We’ve all heard the endless comments about how everything is made overseas now and that we don’t make much of anything in the US, but luckily for our pooches, there are plenty of American-made dog food options that are among the best in the world. In fact, while in most categories, it’s tough to find any options at all that are made in the US, when it comes to dog food, the options are so plentiful that choosing one can be a daunting and overwhelming task!
There are endless factors that play into your dog’s health, and hundreds of manufacturers all claim to offer similar products. In recent years, it has come to light just how poor the food quality is for major pet food producers. One study found that typical dog food is about as nutritious for dogs as fast food is for humans.
Many large manufacturers claim to offer pets a nutritious, balanced diet. But with few regulations and little oversight, many manufacturers cut corners and source their filler ingredients from Asia and other locations. With this in mind, we set out to find the best dog food made in the USA. The brands that produce the products on this page take nutrition, dog health, and responsible sourcing seriously.
List of American-Made Dog Food
1. The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Whole Grain Dog Food
| Main Ingredients | Animal protein, vegetables |
| Available in Various Flavors | Yes |
| Wet or Dry | Dry (dehydrated) |
| Contains Grain | Yes |
| Contains Corn | No |
| Contains Wheat | No |
| Contains Soy | No |
Product Origin and Manufacturer Information:
The Honest Kitchen was founded in 2002 when dog owner Lucy Postins wanted to help her dog overcome health issues. She began making her own dog recipes in her kitchen. Today, the Honest Kitchen products are carried in major pet retailers nationwide. What makes this product different is it is a dehydrated product. The food comes in powder form, dog owners add warm water to rehydrate the food to 4x its weight. It is also unique because it is human-grade, made with 100% human-grade ingredients, and produced in a human food facility.
What We Like and Don’t Like About This Dog Food:
While most pet parents probably aren’t accustomed to feeding their dog from a dehydrated food source, this product is a great option for convenience. While a powder product isn’t as aesthetically pleasing as traditional kibble or fresh food, The Honest Kitchen did not cut corners on quality. This product packs a punch in both protein and nutrients. Finally, the company is incredibly transparent about its process, ingredients, and quality control. The level of detail provided on their website about their product is second to none.
Who We Recommend it For:
We recommend this product for dog owners who want to feed their dogs quality food without compromising on convenience. This product is easy to order, store, and serve and also provides all the nutrients your dog needs to lead a healthy life.
2. Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Dry Dog Food
| Main Ingredients | Pork, beef, lamb, vegetables |
| Available in Various Flavors | Yes |
| Wet or Dry | Dry |
| Contains Grain | No |
| Contains Corn | No |
| Contains Wheat | No |
| Contains Soy | No |
Product Origin and Manufacturer Information:
Whole Earth Farms makes pet food in the USA with high-quality proteins along with field-grown fruits and vegetables. Their products don’t include corn, wheat, soy, or by-product and focus on high-quality proteins as the main ingredient. Their foods help support a healthy immune system as well as healthy skin and coats for dogs. Whole Earth Farms has been in the business for over a decade and tests each product on-site in their test kitchen.
What We Like and Don’t Like About This Dog Food:
This is a great mid-priced product for pet parents who want to make sure they are feeding their high-quality dog food but without breaking the bank. This product was highly reviewed among dog owners who were seeking an affordable yet nutritious dog food option. Pet parents also have lots of options with this brand, it is offered in four flavors and three package sizes. Finally, Whole Earth Farms offers a subscribe and save feature so you never have to worry about re-ordering, and you save a little bit of money in the process.
Who We Recommend it For:
We recommend this product for dog owners who are price-conscious but also want to feed their dogs a high-quality product. This product also may work well for dogs who are picky eaters, as it comes in four different flavors.
