Everyone wants to feed their dog good food. If you have a limited budget, it can be hard to know which ones give the most value for the money and are affordable. In this article, we will give you our 9 best tips on the best cheap dog food that we think delivers good quality.
Good dog food for limited budgets
Dogs need high-quality foods to be able to live a happy and healthy life. However, quality doesn’t always mean it has to cost a fortune. There are good and affordable options on the market and our list is based on things such as price, high-quality ingredients and gives you the cons of the foods if there are any, we think are worth mentioning.
We were looking at both price and what quality you get for your money while doing this test. To be able to find the best affordable dog food you must know what to look for. In our test, we have 11 different types of food and list pros and cons, the first six ingredients which we think say a lot about the food give you an estimate on the price per pound.
Best money value dry dog foods:
When looking for the best value dry dog foods, prioritize brands that offer high-quality ingredients without breaking the bank. Look for options with a balanced nutritional profile and positive reviews to ensure your furry friend gets the best bang for your buck.
Iams ProActive Health Adult MiniChunks Dry Dog Food
Pros:
+ Chicken as the first ingredient.
+ Contains 7 essential nutrients for the heart.
Cons:
– Has a by-product meal included in the recipe.
– Contains corn.
The first 6 ingredients on the list: Chicken, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken By-Product Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp & Natural Flavor.
Type of food: Grain-inclusive.
Suits: Adult dogs.
Price: Around $1,40 per pound (calculated on a 38,5 lb. bag without discounts).
Adult MiniChunks Dry Dog Food
Rachael Ray Nutrish Peak Northern Woodlands Recipe With Turkey, Duck & Quail, Dry Dog Food
Pros:
+ Has no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
+ 30% high-quality protein
Cons:
– Some say their dogs didn’t like it.
The first 6 ingredients on the list: Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Whole Dried Potato, Dried Peas & Pea Starch.
Type of food: Grain-free.
Suits: Adult dogs.
Price: Around $1,87 per pound (calculated on a 23 lb. bag without discounts).
Rachael Ray Nutrish Dry Dog Food
Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct Turkey & Venison
Pros:
+ Real turkey as the first ingredient
+ 4 different sources of antioxidants
Cons:
– Contains soy.
– Contains corn.
– Some say that their dog didn’t like it.
The first 6 ingredients on the list: Turkey, Chicken Meal, Soy Flour, Beef Fat, Whole Grain Wheat & Whole Grain Corn.
Type of food: Grain-inclusive.
Suits: Adult dogs.
Price: Around $1,59 per pound (calculated on a 36 lb. bag without discounts).
Purina Dog Food
One of the best and cheapest foods for puppies:
For those seeking top-quality care without breaking the bank, here is an excellent selection of affordable essentials tailored for puppies, that ensures both quality and savings. From nutritious food options to durable toys, their budget-friendly offerings make raising a happy and healthy pup accessible to all.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Pros:
+ Exclusive LifeSource Bits with antioxidants.
+ Real chicken as the first ingredient.
+ No artificial preservatives or flavors.
Cons:
– Contains grains if you don’t want to include them in your dog’s diet.
The first 6 ingredients on the list: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley & Menhaden Fish Meal.
Type of food: Grain-inclusive.
Suits: Puppies.
Price: Around $1,92 per pound (calculated on a 30 lb. bag without discounts).
Dog foods for puppies
One of the best and cheapest foods for senior dogs:
For senior dogs, quality nutrition is essential, and finding affordable options can be a challenge. Here are top-notch, budget-friendly formulas tailored to meet the unique needs of aging canine companions.
Blue Buffalo Freedom Chicken Dry Dog Food for Senior Dogs Grain-Free
Pros:
+ Has 345 kcals per cup so that your dog doesn’t gain unnecessary weight.
+ Exclusive LifeSource Bits with antioxidants for your senior dog’s wellbeing.
+ Real chicken as a first ingredient.
Cons:
– A little pricier.
The first 6 ingredients on the list: Deboned Chicken, Potatoes, Peas, Pea Starch, Chicken Meal & Potato Starch.
Type of food: Grain-free.
