Yes, many veterinarians recommend Hill's Science Diet, especially its Prescription Diet line, because of its strong research, science-backed formulas, and AAFCO compliance, with vets trusting it for specific health conditions like kidney, digestive, or weight issues, though some debate exists around corporate influence in vet schools.
If your pet has breed-specific needs or unique habits, Royal Canin's tailored approach is a clear winner. For pet owners seeking high-quality, sustainable options without the complexity of breed-specific formulas, Hills Science Diet offers a straightforward, reliable choice.
Vets most commonly recommend brands like Hill's Science Diet, Royal Canin, and Purina Pro Plan due to their extensive research, scientific backing, and availability of specialized prescription diets for specific health conditions. Other trusted options often mentioned include Eukanuba, Advance, and some Australian brands like Prime100, with specific formulas tailored for life stages, breed sizes, or health issues like skin sensitivities or weight management.
A downside to Hill's Science Diet dog food is that many recipes contain ingredients such as yellow peas, pea fiber, soybean meal, and other legumes. Peas and legumes have been linked to heart disease in dogs.
There's no single "number one" food, but chocolate, grapes/raisins, and foods containing the artificial sweetener xylitol are among the most dangerous and common toxic items, causing issues from vomiting and seizures to kidney failure or death; other major threats include onions/garlic, alcohol, and fatty/cooked bones that can splinter. Always contact your vet immediately if your dog eats anything suspicious.
There's no single "number 1" healthiest dog food, as the best choice depends on your dog's age, breed, and health; however, look for foods meeting AAFCO standards (Association of American Feed Control Officials), with real meat as the first ingredient, and vet-recommended brands like Hill's Science Diet, Purina Pro Plan, and Royal Canin are often cited for balanced nutrition. Freshly prepared or raw diets can also be healthy but carry risks, so always consult your vet.
Heartworm disease is among the top silent killers of dogs and cats, and it's a slow and insidious disease which gradually incapacitates them. By the time pet owners notice the giveaway signs of this disease, serious damage may already have been caused.
Veterinarians recommend Science Diet, Royal Canin, and Purina due to their robust investment in scientific research and testing. These brands have dedicated teams of veterinarians, nutritionists, and scientists who develop and rigorously test their formulas to ensure they meet the nutritional needs of pets.
Royal Canin provides breed-specific science-backed nutrition, Orijen offers biologically appropriate high-protein options, Purina Pro Plan addresses specific sensitivities, Iams delivers quality at a lower price point, and Natural Balance provides specialized options for dogs with food allergies.
The healthiest, vet-recommended dog foods will include meat, vegetables, grains, and fruits. These non-meat foods are not just fillers; they can also be a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
The main differences lie in their approach to nutrition and ingredient selection. Blue Buffalo emphasizes natural ingredients and offers grain-free options, while Science Diet, backed by extensive research, focuses on scientifically formulated recipes to promote overall health.
Due to the range of benefits that wet and dry diets boast, a mixed feeding approach can help your dog get the most out of mealtime. Combining both wet and dry to their diet can give them some variety, where they are exposed to different textures that they will generally be more tempted to try.
Our veterinary panel's No. 1 pick for the best dog food for adult dogs comes from the highly respected Hill's Science Diet brand, which employs veterinary nutritionists, food scientists, and nutrition specialists to not only formulate and balance diets, but to continue science-backed research.
Most of Hill's Science Diet recipes contain ingredients that are potentially controversial or low in nutritional value. Many recipes incorporate filler ingredients like whole grain corn and dried beet pulp, which have low nutritional value.
Purina Pro Plan does have more formulas that cater to dogs with specific needs. So, dogs with chronic illnesses can benefit more from this brand. Hill's Science Diet also has many recipes that contain a lot of grains. So, if your dog needs a high-protein diet, Purina Pro Plan will be the better option.
7 Best Dog Foods in 2025, Recommended by Vets
Hill's Pet Nutrition is expanding its voluntary recall of canned dog food products due to elevated levels of Vitamin D. This expansion relates to the same vitamin premix that led to the Jan. 31 voluntary recall.
Some of the top ingredients to watch out for include:
On January 31, 2019, Hill's Pet Nutrition notified the FDA about a report of vitamin D toxicity in a dog that ate a canned Hill's dog food and initiated a recall of 25 products. On March 20, 2019, Hill's expanded the recall to include 19 additional products of canned dog food.
Marty Goldstein, author of The Nature of Animal Healing, is an expert on holistic pet medicine and the veterinarian caring for Oprah's dog Sophie, who is suffering from kidney failure. Based on Dr. Marty's advice, Oprah says she now feeds her dogs a mixed diet of chicken, beef, lamb, brown rice, potatoes and carrots.
Generally, dogs dislike hugs, not being allowed to sniff, a lack of routine, and more. Even the most laid-back dog will hate some of the things we humans do—if they tolerate it, it's just because they love you or don't want to be dominant.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, outlining three phases: 3 Days (decompression, feeling overwhelmed/scared), 3 Weeks (starting to settle in, learning routine, personality emerges), and 3 Months (feeling secure, bonded, and truly at home). It helps new owners manage expectations and be patient as their rescue dog transitions, emphasizing calm energy, routine, and space in the early days to build trust.
Top 10 Toxic Dog Foods
The first signs of Cushing's disease in dogs often involve increased thirst (polydipsia), frequent urination (polyuria), increased appetite (polyphagia), and lethargy, alongside a developing pot-belly, thinning skin, hair loss (especially on the body/flanks), and excessive panting, requiring a vet visit for diagnosis.