The Most Expensive Dog Foods on the Market

Dogs need food just like people do, and dog food prices vary greatly. It’s important to ensure you don’t buy cheap dog food with bad ingredients, but knowing what kind of food is best for your pet can be challenging.

Even though we have budgets, we want to provide the best for our pets. However, are these pricey pet foods worthwhile? Which are the finest among the finest?

Let’s examine some of the market’s most expensive dog food recipes.

12 Best Dog Foods for Pet Owners Without a Budget Restriction

If you don’t have any budget constraints, the following selection of the most expensive dog food is worth their higher price tags:

1. Nom Nom Fresh Pet Food


Nom Nom Fresh Pet Food is a company that makes fresh dog food from premium ingredients. The food is subscription-based and comes straight to your door.

You can buy dog food delivered to your door in insulated packages. The food is pre-portioned, so you don’t have to worry about it. You can give your pup the best food for between $5 and $6.50 daily.

Pros

  • Unlike most commercial dog food, Nom Nom is prepared from fresh ingredients.
  • The recipe contains a range of high-quality ingredients and is rich in vitamins and minerals.
  • Each item is tailored to your dog based on the questionnaire results you must complete.

Cons

  • This choice is one of the most expensive on our list.
  • A percentage of subscription-based dog food may not be suitable for pet owners constantly on the move.

2. ZiwiPeak Air-Dried Dog Food


ZiwiPeak Air-Dried Dog Food is a New Zealand-made brand of air-dried dog food. This recipe is packed with protein, which helps your dog stay healthy and strong. It also contains a lot of fat and fiber, which are important for your pup’s diet.

For a low price of $4.59 per day, you can get food that is packed with delicious ingredients and has its nutrition locked in through the gentle air-drying process.

Pros

  • All of the meat included in ZiwiPeak’s recipes comes from sustainable, free-range ranches.
  • This food contains no maize, wheat, or soy and no artificial ingredients.

Cons

  • Some pet owners stated that this food had an extremely pungent odor.

3. Canidae GRAIN-FREE ANCIENT MEAT Formula


Protein is abundant in Canidae Grain-Free Pure Ancestral dog food. The food has seven different meat sources that are all sourced regionally.

You can get food that is made up of mostly meat for $1.50 per day. The food will have a protein content of 28%, 13.5% fat, and 5% fiber.

This is a great protein-rich option for pet owners who are not afraid to spend money on their pet’s food. Most dogs love it.

Pros

  • For added flavor, each kibble contains a freeze-dried coating.
  • This formula contains several vitamin and mineral supplements and five distinct probiotic strains to help digestion.

Cons

  • This is a grain-free food that some vets don’t recommend because of the link between grain-free diets and heart disease.

4. Recipe for Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Grain-Free Great Plains Red


Merrick’s Backcountry Raw Infused doesn’t have grains or poultry, making it a good choice for dogs with allergies. This food comprises 38% protein, 17% fat, and 3.5% fiber.

For $2.19 per day, you can buy a good quality kibble made in the USA with real beef as the first ingredient. This food also contains several other premium animal proteins.

The kibble also includes real, freeze-dried meat pieces.

Pros

  • The recipe is rich in omega-3 fatty acids to nourish the skin and coat of your dog.
  • Sweet potatoes, potatoes, and peas are sources of digestible carbohydrates.
  • This snack contains vitamins, minerals, and four distinct probiotic strains.

Cons

  • Some pet owners reported that the raw chunks promised were insufficient.

5. ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food


Orijen Original dog food has a great list of ingredients. 85% of the ingredients are protein sources. The first five ingredients are fresh or raw animal sources rich in nutrients.

You can get a recipe full of healthy ingredients like lentils, beans, peas, and chickpeas for a small price. These ingredients are easy to digest and great for your health.

Pros

  • Three probiotic strains are included in the formula to help digestion.
  • This grain-free dish contains a variety of fruits and vegetables that provide your pet with an abundance of vitamins and minerals.

Cons

  • Some pet owners said their dogs had difficulty digesting this food.

6. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Pet Food


The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Pet Food company makes fresh food delivered to your door. They have simple recipes guided by science and use advice from top veterinary nutritionists.

This dog food is fresh and healthy. It has one type of protein and a lot of fruit and vegetables, which are good for your pup.

Pros

  • Also available in pork and sweet potato and turkey and parsnip recipes. The brand uses your dog’s profile to create food that has been specially balanced for your dog.
  • This food is fully packaged in eco-friendly materials.

Cons

  • The bags provided for the food are not resealable, so the food can only be stored in a container in the fridge for a day or two.

7. Lotus Oven-Baked Lamb & Turkey Liver Recipe


The Lotus Oven-Baked Lamb & Turkey Liver Recipe is a holistic dog food with 23% protein, 14% fat, and 6.5% fiber.

This baked pet food is made with high-quality ingredients, like a lamb which is the main ingredient in this recipe. For $3.21 per day, this food will give your dog a natural flavor they will love.

Pros

  • The ingredients’ nutritious content is kept by a mild baking technique.
  • The recipe’s abundance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids maintains a healthy immune system, skin, and coat.

Cons

  • Some dogs on this diet had gastrointestinal distress.

8. EVO Red Meat Dog Food


78% of EVO Red Meat Dog Food is composed of meat, including beef, lamb, hog, and venison. The other 22% of the food consists of fruits and vegetables.

This grain-free dog food contains about one-third of a pound of animal protein per serving. The recipe is designed to provide the nutrients your dog needs, like those found in raw food diets, but in a convenient dry kibble form.

Pros

  • This dish contains no grains, gluten, or starchy carbohydrates.
  • This dish’s components come from local human-grade suppliers and wild sources.

Cons

  • This food is difficult to locate both online and in-store.

9. Annamaet Grain-Free Manitok Red Meat Formula


The ingredients in Annamaet Grain-Free Manitok Red Meat Formula are high-quality proteins and nutritious grains.

The formula for this dog food is 30% protein, 16% fat, and 3.5% fiber. It comes from a family-owned and operated business in the USA. For $2.40 per day, you can give your dog high-quality and nutritious food.

Pros

  • This recipe contains vital fatty acids for your dog’s coat and immune system.
  • Chelated minerals are incorporated to facilitate optimum absorption of nutrients.
  • The recipe excludes low-quality corn, wheat, soy, fillers, and by-products.

Cons

  • Some pet owners stated that this meal had a fishy odor.

10. Ollie Fresh Pet Food


Ollie Fresh Pet Food is a new company that delivers fresh, human-grade dog food to your door. Each recipe is based on your pup’s individual profile, so you can ensure they’re getting the right nutrients for their needs.

Pros

  • The recipes have been developed in collaboration with veterinary professionals to ensure that your pet receives optimal nutrition.
  • This dog food is formulated with fewer ingredients to accommodate dogs with food allergies and intolerances.
  • This dog food is formulated with fewer ingredients to accommodate dogs with food allergies and intolerances.
  • Fish oil is used for its fatty acid advantages. The recipe also contains a substantial amount of vitamins and minerals.

Cons

  • This meal must be refrigerated or frozen and consumed within a few days.

11. Nulo Freestyle Lamb & Chickpea Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food


The first three components in the premium, grain-free Nulo Freestyle Dry Dog Food are salmon, turkey meal, and lamb. The food has a protein content of 31%, a fat content of 17%, and fiber of 4.5%.

You can have healthy, high-quality food made in the USA for just $1.46 per day.

Pros

  • The formulation is developed without extraneous additives for dogs with sensitivity.
  • Some fruits and vegetables, like sweet potatoes, blueberries, apples, tomatoes, carrots, and chickpeas, are good for your pet because they have a lot of vitamins and minerals.

Cons

  • Due to the relatively small size of Nulo’s kibble, large breeds may be unable to consume enough of this dog food.

