Top 10 Best Dog Foods at Target

Top 10 Best Dog Foods at Target

Choosing the right food for your dog can be tough. Every dog has different tastes and health needs. And on top of that, you need to find a food that fits into your budget and daily routine. With so much to juggle, buying food from someplace inconvenient can be just one more choice to make. If there’s a good food choice available somewhere you already shop at regularly, that’s one less hurdle between your pup and dinner. With that in mind, here are some of our favorite food choices available at Target right now for your dog.

The 10 Best Dog Food at Target

Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food – Best Overall

Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food

Main ingredients: Lamb Meal, Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)
Protein content: 20%
Fat content: 13%
Calories: 325/cup

Rachael Ray comes in with the best overall dog food from Target with the Just 6 Limited ingredient option. At a competitive price point and fewer ingredients, this dog food choice skips  all the extra fillers. It is labeled as having only “clean” ingredients, with added vitamins, minerals, and additional nutrients for a wholesome diet. With its first ingredient being meat, you can be assured that your dog is eating right.

This recipe contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. However, some dog owners say that the food doesn’t smell great. Plus, containing no preservatives, this dog food may not remain fresh for as long as other options. Those factors aside, you can give your dog a nutritious and wholesome dog food option when you shop at Target for their next meal.

Cons
  • Bad smell
  • Short shelf-life
Pros
  • Limited ingredients
  • High-quality ingredients

Rachael Ray Nutrish Dish Beef & Brown Rice Recipe Super Premium Dry Dog Food – Premium Choice

Rachael Ray Nutrish Dish Beef & Brown Rice Recipe Super Premium Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: Beef, Chicken Meal, Dried Peas, Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Pea Protein
Protein content: 26%
Fat content: 14%
Calories: 350/cup

Rachael Ray makes the list again with this premium dog food choice available at Target. The Dish Beef & Brown Rice Recipe dog food contains no animal by-products and has beef as its first listed ingredient. With a high protein content, this option is sure to make your doggy friend feel full of nutrients. It has added vitamins and minerals to its natural ingredients. US farm-raised beef provides a step up in the dog food game.

This dog food has ingredients you can see right in the food itself! There are no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Your dog is getting nutrition in every bite. The downside to this food is the small bag size, especially for the price. The picture on the bag can also be deceiving as to what the food actually looks like.

Cons
  • Small bag
  • Not like the picture
Pros
  • Meat first
  • Natural ingredients
  • Clean ingredients

Purina Dog Chow High Protein Lamb with Beef Flavor Dry Dog Food – Best Value

Purina Dog Chow High Protein Lamb with Beef Flavor Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: Ground Yellow Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Meat and Bone Meal, Beef Fat Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols
Protein content: 27%
Fat content: 12%
Calories: 424/cup

Purina Dog Chow High Protein Lamb with Beef dog food comes in as the best dog food for the money at Target. Purina Dog Chow has a very favorable price point and provides a large quantity of dog food as well. This high-protein dog food option is great for energizing your pup for the day. With added benefits of nutrition and muscle support, and a recipe containing real lamb and beef flavoring, this is a great dog food choice available at Target for an affordable price.

It will provide the balanced nutrition that every growing dog needs. The kibble is bite-sized and full of flavor. Made in the USA means the recipes are crafted close to home! The downside is that the food only comes in two bag sizes, which may not be the best for people with multiple dogs.

Cons
  • Only two sizes
Pros
  • High protein
  • Supports weight management
  • Promotes healthy bones, skin, and coat

Nutro Ultra Trio Proteins from Chicken, Lamb and Salmon Small Breed Adult Weight Management Dry Dog Food – Vet’s Choice

Nutro Ultra Trio Proteins from Chicken, Lamb and Salmon Small Breed Adult Weight Management Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal (Source Of Glucosamine And Chondroitin), Whole Grain Barley, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Whole Grain Oats
Protein content: 28%
Fat content: 12%

Nutro Ultra Trio Proteins is on the list of the best dog food from Target in 2022 as our Vet’s Choice. With clean and meat-first ingredients, this option is one that is surely full of added nutrition and good for your dog. This recipe contains a trio of proteins, meaning it includes not only chicken but also lamb and salmon. This premium dog food has high-quality ingredients plus it’s packed with vitamins and minerals to promote a healthy and balanced diet.

