Food Guidelines

Vote in the Dogington Post Awards: Best Dry Dog Food

“This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.”

As part of a larger initiative to educate dog owners on proper nutrition, effective training, and other ways to raise a happy and healthy dog, the Dogington Post is reviewing products, toys, foods, treats, and rescue organizations in our first annual Dogington Post Awards Program!

Each week, we’ll present the nominees in a particular category. And, YOU, our readers, will have an opportunity to weigh-in on your favorites, to help us choose a winner!

Nominees from each category for the Dogington Post Award have been selected based on strict criteria including dedication to animal health and welfare, providing the very best quality ingredients, and dedication to improving the lives of our dogs.

This week, we’re presenting the nominees for Best Dry Dog Food in 2012!

Each of our Best Dry Dog Food nominees are manufactured in US-based facilities, with thoughtful sourcing, handling, and processing of the foods we feed our dogs every day. These brands are dedicated to improving the health and vitality of our pets through carefully selecting ingredients, providing nutritionally complete foods, and utilizing manufacturing facilities and procedures with the very best interest of dogs in mind.

Dogington Post’s Best Dry Dog Food nominees are:

1. FreeHand

Freehand 4Energize 3D 1

FreeHand is a mission-driven, super premium dry dog food company conceived out of social activism with a fierce dedication to both providing dogs with the highest quality food and, in the process, saving the lives of abandoned dogs in the communities where their products are sold. For each bag of dog food purchased, FreeHand donates an equal amount of dog food to shelters and rescues.

With 4 unique recipes to choose from, all formulated by a renowned animal nutritionist, Dr. George Collings, dogs from all walks of life will find a food that meets their needs with specific benefits to each flavor. Each recipe is wheat, corn, and soy free and made from the finest ingredients in their Texas facility. Choose from Engage, a chicken and rice recipe specially designed for older or large breed dogs, especially those that are less active or overweight; Enrich, a chicken and pork recipe for both large and small breeds enriched with Taurine and L-Carnitine to support overall health; Empower, a chicken, turkey, and duck recipe designed for small breed and highly active dogs with added vegetable fibers to support digestion; or Energize, a grain-free chicken and salmon recipe with a higher protein content, ideal for active, athletic dogs and those with high energy.

In addition to providing our companions with the best quality food and nutrition, FreeHand matches pound-for-pound every bag of food sold to a customer by donating a bag of their premium rescueOne recipe dog food to shelters around the nation. It has been proven that shelter dogs fed a top quality food are healthier, happier, and more adoptable, reducing the likelihood of overcrowding and euthanasia.

A newcomer to the dog food industry, FreeHand is primarily sold throughout Texas and the west coast, but fans of their food and their mission are finding their online ordering system (and scheduled incremental shipments) to be an easy alternative to shopping in stores.

To learn more about FreeHand, visit www.lendafreehand.com

2. Merrick Grain Free

Merrick

Since 1988, Merrick has been raising the bar for the entire pet food industry. With a long-standing tradition of manufacturing premium dog food and treats with only the finest ingredients, Merrick uses only real whole foods that are locally sourced and processed as little as possible to create one of the highest quality, best tasting, and most nutritious dog foods on the market.

Their 4 grain-free recipes: Real Chicken & Sweet Potato, Real Buffalo & Sweet Potato, Real Pork & Sweet Potato, and Real Duck & Sweet Potato, all use real meat as the number one ingredient with fresh produce like sweet potato, peas, and apples as natural fiber, mineral, and antioxidant sources. The Merrick Grain-Free line is easily digestible, providing excellent energy benefits without upsetting sensitive systems. This ultra-premium line of grain-free dry dog food is beneficial to all breeds in all stages of life.

In addition to providing our pets with the highest quality, tastiest recipes possible, Merrick is dedicated to changing the entire pet food industry as we know it. By setting standards high above the norm and educating consumers on proper pet nutrition, Merrick is a driving force behind an improving pet food industry.

To learn more about Merrick and their 65 wholesome dog food recipes, visit www.MerrickPetCare.com

3. California Natural Grain Free

Californianatural

California Natural is best known for their “pure & simple” approach to dry dog food: use very few ingredients, just premium lean meats, essential vitamins and key minerals, to create healthy, nutritious recipes that dogs of all life stages – even those with sensitive systems and food allergies – can thrive on. California Natural never uses additives, chemical preservatives, or fillers in their complete line of super-premium, top quality dry dog food.

The California Natural line of Grain-Free foods include 5 unique protein choices – salmon, venison, lamb, chicken, and even kangaroo – that are all interchangeable from one recipe to the next. The grain-free line is perfect for those dogs that prefer a variety in their diet, without the hassle of slowly transitioning to new foods. Many experts agree that rotating a dog’s protein source often lowers the risk of developing food sensitivity and provides a more balanced intake of nutrients.

Manufactured in Nebraska, California Natural is completely transparent in terms of where their ingredients are sourced. Consumers can visit their innovative website, See Beyond the Bag, to see exactly where each and every ingredient in their bag of kibble is sourced. Whenever possible, California Natural sources ingredients from local farms, with the exception of their kangaroo and lamb which are sourced in New Zealand, a country with standards for meat production even more stringent than our own.

