Best Inexpensive Dog Food & Cheapest Dog Foods

Canine nutrition is not something that owners should take lightly. Everyone is on a budget, but you still need to make sure that your pet is eating a wholesome and nutritious food. Of course, you need to find a diet that you can afford, so we've rounded up the 5 best inexpensive dog food brands to help you out.

Top Best Inexpensive Dog FoodsPoor quality dog food can lead to large veterinary expenses down the road. The ingredients in low quality food have been linked to major canine diseases from allergies to cancer.

Saving a few bucks on dog food every month could result in thousands of dollars in veterinary surgery costs in the long run, or worse. Poor quality pet food has also been linked to a shorter lifespan.

Like us, what a dog eats is directly related to his overall health and well-being. Feeding a better quality food is likely to result in a healthier pet. Quality foods give your dog more energy, they are easier for his body to digest and they help his body grow and develop. If you're looking for a new diet for your dog, look into these best inexpensive dog food brands.

TOP 5: Best Inexpensive Dog Food
Saving Some Money on Good Quality Pet Foods

1Diamond Naturals Dry Food for Adult Dogs

Diamond Naturals Dry Food for Adult Dog, Beef and Rice Formula, 40 Pound Bag (074198608331)This is a healthful and specially formulated dog food for adult pets. It is made from beef meal, fish meal, barley and rice, and more than a dozen other natural ingredients. This best inexpensive dog food from Diamond Naturals has balanced levels of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and other nutrients. Chicken and lamb varieties are also available.

This dry food preparation provides a healthy and convenient way to feed pets. Crunchy bits also enhance dental health. Buyers loved this nutritious dog food for good and healthy reasons. The meat ingredients are real meat bits and not just carbohydrate fillers. For a no-filler meal, Diamond Naturals is actually in the cheaper end.

Because this dog food has high-protein content, low glycemic index, and is rich in vitamins and minerals, pets are healthier and look good with shinier coats. One thing more, dogs eat this dry chow enthusiastically. Some dogs that previously developed allergies on natural food love this healthy meal and had no itching or any other adverse reaction to Diamond Naturals Dry Food for Adult Dogs.

Some pet parents reported digestion and gas problems with their dogs after feeding on this meal. A few dogs had it worse and experienced diarrhea. These are isolated cases, though, which only prove that not all dogs feel or react the same way to certain foods. Diamond Naturals remain a favorite for the best inexpensive dog food, though, because of the nutrients and natural ingredients, its appeal to dogs, and it’s relatively cheap price.

PROS:

  • Natural diet
  • No fillers
  • High protein content
CONS:

  • Some owners reported digestion and gas problem

best inexpensive dog food & inexpensive dog food reviewMost helpful dog owner’s review (read the full Amazon review): “Price per lb + quality of ingredients have me and my 155lb Newfoundland loving this stuff. In today's economy it's nice to not skimp on the dog while still keep things affordable…”

 

2Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Dry Dog Food

Best Inexpensive Dog Food & Cheapest Dog FoodsThis dry dog food comes from a manufacturer that has been producing dog food for over 70 years. Hill's Science Diet makes this pack mainly from chicken, whole grains and a balance of vitamins and minerals. It is formulated to enhance the dog’s immune system, build muscles, and improve bodily functions.

This product was developed over the years by experts who understand why it is important to keep a dog at his ideal weight instead of making him fat. Dogs like this dry food, which gives them the energy for their riots; plus, it gives their coat a healthy shine. Pet owners couldn’t be more satisfied with these results in addition to the observation that their dogs happily devour their meals.

Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Dry Dog Food has been a trusted commodity over the years. Customers who have been patrons of the brand say that they’re not about to change their dog's diet. It’s cheaper than most comparative brands, too.

Best Inexpensive Dog Food & Cheapest Dog FoodsA few dogs developed aversion, such as diarrhea and gas problems, after the first few meals. The manufacturer’s instructions, though, are quite explicit in providing tips for 7 to 10 days of transition. Omitting this important step could be the reason for some digestive issues gleaned from reviews. Meal varieties are available, and it would be beneficial for both pet owners and pets to check on the compatibility of food and their dog’s breed.

PROS:

  • Formulated to enhance immune system, build muscles, and improve bodily functions
  • Beneficial for skin and coat health
  • Promotes healthy weight
CONS:

  • Some owners mentioned gas and diarrhea issues after switching to this food

best inexpensive dog food & inexpensive dog food reviewMost helpful dog owner’s review (read the full Amazon review): “Hill's has been around a long time now. That should tell you something. Yeah, yeah, there are other ‘better' foods that cost you a ton of money, with ‘more protein,' and ‘farm fresh ingredients' etc. But c'mon. I've had dogs for all my 50 years, and in that time, I've fed them a variety of food…”

 

3Premium Edge Dry Food for Adult Dog

Best Inexpensive Dog Food & Cheapest Dog FoodsAdult dogs with hypersensitivity to many kinds of food will greatly benefit from this product. Premium Edge is a combination of salmon and fish meal, potatoes, dried skimmed milk, and other wholesome ingredients to create a healthy balance for the dog. It does not trigger allergic reactions, excessive shedding, or hypersensitivities to food. Taurine is added to this best inexpensive dog food to enhance heart health as well.

Complete nourishment is provided by all the fresh fruit, vegetable and grain ingredients, which is further fortified with vitamins and minerals. When the market is filled with “good” pet foods, customers filter for the cheaper brands. Buyers of this product agree that their decision was made because it is more affordable compared to other brands in the same category.

