Even though my dogs would love dining on table scraps every night, I’m generally pretty strict about their diets. We all want our pups to live as long as possible, so as responsible pet parents, we need to get the best quality dog food for them. That’s why I spoke to a vet about some great dog food options, including whole grain and high-fiber varieties.
“Dog food should be balanced and complete, containing all required nutrients. AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) certification ensures the diet meets a dog’s nutritional needs,” Dr. Stephanie Liff, DVM of Pure Paws Veterinary Clinic explains. “Less processed foods may offer health benefits, but what matters most is stringent quality control—from sourcing high-quality raw ingredients to preventing contamination during manufacturing.”
“Diets that contain grains are generally healthier than grain-free options, as grain-free diets have been linked to heart disease in dogs,” she adds. “While some foods may be higher in fat content, this isn’t necessarily unhealthy—certain high-fat diets are specifically formulated for disease management. Investing in a high-quality diet can prevent expensive health concerns down the road, making good nutrition a worthwhile investment.”
So, with that in mind, Dr. Liff recommended the best types of foods to keep your pup healthy.
5 Vet-Recommended Dog Foods
1. Whole Grain: Just like humans, dogs benefit from whole grains because they prevent heart disease. That’s where options like The Honest Kitchen’s Whole Food Clusters Dry Dog Food comes in.
“Grain-free diets have been linked to dilated cardiomyopathy, a serious heart condition caused by poor nutrient absorption,” she says.
2. AAFCO-Certified: Dr. Liff says you can’t really go wrong with any foods like Fromm Adult Dry Dog Food that has AAFCO certification. This guarantee high nutritional value.
“[They] guarantee complete and balanced nutrition,” she explains. “[AAFCO-certified foods] meet all established nutritional requirements for dogs at different life stages.”
3. Quality Control: Quality control is important because you want to know that your pet’s food is free of toxins. That said, brands like Hill’s Science Diet maintains pretty high quality control standards.
“Foods with quality control standards undergo rigorous testing to ensure each unit contains consistent nutritional content and remains free from contamination,” Dr. Liff says. “This is a key differentiator between premium and lower-quality foods.”
4. High Fiber: Also quite similar to humans, dogs benefit from high-fiber diets. Nutro Natural Choice, which includes high-fiber brown rice, is a great option.
“Appropriate fiber content supports healthy digestion, helps maintain lean muscle mass and promotes good bowel movements,” she says. “Some diets even include additional fiber for enhanced digestive health.”
5. Skip Raw: Even though many feel a raw diet for their dog is better, it’s often dangerous. Options like Nutrish are still high-quality and minimally processed, without the bacteria.
“Shelf-stable or refrigerated options may be safer than raw diets,” Dr. Liff says. “They carry higher risks of bacterial contamination that can affect both pets and their owners during handling and feeding.”
