With so many quality dog foods on the market today, dog owners rely on several criteria to help them decide between them. For some, the first question to answer is where the food is manufactured. With several high-profile incidents of poisoning and pet food recalls related to ingredients sourced from overseas, many dog owners feel more comfortable buying food made closer to home. If you’re one of them, this article is for you! We’ve gathered reviews of the best dog foods made in the USA. We’ve tried to make sure there’s something for every life stage and diet preference as well.
A Quick Look at Our Favorite Picks in 2023
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Best Overall
Ollie Fresh Dog Food Subscription
Human grade
Limited ingredient
Customizable
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Best Value
True Acre Grain-free Chicken & Vegetable Dry Food
Protein sourced from the USA
Contains antioxidants and fatty acids
No artificial colors or flavors
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Best for Puppies
Hill’s Science Diet Chicken Puppy Food
Contains nutrients to support puppy development
No preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors
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Vet’s Choice
JustFoodForDogs Chicken & Rice
Freshly cooked from whole food ingredients
Formulated by veterinarians
Shelf-stable for up to 2 years
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Canidae Grain-free Pure LID Duck & Sweet Potato
Contains only eight ingredients
It may be helpful for dogs with sensitive skin and stomach
Contains antioxidants, fatty acids, and probiotics
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The 11 Best Dog Foods Made in the USA
1. Ollie Lamb Recipe Fresh Dog Food Subscription – Best Overall
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Main ingredients: Lamb, butternut squash, lamb liver, kale
Protein content: 11%
Fat content: 9%
Calories: 1804 kcal ME/kg.
When it comes to choosing the right dog food, there are a few things to consider; manufacturing, ingredients, and availability. Ollie Fresh Dog Food aces each of these categories. Their dog food is made in and shipped from the US, and all of their recipes include ingredients that are locally sourced. Their recipes contain fresh, real meat proteins, fruits and vegetables and are free from any byproducts or additives. Ollie’s dog food is available through a simple and convenient delivery service so you never have to worry about low stock or running out. You can choose the frequency of your shipments which can be updated at any time.
Another reason we love Ollie so much is that they customize meals to cater to the needs of each dog. Each recipe is created to fit your dog’s specific weight, age, breed, and dietary restrictions making it one of the best dog food options in today over-saturated dog food market.
All in all, Ollie is the overall best dog food made in the US.
Pros
Human grade
Limited ingredient
Delivered straight to your door
Customizable
Sourced locally
No byproducts or fillers
Cons
More expensive than regular kibble
Our choice for the best dog food made in the USA for the money is True Acres Grain-free Chicken and Vegetables. This food is manufactured in California, with ingredients sourced from the USA, Canada, and other countries. It contains no artificial colors or flavors. True Acres contains chicken from U.S. farms, as well as real vegetables. Additional supplements include antioxidants for immune health, fiber to support healthy digestion, and fatty acids. This is a grain-free diet, which some owners prefer.
Human grade
Limited ingredient
Delivered straight to your door
Customizable
Sourced locally
No byproducts or fillers
- Human grade
- Limited ingredient
- Delivered straight to your door
- Customizable
- Sourced locally
- No byproducts or fillers
More expensive than regular kibble
- More expensive than regular kibble
Main ingredients: Chicken, peas, pea starch
Protein content: 24%
Fat content: 13%
Calories: 375 kcal/cup
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However, most dogs don’t need to avoid grains, which can be healthy for them. Check with your vet to see if your dog should eat grain-free. True Acres does contain a legume–peas. Legumes in pet food are currently under investigation to see if they contribute to heart issues.
Pros
Protein sourced from the USA
Contains antioxidants and fatty acids
No artificial colors or flavors
Cons
Contains legumes
Not all dogs need grain-free food
For growing puppies, consider Hill’s Science Diet Chicken and Barley diet. Hill’s food is primarily manufactured at their facility in Kansas, with other locations in Kentucky and Indiana. They source ingredients from around the world, however, but reportedly perform regular safety tests on their foods. This puppy food contains nutrients specifically formulated to help young dogs develop properly.