To learn more about California Natural’s Grain Free line of dry dog food, visit www.CaliforniaNaturalPet.com

To vote for your favorite Dry Dog Food brand, leave a comment with your selection below!

173 Comments

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  17. Avatar Of Jenny

    Jenny

    May 9, 2013 at 6:21 pm

    Why isn’t Purina Dog Chow here? I’ve never even heard of any of those!

  18. Avatar Of Kim Hill

    Kim Hill

    Apr 19, 2013 at 3:14 pm

    Free Hand. Gotta have grain-free for my Belgian Malinois boys.

  19. Avatar Of Ella Corbett

    ella corbett

    Mar 25, 2013 at 7:19 pm

    I have gotten Merrick canned food for my dog, but he gets Fromm and loves it. He gets the Fromm Gold dry. Why were they not included. We get it at Natural Pawz and they only promote the healthy foods.

    Thank you

  20. Avatar Of Pam Goldman

    Pam Goldman

    Mar 12, 2013 at 9:17 pm

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  21. Avatar Of Annette

    Annette

    Feb 28, 2013 at 1:25 pm

    What about Canidae??? That has been our brand of choice for well over a decade! All Life Stages and Grain Free are both great products! Our 3y/o Rottweiler loves it and her vet gives her an A+ on her checkups every year! Phoebe’s coat, teeth, and body weight always get her a compliment from Dr. K.! Our past dogs who have left this earth were all Canidae dogs and passed of old age (GSD/Husky mix 13 yrs, Golden Retriever 16 yrs,Rottweiller 13 yrs. Canidae will remain our food of choice unless her vet were to recommend for her have something elase!

  22. Avatar Of Becky Rice

    Becky Rice

    Feb 28, 2013 at 11:51 am

    Fromm wild game bird grain free. After tring 7 different high rated food brands, it is the only one she will eat. So that is what I feed both my dogs.

  23. Avatar Of Kathy Takayama

    Kathy Takayama

    Feb 22, 2013 at 6:11 am

    Haven’t tried Freehand yet but the best I’ve found so far is Carna4. Worth every penny for my 11 kids:)

  24. Avatar Of Renae Byerly

    Renae Byerly

    Jan 28, 2013 at 8:54 pm

    Wish you weren’t so far away, I would love to adopt Shannon!

  25. Avatar Of Beth

    Beth

    Jan 28, 2013 at 1:44 pm

    Freehand!

  26. Avatar Of Wendy Kneedler

    Wendy Kneedler

    Jan 28, 2013 at 12:38 am

    Freehand is the BEST!

  27. Avatar Of Steven

    steven

    Jan 28, 2013 at 12:11 am

    Freehand! Hands Down greatest concept in the pet food industry.

  28. Avatar Of Kiran

    Kiran

    Jan 27, 2013 at 8:04 pm

    Freehand!! Great food and great mission

  29. Avatar Of Anita Patel

    Anita Patel

    Jan 27, 2013 at 2:10 pm

    Freehand! Great idea!

  30. Avatar Of Kal

    Kal

    Jan 27, 2013 at 9:55 am

    Freehand! Great food, great concept!

  31. Avatar Of Raj

    Raj

    Jan 26, 2013 at 6:30 pm

    FreeHand all the way!!!!

  32. Avatar Of Maya Denzel

    Maya Denzel

    Jan 26, 2013 at 1:37 am

    I bought free hand in the U.S and brought it all the way back to Singapore for my dog!! That shows how much I love Free Hand.

  33. Avatar Of Wendy Kneedler

    Wendy Kneedler

    Jan 26, 2013 at 1:21 am

    Amazing dog food…My daughter’s mini dachshunds won’t have anything but Freehand…and what a beautiful concept…rescue those sweet critters who enrich our lives so much…Humanity is measured by the way we treat our humankind and animal friends… XO Freehand YAY!!!!

  34. Avatar Of Michael P

    Michael P

    Jan 25, 2013 at 11:15 pm

    Free Hand
    get me some for my pooches!!

  35. Avatar Of Mitch B

    mitch b

    Jan 25, 2013 at 10:43 pm

    My dog loves FREEHAND! and I love being able to help other animals at the same time.

  36. Avatar Of Amy

    Amy

    Jan 25, 2013 at 9:05 pm

    FreeHand all the way!

  37. Avatar Of Janet Lacey

    Janet Lacey

    Jan 25, 2013 at 9:02 pm

    Free Hand, hands down. I have to buy it online and look forward to the day when I can find it locally. Wash, DC

    • Avatar Of Janet Lacey

      Janet Lacey

      Jan 25, 2013 at 9:10 pm

      *FREEHAND … We like FREEHAND

  38. Avatar Of Shelley

    shelley

    Jan 25, 2013 at 8:55 pm

    Freehand seems to be doing it right. Gotta love a company that does the right thing and there’s nothing better than helping deserving dogs get a chance at finding their forever home. Need more companies like them.

  39. Avatar Of Marilee Joyce

    Marilee Joyce

    Jan 25, 2013 at 5:07 pm

    I don’t have a dog right now but I love that Freehand helps dogs in need!
    Saving dogs’ lives…gets my vote 🙂

  40. Avatar Of Scott

    Scott

    Jan 25, 2013 at 5:02 pm

    FreeHand!

