We all want what is best for our canines, and premium food can be just the way to ensure that happens. Gourmet dog food options are becoming more popular as pet owners become more aware of their dog’s dietary needs, but which dog food is the right pick for you? It can feel overwhelming to try and sort through the endless options.
This article aims to narrow your search by providing reviews of some of the best gourmet dog foods on the market. From vet-recommended brands to choices for puppies, there is something for everyone on this list. So, let’s dig in!
A Glance at Our Winners in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Ollie Fresh Lamb with Cranberries
Supports digestion
Includes superfoods
Balances blood sugar
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Best Value
Wellness Grain-Free Adult Recipe
Provides omega fatty acids
Good source of glucosamine, and taurine
Supports immune system
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Premium Choice
Nom Nom Beef Mash
Made fresh
Wholesome ingredients
Made in USA kitchens
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Best for Puppies
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Formula
First two ingredients are animal-based
Made in the USA
Made without artificial flavors and colors
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Vet’s Choice
Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed Recipe
First two ingredients are animal-based
Provides omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin
Aids digestion
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The 12 Best Gourmet Dog Foods
1. Ollie Fresh Lamb with Cranberries – Best Overall
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Main ingredients: Lamb, butternut squash, lamb liver, kale, rice, cranberries
Protein content: 10%
Fat content: 7%
Our choice for best overall gourmet dog food is Ollie’s Fresh Lamb with Cranberries.
This recipe is packed with great ingredients, including real lamb, healthy superfoods, and nutritious fruits and vegetables. It’s good for managing your dog’s blood sugar and helping their vision and digestion. Fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants help boost your dog’s overall well-being.
This recipe is made in the United States and avoids artificial ingredients and fillers. The premium quality of the blend lends to its high price, but that’s to be expected with almost any gourmet dog food.
Pros
Provides antioxidants, fiber, and healthy vitamins
Supports digestion
Includes superfoods
Balances blood sugar
Boosts eye health
Cons
Expensive
The best gourmet dog food for the money is Wellness’s Grain-Free Complete Health Adult Deboned Chicken & Chicken Meal Recipe.
Provides antioxidants, fiber, and healthy vitamins
Supports digestion
Includes superfoods
Balances blood sugar
Boosts eye health
- Provides antioxidants, fiber, and healthy vitamins
- Supports digestion
- Includes superfoods
- Balances blood sugar
- Boosts eye health
Expensive
- Expensive
Main ingredients: Deboned chicken, potatoes, peas, chicken meal, dried ground potatoes
Protein content: 20% min
Fat content: 12% min
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The first ingredient is deboned chicken, providing your pup with healthy proteins to fuel their energetic lifestyle. The recipe contains omega fatty acids that support the skin and coat health and is fortified with antioxidants and probiotics.
It is important to know that his recipe is grain-free and contains peas. Grain-free diets and recipes with peas may be linked to severe heart conditions in dogs. So, keep that in mind when making a decision, and consult your vet before making any significant dietary changes.
Pros
Provides omega fatty acids, probiotics, and antioxidants
Good source of glucosamine, and taurine
Supports immune system
Cons
Contains peas
Grain-free
3. Nom Nom Beef Mash Subscription – Premium Choice
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Main ingredients: Ground beef, russet potatoes, eggs, carrots, peas
Protein content: 8%
Fat content: 4%
Nom Nom’s Beef Mash recipe is our premium pick.
Provides omega fatty acids, probiotics, and antioxidants
Good source of glucosamine, and taurine
Supports immune system
- Provides omega fatty acids, probiotics, and antioxidants
- Good source of glucosamine, and taurine
- Supports immune system
Contains peas
Grain-free
- Contains peas
- Grain-free
Nom Nom’s recipes are made fresh in kitchens in the United States. The wholesome proteins and vegetables create an excellent blend to support your dog’s health. Nom Nom also offers the unique benefit of pre-portioning your dog’s meal to suit their dietary needs.
