At Bored Panda, we believe that safe and nutritious dog food should be accessible to everyone, which is what inspired us to go the extra mile to find recipes with the most value per pound.
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There’s a lot to consider when choosing between wet or dry food for your canine. To help us with a task, we asked our expert vet, Dr. Linda Simon, to evaluate a variety of affordable dog food options. When comparing different brands, we considered cost, life stage, breed, and recipe formulation.
Our research has yielded some fruitful results. In this guide, you’ll find puppy and adult dog food products that offer reasonable quality at a low price point; of course, without forgetting our senior companions — we’ve included some budget options to help them age gracefully, too.
The information provided herein is for informational purposes only. Please refer to our disclaimer for more details.
Our Community Picks
Best Overall: Blue Buffalo Senior Homestyle Recipe $51.99
Runner-Up: Purina Beneful IncrediBites $12.48
Also Great: Pedigree Puppy Growth and Protection $27.98
Note: All prices and deals listed are accurate as of the time of publishing. Please check the provided links for the most current pricing.
Best Value Puppy Foods
Your puppy’s first few months are crucial for their growth and development. Providing the best dog food for your budget will set your puppy up for success, supporting healthy digestion, a robust immune system, and a well-built skeletal mass.
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Pedigree Puppy Growth and Protection
Cost per Pound: $0.94 | First Three Ingredients: Ground whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal, corn gluten meal | Flavor: Chicken and vegetables
While the ingredients in this Pedigree Growth and Protection formula aren't exactly perfect, we believe it still deserves a spot on our list. It provides complete nutrition and contains all the essential vitamins and minerals for a growing pup.
What we love about this dog food is its low price point, making it perfect for pet owners looking to save on dog food costs. However, it’s not a premium diet, with corn as the primary ingredient and chicken by-product meal instead of real chicken.
The Pedigree puppy recipe comes in smaller kibble or mini chunks, a nice touch for smaller breeds that sometimes struggle to eat larger pieces when transitioning from nursing.
What We Like:
• No high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, or sugar
• Enriched with DHA for brain development
• Made in the US
• Excellent price
What We Don’t Like:
• The first ingredient isn't high-quality meat
Iams Proactive Healthy Puppy
Cost per Pound: $1.51 | First Three Ingredients: Chicken, ground whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal | Flavor: Chicken
Iams Proactive Healthy Puppy formula is ideal for larger-breed pups. It contains glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, which promote collagen growth and reduce joint inflammation.
Furthermore, the mix of prebiotics and fiber helps promote a healthy digestive tract, which is especially crucial in this age group. Puppies often suffer from diarrhea and bloating in the first few months of life, so this formula can help alleviate those issues.
Iams formula contains some flavourings and chicken by-product meal alongside the whole chicken. While adding the by-product meal isn't ideal, it makes the formula more affordable.
What We Like:
• Chicken is the first ingredient
• Enriched with antioxidants
• Prebiotics for gut health
What We Don’t Like:
• Contains by-product meal
Best Value Grain-Free Dog Food
Grain isn't always bad for adult dogs, but it can cause digestive problems and skin irritation in some. If your dog has a grain allergy, removing it from their diet will help your pup feel much better.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain
Cost per Pound: $1.79 | First Three Ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, sweet potatoes | Flavor: Chicken and sweet potato
Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain is delicious, nutritious, and free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. Plus, the formula does not contain wheat, so dogs with wheat allergies can safely eat it without any adverse reactions.
The prebiotics in this food act as a food source for gut bacteria, promoting a healthier gut microbiome. This, in turn, can improve stool consistency and reduce skin itchiness.
This recipe uses natural ingredients, including whole chicken, peas, flaxseed, sweet potato, and chicken fat. Sweet potato is an excellent source of slow-releasing carbohydrates, perfect for active dogs who need a steady energy supply.
What We Like:
• Grain-free formula
• Plenty of protein
• Quality is on par with that of more expensive brands
• Includes prebiotics
What We Don’t Like:
• Contains chicken meal
Diamond Naturals Grain-Free Recipe
Cost per Pound: $ 1.86 | First Three Ingredients: Beef, lamb meal, sweet potatoes | Flavor: Beef
The Diamond Naturals Grain-Free Recipe is an exceptional-quality kibble made with some of the best ingredients, including pasture-fed beef, sweet potatoes, peas, and salmon oil. It’s the highest-rated dog food on our list, and customers praise it for how much their dogs seem to enjoy it.
Despite its premium ingredients, this kibble is surprisingly affordable. It’s packed with superfoods like blueberries, raspberries, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium probiotics, making it a complete and balanced meal for your furry friend.
What We Like:
• Fruits and vegetables
• No cheap fillers
• Highly rated by many dog owners
• Suitable for all life stages and all breed sizes
• Good blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
What We Don’t Like:
• It’s on the pricier side
Best Affordable Wet Food for Dogs
Wet dog food can be an excellent option for dogs with urinary or renal problems. It is just as beneficial for dogs feeling unwell or refusing to eat their usual diet, providing them with essential hydration.
