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Feeding your pooch on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice nutrition. Dr. Lisa Weeth, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, says she doesn’t equate quality with cost. Instead, she focuses on the nutritional content and the reputation of the manufacturer. So, for this guide, we selected the best budget-friendly dog foods that have plenty of nutritional value.

Whether it’s a budget or premium food, a quality dog food includes a balanced mix of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and beneficial fibers and meets the nutrition standards of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). The main difference is that inexpensive foods often use more concentrated protein sources, such as meat meals, rely more on plant-based proteins instead of animal-based ones, and may come in more processed forms like pates, cutting the cost by nearly half. This helps reduce the cost by about 50 cents per pound for dry food and 70 cents per can for wet food. You can even find budget-friendly options based on breed size or special health needs, such as sensitive stomachs.

Our top pick is Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken and Barley, a crunchy kibble that’s not only affordable and easy to feed, but also includes a nutritious blend of animal and plant proteins alongside healthy extras such as menhaden fish oil. If you want to feed your dog wet food, we recommend Hill’s Science Diet Adult Beef and Barley Entree as an excellent budget option. It’s flavored with nutritious liver and contains whole-grain corn for energy and fermentable fibers for digestive support. Below, you can find all of our selections for the best budget-friendly dog foods, including puppy kibble for optimal growth and a senior food that may help reduce joint inflammation.

Read more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and evaluates pet products.

Our top picks for the best budget-friendly dog foods

Best dry: Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken and Barley – See at Chewy

Best wet: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Beef and Barley Entree – See at Chewy

Best for sensitive stomachs: Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon and Rice – See at Chewy

Best for puppies: Purina One +Plus Healthy Puppy Formula – See at Chewy

Best for small dogs: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Adult Chicken and Brown Rice – See at Chewy

Best for large dogs: Iams Proactive Health Large Breed Chicken and Whole Grain Rice – See at Chewy

Best for senior dogs: Iams ProActive Health Healthy Aging Chicken and Whole Grain – See at Chewy

Best dry

Dry dog food is typically more budget-friendly than wet food, not just because it contains less water — about 10% to 12% moisture compared to up to 78% in wet food — but also due to differences in production and packaging. The added weight of water in wet food increases transportation costs, which are passed on to consumers. Additionally, wet food requires high-pressure canning or pouching, while dry food is made in large batches through extrusion, a more efficient and cost-effective process. Plus, dry food has a longer shelf life once opened and doesn’t require refrigeration. Whether your dog loves the crunchy texture or you appreciate its low cost and convenience, Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken and Barley Recipe is a great choice.

Some of the best budget-friendly dog foods, like our pick from Natural Balance, contain meat meals and byproducts, which are nutrient-rich organ meats. When a label simply says “byproduct,” it includes whichever organ meats are most affordable at the time of production. Weeth says this helps you save money while still packing in the nutrients.

According to Weeth, a quality pet food brand should be well-established with decades of experience, and Natural Balance has over 30 years in the industry. This recipe, along with all of our recommendations for the best dog foods, is formulated by an on-staff veterinary nutritionist. Additionally, the company has a team of registered veterinary technicians who answer nutrition questions and offer feeding guidance.

While there are cheaper dog foods from equally reputable budget brands, we think the little extra cost is worth it for the added benefits. Unlike many budget brands we considered, this recipe includes menhaden fish oil for omega fatty acids and L-carnitine to help burn fat and build muscle. Plus, it still costs about 50 cents less per pound than the premium picks in our best dry dog food guide, where you’ll find more recommendations for dogs of all ages and sizes.

Best wet

Your veterinarian may recommend wet food for health reasons or weight management because the extra water helps dogs feel fuller. If that’s the case — or if you simply favor wet food — Hill’s Science Diet Adult Beef and Barley Entree is a reliable and tasty choice.

This recipe includes real beef liver and chicken liver flavoring. Dr. Nancy Welborn, a veterinarian and associate professor of community practice at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, says liver tends to be a preferred food among cats and dogs alike, so you can count on this recipe to deliver a flavor your pup will enjoy. Liver is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals that promote a healthy immune system, skin, and coat. Other key ingredients include whole grain corn for energy and fermentable fibers, such as barley and dried beet pulp, to support healthy digestion.