3. Merrick Grain Free with Real Meat
| Main Ingredients | Animal protein, vegetables |
| Available in Various Flavors | Yes |
| Wet or Dry | Dry |
| Contains Grain | No |
| Contains Corn | No |
| Contains Wheat | No |
| Contains Soy | No |
Product Origin and Manufacturer Information:
This Texas-based company was founded over 30 years ago in the Merrick family kitchen. They source ingredients from local Texas farms, and their recipes are free of grain, by-products, artificial preservatives, corn, wheat, soy, and gluten. The company actually still develops and tests recipes in the same kitchen they started in, but they take quality control extremely seriously. They test all recipes multiple times throughout the manufacturing process to ensure they exceed food and safety standards. All of their facilities meet FDA guidelines, and they’ve partnered with safe food organizations like NSF International and Safe Quality Food.
This company also cares deeply about helping dogs find a forever home and has partnered with local organizations, including K9s for Warriors and Austin Pets Alive, to help place animals with good owners.
What We Like and Don’t Like About This Dog Food:
What really stands out about this brand is the number one ingredient in all recipes is real meat. Even most premium brands aren’t able to make this claim. Merrick offers a variety of different formulas and recipes, so even picky eaters should be able to find something they like. The company has also taken an unusually holistic approach to formulating dog food, all recipes include a balance of protein and fats, important fatty acids, and nutrients to support bones and joints. Any pet parent feeding this to their dog will have peace of mind that their pet is getting all of the nutrients they need. This is a very trustworthy brand that has an army of loyal customers to show for it.
Who We Recommend it For:
We recommend this product for dog owners who are looking for a meat-forward recipe. As mentioned, real meat is always the #1 ingredient in all Merrick formulas. This brand is also great for dogs with a gluten allergy, all Merrick products are gluten-free.
4. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Puppy Food
| Main Ingredients | Animal protein, vegetables |
| Available in Various Flavors | Yes |
| Wet or Dry | Dry |
| Contains Grain | No |
| Contains Corn | No |
| Contains Wheat | No |
| Contains Soy | No |
Product Origin and Manufacturer Information:
The Wellness company started in the 1990s when a small group of dedicated dog owners began working with animal nutrition experts, veterinarians, and scientists to develop a food that would revolutionize the pet industry. Wellness natural pet food is made with carefully chosen, authentic ingredients for everyday health. Their recipes include an optimal balance of nutrient-rich whole foods to promote healthy growth and a lifetime of well-being. Wellness offers a variety of flavors and formulas from puppy to senior and large breed to small dog.
What We Like and Don’t Like About This Dog Food:
This is a great brand for pet parents of puppies because Wellness offers special formulas for all stages of dog life. After aging out of the puppy food, pet parents can easily transition their dog to the adult formula without disrupting the food style and flavor they’ve grown accustomed to. This brand is highly recommended by puppy pet parents who have experienced dog digestion issues in the past.
Who We Recommend it For:
We recommend this product for puppy parents who are looking for a dog food brand that is nutritious and that they can stick with for the duration of the dog’s life.
5. Castor & Pollux Organix Dry Dog Food
| Main Ingredients | Organic animal protein, organic vegetables |
| Available in Various Flavors | Yes |
| Wet or Dry | Dry |
| Contains Grain | Yes |
| Contains Corn | No |
| Contains Wheat | No |
| Contains Soy | No |
Product Origin and Manufacturer Information:
Castor & Pollux was founded in 1999 by pet parents Shelley Gunton and Brian Connolly. After they adopted a puppy, they weren’t impressed by all of the standard ingredients in dog food and decided to make their own. They brought together a team of veterinarians and nutritionists and created recipes that focused on organic ingredients. All of their recipes contain organic meats, fruits, and vegetables.
Their formulas also include important nutrients like fatty acids, calcium, and prebiotics to promote healthy digestion, skin, and coat. Castor & Pollux has also sought to set new standards in the pet food industry. Their “Organix” line is all USDA organic making it the only complete line of USDA organically certified pet food. They also recently introduced a new line, “Pristine,” which is the only complete line of pet food made with responsibly sourced ingredients.
What We Like and Don’t Like About This Dog Food:
Castor & Pollux’s standard-setting recipes are truly impressive. To say they’ve gone above and beyond in the ingredient quality category is an understatement. Just as impressive is their ability to remain competitively priced even with all of the extra steps they’ve taken to elevate their recipes. Dog owners all over the country rave about the noticeable difference they see in their dog’s health after transitioning to this brand. If you’re looking for organic dog food made in the USA, this is a great option.
