Your dog’s nutrition is the foundation for a long, happy, and healthy life. This is why choosing from the best dog food brands can make a big difference. The best dog food brands are those that go the extra mile to provide your furry friend with healthy formulations to support their overall health and well-being.
In this Sploot Vets guide, we highlight some of the best dog food brands on the market, clarify what AAFCO and WSAVA compliance really mean, and explain how these impact your dog’s nutrition.
Overview:
- This list features some of the best dog food brands to discuss with your vet. Many of the following dog food brands are either AAFCO-compliant, WSAVA-compliant, or both.
- At Sploot Vets, we generally recommend AAFCO-compliant or ‘AAFCO-approved’ dog food to help ensure that your dog is getting their full nutritional needs met.
- Aside from AAFCO compliance, many pet parents also look for WSAVA-compliant or ‘WSAVA-approved’ dog food options. WSAVA helps pet parents assess a dog food’s quality through various guidelines.
Which is The Best Dog Food Brand?
While there are various popular and top-rated dog food brands, the “best” one may not be the same for all dogs. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Your Vet’s Recommendation – A trusted vet would have a deep understanding of your dog’s individual nutritional needs. Based on this, they can recommend the best dog food brand and formulation for your pup.
- A Fitting Formulation – It’s not enough to choose dog food on a “brand level.” Each brand offers different dog food formulations, and it’s all a matter of choosing the best one/s that address your dog’s unique needs—according to their age, breed, activity level, dog food allergies, health conditions, and so on.
- Palatability – Even the healthiest dog food brand won’t help if your dog refuses to eat healthy amounts of it. Some dogs may exhibit picky eating behaviors with some formulas.
- Meets AAFCO Standards and/or WSAVA Guidelines – These provide assurance of balanced nutrition and sound formulation/manufacturing practices, respectively.
I. AAFCO Approved Dog Food
AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) is an independent, non-profit organization that sets standards for both animal feed and pet foods in the United States.’ (AAFCO.org).
What Does ‘AAFCO-Approved’ Dog Food Mean?
The phrase AAFCO-approved dog food is not technically correct, because AAFCO does NOT directly approve dog food formulations. Instead, here’s how it works:
- AAFCO provides standards for complete and balanced nutrition in dog food.
- Pet food companies can refer to AAFCO’s nutrition standards and formulate their recipes accordingly.
- State regulators help ensure truthful compliance. Falsely claiming AAFCO-compliance can lead to legal issues.
Note: Over time, some have used the phrase ‘AAFCO-approved dog food’ to refer to dog food that complies with AAFCO’s standards.
How Do I Know If My Dog Food Is AAFCO Compliant?
Dog food brands that follow AAFCO’s standards contain a statement to indicate that they do. These can be found near the ingredients/ nutrition label and can be worded as:
- “[Dog Food] is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for [lifestage/s]”
- “Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that [Dog Food] provides complete and balanced nutrition for [purpose & lifestage]”
Note: When in doubt about a dog food brand, consult your veterinarian and/or seek credible sources that confirm the product’s AAFCO compliance.
II. WSAVA Approved Dog Food
WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) is a global organization with a mission to ‘advance the health and welfare of companion animals and to advocate on behalf of [...] veterinarians…’ (WSAVA.org). WSAVA provides guidelines for various aspects of animal health and welfare—including nutrition guidelines.
What Does WSAVA-Approved Mean?
The term “WSAVA-approved dog food’ is technically incorrect. WSAVA does NOT directly approve or reject formulations. Instead, WSAVA provides guide questions for veterinarians and pet parents on how to choose a trustworthy pet food company. These include:
- Does the dog food company employ a Veterinary Nutritionist?
- Does the dog food company comply with AAFCO?
- Does the dog food company have adequate quality control?
How Do I Know If My Dog Food Is WSAVA Compliant [And Does It Matter]?
Dog food brands can specify which WSAVA guidelines they adhere to on their website, or they may not mention WSAVA at all. For example, they may simply state that they employ a nutritionist, manufacture their own dog food, or maintain strict quality control, which aligns with WSAVA guidelines.
Note: Does WSAVA compliance matter when choosing a dog food brand? Yes, WSAVA guidelines are generally helpful, but they are not the only thing to consider when choosing a dog food brand.
III. 5 Best Dog Food Brands [With AAFCO & WSAVA Details]
If you’re looking for the best dog food brand for your pup, here are some great options to discuss with your veterinarian:
1. Royal Canin
- Is Royal Canin ‘AAFCO-Approved’ Dog Food?: Yes, for a majority of products*
- Is Royal Canin WSAVA-Compliant Dog Food?: Follows WSAVA guidelines*
- Available on SplootRX
With more than 50 years in the pet food industry, Royal Canin is one of the best dog food brands around. They are renowned for their highly tailored diets that focus on breed-specific, size-specific, and condition-specific dog food formulas, giving pet parents and veterinarians plenty of choices. They are also known for their extensive scientific research, focusing on a pet’s nutritional needs with precision.
