Best Dog Food Made in the USA

Many dog owners want to get the best food option for their furry friends. And for many consumers, finding the best dog food made in the USA is at the top of the list. 

This is because of America’s strict manufacturing process and detail to ingredients. If this is an essential factor for you, you’re in luck. We have 10 different pet food brands that are sourced and made in the USA. 

My personal choice is ACANA Grain-Free dry dog food for all life stages. It is high in protein, easy to digest, and includes regional ingredients that make it a great USA food. 

But we also have other top recommendations for the best dog food. And we talk about how to source the best food, and how to purchase the best dog food made in the USA.

Our Best Made in the USA Dog Food

• ACANA Meadowland Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (Best Overall)
• Solid Gold Wolf Cub Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food (Best for Puppies)
• VICTOR Purpose Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food (Best for Seniors)
• Halo Holistic Small Breed Dry Dog Food (Best for Small Breeds)
• Wellness CORE Grain-Free Large Breed Dry Dog Food (Best for Large Breeds)
• American Journey Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (Best Budget Food)
• Blue Buffalo Homestyle Canned Dog Food (Best Wet Food)
• Castor & Pollux ORGANIX Organic Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (Best Premium Food)
• Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food (Best for Allergies)
• My Ollie Dog Food (Best Fresh Food)

10 Best Dog Food Made in the USA Reviewed 

The formulas listed below follow the AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines. And, since they’re US-based, they also follow FDA guidelines. Before switching to any new food, please consult with your veterinarian. 

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ACANA Meadowland Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Deboned Turkey, Chicken Liver, Turkey Giblets, Chicken Meal
• Guaranteed Analysis: 33% Crude Protein, 17% Crude Fat, 6% Fiber, 12% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 392 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Best overall US-based dog food with free-run chicken and turkey

Looking for dog food that pooches at all life stages love? Try ACANA. 

Their formulas are made in Kentucky, US. They also source most of their ingredients regionally, working with farms in the same state. 

And, many of their proteins, fruits, and vegetables are all delivered within 48 hours of harvest, making them incredibly fresh. 

Their Meadowland formula is an excellent choice for adult dogs. It’s high in protein and has moderate and healthy fats to keep their joints and muscles healthy.

And, it starts with real deboned chicken and deboned turkey that were raised right in Kentucky. 

Chicken fat, eggs, and fish oil supplement DHA and glucosamine for mobility and brain development. And, the recipe is grain-free, too — providing fiber from pinto beans and red lentils instead of wheat. 

This formula is also full of probiotics and prebiotics for digestion. And, their raw meat coating is frozen to get rid of parasites — so your pup is only getting the good wholesome protein. 

Pet owners note that this kibble is standard size. So super small dogs may not be able to chew it properly. However, they love that the brand has multiple flavors to keep their dogs from being picky. 

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Solid Gold Wolf Cub Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Bison, Ocean Fish Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Peas
• Guaranteed Analysis: 26% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 4% Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 345 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: High-protein puppy food made without potatoes 

Pet owners know their puppies need three things — love, plenty of exercise, and proper nutrition for healthy and sustainable growth. 

Solid Gold easily takes care of the nutrition part. And, they’re transparent about where they source their ingredients, how they make their food, and how their food is 3rd party tested. 

While their ingredients aren’t all sourced from the US, most are. And, the ingredients they source from other countries are all sustainable and ethically done. They also only accept raw materials that meet the US standards for food. 

Solid Gold doesn’t skimp on your dog’s health, and it shows. The Wolf Cub formula starts with real bison that’s sourced right from Midwestern farms. This is also helpful for puppies who may deal with allergies — bison is a novel protein.  

They also include chicken fat and dried eggs for joint support, and a healthy heart. 

Not only is the food sourcing stringent, but so is their manufacturing process. They run mock recalls to ensure that all ingredients are safe.

And, they test each batch of food many times throughout the process to guarantee that your dog is getting high-quality nutrition. Their dog food is made in Kansas. 

Dog owners say that this food helped their puppies grow at a steady (and healthy) rate. Great Dane moms and dads are huge fans and love that it’s naturally low in purines as well!

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VICTOR Purpose Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Beef Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Whole Grain Millet, Grain Sorghum, Chicken Fat
• Guaranteed Analysis: 27% Crude Protein, 11.5% Crude Fat, 4.5% Fiber, 9% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 360 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Lower calorie dog food for metabolism support with glucosamine for joint health

Need dog food for your senior pup, but want to make sure it’s the best option for them. What if I told you that you could buy a formula that has ingredients sourced right in Texas? 

