There are different aspects to consider when looking at food for your dog. There is your dog’s specific daily nutrition needs to consider, which are all determined by its breed, age, and any ailments it may be suffering from.
When looking at dog foods, it’s important to create criteria in order to nail down the best pick. Common factors include brand trustworthiness, nutritional label details, and customer reviews. It also helps to take a look at the amount and type of protein, and fat, and whether the meal additives may irritate your dog’s stomach.
Common additives include things like corn, soy, wheat, grain, and gluten. Lean beef is not only safe for dogs to eat, but it’s an excellent source of protein and also provides a number of different vitamins and minerals that the dog needs for optimal health. Let’s take a look at the best beef dog foods currently available.
A Glance at Our Top Picks (2023 Update)
Image Product Details
Best Overall
The Farmer’s Dog Beef Dog Food
Contains human-grade beef and vegetables
Ships for free in 48 states
Meals are pre-portioned based on criteria you give
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Best Value
Purina Pro Plan High Protein Beef & Rice Wet Dog Food
Has 23 essential vitamins
Comprehensive nutrient profile
Affordable
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Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Canned Beef & Vegetable Stew
Contains real beef
Tasty brown gravy
Full nutrient profile
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Purina Pro Plan Beef & Rice Dry Dog Food
High-protein beef
Antioxidants and minerals
Probiotics and prebiotic fiber
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Best for Puppies or Kittens
Stella & Chewy’s Perfectly Puppy Beef & Salmon Dinner Patties
Immune system support
High-protein recipe
Chia seeds and green mussels
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The 11 Best Beef Dog Foods:
1. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Beef Dog Food– Best Overall
Click Here to Save 50% + Get Free Shipping with The Farmer’s DogOur 1st-place best overall pick for dog food goes to The Farmer’s Dog beef dog food. With food that is so nutritious, fresh, and USDA-approved that pet owners themselves could eat it, Farmer’s Dog beef dog food towers above the competition. It contains only human-grade beef and vegetables. This food is not only fresh but contains no preservatives or fillers.
The Farmer’s Dog ships for free in 48 states, and their meals are formulated by veterinary nutritionists. The Beef Dog Food is not your average commercial offering. It is fresh food made with beef and veggies such as lentils, sweet potatoes, bok choy, kale, and broccoli.
All meals are pre-portioned to fit your dogs’ particular needs. This is decided by your dog’s breed, weight, age, and activity level when you sign up for the subscription service. Once you sign up, the food will be delivered to your door, and you can pause or cancel anytime without a problem.
The only drawback we could see to The Farmer’s Dog Beef dog food is that it takes up quite a bit of space in your freezer and fridge because it has to be stored, then thawed. However, it is well worth it when your dog gobbles the food up every time and begs for more.
If you’re a pet owner who enjoys feeding your dog home-cooked, human-grade meals but don’t have the time or energy to do it yourself, The Farmer’s Dog Beef Dog Food is a great substitute, and your dog will love it.
Pros
Contains human-grade beef and vegetables
Ships for free in 48 states
Meals are pre-portioned based on criteria you give
Meals are formulated by vet nutritionists
Pause or cancel at any time
Cons
Kind of expensive for large breeds
Takes up freezer and fridge space
This high-protein meal is our pick for the best beef dog food for the money due to its affordable price and nutritional profile. This meal is made with real beef and seems to receive excellent feedback from owners as a chosen pick by their pups.
Contains human-grade beef and vegetables
Ships for free in 48 states
Meals are pre-portioned based on criteria you give
Meals are formulated by vet nutritionists
Pause or cancel at any time
- Contains human-grade beef and vegetables
- Ships for free in 48 states
- Meals are pre-portioned based on criteria you give
- Meals are formulated by vet nutritionists
- Pause or cancel at any time
Kind of expensive for large breeds
Takes up freezer and fridge space
- Kind of expensive for large breeds
- Takes up freezer and fridge space
Main Ingredients: Beef, Water, Liver, Meat By-Products
Protein Content: 9% min
Fat Content: 6% min
Calories: 1169 kcal/kg
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It has a pate texture and is great for dogs who prefer wet food over dry meal options. The recipe is complete with 23 essential vitamins and nutrients and offers dogs a well-balanced source of daily nutrition. The downside is that wet dog food is more perishable than dry dog food, especially once opened.
