Is there a difference between expensive dog food and cheap dog food

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated November 18, 2024

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The Pros and Cons of Cheap and Expensive Dog Food

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One of the most important factors to consider in your dogs overall care is what they eat. As a pet owner, youve undoubtedly looked at different food options for your dog more than once.It can get a little overwhelming if you arent sure what you should be looking for. There can be such a wide range in dog food prices that you might feel obligated to spring for the more expensive brands.

But are those expensive bags of food really worth it, or will your dog get similar nutritional value from their cheaper counterparts?

You should be feeding your dog food that fuels them and keeps them healthy, rather than just empty calories. With this in mind, lets look at some of the pros and cons of cheap and expensive dog food to determine if you should be spending more on your dogs daily diet.

Is Expensive Food Really Worth It?

The average bag of dry kibble will cost a dog owner anywhere from $100 to $250 per year. The same amount of food that is labeled as premium will cost anywhere from $200 to $400 per year. For some, that might not seem like much, but if youre on a budget, it can make a difference. Plus, some premium brands are even more expensive.

But are they really worth the cost?

It depends.

In order to determine if the extra money youre spending is worth it, flip the bag over and look at the ingredients. The most important ingredients a dog food should contain are:

Meat
Meat meal
Grains (carbohydrates)
Vegetables
Fruits
Fats
Vitamins and minerals

Meat should always be the number one ingredient in your dogs food, especially if youre paying a premium price. If youre choosing food with all-natural ingredients, you will also likely end up paying more money. But, natural foods often contain more whole ingredients and they arent filled with preservatives or additives that can cause your dog to gain weight or even lead to health issues.

Additionally, paying a bit extra for your dogs food can be worth it if they have a pre-existing condition or digestive issues. Some dogs dont tolerate certain ingredients very well, including grain. Thats why their owners are encouraged to choose grain-free food options.

If your dog doesnt tolerate grain very well, switching to a grain-free option can help to boost their energy and change their mood. Grain-free foods are often more expensive, but if your dog has a special dietary need that will keep them happy and healthy, its worth it to most owners. Plus, its much cheaper than having to pay costly vet bills!

What are the cons of expensive dog food? Again, it comes down to the ingredients. If a food is expensive because of something like fancy packaging or the fact that it is enhanced with something, dont be fooled. But, if it contains real, natural ingredients and vitamins your dog needs, it is likely worth the price.

Is Cheap Food Bad for Dogs?

Inexpensive dog food, like bagged kibble, isnt necessarily bad for dogs. But, the ingredients matter here, too! Some cheaper dog foods still list meat as the top ingredient. These are the foods you should be picking up off the shelf if youre on a budget.

But, dont assume that just because a dog food contains meat that its okay for your furry companion. There are some common pet food ingredients that you should avoid at all costs, including:

Corn and wheat gluten
Meat byproducts
BHA
BHT
Food dyes
Rendered fat

If you see any of those on your dog food ingredient list, its time to change brands or spring for something more expensive.

Some people think that canned dog food, even though its usually cheap, is better for dogs because it contains real ingredients. Unfortunately, that isnt always the case, either. Just because something looks like actual meat doesnt necessarily mean it is.

Inexpensive canned dog food can be prone to contamination, and dogs who regularly eat it may be at a greater risk of dental problems. Once in a while, choosing a canned dog food with high-quality ingredients can be a real treat for your canine companion. But, stick with kibble when youre able.

If you can find cheap dog food with real ingredients, there is no reason not to feel comfortable feeding it to your dog. But, you may have to do some serious searching.

What Should You Be Feeding Your Four-Legged Friend?

We cant say it enough; the best thing you could do to make sure your dog is getting adequate nutrition is to check the ingredients.

For some people, constantly reading labels and bags becomes a bit of a chore. So, they opt to make their own dog food. This is a great option if you have the time, patience, and knowledge about what your dog should and shouldnt eat.

