Dogs are known as “man’s best friend.” As a pet owner, it is important to provide your furry friend with the best diet possible to ensure they live a long and healthy life. Check out our list of the best dog foods in Australia. These foods have been carefully selected based on their nutritional value, quality ingredients, and excellent reviews.
Our pick for the best overall dog food in Australia is Iams Proactive Health. With 15,000+ reviews of this product from real Australian dog owners, it’s hard to find fault in this dog food.
While it is not perfect as it contains some fillers and common allergens, it certainly has an excellent rapport as a quality but affordable dog food.
The product is advertised as “minichunks” for small to medium breeds, but some owners said the kibble was larger than expected and difficult for toy breeds to eat.
Pros
Chicken as the first ingredient
Affordable
No artificial additives
Adult maintenance formula for all breeds
Cons
Kibble too large for toy breeds
2. Taste of the Wild Dog Food with Fresh Lamb – Best Value
Our choice for best dog food for the money has to be this kibble from Taste of the Wild. The ingredients are superior to many others, with lamb as the first ingredient and no unnecessary fillers.
Taste of the Wild is a US-based company, and their dog food is made in their own state-of-the-art facility. This means they can control the quality and safety of their products much better than many other brands.
The kibble is on the small side, making it good for toy and small breeds, as well as older dogs who may have trouble chewing large pieces.
The only downside to this food is that it is slightly more expensive than some other brands. However, many owners feel the quality is worth the price.
Pros
Lamb as the first ingredient
No artificial additives
Cons
Kibble is too small for large dogs
Causes excess gas in some dogs
3. Eukanuba Adult Large Breed Dog Food – Premium Choice
Eukanuba is a premium dog food brand that is owned by Procter and Gamble. Their products are made in the USA with high-quality ingredients.
This particular formula is designed for large breeds and contains DHA to support healthy cognitive development. It also has chondroitin and glucosamine to support healthy joints.
The recipe is made from only the highest quality protein balanced with healthy levels of fat and carbohydrates to supply energy to the most active dogs.
Pros
Support for extra active or working dogs
DHA for healthy cognitive development
Chondroitin and glucosamine for healthy joints in active dogs
Hill’s Science Diet is a popular pet food brand that is known for its high-quality products. This particular formula is designed for puppies and contains DHA to support healthy cognitive development. It also has chondroitin and glucosamine to support healthy joints.
The included proteins are considered highly digestible for optimal digestion in puppies with more sensitive stomachs. The antioxidant blend supports a healthy immune system in vulnerable pups.
Pros
DHA for healthy cognitive development
Chondroitin and glucosamine for healthy joints during growth
Ziwi Peak is a New Zealand-based company that produces all its food in-house. This canned food features mackerel and lamb as the main ingredients, providing high-quality protein for your dog.
The recipe also includes green-lipped mussels, a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin. These ingredients help to support healthy joints in dogs of all ages.
The food is also free from grains, artificial preservatives, and flavors.
This dog from Purina ONE is high in protein to support the needs of active and working dogs. The main ingredients are turkey, venison, and beef fat which provide plenty of energy for dogs of all sizes and ages.
The recipe also includes omega fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin. It is free from artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors.
Pros
High in protein
Omega fatty acids for healthy coat and skin
No artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors
Cons
Contains chicken by-product meal
Not suitable for puppies or dogs with sensitive stomachs
7. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dog Food
This canned food from Purina Pro Plan is specially formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs. The main ingredient is salmon which is a gentle protein source for dogs. The recipe also includes rice, potato, and carrots which are easy to digest carbohydrates.
The food is free from artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors. It is also made with real salmon, which is a high-quality protein source.
The gentle formula has worked a treat, but some owners say their down simply turned their nose up at it. They also didn’t like the scent or how watery the food was.
If you’re looking for high-quality dog food that will give your pup the nutrients they need, you may want to consider Supercoat Adult Dog Food.
Reviewers praise its beef flavor and ingredients list, which includes real meat, vegetables, and whole grains. They also appreciate that it’s affordably priced and made in Australia.
However, some reviewers note that their dogs didn’t seem to enjoy the taste as much as other brands, and a few reported digestive issues after switching to Supercoat.
Overall, though, Supercoat Adult Dog Food appears to be a good option for owners who are looking for healthy and affordable food for their adult dogs.
Nulo Grain-Free Canned Wet Dog Food is a beef-based formula that is packed with nutrients and designed to be highly digestible. The food contains no grain, gluten, wheat, or soy, making it a great option for dogs with allergies or sensitivities. In addition, the food is fortified with vitamins and minerals to provide complete and balanced nutrition. Reviewers love the quality of the ingredients and the high level of digestibility.