Protein sourced from the USA
Contains antioxidants and fatty acids
No artificial colors or flavors
- Protein sourced from the USA
- Contains antioxidants and fatty acids
- No artificial colors or flavors
Contains legumes
Not all dogs need grain-free food
- Contains legumes
- Not all dogs need grain-free food
For example, DHA from fish oil helps the brain, eye, and bone development. It also contains antioxidants for immune health and is free from preservatives, artificial flavors, or colors. Overall, this food receives positive reviews from users. However, some found that the kibble was too small for bigger puppies. Others noted that the food didn’t seem to agree with their pup’s tummies.
Pros
Contains nutrients to support puppy development
No preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors
Cons
Kibble may be too small for bigger pups
May upset sensitive puppies’ stomachs
- JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Chicken And White Rice Dog Food – Vet’s Choice
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Main ingredients: Water, chicken, rice, carrots
Protein content: 7.5%
Fat content: 2.5%
Calories: 31 kcal ME/oz
Dog owners who value fresh, simple food for their pets will want to check out Just Food For Dogs Pantry Fresh Chicken And White Rice. Since it’s cooked fresh in kitchens in California and Delaware, Just Food for Dogs is essentially a homemade diet, except you don’t have to worry that it’s not nutritionally balanced. As it’s formulated with the help of veterinarians, this diet contains nothing artificial and is shipped fresh to your door.
Contains nutrients to support puppy development
No preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors
- Contains nutrients to support puppy development
- No preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors
Kibble may be too small for bigger pups
May upset sensitive puppies’ stomachs
- Kibble may be too small for bigger pups
- May upset sensitive puppies’ stomachs
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Main ingredients: Water, chicken, rice, carrots
Protein content: 7.5%
Fat content: 2.5%
Calories: 31 kcal ME/oz
The high calcium levels of this recipe make it appropriate for both puppies and adult dogs. Unlike most fresh foods, Just Food For Dogs doesn’t have to be refrigerated and is shelf-stable for 2 years, thanks to its unique packaging technology. As you might expect from a fresh diet, this food can get pricey. Some owners also report they have a hard time portioning it out properly for their pups.
Pros
Freshly cooked from whole food ingredients
Formulated by veterinarians
Shelf-stable for up to 2 years
Cons
Expensive
Hard to get the portions
Made in a facility in Texas, Canidae Grain-free Duck and Sweet Potato contains just eight ingredients and is packed with protein. Some ingredients,such as the duck meal, come from sources outside of the country.. This food contains a blend of probiotics, antioxidants, and fatty acids for additional nutrition.
Freshly cooked from whole food ingredients
Formulated by veterinarians
Shelf-stable for up to 2 years
- Freshly cooked from whole food ingredients
- Formulated by veterinarians
- Shelf-stable for up to 2 years
Expensive
Hard to get the portions
- Expensive
- Hard to get the portions
Although this recipe has few ingredients, it is not a single protein food and contains poultry products, including chicken fat. This makes it an inappropriate choice for dogs with confirmed sensitivities to poultry. Most users reported good experiences with this diet and found that it was a good choice for dogs with sensitive skin and stomachs.
Pros
Contains only eight ingredients
It may be helpful for dogs with sensitive skin and stomach
Contains antioxidants, fatty acids, and probiotics
Cons
Not a true allergy diet, contains chicken
Expensive
Another great choice for dog food made in the USA is Purina ProPlan High Protein Shredded Chicken and Rice dry food. Purina operates more than 20 manufacturing plants throughout the U.S., and this recipe is one produced in those facilities. This high-protein kibble features chicken as the primary ingredient, with tasty soft chunks mixed in with the hard pieces.
