As a dog owner, can you even keep up anymore with all these recent changes in dog diets? It can get so confusing as things change, wondering what the best options are for your best buddy.
Luckily, we can help out. Chewy is a huge supporter of pet health, offering terrific nutrition with convenient shipping options. We rounded up ten of the best dog foods Chewy offers with intense research and testing. Here are our reviews.
The Iams Adult MiniChunks food is the best Chewy dog food for the money due to its fair price for a large quantity of food. This food is formulated for adult dogs of all sizes, but it offers a smaller kibble size, making it easier for smaller dogs to eat. It has a 25% protein content, thanks to chicken as the first ingredient. It contains a specialized blend of fibers and prebiotics to support healthy digestion. It’s a good source of antioxidants to support the immune system.
Some people do report that their picky eaters aren’t big fans of this food, so it may not be the best option for picky dogs.
Cons
May not be suitable for picky dogs
Pros
25% protein content from chicken
Best value
Smaller kibble size is easier to eat
Specialized blend of fiber and prebiotics for digestion
Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin – Best Overall
Main ingredients:
Chicken
Protein content:
20%
Fat content:
13%
Calories:
394 kcal/cup
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin is the best overall dog food from Chewy. This food features chicken and chicken meal as the first two ingredients, and it has a 20% protein content with 394 calories per cup. It has beet pulp, an effective prebiotic fiber additive to help support healthy digestion. It is also a highly digestible food, making it a good option for dogs with digestive problems. It’s a good source of vitamin E and omega fatty acids to support skin and coat health.
The third ingredient in this food is yellow peas, a type of legume. Some legumes have shown a potential connection with heart disease in dogs, so make sure to discuss this ingredient with your vet before switching over to this food.
Cons
Contains legumes
Pros
Good source of omega fatty acids and vitamin E
Good option for dogs with skin, coat, and digestive problems
20% protein content from chicken and chicken meal
Contains prebiotic fiber and easily digested ingredients
Purina Pro Plan Puppy Large Breed Formula – Best for Puppies
Main ingredients:
Chicken
Protein content:
28%
Fat content:
13%
Calories:
419 kcal/cup
For puppies, the top food pick is the Purina Pro Plan Puppy Large Breed Formula. This food has a 28% protein content from chicken, which is 419 calories per cup. It’s formulated for puppies that will be over 50 pounds when full grown, so it contains glucosamine to support the joints of rapidly growing large breed puppies. Calcium and phosphorus support healthy bone development, and omega fatty acids, like DHA, support brain and eye development.
This food is not appropriate for small and medium breed puppies since it is formulated for large breed puppies. It retails for a premium price, although it is available in large bag sizes.
Cons
Not appropriate for small and medium breed puppies
Premium price
Pros
Glucosamine, calcium, and phosphorus support healthy musculoskeletal development
Best pick for large breed puppies
28% protein content from chicken
Good source of omega fatty acids for brain and eye development
The Honest Kitchen Chicken Recipe – Premium Choice
Main ingredients:
Dehydrated chicken
Protein content:
24.5%
Fat content:
14%
Calories:
485 kcal/cup
The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Chicken Recipe food is the premium dog food choice from Chewy. This dehydrated food contains chicken, bringing it to 24.5% protein content. It also contains nutrient-dense ingredients like flaxseed and barley. It contains 485 calories per cup, but each cup rehydrates to around four cups of dog food. The ingredients in this food are gently dehydrated to ensure they maintain nutrition. This is a complete and balanced diet for dogs of all sizes and ages, including large breed puppies and pregnant or nursing dogs.
Aside from retailing for a premium price, this food also contains potatoes and legumes, which have shown a potential link to heart disease in dogs. Make sure to discuss these ingredients with your vet before switching to this food.
Cons
Premium price
Contains legumes and potatoes
Pros
Gentle dehydration process retains nutrients
24.5% protein from chicken
Contains nutrient-dense ingredients
Complete and balanced for dogs of all ages and sizes
Nutro Ultra Large Breed Adult
Main ingredients:
Chicken
Protein content:
22%
Fat content:
13%
Calories:
346 kcal/cup
The Nutro Ultra Large Breed Adult food is a great option if you’re feeding an adult large breed dog. This food has chicken and chicken meal as the first two ingredients, as well as salmon and lamb, giving it a 22% protein content. The chicken meal provides a great source of glucosamine and chondroitin to support the musculoskeletal system of your large breed dog. It contains multiple grain sources to help keep your dog healthy and provide fiber for digestive health. It contains ingredients that support skin and coat health, as well as calcium and phosphorus to support healthy bones in your dog.
This is not an appropriate food for small and medium breed dogs since it is formulated for large breed dogs. It is a little lower in caloric density than most of the foods we reviewed, so you may need to feed more of it.
