Stop Overpaying for Kibble: How to Beat the $358 Billion Dog Food Trap

The dog food industry is expected to reach $358 billion by 2027. The large number of brands on the market today helps drive the industry’s multi-billion-dollar growth. With over 630 brands available, choosing the right brand and nutritional formulation for your dog can be overwhelming. Because of this, many people struggle to select the best dog food brand for their pooch. Choosing a dog food, however, may be simpler than you think.

What Makes a Quality Dog Food?

Many judge the quality of a dog food by its price. However, this is not how dog food quality is determined. Instead, several factors determine whether a dog food is high quality. The criteria for a quality dog food are broken down into three categories. Those categories include:

• Ingredients
• Nutritional value
• Standards of manufacturing

The best quality dog foods will meet both AAFCO and FDA guidelines. In addition, some companies will be transparent about where their ingredients are sourced. This could include whether vegetables and grains are pesticide-free, or whether protein sources are wild-caught, pasture-raised, grass-fed, and more.

The more information there is about a specific dog food and its company, the better the chances of purchasing a nutritionally sound dog food.

Affordable and Quality Dog Foods Are Not Mutually Exclusive

The cost of living, including dog food, has increased significantly. Many have chosen to change brands simply to stretch their dollar. This can lead to concerns about whether your dog’s nutrition is being compromised. According to Dr. Cameron Barkley, DVM, this guilt should not exist. There are affordable, high-quality dog food options that meet a dog’s nutritional needs.

“There are definitely cost-efficient options that provide good nutrition without breaking the bank,” Dr. Barkley explains to A-Z Animals. “Look for brands that offer balanced nutrition and meet AAFCO standards, even if they’re not the most expensive. Some mid-range brands offer excellent quality without the premium price tag.”

These dog foods are available in both pet stores and grocery stores. Balanced food options are available at a variety of price points. All it takes is some research to determine which is best for your dog.

Understanding AAFCO Standards

As Dr. Barkley noted, only dog foods that meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards should be considered for purchase. This ensures that the dog food is “complete and balanced,” a title that can only be claimed after it has passed a feeding trial or nutrient profile outlined by AAFCO.

It should be noted that AAFCO is not an organization that regulates dog food. AAFCO sets the standards that states follow for their pet food regulations. This means there are products on the shelves that do not meet the organization’s standards. In most instances, this includes treats or supplements.

Therefore, to ensure that dog food is nutritionally complete, look for a mention of AAFCO on the label. If you do not see an AAFCO statement on the label, choose a different brand. Your dog’s health will benefit from this attention to detail.

Age Matters When Looking for the Right Dog Food

To add to the confusion about which dog food is right for dogs, nutritional needs vary by age. According to Dr. Barkley, who has been practicing as a DVM for over 10 years, the three stages of life should be considered when buying dog food. Those stages are puppy, adult, and senior.

“For puppies, look for foods labeled as ‘growth’ or ‘all life stages,'” Dr. Barkley explains to A-Z Animals. “These are formulated to support their development. High-quality protein and DHA are important for brain development.”

When hunting for the best food for adult dogs, Dr. Barkley states, “a balanced diet with the right amount of protein, fats, and carbohydrates is key.” It’s important to consider your dog’s activity level and any specific health needs.

“Senior dogs often benefit from foods that support joint health and are lower in calories to prevent weight gain,” Dr. Barkley states. “Ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin can be beneficial.”

High-Protein and Fresh Dog Food May Not Always Be the Best Options

Commercials often claim that fresh food or high-protein foods are the best options for a dog’s overall health. These options are also among the most expensive. According to Dr. Barkley, balanced nutrition is important, and both high-protein and fresh dog foods may lack certain essential nutrients.

“Protein-only diets aren’t always the best choice,” Dr. Barkley says. “Dogs need a balanced diet that includes carbohydrates and fats for energy, along with proteins. High protein is beneficial, but it should be part of a balanced diet.”

