Discover the Finest Selection of Best Dry Dog Food for Optimal Canine Nutrition
- Key Ingredients: Chicken, rice, vegetables, vitamins and minerals
- Texture:Dry
- Life Stage:Adult
- Type:Complete
- Suitable For:Large Breeds
Introducing Arden Grange, the most powerful, effective, and comprehensive dry dog food on the market.
Its not just a meal its the perfect blend of nutrients ensuring total care for your dog, covering everything from joint health to dental care, weight management to digestive health, and muscle development to energy supply, all in one package.
Arden Granges popularity doesnt come unearned it simply delivers the best results.
It uniquely combines an optimal mix of glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM, creating the most robust formula to sustain the strongest joint health. Larger breed dogs particularly benefit, giving them the support they need for their larger frames.
But thats not all. It also promotes the best dental health your dog can have. Thanks to the larger kibble size, your dog will chew more thoroughly, effectively scraping off plaque and tartar for the ultimate dental hygiene.
Arden Grange is your dogs gym and personal trainer. Infused with L-carnitine, its perfect for active dogs to manage weight and develop lean muscle mass, ensuring the healthiest physique and peak athletic performance.
Were also discussing the highest-quality protein source, which is found in Arden Grange. With an impressive 25% chicken protein, Arden Grange provides essential amino acids that are vital for optimal muscle development and maintenance.
In terms of energy supply, nothing beats Arden Grange. With 25% rice offering one of the most complex carbohydrates, it guarantees sustained energy for your large dogs throughout the day, just like a dedicated power station.
Arden Grange also ensures your dog achieves the healthiest digestion. It features beet pulp and prebiotics that work wonders on your dogs digestive system, keeping its gut flora in the best possible condition.
Above all, Arden Grange stands as the safest, most natural ingredients and hypoallergenic option. Free from artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives, its also the top pick for dogs with food intolerances and allergies to common ingredients.
While Arden Grange is a phenomenal product, its only fair to mention some downsides. First, theres the smell it can pack a punch. Some dog owners found the aroma a bit too potent for their preference.
But hey, lets not forget who were really feeding here your dogs! If your fur buddy is anything like mine, theyll be drawn to that strong smell, gobbling it up more enthusiastically than ever.
The other thing is theres no subscription plan available. Its a minor hitch in the otherwise perfect ride, but if youre someone who loves the convenience of automatic reorders, this could be a slight drawback.
Using Arden Grange for a few days, youll see its EXCEEDINGLY EFFECTIVE. The improvements are evident, and the fact that it caters to all of your dogs nutritional needs in one go makes you want to stick with it.
And trust us; your dog will love it too. Arden Grange its not just dry dog food. Its a complete health package!
Sample Buyer Review
Shirley Bowley
The 7 Best Dry Dog Foods Australia: Tested 7 Evaluated 2024
The 7 Best Dry Dog Foods Australia: Tested 7 Evaluated 2024
Written By Sharon Elber| Professional Dog Trainer,B.A Mathematics, M.A Science & Technology.Edited & Fact Checked ByRenae Soppe| Double B.A Journalism & Science.Last Updated: 20th January 2024
Dry dog food can be an excellent choice to provide complete nutrition for your best friend. However, with so many options on the market, how are you meant to choose the best overall dog foodfor your Australian dogs?
We have done the research, so you dont have to. In fact, we teamed up with canine nutritionists, veterinarians, and doggy parents to create a stellar super group of dry dog food kibble testers. After months of research alongside our faithful companions, we were able to agree upon this list of the best of the best. Read on to learn which Australian dry dog food is best for your furry friend and which types made our list.
Related:How To Choose The Right Dog Food.Related:What is AAFCO? The Association of American Feed Control Officials.Related:What Is the Pet Food Industry Association of Australia (PFIAA)?Related:AAFCO vs PFIAA: Dog Food Standards Comparison Australia.Related:Understanding Guaranteed Analysis Levels in Dog Food.
Our Number 1 Pick -PETZYO DRY DOG FOOD
- Ethically sourced Kangaroo, Chicken or Salmon, sweet potato & superfood extras
- Iron-rich & low fat proteins
- Three Omega 3 and 6 rich oils with a well balanced 11% fat content
- Made in Australia
Runner Up -Eureka Wild Boar & Chicken
- Gently air dried to preserve the nutrients
- Extremely protein-rich formula
- No useless fillers
- Made in Australia
Third Choice -Stockman & Paddock Working Dog
- The first ingredient is domestically sourced Australian beef
- High protein level
- Whole grains to provide long lasting energy
- Reasonably priced per serving
- Whole food ingredients
Australia's Best Dry Dog Food Reviewed
Time to move on to our complete review of the best kibble for dogs. Below you will find our expert's top picks in several important categories. It took us several months and hundreds of dry food varieties to dish out, but we're thrilled with how our list turned out!
