When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more. Sally Anscombe/Getty ImagesWith so many types of dog food out there, finding the healthiest one for your dog can be overwhelming.  When choosing the right food for your pet, it's important to remember that dogs are individuals, according to veterinarian Carol Osborne of Chagrin Falls Pet Clinic. "What works well for Dog A might not work well for Dog B," she says. "If you want to know if a food is good for your pet, look at your pet. Your pet is a reflection of what he or she is eating. " Fortunately, there are lots of excellent dog food options. If you know what you're looking for, making the right choice isn't too tricky. After talking to veterinarians and animal nutritionists, we selected some of the best dog foods across different categories and price points, including dry kibble, canned wet food, fresh food, and foods for puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs.  We evaluated and selected each pick according to a long list of expert-informed criteria, including nutritional adequacy, calorie content, and ingredients. Our experts didn't recommend specific brands or products in order to maintain impartiality. We also relied on standards from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the Global Nutrition Guidelines published by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). All of the foods in this guide meet AAFCO standards, meaning they have the right amounts of fat, protein, and fiber for a dog's life stage (growth or maintenance).  The advice in this article is geared toward the "average dog": a dog that's sedentary or moderately active (e. g. , walks and trips to the park) but not a working or performance dog. The "average dog" is either a healthy weight or slightly overweight and is generally healthy. If you're thinking about switching your dog's food to help address their weight, a health problem, or any other concern, consult your veterinarian first. Read more about how we research and test pet products here. The best dog food in 2022Best dry dog food for adultsThese dry dog foods from Purina, Merrick, and Nature's Logic contain a variety of high-quality ingredients and healthy extras. Chewy; Rachel Mendelson/InsiderOne of the most popular choices, dry dog food is convenient and practical. "Dry food is the most compact, most shelf-stable, and most economical [option] generally because you are not paying for the water that's in higher moisture foods," explains veterinarian and board-certified veterinary nutritionist Megan Shepherd, owner of Veterinary Clinical Nutrition, PLLC. Plus, dry dog food doesn't usually have special storage instructions (it doesn't need to be refrigerated, like fresh dog foods) and is simple to scoop and feed. Of course, there's a lot of variation in calorie and nutrient content in kibble-type dog foods, Shepherd points out, which can make it harder to pick the right one.  In terms of nutrient content, look for a moderate level of protein (the AAFCO minimum is 18% for adults) and low to moderate fat. You may think more protein is a plus since dogs evolved as carnivores, but that's not necessarily true, says Kelly Swanson, PhD, professor of animal and nutritional sciences at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Pet dogs are actually omnivorous and don't need super high levels of protein in their diets. Swanson explains that protein quality and digestibility are most important.  With this advice, we evaluated dozens of dry foods to find ones with whole meats and meat meals at the top of the ingredients list. Rice and beans also provide protein, so those are great ingredients to look for, too. Swanson says fat concentrations that come in at less than 20% are best. If your dog is at a healthy weight and doesn't have pancreatitis or gastrointestinal disease, fat content isn't something you need to worry about as much, though. When it comes to specific ingredients, look for kibble that's made from a variety of nutrient-dense whole foods, advises veterinarian W. Jean Dodds, owner of Hemopet Holistic Care Veterinary Clinic. These include high-quality meat and fish, some carbohydrates, a mixture of vegetables, and some fruit. Lots of dry dog foods also have extra health-boosting ingredients, like omega fatty acids for skin and coat health, and glucosamine, chondroitin, and green-lipped mussels for joint support.  Our suggestions below have all the must-have nutritional qualities, plus a combination of healthy extras, from omega fatty acids to glucosamine and chondroitin. Our picks for adult dry dog food:Best wet dog food for adultsWe recommend these AAFCO complete-and-balanced wet dog foods from Wellness, Go! Solutions, and Merrick. Chewy; Rachel Mendelson/InsiderSome dogs really prefer the taste or texture of wet food, says veterinarian Jamie Richardson, chief of staff at Small Door Veterinary in New York City. Of course, pet parents want their dogs to enjoy their meals, so it makes sense that this is a popular choice.  