Pros
Has 23 essential vitamins
Comprehensive nutrient profile
Affordable
Cons
Perishable
Limited flavors
The Adult 7+ Savory Stew by Hill’s Science is another tasty beef meal that’s made with real beef. It includes brown rice and a number of different vegetables that are smothered in a flavorful brown gravy. The recipe contains all the minerals and vitamins needed for mature dogs and is also formulated to help support its digestive system. So, if your dog has issues with regularity or simply loves the taste of beef, this meal is definitely the one to check out. The downside is that it’s not suitable for pups and is perishable once opened.
Has 23 essential vitamins
Comprehensive nutrient profile
Affordable
- Has 23 essential vitamins
- Comprehensive nutrient profile
- Affordable
Perishable
Limited flavors
- Perishable
- Limited flavors
Main Ingredients: Water, Beef, Pork Liver, Brown Rice
Protein Content: 3.5% min
Fat Content: 2.2% min
Calories: 327 kcal/12.8 oz can
Pros
Contains real beef
Tasty brown gravy
Full nutrient profile
Cons
Not ideal for pups
Perishable
This shredded beef and rice meal is another good beef dog food. It’s perfect for all dog breeds and is formulated specifically for adult dogs. It’s not only tender but it also has a wide spectrum of nutrients and vitamins. For example, it’s complete with vitamin A, and omega-6 fatty acids to help dogs maintain a healthy coat and skin.
Contains real beef
Tasty brown gravy
Full nutrient profile
- Contains real beef
- Tasty brown gravy
- Full nutrient profile
Not ideal for pups
Perishable
- Not ideal for pups
- Perishable
Main Ingredients: Beef, Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Corn Gluten Meal, Poultry
Protein Content: 26% min
Fat Content: 16% min
Calories: 3,752 kcal/kg
It also comes fortified with live probiotics and prebiotic fiber for immune health and digestive support–something that older dogs may need. If you’re looking for a well-balanced beef recipe for your dog, here is one to consider. Purina is a dependable brand and the price for this meal is comparable to other brands’ dry beef meals.
Pros
High-protein beef
Antioxidants and minerals
Probiotics and prebiotic fiber
Cons
Can be pricey
Not for restricted diets
- Stella & Chewy’s Perfectly Puppy Beef & Salmon Patties – Best for Puppies or Kittens
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Main Ingredients: Beef, Salmon with Ground Bone, Beef Liver, Beef Kidney
Protein Content: 46.0% min
Fat Content: 34.5% min
Calories: 4,828 kcal/kg; 36 kcal/patty
Here is a high-protein meal that will give your pup all of the protein that it needs for the day. This formula is made with a number of different minerals and vitamins, including vitamins A, C, and B, all of which can help build up your dog’s immune system.
High-protein beef
Antioxidants and minerals
Probiotics and prebiotic fiber
- High-protein beef
- Antioxidants and minerals
- Probiotics and prebiotic fiber
Can be pricey
Not for restricted diets
- Can be pricey
- Not for restricted diets
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Main Ingredients: Beef, Salmon with Ground Bone, Beef Liver, Beef Kidney
Protein Content: 46.0% min
Fat Content: 34.5% min
Calories: 4,828 kcal/kg; 36 kcal/patty
And because puppies can sometimes have sensitive stomachs, the meal is free of antibiotics, hormones, and additives. It also includes chia seeds for healthy skin and coat and green mussels for joint support. The downside is that this food is perishable and more expensive than other options.