For example, you might think that all fruits and vegetables would be good for your dog since theyre healthy for humans. But, some are extremely harmful, like grapes, onions, and garlic. Other fruits and vegetables, like bananas and sweet potatoes, can give your dog the same beneficial nutrients that humans get. However, bananas should be given sparingly, as they are very sugary and will end up filling your dog up with a lot of empty calories.

Other ingredients, including milk, bread, and chocolate, should never be a part of your dogs diet, either.

A good rule of thumb for making your own dog food is to use whole, natural ingredients. After educating yourself on what your dog should and shouldnt eat, cook the way you might cook for yourself, but leave out common seasonings like salt and pepper. Your dog will be thrilled with a dish of brown rice, lean chicken, and green beans. Plus, you can feel good knowing every single ingredient they are ingesting.

Cooking meals for your dog takes time, even if you meal prep and get their food ready for the week in one day. So, whether its easier for you to buy a bag of food or make your own, we hope that reading this has given you a greater understanding of the importance of ingredients. They really make all the difference in the world when it comes to the cost of food. You dont necessarily need to blow your budget to feed your dog, as long as you make sure what youre giving them is as close to whole food as possible.

What is the difference between premium and cheap dog food

Is there a difference in quality between cheap and expensive dog food?

You want to make sure your dog is getting the right vitamins, minerals, and nutrients but should you be buying pet food from the supermarket, or should you be feeding your dog premium quality dog food? Just what is the difference between premium and supermarket dog food anyway?

As with most foods, human and pet food alike, a quick peruse of the ingredients label will reveal all. When next your browsing the supermarket pet food aisle check out the ingredients on the back of the packaging to see the truth about what you are feeding your dog. Cheaper pet foods will have lots of grains, grain by-products, and meat by-products. The higher up the scale you go in terms of quality will see fewer grains and by-products, with more quality meat content and even quite a few extra premium foods including whole vegetables.

Supermarket vs Premium food

There are a few advantages to buying supermarket quality dog food but they are not necessarily in the dogs best interests. Of course, they are cheaper and more convenient but thats where the advantages end if you want your pet to have the best quality food. Just about all supermarket brands use lower quality ingredients with lots of non-nutritional fillers such as cheap grains or even feathers to keep costs down! Whats even worse is that the ingredients can change from batch to batch, causing poor old Fido no end of stomach troubles or allergy problems.

Premium quality dog foods are a little harder to find but still not difficult as pet food stores can be found just about everywhere. There is also the fact that many stores allow you to order online and have their products delivered to your door. While the cost may be higher on a kilo for kilo basis, premium pet foods also pack in more nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. This can help offset the cost somewhat, as you should be able to feed your dog less than you normally would with a cheaper product, due to the quality over quantity principle. The difference in price can be very little on a weekly basis if you have a smaller breed such as a Poochon.

Health issues

If your dog is suffering from skin conditions or allergies, other than a visit to your vet, the next thing you should consider is taking them off a supermarket diet and putting them on something a little more premium. Unfortunately, many of the additives used in supermarket foods can cause problems with a dogs physiology so a premium pet food for a dog with special dietary needs may be all that is needed to clear up that rash.

The fact that a premium quality dog food will also keep your animal in premium health should also go a long way towards convincing you to switch, simply because fewer visits to the vet are always good for the bank balance.

The 15 Best Cheap Dog Foods: TOP Budget Dog Foods Reviews

Dog parents should always buy premium kibble or canned dog food, but that doesnt mean that it should cost an arm and a leg. Many great options will not put a dent in your bank balance.

So, lets dive right in

Freepik

The Best Inexpensive Dog Food Reviews

Every pet owner wants the most suitable for his cuddly companion, and it is not surprising that food is No. 1 among all the conditions affecting every poochs life. What if you have a shoestring budget and forced to spend less on dog food does this mean that your fluffy family member is destined for a poor diet? No worries! In this article, we offer you the TOP-15 affordable dog food options.

1. Taste of The Wild

This formula is nutritious and perfect for dogs of all sizes and breeds. This recipe includes fish, lamb and chicken meal, potato, and peas. It is an easily digestible protein source that provides the necessary amount of energy for your pooch pal.

