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Choosing the right dry dog food isn’t just about picking a popular brand. It’s about giving your pup the right nutrition for healthy growth and strong immunity. A well-balanced diet during the formative months can make all the difference in your dog’s long-term health.
However, with countless brands in the Indian market, each claiming to be the best, the search can get overwhelming. That’s why we’ve listed down the 5 best dry dog food brands in India that we’ve personally tried and found beneficial for our own dogs.
In this article, we’ve also included key things to look for on dry dog food labels, along with a simple guide to transitioning your pup to a new diet. Let’s dive in!
What To Look For In Dry Dog Food (Kibble) For Boosting Growth And Immunity?
Protein Percentage
You’ll usually find this information on the back of the dry dog food pack under the section titled Nutritional Analysis or Ingredient List. For healthy growth and development, a good kibble should have a protein content of at least 20% — ideally higher, especially for growing pups.
Additionally, you can also check if the dry dog food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO (the Association of American Feed Control Officials). This determines whether a dog food contains all the essential nutrients for it to be considered a balanced diet for dogs.
Ingredient Quality
Look for dog foods that list high-quality protein sources at the very top of the ingredient list. These include meats like chicken, lamb, turkey, duck, fish, or eggs.
A balanced recipe should also feature dog-friendly vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, and fruits such as berries or apples. Additives like omega fatty acids (e.g., fish oil) are also great for immunity and skin health.
Avoid foods that contain gluten fillers such as wheat, corn, soy flour, or any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives — these add bulk without offering real nutrition and may trigger allergies or digestive issues in some dogs.
Breed-Specific Or Age-Specific Formulations
Always consider your dog’s age, breed, and lifestyle when selecting dry food. A growing puppy requires a high-calorie, protein-rich diet, while senior dogs benefit from formulas that support joint health and are lower in fat.
Neutered or spayed dogs, as well as breeds prone to obesity, often do better on low-grain or grain-free diets that help manage weight without compromising on nutrition.
Now that you have a clear idea of what to look for in dog food, let’s dive into our list of favorite brands – all personally tried and trusted by our own pups.
Top 5 Dry Dog Food Brands In India To Boost Your Dog’s Growth & Immunity
Founded by Indian pet parents Mathi and Saranya, Bruno’s Wild Essentials was inspired by their beloved dog, Bruno. This homegrown brand is making waves in the Indian pet food market with its hypoallergenic, preservative-free, and nutrient-rich formulations – qualities that were once limited to premium foreign dog food brands.
Bruno’s offers age-specific dry dog foods that come in 6 different formulations: Freespirit (salmon & chicken), Sunburn (duck, turkey & salmon), Adult Lamb Recipe, and Adult Chicken Recipe for adult dogs. And Lamby Feast Puppy and Mother & Puppy Starter for puppies. My dogs also like their fish bone broth, and Fish Oil Supplement, which I often sprinkle as a topper over their meals for holistic nutrition.
Key ingredients
Bruno’s dry dog food is sourced from Belgium and features high-quality protein from lamb, duck, turkey, salmon, and chicken. Their recipes are enriched with a nourishing blend of vegetables, fruits, berries, herbs, and seeds, creating a well-balanced meal packed with protein, essential vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids, all of which support healthy growth and development in puppies.
Main Benefits
- Supports joint health
- Boosts immune function
- Aids muscle development
- Promotes healthy skin and coat
Pros
- High in protein, of which 83% is derived from animal sources
- Contains glucosamine, chondroitin, omega fatty acids, and essential vitamins
- Highly palatable and easy to digest
- Available in age-specific formulations
- Budget-friendly for the quality offered
Cons
- None
Why We Love It
We first tried Bruno’s with our Indie pup, Luna. She was weaned on their starter pack, and took to it beautifully. Since then, our whole pack has enjoyed their unique blends, such as Sunburn and Freespirit dry dog foods. I’m also fond of their Sardine Oil, an omega supplement that I use as a topper on their regular meals. All of Bruno’s dry dog foods have clean ingredients, great protein variety, and are genuinely loved by our dogs.