Cons
Not appropriate for small and medium breed dogs
Pros
Multiple grain sources for healthy fiber
Supports skin and coat health
22% protein content from chicken, salmon, and lamb
Good source of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
Calcium and phosphorus encourage healthy bones in large breed dogs
Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach – Vet’s Choice
Main ingredients:
Salmon
Protein content:
26%
Fat content:
16%
Calories:
467 kcal/cup
Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach food is our vet’s top pick for dog food from Chewy. This food has 26% protein content from whole salmon and fish meal, and it is free of chicken and other common protein allergens in dogs, making it suitable for many dogs with food sensitivities. It contains 467 calories per cup, making it an extremely nutrient-dense food option. It’s a good source of omega fatty acids for skin and coat health, and it contains probiotics, prebiotics, and highly digestible ingredients to support sensitive stomachs.
This food retails for a premium price, and some people report picky eaters turning their noses up at this food.
Cons
Premium price
May not be suitable for picky dogs
Pros
Free of chicken and other common protein allergens
Good source of omega fatty acids for skin and coat health
Vet’s choice
26% protein from salmon and fish meal
Probiotics, prebiotics, and easily digested ingredients for sensitive stomachs
Victor Classic Hi-Pro Plus Formula
Main ingredients:
Beef meal
Protein content:
30%
Fat content:
20%
Calories:
406 kcal/cup
The Victor Classic Hi-Pro Plus Formula is made specifically for feeding dogs that need higher protein food, like working and active dogs. It’s also appropriate for puppies and nursing and pregnant female dogs. It has 30% protein content primarily from beef meal, but it also includes chicken, pork, menhaden fish, and blood meal. The Victor VPRO blend supports digestive and immune health. It’s one of the more budget-friendly options and is available in large bag sizes.
This food is not a good option for picky eaters. Some people report the kibbles being harder than most dry dog foods, which may make it difficult for dogs with chewing and dental problems to eat. It does have a strong smell that is unappealing to some people.
Cons
May not be suitable for picky dogs
Kibbles may be difficult for dogs with dental problems to chew
Strong smell
Pros
Supports digestive and immune health
30% protein from multiple sources
Formulated for active dogs and those with high protein and calorie needs
Appropriate for growing puppies
Budget-friendly option with large bag sizes
Purina One SmartBlend Lamb & Rice Formula
Main ingredients:
Lamb
Protein content:
26%
Fat content:
16%
Calories:
380 kcal/cup
The Purina One SmartBlend Lamb & Rice Formula is a budget-friendly dog food for adult dogs. This food has 26% protein content from whole lamb and chicken by-product meal. Although some people are turned off by by-products in pet food ingredient lists, it’s actually a good additive for boosting nutrition. It’s a good source of glucosamine to support your dog’s joint health. Omega fatty acids support skin and coat health, and this food is made to be easily digestible.
Some people have found this food to not be suitable for their picky eaters. This food often comes with coupons enclosed in a plastic packet, so it’s important to ensure you don’t accidentally feed this to your dog.
Cons
May not be suitable for picky dogs
Often includes plastic-wrapped coupons in the bag
Pros
Good source of glucosamine for joint health
Good source of omega fatty acids for skin and coat health
Budget-friendly option
26% protein content from lamb and chicken by-product meal
Made to be easily digestible
Stella & Chewy’s Chewy’s Chicken Dinner Patties
Main ingredients:
Chicken with ground bone
Protein content:
48%
Fat content:
28%
Calories:
50 kcal/patty
If your dog needs a grain-free food, then the Stella & Chewy’s Chewy’s Chicken Dinner Patties might be a good option. Make sure to discuss the potential risks associated with a grain-free diet before transitioning your dog, though.
This is a freeze-dried raw diet that has 48% protein from chicken muscle and organ meats. It contains 50 calories per patty, making portioning easy. This food can be fed straight from the package or rehydrated with a liquid of your choice. It’s easy to digest and contains probiotics, making it a good option for dogs with sensitive digestive tracts. Although this is a grain-free food, it’s also free of legumes and potatoes, which have also been associated with heart disease in dogs and often replace the grains in foods.
Since this is a raw diet, you should discuss the concerns associated with raw diets and make sure to wash your hands well before and after handling this food and your dog’s food bowl. This food retails for a premium price.
Cons
Grain-free food
Raw diet
Premium price
Pros
Easy to portion
Easy to digest and contains probiotics
Freeze-dried raw food that can be fed straight or rehydrated
48% protein from chicken
Free of legumes and potatoes
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Dry Food
Main ingredients:
Deboned chicken
Protein content:
24%
Fat content:
14%
Calories:
377 kcal/cup
The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula contains 24% protein from deboned chicken and chicken meal. It contains flaxseeds, which are a good source of omega fatty acids to support skin and coat health. This food contains calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins to support musculoskeletal health. It’s formulated to meet the nutritional needs of adult dogs of all sizes, although the kibbles are quite small, and some people feel like their large dogs struggle with the size of this food.
This food retails for a premium price. It contains LifeSource bits, which are nutritionally dense kibbles to ensure your dog’s nutritional needs are met, but many people find their dogs don’t like these pieces of food.