Since peas are in this recipe and may be linked to heart disease in dogs, we recommend that you speak to your vet before making any dietary changes for your dog.
Pros
Made fresh
Wholesome ingredients
Made in USA kitchens
Cons
Contains Peas
The best recipe for puppies is Diamond’s Naturals Large Breed Puppy Formula. The first two ingredients are lamb and lamb meal, both animal-sourced products, and the recipe is packed with protein. This is evident with the protein content reaching a 27% minimum. The blend is made in the United States without artificial coloring or flavoring, ensuring the quality of its production.
Made fresh
Wholesome ingredients
Made in USA kitchens
- Made fresh
- Wholesome ingredients
- Made in USA kitchens
Contains Peas
- Contains Peas
Main ingredients: Lamb, lamb meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, grain sorghum
Protein content: 27% min
Fat content: 15% min
Unfortunately, this recipe is built for large breeds only. So, if you have a small or medium-breed puppy, this may not be the right fit for you.
Pros
First two ingredients are animal-based
Made in the USA
Made without artificial flavors and colors
Contains superfoods
Cons
Large breeds only
Our Vet’s choice is Merrick’s Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed Recipe. The first two ingredients are deboned chicken and chicken meal, both animal-based products. This ensures that the 27% protein content minimum is made up of healthy meat for your pup. The brown rice supports digestive health, and the inclusion of omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin promotes overall health.
First two ingredients are animal-based
Made in the USA
Made without artificial flavors and colors
Contains superfoods
- First two ingredients are animal-based
- Made in the USA
- Made without artificial flavors and colors
- Contains superfoods
Large breeds only
- Large breeds only
The recipe is only available to small breed dogs, and if you have a bigger dog, you may want to look for other options on this list or review Merrick’s other products.
Pros
First two ingredients are animal-based
Provides omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin
Aids digestion
Cons
Small breeds only
6. Spot & Tango Cod & Salmon UnKibble
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Main ingredients: Cod, salmon, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, sunflower seeds
Protein content: 29.67% min
Fat content: 22.06% min
Spot & Tango’s Cod & Salmon UnKibble is packed with protein and uses cod and salmon as the first two ingredients. The fruits and vegetables in the blend contribute to overall health. Spot & Tango’s recipes are made fresh and personalized for the well-being of your dog and are made with limited ingredients.
First two ingredients are animal-based
Provides omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin
Aids digestion
- First two ingredients are animal-based
- Provides omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin
- Aids digestion
Small breeds only
- Small breeds only
This recipe is also grain-free. If your dog has an allergy to grains, it could be beneficial, but if not, we recommend that you speak to your vet about the potential link between grain-free diets and heart disease.
Pros
Hypoallergenic
First two ingredients are animal-based
Cons
Grain-free
- Just Food for Dogs Chicken & White Rice Recipe
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Main ingredients: Chicken thighs, white rice, spinach, carrots, apples
Protein content: 8% min
Fat content: 3% min
The Chicken & White Rice recipe by Just Food for Dogs is a premium dog food brand and is rather expensive. However, the health benefits more than live up to the price tag.
Hypoallergenic
First two ingredients are animal-based
- Hypoallergenic
- First two ingredients are animal-based
Grain-free
- Grain-free
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Main ingredients: Chicken thighs, white rice, spinach, carrots, apples
Protein content: 8% min
Fat content: 3% min
The recipe is an excellent source of calcium and phosphorus, both of which are vital to the maintenance of healthy bones. Another benefit is that there are no preservatives, and if gluten gives your dog tummy issues, there is no gluten, either.
Pros
Great calcium and phosphorus content
No preservatives
Gluten-free
Cons
Expensive
- The Honest Kitchen Gourmet Grains Dehydrated Dog Food
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Main ingredients: Dehydrated Beef, Organic Barley, Organic Oats, Organic Flaxseed, Dehydrated Eggs
Protein content: 30% min
Fat content: 15% min
The Honest Kitchen’s Gourmet Grains Beef & Salmon dehydrated dog food is an excellent gourmet meal for pups.
