If the stars were aligned, tasty, healthy puppy food wouldn’t cost a dime. But while man’s best friend certainly deserves the very best kibble, we can’t always afford premium recipes. Whether you need to temporarily tighten your budget or feed a growing puppy family, it helps to know the best cheap dog food brands on the market.In this article, we’ll consider exactly that, so you can get your paws on the best dog food for the money!
Contents
Quick Review: Top-4 For The Money Dog Dood
 | Best Puppy Food Nature's Dry Dog Food Puppy
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| | Best Adult Food Simply Perfection Super Premium
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| | Best Grain Free Food Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Free Dry Dog Food
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| | Best Wet Food Wag Amazon Brand Wet Dog Food Pate
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What’s The Best Dog Food For The Money ?
No matter how tight your budget, your puppy’s nutritional health should always be your number one priority when shopping around for dog foods. The best dog food for the money involves cleverly balancing these essential dietary requirements with your need for cost-effectiveness and choosing a kibble that ticks all the right boxes.
The best dog food for the price will contain:
- A high-quality, animal-derived protein as the initial ingredient. We’ve included examples of the best cheap puppy food in our reviews below, which use main ingredients like chicken meal and lamb.
- The right protein quantities for your pooch’s life stage. Puppies and lactating dogs have a greater need for amino acids than adult dogs who are just maintaining muscle mass, so choose a formula which is appropriate for your pet’s life stage. Luckily, these life stages are often labeled on each package.
- Appropriate amounts of fiber. Good cheap dog foods will include anywhere between 4% and 10% fiber, which offers roughage and bulk to help your puppy digest his meal in comfort.
- Mineral and vitamin supplements. In addition to fruits and vegetables, good recipes include extra supplements to ensure a kibble meets the AAFCO industry standards for proper canine health. Micronutrients such as iron, copper, and zinc promote proper cellular functions and strengthen your pup’s immune system.
- Fat for sustained energy burn. All puppies and grown dogs require diets with sufficient animal fat to fuel their daily activities. Healthy fat sources include chicken fat, salmon oil, and similar, which also offer Omega acids for improved fur and skin. This is especially true of kibbles made for senior pups.
How To Spot Good Cheap Dog Food
A good cheap dog food will contain all the above macro- and micronutrients in the right ratios for your puppy’s breed and life stage. But finding the very best dog food for the price involves looking a little bit closer — at what the recipe doesn’t contain.
Poor-quality formulas often include filler or ‘bulking’ ingredients which are added only for one reason — to increase the volume of your puppy’s kibble. The following fillers won’t do your best friend’s health any favors, and because of their very low nutritional value, they will not be found in reputable dog food products. Some dogs even have food allergies to the following additives:
- Excessively processed carbohydrates – including cornmeal, cracked wheat, and wheat gluten;
- By-product fish or animal meals – such as chicken by-products and milled poultry by-products; and
- Citrus pulp – Which is almost exclusively added to bulk up pet foods, and provides very little of the vitamins and minerals that make whole fruits so nutritious.
Rather than settle for kibble with filler ingredients, try instead to look for natural puppy foods which include whole grains, recognizable meat meals or real meats, and unprocessed vegetables for fiber. If you don’t have time to read every puppy food label, however, the next section contains some respected brands that also happen to create affordable dog food which is good for your pet.
The Best Dog Food For The Price: Best Cheap Dog Food Brands
When trying to cut costs, you’ll come across many a no-name brand promising great things for a fraction of the price. You can do endless hours of background research to save a few extra bucks, but why bother?
Luckily, a large number of perfectly great dog food brands already make some of the best dry dog food for the money — without sacrificing quality or nutrition.
- Nature’s Recipe;
- Eagle Pack;
- Merrick Whole Earth Farms;
- Rachael Ray Nutrish;
- Nutro;
- Blue Basics;
- Wag;
- Purina Beyond;
- Simply Perfection; and
- Taste of the Wild;
- Whole Hearted.
Reviews of The Best Cheap Puppy Food
- Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Dry Dog Food Puppy
Nature′s Recipe Dry Puppy Food, Grain Free Puppy Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe, 4 lb. Bag
A long track record of positive reviews makes this some of the best cheap puppy food we could lay our paws on. It’s healthy, rich in puppy protein, and fortified with all the minerals a developing puppy needs during his most active years. And all at a decent price!