With fruits and vegetables, this kibble supplies vitamins and antioxidants to boost your pets immunity. Also, it comes with unique protein compounds to round up nutritional needs and sustain his well-being.

Features:

No corn, wheat, artificial preservatives, or soy included.
Natural ingredients with high health benefits.
Omega 3 and Omega 6 help maintain a healthy coat and skin.
Supports healthy immune function.

Perfect choice for dogs of all sizes and breeds.
Provides well-balanced nutrition.
Maintains a workable body mass.
Expertly designed to support healthy skin and coat.
Easy to digest.

2. Blue Life Protection Formula

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dry Dog Food ensures complete and balanced nutrition for your cuddly companion. This recipe is a perfect option if your pup needs a grain-free diet or is allergic to grains. Since grain allergies are not actually prevalent, be sure to check with your veterinarian to ensure that this diet is appropriate for your pet. This kibble helps maintain weight and boosts energy to play longer, and reinforces the immune system.

This product also includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which will support your poochs skin and coat. It also contains vegetables rich in vitamins and includes apples, which provide an excellent vitamin C source. This kibble comes with cranberries, which contain antioxidants and generate excellent health.

Features:

Well-balanced daily meal.
Designed to maintain sustainable body weight.
Contains glucosamine to support hip and joint health.
Omega 3 and Omega 6 help keep a healthy coat and skin.
Free from corn and meat by-products.

Well-balanced proportions of nutrients for optimal growth.
Protects the immune system.
Vitamins and minerals boost your pups natural immune defenses.

Picky dogs need time to get used to this kibble.

3. Iams Proactive Health Kibble

Every dog needs to stick to a balanced diet to stay healthy and happy. This product is expertly designed to satisfy the nutritional needs of your poochs daily meal. The ideal balance of vitamins and minerals keeps your fluffy buddy safe from various diseases.

This kibble contains various beneficial ingredients to support healthy body weight, proper digestive health, and healthy skin and coat. It includes an adequate fiber and prebiotics level, which helps the poochs digestive system work properly.

Features:

Starts with farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient.
No by-product meal.
Designed with necessary vitamins and minerals.
Comes with a blend of prebiotics and fiber.

Promotes muscle support.
Boosts energy.
Reinforces the immune system.
Aids with digestion.

Some dogs may not like the taste.

4. Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Dry Dog Food

Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition is one of the cheapest kibbles in this list. This dog food is suitable for any budget and contributes to prospering your poochs health with balanced nutrition. It is enriched with vitamins and minerals. It is expertly designed for dogs over one year old and is one of the great affordable dog food brands on the market for this age.

This kibble is formulated to provide dogs with the nutrition and energy they need to live a whole life. This product contains omega-6 and zinc to help promote bladder health and keep skin and coat shiny and healthy.

Features:

Provides optimal nutrition and good taste.
Full of valuable nutrients.
Features fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
Crafted with antioxidants to boost your poochs immunity.
No artificial colors.

Works great for dogs over one year old.
Easy to digest.
Boosts energy.

5. Whole Earth Farms Dry Dog Food

This kibble includes high-quality protein as the first ingredient. It comes with some other natural elements that ensure complete and balanced nutrition for almost any dogs needs. This formula also boosts the energy level, strengthens nails, and makes skin and coat healthier.

This option comes with vitamins, minerals, and multiple proteins to provide a complete and balanced diet. There is no corn, soy, wheat, artificial preservatives to ensure the total balance at a budget-friendly price.

Features:

Comes with multiple proteins.
A blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals keeps a healthy immune system.
No by-product meal, wheat, corn, soy, or artificial colors.

Easy to digest.
Great flavor to increase appetite.
Grows shiny skin and fur.
Strengthens joints and bones.

6. Natures Recipe Wet Dog Food

If your dog needs a wet food diet, this product is a great choice. This canned formula is expertly designed to help your dog stay healthy. The primary ingredient is chicken, which provides protein and amino acids for your fluffy companion.