Great calcium and phosphorus content
No preservatives
Gluten-free
- Great calcium and phosphorus content
- No preservatives
- Gluten-free
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- Use code PETKEEN30 to SAVE 30% on your first order over $30 on thehonestkitchen.com
This recipe is made in the United States and does not contain any artificial fillers, by-products, or preservatives. The protein content is a 30% minimum, and the recipe is packed with fruits and vegetables. Ingredients such as carrots, coconut, and pumpkin support your dog’s overall well-being.
Before serving The Honest Kitchen, you will need to add warm water, wait three minutes, stir, and then serve. So, keep that in mind when making a decision.
Pros
Made in the USA
No artificial preservatives, by-products, fillers
High protein
Cons
Requires a wait before serving
Victor’s Classic Hi-Pro Plus Formula is a great option for dogs. With a high protein content and an affordable price, this recipe allows pet owners to receive quality at a low cost.
Made in the USA
No artificial preservatives, by-products, fillers
High protein
- Made in the USA
- No artificial preservatives, by-products, fillers
- High protein
Requires a wait before serving
- Requires a wait before serving
Main ingredients: Beef meal, grain sorghum, chicken fat, pork meal, chicken meal
Protein content: 30% min
Fat content: 20% min
It is crafted in the United States and is dense with nutrients, helping to keep your lively pup energized. Vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and essential amino acids are included in the meal, and provide some great health benefits.
Sadly, this recipe is designed only with small breeds and medium breeds in mind. A larger dog may need a different formula to support their needs.
Pros
Affordable
Made in the USA
High protein content
Cons
Small and medium breeds only
Acana’s Wholesome Grains Red Meat Recipe Gluten-Free dog food is a healthy and wholesome option.
Affordable
Made in the USA
High protein content
- Affordable
- Made in the USA
- High protein content
Small and medium breeds only
- Small and medium breeds only
Main ingredients: Beef, deboned pork, beef meal, oat groats, whole sorghum
Protein content: 27% min
Fat content: 17% min
The first three ingredients are beef, deboned Pork, and beef meal, contributing to a high-protein diet. The wholesome grains, pumpkin, and butternut squash are full of fiber and incredibly nutritious, boosting the health of your dog’s digestive system. Plus, there are no artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors.
This recipe is also recommended exclusively for small dog breeds and medium dog breeds. If you think this is the right option for your large breed dog, talk to your vet first to ensure that it can give your dog the nutrients they need.
Pros
First three ingredients are animal-based
Gluten-free
High protein content
No artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors
Cons
Small and medium dog breeds only
Merrick’s Classic Healthy Grains Real Beef + Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Grains is a great option for all breeds and is made in the United States.
First three ingredients are animal-based
Gluten-free
High protein content
No artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors
- First three ingredients are animal-based
- Gluten-free
- High protein content
- No artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors
Small and medium dog breeds only
- Small and medium dog breeds only
With deboned beef and pork meal as the first two ingredients, the recipe is packed with protein. The inclusion of glucosamine and chondroitin supports the mobility and function of the hips and joints, and the omega fatty acids help to nourish the skin and coat.
This option is a bit pricey but most quality dog foods will not be cheap.
Pros
First two ingredients are animal-based
Made in the USA
Aids hip and joint function
Boosts health of the skin and coat
Cons
Expensive
- Farmina Lamb & Blueberry Medium & Maxi Adult Dry Dog Food
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Main ingredients: Lamb, dehydrated lamb, whole spelt, whole oats, dried whole eggs
Protein content: 28% min
Fat content: 18% min
Farmina’s N&D Ancestral Grain Lamb & Blueberry Medium & Maxi dog food recipe is a low glycemic formula, perfect for dogs that require carefully balanced blood sugar.
