When it comes to kibble, shopping can be overwhelming, but we know not everyone has the time to home cook or raw prep for their dogs. With over 50% of dog owners feeding kibble, it's time we separate the good from the bad.

Kibble has become public enemy #1 when it comes to feeding your dogs, but there is a vast difference in qualities of low grade kibbles and the higher end options. Here we break down 4 kibble options and why, if you're going to choose kibble, we recommend the following.

Brand: Fromm

Country/State of Origin: Wisconsin, USA

Why we love them: 

Fromm’s impressive ingredient panels contains a rarity in the kibble market: a ton of foods you actually recognize! Their foods are made with high quality proteins, fruits and veggies and heart healthy ingredients like flaxseed, salmon oil & taurine. Fromm also limits the use of artificial preservatives by using natural ones such as chicken fat & sorbic acid.

They have a HUGE variety in proteins, both in their grain in and grain free lines, presenting a ton of options for dogs who may be sensitive or allergic to certain proteins, like chicken.

They’re family owned and operated and fun fact, in the 1930’s they developed the first canine distemper vaccine! By the 50’s they introduced the concept of premium pet food to the world by pioneering the process of cooking meat and grain together to create the a kibble option that is 

delicious and nutritious. 

Favorite Recipes: Grain Free - Surf & Turf (Duck/Salmon) Grain In - Highlander Beef

Price Range: Starts at $14 for a 4/5# bag, up to $89 for a 30# bag. Their canned line averages $3-4/can.

What the heck is that ingredient? Chicory Root is the dried root of Cichorium intybus L. This extract provides a natural source of inulin, a soluble fiber that can nourish gut bacteria, improve digestion and help stool regularity.

**Attatched: Fromm’s statement on DCM: https://frommfamily.com/connect/fda-dcm-20190701/

Brand: Boréal

Country/State of Origin: Ontario, Canada

Why we love them: 

Boréal dog food uses primarily Canadian ingredients and focuses on high protein, low glycemic index formulas. Most of their recipes use a single source protein, which is a plus for dogs with protein allergies and they boost up their foods with antioxidants and probiotic packs.

They have 3 lines, ensuring you will find something to fit even the most sensitive pup.

Original - fresh meat, grain free, potato free &low carb

Vital - grain free potato free, low carb & limited ingredients

Proper - good grains, potato free & low carb.

Boréal is committed to getting our pets back on track, starting with healthy weight management. Focusing on the Glycemic Index, their foods vow to tackle not just weight but blood sugar issues like diabetes as well. Getting dogs back to the basics, while still having the convenience of a kibble is exactly why we recommend this brand.

Favorite Recipes: Original Salmon, Vital Chicken & Proper Large Breed Red Meat 

Price Range: Starts at $11 for a 5# bag, up to $72 for a large, salmon recipe bag.

What the heck is that ingredient? Niacinamide Involved in the body energy transfer, directly

involved in the energy production from lipids, carbohydrates and proteins.

Brand: Open Farm

Country/State of Origin: Canada

Why we love them: Open Farm is the first ever ethically sourced dry dog food to receive the “Certified Humane” label, meaning it’s proteins are sourced with the goal of improving the lives of farm animals with kinder & more responsible practices.

In addition to Open Farm’s meats being from high welfare, family owned farms they’re also free from antibiotics & growth hormones and their fruits & veggies are non-GMO.

Their ingredient panels are significantly smaller than a lot of other foods on the market which means less fillers while still packed with superfoods we love like coconut oil, sunflower oil, pumpkin & flaxseed.

Favorite Recipe: Pasture Raised Lamb & Catch of the Season Whitefish (both great options for dogs with allergies!)

Price Range:  $22.99 - $82.99

What the heck is that ingredient? Mixed Tocopherols are a type of E Vitamins that are found in vegetables, nuts, and fish. Tocopherols are often touted as a superior or preferred preservative for dog food as they are more “natural” and can provide some health from the vitamins they consist of. While the benefits of Tocopherols may be limited, they are a big step up from some of the artificial preservatives whose long-term effects who unknown. Many believe that artificial preservatives can cause serious health issues or harm to dogs.

Brand: Zignature

Country/State of Origin:

Why we love them: Zignature is committed to addressing & combating common food sensitivities (**especially chicken!) while staying away from high glycemic fillers & binders.

They globally source their ingredients, which means all ingredients will not be USA sourced, but thats okay! The best goat, kangaroo and venison don’t come from the USA, which is why you’ll notice Zignature sources from Australia, New Zealand & France as well as the USA. But don’t worry, you’ll never see any ingredients from China.

All of their formulas are free of the most common allergies (corn, wheat, soy, dairy and even chicken!) Yep, you read that right. No chicken meal, no chicken fat and no eggs. This is what truly sets Zignature apart to us. It is rare to find a food that uses absolutely no chicken products and with it being as common as an allergy as it is, this is a great option for dogs who suffer from any type of inflammation, as chicken may be to blame.

Favorite Recipe: Zssential blend of turkey, salmon, duck & lamb

Price Range: $11.99 - 79.99

What the heck is that ingredient? Taurine is an amino sulfonic acid, but it is often referred to as an amino acid, a chemical that is a required building block of protein. Taurine is found in large amounts in the brain, retina, heart, and blood cells called platelets. The best food sources are meat and fish.