Pros
Immune system support
High-protein recipe
Chia seeds and green mussels
Cons
Meal is freeze-dried
Perishable
Expensive
Here is another meal that’s part of the 7+ Complete Essentials series by Purina. It simply doesn’t get any better when it comes to beef-based dry food recipes. This meal plan includes real beef that helps support heart health and the kibble is tender enough for older dogs that may have bite issues.
Immune system support
High-protein recipe
Chia seeds and green mussels
- Immune system support
- High-protein recipe
- Chia seeds and green mussels
Meal is freeze-dried
Perishable
Expensive
- Meal is freeze-dried
- Perishable
- Expensive
Main Ingredients: Beef, Rice, Poultry By-Product Meal, Soybean Meal,
Protein Content: 29% min
Fat Content: 14% min
Calories: 420 kcal/cup
It’s also full of omega fatty acids for mobility and joint health. Not to mention it has prebiotic fibers to support a healthy gut microbe. The downside is that it’s not for puppies and some dogs may not like the flavor.
Pros
High-protein meal
Has glucosamine and EPA
Contains omega fatty acids
Supports digestive health
Cons
Not for pups
Some dogs may not like the flavor
- Castor & Pollux PRISTINE Grain-Free Small Breed Stew Canned Dog Food
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Main Ingredients: Beef, Beef Broth, Water Sufficient for Processing, Beef Liver
Protein Content: 9.0% min
Fat Content: 2.0% mi
Calories: 988 kcal/kg, 99 kcal/bowl
Some dogs are sensitive to grains. And if this is your dog, this organic beef-based meal may be the perfect fit. It’s made with free-range, grass-fed beef and contains no hormones or antibiotics. It also includes organic produce such as peas, carrots, and spinach.
High-protein meal
Has glucosamine and EPA
Contains omega fatty acids
Supports digestive health
- High-protein meal
- Has glucosamine and EPA
- Contains omega fatty acids
- Supports digestive health
Not for pups
Some dogs may not like the flavor
- Not for pups
- Some dogs may not like the flavor
Main Ingredients: Beef, Beef Broth, Water Sufficient for Processing, Beef Liver
Protein Content: 9.0% min
Fat Content: 2.0% mi
Calories: 988 kcal/kg, 99 kcal/bowl
This meal is completely free of artificial preservatives, gluten and wheat, and it contains no corn or soy products. If you’re looking for an organic, sustainable meal for a small breed dog, this meal may be worth a try. However, it is perishable and pricey.
Pros
Contains organic produce
Great for pups
Wheat, corn, soy-free
Cons
Perishable
Pricey
Made with real beef, this satiating meal by Purina seems to be a pup favorite. Beef is first on its list of ingredients, and it also contains chicken, rice, and a few different vegetables. This formula is made to support cognitive development and it’s perfect for growing puppies.
Contains organic produce
Great for pups
Wheat, corn, soy-free
- Contains organic produce
- Great for pups
- Wheat, corn, soy-free
Perishable
Pricey
- Perishable
- Pricey
Main Ingredients: Beef, Liver, Meat By-Products, Chicken
Protein Content: 10% min
Fat Content: 7.5% min
Calories: 470 kcal/cup, 1,278 kcal/kg
The recipe also has 23 essential vitamins and minerals to support daily nutrition and it’s free of flavors, artificial colors, and preservatives. If you have an active puppy or adult dog that loves wet food, be sure to take a closer look at this recipe.
Pros
Contains real beef
Good price point
Has 23 essential vitamins
Cons
A bit pricey
Perishable
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wolf Creek Beef Stew Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
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Main Ingredients: Beef, Beef Broth, Water, Chicken Liver, Chicken
Protein Content: 8.5% min
Fat Content: 3.0% min
Calories: 917 kcal/kg, 325 kcal/can
This beef stew recipe by Blue Buffalo is one of its most popular meals. It’s great for all breeds and ideal for adult dogs. It can be combined with dry food, or you can use it as a single meal. This wet food meal is free of any gluten, wheat, soy, and artificial flavors. It contains enough protein for daily supplementation and is a wholesome option for healthy dogs and those recovering from illness.