Natures Recipe Wet Dog Food comes with natural ingredients and contains no dairy, sugar, or soy products. Also, it features many vitamins, minerals, and beneficial antioxidants. Thus, this formula rounds up almost any nutritional needs.

Features:

Starts with chicken as the first ingredient.
High-quality protein helps your dog maintain healthy muscles.
A blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals keeps a healthy immune system.
No by-product meal, wheat, corn, soy or artificial colors.

Highly digestible.
Contains natural ingredients.
Supports healthy metabolism.
Helps maintain healthy muscles.

7. Hills Science Diet Wet Dog Food

If your pooch pal prefers wet dog food, try this product from Hills Science. Crafted with nutritious ingredients that help promote better health and maintain adult dogs healthy muscles, this product is well-priced for pet parents on a budget.

This food comes with chicken, pork, and beef by-products these are the primary protein sources. The formula is also enriched with all the vitamins and minerals that an adult dog needs to stay healthy, so it fulfills the total nutrient-rich daily meal requirements.

Features:

Contains vital nutrients that keep your dog healthy
Uses a blend of vitamins to keep your dog safe from various diseases
Provides complete and balanced nutrition
Contains Omega-6 fatty acids to keep skin and coat noticeably shiny and healthy

Supports a healthy body weight.
Promotes muscle support in dogs.
Easily digestible.

8. Natural Balance Ultra Premium Wet Dog Food

This recipe is called Ultra Premium, and the price makes it an affordable choice. This wet food contains 8% of protein and 5% of fat, which is the optimal ratio for this type of dog food. Also, the list of ingredients includes dried kelp. This is not an ordinary but beneficial element in regular canine food. It contains a blend of vitamins and minerals that helps digestion and tissue repair, reduces dental plaque, inflammation, and itching.

This formula is an excellent option for dogs that should avoid chicken. A promising sign is that this canned food is highly recommended by pet parents for finicky dogs and pups with sensitive stomachs. Since this recipe is suitable for all sizes and breeds, it is ideal for people who have multi-dog homes and get tired by feeding them different foods.

Features:

Offers well-balanced nutrition.
Includes dried kelp and carrots.
Comes with vitamin A and vitamin B12.
Suitable for dogs that should avoid chicken.
Good choice for dogs of all sizes and breeds.

Available in various sizes.
A good option for finicky dogs.
Great for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Highly digestible.
Promotes better immunity.
Reduces odor in the stool.

It can be opened only with a can openers help, which some buyers find not convenient.
The smell is smoky, so some dogs may dislike it.

Since grain allergies are not actually prevalent, be sure to check with your veterinarian to ensure that these diets are appropriate for your pet.

9. Merrick Grain-Free Recipe for Dogs

This dog food is another grain-free product for pups with sensitive stomachs. Its main ingredient is deboned buffalo, and it consists of 70% meat protein and 30% fresh produce. It comes with Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids to help grow healthy skin and shiny fur. This kibble is a great choice for pups of all breeds and their life stages, as its recipe concentrates on nutrient-rich elements that generate ideal health.

This manufacturer knows how to make your pet happy, and therefore this formula provides a balanced diet crafted with the best ingredients from local farmers the company knows and trusts. This kibble is a great choice for pups of all breeds and their stages of life, as its recipe concentrates on nutrient-rich elements that generate ideal health.

Features:

Grain-free recipe.
The main ingredient is deboned buffalo.
Includes Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids to help grow healthy skin and shiny coat.
Comes with glucosamine and chondroitin to strengthen joints and hips.
Suitable for dogs of all breeds and their stages of life.

Suitable for pups with sensitive issues.
Supports sturdy bones and joints.
Ingredients sourced from verified farmers.

10. Hills Ideal Balance Grain-Free Dog Food

This formula contains natural ingredients in balanced nutritional recipes. This kibble is crafted with chicken as the first ingredient. It also comes with chicken fat for energy and valuable fatty acids to maintain your pups healthy skin and shiny coat.

The formula is gluten-free and contains no corn, wheat, or soy. It is full of fresh fruits and veggies that provide vitamins and minerals to boost the immune system.