First two ingredients are animal-based
Made in the USA
Aids hip and joint function
Boosts health of the skin and coat
- First two ingredients are animal-based
- Made in the USA
- Aids hip and joint function
- Boosts health of the skin and coat
Main ingredients: Lamb, dehydrated lamb, whole spelt, whole oats, dried whole eggs
Protein content: 28% min
Fat content: 18% min
Lamb and dehydrated lamb are the first two ingredients, which are a great source of nutrition for your dog. The whole spelt and whole oats are designed to support dogs with blood sugar difficulties. Like several brands on our list, Farmina a bit more expensive than standard dog food.
Pros
First two ingredients are animal-based
Low glycemic formula
No by-products
High protein content
Cons
Expensive
First two ingredients are animal-based
Low glycemic formula
No by-products
High protein content
- First two ingredients are animal-based
- Low glycemic formula
- No by-products
- High protein content
Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Best Gourmet Dog Food
Now that you have a list to start from, how do you figure out which option is the best for your dog?
Talk to Your Veterinarian
The first and best step you can take is to consult a trusted veterinarian about your dog’s diet. Your vet’s professional insight will be the greatest tool you have in constructing a personalized meal plan for your dog, ensuring that your furry friend gets the proper nutrition they need in each bite.
Learn What Makes a Recipe Healthy
Several dietary factors can contribute to your dog’s health, such as the ingredients and the nutritional value.
Although meat is essential to your dog’s diet, it should not be the only part. Generally, a good dog diet includes meat, grains, vegetables, and fruits. The higher the quality of these ingredients, the better your dog’s health.
The age or breed of your dog can determine which recipes are good for them. Over time, the nutritional needs of your dog will change. That is why finding a dog food that is specific to their age and breed categories can support them even more than other formulas.
Understand How to Read a Dog Food Label
Reading a dog food label can be confusing, but Merck’s Veterinary Manual explains each important category in detail. There are three important places to look when reading a dog food label.
The guaranteed analysis will list the minimum amounts of protein and fat in the formula and the maximum amounts of water and fiber. These numbers can give you a reasonable estimate of the nutritional value of a particular recipe.
The most prevalent ingredients are the ones listed first. So, if the first ingredient is an animal protein, then the formula is likely of good quality.
The statement of nutritional adequacy is an AAFCO-approved statement that ensures the recipe is whole and balanced for dogs. This stamp of approval is an indicator of the quality of the meal.
Final Thoughts
This article reviews some of the best gourmet dog foods on the market, starting with Ollie’s Fresh Lamb with Cranberries meal. The best value option is Wellness’s Grain-Free Complete Health Deboned Chicken & Chicken Meal Recipe, and Nom Nom’s Beef Mash is our premium choice. Puppies will love the Diamond Naturals Puppy Formula, and for a vet-recommended option, try Merrick’s Classic Healthy Grains Recipe.
Though these are our top five, any recipe on this list could be the perfect fit for your dog. Talk to your vet, do your research, and decide what option best suits your furry friend.
Sources
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/grain-free-dog-food-bad-or-good/ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/peas-linked-dcm-canine-heart-disease/ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/best-dog-food-choosing-whats-right-for-your-dog/ https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/dog-and-cat-foods?redirectid=123?ruleredirectid=30
Featured Image Credit: Ermolaev Alexander, Shutterstock
Sources
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/grain-free-dog-food-bad-or-good/ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/peas-linked-dcm-canine-heart-disease/ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/best-dog-food-choosing-whats-right-for-your-dog/ https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/dog-and-cat-foods?redirectid=123?ruleredirectid=30
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/grain-free-dog-food-bad-or-good/
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/peas-linked-dcm-canine-heart-disease/
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/best-dog-food-choosing-whats-right-for-your-dog/
- https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/dog-and-cat-foods?redirectid=123?ruleredirectid=30