Who We Recommend it For:
We recommend this product for dog owners who are particularly keen on organic products. You won’t find another USDA organically certified pet food on the market.
6. Health Extension Original Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
| Main Ingredients | Chicken, rice |
| Available in Various Flavors | No |
| Wet or Dry | Dry |
| Contains Grain | Yes |
| Contains Corn | No |
| Contains Wheat | No |
| Contains Soy | No |
Product Origin and Manufacturer Information:
Health Extension is a third-generation family business founded in 1963 by the Gruber family. Health extension’s recipes are especially focused on vitamins needed to support healthy dogs, particularly for large breeds. Since day one, the company’s formulas have included animal protein as the first ingredient and never use by-products, corn, gluten, soy, or artificial preservatives. The company also has a line of wet food in addition to vitamin supplements for a variety of breeds.
What We Like and Don’t Like About This Dog Food:
Health Extension’s attention to detail when it comes to nutrient balance is second to none. While most brands contain at least some level of required nutrients, Health Extension has taken the extra step to make sure the nutrient ratios are optimal as well. Reviewers of this dog food are mostly dog parents of dogs with health issues and are necessarily very informed about dog food nutrition. Reviewers consistently rave about the formula and share objective improvements in their dog’s health after switching.
Who We Recommend it For:
We recommend this product for dog owners of large breeds, particularly breeds that are prone to health issues later in life.
7. TruDog Freeze-Dried Dog Food
| Main Ingredients | Beef, beef tripe, beef lung |
| Available in Various Flavors | Yes |
| Wet or Dry | Dry |
| Contains Grain | No |
| Contains Corn | No |
| Contains Wheat | No |
| Contains Soy | No |
Product Origin and Manufacturer Information:
TruDog is a Midwest-based family-owned company founded by dog lover Lori Taylor. Lori had been feeding her dogs a raw diet but found that it was too much of a hassle to keep up. When she couldn’t find an alternative that was just as nutritious but also convenient, she set out to make her own dog food. What she came up with is a freeze-dried food that contains all the nutrition of a raw diet without the extra work and mess. TruDog’s product is made with meat sourced in the US and contains no grains, fillers, chemicals, or by-products. TruDog advertises the benefits of raw food diets, including easy digestion, allergen-free, and avoidance of the harmful effects of filler-laden kibble.
What We Like and Don’t Like About This Dog Food:
The ingredient list and nutrition profile of this dog food is what really sets it apart. The nutrient value is either above average or significantly above average when compared to most other dog food brands. The recipes include significant portions of protein and fat that many other brands lack. Reviewers consistently rave about how convenient it is to feed their dog a freeze-dried product as opposed to a traditional raw diet.
Who We Recommend it For:
We recommend this product for dog parents who are fans of all raw diets. This product offers the nutritional profile of an all-raw diet without the hassle or mess.
8. Blackwood Dog Food
| Main Ingredients | Lamb, brown rice |
| Available in Various Flavors | Yes |
| Wet or Dry | Dry |
| Contains Grain | Yes |
| Contains Corn | No |
| Contains Wheat | No |
| Contains Soy | No |
Product Origin and Manufacturer Information:
Blackwood is a three-generation family-run business based in Ohio. They take pride in their small-batch, slow-cooking approach to pet food production. Their cooking process is low and slow, which increases nutrient retention, meaning every serving is more nutritious than food produced with traditional cooking methods. Their website goes into great detail about the science of the cooking process, which has been validated by researchers at Kansas State University. Blackwood’s nutritious dog food helps support the immune system, heart, brain, hips & joints along with promoting healthy skin and coat. They also make special formulas for puppies and dogs who have special dietary needs.
What We Like and Don’t Like About This Dog Food:
Blackwood’s passion for science and quality is truly impressive. They have not cut any corners in developing a nutritious product fit for all dog types. From ingredient sourcing to research to all phases of production, Blackwood had quality in mind. It is a bit more expensive than some of their competitors but well worth the peace of mind knowing how much care went into the production process.