Bark Out Loud is a pet care brand by Vivaldis Animal Health, a well-known pharmaceutical company dedicated to animal healthcare. Founded by Kunal Khanna, the brand has quickly evolved into a one-stop destination for modern pet parents, offering a range of premium and budget-friendly dog food, supplements, and grooming essentials. With its vet-backed formulations and focus on holistic wellness, Bark Out Loud is redefining pet care in India.
Key Ingredients
Crafted in Belgium, Bark Out Loud’s dry dog food features high-quality protein sources like turkey, chicken, and salmon. The formulations are high in fiber and low in calories, making them ideal for weight management without compromising on nutrition.
Each recipe includes a wholesome blend of vegetables, berries, herbs, and ancient grains, along with added antioxidants and omega fatty acids to support overall health and wellness. They also offer vegetarian options for dogs with specific dietary needs.
Main Benefits
- Gut-friendly formulations that support your dog’s digestive health.
Aids in muscle development and helps boost your pup’s energy levels
Helps maintain a strong immune system.
Supports joint health especially in senior dogs and large breeds (like my Rottweiler).
Pros
- Contains 26% protein
- Preservative-free formulation
- Crafted with ancient grains instead of wheat
- Offers age and breed-specific variants
- Also offers a budget-friendly range called ‘Bark Out Loud Essentials’.
Cons
- Limited variety in animal protein sources.
Why We Love It
Our pups are currently on the Salmon & Turkey recipe for breakfast, and it’s been a smooth ride, no digestive issues at all. Plus, the salmon seems to be doing wonders for their skin. It’s a dependable, gentle option we’re genuinely happy with.
3. Heads Up For Tails
Founded by Rashi Narang in 2008, Heads Up For Tails (HUFT) became India’s first pet care brand to truly revolutionize the way we care for our pets. From launching innovative dog food, treats, toys, and grooming essentials to opening pet-friendly stores and offering spa services, HUFT has been a true pioneer in the Indian pet industry.
Key Ingredients
We’ve always been a big fan of HUFT products, especially their wet dog foods. Hence, their newly launched Hearty – a range of oven-baked dry dog foods, did not disappoint either. Unlike many dry kibble currently available in the Indian pet food market, Hearty is oven-baked in small batches to ensure optimum nutrition for your dog. While we’ve only tried their Adult Chicken, Duck & Brown Rice recipe, Hearty also features an oven-baked Chicken & Fish Dry Dog Food For Puppies and a Lamb & Blueberry with Superfoods Dry Dog Food For Adults.
Key ingredients in HUFT dog food typically consist of chicken, lamb, duck, and fish, along with veggies, fruits, brown rice, ancient grains, and added omega fatty acids and antioxidants.
Main Benefits
- Enhances muscle development
- Supports gut health
- Boosts immunity
- Hypoallergenic and easy to digest.
Pros
- Made with human-grade, natural ingredients.
- Vet-approved formulations.
- Available for different life stages.
- Both premium and budget-friendly dog foods are available.
Cons
- None
Why We Love It
We couldn’t get over the adorable heart-shaped kibble of Hearty, and clearly, neither could our dogs. It’s easy to chew, even for our younger pup, and was gobbled up without hesitation. We often top their kibble bowl with Sara’s Wholesome Foods (HUFT), especially their Chicken & Turkey and Lamb & Apple to craft the perfect gourmet spread for our dogs on weekends.
A well-known Italian brand in the global pet care industry, Farmina’s N&D range of dog food is widely loved and trusted by vets and pet parents alike. It is one of the best dog foods in India, known for using premium-quality, carefully sourced ingredients. Farmina is committed to delivering top-tier nutrition for dogs of all breeds and life stages.
In addition to the popular N&D line, they also offer the VetLife range, designed for dogs with specific health needs, and the more budget-friendly Team Breeder range, making Farmina’s products accessible to a wider audience without compromising on quality.
