Top 10 Best Dog Foods for Medium Dogs

Medium dog breeds need foods specifically formulated for their size to prevent nutrition-influenced diseases. While they may fall in the middle of the pack, their nutritional needs are different than those of small and large breeds. A good dog food for medium dogs will give your adult canine the balanced nutrition that their body requires.

Commercial adult dry dog food brands are specifically designed to hit every nutritional marker in canines, and they're much more convenient than a homemade diet. Below are some of the best dog food for medium dogs brands that are nutritionally balanced.

The Purpose of Medium Dog Food Brands

Dogs need adequate levels of protein to support their growing needs and body functions, and meat is the best source for this. However, animal-derived protein also contains high levels of calcium and phosphorous, which must be kept in controlled levels and ratio.

There is no cut-and-dried formula for choosing the right food for your medium breed dogs. Most highly-active or working dogs are medium breed dogs, and these dogs need high-calorie count for their energy needs. They also need high protein food to build lean muscles and strong bones.

However, there are also medium breed dogs that live relaxed lifestyles like their sedentary owners, and these dogs tend to go obese with the extra calories that go to their diet. This means that it is important to take the dog’s activity level when making decisions regarding feeding.

Your dog also needs certain vitamins and minerals added to their diet. Depending on your pooch's energy level, overall heath condition and age, you also need to ensure that he's getting the right amount of calories. There's a lot more to properly feeding a dog than you may have originally thought, and the best dog food for medium sized dogs is designed specifically to meet the unique needs of these canines.

Feeding a homemade diet is possible, but pet owners need to be extremely careful about their dog's nutrition. It's not impossible, but makes for an extremely complicated process of daily cooking and measuring of food to hit your dog's exact nutritional needs. Picking a pre-made dog food for medium sized dogs with a formula designed for their size is often what vets recommend.

A consultation with your veterinarian is always a great starting point, but remember that they may not even be able to give you the most accurate information. Either way, they will be able to point you in the direction of appropriate sources that can help you. Below, we'll share ten options for the best dog food for medium sized dogs.

The Best Dog Food for Medium Dogs

1Grain-Free Yukon River Medium Breed Dog Food
by Victor Dog Food

Rating: 
Value: $2.32/lb
Puppy food: Victor Active Puppy Formula

Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 33.0% min
CRUDE FAT 15.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 3.8% max
MOISTURE 9.0% max
CALORIES 398 kcal/cup

Victor's Yukon River Salmon & Sweet Potato Canine Formula contains 398 kcal of metabolizable energy per cup, with 33% protein and 15% fat. This is perfect for dogs with high calorie requirements, such as medium breed dogs with active lifestyles. This is a hypoallergenic formulation as well.

Victor Dog Food Grain-Free Yukon River Canine Salmon and Sweet Potato is prepared from salmon and contains no grains, making it the brand most preferred by picky dog owners. Medium breed dogs would benefit from this formula for its caloric profile, and it’s the best dog food for medium sized dogs with food allergies.

This has easily become the go-to food for dogs with a lot of sensitivities because it does not contain pork, poultry, beef, or meat protein sources other than fish. It’s absolutely free from grains or genetically-modified ingredients, too, so it’s no wonder that dog owners prefer Victor Yukon River dog food over other brands in the same category.

PROS: Contains 33% protein and 15% fat Hypoallergenic formula Contains no grain Made in the USA

CONS: Quality control is not consistent

 

2Gold Nutritionals Dog Food for Medium Dogs
by Fromm

Rating: 
Value: $1.48/lb
Puppy food: Fromm Nutritionals Puppy Formula

Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein 24% MIN
Crude Fat 16% MIN
Crude Fiber 3.5% MAX
Moisture 10% MAX
Calories 408 kcal/cup

Fromm Family Foods has created Gold Nutritionals Adult dog food that is made from duck, chicken, chicken meal and fat, menhaden fish meal, brown rice, barley, oatmeal, lamb, whole eggs, Wisconsin cheese, potatoes, flaxseed, carrots, alfalfa, celery, salmon oil, herbs, and probiotics. This top rated dog food for medium dogs is made by a family company that believes in the importance of producing only wholesome food for pets.