Blue Buffalo Senior Homestyle Recipe
Cost per Pound: $3.68 | First Three Ingredients: Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver | Flavor: Chicken
Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe is an ideal choice for senior dogs who may need extra encouragement to eat and who prefer softer foods.
This pâté is made with real deboned chicken and chicken liver, which can help prevent muscle wastage in your pet’s later years. Additionally, it contains a variety of fruits and vegetables, such as cranberries and carrots, which are excellent sources of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
The Blue Buffalo formula also includes glucosamine and chondroitin to aid aging joints and to support those with chronic orthopedic conditions, including arthritis and hip dysplasia.
What We Like:
• The first five ingredients are natural, whole foods
• Perfect choice for fussy dogs
What We Don’t Like:
• Many owners complain that cans often come with dents
Purina Beneful IncrediBites
Cost per Pound: $4.80 | First Three Ingredients: Beef, beef broth, meat by-product | Flavor: Steak
Dogs absolutely adore Purina Baneful formula’s delicious taste and texture, making mealtime an absolute joy. The recipe caters to your pups’s meat cravings with delicious beef, liver, and chicken among the ingredients.
A high-protein diet can work wonders for your furry friend, keeping their muscles in optimal condition. An impressive protein content at an affordable price point ensures your dog gets the best possible nutrition, even when you’re on a tight budget.
What We Like:
• Beef as the first ingredient
• Highly palatable
• No artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors
• Limited ingredient diet
What We Don’t Like:
• Includes meat by-products
Best Value High-Protein Dog Food
Protein is an essential macronutrient that dogs require for maintaining muscle mass, strengthening their immune system, and growing a healthy coat. Although high-protein diets are usually expensive, we have discovered some great options for less.
Taste of The Wild PREY
Cost per Pound: $3.75 | First Three ingredients: Beef, lentils, tomato pomace | Flavor: Beef
The Taste of the Wild recipe uses high-quality Angus beef, lentils, chicken fat, and salmon oils. While it’s not the cheapest option, it offers excellent value for money, considering the exceptional ingredients.
The brand is all about offering simple yet wholesome recipes and prioritizes the use of "all meat and no meal." The savory seasoning coating the kibble makes it even more palatable.
Note: Although there is a potential link between legumes in dog food and heart disease in certain breeds, there is currently no evidence that avoiding legume-containing foods is necessary.
What We Like:
• Real Angus beef
• Suitable for all life stages, from puppies to seniors
• A high amount of good bacteria (80 million CFU/pound )
What We Don’t Like:
• Potential cardiomyopathy risk means owners of Doberman and Cocker Spaniel breeds may want to steer clear
Pedigree High Protein Formula with Red Meat
Cost per Pound: $1.71 | First Three Ingredients: Corn, meat and bone meal, chicken by-product meal | Flavor: Beef and lamb
While the Pedigree High-Protein diet might not win any prizes for clean eating, it still packs a punch with its 27% protein content and inclusion of real red meat — great if you’re looking for dog food on a budget with some real benefits.
The omega-6 acids in the food help promote a glossy coat, while the crunchy kibble helps maintain good dental hygiene.
What We Like:
• A high-protein option
• Contain red meat
What We Don’t Like:
• Low-quality ingredients overall
Best Value Food for Small Breed Dogs
The following canine meal options are tailored to meet the dietary needs of small-breed dogs without breaking the bank.
Blue Buffalo Small Breed Life Protection Formula
Cost per Pound: $2.80 | First Three Ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice | Flavor: Chicken
Blue Buffalo’s signature Life Source Bits provide your furry friend with added health benefits. These bits are filled with minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants and are cold-formed to preserve their potency.
One of the best things about this food is its delicious poultry flavor, sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. It also includes tasty brown rice and fresh vegetables, which your dog will surely appreciate.
This diet features small-bite kibble, making it easier for smaller dogs to chew. It supports joint function and mobility with added glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids. This is especially important for smaller dogs susceptible to joint issues like luxating patellas and arthritis as they age.
What We Like:
• Smaller kibble size
• Enriched with antioxidants
• Highly palatable
• Fresh, real ingredients
What We Don’t Like:
• Some dog owners reported their pup had an upset stomach when switching to this food
Nature’s Recipe Small Bites
Cost per Pound: $2.20 | First Three Ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, brewer rice | Flavor: Chicken
Nature’s recipe offers dog food that promotes healthy digestion. It uses whole grains like barley and brown rice, which contain plenty of fiber. This helps with a more formed stool that is less smelly — always a win.
Although it has no poultry by-products, chicken meal is the second ingredient. This usually means the skin, flesh, and bone of the bird.
It’s affordable, and small dogs will appreciate the smaller kibble size. This is particularly useful for dogs with dental disease or oral issues like over-shot jaws.