However, some reviewers note that the food is more expensive than other brands and that it can be difficult to find in stores. Overall, Nulo Grain-Free Canned Wet Dog Food is a high-quality option for dogs with allergies or sensitivities. However, the price may be a deterrent for some pet parents.
Pros
Grain-free, gluten-free, wheat-free, soy-free
Fortified with vitamins and minerals
High level of digestibility
Cons
More expensive than other brands
Can be difficult to find in stores
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Food in Australia
What to Look for When Buying a Dog Food
When it comes to choosing the best food for your dog, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, consider your dog’s age, activity level, and any health conditions.
Make sure you choose food that is appropriate for your dog’s life stage. Puppies, for example, need food that is higher in calories and fat to support their growth and development. Adult dogs, on the other hand, need food that is lower in calories to help maintain a healthy weight.
Second, take a look at the ingredients list. Many owners want to make sure the food you choose contains high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Avoid foods that contain fillers, artificial ingredients, or by-products.
Finally, consider your budget. Dog food can be expensive, so it’s important to find food that fits your budget. There are several high-quality, affordable options on the market, so you should be able to find something that works for you and your dog.
The Benefits of Different Types of Dog Foods
There are a variety of different types of dog foods available on the market, and each has its own set of benefits.
Dry food is a popular option for many pet parents because it is affordable and easy to store. Dry food also tends to be lower in calories than other types of food, making it a good choice for dogs who need to lose weight.
Canned food is another popular option for many dog owners. Canned food is often more expensive than dry food, but it is also usually more nutritious. Canned food is also a good option for dogs who need to gain weight or who have trouble chewing dry food.
Raw food is a newer option that is becoming increasingly popular. Raw food is also a good option for dogs who have allergies or sensitivities.
How to Read the Label on a Dog Food Package
When you’re shopping for dog food, it’s important to read the label on the package. The label will tell you everything you need to know about the food, including the ingredients, guaranteed analysis, and feeding recommendations.
The ingredients list is a good place to start. The ingredients are listed in order of weight, so the first ingredient is the most plentiful.
You’ll also want to look at the guaranteed analysis. This will tell you the minimum percentage of protein and fat in the food, as well as the maximum percentage of moisture and fiber.
Finally, check out at the feeding recommendations to see how much food your dog should be eating each day.
Image Credit: LADO, Shutterstock
What Ingredients to Avoid in a Dog Food
There are a few ingredients you’ll want to avoid when choosing dog food.
Artificial ingredients, such as preservatives, colorings, and flavorings, are also something you’ll want to avoid. These ingredients can be harmful to your dog’s health and are not necessary for a nutritious diet.
By-products, such as chicken meal or beef meal, are another ingredient to avoid. By-products are low-quality ingredients that are left over from the human food-making process.
How Much to Feed Your Dog Each Day
How much you feed your dog each day will depend on a few factors, including their age, activity level, and weight.
Puppies, for example, need to eat more than adult dogs. They also need food that is higher in calories and fat to support their growth and development.
Adult dogs, on the other hand, need to eat less. They also need food that is lower in calories to help maintain a healthy weight.
Dogs who are very active, such as working dogs or those who participate in dog sports, will also need to eat more than less active dogs.
Read the back of the dog food package for recommended feeding amounts. You can also talk to your veterinarian about how much to feed your dog each day.
Conclusion
Our top pick for the best dog food in Australia is Iams Proactive Health Adult Minichunks. This food is made with high-quality ingredients and provides all the nutrients your dog needs for a healthy diet.
If you’re looking for a great value of quality and cost, we recommend Taste of the Wild Dog Food with Fresh Lamb. This food is made with real lamb and other natural ingredients.
For a more premium option, we recommend Eukanuba Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food. This recipe is specifically formulated for active dogs and is made with high-quality ingredients.
No matter what type of dog food you choose, make sure to read the label carefully to ensure it meets your dog’s specific dietary needs.
After an early start in the veterinary industry and as a conservation educator at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida, Sophie has since been a successful Zookeeper and Conservationist, specializing in native New Zealand species. When she isn't bird watching in native forests or crawling through the underbrush at midnight searching for rare frog species, she can be found with her husband on their sheep and beef station, far from civilization. Alongside them, they have 2 cats, 9 chickens, and 11 dogs (most notably, her sidekick, a black Labrador aptly named Jellybean). Sophie enjoys her writing career as it provides opportunities to help and support pet owners of all kinds to give animals the best welfare possible. The only downside is the long list of strange searches in her internet history!...Read more