Other pros of wet food are that it tends to have a longer shelf life before it's opened, and according to Richardson, some wet foods may be less "processed" or contain fewer preservatives, which can make them easier to digest.  Luckily, the same nutritional standards apply to both dry and wet food. But comparing their labels isn't exactly apples to apples because wet food has much more water content. So in order to understand how a wet food's nutrition compares to a dry food, you need to look at the percentages of protein, fat, and fiber on a "dry matter basis. " Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University has some handy instructions on how to calculate that yourself. Another option: Call the brand that makes the food or ask your veterinarian for help. For the foods we recommend in this guide, we contacted the manufacturer to get all the info. Heads up: Keep an eye out for wet dog food that's made from 100% meat. These won't provide complete, balanced meals for your dog. "Dogs have evolved from wolves to become obligate omnivores," explains Dodds. They need to eat more than just meat in order to be healthy. That doesn't mean these foods are totally off-limits though. Consider them as supplements. You can even use small quantities of meat-only wet foods as delicious toppers to your dog's dry food.  After doing our research, we chose wet foods that meet the same AAFCO complete and balanced standards that apply to dry food. It's worth noting, though, that wet food often has more protein and fat and fewer carbohydrates. So before you swap dry food for wet food, it's a good idea to talk to your vet so you can be on the lookout for any issues with digesting a lot of protein or fat. Our picks for adult wet dog food:Best fresh dog foodFresh dog food from Just Food For Dogs, The Farmer's Dog, and Ollie can be delivered right to your door. Ollie; Just Food for Dogs; The Farmer's Dog; Rachel Mendelson/Insider"An increasing number of pet owners are asking us about fresh food for their pets," Richardson says. That may be partly due to marketing, which has helped pet owners learn about the benefits of feeding your dog a fresh diet. Usually, these foods are minimally processed, made with wholesome, gently cooked ingredients, and often, they're preservative-free.  Of course, because these foods are a bit fancier, they tend to be on the pricier side. Lots of fresh pet food brands are subscription-based, meaning they deliver fresh, individually customized meals right to your doorstep. So while you might end up spending more on this type of dog food, it's also super convenient.  If you're wondering how to choose a fresh dog food, the standards are much the same as for dry and wet food, Richardson says. It should have an AAFCO statement of nutritional adequacy and be appropriate for your dog's size, life stage, breed, and activity level.  You should aim to buy fresh dog food from a reputable manufacturer that ensures good quality control. It's also key to look for the same types of ingredients you would in other types of dog food: meat sources of protein, whole grains, fruits, and marine sources of fats — with bonus points for healthy extras like omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin. We've tested all of our fresh food picks and can vouch for their quality. Our picks for fresh dog food:Best budget dog foodHigh-quality affordable dry dog food is available from Blue Buffalo, Natural Balance, and Whole Earth Farms. Chewy; Rachel Mendelson/InsiderThere's definitely a relationship between price and quality when it comes to dog food. So it's not a great idea to buy the absolute cheapest dog food you can find. That's because ultra-cheap dog foods tend to be filled with lower-quality ingredients to bulk them up and keep their prices down.  "But it's important to remember that there are many more affordable dog foods that are perfectly good options," Richardson notes. Translation: You definitely don't need to break the bank to feed your dog a healthy diet.  There are plenty of high-quality dog foods available at lower prices. As long as a food meets AAFCO complete and balanced standards like the options listed below and makes sense for your dog's life stage, you're good to go.  Our picks for budget dog food:Best grain-free dog foodFor AAFCO complete-and-balanced grain-free dog food, we recommend recipes from Purina, Orijen, and Instinct Original. Chewy; Rachel Mendelson/InsiderThere's a lot of buzz about grain-free diets, but it's important to know that they're not necessarily better for your dog. If your dog happens to be allergic to or intolerant of certain grains, then a grain-free food might be helpful.   