What We Like:
• Supplemented with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
• Fibre sourced from whole grains
• Smaller kibble size for little mouths
What We Don’t Like:
• Contains meat meal and brewer’s rice
What To Look For in Affordable Dog Food
The following tips, from ingredient quality and nutritional value to price point, will help you make an informed decision.
Your dog’s specific needs. Remember that even the most premium, high-quality dog food is only appropriate for some dogs. A Chihuahua puppy will require something quite different from an elderly Great Dane. You’ll have to consider your dog’s age, breed, lifestyle, and general health when picking the food for your beloved canine.
Ingredients. It’s essential to check the ingredients of dog food before purchasing it. Some ingredients can harm your dog’s health and even cause cancer. Avoid dog foods with ingredients like ethoxyquin and propylene glycol at all costs.
Taste. Having a low-cost kibble that meets your dog’s nutritional needs is great, but your dog will almost certainly not eat it if it doesn't taste good. We’ve only selected the tastiest diets that will have your pup licking its lips and returning for more.
Supplements. Some premium brands enhance their diets with supplements such as extra fatty acids, joint supplements, antioxidants, and probiotics. While not required, this is the mark of a superior diet that will help support your dog’s health and keep it in tip-top shape.
Transitioning Your Dog to a New Food
If you are moving from one food to another, you must do this correctly to avoid causing a stomach upset. Abruptly swapping diets can lead to symptoms like vomiting, bloating, runny stool, and flatulence. While not all dogs experience these symptoms, minimizing the risk is best.
To begin the transition, offer a small portion (about 20%) of the new diet mixed with 80% of the old diet on day one. If your dog seems fine on day two, increase the new food to 40% while reducing the old food. Your dog should be fully transitioned to the new diet by day five.
If your dog develops loose stool or any other symptoms during the transition, reduce the amount of new food to the previous day’s amount and slowly build back up again. Remember to keep an eye on your dog’s behavior and adjust the transition period accordingly.
FAQ
What is the difference between high-quality and low-quality dog food?
High-quality food will offer a bit more bang for your buck. While all dog foods must meet nutritional standards and provide balanced meals, quality food will do more than just this. It should use whole food ingredients rather than by-products and not feature low-quality fillers like brewer’s rice, corn, and soy. Better-quality foods also include probiotics, joint supplements, and fish oils.
What is the most affordable way to feed your dog?
Dry dog food is more cost-effective as long as it’s consumed before expiration. Look for larger packets for better value over time.
Will cheaper dog food harm my dog?
Cheap dog food isn't likely to harm dogs, and many dogs live long and happy lives on lower-quality food. Most veterinarians recommend providing the best quality food you can reasonably afford.
Is it cheaper to feed your dog homemade food?
Feeding your pet a homemade diet is usually not cheaper. You need to consult a nutritionist, buy raw ingredients like meat, fish, eggs, and fresh veggies, and spend time cooking. Consider the cost of ingredients, electricity, and cooking time. On the other hand, if you share meals with your dog and offer them your scraps, this may work out relatively cheap, but your dog will likely suffer the consequences of an inappropriate and poorly balanced diet.
Are raw foods better than regular dog food?
Raw food diets for pets can be expensive; however, this doesn't necessarily mean they are healthier. Many veterinarians caution against feeding raw food to pets due to the risk of food poisoning.
If my dog gets an upset stomach, does this mean the food is poor quality?
It’s common for dogs to experience vomiting or diarrhea when their diet changes. To avoid this, we suggest gradually introducing new food over 3-5 days and extending this process to 5-7 days for puppies and dogs with sensitive stomachs.
How can I know if my budget-friendly choice is best for my pet?
Every dog is unique, so choosing the proper diet can be challenging. We recommend that you consult your pet’s veterinarian before making any changes to ensure it is suitable for them.
When I don't have the time or money to make Irwin his special home recipe (ground turkey, minced veggies, fish oil, vitamins, rice, pumpkin, and a few other goodies) I stick with the canned Blue Buffalo shown above and kibble of the same type. I've also tried Rachel Ray's food and he doesn't seem to mind it. He is 8.5 years old and has never had any health issues aside from a few broken nails from being rambunctious. If you're on a budget that Nutrish is a great choice, go with Blue Buffalo if you have some extra money. I'm sure there are better brands out there, but those two are in almost every store where pet food is sold. Pet you're puppies for me fellow Pandas.
When I don't have the time or money to make Irwin his special home recipe (ground turkey, minced veggies, fish oil, vitamins, rice, pumpkin, and a few other goodies) I stick with the canned Blue Buffalo shown above and kibble of the same type. I've also tried Rachel Ray's food and he doesn't seem to mind it. He is 8.5 years old and has never had any health issues aside from a few broken nails from being rambunctious. If you're on a budget that Nutrish is a great choice, go with Blue Buffalo if you have some extra money. I'm sure there are better brands out there, but those two are in almost every store where pet food is sold. Pet you're puppies for me fellow Pandas.