Contains real beef
Good price point
Has 23 essential vitamins
- Contains real beef
- Good price point
- Has 23 essential vitamins
A bit pricey
Perishable
- A bit pricey
- Perishable
Main Ingredients: Beef, Beef Broth, Water, Chicken Liver, Chicken
Protein Content: 8.5% min
Fat Content: 3.0% min
Calories: 917 kcal/kg, 325 kcal/can
Pros
Receives great reviews
Contains fruits & veggies
Comprehensive nutrient profile
Cons
Expensive
Limited flavor options
- True Acre Foods Grain-Free Beef & Vegetable Dry Dog Food
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Main Ingredients: Beef, Peas, Pea Starch, Poultry By-Product Meal
Protein Content: 24% min
Fat Content: 13% min
Calories: 3424 kcal/kg or 349 kcal/cup
The beef and veggie dry meal by True Acre makes our list due to its quality ingredients and moderate price point. This meal is made with US-raised beef and includes farm-grown veggies such as carrots and peas. It offers a complete and well-balanced nutritional profile, and the kibble is small enough for puppies.
Receives great reviews
Contains fruits & veggies
Comprehensive nutrient profile
- Receives great reviews
- Contains fruits & veggies
- Comprehensive nutrient profile
Expensive
Limited flavor options
- Expensive
- Limited flavor options
Main Ingredients: Beef, Peas, Pea Starch, Poultry By-Product Meal
Protein Content: 24% min
Fat Content: 13% min
Calories: 3424 kcal/kg or 349 kcal/cup
The formula is also full of antioxidants and contains natural fibers to support easy digestion. It has a simple formula, omega fatty acids, and protein, and is free of artificial colors and flavors. Also contains no corn, wheat, or grain products.
Pros
High-protein formula
Well-balanced meal
Antioxidants & omega fatty acids
Free of additives
Cons
Limited flavor
Not for restricted diets
This beef dry dog food by Rachael Ray is a surprise for pet owners and a favorite of their pups. It’s a complete nutritional powerhouse and helps support lean muscle mass and healthy cognitive functions. It’s made without artificial preservatives, fillers, or gluten and it contains no by-products.
High-protein formula
Well-balanced meal
Antioxidants & omega fatty acids
Free of additives
- High-protein formula
- Well-balanced meal
- Antioxidants & omega fatty acids
- Free of additives
Limited flavor
Not for restricted diets
- Limited flavor
- Not for restricted diets
Main Ingredients: New: Beef, Beef Meal, Soybean Meal, Whole Corn, Grain Sorghum
Protein Content: 25%
Fat Content: 14%
Calories: 3508 kcal/kg, 326 kcal/cup
This dry food is a high-protein formula that’s perfect for high-energy dogs. The meal is also full of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and it contains brown rice and peas to supply enough fiber for regularity.
Pros
Protein & fiber-rich
Contains Omega fatty acids
Promotes regularity
Cons
Pricey
Limited flavors
Protein & fiber-rich
Contains Omega fatty acids
Promotes regularity
- Protein & fiber-rich
- Contains Omega fatty acids
- Promotes regularity
Pricey
Limited flavors
- Pricey
- Limited flavors
Final Thoughts
So that sums up our best beef dog food picks. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Beef Dog Food is our number #1 pick for its nutrients and price. Our second pick is another Purina product, the Purina Pro Plan High Protein Pate, Beef & Rice which is a popular wet food high-protein meal that dogs seem to love.
Third, we have Adult 7+ Savory Stew with Beef & Vegetable wet food by Hill’s Science, which is a high-quality wet food option for all adult breeds.
Featured Image Credit: mattycoulton, Pixabay
