The Worst Dog Food to Avoid: The Healthy Pup Guide

Your pooch is a voracious little beastie. If it were up to them, they would eat anything they find. Once they empty their food bowl, they’ll wiggle their tail for more. Unfortunately, feeding them food that doesn’t have nutritional value can result in changes in their health, mood, and immune system. In the long run, poorly made dry food and cheap ingredients can

Make your dog sick Upset their little stomach Compromise their health and happiness

To prevent this, you need to familiarize yourself with all the products that you should not put in your shopping cart. Regarding their nutrition, we have one rule—better safe than sorry!

High-quality food can affect your canine’s development and

Increase their longevity Improve the standard of living Maintain their good health throughout the years

And you do want to see your canine jumping for joy without a care in the world, with their ears flapping around in their usual ridiculous manner, every day of their life. Don’t you? This also depends on the treats they eat, so make sure you avoid purchasing the worst dog treat brands.

We know that finding the best dry dog food for your pooch is a challenging task, especially with myriads of advertisements you stumble upon daily. Walking into a store can also be confusing once you reach the never-ending aisle with dog food. To make this process easier for you, we have conducted thorough research, and we’re displeased to present you to the worst dog food which you should avoid at all costs.

First thing first—you should know that we’re not associated with any affiliate links or sponsored to promote or badmouth products. We chose these products because we believe, from the bottom of our hearts, that you should not consider them for your pets. We’re not funded by paid sponsorship.

How We Evaluated the Worst Dog Food Brands

For this research, we consulted numerous veterinarians who give their honest and professional opinion. Veterinarians have in-depth knowledge of food brands that can keep your dog healthy and happy. Our community of dog lovers also teamed up, generously shared their experiences, and helped us round out the research. Together, we joined all our findings to present you with the worst dog food foods available today.

How We Chose Our Top Picks

We researched hundreds of food products to see if they meet our quality criteria. We checked the ratio of high-quality and low-quality food and did online research to compare the results. We are not affiliated with any brand, so the results are purely based on our findings and detailed analysis.

Top 10 Worst Dog Foods

Worst Overall: Dog Chow Complete Adult with Real Chicken Dog Food

Source: purina

A single look at the ingredients will tell you everything you need to know. The first ingredient is whole grain corn, which pups usually find very hard to digest. Feeding them this type of food will cause some digestive problems after some time. We don’t know the meat source listed as number two, so it could be anything. The bone meal should not be used in the dogs’ nutrition in large quantities. It can cause constipation, which can end up in surgery.

Guaranteed Analysis Crude Protein 21.0% min Crude Fat 10.0 % min Crude Fiber 4.5 % max Moisture 12.0% max Linoleic Acid 1.5% min Calcium 1.0% min Phosphorus 0.8% min Vitamin A 10,000 IU/kg min Vitamin E 100 IU/kg min

Ingredients: Whole grain corn, meat and bone meal, corn gluten meal, beef fat naturally preserved with mixed-tocopherols, soybean meal, poultry by-product meal, chicken, egg and chicken flavor, whole grain wheat, animal digest, salt, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, mono and dicalcium phosphate, L-Lysine monohydrochloride, choline chloride, MINERALS [zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, calcium iodate, sodium selenite], VITAMINS [Vitamin E supplement, niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A supplement, calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Vitamin B-12 supplement, thiamine mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin D-3 supplement, riboflavin supplement (Vitamin B-2), menadione sodium bisulfite complex (Vitamin K), folic acid (Vitamin B-9), biotin (Vitamin B-7)], Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Red 40, Blue 2, garlic oil. E-4101.

Runner-Up: Kibbles ‘n Bits Original Savory Beef & Chicken Flavors Dry Dog Food

Source: kibbles n bits

Dogs’ digestive system can’t process corn easily, and if your pup eats a lot of corn-based foods, it can be harmful to their health. Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is an additive used in preserving dog foods. It can often cause kidney damage, and it’s not safe to eat it in large quantities. Kibbles ‘n Bits is also full of carbohydrates and by-products. You should avoid this formula if you want your hairy companion to stay healthy. Wheat is also among the first five ingredients. It has the same side effects as corn. If compared to other dry foods, this one contains below-average protein, below-average fat, and too many carbs.