  41. Avatar Of Sheila Murawski

    sheila Murawski

    Jan 25, 2013 at 4:07 pm

    Freehand IS good and it DOES good! I vote for Freehand.

  42. Avatar Of Ratna Nagaraj Bagamane

    Ratna Nagaraj Bagamane

    Jan 25, 2013 at 1:53 pm

    FREEHAND!PAWSDOWN!!! My vote for FreeHand! Great food fantastic mission saves Homeless dogs lives without a doubt. Love this Company and what they stand for! FreeHand all the way!!!

  43. Avatar Of Sam Farzan

    Sam Farzan

    Jan 25, 2013 at 1:22 pm

    FREEHAND IS THE BEST!!! Love this company and what they stand for!

  44. Avatar Of Ronnie Bates

    ronnie bates

    Jan 25, 2013 at 10:31 am

    FREEHAND! Great product supporting a great mission!

  45. Avatar Of Robin

    Robin

    Jan 25, 2013 at 2:05 am

    Freehand is my vote! Great food, amazing mission and impact.

  46. Avatar Of James

    James

    Jan 25, 2013 at 12:55 am

    Freehand all the way! Great product and great mission!

  47. Avatar Of Jim Underwood

    Jim Underwood

    Jan 25, 2013 at 12:13 am

    I love Freehand!!!

  48. Avatar Of Jim Winett

    Jim Winett

    Jan 24, 2013 at 10:59 pm

    Love Free Hand!

  49. Avatar Of Ashok Shankar

    Ashok Shankar

    Jan 24, 2013 at 10:22 pm

    FreeHand of course

  50. Avatar Of Francie Rogers

    Francie Rogers

    Jan 24, 2013 at 9:58 pm

    We Love Freehand at our house!

  51. Avatar Of Rad Holt

    Rad Holt

    Jan 24, 2013 at 9:53 pm

    Freehand bye a doggy mile! Why shouldn’t dogs get some charity too?

  52. Avatar Of Barbara Bishop

    Barbara Bishop

    Jan 24, 2013 at 9:08 pm

    Freehand is the best by far!!

  53. Avatar Of Jon

    Jon

    Jan 24, 2013 at 8:51 pm

    FreeHand for sure!

  54. Avatar Of Lorna

    Lorna

    Jan 24, 2013 at 12:13 pm

    freehand has my vote

  55. Avatar Of Judy

    Judy

    Jan 24, 2013 at 12:00 pm

    FreeHand!

  56. Avatar Of Roshan

    Roshan

    Jan 23, 2013 at 11:46 am

    Along with delivering a quality product, Freehand team is doing a great job indeed by feeding the rescue dogs. Due to the impact of this organic dog food, apart from shifting my petfood from BB to Freehand, I found myself turned into an Animal advocate too. Learn how: lendafreehand.com/join-fhc

  57. Avatar Of Terri

    Terri

    Jan 23, 2013 at 7:45 am

    Merrick is our choice!

    Purely American made……China-free all the way…

    healthy ingredient list….meat, meat, meat!

  58. Avatar Of Michelle

    Michelle

    Jan 18, 2013 at 4:24 pm

    My dog joined the Merrick Revolution 8 weeks ago! I love that it has glucosamine and chondroitin added at the appropriate levels. My dog has not limped once since we started feeding him Merrick food. It was also rated #2 with 127 out of 100 points on the dog food rating chart:

    members.petfinder.com/~CA469/files/DogFoodRatings.pdf

    Not only is it made in the USA but everything that is added comes from the USA! They use no grain fillers or ingredients from China!

    And my dog LOVES Merrick 🙂

  59. Avatar Of Bob H

    Bob H

    Jan 17, 2013 at 11:12 am

    My dog loves Merrick! We have been feeding him this food since we rescued him. Great quality food & always fresh.

  60. Avatar Of Baxterlicious

    Baxterlicious

    Jan 16, 2013 at 11:16 pm

    MERRICK! MERRICK! MERRICK!
    My dogs have never looked so good!
    It is important to me that I know Merrick makes their OWN food. They OWN the facilities that make the food! Safey & Quality bar none!

    The other thing important to me- is that Merrick is CHINA FREE! That’s right- not only do they make their own food, but never use any ingredients from China!
    ***Note your pet food labels friends- just because something says it is MADE in the USA does NOT mean that the company itself makes the food (many use co-packers) and more importantly- that the ingredients are SOURCED in the U.S!
    Merrick makes their own food.
    Merrick is China Free.
    Buy it– Try it- you’ll be so happy you did!

  61. Avatar Of Stephanie Freedman

    Stephanie Freedman

    Jan 16, 2013 at 7:43 pm

    FreeHand!My pup loves it AND it helps dogs in need!!

  62. Avatar Of Bilbo Baggins

    Bilbo Baggins

    Jan 16, 2013 at 10:28 am

    Do your research people!
    Natural Balance doesn’t even make their own food.
    Neither does Blue Buffalo.
    Taste of the Wild is just going after price and doesn’t even list features and benefits.
    Orijen is made is Canada and they are about to have another big price increase & bag size reduction – at the same time.
    Natura is made by Procter & Gamble – google them.