Hill’s has been a household name for over 75 years. Weeth says longevity matters because it means the brand has had plenty of time to refine its formulas, build trust with veterinarians, and ensure consistent quality.

Best for sensitive stomachs

Weeth says when a dog is on an ideal diet, the number of times they poop should typically match the number of meals they eat. For dogs with digestive issues, there are affordable, non-prescription diets designed to support a healthy stomach. While these formulas may cost slightly more than standard dog food, we picked the most cost-effective option backed by science: Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon and Rice Entree.

“Dogs are omnivores and tend to do better with a bit more carbohydrate or plant-based ingredients in their diet,” Weeth says. This recipe includes soluble fiber from oatmeal and dried chicory root (inulin), which help absorb excess moisture and regulate digestion. The primary protein comes from fish, including omega-rich salmon. Fish are typically easy to digest, and their fatty acids may help reduce inflammation and support digestive health, says Dr. Nita Vasudevan, a veterinarian and veterinary consultant for Embrace Pet Insurance.

Vasudevan says that wet foods are gentler and easier to digest than dry foods. However, this recipe also comes in a kibble formula, a more cost-effective option, especially for owners of large dogs. Both foods are backed by research at the Purina Institute, a research group owned by Nestlé. The organization works with veterinary organizations and universities to better understand pet nutrition.

Best for puppies

Dogs typically don’t become picky eaters based on the food they had as puppies, Weeth says. This means you can exclusively feed them dry food — often cheaper than wet puppy food — without worrying. If you ever need to switch to wet food later, such as for a medical reason or after a tooth extraction, they should adjust just fine.

We like Purina One +Plus Healthy Puppy Formula as the best budget-friendly puppy food for all breeds. It contains omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil to support brain and eye development. Our experts say omega fatty acids are an essential nutrient for growing puppies.

With carbohydrate sources like whole grain corn, this food is ideal for active puppies exploring their big new world. “Carbohydrates are needed for energy,” Weeth says. Complex carbohydrates are also a good source of fiber that supports digestion, while chicken protein helps build strong muscles.

You can find more highly nutritious puppy food options, including those for large and small breed puppies, in our guide to the best puppy foods.

Best for small dogs

Our experts say the best and cheapest dog food for small dogs should have small kibbles for easy chewing, be calorie-dense to support their higher metabolism, and, like all the foods on this list, be either formulated to meet the AAFCO nutritional standards or tested through feeding trials to ensure safety and nutrition. Based on this advice, our top recommendation is Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Adult Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe.

Dogs rely on a healthy balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates to power through their days. Our top pick for small breeds delivers these essential nutrients in bite-sized pieces perfect for smaller mouths. Antioxidant-rich ingredients like sweet potatoes, blueberries, and cranberries may help support liver, kidney, and brain health. Plus, sweet potatoes and chicory root provide beneficial fiber for healthy digestion.

Blue Buffalo was founded in 2003, inspired by a beloved Airedale Terrier named Blue. Today, the brand is owned by General Mills and is available in all 50 states and numerous countries at pet stores, supermarkets, and online retailers. For more inexpensive foods for pups of all ages, check out our guide to the best dog food for small breeds.

Best for large dogs

Canned foods aren’t the cheapest dog food, and costs can add up even quicker when you’re feeding a large breed. To keep expenses down without sacrificing nutrition, we recommend Iams Proactive Health Large Breed Chicken and Whole Grain Rice Recipe. The large kibbles encourage dogs to chew, preventing big dogs from gulping down their meal.

This recipe features chicken and chicken meal as high-quality protein sources, with the chicken meal form also being a good source of glucosamine and chondroitin. Dr. Alejandro Caos, a small animal veterinarian at Silver Bluff Animal Clinic, says these nutrients may support joint health and mobility, which is especially important for larger dogs prone to joint issues like hip dysplasia and arthritis. It also contains dried beet pulp, a great source of fermentable fiber that helps keep digestion regular and promotes a lasting feeling of fullness between meals.