The ingredients are passed with a close eye on quality and are always tested before production. With no added fillers, artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, you can be sure the recipe supports a healthy dog. The downsides are that it may have a shorter shelf-life than other foods and there aren’t many size options to choose from.

Cons
  • Not shelf-stable
  • Not many sizes
Pros
  • All-natural ingredients
  • Trio of proteins

IAMS Proactive Health Chicken & Whole Grains Recipe Puppy Premium Dry Dog Food – Best for Puppies

IAMS Proactive Health Chicken & Whole Grains Recipe Puppy Premium Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: Chicken, Corn Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, A Source Of Vitamin E)
Protein content: 29%
Fat content: 17.5%
Calories: 399/cup

IAMS ranks as the best dog food for puppies with its Proactive Health Chicken & Whole Grains Recipe option. The 1st ingredient is chicken, skipping out on any by-products and being labeled with a meat-first recipe. Support strong and healthy muscles with high-quality protein dog food. Give your puppy the best dog food for their growing needs and demanding nutritional requirements! This recipe is blended to include support for healthy cognition – its omega-3 DHAs help build stronger brains. With the bonus of 22 key nutrients, you and your puppy will sleep easy at night knowing they’re getting everything they need.

The downside to this food is that it may cause an upset stomach in dogs that have sensitive stomachs. It is also more expensive than some other dog foods that are available at Target.

Cons
  • May cause upset stomach in some dogs
  • More expensive than other foods
Pros
  • 22 key nutrients
  • Formulated for puppies
  • Promotes muscle growth

Crave Grain Free High Protein with Protein From Chicken Adult Premium Dry Dog Food

Crave Grain Free High Protein with Protein From Chicken Adult Premium Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chickpeas, Split Peas, Pork Meal
Protein content: 34%
Fat content: 17%
Calories: 463/cup

With one of the highest protein contents on this list coming in at 34%, Crave Grain Free High Protein makes the list of best dog food at Target in 2022. The  first ingredient is real chicken, resulting in energy-filled and healthy dogs. This recipe is grain free for easy digestion if your vet recommends that your dog needs a grain-free diet.

The quality ingredients of no chicken by-product meal, corn, or wheat make this a good option for dogs with sensitivities. This recipe also contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. This dog food is a great option for both small and large breed dogs across many different dietary needs. However, some picky dogs may not like this food.

Cons
  • Picky eaters may not like it
Pros
  • Natural ingredients
  • Meat as the first ingredient
  • No fillers

NUTRO Natural Choice Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food

NUTRO Natural Choice Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Split Peas
Protein content: 22%
Fat content: 14%
Calories: 343/cup

This clean and natural dry dog food available at Target provides a holistic recipe with the NUTRO Natural Choice Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe. A meat-first ingredient list means the protein content is high and the ingredients are crafted with nutrition in mind. With added flavor from sweet potatoes and rice, your dog is sure to gravitate towards this food! It has added fiber for a healthy digestive system and essential antioxidants to support overall pup health.

This recipe has no chicken by-product meal keeping the protein content clean. It has no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives making sure your dog is getting nutrition in every bite. The downside is that it may not be easy for some dogs to digest.

Cons
  • May be difficult for some dogs to digest
Pros
  • Clean, natural ingredients
  • Meat as the first ingredient

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal
Protein content: 24%
Fat content: 14%
Calories: 377/cup

Blue Buffalo Life Protection makes the list of the best dog food from Target because of its clean and meat-first ingredients. High-quality protein makes Blue Buffalo a top choice for nutritional value for your dog’s diet. Protein promotes healthy muscles and energy levels in your dog providing them with that daily boost they need. The recipe contains ingredients with high nutrition like omega fatty acids, essential proteins, and antioxidants.

With concentrated bits of antioxidants and vitamins, your dog will be eating a balanced diet. This holistic dog food choice also supports overall health and immune system function to ensure long-lasting and healthy lifestyles. The downsides to this food are that due to chicken as the main ingredient, it may cause an upset stomach in some dogs and other dogs may find the flavor to be unfavorable. The bag is also small for the price.