Guaranteed Analysis Crude Protein 19.0% min Crude Fat 8.0 % min Crude Fat 12.0 % max Crude Fiber 4.0 % max Moisture 18.0% max Calcium 1.0% min Phosphorus 0.76% min Zinc 125 mg/kg min Vitamin A 5100 IU/kg min Vitamin E 500 IU/kg min

Ingredients: Corn, Soybean Meal, Beef & Bone Meal, Whole Wheat, Animal Fat (BHA Used as Preservative), Corn Syrup, Wheat Middlings, Water Sufficient For Processing, Animal Digest (Source Of Chicken Flavor), Propylene Glycol, Salt, Hydrochloric Acid, Potassium Chloride, Peas, Caramel Color, Sorbic Acid (Used as a Preservative), Choline Chloride, Sodium Carbonate, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin a Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Biotin), Dl-Methionine, Calcium Sulfate, Carrots, Green Beans, Wheat Flour, Titanium Dioxide (Color), Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 40, BHA (Used as a Preservative), Blue 1.

Worst Dry Food: Iams ProActive Health Adult MiniChunks Dry Dog Food

Source: iams proactive health

IAMS ProActive contains a lot of minerals and vitamins, but they are mixed with synthetic proteins. Chicken by-product meal means that this product contains the leftovers of slaughtered chickens that humans don’t use. It is quite affordable, though, so many dog owners turn to this brand out of necessity. If you can, invest a little bit more into higher-quality dog food, or prepare your dog’s food at home. Dogs who already have some allergy issues shouldn’t go near this product as it can cause or boost dog allergies. Corn offers only modest nutritional value to your pooch, and it’s controversial regarding dogs’ nutrition. The same goes for beet pulp, which is fifth in the ingredient list.

Guaranteed Analysis Crude Protein 25.0% min Crude Fat 14.0 % min Crude Fiber 4.0 % max Moisture 10.0% max Calcium 1.05% min Selenium 0.35 mg/kg min Vitamin E 60 IU/kg min L-Carnitine 30 mg/kg* min Omega-6 Fatty Acids 2.05%* min

Ingredients: Chicken, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken By-Product Meal, Dried Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Dried Egg Product, Flaxseed, Caramel Color, Potassium Chloride, Carrots, Choline Chloride, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols), Fructooligosaccharides, Calcium Carbonate, Brewers Dried Yeast, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, L-Carnitine, Sodium Selenite, Mixed Tocopherols (a preservative), Ascorbic Acid, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (source of vitamin B1), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, Niacin Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (source of vitamin B2), Inositol, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Rosemary Extract, Potassium Iodide, Folic Acid

Worst Wet Food: Cesar Filets Delight Porterhouse Steak Flavor with Peas and Carrots Dog Food Tray

Source: cesar

This is canned dog food whose first ingredient is water, which is fine. The fifth ingredient is the most controversial one. Meat by-products contain all leftovers of slaughtered animals that people don’t use in their nutrition. The problematic part here is that it doesn’t state which meat is included in the ingredients. In case your little friend suffers from allergies or skin problems, don’t consider buying this product.

Guaranteed Analysis Crude Protein 8.0% min Crude Fat 3.5 % min Crude Fiber 1.0 % max Moisture 83.0% max

Ingredients: Sufficient Water For Processing, Beef By-Products, Animal Liver, Meat By-Products, Beef, Peas, Carrots, Chicken, Chicken By-Products, Calcium Carbonate, Added Color, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Carrageenan, Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Proteinate, Natural Flavor, Xanthan Gum, Dried Yam, Salt, Guar Gum, Erythorbic Acid, Cassia Gum, Porterhouse Steak Flavor, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Monocalcium Phosphate, Sodium Nitrite (For Color Retention), Copper Sulfate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement.

Worst for Senior Dogs: Purina Senior 7+ Healthy Morsels Soft & Crunchy Bites Dog Food

Source: purina

Our senior dogs are perhaps the ones who require healthy nutrition the most. As they get older, they are not as active as they used to be. This makes them susceptible to gaining a lot of weight. If your hairy friend has back issues, there’s an even greater concern as the extra weight will put too much pressure on their spine. They need food that’s low in calories as it will prevent obesity. They also require higher-fiber diets that will promote bowel health.