This is no doubt an energy-dense formula at 408 kcal per cup containing 24% protein and 16% fat. This is recommended for adult dogs with normal activity level. Feeding dogs Fromm Family Foods Gold Nutritionals Dog Food and factoring in their activity level helps in maintaining the dog’s ideal weight and in developing muscle mass. Dog owners compare this to the other brands they’ve used, and they say that the amount of Fromm Gold dog food they feed their dogs is much less than the amount of their previous brand.

Fromm Gold is so calorie-packed that your dog doesn’t need so much volume for the same amount of calories. It really makes a lot of sense, both nutrition-wise and economy-wise. According to dog owners, they’re happy that they have shifted their adult dog to this formula. Their dog’s energy level has clearly improved, digestive issues have vanished, and their dog’s skin and coat have become enviably healthy after only a few weeks on the Fromm Gold.

PROS: Contains 24% protein and 16% fat Available in formulas for all life stages Made in the USA Enhanced with probiotics to aid digestion Includes salmon oil for a healthy coat

CONS: There have been reports of dogs having allergic reactions to this food

 

3Grain Free Dry Food for Medium Breeds
by Merrick

Rating: 
Value: $2.46/lb
Puppy food: Merrick Grain Free Puppy Formula

Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 38.0% min
CRUDE FAT 17.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 3.5% max
MOISTURE 11.0% max
CALORIES 364 kcal/cup

The makers of Merrick's grain-free dog food use real deboned meat as their product’s first ingredient. Seventy percent of the ingredients are sources of protein and fat, while 30% are sources of high-quality carbs and other nutrients. This particular recipe has real deboned buffalo as the first ingredient, contains no grains, and is power-packed with wholesome ingredients like chicken, turkey, salmon, sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas, alfalfa, blueberries, apples, flaxseed oil, and probiotics. There are other recipes in this product line with variations in the first ingredient, such as chicken, duck, lamb, beef, turkey, venison, salmon and rabbit.

This dog food for medium breeds provides 364 kcal per cup and contains 38% protein and 16% fat. Medium breed dogs would benefit from this brand for its high-protein and high-calorie content, along with other nutrients required for healthy joints and overall health. Since Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Fodd is grain-free, this will also be good for dogs that react adversely to grains.

There’s been a lot of concern about importing ingredients for dog food, and Merrick remains a trusted brand for continuously sourcing its buffalo ingredient from the USA. This aspect is obviously very important for dog owners and most of them patronize Merrick for this reason. It goes without saying, of course, that they’re very satisfied with how healthy their dogs are, how silky their coat has become, and how great their dog’s energy level always has been with this dog food.

PROS: Real deboned meat is the first ingredient 70% of the ingredients are sources of protein and fat, while 30% are sources of high-quality carbs and other nutrients Contains no grains Made with probiotics for healthy digestion

CONS: There have been reports of dogs having allergic reactions to this food

 

4Wild Prairie Food – Regional Formula
by Acana

Rating: 
Value: $33.19/lb
Puppy food: Not available

Guaranteed Analysis
Crude protein (min.) 35%
Crude fat (min.) 17%
Crude ash (max.) 7%
Crude fibres (max.) 6%
Moisture (max.) 12%
Calories 463 kcal/cup

This dog food is made from ingredients that are 70% animal-derived – chicken, turkey, eggs, trout, and walleye – and 30% of which are plant-derived – fruits, vegetables, herbs and probiotics. Acana Wild Prairie Regional Formula is made of 100% real food sourced from local farms and the cold lakes of Canada. Acana is often recommended for medium breed dogs because its first two ingredients come from real whole meat.

