Top 7 Pet Food Brands That Are All About Quality and Nutrition

1. Purina Pro Plan 

As a trusted brand used by many breeders and veterinary nutritionists, Purina Pro Plan’s formula tops my list as the #1 best pet food.

Here’s why it stands out:

• Real Salmon: Sole protein source (Purina Pro Plan).
• Easily Digestible Rice and Oat Meal: Ideal for sensitive stomachs (Purina Pro Plan).
• Fortified with Prebiotic Fiber: Supports digestive health (Purina Pro Plan).
• Omega-3 & 6 Fatty Acids: Help reduce inflammation (American Kennel Club).

Impressive results during my own clients’ trials support this formula. It avoids common allergens, uses a novel protein, provides probiotics, and includes digestive enzymes.

2. Hill’s Science Diet 

For a similarly trusted brand that avoids grains altogether, Hill’s Science Diet formula is another excellent choice.

As a veterinarian-recommended brand that abides by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association nutritional guidelines, you can feel good about feeding Science Diet.

Highlights of this pick include:

• Real Chicken: Sole protein source (Hill’s Pet Nutrition).
• Grain-Free: Potato and peas for carbs (Hill’s Pet Nutrition).
• Prebiotic and Soluble/Insoluble Fiber Blend: Supports digestion (Hill’s Pet Nutrition).
• Omega-6s and Vitamin E: For skin health (American Veterinary Medical Association).

3. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Salmon & Potato

Trusted brand Blue Buffalo also makes the list with their Basics line’s salmon and potato formula.

Key ingredients include:

• Single Animal Protein Source: Salmon (Blue Buffalo).
• Limited Carb Source: Potatoes (Blue Buffalo).
• Peas and Pumpkin: Provide extra fiber (Blue Buffalo).
• Probiotics: Support healthy digestion (Blue Buffalo).

The smaller kibble size also works nicely for little breeds prone to tummy troubles. And a matching canned version is available to mix in for picky eaters.

4. Best Budget-Friendly Runner-Up: Purina ONE Sensitive Systems

For pet owners needing a more affordable alternative, Purina ONE’s Sensitive Systems formula offers quality for a reasonable price.

It delivers on most of the ideal sensitive stomach criteria I outlined earlier at a mid-range cost.

Key strengths:

• Salmon: #1 ingredient (Purina ONE).
• Grain-Free: No corn, wheat, soy (Purina ONE).
• Dried Chicory Root: For prebiotic fiber (Purina ONE).

Also check our article on Find Out Which Dog Food is Best for Your Pup’s Energy and Vitality

5. Nature’s Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Duck

Nature’s Variety Instinct Duck wet food appeals to selective eaters thanks to its limited ingredients and strong scent. My friend’s rescue cat Nala struggled with tummy troubles until discovering this digestive-friendly duck recipe. Nala enthusiastically eats this paté texture food, and her owner says the visible bits of duck make every meal enticing.

6. Wellness CORE Gravies Wild Game Stew

Wellness CORE’s Wild Game Stew recipe combines duck, boar, rabbit, trout, and turkey into a protein-packed gravy cat food. For cats with sensitive stomachs, this limited-ingredient diet soothes tummies. My client Tiffany’s picky cat Gizmo struggled with digestive issues until Tiffany discovered this special game bird recipe. Now Gizmo excitedly gobbles up this tasty stew.

7. Solid Gold Tuna With Crab & Lobster Broth

Seafood fans rejoice with Solid Gold’s Tuna and Crab & Lobster broth recipe. This smooth, bisque-style food boasts flakes of tuna and ocean fish broth for an ultra seafood kick. My neighbor’s senior cat Samantha began losing interest in food until discovering Solid Gold’s seafood varieties. The Tuna Crab & Lobster quickly became Samantha’s go-to meals according to my grateful neighbor.