This recipe contains 353 calories per cup. Like most dry foods, it’s calorie-dense, meaning one bag lasts for many meals. Caos says portion control is essential to prevent overfeeding and weight gain, which can exacerbate joint issues in large-breed dogs.

Mars, Incorporated owns Iams and distributes its pet food in more than 40 countries. The company also manufactures the well-regarded premium pet food brands Royal Canin and Eukanuba.

Best for senior dogs

The best budget-friendly dog foods for seniors are formulated to meet their nutritional needs and also help manage age-related conditions like decreased mobility, muscle loss, and cognitive decline. While large breed dogs may enter their senior years around 5 years old, smaller breeds typically reach this stage around 10. Whatever your dog’s size, Iams ProActive Health Healthy Aging Chicken and Whole Grain Recipe delivers key ingredients for many enjoyable golden years.

This dry food for older dogs contains marine microalgae, a more sustainable source of omega fatty acids than fish oil. Whole grain carbohydrates provide energy for your young-at-heart senior, while beet pulp aids digestion. L-carnitine helps prevent weight gain and preserve muscle mass, alongside a healthy serving of chicken and chicken byproduct meal. To round out this senior recipe, antioxidant-rich carrots may help combat oxidative damage, reducing the risk of learning and memory decline in senior dogs.

Our guide to the best senior dog food includes more recommendations in wet and dry recipes.

What to look for in budget-friendly dog foods

When shopping for the best budget-friendly dog foods, there’s no need to cut corners. Focus on the essential qualities below that make any dog food a quality choice.

AAFCO nutritional adequacy: The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a nonprofit organization that determines nutritional standards for pet food. Every food we recommend includes a statement on the label confirming it meets the AAFCO’s nutritional standards through formulation or feed trial testing. “It’s important because it helps owners identify whether a pet food is complete and balanced for their pet’s life stage,” Vasudevan says. You can learn more about the AAFCO standards in our guide to the best dog foods.

WSAVA nutrition guidelines: The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) is a global network of veterinary professionals dedicated to improving the health and welfare of companion animals — not just through nutrition, but by also considering disease prevention and management, says Dr. Caitlin Johnson, a veterinarian at Lovet Pet Health Care. The Global Nutrition Guidelines published by WSAVA help veterinarians and pet owners make informed decisions about pet food. “They recommend selecting brands that employ veterinary nutritionists, conduct feeding trials, and follow strict quality control and safety testing,” Vasudevan says.

Guaranteed analysis and calories: Johnson says a food’s overall nutrient profile is more important than nitpicking its individual ingredients. You can find the nutrient profile in the guaranteed analysis on the pet food label, including the minimum protein and fat levels and the maximum fiber and moisture. Calorie content varies widely across food types and brands and is listed as kilocalories (kcal) per cup or ounce on dog food labels.

Brand reputation: Weeth says the best budget-friendly dog food brands have 20 years or more of experience in pet food manufacturing and sales. This gives you more insight into their track record, including pet food recalls. Johnson says most veterinarians recommend the “big four brands” — Hill’s, Royal Canin, Purina, and Eukanuba — and she would add budget-friendly Iams Proactive Health to that list as well. All of these brands employ board-certified veterinary nutritionists to ensure their food is balanced and safe for consumption, she says. While Eukanuba and Royal Canin are reputable brands, their prices rise above a budget-friendly price range, so we didn’t include them in this guide.

Manufacturing standards: When choosing dog food, consider the brand’s manufacturing standards and quality control measures. Weeth says brands that own their own manufacturing facilities have greater oversight of their ingredients and production processes. Some brands share this information on their websites as part of their transparency pledge. If you can’t find it online, you may need to reach out to the company directly.

Weeth says to also consider a brand’s distribution reach. Companies that only sell locally may face fewer regulatory requirements than those that distribute nationally. Brands sold at major retailers like Amazon and Chewy ship to all 48 contiguous states, which means they must comply with the strictest regulations. This provides an added layer of quality assurance.