Cons
  • May cause upset stomach in some dogs
  • Unfavorable taste for some dogs
  • Small bag size
Pros
  • Added nutrients
  • Meat as the first ingredient
  • Supports immune system

Purina ONE SmartBlend Large Breed Puppy Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food

Purina ONE SmartBlend Large Breed Puppy Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: Chicken, Brewers Rice, Soybean Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Poultry By-Product Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Whole Grain Wheat
Protein content: 28%
Fat content: 13%
Calories: 361/cup

Purina ONE SmartBlend for large breeds is on the list of the best dog food at Target in 2022. The first ingredient listed is real chicken, making the protein content of this option high. High protein supports strong muscles and a healthy heart to keep your dog growing healthy throughout its life. This recipe contains glucosamine and supports joint health providing an added benefit to a daily meal.

Your dog will like the tender bits mixed with crunchy kibble and a great taste. It has no artificial flavors or preservatives removing any unnatural ingredients. Packed with nutrition and flavor, Purina ONE could be the choice for you. The downside is that it may cause digestion issues in dogs that have an allergy or sensitivity to chicken.

Cons
  • Possible digestion issues for dogs with chicken allergies
Pros
  • Natural
  • Meat-first ingredients

Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food

Nature's Recipe Grain Free Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Peas, Pea Starch, Sweet Potatoes
Protein content: 27%
Fat content: 12%
Calories: 355/cup

If your dog is on a grain-free diet, then this food available at Target might be the choice for you! Nature’s Recipe Grain Free makes it easy to digest for those who have sensitive stomachs. This recipe contains added nutritional value with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. It provides a wholesome option to keep your dog nourished with everything they need on a daily basis.

There are no added fillers, artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors. With chicken as its 1st ingredient, you can be sure that the protein content is high and rich in nutrients and flavor. This recipe is crafted with natural products in mind. The downside is that this food is pricey compared to other dog foods.

Cons
  • Expensive
Pros
  • Natural ingredients
  • High protein
  • Easy to digest

Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Best Dog Food at Target

There are lots of options available out there for dog food and picking the right food for your dog can be tricky. Here are some of the things to consider.

Fat and Protein

Because dogs need a high-meat diet, it stands to reason that they need fat and protein too. Protein should always be a primary calorie source for dogs. Most dog food should be about 15–30% protein by weight—wet foods might show a significantly lower protein content on the can because of the high water content. They should also have somewhere between 5–20% fat, roughly. More active dogs need higher amounts of fat and protein, while less active dogs might do better with less dense food.

Ingredients

  • Just like any food, you need good ingredients to make good dog food. Dogs need a mix of meat and plant-based food, but heavy on the meat. Most healthy dog foods will have meat as the first ingredient. There are lots of healthy meat sources, with chicken and beef being the most common.
  • Grains are another important part of dog food. Whole grains such as whole wheat, brown rice, and whole corn are all great options. Other whole grains include oats or oatmeal, sorghum, and millet. Processed grains such as white flour or rice aren’t ideal for dog food because they leave out essential nutrients. Some dogs require a grain-free diet, however, if your dog can process grains, it is recommended because many grain-free diets are linked to heart health problems. Some vegetable ingredients such as lentils and legumes are also linked to heart health problems.

Health/Size/Breed

Every dog is different, and different types of dogs need different food. Puppies need specially formulated food that is heavy in fat, protein, and specific nutrients they need to grow. Most adult dogs can eat any adult or maintenance-formulated dog food, but there are also foods tweaked for specific purposes. This includes foods optimized for older dogs, for various breed sizes, and for weight loss or gain. In addition, some dogs might have food intolerances or medical conditions that require specialty diets.

Final Thoughts

In summary, Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 is the best overall dog food at Target with limited ingredients that you can actually see in the food. Purina Dog Chow comes in at the best value with an affordable price point without compromising on nutrition. Rachael Ray Nutrish Dish makes the top five  as a premium choice with high quality, natural ingredients.

IAMS Proactive Health for puppies makes the list of top choices with added nutrients, minerals, and vitamins for a growing pup. Nutro Ultra Trio Proteins is a vet’s choice on the list with high protein content. Hopefully, you can use these reviews to help you find the best food at Target for your dog.

Edward Hollon is an avid dog lover and writer, knowing all there is to know about our furry friends. Edward has been writing for petdii for three years now, wanting to use her knowledge for good and share everything she can with new dog owners. Edward has two dogs herself - a German shepherd called Banjo and a chocolate labrador called Buttons. Edward knows more than anyone how adjusting to new life with a puppy can turn your life upside down, and she wants to ease some of the burdens through her articles.