Buy on Amazon Add to CartPros
- Includes 25% protein for robust muscles and plenty of strength;
- Top ingredients are succulent, whole chicken, fiber-rich potatoes, and non-meat pea protein;
- Gives a lovely 4% fiber to encourage firm stools and easier food breakdown;
- Uses plenty of vitamin- and antioxidant-rich ingredients, including pumpkin, apples, and sweet potato; and
- Features DHA, the brain-healthy Omega fat which puppies get from their mom’s milk.
Cons
- Not for puppies who can’t eat potato.
Our Verdict: 5/5
If your pup can’t tolerate beef, corn, wheat, this recipe steers well clear of these ingredients. Instead, it offers all the balanced nutrition and wholesome goodness of a premium brand (which it is!) at an affordable cost.
- Eagle Pack Natural Dry Dog Food Large Breed Puppy Food
Eagle Pack Natural Dry Large Breed Puppy Food, Lamb, Chicken & Fish Recipe, 30-Pound Bag
If you’ve got a large– or giant-breed puppy, you’ll know just how much they can guzzle down at every mealtime! And yet, they need kibble with the appropriate ratios for their joints and skeletal health. This Eagle Pack recipe is a cheap good dog food that balances puppy health with affordable prices.
Buy on Amazon Add to CartPros
- Made with delicious meaty flavors from tender lamb and juicy chicken meal;
- Appropriately balances calories with calcium and phosphorus for ideal puppy growth;
- Crafted without wheat, by-product meals, or synthetic preservation chemicals;
- USA-made by a brand with 25+ years of experience; and
- Includes lovely Omega fats that will promote glossier, shinier coats.
Cons
- Contains slightly less protein than the 25% we would ordinarily recommend – but at 23%, it’s only slightly less.
Our Verdict: 4.5/5
An all-natural Eagle Pack recipe that’s tailored for large growing puppies, and at a price that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. Now that’s what we call good cheap dog food!
- Whole Earth Farms Puppy Dry Dog Food
Whole Earth Farms - Puppy - 30 Lb
Natural ingredients, traditional wholesome grains, and essential supplements make this Merrick puppy recipe complete, and it’s a balanced chicken formula that also includes good amounts of fiber from fruit.
Buy on Amazon Add to CartPros
- Suitable for every breed of puppy, adult, and even pregnant and senior dogs;
- Uses salmon oil for glucosamine to repair and protect your puppy’s joints;
- Includes fiber that can help remedy loose stools and regulate blood sugar levels;
- Contains immune system-supporting antioxidants from delicious ingredients such as blueberries; and
- With Merrick, you can always rely on high safety standards and strict quality controls.
Cons
- Not suitable for gluten-intolerant little puppies.
Our Verdict: 5/5
Thanks to its huge, loyal following, Merrick enjoys economies of scale that allow it to produce high-caliber puppy food at affordable prices. This recipe is absolutely a good quality kibble at a budget-friendly price — some of the best puppy food for the money.
Best Dog Food For The Money
- Taste of the Wild Grain Free Dry Dog Food
$78.99
Taste Of The Wild, Southwest Canine Formula Wild Boar, 28 Pound
A multitude of tasty animal proteins has gone into this Taste of The Wild recipe, giving your pooch lots of variety. But while it contains fresh flavors like wild boar, lamb, and ocean fish, it’s a fraction of the price of other premium brands.
Buy on Amazon Add to CartPros
- Puppies and adult dogs of all varied life stages can dig into this formula — including large breed pups such as Golden Retrievers, Pit Bulls, Boxers, and Huskies;
- Gives your dog 29% protein, which is a good figure for both maintenance and growth;
- Includes Vitamin E and selenium for improved coat and skin health;
- Provides your puppy or adult dog with Omega-6 and Omega-3 acids; and
- Contains DHA and a chondroitin-glucosamine blend in natural salmon oil.
Cons
- It’s not THE cheapest dog food, but it’s still very affordable given its high quality.
Our Verdict: 5/5
Taste of the Wild consistently manufactures the very best dog food in terms of taste, quality, and nutrition. But if you’ve never checked out the prices before, you’ll be pleased to see that it’s also one of the more reasonably priced brands, given the high caliber of its formulas. A superb choice for all dog owners.
- NUTRO Grain Free Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
NUTRO GRAIN FREE Adult Natural Dry Dog Food Farm-Raised Chicken, Lentils and Sweet Potato, 24 lb. Bag
Farm chicken packs a powerful protein punch in this gluten-free Nutro recipe for fully-grown dogs. Low-GI carbohydrates and vitamins from veggies also provide roughage which enables easier doggy digestion.