Dr. Barkley, who practices out of California, continues, “Fresh food can be great, but it’s not always superior to high-quality kibble. It depends on the ingredients and how it’s prepared. Fresh food might lack certain nutrients, so supplements like omega-3 fatty acids or vitamins might be needed.”

For those who want optimal nutrition for their dogs, Dr. Barkley recommends looking for food that includes a balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. She again notes that the food should meet AAFCO standards to ensure complete nutrition.

Is Homemade Fresh Food a Good Source of Nutrition for Dogs?

Because ingredients in fresh dog food are often human-grade, many people have started making their own fresh food blends for their dogs. This can be a more affordable alternative to the $250 to $300 per month charged by some commercial fresh food companies. While this ensures there are no preservatives, are homemade options as nutritionally sound as commercial options? Dr. Barkley believes they can be with proper planning.

“Homemade dog food can be just as good as commercial options, but it requires careful planning to ensure it’s nutritionally complete,” Dr. Barkley says. “It’s important to include a variety of ingredients like lean meats, vegetables, and grains.”

Dr. Barkley recommends speaking with a veterinarian or pet nutritionist to create a fresh-food diet balanced for each individual dog. Additionally, she states that “supplements might be necessary to provide essential vitamins and minerals.”

Prescription Dog Foods Are Not Always Necessary

Veterinarians often recommend prescription dog foods. The claim is that these foods provide the complete nutrition that dogs need. Some even claim that cheaper, non-prescription dog foods are the equivalent of fast food. However, as Dr. Barkley points out, unless there is an underlying health issue, prescription dog food may not be necessary.

“Prescription dog foods are formulated to address specific health issues, such as kidney disease or allergies, and are often recommended by veterinarians for dogs with particular medical needs,” Dr. Barkley tells A-Z Animals. “They contain specific ingredients and nutrient levels tailored to manage these conditions.”

Dr. Barkley goes on to say that “high-quality non-prescription dog foods available at grocery stores can also provide excellent nutrition for healthy dogs.” This is because these foods are designed to meet the general nutritional needs of dogs. Additionally, they are often more cost-effective than prescription options.

“If a dog has a specific health condition, prescription diets can be beneficial,” Dr. Barkley explains. “However, for healthy dogs, a well-balanced non-prescription diet can be just as nutritious. It’s always a good idea to consult with a vet to determine the best option for your dog’s individual needs.”

Kibble Is Not Always Associated with Allergies

Beginning in the early 2000s, there was a surge in companies that touted grain-free kibble as the path to a dog’s optimal health. The belief was that fillers in traditional kibble caused allergies and that protein-based food was superior. This sentiment was later echoed by fresh food companies.

Dr. Barkley noted that high-protein and some fresh-food diets lack the well-rounded nutrients dogs need. She also states that dogs on a balanced kibble diet are not necessarily prone to allergies. However, for dogs with allergies, it’s important to identify and avoid specific kibble ingredients that may trigger reactions, and to seek out hypoallergenic options when needed.

“Dogs on kibble aren’t necessarily more prone to allergies,” Dr. Barkley says, “but some ingredients in kibble can trigger allergies in sensitive dogs.” Those ingredients include:

• Beef
• Dairy
• Wheat
• Chicken
• Soy

For dogs with allergies, the best ingredients to look for, according to Dr. Barkley, are “novel proteins” such as duck or venison. These ingredients can be found in many brands of kibble, both via prescription varieties and those in grocery stores.

Dog owners want to do the best by their fur babies. Dogs are members of the family, and their health is important. But with so many dog foods on the market and costs skyrocketing, it is hard to know exactly what the best options are. Fortunately, high quality and high prices do not always go hand in hand. There are nutritionally sound options for every price point. The key is to choose brands that meet AAFCO standards. This will guarantee the food is nutritionally balanced, ensuring optimal health for your dog, regardless of its life stage.