With it, you can make sure your furry mate gets all the nutrition they need from a complete dry food formula.
What sets this product apart from the rest?
- Ethically sourced protein & iron rich Kangaroo, Chicken or Salmon, sweet potato & superfoods
- Three Omega 3 and 6 rich oils with a well balanced 11% fat content
- Superfoods such as blueberries & turmeric
- Australian owned with hundreds of 5 star reviews
- Omega's 3 & 6 essential fatty acids
- Great price & free fast shipping!
Nutritional Analysis (Dried beef formula) |
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Petzyo - 5 Star Rating
- Ingredients: Sustainable Kangaroo, Sweet Potato, Peas, Lentils, Carrots, Broccolli & Broccoli Stem, Tomato, Spinach, Kelp, Blueberries, Rosemary, Parsley, Basil, Oregano, Turmeric, Chicken Oil, Flaxseed Oil, Fish Oil, Vitamin and Minerals (Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B11, B12, D, E, K, Taurine, Niacin, Folic Acid, Biotin, Choline, Pantonthenic Acid, Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Selenium, Iodine and Cobalt).
- Named Protein First: Yes.
- Dog Food Type: Grain Inclusive.
- Recipe Range: Kangaroo, Sweet Potato & Superfood Extras or Salmon, Ocean Fish & Green Lipped Muscles or Chicken, Turkey & Superfood Extras or Petzyo Raw Food Range.
- Suitable For: Petzyo's recipe range can be suitable for puppy, adult and senior dogs depending on the recipe.
- Cost: $$$
- Australian Owned: Yes.
Gentle Dog Trainers Expert Reviewer
"Petzyo is, in my opinion, the best dry dog food available to Australian dogs. The combination of quality ingredients, nutrient profile and affordable price, make it a standout in this saturated dog food market."
When it comes to the best dry dog food made in Australia it was an easy choice, we really have to give it to Petzyo.
They take quality to the limits, offering kibble that starts with top notch ingredients that have long-term canine health in mind. Unlike other options on this list, they do not have formulas catering to specific dog age groups. This should be fine for you unless you have a puppy, a senior dog, or your vet specifies.
Their Australian made and owned dry dog food formula start with responsible sourcing, using Australia's own ethically sourced Kangaroo, Chicken or Salmon that's loaded with protein and iron. They include superfoods such as turmeric and blueberries, balanced omega 3's and six rich oils that help provide a well balanced 11% fat content.
The PETZYO DRY DOG FOOD being tested by our independent expert team.
Related:Petzyo Dog Food Review
In addition to extremely high-quality protein as the top ingredient in all of their recipes, our experts note that Petzyo's formula contains no grains or other cheap fillers. I also love how you wont find any meat by-products or artificial preservatives, but you can say that about the other options on this list, too.
When it is all said and done, Petzyo's dry dog food is also great value, offering a better price per kilo that the other major dog food brands.
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- Over 90% meat, bone, and organs
- Ethically and sustainably sourced
- Suitable for all life stages
- Green lipped mussels and turmeric for joint health
- Contains probiotics and natural antioxidants
Nutritional Analysis (Wild boar and chicken formula) |
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Eureka Dog Food - 4.5 Star Rating
- Ingredients: Wild boar, wild boar offal, wild boar liver, free range chicken, free range chicken offal, salmon oil, free range eggs, broccoli, flaxseed, chia seeds, blueberry, kelp, chicory root, green lipped mussel, tumeric, apple fibre, sea salt.
- Named Protein First:Yes
- Dog Food Type: Air dried dog food
- Recipe Range: Wild Boar & Chicken, Wild Venison & Lamb, Wild Kangaroo & Lamb
- Suitable For: All life stages
- Cost: $$
- Australian Owned: Yes
This recipe by Eureka is meant to mimic the diet your dog would have living in the wild. Its packed with protein and low in carbs, just like a true ancestral diet.