Who We Recommend it For:
We recommend this dog food for pet parents who are particularly interested in how their dog’s food is produced. Blackwood is very transparent about its production process and goes to great lengths to explain the details of the process on its website. This product is also good for pet owners who want to shop small.
9. Best Breed German Dog Diet
| Main Ingredients | Chicken, sea mussel, brown rice |
| Available in Various Flavors | No |
| Wet or Dry | Dry |
| Contains Grain | Yes |
| Contains Corn | No |
| Contains Wheat | No |
| Contains Soy | No |
Product Origin and Manufacturer Information:
This Ohio-based company was founded in 1994 by veterinarian Dr. Gary Cotton. He started his business after years of treating animals for health issues that he believed were caused by low-quality nutrition. Dr. Gary’s food recipe contains a blend of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which is especially effective in keeping dogs’ digestive tracts active and healthy. The Best Breed formulas are hand-crafted and human-tested, so you know your dog is getting a high-quality meal.
What We Like and Don’t Like About This Dog Food:
This product is really geared towards large dogs, especially german shepherds, Dobermans, and Rottweilers. Although it is safe for any type of dog, the formula is geared toward digestive tract health, which is more of a concern for large dog owners as certain breeds have particularly sensitive GI tracts. The products’ ingredients are EU-approved, which is a higher quality standard than the US. What is most unique about this product is one of the Main Ingredients is the green-lipped sea mussel. Sourced primarily from New Zealand, this mussel is especially rich in minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants.
Who We Recommend it For:
We recommend this product for large dog owners. Seasoned owners of large dogs are familiar with how sensitive their digestive systems can be. This food is perfect to encourage healthy digestion and avoid costly vet bills.
10. Nulo Frontrunner Dry Dog Food
| Main Ingredients | Animal protein, barley, oats |
| Available in Various Flavors | Yes |
| Wet or Dry | Dry |
| Contains Grain | Yes |
| Contains Corn | No |
| Contains Wheat | No |
| Contains Soy | No |
Product Origin and Manufacturer Information:
Based in Austin, TX, Nulo was founded in a roundabout way. The founder and owner, Michael, started in the pet-care business in California. After years of running his business and learning about dogs and dog health, he learned that most pet food recipes are about as nutritious for dogs as fast food is for humans. This means that most dog foods are made with empty calories and filler ingredients rather than protein. Knowing that this lack of nutrients can lead to health problems, Michael set out to start his own dog food company. Nulo was formulated with the help of veterinarians and animal nutritionists and is now available in retailers across the country.
What We Like and Don’t Like About This Dog Food:
This company’s commitment to creating products heavy in animal protein is both unique and impressive. 77% of the protein in FrontRunner comes from animal protein, higher than many of their competitors. Reviewers of this product frequently mentioned noticeable differences in their dogs after switching to this food, including a shinier coat, increased energy levels, and improved mobility. This is also a favorite for picky eaters.
Who We Recommend it For:
We recommend this product for parents of active dogs. This food is specially formulated to promote strong muscles, a healthy heart, and immune health. The high animal protein content is perfect for dogs who have an active lifestyle.
11. Jiminy’s Cricket Crave Cricket Protein Oven-Baked Dog Food
| Main Ingredients | Insect protein, oats, vegetables |
| Available in Various Flavors | No |
| Wet or Dry | Dry |
| Contains Grain | Yes |
| Contains Corn | No |
| Contains Wheat | No |
| Contains Soy | No |
Product Origin and Manufacturer Information:
Jiminy’s is a pet food company driven by a mission – sustainability. The founder previously worked for a large pet company and decided to start her own pet food business focused on an alternative protein source – crickets. Crickets are one of the most sustainable forms of protein – switching a dog from a chicken to a cricket diet saves over 500,000 gallons of water per year. In addition, insect protein is hypoallergenic and easier for dogs to digest. This food recipe is high in omegas, fiber, iron, and vitamins and supports the growth of healthy muscle as well as gut health. Jiminy’s slow cooks the product in Berkeley, CA, and ships nationwide.
