What Is The Best Dry Dog Food?

Picking the right food is crucial for your dog’s health, energy levels, and overall well-being. Whether you're a first-time dog owner or looking to switch to a better food option, understanding what makes dry dog food high quality is the key to making the right decision.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the important factors to consider when choosing dry dog food and explain what sets Forthglade’s dry food apart from the rest. Let’s dive into how to choose the best food for your dog’s needs.

Choosing the best quality dry dog food

When shopping for dry dog food, quality should always come first. But what exactly makes dry dog food "good quality"? The answer lies in the ingredients and the nutritional value the food provides. A high-quality dry dog food will contain the right balance of protein, fat, and fibre, along with vitamins and minerals to support your dog’s overall health. Some important factors to consider include:

• Your dog’s specific dietary requirements, such as age, size, breed, and any allergies or intolerances.
• The source and quality of protein – real protein should be listed as the first ingredient.
• Minimal fillers like corn, soy, and wheat that provide little nutritional value.

At Forthglade, our dry dog food range is specially designed to be hypoallergenic, so it's perfect for dogs with sensitivities or food allergies. We believe in providing natural, wholesome ingredients that are as beneficial for your dog as they are tasty. To discover more, browse our full collection of dry dog food.

Protein Levels

When it comes to dry dog food, protein is an essential building block. Protein provides the energy your dog needs to stay active and supports muscle development and overall health. But not all proteins are created equal.
In high-quality dog food, protein should come from whole proteins sources (such as chicken, lamb, or salmon) rather than meat by-products or meat meals. The protein content is often listed as "crude protein" on the label. While this number varies depending on your dog’s size and age, aim for food with a protein content of around 20% to 30% for adult dogs. At Forthglade, we use a variety of high-quality proteins like chicken, turkey, and lamb, ensuring that your dog gets the nutrients they need without unnecessary fillers.

Look at the first 5 ingredients

The first five ingredients on the packaging can tell you a lot about the quality of a dog food. Ideally, the first ingredient should always be a fresh source, such as chicken, turkey, or lamb. After that, you should look for healthy carbohydrates like rice, sweet potatoes, or oats, which provide your dog with steady energy.
It’s also important to check for the inclusion of healthy fats such as fish oils or chicken fat, which support skin and coat health. Avoid foods that list fillers, like corn or soy, as these provide little nutritional value and can sometimes cause digestive issues.
For example, our Cold Pressed Dry Food Flavour Variety Bundle (4 x 6kg) is packed with natural proteins and high-quality ingredients that help your dog thrive. 

Watch out for empty fillers

Not all dry dog foods are created equal. Some brands fill their products with cheap fillers, such as corn, soy, and wheat, which add bulk but provide little nutritional value. These ingredients can also cause digestive upset or allergies in some dogs.
At Forthglade, we pride ourselves on offering food free from these unnecessary fillers. Instead, our dry food range is packed with natural ingredients that deliver everything your dog needs to stay happy and healthy.

Look out for added vitamins and minerals

Just like us, dogs need vitamins and minerals to support their immune system, bones, and overall health. Many high-quality dry dog foods contain added vitamins and minerals to ensure your dog gets all the essential nutrients they need to thrive.
Forthglade’s dry food is enriched with added vitamins and minerals, as well as botanicals like seaweed and chicory, which support digestion and overall health.

How dry dog food is made is important

Not all dry dog foods are made the same way. Traditional dry dog food is typically baked at high temperatures, which can destroy some of the essential nutrients. At Forthglade, we use either a cold-pressed method, or we lightly bake our ingredients which helps to preserve the natural goodness. This process ensures that our food retains more of its nutritional value and is easier on your dog’s stomach, promoting good gut health.
You can learn more about our cold-pressed dry food on our dry dog food page

So, what makes a good dry dog food?

In summary, when choosing dry dog food, look for:

• High-quality protein (A protein should be the first ingredient)
• Healthy fats like fish oils or chicken fat
• A short list of natural ingredients with minimal fillers
• Added vitamins, minerals, and botanicals for extra health benefits
• A production method that preserves nutrients, like cold pressing or lightly baking.
  

Our best dry dog foods

If you’re looking for the best dry dog food for your furry friend, Forthglade is the way to go. Our dry food range is designed to support your dog’s health, with high-quality ingredients and either a cold-press or lightly baked production process that ensures optimal nutrition.

Here are a couple of our best-sellers:

• Cold Pressed Chicken Dry Dog Food: Packed with protein-rich chicken and natural veggies, this food is perfect for dogs who need a high-protein, hypoallergenic option.
• Lightly Baked Lamb Dry Dog Food: A delicious alternative with high single source lamb protein. for dogs who need a nutritious, easily digestible meal.
  

Ready to find the perfect food for your dog? Explore our full range of dry dog food and give your dog the nutrition they deserve.