Cons
Premium price
Picky dogs may not eat the LifeSource bits
Pros
Supports musculoskeletal health
24% protein from chicken
Good source of omega fatty acids
Formulated for adult dogs of all sizes
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Food on Chewy
If you are buying dog food on chewy, we think he will love the convenience and variety. But when it comes down to picking the specific brand and recipe, how can you possibly choose?
We’re going to go over the types of dog food you can get to get an idea of the type that would work best for your dog.
Type of Dog Food
There are several different types of recipes to cater to dietary needs. Most healthy dogs can have everyday nutritional recipes, while others need specific diets.
Limited Ingredient
Limited ingredient diets use as few ingredients as possible to avoid potential triggers.
Everyday Diet
Everyday diets are standard recipes that match all canine-specific diet needs according to strict regulations.
Sensitive Stomach
Some pups have a lot of trouble with their gut. They need a little help with a medley of probiotics and fibrous, easy-to-digest ingredients.
Grain-Free
Grain-free diets are explicitly made for dogs with grain allergies Z because of potential links to heart issues. You should only switch your dog to a grain-free diet if they have a true allergy.
Hydrolyzed Protein
Hydrolyzed proteins break up common proteins into microscopic bits.
Novel Protein
Novel proteins are often used for dogs who have shown sensitivity to common proteins like beef, fish, turkey, and chicken.
Texture of Dog Food
Every dog has a preference as to what texture of dog food they like best. You might sign that you pick only one while others use a combination. If you want to feed your dog a standard dry kibble diet, you could spruce it up with fresh or canned dog food for added flavor and nutrition.
Dry Kibble
Dry kibble is one of the most popular dog food choices due to its long shelf life and availability. It also is one of the most readily available, filling up department store shelves and online categories.
Wet
Canned wet food gives your dog a savory burst of nutrition And hydration. Most canned dog foods are at least 70% moisture, meaning they give your dog a cake of hydration and their diet. You have to be careful with some canned dog food as it contains artificial preservatives that can post different health concerns.
Freeze-Dried Raw
Freeze-dried raw food selections are some of the newest at Chewy. These pieces of kibble are frozen at peak freshness and then dehydrated to create whole pieces of essential proteins. There is still a risk of foodborne illness, freeze-dried options are often less likely to cause that than fresh food options.
Fresh
Fresh dog food typically comes frozen in each individual portion as needed. While it doesn’t have as long as the shelf life of some other selections, it has nutritional benefits. The ingredients have not been broken down as much as other dog food selections, letting the morsels keep their nutritional integrity. However, you do have to watch out for certain things like salmonella and other foodborne diseases due to lack of cooking and improper storage.
Components of Dog Food
There can be quite a few ingredients that go into one dog food recipe. But here are the basic aspects of dog food and what each one of them contributes.
Fat
Fat is a necessary component of dog food. Your dog greatly benefits from omega-fatty acids that nourish the skin and coat. Like anything else, fat is only good in moderation, so if you have a slightly overweight dog, you might not want to get a super high-fat content recipe.
Protein
Protein is the most crucial ingredient you can find and your dog’s food. A whole protein source is significant because it provides a solid base. Most people steer clear of animal byproducts and their dog food to eliminate the risk of allergies. Pro Tien is a very common trigger in canine allergies, so if you notice that your pet is displaying any symptoms eating common proteins like beef, fish, or chicken, you might have to try novel proteins or hydrolyzed diets.
Vitamins & Minerals
Dogs need a comprehensive combination of vitamins and minerals to keep their bodies running healthy. Each brand of dog food undergoes testing to ensure every dog food on the market has these essential vitamins and minerals.
Fiber
Fiber is an added component often found in grains. Added fiber in the diet helps regulate the digestive system to keep everything moving along as it should. Some dogs with stomach or digestive issues might need an increase of fiber in their diets along with probiotics and probiotics to boost gut health.
Discounts
If you were shopping for dog food on Chewy, you might find that there are discounts available. Some of the dog food brands or recipes go on sale. Chewy also has coupons available and other special offers. There is also an AutoShip option where you set up your food and recurring payment to have it shipped right to your door without missing or failing to remember.
Importance of Reviews
When you are ordering on Chewy, listening to what other customers have to say is incredibly important. These real-life people care about their dog’s nutrition as much as you do. If you read the reviews to see what they said about dog food that you’re interested in, you might be refreshingly surprised at how much of the guessing work it cuts out for you.
Final Thoughts
Use these reviews to help you select a food for your dog, but make sure to discuss concerns with your vet. They’ll be able to help guide you into choosing the best food to meet your dog’s needs.
The best overall dog food from Chewy is the Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin, which is easy to digest and supports skin and coat health. The budget-friendly pick is the Iams Adult MiniChunks, which is an affordable but high-quality food. For premium budgets, the top pick is The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Chicken Recipe, which is a nutrient-dense food that’s highly palatable. For puppies, we love the Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Formula, formulated for large breed puppies only. If you’re looking for a vet-recommended food, the best option is the Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach.
