Top Meat Based Dog Foods
- Amber Calzone
- Jun 19, 2017
- 4 min read
I'm sure we've all been there: walking up and down the dog food aisle, questioning "is this truly as good as it seems?"
Navigating the seemingly endless options of available feed can definitely be tricky. I, personally, believe dogs should be fed a meat based diet because they descended from carnivores. Therefore, you can imagine my surprise when I realized many dog foods are actually plant based! Upon learning this information, I immediately did some digging to find the top-rated, most natural meat-based products out there.
DRY FOODS
Victor Grain Free
Victor makes a variety of grain free options: Hero, Chicken, Ultra Pro, Lamb Meal, Yukon River Canine, and Active Dog & Puppy. The feed includes organic ingredients, probiotics, and uses no artificial preservatives. This food earned a 5* rating on Dog Food Adviser. Made in the USA.
Purchase:
30lb bag available for $50-56 on Chewy.
Earthborn Holistic Primitive Natural
Although Earthborn Holistic has multiple dry food options, the Primitive Natural formula was the only one to earn a 5* rating on Dog Food Adviser. It is both grain and gluten free. This food uses a "significant" amount of meat.
Purchase:
28lb bag available for $52 on Amazon, Doctors Foster & Smith, and Chewy.
Castor and Pollux Natural Ultramix Grain Free
This formula offers three recipes, one of which is poultry free for dogs with allergies. The food is made without corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors or preservatives. This company generously donates its food to shelters across the country. The food contains a "significant" amount of meat, and earned a 5* rating on Dog Food Adviser. Made in the USA.
Purchase:
25lb bag available for $52 on Chewy.
Merrick Grain Free
Merrick Grain Free offers a huge selection of flavors: 11 in all, not including the Puppy or Healthy Weight formula! Many ingredients are sourced locally to Texas, and the recipes are produced in a certified organic kitchen. Although the adult recipes earned a 5* rating on Dog Food Adviser, the puppy formula scored slightly lower at 4*. Made in the USA.
Purchase:
25lb bag available on Amazon , Doctors Foster & Smith, and Chewy for $56-60. Autoship discounts available.
Nature's Variety Instinct Original / Ultimate Protein
Nature's Instinct Original is sure to satisfy any pallet! Their grain-free flavors include beef, duck, rabbit, salmon, and chicken. The original formula adequately supports the needs of both puppies and adults, and there is a formula specifically for small breed dogs as well. This food earned a 5* rating on Dog Food Adviser. Made in the USA. Check out their Ultimate Protein formula (5*) if you're looking for a food higher in protein, yet lower in fat and carbs.
Purchase:
Original: 25.3lb bag of the Duck recipe is available for just $60 on Amazon. A 22.5lb bag of the Chicken recipe is available for $60 on Chewy.
Ultimate Protein: 20lb bag of the cage-free chicken recipe is available for $80 on Amazon and Chewy.
Bully Max High Performance
Bully Max adequately supports the needs of both puppies and adults, and earned a 5* rating on Dog Food Adviser. This food is very high in calories (535/cup), meaning dogs would require less of it each day. This food includes some organic ingredients, and is made in the USA.
Purchase:
30lb bag available for $67.50 from the brand's website. The company is so confident that you'll love their product, they offer a 100% 30 day money back guarantee (they'll even pay for return shipping).
Orijen
Orijen carries seven grain-free options, including special formulas for puppies, large breed puppies, and senior dogs. All ingredients are sustainably farmed or fished, are non-GMO, and free of artificial preservatives. The formula includes an "abundance" of meat, earning it a 5* rating on Dog Food Adviser. Made in the USA.
Purchase:
25lb bag available for $79 on Chewy.
DRY FOODS WITH RAW ELEMENTS
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused
Merrick makes another grain free feed, except this one is infused with tasty freeze-dried raw bits. This formula offers four adult recipes, and one puppy recipe. The adult formula earned a 5* rating on Dog Food Adviser. At 4.5* stars, the Raw Infused puppy formula scores slightly higher than Merrick's original grain free feed. Made in the USA.
Purchase:
Nature's Variety Instinct Raw Boost
This formula has 12 options to choose from, including formulas made specifically for puppies, senior dogs, toy breeds, small breeds, and dogs who need assistance reaching a healthy weight. It includes an "abundance" of meat. This feed earned a 5* rating on Dog Food Adviser. Made in the USA.
Purchase:
20lb bag available for $65-80 on Chewy.
Stella and Chewy's Raw Coated Kibble / Raw Blend
Stella and Chewy's is grain, gluten, and potato free. The Raw Coated Kibble comes in three delicious flavors (beef, chicken, and white fish). The Raw Blend formula is available in two recipes (Red Meat and Cage Free Chicken), and includes bite size raw pieces. This company sources sustainable ingredients: grass fed red meat, wild caught fish, cage-free poultry, and organic fruits and vegetables. This food includes a "significant" amount of meat, earning a 5* rating on Dog Food Adviser. Made in the USA.
Purchase:
Find a local retailer near you!
CANNED FOOD
Note: Most dogs should not be fed a strictly wet food diet; eating wet food alone can contribute to poor dental health. I suggest the following foods be fed supplementally.
Newman's Own Organics Grain Free
Newman's Own offers seven scrumptions recipes. The recipes are grain free, and USDA organic. The formula includes an "abundance" of meat. It earned a 5* rating on Dog Food Adviser. Additional perk: all profits are donated to charity!
Purchase:
12 (12-12.7oz) cans available for $21-35 on Chewy.
Castor and Pollux Organix Butcher and Bushel
It is true that this brand only earned a 4.5* rating on Dog Food Adviser, but I chose to include it anyway because it is difficult to find organic dog food.
Purchase:
12 (12.7oz) cans available for $25-33 on Chewy.
Image Credits: LAURAWASHERE95/FLICKR / CREATIVE COMMON
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