the top. Although it's not grain-free, no corn, wheat or soy is used, and there are no byproducts or fillers. Meats are free of hormones and chemical preservatives. The biggest negative is that Canidae can be hard to find in stores. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

DogFoodAdvisor.com: Mike Sagman awards Canidae dog foods a 4 star (out of 5) rating, but his evaluation is based on a different formulation.

PetsumerReport.com: PetsumerReport.com rates Canidae Pet Foods All Life Stages Dog Food Canned.

DogFoodAnalysis.com: Dog foods aren't tested, but they are evaluated according to contents listed on the label and rated from 1 to 6 stars.

DogAware.com: Mary Straus says she has attended seminars and studied on her own to learn about dog diets, and her comments are balanced and insightful, based on label analysis.

Only Natural Pet Store: About a dozen owners weigh-in on Canidae All Life Stages Chicken, Lamb and Fish formula, and nearly all are completely pleased.

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Buy from Amazon

for $20.99

Only Natural Pet Store