What We Like and Don’t Like About This Dog Food:
If you are looking for an earth-friendly, truly alternative dog food, you’ve found it in Jiminy’s. Insect protein hasn’t quite caught on as a mainstream protein source yet, but it is significantly better for the environment than traditional forms of protein. While sustainability is certainly the focus of Jiminy’s, they didn’t cut corners on taste. Dogs really seem to love this recipe, and on top of that, it is easier for them to digest than meats traditionally found in dog food. This product is also competitively priced with other high-quality, made-in-the-USA brands. This is easily some of the best dog food made in the USA.
Who We Recommend it For:
We recommend this product to open-minded dog owners who are interested in investing in sustainable products.
12. Doc’s Choice Premium Dog Food
| Main Ingredients | Animal protein meal, corn, wheat |
| Available in Various Flavors | Yes |
| Wet or Dry | Dry |
| Contains Grain | Yes |
| Contains Corn | Yes |
| Contains Wheat | Yes |
| Contains Soy | No |
Product Origin and Manufacturer Information:
Located in Fremont, Nebraska, Doc’s Choice sources ingredients from the agricultural heart of the country. They’ve been in the business for over 30 years and are still committed to the family values of Nebraska agriculture which include being transparent and ethical in food production. The formula was developed by Dr. Graney, who was inspired to create a more nutritious dog food when he witnessed the declining health of the dogs he saw in his practice.
Doc’s choice uses a gentle “pelleting” process to form the food – this process avoids exposing the ingredients to high temperatures, which can degrade important nutrients. Pelleting also produces a more digestible product than traditional kibble manufacturing. Doc’s Choice does not contain artificial ingredients or by-products and contains natural antioxidants and omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids.
What We Like and Don’t Like About This Dog Food:
There are different schools of thought on whether grain, corn, and wheat should be included in dog foods. Doc’s Choice is somewhat of an outlier in this space, as it contains all three. However, this recipe was veterinary developed and tested and has been on the market for 30 years. It is really up to the individual dog owner whether to include these ingredients in a dog’s diet. If you are comfortable with these ingredients, this is a trustworthy brand that is reasonably priced and has an established history. They also offer multiple formulas depending on dog age, so it is a good option to start your dog on as a puppy, then transition them to the adult formula as they grow.
Who We Recommend it For:
We recommend this product for small dog owners. While this formula is safe for all dog breeds and sizes, it was formulated by a small animal veterinarian – small dogs are really at the heart of this company.
13. Bil-Jac Dog Food Dry Adult Select Formula
| Main Ingredients | Chicken, cornmeal, chicken meal |
| Available in Various Flavors | No |
| Wet or Dry | Dry |
| Contains Grain | Yes |
| Contains Corn | Yes |
| Contains Wheat | No |
| Contains Soy | No |
Product Origin and Manufacturer Information:
Bil-Jac is an established family brand founded in Ohio in 1947 by brothers Bill and Jack Kelly. They started the company when they returned from WWII and set out to create high-quality pet food – something that was not yet common on the market. Bil-Jac started as a frozen dog-food company and used fresh ingredients in their frozen food for the first 30 years of the company. Eventually, the brothers developed a vacuum-drying method and created the company’s first dry dog food. The vacuum method removes moisture from the ingredients without using high temperatures, maintaining the nutritional values throughout the process. Bil-Jac really leans into fresh meat as the main ingredient, they use 25 lbs of fresh chicken to make each 30lb bag of food. Because there is so much meat in each serving, they don’t add any extra fat, fillers, or enhancers to the food.
What We Like and Don’t Like About This Dog Food:
While the inclusion of grain and corn may be a concern for some dog parents, Bil-Jac’s doesn’t use these ingredients for filler, and their proprietary drying process ensures that your dog will be consuming a nutrient-dense meal. Reviewers consistently comment on the taste of the food. It is a fan favorite even among picky eaters.
Who We Recommend it For:
We recommend this product for dog owners looking for a pet food company that has a proven track record. This is a solid family brand with almost 75 years of dog food experience.