    Merrick is the only clear choice!
    Meat, 1st,2nd and 3rd on the ingredient panel.
    Certified organic kitchens, certified china free.
    Made and sourced in the USA.
    More meat, more omega 3 & 6 for skin and coat, more glucosamine and chondroitin for joints.
    The new Merrick products are the it brand for those that want to feed their dog “the best”

    • Avatar Of Luvabull

      Luvabull

      Jan 21, 2013 at 4:20 pm

      I agree with most of your comments, although Orijen is a top notch food, locally sourced and more meat than a great percentage of “ultra-premium” foods, so I must say you’ve missed the point of feeding it.

      Taste of the Wild is questionable due to their formulas varying greatly and having only one (in my opinion) acceptable variety. Natura was BOUGHT RECENTLY and has supposedly kept everything the same. I was/am worried about this and do not feed EVO as much anymore but have yet to find any conclusive evidence that things have changed much.

      Merrick discontinued their Before Grain line which was arguably the only worthwhile products made by the company. They have replaced it with these “grain-free” foods which are acceptable except that they are still have some questionable ingredients and the meat meals are still highly contested as the company still owns a giant rendering plant (which is highly questionable in its own right) and has had some incidents with their food. The rest of their foods are also filled with filler and none of them justify the high price.

      Performatrin Ultra is a reasonably priced food with great meat content and overall ingredients. Great life is another that I unfortunately have not tried yet but have heard good things and it contains real meat with freeze dried meat ingredients and a wide variety of fruits and vegetables as well as enzymes, chelated minerals and probiotics.

      • Avatar Of Luvabull

        Luvabull

        Jan 21, 2013 at 4:24 pm

        Forgot to mention Nature’s Variety Instinct Boost. Not a fan of their Prairie line (grain heavy as many companies are with their grain inclusive brands) but everything “Instinct” is phenomenal and they are free from Chinese ingredients (except the Rabbit I believe which is not highly farmed anywhere else.) They also have a great rotational program and raw frozen food, freeze dried foods and supplemental powders which all work well together.

  63. Avatar Of Monica Blair

    monica blair

    Jan 15, 2013 at 11:21 pm

    merrick is the best!

  64. Avatar Of Caleb

    Caleb

    Jan 15, 2013 at 11:17 pm

    Of all the foods I’ve tried, this is the best I found. Major improvement in skin and coat and the stool is a lot healthier.

  65. Avatar Of Sabrina

    Sabrina

    Jan 15, 2013 at 6:17 pm

    Freehand

  66. Avatar Of Natalie

    Natalie

    Jan 15, 2013 at 6:08 pm

    Freehand

  67. Avatar Of Sunny

    Sunny

    Jan 15, 2013 at 5:01 pm

    Freehand

  68. Avatar Of Christina

    Christina

    Jan 15, 2013 at 4:46 pm

    Lucky Puppy Rescue and Retail gets my vote!

  69. Avatar Of Dallas Dunaway

    dallas dunaway

    Jan 15, 2013 at 4:14 pm

    freehand!

  70. Avatar Of Brenvs

    BrenVS

    Jan 15, 2013 at 10:52 am

    Count my vote for Freehand!

  71. Avatar Of David N

    David N

    Jan 13, 2013 at 10:52 am

    great nutrtion great food great cause!

  72. Avatar Of Chris

    Chris

    Jan 12, 2013 at 1:51 pm

    Freehand!!!!

  73. Avatar Of Mary Oconnor

    Mary OConnor

    Jan 11, 2013 at 11:40 pm

    FreeHand is my girl’s favorite food!! Shamrock will be a customer for life…..and she loves it that it helps out her friends who need a little support before they find their forever homes.

  74. Avatar Of Chris Watts

    Chris Watts

    Jan 11, 2013 at 11:32 pm

    We have been feeding our pups FreeHand since it was avalible to us. Our pups are happy, healthy and look incredible (we have three hairless dogs and diet impacts there skin tremendously). No skin issues, no transition issues and they love it. We love it because we know we’re doing a small part in our community when we buy a bag. When we buy, a bag of food is donated to a local rescue or shelter and that is a double impact. Love, love, love them

  75. Avatar Of Michael M

    Michael M

    Jan 11, 2013 at 8:35 pm

    Put me down for Freehand. My Vizsla loves their food. lendafreehand.com

  76. Avatar Of Alex

    Alex

    Jan 11, 2013 at 8:10 pm

    Freehand!

  77. Avatar Of Tara

    Tara

    Jan 11, 2013 at 8:10 pm

    My dog is in love w/ Lend a Free Hand and I like it too b/c it’s a great company w/ a social mission. Lend A Free Hand is the only dry dog food that my girl will eat – in fact, she begs for it!

    GO LEND A FREE HAND!

  78. Avatar Of Muki

    Muki

    Jan 11, 2013 at 8:06 pm

    FreeHand <3 <3 <3

  79. Avatar Of Kenny

    Kenny

    Jan 11, 2013 at 8:02 pm

    Freehand – my Irish Setter loves it and it is very nutritious. The company also provides free food to shelters and rescues.