VICTOR Purpose Senior dry dog food is the best of both worlds — senior-friendly dog food made with regional ingredients. 

This recipe starts with beef and Menhaden fish meals, both of which are sourced in the lower US state. And, they offer a high-protein source, helping your old pal keep up their muscle tone.  

Chicken fat includes both taurine and l-carnitine for heart health and metabolism support. And, it also supplements glucosamine, which is excellent for limber joints. 

This formula is not grain-free, so if your dog is allergic to grains, you may want to try one of their other options.

But, it includes fiber-rich grains, like brown rice and whole-grain millet — which is also protein rich. These make digestion easier and provide vitamins like calcium for strong bones. 

VICTOR dog food is manufactured in Mt Pleasant, Texas. 

Pet parents noticed a huge change in their dogs energy and mobility with this food, and many recommend it to dogs with joint problems. 

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Halo Holistic Small Breed Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Dried Egg Product, Dried Peas, Oatmeal
• Guaranteed Analysis: 27% Crude Protein, 17% Crude Fat, 5% Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 413 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: High-protein and gmo-free dog food formulated for small breeds

Small breeds need more nutrition and calories per pound than their larger counterparts. Because of that, finding dog food with plenty of protein and healthy fats is essential. 

Halo Holistic offers non-GMO dog food. The only ingredients that aren’t from the US are their lamb sourced from New Zealand and peas from Canada. And their food is manufactured in Tampa, Florida. 

Their small breed formula starts with cage-free deboned chicken and chicken liver. This provides 27% of Crude Protein to keep your dog’s muscles strong and lean. And, it also includes natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin to protect their small joints. 

Oatmeal, pearled barley, and pea fiber are highly-digestible carbohydrates. These also add prebiotic fiber for easier digestion and vitamins like magnesium to help with calcium absorption. 

Dog parents enjoy that this food is holistic. And, many mention that the food helped regulate their dog. 

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Wellness CORE Grain-Free Large Breed Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Lentils, Peas
• Guaranteed Analysis: 34% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 6% Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 342 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Grain-free and high-protein dog food for large breeds 

Just like small breeds, large dogs need plenty of nutrients to keep up with their bodies. While they may not need as many calories, they still require adequate protein and fats to keep their muscle tone and healthy joints. 

It’s also essential to find a formula for large breeds since they have different nutrient ratios than small dogs. 

Wellness CORE makes many different options, but their large breed formula is a great choice. First, Wellness CORE is made in Massachusetts, US. 

Their ingredients are 99% sourced in America, with just a few from New Zealand, Australia, Italy, and Chile. 

Their grain-free large breed recipe includes extra glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids. These are essential for big dogs to protect their joints and keep up with their activity levels. 

This formula starts with deboned chicken and turkey meal. These offer a healthy 34% of Crude Protein, keeping your furry friend satiated and helping them build lean muscle mass. 

Instead of grains, they include lentils and peas. These offer fiber, extra protein, and even vitamins like vitamin E for healthy skin.

Pet parents note that this dog food makes a huge difference in their dogs coat and skin health. Many recommend it if your dog has shedding, allergies, or dry skin. 

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American Journey Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes
• Guaranteed Analysis: 32% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 5% Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 390 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Budget-friendly and wheat-free dog food made without artificial preservatives 

Yes, you can buy American-made and still have affordable dog food. And that’s where American Journey comes in (they even named their dog food to show off their patriotism). 

Their ingredients are 100% sourced in the US, and their food is manufactured by Chewy at their headquarters in Kansas. 

This formula starts with deboned salmon and chicken meal. They offer essential fatty acids for joint health and taurine for a strong heart. 

Salmon oil is also added for extra omega-3s — helping to nourish your dog’s skin and give them a shiny coat. 

For healthy antioxidants to keep your pup in tiptop shape, American Journey also adds plain beet pulp, blueberries, and carrots. And, these also include other vitamins like vitamin A for eye health. And, this formula is also made without artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. 

American Journey focuses on regional ingredients and tries to only buy them when available in the US. But, if the ingredients are unavailable, they will source some of your pet’s food from New Zealand or Canada.