14. Tender & True Organic Dog Food
| Main Ingredients | Organic animal protein, organic vegetables |
| Available in Various Flavors | Yes |
| Wet or Dry | Dry |
| Contains Grain | Yes |
| Contains Corn | No |
| Contains Wheat | No |
| Contains Soy | No |
Product Origin and Manufacturer Information:
With so many players in the dog food space, it is hard to be the first to do anything, but Tender and True have managed to carve out their own niche. In 2014, Tender & True pioneered the first and only certified humanely raised pet food meeting USDA standards to be truly organic from farm to bowl. They believe in sourcing and supplying their own ingredients, so they have relationships with growers and fisheries across the Midwest.
Their recipes are made with organic, humanely raised animal protein as the #1 ingredient. All formulas include a precise blend of organic ingredients, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals expressly blended for optimal nutrition. Additionally, no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives or flavors are added to the food. Tender and true is formulated for dogs under 70lbs.
What We Like and Don’t Like About This Dog Food:
This is a truly unique brand that cares deeply about animals in all parts of the supply chain. Their partnerships that ensure the animal protein in their recipes are farmed humanely is not something you’ll often find in dog food brands. Reviewers are consistently pet owners who have tried other brands of premium or organic dog foods without success. Tender and True seems to be a step above their competitors and has filled a needed niche in the high-quality pet food space. One thing to note is the food is only available in one size, so you’ll likely have to buy multiple bags at once if you are a larger dog owner.
Who We Recommend it For:
We recommend this product for dog owners who have already tried other brands of premium dog food and are looking to switch. This brand is also great for animal lovers who are conscious of how animal protein for dog food is sourced.
15. Sundays For Dogs
| Main Ingredients | USDA animal protein, vegetables |
| Available in Various Flavors | Yes |
| Wet or Dry | Dry |
| Contains Grain | No |
| Contains Corn | No |
| Contains Wheat | No |
| Contains Soy | No |
Product Origin and Manufacturer Information:
Sundays For Dogs was founded by a veterinarian, and engineer duo who wanted to create a healthy premium dog food brand without the hassle of home-cooked foods. Their mission is simple: to make it easier to be an awesome dog parent. Their dog food is human-grade, all-natural, and gently air-dried, so it has the consistency of jerky. Their recipes are free of gluten, wheat, soy, corn, potatoes, and dairy. All ingredients come from local farms in the Midwest, and the food is produced in a USDA-monitored kitchen in Ohio.
What We Like and Don’t Like About This Dog Food:
This is a particularly confident dog food company. Their website features a tool that allows you to compare over 3,000 dog food ingredients to the ingredients in Sundays For Dog’s recipes. They also offer a full refund on first-time orders within 14 days. This food is definitely on the higher end of premium dog foods and costs more than most of its competitors. However, their ingredients list is surprisingly wholesome and simple for dog food and is worth the price if you have the budget for it.
Who We Recommend it For:
We recommend this for dog owners who are looking for a truly natural and human-grade dog food alternative and aren’t afraid to pay for it. The ingredients are all things you’d see in human recipes, but it is more expensive to source, so you’ll pay more than most premium dog food brands.
16. Smallbatch Pets Freeze-Dried Premium Raw Food
| Main Ingredients | Animal protein, organic vegetables |
| Available in Various Flavors | Yes |
| Wet or Dry | Dry |
| Contains Grain | No |
| Contains Corn | No |
| Contains Wheat | No |
| Contains Soy | No |
Product Origin and Manufacturer Information:
Smallbatch is a small, family-owned company based in San Francisco, CA. The company was founded in 2005 when the founders realized they could create nutritious dog food utilizing local and sustainable sources. All of their ingredients are carefully selected to meet strict quality and purity standards. Staple ingredients in their recipes include organic herbs and vegetables, hormone and antibiotic-free meats, and only pure, honest supplements such as organic kelp and bee pollen. Small-batch selectively procures all ingredients from local farms in Washington, Oregon, California, and Colorado. In addition, they only use all-natural, humanely raised, and harvested meats that are hormone and antibiotic-free from start to finish.
