Best Cheap Dog Food: Affordable Options for Your Furry Friend

Introduction

The best cheap dog food options in 2024 combine quality ingredients and balanced nutrition without breaking the bank, including brands like Diamond Naturals, Taste of the Wild, and Blue Buffalo Life Protection.

However, When it comes to finding the best cheap dog food, it’s important to prioritize both quality and affordability. While not all budget-friendly brands are created equal, there are still plenty of options out there that offer nutritious ingredients without breaking the bank. In this article, we will explore some of the top affordable dog foods on the market in 2024, ensuring that your furry friend gets the nutrition they need without draining your wallet.

Are Cheap Dog Foods Safe?

The first question that often comes to mind when considering affordable dog foods is whether they are safe for our pets. It’s essential to understand that not all inexpensive options are created equal. While low-priced dog foods can be safe, it’s crucial to choose brands that prioritize the safety and quality of their products. Look for companies that perform regular safety testing and hold their finished food at their facilities until test results are confirmed.

One way to identify safe and reliable options is by referring to trusted sources like The Dog Food Advisor. They rate dog foods based on their ingredients, nutritional value, and safety. It’s best to avoid products rated 2 stars or lower by The Dog Food Advisor, as these may contain potentially harmful additives or cheap fillers. Instead, opt for brands rated 4 stars or higher, which have been screened to ensure they don’t include any risky chemical additives commonly found in low-priced recipes.

Finding Value in Affordable Dog Foods

When searching for the best affordable dog food, it’s essential to look beyond just the price tag. Cheap fillers and plant-based protein boosters offer little nutritional value to your dog, so it’s crucial to find brands that offer value in terms of quality ingredients and balanced nutrition.

To help you find the best bang for your buck, The Dog Food Advisor has compiled a list of top-rated, budget-friendly dog foods for January 2024. Let’s explore some of these options and their key features:

Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food

Diamond Naturals Adult derives its meat protein from lamb meal and offers a balanced ratio of protein, fat, and carbs. It is highly praised by buyers for its quality and affordability. One customer raves, “I’ve never seen my dogs so excited to eat. They fight over who gets the first bowl. It’s also cheaper than what we were buying before for the same size bag! This is the best of both worlds.”

• Rating: Diamond Naturals Adult Lamb Meal and Rice
• First 5 ingredients: Lamb meal, ground white rice, cracked pearled barley, sorghum, egg product
• Type: Grain-inclusive
• Best for: Adult dogs

Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food

Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream is a grain-free option that derives its meat protein from salmon and ocean fish meal. It is highly recommended for dogs with sensitive stomachs. One satisfied buyer shares, “My dog has a sensitive stomach and had issues with keeping previous food down. I made the switch to Taste of the Wild and all his problems disappeared! Great option for dogs with stomach issues.”

• Rating: Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream
• First 5 ingredients: Salmon, ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas
• Type: Grain-free
• Best for: Adult dogs

Dr. Tim’s Dry Dog Food

Dr. Tim’s Pursuit Active Dog formula contains chicken meal as its primary source of animal protein. It offers a balanced ratio of protein, fat, and carbs. One happy customer exclaims, “I poured some in her bowl and she ate it IMMEDIATELY! This is a dog that I believed just wasn’t into food. Dr. Tim’s food is quality at a fair price! Great, thoughtful ingredients that my dog can’t get enough of!”

• Rating: Dr. Tim’s Pursuit Active Dog
• First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, brown rice, chicken fat, whole oat groats, dried beet pulp
• Type: Grain-inclusive
• Best for: Adult dogs, small or medium breed puppies

Eagle Pack Dry Dog Food

Eagle Pack Original is a grain-inclusive option that derives its meat protein from chicken and pork meals. It contains no controversial chemical preservatives or cheap plant-based fillers. A satisfied buyer shares, “My golden retriever is very sensitive. I’m so glad I found this one right away. It’s great food, made in the USA, has healthy grains, and a great price.”

• Rating: Eagle Pack Original
• First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, pork meal, ground brown rice, dehulled barley, oatmeal
• Type: Grain-inclusive
• Best for: Adult dogs, small or medium breed puppies

Horizon Complete Dry Dog Food

Horizon Complete All Life Stages is a grain-inclusive option ideal for both adults and puppies. It contains no genetically modified grains and is highly recommended by buyers. One satisfied customer states, “My 2 Retrievers are doing very well on this food. It’s excellent quality and reasonably priced. They love the food and nothing is wasted.”

• Rating: Horizon Complete All Life Stages
• First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, whole grain barley, whole grain rye, chicken, whole grain oats
• Type: Grain-inclusive
• Best for: All adults, puppies

Eukanuba Dry Dog Food

Eukanuba Small Bites derives its meat protein from chicken and contains a balanced ratio of protein, fat, and carbs. It is highly praised for its taste and affordability. One happy buyer shares, “My dogs are super picky, but love all the Eukanuba foods. It’s cheaper than what we were purchasing before and the dogs don’t mind at all.”