Dogs not only love the food, it is also a lot friendlier to their stomach and skin than other best inexpensive dog food brands. Premium Edge Dry Food for Adult Dogs solved m ost skin problems, and dogs have shinier coats as a result.

A major drawback of best inexpensive dog food that made many customers hesitant to buy it was the absence of a statement from the manufacturer that Premium Edge contained no ethoxyquin, a common preservative that has been linked to health issues. This was a common apprehension among buyers. Some buyers received an assurance from the company that their product does not contain this synthetic preservative and antioxidant, and thus, continue to patronize this company.

PROS:

  • Great option for hypersensitive dogs
  • Taurine added to enhance heart health
  • Made with fresh ingredients
CONS:

  • No statement on packaging saying it does not contain ethoxyquin, a common preservative linked to health issues.

best inexpensive dog food & inexpensive dog food reviewMost helpful dog owner’s review (read the full Amazon review): “…Natural Balance, Solid Gold, and Premium Edge have all received 4-star ratings at dog food analysis. The biggest issue with Premium Edge (and all of Diamond foods–including NB and SG) was the fact that there weren't any written…”

 

4Taste of the Wild

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine Grain-Free Recipe with Roasted Bison and Venison Adult Dry Dog Food, Made with High Protein from Real Meat and Guaranteed Nutrients and Probiotics 28lbThis best seller is made from real roasted bison and venison, mixed with fruits and vegetables to supply pets with natural protein, probiotics, and antioxidants. The biggest bag from Taste of the Wild weighs 28 lbs, but smaller sizes are also available. Buyers may also choose from varieties of boar or lamb meat, wildfowl, salmon, duck, and beef.

This best inexpensive dog food packs energy into your pet’s meals using sweet potatoes and peas instead of grains. It's also fortified with vitamins and minerals. Many customers who owned pets with health problems – from minor skin itching to dreadful seizures – found a solution in this grain-free product.

Pet parents found Taste of the Wild superior to the previous brands they’ve used. Most dog food carrying the “grain-free” label also carries exorbitant price tags. Buyers of this brand consider it reasonably priced and cost-effective.

This food is not for every dog, though. Some dog reactions included dehydration, vomiting, and diarrhea. Since this grain-free food is high in protein, those transitioning from grain food must do so very gradually to avoid upsetting their pets’ digestive systems. Generally, dogs that fed on this took to it quickly. According to owners they were also more energetic, closer to their ideal weight, and possessing enviably shinier coats.

PROS:

  • Made with real roasted meats and supplemented with vegetables and fruits
  • Grain-free
  • Formulated for all life stages
CONS:

  • Because it is grain-free, pet owners need to follow instructions for transition very carefully

best inexpensive dog food & inexpensive dog food reviewMost helpful dog owner’s review (read the full Amazon review): “…Our dog Lily has been a picky eater since we rescued her at 3 months old. We tried so many dry foods, soft foods, meal toppers and she would eat new stuff for a day for two and then just not eat. Vet said she has no health issues. I stumbled across TOTW and she eats it and loves it….”

 

5CANIDAE Life Stages Dry Dog Food for Puppies, Adults & Seniors

Canidae All Life Stages Premium Dry Dog Food for All Breeds, Multi-Protein Recipe with Chicken, Turkey & Lamb Meals Recipe, 40 lbs, For All Ages & Multi-Dog HomesThis best inexpensive dog food simplifies feeding, especially for customers who own a pack of dogs of various ages and breeds. This food by CANIDAE is a high-protein formulation made from chicken, fish, lamb and turkey. It contains brown rice and peas for energy, and papaya and sage for a delicious meal that’s nutritious and delicious.

Canidae dog food is packed with antioxidants, essential fatty acids and probiotics. These ingredients enhance the immune system, improve the skin and coat’s condition, and maintain a healthy digestive system. There are no fillers, synthetic ingredients or preservatives, just wholesome goodness. Many customers have been using this product for ten years now, and it only goes to show how reliable it has been for them. For them, their dogs won’t be happy with any other brand.

While dogs look forward to mealtime with Canidae Life Stages Dry Dog Food for Puppies, Adults & Seniors, they don’t overeat and are often satiated fast. Therefore, keeping to their ideal weight is never a problem. Pet owners who shifted to Canidae were thrilled at how their pets’ skin problems were solved, and how their pets’ coat shone after less than a month of the new dog food.  The hefty 44-lb bag comes at a very affordable price, too, which pet owners find hard to resist.

Canidae All Life Stages Premium Dry Dog Food for All Breeds, Multi-Protein Recipe with Chicken, Turkey & Lamb Meals Recipe, 40 lbs, For All Ages & Multi-Dog Homes

Some really picky eaters and some aged dogs had difficulty tolerating this best inexpensive dog food. Again, these could be due to peculiarities in dogs or special conditions that make dogs prefer one brand over another. Buyers and their pets were generally happy with this product, finding it of great value at a price that didn’t drain their bank accounts.

PROS:

  • Formulated for all life stages
  • Guaranteed levels of probiotics, antioxidants and Omega 6 & 3
  • Made in the United States
  • Consumers raved about the skin and coat benefits of this food
CONS:

  • Some picky eaters did not like this food

best inexpensive dog food & inexpensive dog food reviewMost helpful dog owner’s review (read the full Amazon review): “It's been about a month since we started our 12-year old dog on this food. He had really gone downhill the last 6 months, with arthritis – so we…”


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James has been a certified veterinary technician for the last 8 years in Birmingham, UK. After working with many dogs, he's changed his focus to writing, building businesses and researching subjects on canines and products created for dogs.