These foods aren't carbohydrate-free despite common miconceptions. Instead, the carbs in grain-free dog foods come from non-grain sources like white potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, lentils, chickpeas, soybeans, and tapioca. Also, it's key to talk to your veterinarian before switching your dog to a grain-free diet. The FDA continues to investigate a potential link between dogs fed grain-free diets and the development of a heart condition called non-hereditary dilated cardiomyopathy, which can be fatal in a matter of months, according to Richardson. Because of this, some vets are strongly opposed to grain-free diets in general. They believe the risks of feeding a grain-free diet simply outweigh any potential reward. In a study published in the journal "Scientific Reports" in August 2021, researchers at Tufts University found that peas are a common ingredient in the DCM-associated foods they examined, but research is ongoing and conclusions can not be drawn at this time. The grain-free recommendations below are made from whole meats and healthy bonus ingredients like omega fatty acids and glucosamine. Like all the other picks in this guide, they're also AAFCO complete and balanced. Even better, Orijen Fit and Trim and Purina One True Instinct have been tested in feeding trials to ensure they're easy to digest, palatable, and a good nutritional choice in the long term. Our picks for grain-free dog food:Best dry dog food for puppiesThese foods from Wellness, Merrick, and Orijen will meet a growing puppy's unique nutritional needs. Chewy; Rachel Mendelson/InsiderIf you're wondering whether your puppy really needs a special food just for younger dogs, the answer is yes! Puppies need more calories, more fat, and a different vitamin and mineral balance to support healthy growth, Shepherd explains. Typically, puppy food is made for dogs under 1 year of age.  Though there aren't any official AAFCO nutrient standards specifically for small and large breeds, some puppy foods are made specially for dogs of different sizes. "Balancing the nutrient needs of dogs given their wide size variety and ages is wise and common sense," says Dodds. For instance, large breed puppies need a special ratio of calcium to phosphorus for their growing big bones, and they can benefit from supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin to help keep their joints healthy, according to Shepherd. On the flip side, puppy foods for smaller breeds often have smaller kibble pieces for smaller mouths. They may also be a bit higher in calories, since smaller breeds can have higher metabolisms. If you want to make sure a food is appropriate for puppies, check the label for an AAFCO complete and balanced statement that says it's intended for growth for all life stages. Some foods might also specifically state that they're for younger dogs. Keep an eye out for any food that says "maintenance" on the package. These are meant specifically for adult dogs, so they won't be right for a puppy.   Below, you'll find three different puppy foods, one for small breeds, one for large breeds, and one for any size breed. Feeding trials have been done on both Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Puppy and Orijen Puppy Large Grain-Free Food. Our picks for puppy food:Best wet food for puppiesWellness; Royal Canin; Blue Buffalo; Rachel Mendelson/InsiderDry food isn't the only option for puppies. Wet food is another tasty option and offers several advantages for puppies. "Wet food can help puppies transition from a liquid diet (the dam's milk) to solid food," says Shepherd. She adds that this transition, which should begin before a puppy is fully weaned, helps puppies accept solid food and learn how to drink water. Wet food is also easy for puppies to eat. Without sturdy adult teeth, young puppies can struggle to munch on dry kibble, making wet food's soft and moist texture ideal. In addition, wet food is  packed with flavor, providing tasty enticement for a picky or hesitant eater. However, Shepherd recommends consulting your veterinarian if your puppy's appetite is poor as there may be an underlying condition. When reading a label for wet puppy food, look for the AAFCO statement that says the food provides complete and balanced nutrition for growth or all life stages. Also, remember that wet food tends to cost more than kibble and needs to be refrigerated and used within a few days to prevent spoiling. Wet food certainly has its benefits for puppies, but it's not a necessity. "The decision to feed dry versus wet food is very individual, depending on the individual puppy's needs and owner's desires and resources," says Shepherd. The wet foods for puppies we selected all meet the AAFCO standards for growth or all life stages. They also include plenty of vitamins and minerals and other healthy ingredients to support brain development and immune health in puppies.  Our picks for wet puppy food:Best dry dog food for seniorsThese senior dog foods include healthy extras like glucosamine, chondroitin, omega fatty acids, and probiotics. Chewy; Rachel Mendelson/InsiderTypically, you might consider a senior dog food around age 6 or 7 for a large breed, and around 10 or 12 for a small, says Richardson. The right food for a