Features:

Grain-free formula.
The main ingredient is chicken.
Comes with vital fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Gluten-free.
No corn, wheat, or soy.
Fruits and veggies provide vitamins and minerals to help promote better immunity.
No artificial preservatives.

Provides well-balanced nutrition.
Maintains a workable body mass.
Supports healthy digestion.

11. Rachael Ray Nutrish Grain-Free Kibble

Rachael Ray kibble is crafted with natural and healthy ingredients. Real meat, fruits, and veggies, used as main ingredients, provide enough vitamins and minerals to ensure complete and balanced nutrition for your poochs needs. Antioxidants support healthy energy levels for overall health. L-carnitine helps to maintain weight and proper metabolism. The product does not include wheat gluten, and artificial additives. It boasts good taste, so your dog will like it for sure.

This kibble is one of the healthiest and cheapest ones on the market, and pet parents are comfortable enough to regularly feed this formula.

Features:

Grain-free recipe
The main ingredient is farm-raised turkey
Includes Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids to help grow healthy skin and shiny coat
No corn, wheat or soy
No artificial additives
Fruits and veggies provide vitamins and minerals to help reinforce the immune system
Antioxidants support healthy energy levels
L-carnitine helps to maintain weight and cardiac function

Easy to digest.
Great flavor to increase appetite.
Controls proper weight.
Full of vitamins and nutrients.

12. Natural Balance Limited Ingredients Diets Dry Dog Food

This kibble is made by a unique combination of protein and carbohydrates with a limited amount of ingredients. Small crispy pieces help keep the teeth of small breeds clean, as their tiny mouths are prone to plaque and gum recession, leading to dental disease. This dry food is easy to digest, and it provides tremendous health benefits thanks to its high-quality nutrition.

This perfect recipe contains Salmon that provides critical amino acids to support sturdy muscles and grow shiny coats. It meets not only nutritional needs but also maintains healthy digestion.

Features:

The primary ingredient is salmon.
Includes vital amino acids to help maintain healthy skin and fur.
No corn, wheat, or soy.
No artificial additives.
Quality nutrition supports the health of your pet.

Suitable for pups with sensitive issues.
Aids with digestion.
Specially designed to meet the needs of a small breed.
Convenient kibble size.

13. Purina Beneful IncrediBites For Small Dogs Dry Dog Food

Cheap kibble does not have to be tasteless, full of additives, and contains no helpful nutrients, and Purina Beneful Dry Dog Food is ample proof. Made of real beef, this choice has not only an affordable price tag but also contains good, tasty nutrients that will satisfy your poochs needs while ensuring a balanced diet.

If you are looking for a less expensive product that will appeal to small breeds and help them stay away from health problems, you should choose the one that matches your pets size and breed. This perfect recipe contains farm-raised beef and vegetables for optimal digestion. Fill your poochs bowl with tasty food made from quality ingredients.

Features:

The first ingredient is farm-raised beef.
Supports bone health with a balance of essential nutrients for your small breed.
No soy, corn, wheat, and artificial colors.
Provides optimal nutrition and good taste.
Full of useful nutrients.
Rich in vitamins and minerals.

Some veterinarians recommend Purina.
Aids with digestion.
Made to satisfy the cravings of a small breed.
Crunchy mini-bites.
Supports sturdy muscles.

Contains by-product meal.

14. Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Adult Dry Dog Food

If you have a healthy lifestyle and dont want to shell out a ton of money, this product from Wellness may be an excellent budget-friendly option for your large breed dog. The manufacturers mission is to fuel a poochs overall well-being through complete and balanced nutrition.

Due to the fantastic amount of calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals that help large breeds support sturdy bones, this unique recipe provides your cuddly companion with good nutrition and keeps him in tip-top shape. Four protein sources maximize the absorption of nutrients and help your pup support healthy body weight.

Features:

The first ingredient is chicken.
Has four protein sources.
No corn, wheat, artificial preservatives, or soy included.
Provides complete and balanced nutrition.
Contains calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals.
Appropriate for large adult breeds.

