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Last updated: 2 Aug 2022
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The Best Science Diet Dog Foods

Best Overall
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IAMS for Vitality Light in Fat Dog Food
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Runner Up
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Hill’s Science Plan Canine Dry Mix
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Allergy Friendly
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Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Hypoallergenic Dry Dog Food
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Best for Puppies
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James Wellbeloved Puppy Food
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Best for Weight Loss
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Wellness CORE Adult Low Fat Dry Dog Food
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author-image
By Editor
Published 2 Aug 2022
Show contents
  • 1 IAMS for Vitality Light in Fat Dog Food
  • 2 Hill’s Science Plan Canine Dry Mix
  • 3 Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Hypoallergenic Dry Dog Food
  • 4 James Wellbeloved Puppy Food
  • 5 Wellness CORE Adult Low Fat Dry Dog Food

You love your dog and want it to lead a happy, healthy, long life by your side. To achieve this, start by giving your dog meals packed with the nutrients it needs to develop, function and thrive. Packaging labels are difficult to decipher if you're not an expert, but luckily, we are. Here are the top five science diet dog foods. 

1

IAMS for Vitality Light in Fat Dog Food

– Best Overall
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Key Features

This dog food comes in pellet form, packaged in two sizes. It is suitable for all dog breeds, ages one and up. 

THE SCOOP

This chicken-flavoured dog food contains up to 85 per cent animal protein, including real chicken and turkey. It has a blend of antioxidants, vitamin E and minerals and excludes wheat, artificial flavours and colours, fillers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This tailored combination of ingredients supports the “seven signs of healthy vitality”: muscles, joints, skin and coat, heart, immune system, digestion and teeth. 

Pros
  • Comprises up to 85 percent of animal protein 
  • No wheat, fillers and artificial ingredients 
  • Effective for overweight dogs

 

Cons
  • The food bag is not resealable 

 

2

Hill’s Science Plan Canine Dry Mix

– Runner Up
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Key Features

This dog food is for medium-sized breeds, with pellets that are 1.4 centimetres. It is suitable for adult dogs aged one to six years.  

 

THE SCOOP

 This dog food combines high-quality proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and balanced sodium and phosphorus levels to improve immunity, vital organs and lean muscles. It boasts a tasty chicken flavour with no artificial preservatives or synthetic colours. Because of easy-to-digest ingredients that promote optimal absorption, your dog receives more nutrients. It comes in resealable packaging.    

Pros
  • Dogs love the taste 
  • Resealable bag
  • Highly digestible 
Cons
  • Only suitable for medium-sized dogs, between 11 and 25 kilograms

 

3

Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Hypoallergenic Dry Dog Food

– Allergy Friendly
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Key Features

This kibble has a bland taste. The Veterinary Diets dog food line caters to a comprehensive range of health and dietary concerns. 

 

THE SCOOP

This single hydrolysed protein dog food with purified carbohydrate sources is outstanding for dogs with food allergies. It has omega-3 fatty acids that boost natural anti-inflammatory processes and contain high levels of zinc, omega-6 and vitamin A. The ingredients facilitate easy digestion and nutrient absorption. This clinical diet food is suitable for puppies and adults of all breeds. 

Pros
  • Hypoallergenic 
  • Several health benefits 
  • Suitable for all dogs

 

Cons
  • Bland taste

 

4

James Wellbeloved Puppy Food

– Best for Puppies
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Key Features

 For maximum freshness, store this food in an airtight container unless consumed in under four weeks. It is appropriate for puppies of all breeds.  

 

THE SCOOP

Nutritious, natural ingredients are the cornerstone of this food. Lamb is the primary protein source, and brown and white rice provides the energy for growing puppies. It also comes in a delicious turkey option. This food contains prebiotics for a healthy gut and natural antioxidants for a robust immune system. It has no artificial flavours, colours or preservatives. 

Pros
  • Natural ingredients 
  • Great flavours 
  • Supports healthy gut, immune system and bone development

 

Cons
  • Only offered in two-kilogram size
  • The bag is not resealable
5

Wellness CORE Adult Low Fat Dry Dog Food

– Best for Weight Loss
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Key Features

 It is naturally hypoallergenic, without dairy, soy, gluten, corn and preservatives. This food is best for medium to large dog breeds. 

THE SCOOP

This low-carb dog food has no grain fillers and 30 percent less fat than the original option. It boasts fresh turkey as its main ingredient, making it high in protein. It contains prebiotic fibre and probiotics that improve digestion. Your dog’s joints and hips will experience improved function with chondroitin sulphate, regulated sodium levels, and glucosamine. This food supports the ideal weight for sterilised dogs.

Pros
  • Low in fats and carbohydrates 
  • Contains fresh turkey 
  • Naturally hypoallergenic
Cons
  • Not suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs 

 

Buying Guide:

There are as many dog foods as breeds and sizes, so finding the right food can be challenging. Here's a list of factors to consider before making your choice.

 

  • Health concerns: Dogs have health issues just as humans do; allergies, joint problems, sensitive bowels and obesity, to name a few. Talk to your vet to understand your dog’s condition and the dietary changes that can support it. 
  • Ingredients: Look for natural, wholesome ingredients high in protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Any mention of fresh meats is an excellent place to start. 
  • Price: Great nutrition is often expensive, but you would not want to compromise on quality foods and risk your dog's health and wellbeing. Consider purchasing extra-large bags of your chosen dog food as this can be much more cost-effective. 
  • Age: Development changes require different nutrition. Most dog foods state on the packaging whether it is appropriate for puppies, adults or seniors.
  • Size: Dog food caters to individual pet sizes; the details are on the packaging. Large and giant breeds require joint support. Small or toy breeds find it easier to consume bite-sized kibble.  
  • Activity Level: Outdoor athletic dogs need nutrient-dense foods because they constantly burn calories. For indoor, less active dogs, consider foods that support weight management.

FAQ

Q: How often should I feed my dog?

A: How often you feed your dog mainly depends on its stage in life. Puppies need to eat more frequently than adults. At least four meals a day for puppies under three months old, while three meals are sufficient for those between three and five months. Adult dogs eat once a day but twice is ideal, at 12-hour intervals. Longer than 12 hours will make your dog’s stomach hyper acidic and result in nausea.    Establishing a mealtime routine is beneficial to your dog's health and your schedule. It is an excellent idea to sync your dog's meal times with yours to prevent your furry companion from begging for food off your plate. Some dogs do not consume their food all at once but graze throughout the day. Measure the daily amount of food and offer the bowl at set feeding times. 

Q: What is the best way to store dog food?

A: Keep dog food in a cool, dry place. You can store canned food in a cupboard or kitchen pantry, as long as you don't mistake it for human food. Properly reseal dry, bagged food and keep it off the ground, so rodents and your dog cannot access it. Better yet, place the food bag in an airtight storage container. It will maintain the food's freshness and nutritional value and ensure that no pests infiltrate the bag. As a bonus, you won't have to wrestle with a bulky bag daily.

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By Editor
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