What We Like and Don’t Like About This Dog Food:
Smallbatches commitment to quality ingredients and sourcing responsibly is unmatched. They’ve taken an incredible amount of time to choose quality sourcing partners that will maintain the integrity of their supply chain from start to finish. They are also incredibly transparent about their processes on their website. Finally, they have made a real commitment to small businesses on both sides of production – utilizing small farmers for sourcing and utilizing small pet stores for distribution. Aside from the impressive production, the food also tastes great and is a favorite among dogs big and small.
Who We Recommend it For:
We recommend this product for dog owners who are particularly interested in the ethical sourcing of dog food. You’d be hard-pressed to find another company that cares so deeply about responsible dog food production. This is also a good product for pet owners looking to supplement their dog’s diet with something highly nutritious rather than replace it outright. This product can be used as a topper, a supplement, or eaten alone.
17. Portland Pet Food Company Human-Grade Dog Food
| Main Ingredients | Animal protein, vegetables |
| Available in Various Flavors | Yes |
| Wet or Dry | Wet |
| Contains Grain | No |
| Contains Corn | No |
| Contains Wheat | No |
| Contains Soy | No |
Product Origin and Manufacturer Information:
Portland Pet Food Company was born out of necessity in 2014 when the founder’s 14-year-old Poodle lost her appetite. Founder Katie began cooking meals at home using locally sourced, natural ingredients, and her dog loved it. The company worked with the Oregon Food Innovation Program to develop a sustainable, local, AAFCO-regulated line of products. They also partner with Pacific Northwest companies to ensure that 100% of the dog food is sourced and made in the United States. They’ve developed the first of their kind shelf-stable pouch meals that work as food toppers, mixers, soft treats, or complete meals for small dogs. Finally, all ingredients are human grade with 11 or fewer whole ingredients.
What We Like and Don’t Like About This Dog Food:
This is a seriously tasty dog food supplement that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Most pet parents who tried this product said it smelled like good human food! Aside from the great taste, this company’s dedication to sustainable, quality ingredients is impressive. Reviewers with dogs of all types rave about this product. Additionally, Portland Pet Food Company donates 5% of its net profits to non-profit animal shelters and programs so you can feel good about every purchase.
Who We Recommend it For:
We recommend this product for dog parents looking for a tasty and nutritious supplement to their dog’s diet. It’s really a great product, and Portland Pet Food Company makes some of the dog foods made in the USA.
18. Steve’s Real Food Freeze-Dried Raw Food Diet for Dogs
| Main Ingredients | Animal protein, vegetables, fruit |
| Available in Various Flavors | Yes |
| Wet or Dry | Dry |
| Contains Grain | No |
| Contains Corn | No |
| Contains Wheat | No |
| Contains Soy | No |
Product Origin and Manufacturer Information:
Steve’s Real Food was the first pet food company to make feeding raw pet food convenient and easy. Unlike other brands that require defrosting or dehydration, Steve’s formula allows pet parents to simply pour and serve. Steve’s recipes are 100% complete and balanced, made from carefully sourced, high-quality ingredients. Every formula is pH- balanced, using only 100% natural, USDA inspected, free-range meats & unprocessed whole and functional foods. This brand is a well-known entity in the raw pet food space, particularly for its contributions to research on the raw food diet. Steve’s website is full of information on the benefits of this diet for dogs, as well as related information on dog disease and nutrition.
What We Like and Don’t Like About This Dog Food:
This is a versatile product that gives pet parents options when switching their dogs to a raw food diet. Dog parents can mix this food with water or milk, serve it with other food, or serve it plain. Steve’s is all-in on the raw diet and has been for years, so you know you are feeding your pet the best of the best in this food category. Pet parents rave about the simplicity of the product, as well as noticeable positive changes in their dog’s health.
Who We Recommend it For:
We recommend this product for pet parents committed to a raw food diet.
19. Ollie Dog Food
| Main Ingredients | Animal protein, vegetables |
| Available in Various Flavors | Yes |
| Wet or Dry | Wet |
| Contains Grain | No |
| Contains Corn | No |
| Contains Wheat | No |
| Contains Soy | No |
Product Origin and Manufacturer Information:
Ollie is a New York based company that delivers freshly cooked, human-grade food tailored to each dog’s nutritional needs. Founders partnered with canine nutritionists to develop cooking methods and personalized formulas for every type of dog. Meat is the primary ingredient in Ollie recipes, and it is sourced from human-grade farms in the U.S.