Purina Senior is considered to be the worst product for senior dogs as it doesn’t contain ingredients of nutritional value. Instead of improving your grey-coated dog’s health, it makes it even worse. It consists of a lot of bone meals and animal fats. GMO corn, ground wheat, soybeans are all ingredients that you need to keep your pup’s muzzle away from.

Guaranteed Analysis Crude Protein 28.0% Crude Fat 12.0% min Crude Fiber 4.5% max Moisture 12.0% max Linoleic Acid (Omega 6 Fatty Acid) 1.3% Calcium 1.0% min Phosphorus 0.8% Zinc 150 ppm min Selenium 0.35 ppm min Vitamin A 14,000 IU/kg min Vitamin E 460 IU/kg min Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) 70 mg/kg min Glucosamine 400 ppm min Omega-6 Fatty Acids 1.5% min

Ingredients: Chicken, Rice Flour, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Soybean Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Corn Germ Meal, Oat Meal, Medium-Chain Triglyceride Vegetable Oil, Whole Grain Wheat, Fish Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Pea Fiber, Poultry And Pork Digest, Beef Fat Naturally Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols, Glycerin, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Dried Egg Product, Mono And Dicalcium Phosphate, Caramel Color, Potassium Chloride, Dried Carrots, Dried Peas, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7)], Choline Chloride, Minerals [Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Vitamin C), Sulfur, Garlic Oil.

Worst For Puppies: Purina Beneful Healthy Puppy Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken

Source: purina

Although this product contains chicken protein, it also includes ingredients such as corn and grain, which are pretty much the worst ingredients you can have in dog food. By-products are high on the list of ingredients. Synthetic protein is included to replace natural protein, and the formula also has many artificial dyes. Soybeans can be extremely dangerous for your pups. They can’t be digested properly and can cause severe bloating.

This product is ranked among one of the worst dog foods on the market as it’s cluttered with dangerous fillers. Purina Beneful Original was accused of using the ingredients that cause skin and allergy problems in dogs. If your pooch eats too much of this food, they’ll be prone to gastrointestinal issues and liver disease. Letting your dog eat Purina Beneful Original Formula every day is the same as if fast-food was included in all of your meals.

Guaranteed Analysis Crude Protein 28.0% min Crude Fat 14.0 % min Crude Fiber 4.0 % max Moisture 14.0% max Linoleic Acid 1.4% min Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) 0.05% min Calcium 1.1% min Phosphorus 0.9% min Vitamin A 10,000 IU/kg min Vitamin E 100 IU/kg min

Ingredients: Chicken, chicken by-product meal, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, barley, whole grain wheat, rice, soybean meal, beef tallow preserved with mixed-tocopherols, poultry by-product meal, glycerin, egg and chicken flavor, mono and dicalcium phosphate, fish oil, natural flavor, salt, calcium carbonate, oatmeal, dried peas, dried carrots, potassium chloride, iron oxide (color), MINERALS [zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, calcium iodate, sodium selenite], VITAMINS [Vitamin E supplement, niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A supplement, calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Vitamin B-12 supplement, thiamine mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin D-3 supplement, riboflavin supplement (Vitamin B-2), menadione sodium bisulfite complex (Vitamin K), folic acid (Vitamin B-9), biotin (Vitamin B-7)], choline chloride, L-Lysine monohydrochloride, DL-Methionine. K409318

Dishonorable Mentions

Kal Kan Complete Adult Dog Food

Source: kal kan

Kal Kan does not hold up when it comes to ingredient quality. By-products are in the first five ingredients, while the main one is corn. Artificial proteins are present in large quantities. Meat and bone meal is listed as the second ingredient. The greatest concern here is that we can’t know what meat they used, making it hard to predict whether this food can cause any allergies.