Contains only eight ingredients
It may be helpful for dogs with sensitive skin and stomach
Contains antioxidants, fatty acids, and probiotics
- Contains only eight ingredients
- It may be helpful for dogs with sensitive skin and stomach
- Contains antioxidants, fatty acids, and probiotics
Not a true allergy diet, contains chicken
Expensive
- Not a true allergy diet, contains chicken
- Expensive
The combination of textures makes this food highly appealing to dogs. It also contains probiotics to aid in healthy digestion and fatty acids to support skin and coat health. ProPlan Chicken and Rice diet receives overwhelmingly positive reviews from users, although some dislike that the food contains by-products. In addition, although the food is made in the USA, some of the ingredients are sourced from other countries.
Pros
High in protein
An appealing mix of textures
Added probiotics and fatty acids
Cons
Does contain by-products
Not all ingredients sourced from the USA
Help your older dog age gracefully by feeding Blue Buffalo Life Protection Senior Chicken And Brown Rice food. Blue Buffalo was founded in Connecticut, and it manufactures all its food in the USA. The company sources ingredients from around the world, although they claim only to do so if they can’t find a good supplier in the U.S.
High in protein
An appealing mix of textures
Added probiotics and fatty acids
- High in protein
- An appealing mix of textures
- Added probiotics and fatty acids
Does contain by-products
Not all ingredients sourced from the USA
- Does contain by-products
- Not all ingredients sourced from the USA
Blue Buffalo is lower in protein and fat than diets for younger dogs, helping senior dogs stay trim as they start to slow down. It also contains added glucosamine and chondroitin, which contribute to joint health. Most users found that their dogs enjoyed this food, although some noted that it has a strong smell which may repulse some pups.
Pros
Lower in protein and fat to keep older dogs slim
Added supplements for joint health
Cons
Has a strong smell
For those in need of canned food manufactured in the USA, consider Natural Balance Ultra Premium Beef diet. Natural Balance is headquartered in California but also has a factory in South Carolina. This is a meat-heavy diet, full of beef with added grains and vegetables. While it’s described as a “premium” diet, be aware that this term is not regulated, and you shouldn’t assume that it describes a healthier food.
Lower in protein and fat to keep older dogs slim
Added supplements for joint health
- Lower in protein and fat to keep older dogs slim
- Added supplements for joint health
Has a strong smell
- Has a strong smell
Because Natural Balance doesn’t contain chicken, it’s a good choice for dogs with confirmed allergies to this ingredient. Most users were happy with this food, although there were some complaints that the can was hard to open. The texture of this diet is a bit unusual, which some dogs may find off-putting.
Pros
Made with plenty of meat
No chicken, good for dogs with allergies
Cons
Odd texture
Can is tricky to open
Nutro Natural Choice Chicken and Brown Rice will appeal to dog owners who prefer to avoid GMOs in their pet’s diet. This diet is also free of by-products, with whole chicken as the main protein source. It contains fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber in a nutritious and tasty blend. Nutro dry dog foods are manufactured in California and North Carolina.
Made with plenty of meat
No chicken, good for dogs with allergies
- Made with plenty of meat
- No chicken, good for dogs with allergies
Odd texture
Can is tricky to open
- Odd texture
- Can is tricky to open
However, they source ingredients from around the world, reportedly only from trusted and quality suppliers. This food received mainly positive reviews from users, with some concerns about occasional recipe changes that their dogs didn’t like. Because it contains chicken, this food is not a good pick for dogs with allergies.
Pros
Does not contain GMOs
No by-products
Contains antioxidants, fatty acids, and fiber
Cons
Ingredients sourced globally
Some inconsistency with taste due to recipe changes
Victor Hi-Pro dog food is both manufactured and sourced from the USA, with the majority of the ingredients coming from within 200 miles of its Texas plant. Because of that, Victor will also appeal to those who prefer to support companies that keep their carbon footprint small. Victor Hi-Pro is designed for active and working dogs, so its protein and fat content may be too high for the average couch potato pup.
Does not contain GMOs
No by-products
Contains antioxidants, fatty acids, and fiber
- Does not contain GMOs
- No by-products
- Contains antioxidants, fatty acids, and fiber
Ingredients sourced globally
Some inconsistency with taste due to recipe changes
- Ingredients sourced globally
- Some inconsistency with taste due to recipe changes
This diet is nutrient-dense, containing prebiotics and probiotics, as well as antioxidants and fatty acids. Overall, users found this food to be a good value, especially because it’s available in large, 50-pound bags.