12. Earthborn Holistic Primitive Natural Dog Food


The Earthborn Holistics Primitive Natural kibble is eco-friendly and made in the USA. It has a protein content of 32%, a fat content of 18%, and a fiber content of 3.5%. The recipe is grain and gluten-free, and the kibble is made with three different types of meat meals.
For a small price of $1.09 per day, you can provide your pet with great nutrition and know that you are supporting a business that follows environmentally friendly practices.

Pros

  • The dish includes antioxidant-rich blueberries, carrots, spinach, apples, and cranberries, among other fruits and vegetables.
  • Three distinct probiotics are provided to improve your dog’s intestinal health.

Cons

  • This recipe does not have whole proteins but includes three meat meals and dried eggs.

Is Expensive Dog Food Superior to Cheap Dog Food?

There are some instances in which more costly dog food is not superior to less expensive food. You have to use extreme caution around the marketing gimmick. Some businesses purposefully set their prices higher than average in order to give the impression that they are providing a product of superior quality to their customers.

This leads people to believe that the product is of higher quality. Having said that, high-quality dog foods manufactured with premium components would be more expensive than cheap pet foods that are purchased on a budget.

The below list will assist you in differentiating between pricey dog foods that are worth the money and imposters that have just utilised deceptive advertising strategies.

Certain dogs, such as those with certain health conditions or who are pregnant, require a particular kind of food that is more expensive than other kinds of dog food. This food is called specialty dog food.

What Do You Receive When You Pay More for Dog Food?

Expensive dog food brands often have a higher protein content than other dog foods. You can expect this to be true for the following reasons:

1. Real Meat

Rather than meat meals, high-quality dog diets are often manufactured from real meat sources, such as chicken or beef.

Meat meals that have been properly identified still provide your dog with good nutrition. However, foods that list whole protein as the first ingredient are always of better quality.

2. Better Grains

Wheat and corn are frequently used to bulk up dog food without adding nutritional value.

Numerous premium dog foods contain whole brown rice or oats. Some premium brands are grain-free, opting for highly digestible carbohydrates like sweet potato.

3. Higher Quality Ingredients

Higher-quality dog foods have better ingredients than lower-quality ones. This comprises a variety of fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants and premium flavors such as cheese.

Some ingredients in premium dog foods, like fish oil and salmon oil, have high levels of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids.

These fatty acids help keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy. They also help boost the immune system.

4. Helpful Supplements

More expensive dog foods usually have a lot of supplements to help support your pet’s overall health.

You can give your dog some things to help protect their joints and improve their mobility. This includes Glucosamine and Chondroitin, chemicals that help keep joints healthy, and Probiotics, which are bacteria that are good for your dog’s digestion.

5. Fewer Additivities

Chemical additives, like artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, can make your pet sick. Expensive dog foods typically have fewer of these unnecessary additives.

What Should You Look for in Expensive Dog Food?

When picking food for your pet, it is important to find a formula that suits your specific dog’s needs. You should also consult with your vet when making these decisions.

Of course, not all dog foods are created equal, so there are certain factors to consider while selecting the right food for your dog. This includes:

  1. Whole proteins: The main ingredient in your dog’s food should be whole protein. This is a good sign that the food is premium. Whole proteins are also often tastier, which is important for picky eaters.

  2. Whole grains: Many vets recommend including grains in your dog’s diet. Grains are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They have not been processed or refined, making them a high-quality source of these nutrients.

  3. Choose a dog food that does not contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives if you want to provide the optimum nutrition for your pet. The recipes of premium dog diets include natural preservatives to extend the shelf life of the food. This indicates that the food will taste better and last longer than alternatives.

  4. Dog food manufactured in the United States, Canada, Western Europe, New Zealand, and Australia must meet stringent nutritional guidelines.

Do Expensive Dog Foods Have More Protein?

The majority of high-quality dog foods do, in fact, contain additional protein. This is due to the fact that protein is often the most expensive component of the meal you provide your dog.

In order to develop robust muscles, your dog requires protein. Dogs that consume food with a higher protein content will have greater muscle mass and will enjoy better overall health.