Acana Wild Prairie Dog Food – Regional Formula has 35% protein and 15% fat. It has adequate levels of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints and hips, probiotics for good digestion and strong immune system, and antioxidants to fight off free radical damage. This best dog food for medium dogs provides 462 kcal per cup, and there will be no problem fulfilling a medium breed dog’s energy requirements with this level of metabolizable energy.

Dog owners must always be watchful of any fluctuation in their pet’s weight and energy levels. Sudden spikes might mean that their dog’s food is not adequate for their energy needs or for keeping them at their ideal weight. These were some of the reasons why many pet owners shifted their pet to this medium breed dog food brand. The high calorie content of Acana comes mainly from protein not carbohydrates, which is low. This low carb level helps keep dogs from going obese, while the high calorie supply keeps up with the dog’s actual energy needs.

PROS: 70% of ingredients are animal-derived, while 30% are plant-derived Contains 35% protein and 15% fat Made of 100% real food sourced from local farms and Canadaian lakes Made with probiotics for good digestion and a strong immune system

CONS: Some reports of dogs refusing to eat this food

 

5Size Health Nutrition Medium Adult Dry Dog Food
by Royal Canin

Rating: 
Value: $1.59/lb
Puppy food: Royal Canin Medium Puppy Formula

Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 23.0% min
CRUDE FAT 12.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 3.1% max
MOISTURE 10.0% max
CALORIES 336 kcal/cup

Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Adult dry food is specially formulated for medium breed dogs 1-7 years old (adult age bracket for medium breeds) and weighing 21 to 55 pounds. At this age bracket, these dogs must have achieved their maximum skeletal size, and their diet must be adequate to help them fill out and gain their ideal weight. Royal Canin’s ingredients include brewer’s rice, chicken by-product meal, beet, fish oil, wheat, corn, and herb extracts. A cupful of this dog food provides 334 kcal of energy, and has 23% protein and 12% fat.

This recommended dog food for medium dogs is enriched with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that make the dog’s skin healthy and its coat shiny. Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Medium Adult Dry contains antioxidants that help build the dog’s natural defenses and help fight off the ill effects of free radicals. Its calorie profile is well balanced for sustaining the dog’s physical activities, building body mass, and maintaining ideal weight.

Dog owners saw dramatic changes in their dog’s health after feeding them with this product, and they have not fed their dogs any other dog food since. This dog product had been a real life changer for them. They’ve tried out many brands but their dog’s tummy issues and skin irritations persisted. Their luck has turned after switching to Royal Canin, and their dogs had shinier coat, smaller and firmer stool, and had much improved stamina. Now they’re in their best shape and they continue to be interested in this dog food.

PROS: Specifically formulated for medium breed dogs 1-7 years old (adult age bracket for medium breeds) and weighing 21 to 55 pounds Contains 23% protein and 12% fat High palatability and high digestibility Enriched with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and antioxidants

CONS: Rice is one of the first ingredients Some reports of dogs suffering from upset stomach

 

6Natural Dry Food for Medium Dogs
by AvoDerm

Rating: 
Value: $1.57/lb
Puppy food: AvoDerm Natural Puppy Formula

Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 20.0% min
CRUDE FAT 8.0% min
CRUDE FAT 9.75% max
CRUDE FIBER 5.0% max
MOISTURE 10.0% max
CALORIES 298 kcal/cup

Medium breed dogs that stay indoors most of the time as pet companions and are only moderately active must have a diet that has lower fat, a lower overall calorie count, and all the nutrients needed for the dog's physical and mental functions. AvoDerm Natural Dog Food Brown Rice & Chicken Meal formula for weight control has combined all the best ingredients to provide your pet with vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, essential fatty acids and less fat and calories than most of the other brands out there.

AvoDerm Natural Dog Food is made from brown rice, chicken meal, omega-rich avocadoes, and other carefully chosen ingredients to maintain good health while keeping the dog’s weight at normal limits. This top dog food for medium sized dogs has a protein content of 20%, fat content is a low 8%, and a total calorie count of 329 kcal per cup. It contains no corn, wheat, or soy.