  80. Avatar Of Mauro

    Mauro

    Jan 11, 2013 at 7:55 pm

    FreeHand Rules! What’s unique about them is not only the quality of your food, but their business model: lendafreehand.com/roots That’s how they manage to craft the best food and donate an equal amount to do dog shelters. I definitely vote for them.

  81. Avatar Of Rick

    rick

    Jan 11, 2013 at 7:54 pm

    Freehand! My dog loves the stuff, and I love the donation idea

  82. Avatar Of Jordan B

    Jordan B

    Jan 11, 2013 at 7:52 pm

    Gotta go with Free Hand! It was the first premium dog food we tried after a scare with Kirkland’s products and haven’t regretted the price tag once.

    Even better, they practice what they pooch. I mean preach. Not just about profit, I love seeing their updates on the dogs that are helped by their efforts.

    Go Lend a Free Hand!

  83. Avatar Of Zack

    Zack

    Jan 11, 2013 at 7:50 pm

    FreeHand!

  84. Avatar Of Joel Gross

    Joel Gross

    Jan 11, 2013 at 7:49 pm

    I love Lend a Free Hand dog food for my dog Frida! I bought the subscription package off of lendafreehand.com and receive regular dog food orders every 6 weeks. Not only is the food great and healthy for Frida, but each bag we buy gets another bag sent to a rescue. Good karma blast!

  85. Avatar Of Chris

    Chris

    Jan 11, 2013 at 7:48 pm

    FreeHand all the way! Their dog food is nutritious, and all of their sales go to a great cause.

  86. Avatar Of Hugo

    Hugo

    Jan 11, 2013 at 7:45 pm

    FREEHAND should definitely win this!

  87. Avatar Of Ian Bell

    Ian Bell

    Jan 11, 2013 at 7:41 pm

    FreeHand all the way!

  88. Avatar Of Linda

    Linda

    Jan 10, 2013 at 9:19 pm

    Freehand provides a great nutritional food and the best part is they save dogs lives by giving back pound for pound.
    Shelters everywhere are recipients of Freehands generosity!

  89. Avatar Of Fran

    Fran

    Jan 10, 2013 at 7:07 pm

    my dog LOVES freehand! and he’s pretty picky. his coat is shiny and soft.
    freehand – hands down!

  90. Avatar Of Susan

    Susan

    Jan 10, 2013 at 5:28 pm

    FREEHAND!!!

  91. Avatar Of Catherine C

    Catherine C

    Jan 10, 2013 at 5:04 pm

    Bells loves FREEHAND!!!

  92. Avatar Of Julien

    Julien

    Jan 10, 2013 at 5:01 pm

    FreeHand for sure! I love it and my pup loves it even more! It’s perfect for her and her coat looks so healthy. Not only that, I feel even better buying their product since they donate a bag to a shelter each time I get one!

    • Avatar Of Acapellagold.com

      acapellagold.com

      Jul 2, 2014 at 8:29 am

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  93. Avatar Of Nora

    Nora

    Jan 10, 2013 at 4:33 pm

    FreeHand, no question! They donate a bag to a shelter when you buy one!

  94. Avatar Of Teddy

    Teddy

    Jan 10, 2013 at 12:53 pm

    FREEHAND – my 12 year old lab loves the Engage Formula, it’s perfect for larger and older dogs. She’s healthy and happy on the new formula!

  95. Avatar Of Lucy Vlahakis

    Lucy Vlahakis

    Jan 10, 2013 at 12:27 pm

    Freehand! It has noticeably boosted my lazy dog’s energy level and its mission makes me feel extra-good about buying it. What animal lover doesn’t want to help shelter dogs? If there’s any downside, it’s that since making the switch, my dog is too excited about breakfast to let me sleep in.

  96. Avatar Of Kim Eun Mi Young

    Kim Eun Mi Young

    Jan 10, 2013 at 12:07 pm

    Merrick is one of the best foods around, locally produced in Texas with only locally-grown foods!

  97. Avatar Of Jeb Schary

    Jeb Schary

    Jan 10, 2013 at 12:04 pm

    Hank is nine, healthy and happy. He loves his FreeHand food. What else can I say?

  98. Avatar Of Natasha Miller

    natasha miller

    Jan 10, 2013 at 2:30 am

    merrick grain free is the best!

  99. Avatar Of Cameron

    Cameron

    Jan 10, 2013 at 12:01 am

    Merrick of years…great food.

  100. Avatar Of Gss

    GSS

    Jan 9, 2013 at 11:00 pm

    Merrick Grain Free!!!! Teddy and Winnie love Grain Free Buffalo!

  101. Avatar Of Kevin

    Kevin

    Jan 9, 2013 at 10:34 pm

    Merrick! Of course! No biased reviews, we have tried a lot of USA made brands. Our dogs only love MERRICK grain free, and we could see the health conditions became much better on Merrick!

  102. Avatar Of Angie

    angie

    Jan 9, 2013 at 7:39 pm

    I feed California Natural Grain Free Venison. My dogs LOVE IT, a little goes a long way, and their stools are perfection. I have tried many out there and California Natural Grain Free is ABSOLUTELY THE BEST!!!!