The kind of protein that is included in your dog's food may have an effect on how much it costs. Chicken, which is a common allergy in pets, is the least expensive source of protein.

There is a wide variety of protein available. Turkey, pork, and beef are examples of proteins that fall into the medium price range. Salmon, duck, and seafood are some examples of high-end alternatives.

For people who have allergies, dog food tends to be one of the sources of protein that is the most expensive. Animals including rabbits, deer, bison, kangaroos, emus, and quails are included in this category.

So Which of our Most Expensive Dog Foods Will You Choose?

Some premium dog food brands give the greatest nutrition available for your pet. Although cost may not be a concern for you, it is essential that you give thought to what is best for your animal companion.

Having said that, selecting premium food for your dog involves thinking about a number of other variables as well.

You should avoid spending money on marketing gimmicks if at all possible. You should purchase food for your dog that is high in protein and has other nutritious elements of a good grade.

The Pros and Cons of Low- and High-Priced Dog Food

When it comes to providing all-around care for your dog, one of the most important factors to take into account is the food that they eat. As a pet owner, I'm sure there have been multiple occasions on which you've given some consideration to the numerous food options that are available for your dog. It is possible to feel as though there is an excessive amount of information to process if you are unaware of what you should be looking for. It is possible that you will feel tempted to fork over additional cash for the more pricey options in the market for dog food because there is such a huge gap between the prices of the various brands.

But can those pricy bags of food have the same nutritional value as their counterparts that cost less money, or is it just a waste of money to buy them?

You should not only give your dog empty calories but rather food that offers fuel and preserves their health rather than just giving them empty calories. Let's take a look at some of the benefits and drawbacks associated with low-cost and high-priced dog food. can assist you in determining whether you should spend a greater amount of money on the usual diet of your dog.

Does Expensive Food Justify Its Price?

A dog owner should expect to spend anywhere from $100 to $250 per year on their pet’s typical bag of dry kibble. The quantity of ‘luxury’ food can run anywhere from $200 to $400 more over a year, depending on the price. That might not seem like much to other people, but if you’re living paycheck to paycheck, it might make a big difference. Plus, some premium products are much more pricey.

But do you think the price is justified for what you get?

It depends.

To assess whether or not the additional cost that you are incurring is justified, you should turn the bag over and examine the components that it contains. The following should be considered the essential components of any dog food:

  • Meat

  • Meat meal

  • Grains (carbohydrates)

  • Vegetables

  • Fruits

  • Fats

  • Vitamins and minerals

If you nourish your dog with a lot of expensive food, the first thing it should contain is always meat. Especially if you have to pay more, this is very important. You should also anticipate paying higher prices if you select foods with 100% natural components. On the other hand, raw foods typically contain a greater proportion of natural ingredients. They are not loaded with preservatives or additives, which can cause your dog to put on weight and even contribute to various health problems.

Also, if your dog already has a health or stomach problem, It might be worth paying a little more than usual for their food. Grain is one of the substances that some dogs have trouble digesting, but there are others. Because of this, their owners strongly recommend selecting food options that do not contain grains.

Changing your dog’s food to one that doesn’t have grains can help them feel better and give them more energy if they don’t do well with grains. Grain-free foods are typically more expensive than grain-containing foods. Still, most dog owners believe it is worthwhile if their dog has special dietary needs to keep them happy and healthy. In addition, it is much more affordable than having to pay expensive veterinary costs!

What do you consider to be the negative aspects of pricey dog food? Once more, everything boils down to the components. I don’t think a dish is worth more money just because it comes in a fancier box or has something extra. However, suppose it is made with real, natural ingredients and contains the vitamins and minerals necessary for your dog. In that case, it is probably worth the price.

Is Cheap Dog Food Unhealthy?