According to a dog owner, they fed this food to their dog that had problematic skin due to pancreatitis. Their dog’s previously lifeless fur is now rich and shiny, and it’s thriving so well on AvoDerm’s low-fat diet which is good for pancreatitis. The high-quality fat and correct omega fatty acid ratios contained in AvoDerm help to abate conditions caused by a high fat diet including obesity, high blood pressure and pancreatitis.

PROS: Weight control formula that offers less calories and fat than the other options on this list, making this a good dog food for dogs that are overweight Contains 20% protein and 8% fat Contains no wheat, corn or soy Made with Omega-rich avocados for skin and coat health

CONS: Rice is one of the first ingredients A few owners reported their dog having an allergic reaction after eating this

 

7Original Ultra Whole Body Health Dry Food
by Natural Balance

Rating: 
Value: $1.73/lb
Puppy food: Natural Balance Puppy Formula

Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 23.0% min
CRUDE FAT 13.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 3.0% max
MOISTURE 10.0% max
CALCIUM 1.2% min
PHOSPHORUS 1.0% min
CALORIES 380 kcal/cup

The nutritionists behind Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health created a dog food that optimally balances nutrients to attain overall health in terms of digestion, brain and body development, and strengthening the immune system. This best dog food for medium dogs is made from chicken, brown rice, chicken meal, lamb meal, duck meal, duck, salmon meal and oil, barley, potatoes, carrots, flaxseed, spinach, cranberries, other vegetables and fruits, and vitamin and mineral supplements.

Each cupful provides 375 kcal of energy containing 23% protein and 13% fat. This healthy calorie profile supports a medium breed dog as it lives an active lifestyle and maintains the proper weight. Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health Dry Dog Food has multiple types of fiber for healthy digestion, maintains a healthy ratio of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for your dog’s healthy skin and beautiful coat, and is packed with antioxidants to make your dog glow with health and develop a robust immune system.

Not a few dog owners switched their dogs to this formula from high-protein high-fat diet because their medium breed dogs couldn’t handle the excess in calories. They were having runny stools and gaining weight. Natural Balance did turn out to be gentler on their dogs’ tummies. It helped in maintaining the proper weight, too. Dogs love every bit of their Natural Balance meal, and that makes feeding time a lot easier and more enjoyable.

PROS: Contains 23% protein and 13% fat Formulated to promote whole body health including skin, coat, immune system, heart, bone, teeth and digestive health No artificial flavors or colors

CONS: The formula recently changed Rice is one of the first ingredients

 

8Ultra Medium Breed Adult Dry Food
by Nutro

Rating: 
Value: $1.73/lb
Puppy food: NUTRO ULTRA Puppy Formula

Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 25.0% min
CRUDE FAT 14.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 4.0% max
MOISTURE 10.0% max
CALCIUM 1.2% min
PHOSPHORUS 1.0% min
CALORIES 341 kcal/cup

This brand is made from three meat protein sources needed for building muscle mass, wholesome whole grains needed for an active life, and twelve super foods needed to strengthen the immune system and support biological function systems. Nutro Ultra’s ingredients list is a wish list of wholesome food sources including chicken, lamb, and salmon, and mouthwatering fruits and vegetables like blueberries, apples, and chia seeds.

The metabolizable energy in every cup of this medium breed formula is 341 kcal, with 25% protein and 14% fat. This energy profile is ideal for active medium breed dogs. The calcium to phosphorous ratio is 1.2:1, which is within healthy limits. Nutro Ultra Medium Breed Adult Dry Dog Food has long been a staple dog food in many homes raising medium breed dogs, and dog owners attribute their dog’s good health to it. The dogs have a smooth and shiny coat and excellent overall health to show for, so Nutro Ultra must really be that good.

Some pet owners experimented with other brands for variety, but they always came back to Nutro. Their dogs seemed to have a dull appearance and somehow looked like something was off with them in their other brand of dog food. Switching back to Nutro, the dogs were their old bright selves again within a week. You can’t blame their owners for thinking it’s the food; they could be right about that.