This particular recipe contains ethically-harvested wild boar and free-range chicken, both sustainably sourced in Australia. The difference in diet between these animals and their grain-fed counterparts is quite noticeable, as their meat has less fat but way more nutrients. So rest assured your pooch is eating the best possible protein out there.
Eureka Pet Food being tested by our independent expert team
Another great thing about Eureka is the fact that they strive to make their production process as sustainable and carbon-neutral as possible. They do this by using solar-powered ovens to slowly air dry dog food without affecting the environment.
And thats another thing that makes Eureka special: unlike other kibble on this list, their dog food is gently air dried to preserve as many nutrients as possible. Similar to our number one choice, this kibble is ideal for all life stages.
Related: The Eureka Pet Food Review.
I also noticed that the ingredients list is pretty transparent, which any pet parent appreciates. It specifies what parts of the meat are included in the recipe, so you know exactly what your dog is eating. Aside from protein, there are a bunch of superfoods, including blueberries, broccoli and kelp. All of these ingredients are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are a necessity in every dog's diet.
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- The first ingredient is domestically sourced Australian beef
- High protein level
- Whole grains to provide long lasting energy
- Reasonably priced per serving
- Whole food ingredients
Nutritional Analysis (Working Dog Formula) |
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Stockman & Paddock - 3.5 Star Rating
- Ingredients: Australian beef meal, Australian wheat, Australian wheat meal, Australian hydrolysed chicken protein, Australian beef fat, beet pulp, natural flavour, salt, potassium chloride, flaxseeds, dry chicory root, choline chloride, essential vitamins (A, D, E, B1, B6, niacin, riboflavin, folic acid, B12) and minerals (zinc, copper, manganese, iodine, selenium) and antioxidants.
- Named Protein First:No (but beef meal is OK).
- Dog Food Type: Grain Inclusive & Grain Free.
- Recipe Range: Beef or Beef Grain Free.
- Suitable For: Stockman & Paddock's recipe range can be suitable for adult and senior dogs depending on the recipe.
- Cost: $$
- Australian Owned: Yes.
Our third choice for the best kibble in Australia is the Working Dog recipe by Stockman & Paddock. With 26% protein and real Australian beef as the number one ingredient, our expert panel, which includes vets and nutritionists, highlight that this is a formula fit for active dogs who deserve the very best in nutrition.
One of the areas that make the Stockman and Paddock recipe unique is a focus on whole grains for sustained energy throughout the day. If you prefer a grain-free option for your pooch, they have some of those as well. They also include lots of whole food superfoods to boost the natural nutrition of their kibble and pre-biotics are included to aid digestion.
Related: The Stockman & Paddock Dog Food Review.
Because it doesnt have cheap fillers, you will probably find that your dog needs less of this kibble than you are used to, making it a better value overall than options like our number one and our number five choices.
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- Only human-grade ingredients used
- Named protein first
- Suitable for all breeds and life stages
- Absolutely no preservatives or any kind of additives
Frontier - 4.5 Star Rating
- Ingredients: Free-range grass-fed beef; offal and tripe from the same beef; free-range pasteurised eggs; organic fruit and vegetables; turmeric; almond meal; seaweed meal (ascophyllum nodosum); hemp seed meal; green-lipped mussel
- Named Protein First: Yes.
- Dog Food Type: Freeze-dried, gluten-free
- Recipe Range: Beef, chicken, pork
- Suitable For: All life stages
- Cost: $$
- Australian Owned: Yes.
This feed from Frontier Pets is a great option for anyone who wants their canine companion to have only the best. We can start with the main ingredient first: the beef. As the name suggests, the beef used for this feed is grown free-range, allowed to feed on grass naturally and not fed any antibiotics or artificial growth-promotants. Add to this the fact that it is locally sourced from Australia, and youve got the best possible combination - both ecologically and in terms of the quality of the food your dog will be eating. Besides the beef which is present in large quantities, this recipe includes only wholesome ingredients. No fillers and no artificial preservatives, flavours, or colours are added, something our entire panel of experts and, of couse, their dogs adored. And they are simply not needed, as there is no reason why a dog wouldnt love this mix of beef, free-range eggs, organic fruits and veggies, and selected nutritional boosters like turmeric and almond meal. We also love the fact that they use the freeze-drying method, which doesnt require the use of preservatives like with most other options. At the same time, this feed is smaller in volume, more lightweight, and it doesnt need to be kept in the fridge, making it super easy to store. In connection to this, I also noticed that the recommended portion sizes of this feed are surprisingly small. This is due to the fact that the food is freeze-dried, which means youll need to reconstitute it by adding warm water. This helps offset the higher price, and my dog seemed to love every bite!