Inexpensive dog food, like bagged kibble, isn’t inherently terrible for dogs. But the components do make a difference here! Even the most affordable dog diets typically have meat as the primary ingredient. If you do not have a lot of money available for shopping,

However, you shouldn’t automatically conclude that dog food is safe for your four-legged friend because it contains meat. There are a few common substances found in pet food that you should steer clear of at all times, including the following:

  • Corn and wheat gluten
  • Meat byproducts
  • BHA
  • BHT
  • Food dyes
  • Rendered fat

If any of those are found on the ingredient list of the dog food that you provide to your canine companion, it is time to switch brands or pay out extra money for a product that is of a higher quality.

It is a common misperception that canned dog food is superior to dry food for dogs because it has "real" ingredients in certain of their constituents. The unfortunate reality is that this is not something that can be said about every circumstance. It is not always the case that something is real meat merely because it looks like real meat; this is not a sufficient criterion.

It is more likely that low-cost canned dog food will include contaminants. And there is a possibility that canines that ingest it on a regular basis will have an increased risk of acquiring dental problems. Your four-legged companion will be grateful to you if, on occasion, you give them a special gift in the form of a canned food for dogs that contains high-quality ingredients and you choose the food for them. Nevertheless, you should keep on feeding them kibble whenever you can.

If you are able to find food for your dog that is reasonably priced and manufactured with natural ingredients, there is no reason for you to feel guilty about feeding it to him. However, it is possible that you may need to perform a great deal of research.

What Should You Feed Your Four-Legged Acquaintance?

Checking the ingredients is the most important thing you can do to ensure that your dog gets the proper nourishment. We can’t stress this point enough.

Reading labels and bags can become a nuisance for some individuals. They have so decided to prepare the dog food themselves. If you have the time, the patience, and the understanding of what foods your dog should and should not consume, then you should consider this alternative.

You might, for instance, imagine that because fruits and vegetables are considered healthy for people, they must be beneficial for your dog. However, others, such as grapes, onions, and garlic, are exceedingly hazardous to one’s health. Bananas and sweet potatoes are two other kinds of fruit, and vegetables can provide canine companions with the same types of healthful nutrients that people do. Bananas should be given in moderation because they are incredibly high in sugar and can cause your dog to consume many calories that have no nutritional value.

Other foods, such as milk, bread, and chocolate, have no place in a dog’s diet and should never be given to a canine companion.

When creating dog food at home, it’s essential to use unprocessed, natural products as much as possible after you have educated yourself on your dog’s nutrition. Cook for your dog the same way you would, but omit common flavors such as salt and pepper. A meal consisting of brown rice, lean chicken, and green beans will make your canine companion happy. In addition, you will have the peace of mind that comes with being aware of every component they consume.

Even if you do meal prep and get all of your dog’s food ready for the week in just one day, it still takes time to cook meals for your dog. We hope you now realize how essential food components are. If it’s more convenient, buy a pre-packaged meal. Regarding the price of food, they genuinely make a huge impact and make all the difference in the world. Spending excessive money to provide adequate nutrition for your dog is not necessary. As long as you ensure that the food they consume comes as close as possible to “whole food.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Expensive Dog Food

What Is A Premium Dog Food?

Premium dog foods have no artificial flavors, growth hormones, antibiotics, fillers, synthetic colors, or preservatives. They also often contain ingredients that can help boost your pet’s health.

Which Dog Breed Is Most Expensive?

The Tibetan Mastiff is a large dog. If the price of a dog were based on its weight, the Tibetan Mastiff would be one of the most expensive dogs. For example, a Red Tibetan Mastiff named Big Splash was sold for $1.5 million.

Are Expensive Dog Foods Really Better?

It is important to look at what makes a portion of food expensive. If a portion of food is expensive because it has fancy packaging or includes something that isn’t good for dogs, it might not be worth the price. But if the food contains natural ingredients and vitamins that are good for dogs, it is likely worth it to be one of the most expensive dog food.

Is Dehydrated Dog Food Better Than Dry?

Dehydrated food is healthier for your pet than kibble food. Concerning removing moisture from dehydrated foods, the taste, texture, and nutrients in the food often change. Some minerals as well as vitamins break down during the process of dehydration and contribute to lesser nutrient levels.

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