10 great inexpensive dog foods
Some dog food is expensive, even for small bags or packages. The high price puts them out of reach for some dog owners. However, if your budget falls into this category, that doesn’t mean you have to choose a food that isn’t nutritionally complete or satisfying for your four-legged companion.
Quality dog food that’s affordable and rich in vital nutrients is available. Within a lower price range, you’ll find dry and wet foods in a wide choice of flavors as well as formulas for different life stages that won’t break the bank.
Features of affordable dog food
If you’re looking for a dog food that will fit your budget, you may be concerned about the quality of the available varieties and brands. While a cheap food may lack some nutrients, reasonably priced options by recognizable brands keep your dog satisfied and thriving. Assessing key features before you buy can help you make the right choice.
Trusted brands: Just because you need inexpensive dog food doesn’t mean you’re stuck with brands you don’t recognize. Many well-known companies make dog food that’s easy on your wallet.
Variety: Your limited budget doesn’t mean you’re limited in dog food options. You’ll find numerous flavors, textures and recipes to suit your pet’s taste preference.
Types: When it comes to affordability, dry and wet food are your best picks. Fresh, organic, freeze-dried and raw foods are also available, but they come at higher prices.
Stages: Affordable dog food can be found for dogs in all life stages, including puppy, adult and senior. Some dog food is suitable for all life stages.
Nutrition: It’s possible to find dog food that fits your budget and also matches your dog’s dietary needs. To ensure you choose a food with the appropriate amounts of protein, fat, vitamins, minerals and other ingredients, check the label of any brands you’re considering before you make your purchase.
Best inexpensive dog foods
Victor Hi-Pro Plus Premium Dry Dog Food: available at Amazon
Although on the higher end of the price spectrum for affordable dog foods, this brand offers comprehensive nutrition with a wholesome blend of protein from meat, vegetables and grains that’s perfect for all life stages. It’s available in large bags that last for most dogs.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Peak Natural Wet Dog Food: available at Amazon and Petco
Known for quality ingredients and recipes that canines love, this Rachael Ray wet food is packed with protein and made without fillers, by-products, artificial additives or grains. It’s suitable for all life stages and can be used as a primary food source or a kibble topper. Each case contains nine plastic tubs.
Diamond Naturals Lamb Meal and Rice Adult Dry Dog Food: available at Amazon and Petco
Don’t let the low price fool you — this brand makes dog food that’s nutritious and will help your pet grow and maintain a healthy life. It comes in several varieties, including this lamb meal and rice recipe that’s formulated for adult dogs.
Pedigree Choice Cuts in Gravy Wet Dog Food: available at Amazon
Although Pedigree is an affordable brand, it offers flavors dogs love and nutrients that meet important dietary requirements. Whether served alone or as a topper for kibble, this wet food contains soft bits in rich gravy that entice dogs to devour every bite.
Diamond Maintenance Adult Formula Premium Dry Dog Food: available at Amazon
The balanced diet from a popular brand is geared for healthy adult dogs with a normal, moderately active lifestyle. It boasts plenty of minerals, amino acids and antioxidants for a healthy immune and digestive system. If your dog takes well to it, this large bag provides great value.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dry Dog Food: available at Amazon and Petco
Real meat, whole grains and an assortment of fruits and vegetables compose this formula designed for healthy adult dogs. It’s among the more expensive options considering the size, but with the included LifeSource bits packed with antioxidants, it provides plenty of nutrition for your beloved pet.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Dry Dog Food: available at Amazon and Petco
This high-quality formula is excellent for adult dogs. With a focus on all-around health, it features ingredients designed to boost muscle, aid digestion, promote a healthy coat and strengthen the immune system. The protein punch is especially useful for those dogs with a more active lifestyle — or those striving to be more active.
Purina One Plus Healthy Puppy Dry Dog Food: available at Amazon
Formulated especially for puppies, this dry dog food contains DHA that promotes brain and eye development. It’s gentle on developing digestive systems and contains a combination of vitamins and nutrients that are essential to puppy growth.
Cesar Gourmet Wet Dog Food: available at Amazon
Whether you’re looking for a wet food to top dry dog food or a tasty option for a small dog, you can’t go wrong with Cesar. The brand offers multi-packs that make it easy to try different flavors and textures. The food is also rich in nutrients that dogs need for optimal health.
Pedigree Small Dog Complete Nutrition Dry Dog Food: available at Amazon
This affordable dog food features small kibble that’s perfect for small breeds. It’s packed with vitamins and nutrients necessary for canine health. Dog owners appreciate that it’s formulated without sugar, artificial flavors or high fructose corn syrup.
Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Jennifer Manfrin is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