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- Limited ingredient for dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies
- Pure and wholesome ingredients
- Novel protein formulas
- Life stage formulas
- Addition of superfood ingredients
Canidae - 3 Star Rating
- Ingredients: Salmon, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas, canola oil, suncured alfalfa, potatoes, natural flavor, minerals (iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite), vitamins (vitamin E supplement, thiamine mononitrate + More
- Named Protein First: Yes.
- Dog Food Type: Grain Free.
- Recipe Range:Salmon & Sweet Potato or Wild Boar & Garbanzo Bean or Chicken, Sweet Potato & Garbanzo Bean or Real Bison, Lentil & Carrot + More.
- Suitable For: Canidae's recipe range can be suitable for puppy, adult and senior dogs depending on the recipe.
- Cost: $$$$
- Australian Owned:No.
Limited ingredient diets are a must for some dogs. For example, dogs with food sensitivities or allergies may be reactive to specific proteins, grains, or other ingredients commonly used in commercial dog feeds.
If your vet has recommended a limited ingredient diet, or if you are doing some experimenting with an elimination trial to try to identify your dogs food allergy, then you may want to consider a limited ingredient kibble.
Although Canidae is made in Texas, it is available online to Australians. This brand uses high-quality ingredients, has high protein levels, and offers a large selection of limited diets including life stage recipes and novel proteins. (See table above for a full list of their recipe range).
Packed with excellent protein sources and carefully selected whole foods with a simple ingredient label packed with easily recognisable whole foods, there just isnt any room to hide fillers or mystery meats, quite like our number four choice.
Our experts also wish to point out that the Canidae Pure line of kibble is also grain-free and offers a great choice for pet owners looking to avoid grains in their feed.
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- Huge selection of grain free formulas to choose from
- Specialty diets for dogs of different sizes and ages
- 32% protein to support even very active dogs
- Uses AAFCO guidelines for labelling
- No artificial flavours or preservatives
Nutritional Analysis (Chicken and Coconut Formula) |
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Ivory Coat - 3.5 Star Rating
- Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Peas, Tapioca, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), ground flaxseed, Tomato Pomace, Coconut Oil, Pea fibre, salmon oil, sweet potatoes, Carrots, kale, broccoli, spinach, parsley, apples, blueberries, vitamins A, B1, B2, B5, B6, B12, D3, E, Beta-Carotene, Niacin, d-Calcium pantothenate, Biotin, Folic Acid, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Manganese, Copper, Natural Prebiotic, Rosemary Extract & Green Tea Extract. This is a naturally preserved product.
- Named Protein First:No (but chicken meal is OK).
- Dog Food Type: Grain Free & Grain Inclusive.
- Recipe Range: Chicken with Coconut Oil or Lamb & Sardine or Lamb & Kangaroo or Turkey & Brown Rice or Ocean Fish + More.
- Suitable For: Ivory Coat's recipe range can be suitable for puppy, adult and senior dogs depending on the recipe.
- Cost: $$$
- Australian Owned: Yes.
Ivory Coat is a relatively new dog food brand that has been developed to meet the needs of an increasingly informed public looking for quality dry dog food. The entire line of Ivory Coat is grain-free and boasts many novel proteins (great for dogs with food allergies) and age and size calibrated diets.
I love how Australian chicken meal, a solid protein source, is the first ingredient. Additional ingredients in this kibble include whole food additions such as blueberries, coconut oil, kale and broccoli. The addition of these superfoods provides excellent nutritional support in terms of micronutrients for my dog. Omega 3 and 6 levels in this formula are also higher than most recipes, offering lots of support for skin and coat, both areas in which my pup can use some extra TLC.
Related: Best Grain Free Dog Food Australia.
Ivory Coat dog food is made up from 32% protein, well above the industry average and is plenty to support strong muscles for even the most active working dogs. While grain-free diets are not required for most dogs, the Ivory Coat line is an excellent choice either way.
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- Three puppy diets to choose from
- Grain free recipes
- No mystery meats or meat by-products
- Large selection of novel proteins to choose from
- No artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives
When it comes to the best puppy food in Australia, we have to go again with Ivory Coat. Just to cover the highlights again, Ivory Coat is an Australian dog food line made with top-notch ingredients, careful addition of whole food ingredients, high levels of Omega 3 & 6, and completely grain-free.
