Best Dog Food Compared 2024 - Top 7 Premium Brands Tested & Ranked
Side-by-side comparison of the 7 best premium dog foods. We tested Blue Buffalo, Purina Pro Plan, Taste of the Wild, and more.
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Choosing the right dog food feels overwhelming with hundreds of options claiming to be the best. We narrowed it down to 7 top-selling premium brands and put them through rigorous testing with real dogs. Our evaluation considered ingredient quality, nutritional balance, palatability, digestibility, and value. After months of testing, clear winners and losers emerged.
🏆 Our Top Pick
Taste of the Wild High Prairie
Key Features
- ✓Real buffalo and venison
- ✓Grain-free formula
- ✓Proprietary probiotics
Pros
- +Excellent value for grain-free
- +Novel proteins for allergies
- +High protein content
Cons
- −Strong smell
- −May be too rich for some
Why we chose it: Best combination of premium ingredients, grain-free formula, and value pricing. The buffalo and venison proteins work well for dogs with sensitivities, and the proprietary probiotics support digestion.
All Products Compared
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
Key Features
- ✓Real deboned chicken first
- ✓LifeSource Bits antioxidants
- ✓No by-products or corn
Pros
- +Excellent ingredient quality
- +Dogs love the taste
- +Visible health improvements
Cons
- −Premium pricing
- −Some dogs need transition time
Purina Pro Plan Savor
Key Features
- ✓Real chicken and rice
- ✓Probiotics for digestion
- ✓Veterinarian recommended
Pros
- +Research-backed formula
- +Live probiotics included
- +Consistent quality
Cons
- −Contains some grains
- −Not grain-free
Hill's Science Diet Adult
Key Features
- ✓#1 vet recommended brand
- ✓Real chicken first
- ✓Scientifically formulated
Pros
- +Extensive research backing
- +Consistent manufacturing
- +Trusted by vets
Cons
- −Less palatable to some dogs
- −Contains grain fillers
Wellness Complete Health
Key Features
- ✓Deboned chicken first
- ✓Probiotics and prebiotics
- ✓Joint support included
Pros
- +Great balance of quality and value
- +Natural ingredients
- +Added functional benefits
Cons
- −Contains some grains
- −Large kibble for small dogs
Diamond Naturals Adult
Key Features
- ✓Cage-free chicken first
- ✓Superfoods and probiotics
- ✓Made in USA
Pros
- +Best value for premium quality
- +Real meat first ingredient
- +40lb bags available
Cons
- −Less brand recognition
- −Past recall concerns
IAMS Proactive Health
Key Features
- ✓Farm-raised chicken first
- ✓Tailored fiber blend
- ✓Crunchy kibble for teeth
Pros
- +Excellent budget option
- +Widely available
- +Decent quality for price
Cons
- −Contains more fillers
- −Lower protein than premium
Comparison Breakdown
Ingredient Quality
Blue Buffalo and ORIJEN lead in ingredient quality with real meat first and no by-products. Taste of the Wild offers excellent quality at a lower price. Diamond Naturals surprises with cage-free chicken. IAMS trails with more fillers but maintains real meat first.
Protein Content
Taste of the Wild leads at 32% protein, followed closely by Blue Buffalo Wilderness variants. Hill's and Purina Pro Plan sit around 25-27%. IAMS comes in lowest but still adequate for most adult dogs.
Palatability
Every food was accepted by our test dogs, but Taste of the Wild and Blue Buffalo generated the most enthusiasm. Hill's Science Diet required moistening for some picky eaters. All others performed well.
Digestibility
Purina Pro Plan's live probiotics showed measurable digestive benefits. Taste of the Wild's probiotics also performed well. All foods produced healthy stools after transition periods.
Value
Diamond Naturals offers the best value at $1.17/lb with premium ingredients. Taste of the Wild follows at $1.93/lb for grain-free. Premium brands like Blue Buffalo run $2.17/lb. IAMS offers budget value at $1.20/lb.
Our Verdict
For most dog owners seeking the best balance of quality, nutrition, and value, Taste of the Wild High Prairie wins. It delivers grain-free, high-protein nutrition with novel proteins at a price that undercuts most competitors. For budget-conscious owners, Diamond Naturals offers remarkable value. For veterinarian-recommended mainstream nutrition, Purina Pro Plan excels.
The 'best' dog food depends on your priorities. Taste of the Wild wins overall for balancing premium nutrition with reasonable pricing. Blue Buffalo offers superior ingredient quality at premium prices. Diamond Naturals provides best-in-class value. Consider your dog's specific needs, your budget, and availability when making your final choice.