#1 - Carna4 Quick-Baked Whole Food Nuggets

Pros:
• Whole food balanced; no synthetics
• Minimal processing (quick-roasted & air-dried)
• Sprouted grains for better nutrition & digestibility

Cons:
• Lower protein (29%) compared to others
• High price

Cost: $7.55/lb

#2 - Open Farm’s RawMix

Pros:
• Human-grade, humanely raised meat
• Freeze-dried chunks
• Certified B Corp (focus on sustainability & transparency)

Cons:
• Meat meals
• Synthetic vitamins & minerals
• Extruded kibble (ultra-processed)

Cost: $5.49/lb

#3 - Orijen Original Pet Food

Pros:
• 38% protein (highest on the list)
• No meat meals
• Lowest carb content (21%)

Cons:
• Synthetic vitamins & minerals
• Extruded kibble (ultra-processed)
• Owned by Mars (raises concerns for some)

Cost: $4.71/lb

#4 - The Honest Kitchen Chicken Clusters

Pros:
• Human-grade ingredients
• Cold-pressed & air-dried for less processing
• Certified B Corp (ethical sourcing, transparency, sustainability)

Cons:
• Only 26% protein; 35% carbs
• Synthetic vitamins & minerals

Cost: $4.75/lb

#5 - Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red Raw Coated Kibble

Pros:
• 35% protein - mostly animal-based
• Low carb content (<25%)
• Freeze-dried raw coating on kibble

Cons:
• Meat meals
• Synthetic vitamins & minerals
• Extruded kibble (ultra-processed)

Cost: $4.14/lb

#6 - Red Barn Grain-Free Dog Food

Pros:
• 5 animal-based protein sources in the top ingredients
• Great intro option for upgrading from grocery store kibble

Cons:
• 26% protein (low)
• Ultra-processed meat meals
• Synthetic vitamins & minerals

Cost: $3.59/lb

I study animal nutrition & have talked with dozens of vets/nutritionists about pet food.

Here are my top 6 dog kibbles of 2025 👇