1. Healthy Dog Food Ingredients
The ingredient list can reveal a lot about a dog food's composition. Since ingredients are listed in order of quantity, checking the first few ingredients will help you determine if the formula is primarily plant-based (e.g., corn, rice) or meat-based, with ingredients like chicken, fish, or lamb. Although every dog has different needs, many veterinarians recommend a protein-rich diet that emphasizes meat.
When it comes to meat, vets suggest choosing a dog food delivery plan that specifies the type of meat used. Look for options that clearly list beef, chicken, or lamb, and avoid generic terms like "meat," "meat byproducts," or "bone meal," which could come from any animal. "Poultry meal" is another term that could refer to any type of bird.
The ingredient list will also highlight any additives you might want to avoid, such as artificial colors, sugars, and excessive sodium, which is often used as a preservative. Vets typically advise against preservatives like propylene glycol, BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin.
2. Vet-Recommended or Animal Nutritionist-Approved
If deciphering ingredient lists and nutrition labels feels overwhelming, don't worry—if the dog food service you choose is developed by experts, you don't need to be a nutritionist. Opting for a service backed by veterinarians or animal nutritionists ensures that your dog's health is a priority. These professionals know what ingredients are best for dogs of different ages, breeds, and sizes, and they're familiar with health issues that your dog might face, ensuring the food recommended is ideal for your pet.
It's also wise to make sure the dog food meets or exceeds the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This organization, composed of federal and state officials, veterinarians, and scientists, is responsible for identifying safe ingredients, establishing pet food label requirements, and creating science-based nutrient profiles based on the latest research in pet nutrition.
Given that dogs at various life stages require different nutrients—such as a pregnant dog needing more nutrients than a senior dog—AAFCO has established two nutrient profiles for dogs: one for Growth and Reproduction (including puppies, pregnant, and nursing animals) and one for adult maintenance (most dogs over the age of one are considered adults, with some exceptions).
One thing to note: You might see different versions of these nutrient profiles on dog food packaging—a product formulated for Growth and Reproduction might be labeled as suitable for puppies or pregnant mothers.
3. Dietary Restrictions & Health Needs
If your dog has specific health conditions that require a special diet, avoidance of certain ingredients, or the addition of extra nutrients, it's important to ensure that the dog food brands you're considering can accommodate these needs.
For dogs that need to lose or gain weight, you should ensure that the dog food delivery service you choose can work with you to customize a meal plan, whether it’s low-calorie or high-calorie dog food. Many brands offer a variety of plans that take into account your dog's breed, weight, age, activity level, and health status.
4. Cost of Dog Food
It's true that dog food delivery services tend to be slightly more expensive than what you might find in your local pet store. However, there's a reason for this: often, you're receiving human-grade, nutritionally complete food delivered directly to your door. Additionally, many dog food delivery companies will tailor your dog's meal plan to their specific needs.
If cost is a concern, watch for promotions—many dog food delivery services offer discounts on shipping or the first few weeks of their programs.
5. Customer Reviews of Dog Food
If a dog food delivery brand claims to be the best but customer reviews suggest otherwise, it's worth reconsidering. We've done the research and sifted through countless reviews to compile a list of the top dog food brands, so you don’t have to.
6. Company Policies
When choosing a dog food delivery service, it's important to know if they offer a trial period. This allows you to see if your dog likes the food before committing, and to ensure that the delivery schedule fits your lifestyle. If there's no trial period, make sure you understand the cancellation policy before purchasing. Some companies offer full refunds, while others simply cancel future deliveries.
