Top Vet-Recommended Dog Food Brands for Optimal Canine Health

In recent years, selecting the right dog food has become more crucial than ever, as pet owners seek to ensure their furry companions receive top-notch nutrition. To aid in this quest, veterinarians have shared their insights, highlighting certain brands that consistently deliver in terms of quality ingredients and overall health benefits. From nutrient-rich formulas tailored for specific breeds to general recipes promoting joint health and shiny coats, these brands stand out for their dedication to pet well-being. Explore below to discover the most trusted dog food brands that have gained the seal of approval from the veterinary community.

Illustration of food for dogs recommended by vets

Best brands of food for dogs recommended by vets in 2025

Hill's Science Diet

Hill's Science Diet is a highly regarded and veterinarian-recommended brand for dog food, known for its high-quality, scientifically formulated recipes. Owned by Colgate-Palmolive since 1976, the brand has seen significant growth and is now the #1 veterinarian recommended pet food brand. Their formulas, such as the Adult Dry Dog Food, contain 20% protein and 11.5% fat, and are enriched with omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants to support skin, coat, and digestive health. The brand also supports shelters by providing balanced nutrition to dogs in need. Hill's Science Diet offers various formulas tailored to different life stages and health conditions, making it a trusted choice for pet owners. For more information, visit their website on Hill's Science Diet dog food.

Royal Canin

Royal Canin is highly regarded by veterinarians for its scientifically formulated dog foods, developed by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists to meet specific nutritional needs based on factors like size, age, lifestyle, and breed. Their diets, such as the Royal Canin Urinary SO and Gastrointestinal formulas, are designed to address health conditions like urinary stones and digestive issues, and they maintain strict quality control measures to ensure consistency and safety. Royal Canin's products are subject to intense quality assurance programs, including testing of incoming ingredients and finished products to validate nutrient composition. Their formulas often feature high palatability and include beneficial ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids and prebiotics. For example, the Royal Canin Veterinary Mobility Support formula contains 23% protein and 10% fat, and is clinically proven to support mobility in dogs. For more information, you can visit their official website.

Purina Pro Plan

Purina Pro Plan is highly recommended by veterinarians worldwide due to its scientifically backed formulas, crafted by over 500 nutritionists, scientists, and veterinarians. This brand offers 140+ targeted formulas to cater to various life stages and needs of dogs, including specific diets for puppies, adults, seniors, and those with sensitivities. The formulas are enriched with high-quality ingredients, such as real meat, probiotics, and essential fatty acids, ensuring 100% complete and balanced nutrition. Purina Pro Plan is trusted by many canine athletes and show champions, fueling 94 of the top 100 show dogs and 90 of the top 100 sporting dogs. The brand's commitment to advanced nutrition makes it a top choice for pet owners. For more details, visit their official Purina Pro Plan page.

Blue Buffalo

Blue Buffalo is highly regarded as one of the best producers of dog food, recommended by veterinarians for its high-quality, natural ingredients and tailored nutritional formulas. Their foods start with real meat as the first ingredient, excluding poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, and artificial flavors or preservatives. The Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet, in particular, offers therapeutic solutions for specific health concerns such as kidney support, weight management, and gastrointestinal health. Recommended by veterinary consultants, including Dr. Georgia Jeremiah, Blue Buffalo's products cater to different life stages, sizes, and breeds of dogs.

Nutro

Nutro is highly regarded by veterinarians and pet owners alike for its high-quality dog food, with an average rating of 4 stars and 97% of customers recommending it. The brand's Natural Choice recipes contain 100% of the nutrients established by the AAFCO, ensuring complete and balanced nutrition for dogs. These recipes feature a blend of fresh meat and meat meals as primary sources of animal protein, with a dry matter protein reading of 26.7% and a fat level of 17.8%. Nutro's formulas are also suitable for various life stages, including senior dogs, with options like Natural Choice Senior Chicken and Ultra Senior. Despite a recent decline in market share, Nutro remains a trusted name in the pet food industry.

Wellness Complete Health

Wellness Complete Health is a highly recommended dog food brand by veterinarians, known for its balanced and natural nutrition. In a nationwide survey, 4 out of 5 US veterinarians recommend Wellness, highlighting its commitment to providing scientifically proven nutrition fortified with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The brand offers a range of products, including 13 dry foods and 12 wet foods, catering to various life stages and breed sizes. Their recipes are formulated with wholesome ingredients, such as beef, omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and pre- and probiotics, to support overall health and wellness. This brand is particularly praised for its Complete Health line, which includes grain-free and wholesome grain options to meet different dietary needs. For more details, visit their veterinarian-recommended page.

Merrick

Merrick is highly regarded as one of the best producers of dog food, recommended by veterinary professionals for its high-quality, whole food ingredients and strict adherence to FDA guidelines. With over 100 different recipes, Merrick caters to various life stages and dietary needs, including grain-free, limited ingredient, and raw-infused options. Their recipes feature up to 84% protein from animal sources and include essential nutrients like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin. Merrick's products are made in the U.S., specifically in their Hereford, Texas facilities, and meet AAFCO guidelines. The brand is known for its transparency in ingredient sourcing and the absence of artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. For more information, visit their official website.

Eukanuba

Eukanuba is a highly regarded brand in the dog food industry, recommended by veterinarians for its specialized and nutritionally balanced formulas. For over 50 years, Eukanuba has utilized the power of nutritional science to fuel dogs' athletic abilities and support their overall health, exceeding AAFCO standards in all its recipes. Their veterinary diets are specifically designed to address various health issues such as food allergies, digestive problems, excessive weight, and joint pain, incorporating beneficial ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, and L-carnitine. Eukanuba's commitment to high-quality ingredients and scientific formulation makes it a trusted choice for dogs at all life stages, from puppies to seniors. The brand's focus on performance nutrition is particularly notable, with formulas tailored for active and working dogs. For more details, explore their official website.

Taste of the Wild

Taste of the Wild is highly regarded as one of the best dog food brands, recommended by veterinarians and pet nutritionists for its high-quality, natural ingredients and balanced nutritional profiles. The brand, part of Diamond Pet Foods, offers a range of grain-free and grain-inclusive formulas with novel proteins like bison, venison, and trout, and avoids artificial preservatives, colors, and fillers. With a 4.5-star rating from the Dog Food Advisor and a 4.7-star rating from Chewy customers, 95% of whom recommend it, Taste of the Wild is a trusted choice. The brand's recipes are formulated to meet AAFCO standards and include essential nutrients like DHA for brain and eye development and probiotics for digestive health. Despite some concerns over grain-free formulas linked to canine heart disease, many users and experts praise the brand's commitment to quality and safety.

Iams

Iams is a reputable brand in the dog food industry, recommended by veterinarians for its balanced and nutritious formulas. The Iams Proactive Healthy Weight Adult Dog Food, for example, is praised for its 20% protein and 9% fat content, making it a top choice for managing dog weight and overall health. Despite a slight decline in market share over the past five years, Iams remains a trusted name, with feedback from pet owners and veterinarians supporting its feeding guidelines. Iams is part of the Mars Inc. portfolio, a company that also owns other well-known pet food brands and veterinary facilities. This brand is widely available and loved by even picky dogs. To learn more about their products, visit the Iams website.