Key ingredients
Farmina dry dog food uses high-quality protein sources like chicken, lamb, fish, and eggs, combined with healthy fats such as fish oil and chicken fat. Their recipes also include wholesome grains like oats and spelt or grain-free alternatives, along with fruits (pomegranate, blueberries), vegetables (pumpkin, apple, orange), and natural antioxidants like rosemary and green tea extract – all carefully selected to support your dog’s growth, digestion, and overall health.
Main Benefits
- Supports strong muscle development and healthy metabolism
- Promotes digestive health with easily digestible ingredients
- Boosts immunity with natural antioxidants and vitamins
- Encourages a shiny coat and healthy skin
Pros
- High-quality, ethically sourced ingredients
- Grain-inclusive and grain-free options available
- Vet-recommended and scientifically formulated
- Multiple product ranges for different needs and budgets
- Also, offers a dedicated N&D line for neutered dogs!
Cons
- Premium pricing
- Limited availability in smaller towns
Why We Love It
Our Rajapalayam dog (a native sight-hound from Tamil Nadu, India) was raised on Farmina N&D’s Lamb & Blueberry. His growth was consistently healthy, his coat shiny, and his energy levels always up. It’s a brand we’ve trusted for years, and it’s never let us down.
5. Orijen
Crafted in Canada, Orijen is one of the premium dog foods in India, built around the concept of a WholePrey diet. Their formulations are designed to mirror what dogs would naturally eat in the wild and are rich in fresh, wild-caught and responsibly farmed animal proteins. With an impressive variety of high-quality ingredients, Orijen delivers biologically appropriate nutrition that supports your dog’s health at every stage of life.
Key ingredients
Orijen dog foods are packed with up to 85% animal ingredients, including free-run chicken and turkey, wild-caught fish, and eggs. They also include nutrient-rich organs and bone, along with fresh fruits, vegetables, and botanicals like pumpkin, apples, cranberries, kelp and more, all designed to support complete and balanced nutrition.
Main Benefits
- Supports lean muscle development
- Promotes digestive health and immune resilience
- Enhances skin condition and coat shine
Pros
- Exceptionally high protein from diverse animal sources (85%)
- Uses fresh, regional ingredients—no artificial preservatives or fillers like wheat, corn, rice, tapioca
- Multiple product ranges for different breeds, ages and needs.
Cons
- Premium pricing
- Some of their premium products such as Regional Red are not easily available in India.
Why We Love It
Our Rottweiler grew up on Orijen Puppy Large, and later transitioned to Orijen Original and Orijen Six Fish. The results? Exceptional muscle tone, a glossy coat, and strong, healthy growth. It’s one of the few brands we’ve seen deliver visible, lasting results, worth every bit of the premium.
How to Choose the Right Dry Dog Food For Your Pup: Quick Buying Guide
Before placing that order, consider a few key factors to ensure your pup’s food meets their unique needs. Start with the basics: your dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior), breed size (small, medium, or large), and any specific health considerations like being neutered, having sensitive skin or digestion, food allergies, or joint issues.
It’s also important to keep in mind your monthly budget. If you’re working with a tighter one, I highly recommend exploring Indian brands like the ones we’ve listed above. They deliver premium-quality ingredients without the added cost of imports – which means better nutrition without burning a hole in your pocket.
How To Transition To A New Dog Food?
Always switch your dog’s food gradually over 7–10 days to avoid digestive issues. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with their current one, and then slowly increase the proportion of new food each day. This gentle transition helps your pup adjust easily without upsetting their stomach.
If your pup prefers softer meals, you can also check out our guide on the best wet dog foods in India, or explore joint supplements for dogs that work great as toppers/ treats to boost mobility in senior dogs and large breeds.
Pawsitive Takeaway
Choosing the right dog food isn’t about chasing big names, it’s about finding what truly works for your pup’s health, growth, and overall well-being. All the brands we’ve featured in this article have been tried and loved by our own dogs, so you can feel confident while giving them a go. Whether you’re raising a playful pup or caring for a senior dog, these brands would surely meet your needs and budget.