Note: As of this article’s last update, Royal Canin is the only well-known brand that offers breed-specific dog food.
*Information according to the dog food brand’s website, as of this article’s last update
2. Hill's Pet Nutrition
- Is Hill’s ‘AAFCO-Approved’ Dog Food?: Meet or exceed AAFCO nutrient profile*
- Is Hill’s WSAVA-Compliant Dog Food?: Meet or exceed WSAVA manufacturing guidelines*
- Available on SplootRX
Hill’s Pet Nutrition has been around for over 80 years, and they have been committed to science-led ingredient selection from the start. They offer two main product lines: Hill’s Science Diet, which focuses on everyday health, and Hill’s Prescription Diet, which addresses medical conditions (e.g., kidney disease, allergies, and obesity).
Many vets recommend Hill’s as a trusted dog food brand, backed by decades of scientific research on nutrition and predictive biology.
*Information according to the dog food brand’s website, as of this article’s last update
3. Purina
- Is Purina ‘AAFCO-Approved’ Dog Food?: Meets or exceeds AAFCO nutrient profile standards*
- Is Purina WSAVA-Compliant Dog Food?: Not explicitly stated on their website, but many of their practices are consistent with WSAVA’s recommendations
- Purina Pro Plan - Available on SplootRX
Purina is one of the largest and most established dog food brands globally. Purina’s strength lies in its continuous nutritional research (via Purina Institute) and broad product range, making it one of the most versatile and best dog food brands in the market. Purina offers a wide range of product lines, including the following:
- Purina Pro Plan – Premium dog food, heavily research-backed, with targeted formulas for performance, life stage, and specific health needs. Widely trusted by vets, breeders, and canine athletes.
- Purina ONE – Mid-tier dog food with a focus on natural ingredients and nutritional balance.
- Purina Dog Chow & Purina Beneful – Budget-friendly dog foods with simpler formulations, popular for accessibility and price.
*Information according to the dog food brand’s website, as of this article’s last update
4. Eukanuba
- Is Eukanuba ‘AAFCO-Approved’ Dog Food?: Exceeds AAFCO standards*
- Is Eukanuba WSAVA-Compliant Dog Food?: Not explicitly stated on their website, but some of their practices are consistent with WSAVA’s recommendations as part of Mars Petcare
Eukanuba, founded in 1969 by Paul Iams, is a well-known premium dog food brand designed for active and performance-driven dogs. Known for its high-protein, animal-based formulations, Eukanuba emphasizes science-led canine nutrition for different sizes, life stages, and fitness needs. This brand is popular for working dogs, sporting dogs, and active family pets.
*Information according to the dog food brand’s website, as of this article’s last update
5. IAMS
- Is IAMS ‘AAFCO-Approved’ Dog Food?: Not explicitly stated on their website, but packaging may carry an AAFCO statement
- Is IAMS WSAVA-Compliant Dog Food?: Not explicitly stated on their website, but, as part of Mars Petcare, some of their practices are consistent with WSAVA’s recommendations
IAMS is a dog food brand with a history of over 75 years, founded in 1946 by Paul Iams. They were among the first to incorporate high-quality protein into dog food formulations, which has now become a standard in the industry. To this day, IAMS remains a go-to choice for balanced nutrition, featuring wholesome grains, omega-6 fatty acids, natural fiber, and prebiotics.
They are also dedicated to providing useful information to pet parents and interactive nutritional guidance through their online tool, IAMS Poopscan, which helps analyze dog poop using AI technology.
Final Thoughts on the Best AAFCO Dog Food Brands
When it comes to choosing the best dog food brand, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer; the “right” brand depends on your dog’s age, breed, health needs, and lifestyle. Trusted, research-driven brands with a great track record (like Royal Canin, Hill’s, Purina, Eukanuba, and IAMS) are great options to discuss with your veterinarian.
Note: When considering dog food brands, we recommend also looking into their history—if they have been involved with any lawsuits or major product recalls. While many brands have had their share of past challenges, it’s important to consider what happened, the resolution (if any), and their approach moving forward.
For more information on choosing dog food, check out our related guides:
- 5 Best Puppy Food for Small to Large Breeds [Vet-Approved] →
- 8 Best Senior Dog Food for Small, Medium, & Large Dogs →
- 3 Weight Management Dog Food [& Weight Loss Tips] →
- The Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs →
Sploot Vets: All-in-One Vet Care, Including Your Pup’s Nutrition
At Sploot Vets, we’re your partner in every stage of your dog’s life. From nutrition guidance to other aspects of vet care (preventive care, urgent care, and emergency services). You can always count on our dedicated team for top-tier care and a Fear Free approach that ensures your furry companion’s comfort in every vet visit.
With modern clinics in Denver, Chicago, and Colorado Springs, our doors are open 365 days a year with extended clinic hours to fit your schedule.
Whether you’re choosing the best dog food brand for your fur baby or have other concerns about your pet’s health, our team is here for you. Easily book an appointment online or through the Sploot Vets app!