They also utilize superfoods like cod liver oil and chia seeds to ensure each meal is packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Ollie is not like other food brands as it is not available in stores or through retailers. Ollie is only available to purchase directly from their website after pet parents enter information about their dog’s unique profile. From there, Ollie creates a customized recipe and ships frozen, fresh food to each customer’s door.
What We Like and Don’t Like About This Dog Food:
The major differentiator with Ollie is the personalized nature of the recipes – each dog benefits from a unique formula that is fit to meet its individual nutritional needs. This is a great fresh and whole food option for your dog, but it is more of a commitment than many other dog food brands. The minimum quantity for a single order is four weeks. Dog owners receive all four weeks at once frozen and must thaw one package at a time. However, there is an added convenience factor of shipping directly to your door.
Who We Recommend it For:
We recommend this product for pet parents looking for an individualized, fresh food recipe for their dog.
20. American Journey Dog Food
| Main Ingredients | Animal protein, vegetables |
| Available in Various Flavors | Yes |
| Wet or Dry | Dry |
| Contains Grain | No |
| Contains Corn | No |
| Contains Wheat | No |
| Contains Soy | No |
Product Origin and Manufacturer Information:
American Journey Dog Food started as a small business but was so successful and popular with parents that it was acquired by Chewy.com. However, the brand has still stayed true to its roots and prioritizes high-quality nutrition in all of its recipes. Real, deboned meat like lamb, beef, salmon, or chicken always comes first in the list of ingredients, and recipes do not include grains, corn, wheat, or soy. They source ingredients from trusted suppliers and heavily index on ingredients that are rich in both protein and flavor.
What We Like and Don’t Like About This Dog Food:
Some pet parents may be turned away by the fact that this brand was acquired by Chewy.com, but rest assured the product has stayed true to its mission since day one. Pet parents agree this is a trusted brand that is not only nutritious but tastes great and is enjoyed by dogs of all varieties.
Who We Recommend it For:
We recommend this product for pet parents who are looking for reasonably priced, tried, and true, nutritious food for their pets.
Factors We Considered
Ingredients
Ingredients are the most important factor to consider in choosing dog food. Any dog food company can use enticing marketing jargon to convince pet parents that their product is nutritious and high quality, but the proof is in the ingredients. We looked for high-quality ingredients that should be incorporated into a dog’s diet, including real meat, vegetables, essential acids, and vitamins.
Ingredient Sourcing
The best and most honest dog food brands not only include wholesome ingredients but also source them responsibly. If a dog food manufacturer does not take care in sourcing meats, vegetables, and other ingredients, then they can’t stand behind their quality.
Pet Parent Feedback
Pet parents know their dogs best. It is obvious to a pet parent when their dog dislikes a food, is having an adverse reaction to it, or if it is slowing him down. Pet parents are more than willing to give honest feedback on brands that they love, as well as brands they dislike. Positive feedback from dog owners who utilized these products was critical in our research.
Wrap Up:
Selecting dog food is such an important decision that involves research and weighing a lot of different factors. At a minimum, choosing a dog food made in America helps weed out questionable sourcing and ingredients.
Regulations around pet food in the U.S. are more strict than food produced abroad, meaning overseas manufacturers can use highly questionable ingredients in their products. At the end of the day, choosing an American-made dog food is safer, more responsible, and helps support small businesses and jobs in the USA.
Hi, my name is Kevin and I’m from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Choosing products made in America is important to me because it supports local economies, creates jobs, helps the environment, and ensures ethical labor practices. I also find that American made products are usually of higher quality so although they’re a little more expensive, you save money in the long run. Before starting this website I was in the USMC infantry and nowadays I work on this website as a hobby.
Kevin I loved that you had some organic options on the list. My dog is getting old so I need something healthy for her. Thanks a million.
Hey Janet, yes I think a lot of dog food is healthier than most human food haha. Thanks for your comment.