  103. Avatar Of Melissa Murray

    melissa murray

    Jan 9, 2013 at 7:25 pm

    Before Grain. I have 4 English bulldogs
    who eat the Before Grain and they are
    all 100% healthy and no skin problems.
    I do believe grain free is best for all dogs

  104. Avatar Of Charles

    Charles

    Jan 9, 2013 at 5:28 pm

    Free Hand is the best

  105. Avatar Of Rebecca

    Rebecca

    Jan 9, 2013 at 4:48 pm

    We are Merrick eaters here! Three cats and two dogs!

  106. Avatar Of Dan

    Dan

    Jan 9, 2013 at 4:37 pm

    Merrick Grain Free all the way!!!

  107. Avatar Of Sandra

    Sandra

    Jan 9, 2013 at 4:00 pm

    FreeHand!!! My dog loves FreeHand and we get to give back to rescue dogs too! Go FreeHand!!

  108. Avatar Of Graham A.

    Graham A.

    Jan 9, 2013 at 3:53 pm

    My vote is for FreeHand. Great stuff and doing good for the community.

  109. Avatar Of Joyce Garrett

    joyce garrett

    Jan 9, 2013 at 3:48 pm

    I feed fromm

  110. Avatar Of D K

    D K

    Jan 9, 2013 at 3:43 pm

    Merrick Grain Free – No question about it!

  111. Avatar Of Sharon

    Sharon

    Jan 9, 2013 at 3:38 pm

    I switched to FreeHand on a whim and have been more than pleased with this dog food. My dogs absolutely love it! It is a great food and we love giving back to help other dogs. Thanks, FreeHand. High-Paw to you!

  112. Avatar Of Kc

    KC

    Jan 9, 2013 at 2:58 pm

    FreeHand takes the “kibble”!! Excellent food, amazing mission.

  113. Avatar Of Dcla

    DCLA

    Jan 9, 2013 at 2:28 pm

    FreeHand! Paws down!
    The dogs love it. And the whole pound for pound feeding local dogs? No brainer. Food is food. Saving dogs lives? That’s way cool.

  114. Avatar Of Marta

    Marta

    Jan 9, 2013 at 2:27 pm

    FREEHAND!

  115. Avatar Of Maxie

    Maxie

    Jan 9, 2013 at 2:27 pm

    FREEHAND FREEHAND FREEHAND! Totally transformed my dog’s energy, fur coat, and maintains his weight beautifully. He’s like a puppy all over again, I couldn’t love this dog-food anymore, sometimes I think I should eat it too!

  116. Avatar Of Dcla

    DCLA

    Jan 9, 2013 at 2:25 pm

    FreeHand paws down! The dogs absolutely love it.

  117. Avatar Of Amye

    Amye

    Jan 9, 2013 at 2:02 pm

    Couldn’t believe it – FREEHAND – made your list.
    Pure awesomeness! FreeHand totally gets my vote! All three of my dogs are on it and LOVE it…. and have never looked better. Glad to know we do good with our purchase.

  118. Avatar Of Jacquie Mclean-Jones

    Jacquie McLean-Jones

    Jan 9, 2013 at 1:51 pm

    FreeHand for the food quality and the mission to save dogs lives!

  119. Avatar Of Kim Fink

    Kim Fink

    Jan 9, 2013 at 1:43 pm

    Merrick without a doubt! the only thing my dog will touch!

  120. Avatar Of Tony Hunt

    Tony Hunt

    Jan 9, 2013 at 1:43 pm

    Without a doubt, FreeHand! Great food; great cause that saves homeless dogs lives!!

  121. Avatar Of Sandra Loden

    Sandra Loden

    Jan 9, 2013 at 1:40 pm

    Hands down, FreeHand!

  122. Avatar Of Nick

    Nick

    Jan 9, 2013 at 1:36 pm

    FreeHand hands down! Great food, fantastic mission….and my dog loves it.

  123. Avatar Of Jennifer

    Jennifer

    Jan 9, 2013 at 1:35 pm

    FreeHand!

  124. Avatar Of Natalie B

    Natalie B

    Jan 9, 2013 at 1:30 pm

    Merrick Grain-Free.

    My dog is not a good eater and he happily eats his food now. He would often vomit before we switched him to the Merrick.

  125. Avatar Of Scott Icard

    Scott Icard

    Jan 9, 2013 at 1:15 pm

    Blackwood 1000 (on-line). Have used it for years with our Corgis.

  126. Avatar Of C Reese

    C Reese

    Jan 9, 2013 at 1:14 pm

    Merrick Grain Free!

  127. Avatar Of Julie

    Julie

    Jan 9, 2013 at 12:59 pm

    California Natural! We tried everything under the sun for my Great Dane and he was allergic to every protein that we used until we found their kangaroo and red lentils formula! Thanks California Natural!!!!!

  128. Avatar Of Val

    Val

    Jan 9, 2013 at 12:37 pm

    I vote for Merrick Grain Free!!!