PROS: Contains 25% protein and 14% fat Real chicken is the first ingredient Made with whole grains and superfood ingredients No chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives

CONS: Because it contains grains, this dog food may not be a good fit for dogs with allergies A few pet owners claim that their dog suffered from upset stomach

 

9Naturals Dry Food for Adult Medium Dogs
by Diamond Pet Foods

Rating: 
Value: $1.25/lb
Puppy food: Diamond Naturals Puppy Formula

Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 23.0% min
CRUDE FAT 14.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 4.0% max
MOISTURE 10.0% max
CALORIES 332 kcal/cup

This Diamond Pet Food's recipe is an excellent source of nutrients for medium breed dogs. A cupful of this formula provides 337 kcal of metabolizable energy, containing 25% protein and 15% fat. Its guaranteed analysis also shows healthy levels of zinc, selenium, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, vitamin E and probiotics. This dog food has lamb as its first ingredient, which is one of the best sources of high-quality protein. Its other ingredients include white rice, barley, peas, rice bran, fish meal, beet, flaxseed, kelp, quinoa, chia seeds, kale, carrots, blueberries, and other wholesome ingredients.

Diamond Naturals Dry Food for Adult Dogs formula has two other variations – beef and chicken – which make for good additions to your dog pantry in case your dog starts looking for other tastes. That way you get to vary the flavor but maintain the same goodness and nutritional value that Diamond Naturals offers.

Dog owners were amazed at how much Diamond Naturals transformed their dog in just a matter of weeks. A pet owner fostered a very sick and emaciated dog and fed it with this dry dog food. The dog took to it like a turtle would to water, and in just over a month the dog turned into a robust and enthusiastic dog. He’s obviously very healthy and the luster on his coat says it all.

PROS: Real lamb is the first ingredient Contains 25% protein and 15% fat Added probiotics for digetive health No corn, wheat or soy

CONS: Because of the grains in this food, it may aggravate some dogs' allergies Some pet owners report that their dog would not eat this food

 

10NutriSource Grain Free Food for Medium Dogs
by Tuffy's Pet Food

Rating: 
Value: $3.6/lb
Puppy food: NutriSource Puppy Formula

Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (Min.) 28%
Crude Fat (Min.) 18%
Crude Fiber (Max.) 6%
Moisture (Max.) 10%
Calories 476 kcal/cup

Dogs wouldn’t know about the nutrient profile of NutriSource Grain-Free Chicken formula, but they would certainly know how full-flavored it is. Chicken is this dog food’s first ingredient, and that shows through its high palatability. And although dogs have no idea about it, this NutriSource formula is calorie-dense and nutrient-packed. A cupful provides 476 kcal, 28% of which is protein and 18% is fat. A medium breed dog must be highly athletic to burn up all those calories.

High-quality protein is important for muscle formation and repair. Aside from protein, this formula also contains glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints and hips, omega 3 and 6 for great coat and skin, probiotics for proper digestion, vitamins and minerals, and other nutrients for a dog’s optimum health. The Chicken & Pea and Lamb recipes provide variation. NutriSource Grain Free Dog Food is a great option for dogs allergic to grains.

It’s hard enough finding the right combination of nutrients to feed your dog; it’s harder still to find one that gets the dog’s approval. Then here comes this medium dog food brand, and dogs just can’t stop loving it. It keeps them feeling longer, too, so there’s not much need for treats and mid-meal snacks. That’s especially wonderful for cost-cutting and keeping off extra calories.

PROS: Chicken is the first ingredient Contains 28% protein and 18% fat Grain free Made with all natural ingredients Contains no animal by-products or whole corn

CONS: High calorie count, which means this food is only suitable for dogs that are very active There are reports of dogs who would not eat this food

---

Disclosure: We may earn affiliate commissions at no cost to you from the links on this page. This did not affect our assessment of products. Read more here and find full disclosure here.

Want to share this?