Helps large breeds support sturdy bones.
Helps reduce odor in stool.

15. Purina One SmartBlend Dry Dog Food

Purina ONE will not put a dent in your bank balance, and even dog parents with a shoestring budget can afford it. This kibble contains vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that will round up your large breeds nutritional needs. It is a protein-rich formula made from natural meat to give you fluffy family member a meaty taste and support its strong muscles. The manufacturing company strives to design well-balanced recipes choosing high-quality ingredients.

This kibble boasts an antioxidant blend of vitamins E and A from which your pooch pal will benefit health-wise. While many manufacturers use a by-product meal, this one avoids this practice.

Features:

No corn, wheat, artificial preservatives, or soy included.
Natural ingredients with high health benefits.
Features Omega 3 and Omega 6 for a radiant coat.
Contains glucosamine to support hip and joint health.

Perfect choice for large breed adults.
Provides well-balanced nutrition.
Supports healthy immune function.
Maintains a healthy heart and strong muscles.
Expertly designed to help healthy skin and coat.
Great for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Highly digestible.

READ MORE: Can Dogs be Vegan?

FAQ Affordable Dog Food

Photo by Chris Johnstone on Unsplash

This article dug deep into the budget-friendly dog food brands that have high quality and supply a wide range of products. Here, Taste of the Wild and Blue Buffalo occupy complete and balanced nutrition for your pooch pal and fuel your overall well-being. So now, you need to find a great option regarding your pups health issues, breed, stage of life, and size.

Every dog parent should select kibble or canned food for his cuddly companion following the veterinarians recommendations. Some health problems, such as food allergies, do not always mean sticking to a strict diet, only several restrictions. You can find high-quality and well-priced dog food on the market that does not contain grains or chicken meat.^[1] So even with a shoestring budget, its possible to buy a product with an affordable price tag for your pooch with special needs.

Like high-priced dry and wet types, cheaper options should also be well-balanced and packed with the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. However, many pet parents differentiate the two products for several reasons, such as food brands, product promotions, and unusual descriptions. All kibbles and canned food are monitored by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure the optimal quality level.^[2] Thus, there is no reason to shell out a ton of money to buy quality food. While there are differences in the quality of ingredients in the more expensive foods, it is possible to provide good nutrition if they are out of budget.

Again, low-priced doesnt mean poor quality. Inexpensive dog food does not mean you should purchase a bag packed with various additives. Additives, however, are not the only thing you should run a mile from.^[3]^[4] Here are a few more:

By-Products Any food with a by-product is never a good choice. It is because buyers never know where this by-product came from. It usually has low nutritional value.
Preservatives Choose kibble or canned food without fillers and preservatives. Such ingredients do not go well with sensitive stomachs. Pooches can often develop food allergies due to such components.

The FDA investigates DCM in dogs eating grain-free food loaded with large amounts of peas, lentils, and other seeds as primary ingredients. They understand the concerns of dog parents: this disease can be severe, even fatal. The FDA is doing its best to learn more about DCM and its potential association with certain dog foods or ingredients.^[5]

READ MORE: Wet vs Dry Dog Food (with Infographic)

Article Sources:

Llera, Ryan, and Cheryl Yuill. Nutrition General Feeding Guidelines for Dogs.VCA Hospitals, vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/nutrition-general-feeding-guidelines-for-dogs.
Your Dogs Diet.The Peoples Dispensary for Sick Animals, pdsa.org.uk/taking-care-of-your-pet/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/your-dogs-diet.
Dog Nutrition Tips.ASPCA, aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dog-nutrition-tips.
Sanderson, Sherry Lynn. Nutritional Requirements and Related Diseases of Small Animals.MSD Veterinary Manual, Sept. 2013, msdvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-and-related-diseases-of-small-animals.
FDA Investigates Potential Link Between Diet & Heart Disease in Dogs.U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 3 Nov. 2020, fda.gov/animal-veterinary/outbreaks-and-advisories/fda-investigation-potential-link-between-certain-diets-and-canine-dilated-cardiomyopathy#you.