  129. Avatar Of Dana

    Dana

    Jan 9, 2013 at 12:23 pm

    All 5 of my dogs eat Merrick Grain Free Buffalo and Sweet Potato and they do so well on it! I’ve tried so many different high quality brands and Merrick has been by far the best one I have fed. First 4 ingredients are meat which I love!! My dogs eat the tiniest amount and poop so much less then on any other food they have tried.

  130. Avatar Of Lori

    Lori

    Jan 9, 2013 at 12:21 pm

    Merrick!

  131. Avatar Of Sally

    Sally

    Jan 9, 2013 at 12:17 pm

    Merrick Grain Free!

  132. Avatar Of Kevin

    Kevin

    Jan 9, 2013 at 11:58 am

    Of course it’s Merrick!
    We have a bunch of maltipoo whom were so fussy with dried kibbles until Merrick was introduced in our area Singapore! Now we recommend Merrick to friends who have fussy n picky pet dogs! And we are sure your dogs in USA should love merrick!

  133. Avatar Of Chaney Dixon

    Chaney Dixon

    Jan 9, 2013 at 11:48 am

    Merrick! 10 year old Silky Terrier had lost a lot of her hair and had severe itching issues when I adopted her. Since going on Merrick about 2 months ago her coat has improved and her “behavioral issues” (scratching, chewing on her feet, smelling bad), as her previous owner called them, have gone away because she doesn’t itch anymore!

  134. Avatar Of Gerene Keesler

    Gerene Keesler

    Jan 9, 2013 at 11:46 am

    My 12 yr old mini poodle lives for Merrick. Duck and Sweet potato grain free. LOVES it.

  135. Avatar Of Gerene Keesler

    Gerene Keesler

    Jan 9, 2013 at 11:44 am

    Merrick Duck and Sweet Potato Grain Free. My 12 yr old mini poodle will only touch Merrick.

  136. Avatar Of Erin

    Erin

    Jan 9, 2013 at 11:39 am

    Merrick, merrick, merrick!!!! I feed my two dogs and my two cats merrick and I will never switch since I found this food. My one cat had shinier hair and the grain free food had fixed her itchy skin and my dogs enjoy their meal time now. My dogs also love the merrick little treat sausages! I recommend this food to anyone with a dog or a cat. And it is all made in the USA! AWESOME!!!

  137. Avatar Of Chuck Roach

    Chuck Roach

    Jan 9, 2013 at 11:33 am

    Merrick’s! dry the best by far. Also, the best wet food available.

  138. Avatar Of Terry L.

    Terry L.

    Jan 9, 2013 at 11:26 am

    I feed a combo of Orijens and Natural Balance L.I.D. to my dog. Usually do Natural Balance chicken and sweet potato. Any orijens flavor does the trick. I did try Acana, which is made by the same people as Orijens because the warehouse burned down so there are limited amounts of the food until the company gets back on its feet. Had good luck with Acana too.

    • Avatar Of Tina P.

      Tina P.

      Jan 11, 2013 at 10:21 am

      We feed our three dogs Acana Bison and Fish. One dog has allergies and all do best on grain free top quality food. We love Acana and so do our dogs. I also supplement with Pet-Aloe crumbles. This stuff is amazing for my 13 year old Lab Chow mix. She is running with the younger dogs and going up stairs she couldn’t before due to Arthritic symptoms. Check out Pet-Aloe from Pharm Aloe – So worth it!

  139. Avatar Of Kathryn

    Kathryn

    Jan 9, 2013 at 11:19 am

    The BEST dry fog food is Merrick ‘s. We had to change brands for a short time (not our choice) and our golden hated it. Not to mention he was always hungry. We were finally able to go back to Merrick ‘s and he was totally satisfied the same day. And we are very happy

    • Avatar Of Karen Aycock

      Karen Aycock

      Jan 9, 2013 at 4:12 pm

      I agree…the best dry dog food is Merrick’s…..I did a lot of researching and think the quality of their food is the best/no by-products, etc. Our “Charley” loves it…He is a Pyredor and weighs 91 lbs…Thank you Merrick !

  140. Avatar Of Elizabeth

    Elizabeth

    Jan 9, 2013 at 11:17 am

    Merrick! It is awesome for my bulldogs. I have been looking for the perfect dry food for a long time and I have found it!

  141. Avatar Of Nicole

    Nicole

    Jan 9, 2013 at 11:16 am

    My two dogs love Merrick Grain Free Duck and Sweet Potato and Merrick Grain Free Buffalo and Sweet Potato.

  142. Avatar Of Doug

    Doug

    Jan 9, 2013 at 11:14 am

    Where is Orijen at?

  143. Avatar Of Ajarrell

    AJarrell

    Jan 9, 2013 at 11:10 am

    Merrick! NO grain, NO Chinese ingredients. My dog’s health and appearance his complimented on by my vet. She’s the picture of health! Pretty good, coming from her background as a malnourished shelter stray.

  144. Avatar Of Breanna

    Breanna

    Jan 9, 2013 at 11:10 am

    Of the given choices, California Naturals is my pick. I’ve been to their facility and it is a fantastic brand, coming from a fantastic company.

    However, my overall best dry dog food pick is the EVO brand. (Manufactured by Natura, which also makes California Naturals!)