Suits: Senior dogs.
Price: Around $2,79 per pound (calculated on a 24 lb. bag without discounts).
Dog foods for senior dogs
One of the best and cheapest foods for small breed dogs:
When considering budget-friendly options for small breed dogs, it’s crucial to prioritize both quality and affordability. Look for formulations designed to meet the unique nutritional requirements of smaller dogs, ensuring their health and well-being without straining your wallet.
Purina Pro Plan Savor Adult Shredded Blend Small Breed Chicken and Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
Pros:
+ Guaranteed live probiotics.
+ Has small nutrient-dense kibbles.
Cons:
– A little pricier.
– Contains by-product meals.
The first 6 ingredients on the list: Chicken, Rice, Poultry By-Product Meal, Beef Fat, Corn Gluten Meal & Soybean Meal.
Type of food: Grain-inclusive.
Suits: Small breed adults.
Price: Around $2,8 per pound (calculated on an 18 lb. bag without discounts).
Small breed dogs food
One of the best and cheapest foods for large breed dogs:
When it comes to large breed dogs, finding a balance between quality and affordability is key for their health and your budget. Look for well-formulated options that cater to the specific needs of larger breeds, providing essential nutrients without breaking the bank.
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Lamb Meal and Rice Adult Dry Dog Food
Pros:
+ Contains calcium, chondroitin, and glucosamine to help the bones and joints.
+ Has both superfoods and guaranteed probiotics.
Cons:
– Not real lamb as the first ingredient.
The first 6 ingredients on the list: Lamb Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Cracked Pearled Barley, Oatmeal, Grain Sorghum & Dried Yeast.
Type of food: Grain-inclusive.
Suits: Large breed adults.
Price: Around $1,2 per pound (calculated on a 40 lb. bag without discounts).
Large breed dogs’ food
One of the best and cheapest foods for allergy/sensitive stomachs:
Navigating allergies and sensitive stomachs in dogs requires careful consideration without overspending. Seek out high-quality, affordable options formulated with limited ingredients or novel proteins to minimize reactions and promote digestive health without straining your budget.
Purina Beyond Grain Free Natural
Pros:
+ Has natural probiotics
+ No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
Cons:
– Contains chicken meal as #2 ingredient.
The first 6 ingredients on the list: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Starch, Cassava Root Flour, Canola Meal & Dried Egg Product.
Type of food: Grain-free.
Suits: Adult dogs.
Price: Around $1,96 per pound (calculated on a 23 lb. bag without discounts).
Foods for allergy/sensitive stomachs
One of the best and cheapest wet foods:
When searching for wet dog food that balances quality and affordability, prioritize options with wholesome ingredients and a favorable price point. Look for brands offering nutritious recipes without compromising on your budget, ensuring your furry friend enjoys a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Red Meat Canned Dog Food
Pros:
+ High-quality protein.
+ No corn, wheat, or soy.
Cons:
– More pricey than other options, but it has all good and healthy ingredients.
The first 6 ingredients on the list: Beef, Beef Broth, Beef Liver, Lamb, Pork Liver & Sweet Potatoes.
Type of food: Grain-free.
Suits: All breeds, all life stages.
Price: Around $3,4 per can (calculated on a pack of 12 cans without discounts).
Cheapest wet foods
Also read: do you want to know more about the best dog food brands? Click on the link to read the article.
Frequently asked questions
1. Does cheap dog food have lower quality?
No, not necessarily. But if you want to feed your dog good and healthy food the ingredients of higher quality cost more for the manufacturer to buy which means the price of the food will go up. So, it doesn’t have to be lower quality, but it tends to.
2. Does your test show the best and cheapest dog food?
In our test, we concentrated on high-quality ingredients such as real meat or poultry as the first ingredient which makes it pricier than if you choose food with a by-product meal instead. We think that you should feed your dog healthy food, which makes this about value for the money rather than the cheapest.
3. What is the best cheap dog food?
According to us, it is Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct Turkey & Venison. It has real turkey as the first ingredient and four different sources of antioxidants for your dog’s immune system. This is a price-worthy dog food that will fit your wallet.
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