• Rating: Eukanuba Small Bites
• First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, chicken fat
• Type: Grain-inclusive
• Best for: Adult dogs

Whole Earth Farms Wet Dog Food

Whole Earth Farms Red Meat Recipe is a grain-free wet food option produced by Merrick. It is highly recommended for its quality ingredients and affordable price. One satisfied buyer shares, “This food is less expensive than other brands with the same ingredients and nutrition. My dog seems to like it better, too.”

• Rating: Whole Earth Farms Red Meat Recipe
• First 5 ingredients: Beef, beef broth, beef liver, lamb, pork liver
• Type: Grain-free
• Best for: All adults, puppies

American Journey Grain-Free

American Journey Grain-Free derives its meat protein from salmon, chicken, and turkey meals. It contains salmon oil, which provides high-quality omega-3 fatty acids. A satisfied buyer shares, “For dogs with sensitivities, this is hands down the best and most affordable option on the market. Wouldn’t know what to do without American Journey!”

• Rating: Salmon and Sweet Potato
• First 5 ingredients: Deboned salmon, chicken meal, turkey meal, peas, sweet potatoes
• Type: Grain-free
• Best for: Adult dogs, small or medium breed puppies

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dry Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Chicken and Brown Rice derives its meat protein from chicken and chicken meal. It is highly recommended for its quality and affordability. One satisfied buyer shares, “We have 4 dogs ranging from a puggle to a great dane and all four have thrived on Chicken Soup. They enjoy it and two of them have exceeded their expected life span and are still vibrant happy campers.”

• Rating: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Chicken and Brown Rice
• First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, oatmeal
• Type: Grain-inclusive
• Best for: Adult dogs

Canidae All Life Stages Dry Dog Food

Canidae All Life Stages Chicken and Rice derives its meat protein from chicken meal. It is a classic, budget-friendly option that is highly recommended by buyers. One satisfied customer shares, “I have tried dog food after dog food. This food works for the whole gang!”

• Rating: Canidae All Life Stages Chicken and Rice
• First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, barley, peas, chicken fat, brown rice
• Type: Grain-inclusive
• Best for: All adults, puppies

Chicken Soup for the Soul Dry Dog Food

Chicken Soup for the Soul Classic Adult derives its meat protein from poultry and poultry meal. It offers a balanced ratio of protein, fat, and carbs. One happy buyer shares, “We have 4 dogs ranging from a puggle to a great dane and all four have thrived on Chicken Soup. They have shiny coats, and for their ages, they are very active.”

• Rating: Chicken Soup for the Soul Classic Adult
• First 5 ingredients: Chicken, turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, cracked pearled barley
• Type: Grain-inclusive
• Best for: Adult dogs

Nutro Ultra Dry Dog Food

Nutro Ultra Adult derives its meat protein from chicken and chicken meal. It provides a balanced ratio of protein, fat, and carbs. One satisfied buyer shares, “We’ve been using this brand for over a year. Both dogs have the shiniest coats, are in great shape, and are happy campers.”

• Rating: Nutro Ultra Adult
• First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain sorghum, whole grain barley, whole grain oats
• Type: Grain-inclusive
• Best for: Adult dogs

Iams Dry Dog Food

Iams Minichunks Lamb and Rice derives its meat protein from lamb. It offers a balanced ratio of protein, fat, and carbs. One satisfied customer shares, “My 13-year-old hound dog suddenly stopped liking his previous food. We ordered the Life Protection, and it appears to work fine at a lesser cost!”

• Rating: Iams Minichunks Lamb and Rice
• First 5 ingredients: Lamb, brewers rice, chicken by-product meal, ground whole grain barley, ground whole grain corn
• Type: Grain-inclusive
• Best for: Adult dogs

Merrick Classic Healthy Grains

Merrick Classic Healthy Grains with Salmon offers a balanced ratio of protein, fat, and carbs. It is made with high-quality ingredients and is highly recommended by buyers. One satisfied customer shares, “We feel good about feeding Toby this healthy food, and our vet agrees. Important for dogs to have grains in their diet.”

• Rating: Classic Healthy Grains with Salmon
• First 5 ingredients: Deboned salmon, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, oatmeal
• Type: Grain-inclusive
• Best for: Adult dogs

Conclusion

As you can see, there are plenty of options when it comes to finding the best cheap dog food. These brands offer a range of recipes that prioritize quality ingredients and balanced nutrition, all while being affordable. Whether you’re looking for grain-inclusive or grain-free options, wet or dry food, you can find a budget-friendly choice that will keep your furry friend healthy and happy.

Read more about The Best Dog Food for Allergies

Remember, it’s always important to consult with your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet. They can provide guidance and recommendations based on your dog’s specific needs and dietary requirements. Providing your dog with high-quality, affordable food is an investment in their overall health and well-being.