10 Best Affordable Dog Food Options to Keep Fido Healthy (& Your Wallet Happy)

This dry food recipe from Diamond Naturals works for all breeds and at all life stages, according to the manufacturer. The primary protein source is pasture-raised and the kibble is 23 percent crude protein. We also love the pro- and prebiotics in the recipe that can help with digestion. One Reddit user says their two dogs love Diamond Naturals. “My boys love the lamb and rice or beef and rice. I pay about 45 [dollars] a month for a 40-lb. bag for my rottie and houndie.” If you find the lamb meal and rice recipe difficult to track down, we think the beef meal and rice recipe is another terrific option.

FAST FACTS

• Top ingredients: Lamb meal, ground white rice, cracked pearled barley, sorghum, egg product
• Special diet: No corn, no wheat, no soy, grain-inclusive 
• Breed size: All
• Price per pound: $1.10

Adult dogs need a variety of ingredients to get a well-rounded meal, according to the American Kennel Club. A mixture of proteins, grains, fruits and vegetables is ideal. We like this dry food from Nature’s Recipe because of all the fiber it provides, which aids in digestion. One reviewer notes: “Feeding an ancient 15-year [German Shepherd Dog] and a young Malinois about to hit one year old. Surprised and grateful they'll eat something this economical.”

FAST FACTS

• Top ingredients: Lamb, Chicken Meal, Brewers Rice, Barley, Oatmeal
• Special diet: No corn, no wheat, no soy, no pea, grain-inclusive
• Breed size: All
• Price per pound: $1.48

In general, puppies need more protein than adult dogs because they grow at such a rapid rate. Large breed puppies, like tiny Great Danes, may require extra diligence when it comes to food because their joints are at greater risk for injury when they’re little. This dry food formula from Chicken Soup for the Soul says it works with all breeds, but check with your vet to make sure if you have a large breed puppy. We love that it contains lots of protein sources (chicken, turkey, duck and salmon) plus fruits and veggies like carrots, blueberries and spinach.

Beyond the 30 percent crude protein level, there’s salmon oil and omega fatty acids for vision, brain and joint development. One enthusiastic reviewer says their Australian Labradoodle inhaled the food after transitioning off the meals received through a breeder. “This food has always come very fresh and loaded with quality nutrients” the reviewer says. “The food has provided him with wonderful tools to grow, the vet has even been impressed with his growth and health.”

FAST FACTS

• Top ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley
• Special diet: No corn, wheat, or soy; grain-inclusive; high-fiber; high-protein
• Breed size: Puppy
• Price per pound: $1.79

Large breeds often require different nutrition profiles than small breeds, in part because their bodies take longer to mature (Bernese Mountain Dogs have a LOT of growing to do!). Iams recommends waiting until large breeds (those weighing 50 pounds or more when fully grown) reach 12 to 24 months before feeding them adult formulas. We like this proactive health dry food recipe because of its high protein content and lack of fillers. One reviewer also loves the value: “Iams is a really good top shelf dog food my dogs love. I’ve found purchasing the large bag from Amazon saves money compared to buying from the grocery store.”

FAST FACTS

• Top ingredients: Chicken, Ground Barley, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken By-Product Meal
• Special diet: Grain-inclusive
• Breed size: Large (50+ pounds)
• Price per pound: $1.55

Some dogs with specific health issues (kidney or urinary problems) benefit more from wet food than dry kibble, according to VCA Animal Hospitals. One drawback is that wet food tends to be a little pricier than dry kibble over time. We like this wet food formula by Natural Balance because it’s ideal for stomach sensitivities and digestive issues. At $.29 per ounce, it’s the priciest wet food on our list, but the limited ingredients (sweet potatoes and chicken) may be worth it for pups who need more digestive support. This stuff works well for all life stages, too, including seniors. “It has put some pep back into my 15-year-old Shepard Mix,” one Amazon review notes. “It is formulated in such a way that his sensitive, tumor-riddled system is able to process it easily.”

