Nutrition is a hotly debated topic among pet enthusiasts and there are as many opinions as there are brands of kibble out there. Here, we will list our top five brands in no particular order along with reasons as to why they’re highly recommended. Please note: These are not the only quality brands out there and this list is opinion based. This information should not be taken as veterinary advice.
1. Annamaet
Annamaet is a family-owned and operated pet food company founded in 1986 by Rob Downey. The brand has several key advantages that give it an edge over many brands offered on the market. Founder, Rob Downey himself has several scientific publications on the subject of dog nutrition and this food was formulated through the work of Downey along with Dr. Joseph Wakshlag DVM, PhD, DACVN, DACVSMR. Very special attention was given to the raw materials going in along with the added vitamins and minerals, making this brand an extremely well-formulated line. Annamaet includes several formulas that fit most any type of dog including those with sensitive stomachs, senior dogs, your average active pets, and canine athletes.
You can find more information on their expertise and formulas on Annamaet’s website.
2. Go! Solutions
Go! Solutions is a product line made by Petcurean, a Canadian company. If you have a dog that simply needs a specific diet, or you just enjoy rotating different proteins, Go! may be the kibble for you. They offer several animal proteins with the options of grain-inclusive and grain-free. Whether you’re looking for more common proteins like chicken, lamb, or salmon, or you’re wanting harder to find proteins like duck or venison, Go! will have something for you. Petcurean, as a company, has excellent manufacturing practices with very stringent quality control. Their staff is also extremely knowledgeable on dog nutrition and so you won’t have to worry as you navigate the often confusing world of dog food. They are happy to help! As far as product safety goes, this is definitely a company you can trust to be consistent.
You can find more information on Go! Solutions and their products on their website.
3. Royal Canin
Royal Canin is practically a household name these days, known for their dedication to science and consistency. The company had its start in France in 1968 and expanded to the global presence it has today. While it is common for pet food brands to use their ingredients lists as a marketing tool, Royal Canin has maintained putting science over aesthetic marketing for decades. There is also a breed specific line which, despite some public opinions, is based on published science. For example, the Golden Retriever specific line includes increased taurine. Royal Canin also has a published study that found kibble shape can influence dietary intake and help with weight loss.
Royal Canin’s parent company also boasts one of the most prestigious institutes for animal science, the Waltham Petcare Science Institute.
You can find more information on Royal Canin and its formulas on their website.
4. Instinct
Instinct is a brand offered by the company, Nature’s Variety, who specializes in raw dog food. Each kibble formula is raw coated and some also include freeze dried raw pieces mixed in. If you have a dog who tends to be on the picky side, Instinct offers several options that may fit what you are looking for. Nature’s Variety is an extremely reputable manufacturer and safety is a top priority for them. All lots are held until third-party testing comes back determining that the food is safe to hit retail shelves. Instinct is also one of the very few frozen raw brands that is formulated intelligently to be complete and fully balanced. If you are someone who wants to feed both kibble and fresh, Instinct would be an excellent one stop shop for you.
You can find more information on Instinct and their formulas on their website.
5. Nutrisource
Nutrisource is produced by family-owned and operated company, Tuffy’s Pet Foods, a midwestern household name. Located in the town of Perham, MN Nutrisource is manufactured with the utmost care and quality ingredients. Their formulas include single protein meals for those with dogs that have specific needs, well-formulated recipes for your average active pet, and even formulas targeted toward canine athletes. This brand is especially convenient as they produce more budget-friendly lines of products for those that want to feed a quality kibble with less hurt on the pocketbook. They also offer a more premium, high-meat line called the Element Series for those looking for a lower carb product.
You can learn more about Nutrisource and their many formulas on their website.