Pros
Sourced and manufactured in the USA
Most ingredients come from within 200 miles of the plant
Available in large bags
Cons
It may have too much protein for less active dogs
Produced by a family-owned company headquartered in Missouri, Diamond Naturals contains ingredients from global sources. This lamb meal and rice formula also contains fruits and vegetables for vitamins and minerals. Diamond Naturals is free from artificial flavors and colors and contains added fatty acids, antioxidants, and probiotics.
Sourced and manufactured in the USA
Most ingredients come from within 200 miles of the plant
Available in large bags
- Sourced and manufactured in the USA
- Most ingredients come from within 200 miles of the plant
- Available in large bags
It may have too much protein for less active dogs
- It may have too much protein for less active dogs
This brand is reasonably priced and does not contain by-products. The kibble is a bit on the small side, which may not be ideal for large or giant breed dogs. Some owners noted their dogs didn’t seem to like the taste of this recipe. Overall, Diamond Naturals received positive reviews, with users particularly appreciating the quality of the ingredients for the price.
Pros
Family-owned company
No artificial colors, flavors, or by-products
Contains fruits and vegetables
Cons
Smaller kibble
Some dogs don’t care for the taste
Buyer’s Guide: How to Select the Best Dog Food Made in the USA
As you can see, even if you narrow your food choices down to those made in the USA, you’ll still have plenty to choose from! To help you make your final decision, here are a few key points to consider.
Family-owned company
No artificial colors, flavors, or by-products
Contains fruits and vegetables
- Family-owned company
- No artificial colors, flavors, or by-products
- Contains fruits and vegetables
Smaller kibble
Some dogs don’t care for the taste
- Smaller kibble
- Some dogs don’t care for the taste
Where Are The Ingredients From?
While you may feel better knowing where your dog’s food was made, most of the concerning issues in recent years centered on individual ingredients sourced overseas. For example, the pet food recall of 2007 was due to contaminated wheat gluten imported from China. Most dog foods made in the USA still source their ingredients outside of the country.
Many now avoid suppliers in China, while others simply state that they use only “trusted” or “quality” sources for their ingredients. Feeling confident about your dog food purchase is more complicated than simply looking for a “Made In The USA” label.
Does It Still Matter If A Food Is Made In The USA Even If The Ingredients Come From Elsewhere?
Pet food manufactured and sold in the USA must meet minimum nutritional standards, which isn’t necessarily the case with food made elsewhere. One can question how strict the oversight of the pet food industry is in the USA (see: the need for recalls), but other countries may not regulate it at all. And of course, buying any product made in the USA helps ensure job creation and boosts local economies.
Does Your Dog Have Special Dietary Needs?
A big factor in your food decision will be your dog’s individual diet needs. A puppy, for example, has different requirements than an elderly dog, which will impact your choice. Dogs with food sensitivities will have even more limited options, especially if they are allergic to chicken, which is a common ingredient in dog food.
At the same time, don’t assume your dog needs a grain-free diet without consulting your vet. Such diets are trendy at the moment, but most dogs don’t have an issue with grain. Pay attention to the fat and protein content of the diets as well. Higher protein diets aren’t appropriate for dogs who aren’t very active.
Conclusion
As the best overall dog food made in the USA, Ollie Fresh Dog Food combines quality nutrition with an appealing texture. Our best value pick, True Acres Chicken and Vegetables offers quality ingredients at a reasonable price. Hill’s Science Diet Puppy contains added nutrition for growing puppies. Just Food For Dogs combines science-backed nutrition with fresh, kitchen-cooked ingredients.
We hope our reviews of these dog foods made in the USA have provided you with some food for thought as you search for the diet that best suits your dog’s individual needs.
Featured Image Credit: Ayla Verschueren, Unsplash
