Healthy and Affordable Dog Food Options

Heather Fishel

Published on May 4, 2020 Updated on September 9, 2020

If you’re a dog owner, you’ve likely worked hard to find food that fuels your pup and provides all the important nutrients he or she needs. However, healthy dog food isn’t cheap. Often, the most nutritious foods are the most expensive. So how can you feed your dog quality, health-focused food on a budget?

Pet food companies are starting to focus on healthy options, which means there’s an increasing number of health- and nutrition-focused dog foods now available. Plus, many brands are offering budget-friendly prices on these healthier products.

If you’re looking for great dog food within your budget, you’ll want to check out these eight options.

Taste of the Wild Dog Food

Price: $48.99 for 48 pounds of dry food

Why It’s Healthy: Taste of the Wild dog food offers complete, well-rounded nutrition for dogs. Each blend of dry food features rich antioxidants meant to increase dogs’ protein, essential amino acids, fruits and vegetables, and even digestion-friendly probiotics. There are no fillers, preservatives, or added coloring to be found in this dog food. Even more importantly, with grain being a hotly debated dog food ingredient, you’ll rest easy with your dog enjoying Taste of the Wild’s grain-free formula.

Nutrish Zero Grain Natural Dog Food

Price: $39.99 for 22 pounds of dry food

Why It’s Healthy: Created by celebrity chef Rachael Ray, Nutrish Zero Grain Natural Dog Food is a high-quality take on budget-friendly dog food. This dry dog food is free of both cereal grains and gluten. Even better, the ingredient list is simple and straightforward. Your dog will love the meat-based formula, which is fortified with added vitamins, minerals, and flaxseed meant to provide balanced nutrition. On top of that, you won’t find any of the artificial dyes, colors, or flavors that are common in affordable foods.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula

Price: $49.98 for 30 pounds of dry food

Why It’s Healthy: Blue Buffalo dog food made a name for itself with healthy, grain-free dog foods that were a new alternative to traditional formulas. Now, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula offers a tasty and satisfying dry food that feeds dogs and aids overall wellness. The food contains deboned meats and rice, along with special nutrients just for pups. These nutrients include DHA, glucosamine, and chondroitin — all of which are beneficial for mobility and cognition. Blue Buffalo Life Protection is a particularly great choice for older dogs or large breeds who might be prone to mobility issues.

Purina Beyond Dry Dog Food

Price: $36.69 for 24 pounds

Why It’s Healthy: Purina is one of the most recognizable names in pet food. Purina Beyond is a healthier option that’s new to the company’s food lineup. Each blend of Purina Beyond dry dog food features real meats and proteins, without any added byproducts. Nutrients like glucosamine and chicken meal can offer added benefits, like support for joint health. Moreover, the food is free from corn, wheat, soy, artificial coloring, dyes, and preservatives. That’s good news for any allergy-prone pups.

Diamond Naturals

Price: $41.99 for 28 pounds of dry food

Why It’s Healthy: Diamond Naturals dog food is made with plenty of protein. That protein is meant to be higher quality in order to promote better health in dogs. This dry food features ingredients like pasture-raised beef and quinoa, both of which can help promote strong bones and healthy muscles. Additionally, other nutrients, like chia seeds, omega fatty acids, coconut, and flaxseed, can help dogs look and feel their best. In summation, Diamond Naturals dog food is filling, tasty, and the right kind of nutritious.

Iams ProActive Health

Price: $41.94 for 38.5 pounds of dry food

Why It’s Healthy: Iams is another big player in the pet food industry. The Iams ProActive Health food line offers healthy, nutrient-rich foods designed to promote a dogs’ overall health. The ingredients, such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids, can aid muscle, bone, and joint health. Moreover, Iams ProActive Health is recommended by veterinarians.

Purina One SmartBlend True Instinct

Price: $44.99 for 36 pounds of dry food

Why It’s Healthy: A great value for its price and featuring a grain-free formula, Purina One SmartBlend True Instinct dog food is as good for your dog as it is for your wallet. Featuring either real chicken or beef, this dry dog food includes no corn, wheat, or soy. Instead, it offers complete nutrition with 30 percent pure protein and added vitamins and minerals. Your dog can enjoy the taste and benefits that make them feel and look good from nose to tail.

Wellness CORE

Price: $64.69 for 24 pounds of dry food

Why It’s Healthy: Wellness CORE dry dog food is grain-free and includes no animal by-products. What this dog food does include are antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics. It’s also rich in protein and filled with meat. With a focus on keeping dogs healthy and active, Wellness CORE food is filling and nutrient-rich, which can help dogs feel great for years to come.

Feed Your Dog Well at an Affordable Price

Finding food that’s high-quality, nutrient-focused, and tasty for your dog isn’t easy. However, thanks to new products and a wide range of options, there are now more choices than ever before.

The key to finding healthy, affordable dog food is taking the time to search. It’s important to consider brands outside of those you already know well. You can search online for healthy dog foods, compare their ingredient lists, and check their reviews. You can also look at prices and potential discounts. Some dog food brands or retailers may even offer savings if you order on a regular schedule.

By taking the time to do a little comparison shopping before you buy, you can find great, healthy dog food that suits your budget and your dog’s tastes.