Dog moms and dads recommend this food for both small and large dogs. And, many say that this brand is great for the wallet as well. 

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Blue Buffalo Homestyle Canned Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Beef Broth, Beef Liver, Carrots, Peas
• Key Feature: Grain-free and by-product free wet food made with real beef 
• Guaranteed Analysis: (wet matter) 8.5% Crude Protein, 6% Crude Fat, 1.5% Fiber, 78% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 377 kcal/cup

Blue Buffalo is one of the newer companies on this list. But, they don’t skimp on quality and have become a household favorite for many American consumers. And, they’re also US-based in both their sourcing and manufacturing processes.

First, Blue Buffalo started in 2003 in Wilton, Connecticut, and they still manufacture their foods in the town. 

Many of their ingredients — like chicken, beef, and grains — only come from the United States. Lamb and venison are free-range from the United States or New Zealand. And trout can come from the United States or Canada.

Their Homestyle Recipe canned food is great for picky eaters, small dogs, or older dogs that need more moisture. And, it’s a higher protein formula (almost 40% when measured on a dry matter basis!), which is essential in your dog’s diet for healthy muscles. 

This formula starts with real deboned beef, beef liver, and beef broth. These provide iron for energy and potassium for strong bones. And, carrots, sweet potatoes, and brown rice supplement fiber as well as selenium for metabolism support. 

Many dog owners use this as a topper or extra in their dog’s food. But those that use it as their main source do admit that it has a little bit “too much” liquid. 

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Castor & Pollux ORGANIX Organic Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Organic Chicken, Organic Chicken Meal, Organic Sweet Potatoes, Organic Potatoes, Organic Peas
• Guaranteed Analysis: 26% Crude Protein, 15% Crude Fat, 3.5% Fiber, 11% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 387 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Grain-free and soy-free dog food made with organic ingredients and real meat 

It may seem challenging to find organic and natural pet food made in the United States. But, it’s not impossible. Castor & Pollux sources their organic ingredients from the US. 

The only ingredient they find in another country is their lamb from New Zealand. Even then, they are stringent on the organic process and won’t accept non-organic lamb. 

Their formulas are manufactured in the US, too — right in Hereford, TX. And Castor & Pollux was the first certified organic dog food to meet the requirements by the USDA’s National Organic Program.

This grain free recipe is also gluten-free. It includes organic chicken and chicken fat for glucosamine and taurine for heart health and healthy joints. 

Instead of grains, they include organic sweet potatoes and regular potatoes. These include fiber for healthy digestion and keep your dog regular. 

This formula is also naturally preserved with vitamin E and green tea extract, which can also help keep your dog’s coat silky and shiny. In addition to being grain-free, it’s also corn-free and doesn’t include soy. 

Pet parents love that this dog food is made with organic ingredients — which is the main reason many switched.

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Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Barley, Rice, Oat Meal, Canola Meal, Fish Meal
• Guaranteed Analysis: 26% Crude Protein, 16% Crude Fat, 4% Fiber, 12% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 67 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Limited ingredient dog food with salmon and probiotics 

If your dog suffers from food allergies or a sensitive stomach, finding an allergen-friendly dog food is crucial. Purina Pro Plan has a formula specifically for dogs with sensitive skin or stomachs. And, it’s also made in the US. 

Purina has an interactive map that shows you where each ingredient is sourced. And, 99% of their ingredients are sourced right from America — mainly the midwest and south. 

The ingredients are then shipped to one of their pet food manufacturers in St.Louis, Missouri, where they’re turned into food. 

This formula doesn’t include any proteins that are most common for allergies. Instead, it starts with deboned salmon and fish meal — novel proteins that also offer fatty acids. These help with digestion and also protect your dog’s joints. 

For healthy grains, barley, brown rice, and oatmeal add extra fiber and are easily digestible. And, oatmeal provides natural prebiotics, which help coat your dog’s stomach and keep their gut healthy. 

Owners note that their dogs scratch less, have more regular stools, and even look healthier with this food. 

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Ollie Lamb Recipe

• First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, Butternut Squash, Lamb Liver, Kale, Rice
• Guaranteed Analysis: 10% Crude Protein, 7% Crude Fat, 2% Fiber, 74% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 1804 kcal ME/kg
• Key Feature: Fresh and human-grade dog food made in the US

Ollie was started in 2016. Since then, they’ve made waves as a fresh and customized dog food with human grade ingredients. 