One of the most important decisions about food that a pet owner can make for their puppy is to choose a high-quality dog food.
For owners of large and giant breeds, this decision is especially critical. The wrong diet in the first year of growth can have disastrous consequences in terms of muscle and bone development that can create major mobility issues down the road. Luckily, Ivory coat offers a special dry dog food selection calibrated to the needs of large breed pups.
Our panel of experts expect to see the Ivory Coat line of kibble aimed at puppies to continue to expand in terms of selection. This relatively new brand has become incredibly popular in Australia thanks to their attention to premium ingredients, grain-free recipes, and wide use of high quality novel proteins.
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What To Look For When Choosing Dry Dog Food
In our review of the top kibble for dogs in Australia, our expert panel considered several important factors. Here are the top considerations you should also keep an eye out for:
Nutrition
It is important to understand that the commercial dog food industry in Australia is a largely unregulated. That is why it is very important to learn how to read labels, look for excellent sources of protein as the number one ingredient, and check for a guaranteed nutritional analysis on any dog food you buy.
Our dry dog food comparison includes taking these important nutritional factors into account.
Taste
The best dry food for dogs cant just be nutritious. It also has to be tasty so that your canine companion will enjoy their meals. We included only those kibble dog foods that were highly-rated for taste so that you can rest assured that any of the picks on our list will be a hit with your pooch.
If you are set on feeding your dog canned food however, check out our guide on the best wet dog food for the most nutritious options.
Price
Although the best dry dog food in Australia does cost more than the cheapest options on the shelves, we made sure that our choices were worth the price difference. In our review, you will find a good balance between cost and quality. If you're on a tight budget, check out our guide to the best cheap dog foods in Australia.
Ingredient Sourcing
Another important consideration when choosing a quality dry dog food is to look for the ingredient sourcing. Domestically sourced meats, fish, and oysters from Australia or New Zealand are best.
Too many low-quality dog feeds use meats from other countries, such as China which have been the subject of many dog food recalls and problems with transparent labelling. We take responsible ingredient sourcing seriously when it comes to our top picks, as you will soon see.
Age & Size Considerations
Before you select kibble from our review below, make sure you look for the right formula to meet your dogs size and age range. For example, my young toy breed has different nutritional needs than his giant breed puppy counterparts.Related: How Long Does Dry Dog Food Last?
My Final Verdict
When it comes to getting the best nutrition for your dog, our team of researchers suggest that it may help to first consider their special dietary needs. That is why our review of the best Australian kibble includes picks in a variety of categories.
Our team, along with our delighted doggos, eliminated many options from this list that just didn't quite cut the mustard. We hope this list has helped you find the best option for your dog!
Interested in more dog food options? Check our below guide:
How should I switch to a new dog food?
If you are planning to make a change to your dogs diet, it is important to do so gradually. Experts recommend that you start by switching out of your dogs food per day until you are feeding exclusively new feed.It is not unusual for dogs to experience mild stomach upset such as diarrhea when changing their food. However, if your dog has nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea that is severe or lasts longer than 24 hours, check in with your vet before feeding more of the new food.
How do I know if my dog needs grain free dog food?
Grain free dog food formulas have become quite popular. And, as long as you choose a quality grain free food that has top notch protein sources and a balanced nutritional profile, then there is nothing wrong with feeding grain free.However, it is important to understand that most dogs are able to digest grains just fine. In fact, most dog allergies are actually to specific proteins such as beef or chicken. Thus, paying more for a grain-free formula isnt always the right choice.When in doubt, check with your vet to find out if a grain free feed will be better for your individual dog.
What are some red flags to be aware of with Australian dry dog foods?
One of the issues that makes finding quality dog food in Australia so complicated is that the commercial pet food industry is largely unregulated. This can make it difficult for us to make sure we are getting the best for our pets.There are a few red flags you should be aware of when researching pet food. First, avoid products that feature meat as a main ingredient as this can include any number of animal parts from questionable sources. On the other hand, a named protein, such as beef, is more tightly defined and includes only the muscle and connective tissue which assures higher quality.Second, avoid by-products of any kind if possible. They can include any number of scrap parts and have little regulation in terms of guaranteeing source or final nutritional content. (On the other hand, meals do have to meet specific parameters as long as they are not generically labeled meat meal.)Finally, if you are unable to verify the nutritional analysis with a clear protein, fat, and fiber analysis provided right on the bag of food, then you may want to think twice before purchasing.