Buy on Amazon Add to CartPros
- Gives your pooch a lovely 26% protein;
- Vitamin and mineral supplements are used to fortify this otherwise natural recipe;
- Includes apples, blueberries, and carrots for antioxidants — helping your best pal in the fight against disease!
- Contains plenty of Omega-6, which will help your fluffy friend’s skin health; and
- All of this at an economical price!
Cons
- Not for puppies or chicken-intolerant dogs.
Our Verdict: 5/5
We’re all on board with this delicious, nutritious Nutro recipe, which is made with zero soy, gluten, or wheat. It’s made right here in the United States, with ingredients that are sourced from trusted suppliers.
- Simply Perfection Super Premium
Simply Perfection Super Premium Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food 4 Lb Bag, Model:MODEL - 134
For a superb mix of wholesome inclusions, this Simply Perfection kibble comes at a very reasonable price. All the flavors and colors are natural, and it’s full of additional vitamins for that extra, natural boost!
Buy on Amazon Add to CartPros
- Uses protein-packed lamb meal and succulent lamb as key ingredients;
- Includes whole brown rice to ensure smoother food breakdown and easier digestibility;
- Added fish oil provides a glucosamine boost and gives your dog plenty of Omega fats;
- Offers real berries to enhance your pooch’s immune system with antioxidants; and
- Uses non-meat sources of protein for added goodness — including peas and egg.
Cons
- Contains brewer’s rice, a common ‘filler’ ingredient.
Our Verdict: 4/5
All ingredients considered, this is a highly cost-effective, nutritious kibble for large puppies, grown dogs, and lactating pets. It’s USA-made using mineral complexes for added goodness and gives a nice 5% fiber to help your dog feel fuller.
Best Grain Free Dog Food For The Money
- Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Natural Dry Dog Food, Turkey & Potato Recipe, 6 Pounds, Grain Free
US turkey provides most of the protein in this cheap grain-free dog food, which gives your pooch 26% protein and no gluten whatsoever. It’s a natural recipe that’s perfect for adult dogs and small to medium puppies.
Buy on Amazon Add to CartPros
- Provides your puppy or older dog with glucosamine that promotes better quality cartilage and protects his joints;
- Includes useful fiber for better digestion and slower blood sugar absorption;
- Uses healthy, natural meat, meat meals, and a reasonably-sized serving low-GI peas for sustained release of energy;
- It’s a good price for a respected brand and nutritious formula; and
- Doesn’t include any by-product meals or artificial unhealthy add-ins.
Cons
- It’s a bit light on the veggies and fruits.
Our Verdict: 4.5/5
Gluten-free dogs and little ones will love this formula, which is some of the best cheap grain free dog food available. Turkey provides antioxidants and plenty of lean muscle protein to promote canine muscle growth.
- Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Die Adult Dry Dog Food
Sale 
$74.98 −$9.99
$64.99
$64.99
Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care, Grain Free Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Salmon & Potato 22-lb
Blue Buffalo’s Basics range definitely contains some of the best grain free dog food for the price. Available in two other mouthwatering flavors — duck and lamb — this is a salmon recipe that will have your dog’s tail wagging like crazy!
Buy on Amazon Add to CartPros
- Contains no chicken, egg, dairy, soy, beef, or gluten — a safe, stress-free choice for dogs with allergies;
- This recipe also includes antioxidant and nutrient ‘bits’ of thoughtfully preserved ingredients to boost your adult dog’s immune health;
- Balanced and natural, this is a complete maintenance recipe;
- Provides 20% protein and 12% fat; and
- Includes useful glucosamine sources such as fish oil and salmon meal.
Cons
- Contains potato.
Our Verdict: 5/5
Limited diets don’t need to be expensive, like this Blue Basics formula shows. If your grown-up pooch loves the delicious taste of boneless salmon, this is a cost-effective option that’s also some of the healthiest kibble around.
- Whole Hearted Grain Free Dog Food
$28.99
Petco Brand - WholeHearted Grain Free Small-Breed Chicken and Pea Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food, 14 lbs.
This is a wonderful low priced option for the dogs that require a grain free diet. This food is not only grain free and allergen free, but is also packed with quality lean chicken and pea proteins that help to nourish your furry friend. Whole Hearted even includes their own special addition of probiotics for gut health, so your dog’s digestion will be at its best on this diet.