Guaranteed Analysis Crude Protein 20.0% Crude Fat 8.0% min Crude Fiber 4.0% max Moisture 12.0% max Calcium 1.00% min Phosphorus 0.80% Zinc 175 mg/kg Vitamin E 100 IU/kg min

Ingredients: Ground yellow corn, meat and bone meal, soybean meal, ground wheat, chicken by-product meal, animal fat (preserved with BHA and citric acid, source of Omega-6 Fatty Acids), wheat middlings, corn gluten meal, natural flavor, salt, dl-methionine, potassium chloride, choline chloride, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, Vitamin E supplement, zinc oxide, copper sulfate, niacin, manganous oxide, Vitamin A supplement, biotin, d-calcium pantothenate, Vitamin B12 supplement, thiamine mononitrate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of Vitamin K activity), riboflavin supplement, calcium iodate, folic acid, cobalt carbonate, Vitamin D3 supplement.

Gravy Train Beef Chunks In Gravy Wet Dog Food

Source: gravy train

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is used to prevent spoilage, but it can contribute to kidney issues. The Gravy Train at one point proclaimed voluntary recall on each Gravy Train wet dog product after hints of pentobarbital—a euthanasia drug—was detected. Although this brand is one of the most affordable ones on the market, you should steer clear of purchasing it. We rank it as a below-average canned product.

Guaranteed Analysis Crude Protein 8.0% min Crude Fat 3.0 % min Crude Fiber 1.5 % max Moisture 82.0% max

Ingredients: Water Sufficient for Processing, Soybean Meal, Meat By-Products, Wheat Flour, Animal Fat (preserved with BHA), Beef, Modified Food Starch, Soy Flour, Dicalcium Phosphate, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Caramel Color, Titanium Dioxide (Color), Iron Oxide (Color), Vitamins (Vitamin E supplement, Vitamin A supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Minerals (Sodium Selenite, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate).

Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor

Source: pedigree

Pedigree Adult is a very unpopular brand among dog owners. Many accusations were raised against this product. They mostly came from the pet owners who stated that their canines vomited after eating this food and that they had some issues with their intestines as well. Pedigree even confirmed that their kibble has pig hair. We don’t recommend this product for your canine.

Guaranteed Analysis Crude Protein 21.0% Crude Fat 10.0% min Crude Fiber 4.0% max Moisture 12.0% max Linoleic Acid (Omega 6 Fatty Acid) 2.0% Calcium 1.0% min Phosphorus 0.8% Zinc 80 mg/kg Vitamin E 100 IU/kg

Ingredients: Ground Whole Grain Corn, Meat And Bone Meal (Source Of Calcium), Corn Gluten Meal, Animal Fat (Source Of Omega 6 Fatty Acids [Preserved With Bha & Citric Acid]), Soybean Meal, Natural Flavor, Chicken By-Product Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Brewers Rice, Ground Whole Grain Wheat, Choline Chloride, Dried Peas, Dl-Methionine, Natural Grilled Steak Flavor, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Monocalcium Phosphate, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Tryptophan, Red 40, Yellow 6, Dried Carrots, Blue 2, Yellow 5, Copper Sulfate, D-Calcium Pantothenate [Source Of Vitamin B5], Sodium Selenite, Niacin [Vitamin B3], Potassium Iodide, Riboflavin Supplement [Vitamin B2], Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride [Vitamin B6], Thiamine Mononitrate [Vitamin B1], Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid.

Ol’ Roy Complete Nutrition

Source: ol’ roy

This product consists of a high amount of ground yellow corn. Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) preservative is in the first five ingredients, and there are way too many by-products. Keeping Ol Roy off of your dog’s food bowl is probably the best decision.

Guaranteed Analysis Crude Protein 21.0% min Crude Fat 10.0 % min Crude Fiber 4.50 % max Moisture 8.0% max Protein 24.58% min Fat 10.93% min Fiber 2.62%

Ingredients: Ground yellow corn, meat and bone meal, soybean meal, poultry by-product meal, animal fat (preserved with BHA and citric acid), corn gluten meal, natural flavor, brewers rice, salt, potassium chloride, color added (titanium dioxide, yellow #5, yellow #6, red #40, blue #2), choline chloride, zinc sulfate, vitamin E supplement, ferrous sulfate, calcium carbonate, zinc oxide, niacin, copper sulfate, vitamin A supplement, biotin, manganous oxide, calcium pantothenate, vitamin B12 supplement, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of vitamin K activity), riboflavin supplement, sodium selenite, calcium iodate, folic acid, vitamin D-3 supplement, cobalt carbonate

What Are the Differences Between the Best Dog Food and the Worst Dog Food?