Ingredients: Because dogs are omnivores, a balanced recipe will include proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Just as important as what’s included in your dog’s food is what’s left out. For instance, Johnson says grain-free diets have become a popular fad, often marketed as a solution for allergies. However, these diets have been linked to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a preventable heart disease in dogs. In addition, Tufts University says grains provide essential plant-based protein, fiber, and fatty acids, making them a valuable part of the canine diet.

Don’t be put off by recipes that contain byproducts, Weeth says. Byproducts and meat meals are nutritious organ meats, such as hearts, spleens, and livers. Some brands market their food as “byproduct-free” while still including organ meats in the ingredient list. When a recipe specifies ingredients like “beef liver,” Weeth says it’s still using byproducts, just listing them individually, which can drive up the cost. Ingredient lists that include “byproducts” or “meals” are formulated using the most cost-effective options available at the time.

It may be tempting to splurge on dog food that includes US Department of Agriculture (USDA) graded meats or human-grade ingredients, but Vasudevan says it’s not necessary. “They don’t always equate to better nutrition for pets,” she says. The main difference lies in handling and storage. Human-grade ingredients must comply with USDA regulations and be made in USDA-inspected facilities. Non-human-grade ingredients are regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the safety standards may be less stringent. While pet foods made through either route are safe, if your pet has severe allergies or digestive issues, you might choose human-grade food for its stringent quality control and production standards. For more about pet food made with human-grade ingredients, check out our guide to the best fresh dog food.

Price per pound and feeding guidelines: To compare the cost of dry food (priced per pound) and wet food (priced per ounce), you’ll need to determine how much your dog will eat, as portion sizes vary depending on the food’s calorie content. You can refer to the feeding guidelines on the label or bag to estimate how many servings are in a can or bag. However, these recommendations are just rough estimates. Your veterinarian can help determine the best daily calorie intake for your dog based on their age, health, and target weight.

Auto-shipping discounts: You can save even more money on pet food when you order from some online retailers. Sites like Chewy, Amazon, and Petco offer discounts on recurring shipments or subscription plans.

How we selected the best budget-friendly dog food

I’ve been covering the pet food beat for Business Insider Reviews since 2023 and have spoken to several veterinary nutritionists about what to look for in high-quality dog and cat food. For this guide, I consulted a veterinary nutritionist and four small animal veterinarians for this guide. These experts didn’t recommend specific foods, but they helped me determine what makes a quality dog food and how you can feed your dog in a safe and affordable way. I also followed the standards from the AAFCO, the WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines, and the guidance of other publications and organizations linked in this article. These resources helped me assess brand reputation through quality control standards and recipe formulation. Finally, I considered each food’s cost per pound or ounce, weighing price tags against ingredient quality, nutritional value, and feeding guidelines. All of my recommendations offer a great balance of affordability, nutrition, and convenience.

Budget-friendly dog food FAQs

What should I feed my dog on a budget?

Dry dog food, also called kibble, is often more affordable than wet food. However, our experts say the most important factor, regardless of cost, is that the food is complete and balanced for your dog, which is indicated by an AAFCO statement on the packaging. Johnson says veterinarians often recommend Hill’s, Purina, and Iams, as these brands employ board-certified veterinary nutritionists and offer a range of recipes, including options for specific health needs and budgets.

What is the difference between high-quality and low-quality dog food?

Our experts say high-quality dog food, regardless of price, meets the AAFCO nutritional standards, which include a balanced mix of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and beneficial fibers. It also adheres to the nutritional guidelines published by WSAVA and comes from a well-established brand known for its consistency and product quality. On the other hand, low-quality diets are often not nutritionally complete and balanced and may include fad or boutique options like grain-free diets, Johnson says.

Who has the cheapest dog food prices?

In general, online retailers such as Amazon and Chewy have the most competitive pricing on dog food. You can save even more by signing up for recurring shipments or subscription plans, which often offer small discounts and the convenience of scheduled deliveries.

What is the best way to switch a dog’s food?

The best way to switch your dog’s food without digestive upset is to follow a slow transition spanning about a week. “We aim for a ratio of 75:25 old food to new food for 2 to 3 days, then 50:50 ratio for 2 to 3 days, then a 25:75 ratio for 2 to 3 days, then going 100% in with the new food,” Johnson says.