Buy on Amazon Add to CartPros
- Grain free;
- Lean chicken as the source of protein;
- Added probiotics for digestive health.
Cons
- Does include chicken, so dogs with poultry allergies may not be able to enjoy this diet
Our Verdict: 3.5/5
This is a wonderful low priced option for the special furry friends that need a quality grain free diet.
Best Cheap Wet Dog Food
- Wag Amazon Brand Wet Dog Food
Amazon Brand - Wag Pate Canned Dog Food, Turkey & Chicken Recipe, 12.5 oz Can (Pack of 12)
Canned dog food always costs more than dry varieties, but with Wag, owners get a discounted price for a similar high quality as bigger name brands.
Buy on Amazon Add to CartPros
- The top ingredients are whole chicken and tantalizing turkey for lean delicious protein;
- Offers plenty of nutrients thanks to the inclusion of turkey liver;
- A smooth, appealing pate texture makes it an exciting choice for pooches big and small;
- Contains no animal by-products; and
- Uses only natural preservatives.
Cons
- Only for grown dogs; and
- Doesn’t include any veggies or fruits.
Our Verdict: 4.5/5
Made in Canada, this Wag canned food is Amazon’s signature brand of adult doggy chow. It’s a good source of (9%) protein and apparently, dogs love the taste!
- Purina Beyond Grain Free Adult Wet Dog Food
Sale
Purina Beyond Beef, Potato, and Green Bean Grain Free Wet Dog Food Natural Pate with Added Vitamins and Minerals - (Pack...
Purina Beyond creates canned food without any wheat or soy, and without any by-products from poultry. Whether you choose the chicken, beef, or cod recipe — it’s some of the best cheap wet dog food on the market today.
Buy on Amazon Add to CartPros
- Never includes any milled, rendered by-products from chicken;
- Uses real, nutritious meat as the first (yummy!) ingredient;
- Includes veggies such as beans, and fiber-rich potatoes for added vitamins;
- It’s naturally colored and flavored, with zero synthetic additions for preservation; and
- It is absolutely perfect for mixing with dry kibble.
Cons
- Some owners have received slightly dented cans.
Our Verdict: 5/5
If your dog loves variety, choose the mixed pack for an exciting range of different Beyond flavors. That includes chicken and sweet potato, beef and spinach, and other lick-lipping options depending on which pack you opt for!
FAQ
I’m a student who needs to save money, but I sometimes want to feed my puppy wet food. Any suggestions?
We certainly have got lots of suggestions for you! Wet puppy food has many advantages that make it well worth the cost. It is usually lower in synthetic preservatives and carbohydrates, and it is higher in moisture — a good thing for puppies who need more hydration. It also smells and often tastes much more appetizing than dry kibble, and can tempt picky eaters who turn their muzzles up at most formulas. If you haven’t found exactly what you’re looking for in the reviews above, we highly recommend our article on the Best Wet Dog Food. It’s full of canned puppy food suggestions that will give you some bang for your buck!
I want to exercise with my Labrador. What are some good ideas besides walking?
One of the great things about owning a large-breed dog is that they can easily match your pace when you’re out for a brisk walk together. While you bond, you’re also both getting some cardiovascular exercise, which helps reduce your blood pressure, strengthen your heart, and boost your stamina over the longer term.
Other activities that you might like to try include:
- Light jogging. Once your puppy has matured into an adult, start with some short jogs and work your way up to half-hour runs. Most small-breed dogs and some larger pooches (such as Whippets) are not built for long distances, but your Labrador should be just fine.
- Fetch, frisbee, or hide-and-seek. Whether it’s in the park or at the beach, this one’s self-explanatory!
- There are many cute life jackets available online to keep your pooch safe while you ‘doggy paddle’ together. It’s not a good idea to automatically assume that your Lab can swim, but if he’s a fan of the exercise, you can start slowly together in a safe pool or relatively shallow water. Keep a close eye on him to ensure he’s not drinking pool water – and it always helps to know some doggy first-aid!
- Taking that walk up a notch, a hike can be a great way for your dog to enjoy new smells, sights, and sounds. Why not hit up a trail together?
There are so many activities that you and your Lab can do together, and we’re so excited for you to get fit. Have fun!
Helpful Links
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/centers/nutrition/evr_dg_how-to-exercise-with-dog
- https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/faqs/about-general-pet-nutrition/
Last update on 2024-11-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