  145. Avatar Of Dora

    dora

    Jan 9, 2013 at 11:09 am

    Orijen all fish

  146. Avatar Of Rachel

    Rachel

    Jan 9, 2013 at 11:08 am

    My two dogs love Merrick Grain Free Duck and Sweet Potato.

  147. Avatar Of Chris

    Chris

    Jan 9, 2013 at 10:36 am

    Not listed but Natural Balance is a great food that pretty much saved my pups life. It is the only food (sweet potato and fish) that he can tolerate with his persistent HGE.

    But I will vote for Freedhand on this vote. I will see if they have it at my feed store.

  148. Avatar Of Sjsu2

    sjsu2

    Jan 9, 2013 at 10:23 am

    Evo grain free, rotating between Chicken, Beef and Weight Management, (mixed w/California Natural canned food).

  149. Avatar Of Ceacea

    ceacea

    Jan 9, 2013 at 9:59 am

    Anything Earthborn. Holistic. Natural..Grain Free! Changed my 3 dogs , lives. Poop less,eat less,no smelly coat,less smelly breath, lost weight! And sheds less!

  150. Avatar Of Ceacea

    ceacea

    Jan 9, 2013 at 9:58 am

    Anything Earthbound. Holistic. Natural..Grain Free! Changed my 3 dogs , lives. Poop less,eat less,no smelly coat,less smelly breath, lost weight! And sheds less!

  151. Avatar Of By The Sea Dog Training

    by the sea dog training

    Jan 9, 2013 at 9:42 am

    you didn’t list either of the two I feed..

    Taste of the wild AND natural balance both excellent dog foods!!!
    that should have been included.. there are LOTS of easy to find brands that are very good for dogs!!!

    • Avatar Of 2Woofsandamew

      2woofsandamew

      Jan 9, 2013 at 9:45 am

      I feed the dogs natural balance, too. They love it!!

    • Avatar Of Mary Lee

      Mary Lee

      Jan 21, 2013 at 7:03 pm

      Big fan of Taste of the Wild! One of my dogs was having chronic diarrhea from colitis a couple years ago, and we tried everything (and gave her system time to adjust for each food). Blue Buffalo, Natural Balance, EVO… Taste of the Wild was the only one that worked.

  152. Avatar Of Becky

    Becky

    Jan 9, 2013 at 9:29 am

    Orijen red meat. Tried alot of other foods but our crew seems to do best on this. It’s a little pricey but so worth it.

  153. Avatar Of Suzarne

    Suzarne

    Jan 9, 2013 at 9:17 am

    Earthborn Holistic Primitive Petfood. The best food in the world. Since changing to this food we have never looked back. 🙂

  154. Avatar Of Suzarne

    Suzarne

    Jan 9, 2013 at 9:15 am

    The best food in the world. Since change our boy to this food we have never looked back.

  155. Avatar Of Lisa Jones

    lisa jones

    Jan 9, 2013 at 8:58 am

    currently feeding merrick grain free chicken and sweet potato but i have never heard of freehand. will definitely be looking into it further.

  156. Avatar Of Sherrie

    Sherrie

    Jan 9, 2013 at 8:57 am

    What about Blue Buffalo, that’s what my dogs get. Is it good for them? Does anyone else feed their dogs Blue Buffalo?

    • Avatar Of By The Sea Dog Training

      by the sea dog training

      Jan 9, 2013 at 9:41 am

      YES blue buffalo is AWESOME food!!!

    • Avatar Of Jan

      jan

      Jan 9, 2013 at 3:11 pm

      Blue Buffalo is great. My eight year old Dobie eats the fish and sweet potato and no one can believe he’s that old.

      • Avatar Of Beth

        Beth

        Jan 9, 2013 at 10:37 pm

        Blue Buffalo – my 1o yr old Boston Terrier was liking her white socks so much they were turning brown. I switched her to fish ans sweet potato Blue Buffalo – her allergies cleared up, her paws turned white again and she lived 5 more years. My new BT eats Blue Buffalo, too.

    • Avatar Of Susan

      Susan

      Jan 11, 2013 at 12:55 pm

      My vet says it’s the best for the price. Sure you can get something slightly more nutritious for $80 per bag. I swear by it for my dog and also my cat — they both LOVE it!

  157. Avatar Of Samuel

    Samuel

    Jan 9, 2013 at 4:46 am

    FreeHand, not even close. A brand that’s offering a holistic food and donating pound for pound at a local shelter level get’s my vote! The food they donate is better than most the food offered at retail level. Seriously, it’s a no brainer! Oh and BTW, my dogs love it! They have more energy now than ever.

    • Avatar Of Olga Varga

      olga Varga

      Jan 24, 2013 at 11:13 pm

      My dog is foodie and enjoys FreeHand.

  158. Avatar Of Justin

    Justin

    Jan 9, 2013 at 4:11 am

    FreeHand, all the way! My dog loves it!

  159. Avatar Of Michael

    Michael

    Jan 9, 2013 at 2:22 am

    FreeHand!!!!

    lendafreehand.com

    • Avatar Of Dushyant

      Dushyant

      Jan 11, 2013 at 8:14 pm

      FreeHand!!!

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