Not only can you eat the food (although I don’t advise that), but you can also know exactly where the ingredients come from. That’s because they all come right from the US. 

These ingredients are also minimally processed and hand-packed in small batches. They are shipped or delivered to a New Jersey manufacturer that are a USDA-regulated and human-grade food kitchen. 

To get started, you’ll start with Ollie’s quiz. They will ask questions about your dog’s weight, height, potential allergies, and activity level. 

After filling out the quiz, they will calculate the diet that fits your dog’s needs. 

They have four dog food recipes —lamb, beef, chicken, and turkey. The natural pet food is shipped fresh every two weeks after you’ve chosen the formula you want to feed your pup. The package comes with a feeding guide, storage container, and scoop for easy portioning. 

Dog owners try this food to customize their dog’s diet. And, many give it a positive review, especially those with dogs who are picky. 

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Buying Guide – How to Pick the Best Dog Food Made in the USA

Why would dog owners want to buy food from the US? Here are a few reasons why purchasing American-made dog food can be helpful. 

Why Does It Matter Where the Dog Food Is Made? 

It all boils down to the quality of ingredients and regulations that each country has for its dog foods and manufacturing processes. 

In the US, there are many regulations. These include from the FDA and each state’s Department of Agriculture, as well as guidelines from AAFCO on what each formula needs to include.  

This results in dog food companies following stringent rules and keeping ingredients safe. Plus, they also don’t cut corners in manufacturing, usually following the same rules that human food companies use. 

Ingredient Sourcing

Unlike human food, dog food formulas don’t need high-quality ingredients in order to meet guidelines. 

But, knowing where the ingredients in your dog’s food come from is important. And these days, many pet owners are demanding better transparency. This includes how ingredients are sourced, from where, and how those ingredients impact the environment. 

First, it’s always best to choose a formula with more local ingredients, US-grown ingredients, or organic. Organic is the only regulated term. If your dog’s kibble includes organic on it, that means the company went through a strict process to get classified as such.  

Some companies say they’re US-made but include globally sourced ingredients. In cases like this, it’s important to research where they get the ingredients from and how. 

Sometimes, components may not be sustainable. Or, they may come from lower-quality sources (like discarded meats and bones). But a little digging can help you know if the manufacturer is following proper protocol.

What to Look For When Buying Dog Food

When it comes to buying dog food, what exactly do you need to look for? Here are some tips to help you find the best pet food. 

Meat Quality

Eating an adequate amount of high-quality protein is essential for all dogs. Any dog food that you feed your pup should have whole proteins or animal meals listed as the first ingredients. This includes real beef, chicken, lamb, or fish. 

Meat meals like pork meal, lamb meal, and salmon meal are okay as long as they’re labeled properly. But real protein should be first whenever possible. 

And, of course, avoid foods that are packed with by-products, bone and meat meal, or even soybean meal. These are cheap fillers and don’t provide the same protein quality. 

Product Recalls

Dog food recalls aren’t common, but even some good dog foods have had recalls. Sometimes, these are voluntary, and the company wants to protect its consumers. But it’s best to check recalls regularly to avoid buying unsafe food. 

Sometimes the FDA gets involved. But, every recall should be looked at with a wary eye. And, if a brand has had more than one recall on their food in a short amount of time (3 years or less), you may want to look for a different brand. 

Ingredients to Avoid

While most dog food brands create their kibble with nothing but the best ingredients, some include fillers.

This is to cut costs and pass those savings onto consumers. And while this isn’t always a bad thing, some additives can be dangerous. 

You should avoid dyes, artificial flavors, and artificial preservatives. Nitrates, melamine, and by-products should be avoided as well. These ingredients can cause serious health issues, including heart disease.

Of course, you should also avoid ingredients that your dog may be allergic to. While most dogs can handle wheat, corn, soy, chicken, and other top allergens, other dogs can’t. While these ingredients aren’t bad, you don’t want them to trigger reactions in your dog. 

Our Verdict

As you can see, we’ve included the best dog foods and dog brands that are made with regional ingredients and processed right in the US. 

While ACANA Grain-Free dog food is my top choice for best dog food made in the USA.

The other pet food brands include high-quality and wholesome nutrients too. These provide all that your dog needs to thrive. 

FAQ

Have questions about the best dog food made in the USA? You’ve come to the right place! Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.