FAST FACTS

• Top ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Chicken Liver
• Special diet: Grain-free, limited ingredient, no corn, no wheat, no soy, no peas
• Breed size: All sizes and ages
• Price per ounce: $0.29

While grain-free diets aren’t ideal for all dogs, some pups can’t digest grain very well. Your vet will be able to tell you whether a grain-free diet is appropriate. If so, we recommend this salmon, sweet potato and pumpkin kibble from Nature’s Recipe. Salmon is the first ingredient, offering healthy omega fatty acids. The sweet potato and pumpkin provide tons of fiber for easier digestion. Reviewers say Nature’s Recipe is less pricey than other limited ingredient kibble while still offering quality ingredients and getting results. “My pitty has severe allergies, scratching and chewing like crazy. Pulls his hair out and goes is bald [sic] from waist down…Tried several more foods with nothing. Found NR (salmon being what the vet suggested) [and] the diarrhea has stopped and he is now growing his hair back. Love NR!!”

FAST FACTS

• Top ingredients: Salmon, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Tapioca Starch, Canola Meal
• Special diet: Grain-free, no corn, no wheat, no soy
• Breed size: All
• Price per pound: $1.89

This formula by American Journey is similar to Natural Balance’s limited ingredient recipe, but it costs a little less and contains more protein. If chicken doesn’t agree with your pup, American Journey makes lamb and duck versions of this wet food that may work well. Beyond going easy on your dog’s tummy, several reviewers noticed a dramatic improvement in their pet’s skin and coats after switching to this food. For dogs who love their kibble but need the extra hydration, this wet food can be used as a meal topper to encourage healthy bowel movements. “My dog loves this and the lamb flavor,” says one reviewer. “He has chronic pancreatitis and usually requires [prescription] food. But, he can eat this with no problems!!!!! Probably due to the limited ingredients.... And it's cheaper than the [prescription] options!”

FAST FACTS

• Top ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Sweet Potatoes, Chicken Heart
• Special diet: Grain-free, limited ingredient, no corn, no wheat, no soy, no peas
• Breed size: All sizes
• Price per ounce: $0.22

The AKC says diets for senior dogs vary based on need, so always check with your vet before switching to a mature or senior formula. We love this recipe because it offers up a ton of protein from a variety of sources and is easy to chew because it’s wet food. Some seniors prefer wet foods or wet toppers that have been heated up because it enhances aromas and flavors. Others need to lose weight as their agility decreases, which makes wet food a better choice than kibble. Plus, reviewers rave about their dogs going gaga over the flavors: “My 17-year-old was tired of the usual food she's been eating. Dog Food Advisor recommended this brand so I tried it. She LOVES the canned AND the dried for mature dogs, licks the bowl clean!”

FAST FACTS

• Top ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Turkey Broth, Turkey, Chicken Liver
• Special diet: No corn, no wheat, no soy, grain-inclusive
• Breed size: All
• Price per ounce: $0.27

Iams’ minichunks dry food is designed for smaller breeds and smaller sets of teeth. While chicken is the first ingredient, this recipe does contain byproducts, which isn’t ideal. However, it meets the AAFCO’s nutritional guidelines for maintaining adult dog health and is also full of flaxseed, carrots, vitamins and minerals that will keep small breeds happy and healthy. Iams is definitely a go-to affordable option for many dog parents who don’t want to sacrifice quality for a better price. “We have been using Science Diet dog food for years but with inflation needed something less expensive,” says one reviewer. “Iams fits the bill. Our poodles love it as much as the other and it saves us money.”

FAST FACTS

• Top ingredients: Chicken, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken By-Product Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp
• Special diet: Grain-inclusive
• Breed size: Small
• Price per pound: $1.55

Helping your dog maintain a healthy weight is crucial to their longevity and overall happiness. This doesn’t mean just feeding your dog less, it means feeding them food that is nutritious and filling without leaving them hungry. True Acres has a budget-friendly option that is lower in calories and fat than their other recipes. It also contains L-carnitine to support metabolism. We also love that it helps keep joints healthy, which means easier exercise and walks for your dog. “My vet even wanted to know the kind of food we used to help our obese rescue get fit,” says one reviewer. “[The dog] has been on it for maintenance for a couple of years now. Our little dog went from 19 to 11 lbs., all while loving his food.”

FAST FACTS

• Top ingredients: Chicken, Poultry By-Product Meal, Peas, Canola Meal, Pea Starch
• Special diet: Weight control, grain-free, gluten-free, sensitive digestion
• Breed size: All
• Price per pound: $1.28