We graded the 50 best-selling dog foods, A–F

How we did this

We selected 50 of the best-selling dry dog foods across major US retailers (Chewy, Amazon, Walmart, Petco and Costco) and the leading manufacturers. For each, we copied the current, published ingredient list verbatim from the manufacturer or a major retailer — the source for every product is linked in the table above, and lists were retrieved in June 2026. We then scored each list with the public WoofScore engine. We did not taste-test, lab-test or accept any payment from a brand; this is purely an ingredient-label analysis, and brands cannot pay to change a grade. Read the full scoring methodology.

What separated the A's from the F's

The best-scoring foods open with one or more named animal proteins and build on whole foods — vegetables, fruit, named fats like chicken fat or salmon oil, and beneficial extras such as omega-3s, glucosamine and probiotics. The lowest-scoring foods share a recognisable pattern: a grain or unnamed meal as the first ingredient, artificial colours (Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 2), the preservatives BHA/BHT, and sometimes added sugar or corn syrup. None of those serve the dog — colours in particular exist only to appeal to the human shopper.

Grade matters less than the trend: an A food isn't automatically right for your dog, and an F food still typically meets AAFCO's complete-and-balanced standard. Use the grade as a starting point, then check the ingredient database for anything you don't recognise, and talk to your vet about your dog's specific needs.

Frequently asked questions

What were the best-rated of the 50 best-selling dog foods?

29 of the 50 best-selling dog foods earned an A for ingredient quality, including Acana Wild Prairie — Grain-Free Regional Formula, American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe — Grain-Free, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula — Adult Chicken & Brown Rice, Canidae All Life Stages — Multi-Protein (Chicken, Turkey, Lamb & Fish Meals), Diamond Naturals All Life Stages — Chicken & Rice Formula, Diamond Naturals Adult — Beef Meal & Rice Formula. An A reflects a named animal protein leading the recipe, whole-food inclusions, and no artificial colours, sweeteners or controversial preservatives.

Which popular dog foods scored an F?

6 foods scored an F: Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition — Medium Adult, Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition — Small Adult, Pedigree High Protein — Adult, Beef & Lamb Flavor, Purina Dog Chow Complete Adult — with Real Chicken, Kibbles 'n Bits Original — Savory Beef & Chicken Flavors, Pedigree Complete Nutrition — Roasted Chicken & Vegetable Flavor. These are typically led by corn or unnamed 'meat and bone meal' rather than a named protein, and several add artificial dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5/6, Blue 2), BHA/BHT preservatives, or added sugar.

How were these dog foods graded?

Each product's full, published ingredient list was run through the same WoofScore engine used by our free checker. The grade is an ingredient-quality score from 0–100 (A–F) that rewards named proteins, whole foods and beneficial supplements, and penalises vague by-products, cheap fillers, artificial colours, added sugar and controversial preservatives. Ingredients near the top of the list count for more.

Does a low grade mean the food is unsafe or will harm my dog?

No. A low WoofScore signals lower-quality or more controversial ingredients, not that a food is unsafe. Most of these products meet AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition, and many dogs do fine on them. The grade is informational only — always consult your veterinarian about your dog's diet.

Sources

Each product's ingredient list was taken from the source linked beside it in the table (manufacturer sites and major retailers), retrieved June 2026. Scoring criteria are built on AAFCO ingredient definitions and FDA pet-food guidance. Full method: methodology.