Almost all dog foods you find in stores are labeled as completely natural and 100% balanced. Let us tell you a secret—they’re not, at least not all of them! The first thing you have to do when choosing food for your furry one is to check if the ingredients have nutritional value. The list you see on the back of the package will tell you everything you need to know. The first five ingredients are essential, and what you find listed as the number one ingredient is what the pet food is made up of the most.

High-quality food consists of natural ingredients such as meat, whole grains, and vegetables. The first ingredient on the list should be a healthy protein source, like chicken or fish. Low-quality food has animal by-products or grains listed as number one.

If you come across meat-meals in the ingredient list, also pay attention. High-quality food brands will have meat meals such as:

Chicken

Lamb

Beef

Low-quality brands will list meat by-products such as beef by-product meal. Meat by-products are usable parts derived from slaughtered animals, mostly consisting of kidneys, brain, bones, blood, lungs. Within these products are often 4-D meats, which can’t be used by humans— roadkills or euthanized animals.

Be careful if you see any artificial fillers listed. Cheap ingredients also involve fillers, which are often used to replace food with larger nutritional value. Corn, for instance, is used as a replacement for natural meat protein. It’s difficult for dogs to digest corn, and it’s considered to be harmful and unhealthy as a part of their diet. The same goes for grain, rice, and wheat. Chemicals and dyes that are used to extend the shelf life of a product have a low-priced formula and can be dangerous for your canine’s health. Always be on the lookout for dangerous ingredients such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), which are used in preserving dog foods. And remember, the best measure of dog food quality is if in its first five ingredients there are no:

By-products

Fillers

Additives

If your precious canine has any health issues, you must strictly look for healthy ingredients. Some of the worst dog foods you could see above don’t have a meat source listed. So if your pup has allergies or sensitive skin, you need to be careful with food choices.

What Kind of Food Should Puppies Eat?

Your little munchkin needs to eat high-quality food because puppies are at risk when it comes to nutrition. Dangerous food ingredients can increase their chances of ending up with hip dysplasia. They need food that is easy to digest, especially if they are in a transition period when they start eating solid foods. You need to know how to switch dog foods! In this period, you can soak high-quality kibbles in warm water and blend it into gruel.

What Kind of Food Should Senior Dogs Eat?

The senior dogs need to have good, well-balanced nutrition which is low in calories but consists of greater amounts of fiber. It should contain adequate protein and fat. Older canines require the best senior dry dog food, as they lose muscle mass as they age. Their nutritional need is to eat food that contains little fat, as they usually have problems with weight as they get older. Food that’s low in fat will protect them from obesity. Make sure you avoid the worst dry dog food brands.

Final Thoughts on the Worst Dog Food

As you’ve seen, there are a lot of things to keep an eye out for when it comes to your dog’s nutrition. You need to have your dog’s needs in mind when opting for their food. Senior dogs shouldn’t eat food such as Purina Senior 7+ Healthy Morsels Soft & Crunchy Bites Dog Food, and it’ll be extremely harmful to your puppy to have Purina Beneful Healthy Puppy Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken included in their diet plan. There are many great food brands out there whose ingredients are high-quality ones, so feel free to avoid Iams ProActive as well as Cesar Filets. Whether you have a puppy or a grandpa dog, you need to look out for their needs. You can find some ideas in the best dry dog food and the best canned dog food lists.

Provide your hairy companion only with the best!

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_food https://www.quora.com/Is-Pedigree-dog-food-good-or-bad-for-your-dog Dael, Peter Van. “Trace Element Speciation in Food: A Tool to Assure Food Safety and Nutritional Quality.” Trace Element Speciation for Environment, Food and Health , pp. 232–240., doi:10.1039/9781847552204-00232. Dael, Peter Van. “Trace Element Speciation in Food: A Tool to Assure Food Safety and Nutritional Quality.” Trace Element Speciation for Environment, Food and Health, pp. 232–240., doi:10.1039/9781847552204-00232.