10 Best Dog Foods at Target – Reviews & Top Picks in 2024
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With so many reviews of dog food products, it can be tough to figure out what the ideal formula is for your pet. From the best nutritional value for your dog to a specific breed’s needs, several factors must be considered before making the choice.
The following dog foods and reviews detail several of the best brands. This guide will help you choose from the best dog foods available at Target.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2024
Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall | Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 Dry Dog Food |
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Best Value | Purina Dog Chow Dry Dog Food |
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Premium Choice | Rachael Ray Nutrish Dish Dry Dog Food |
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Best for Puppies | IAMS Proactive Health Dry Dog Food |
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Nutro Ultra Trio Proteins Dry Dog Food |
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The 10 Best Dog Food at Target
1. Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 Adult Dry Dog Food – Best Overall
Main ingredients: | Lamb Meal, Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols) |
Protein content: | 20% |
Fat content: | 13% |
Calories: | 325/cup |
Rachael Ray has the best overall dog food at Target with the Just 6 Limited ingredient option. It skips all the extra fillers at a competitive price point and fewer ingredients. It is labeled as having only “clean” ingredients, with added vitamins, minerals, and additional nutrients for a wholesome diet. With its first ingredient being meat, you can be assured that your dog is eating right.
Just 6 contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. However, some dog owners say that the food doesn’t smell great. Plus, without preservatives, it may not remain fresh for as long as other options. Those factors aside, you can give your dog a nutritious and wholesome dog food option when you shop at Target for their next meal.
- Limited ingredients
- High-quality ingredients
- Bad smell
- Short shelf-life
2. Purina Dog Chow High Protein Dry Dog Food – Best Value
Main ingredients: | Ground Yellow Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Meat and Bone Meal, Beef Fat Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols |
Protein content: | 27% |
Fat content: | 12% |
Calories: | 424/cup |
Purina Dog Chow High Protein Lamb with Beef dog food comes in as the best dog food for the money at Target. Purina Dog Chow has a very favorable price point and provides a large quantity of dog food. This high-protein dog food option energizes your pup for the day. With the added benefits of nutrition and muscle support and a recipe containing real lamb and beef flavoring, it is an excellent formula for an affordable price.
It will provide the balanced nutrition that every growing dog needs. The kibble is bite-sized and full of flavor. It’s made in the USA, and the recipes are crafted close to home! The downside is that the food only comes in two bag sizes, which may not be the best for people with multiple dogs.
- High protein
- Supports weight management
- Promotes healthy bones, skin, and coat
- Only two sizes
3. Rachael Ray Nutrish Dish Dry Dog Food – Premium Choice
Main ingredients: | Beef, Chicken Meal, Dried Peas, Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Pea Protein |
Protein content: | 26% |
Fat content: | 14% |
Calories: | 350/cup |
Rachael Ray makes the list again with this premium dog food. The Dish Beef & Brown Rice Recipe contains no animal by-products and has beef as its first listed ingredient. With a high protein content, it is sure to make your doggy friend feel full of nutrients. It has added vitamins and minerals to its natural ingredients. US farm-raised beef provides a step up in the dog food game.
Nutrish Dish has ingredients you can see in the food! There are no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Your dog is getting nutrition in every bite. The downside is the small bag size, especially for the price. The picture on the bag can also be deceiving as to what the food looks like.
- Meat first
- Natural ingredients
- Clean ingredients
- Small bag
- Not like the picture
4. IAMS Proactive Puppy Dry Dog Food – Best for Puppies
Main ingredients: | Chicken, Corn Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, A Source Of Vitamin E) |
Protein content: | 29% |
Fat content: | 17.5% |
Calories: | 399/cup |
IAMS ranks as the best dog food for puppies with its Proactive Health Chicken & Whole Grains Recipe option. The 1st ingredient is chicken, and it supports strong and healthy muscles. You can give your puppy the best dog food for their growing needs and demanding nutritional requirements!
This recipe is blended to include support for healthy cognition, and its omega-3 DHAs help build stronger brains. With the bonus of 22 essential nutrients, your puppy will sleep easy at night, knowing they’re getting everything they need.
The downside to Proactive Health is that it may cause an upset stomach in dogs with sensitive stomachs. It is also more expensive than some other dog foods that are available at Target.
- 22 key nutrients
- Formulated for puppies
- Promotes muscle growth
- May cause upset stomach in some dogs
- More expensive than other foods
5. Nutro Ultra Trio Proteins Adult Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: | Chicken, Chicken Meal (Source Of Glucosamine And Chondroitin), Whole Grain Barley, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Whole Grain Oats |
Protein content: | 28% |
Fat content: | 12% |
Nutro Ultra Trio Proteins is on the list of the best dog foods from Target. With meat-first ingredients, it is undoubtedly full of added nutrition and good for your dog. This recipe contains a trio of proteins, including chicken, lamb, and salmon. This premium dog food has high-quality ingredients, plus it’s packed with vitamins and minerals to promote a healthy and balanced diet.
The ingredients are passed with a close eye on quality and are always tested before production. With no added fillers, artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, you can be sure the recipe supports a healthy dog. The downsides are that it may have a shorter shelf-life than other foods, and there aren’t many size options.
- All-natural ingredients
- Trio of proteins
- Not shelf-stable
- Not many sizes
6. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Adult Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: | Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal |
Protein content: | 24% |
Fat content: | 14% |
Calories: | 377/cup |
Blue Buffalo Life Protection makes the list of the best dog food from Target because of its high-quality ingredients. High-quality protein makes Blue Buffalo a top choice for nutritional value for your dog’s diet. Protein promotes healthy muscles and energy levels in your dog and gives them the daily boost they need.
The recipe contains highly nutritious ingredients like omega fatty acids, essential proteins, and antioxidants. With concentrated antioxidants and vitamins, your dog will eat a balanced diet. This holistic dog food also supports overall health and immune system function to ensure long-lasting and healthy lifestyles.
The downside to this food is that the chicken may cause an upset stomach in some dogs, and other dogs may find the taste unfavorable. The bag is also tiny for the price.
- Added nutrients
- Meat as the first ingredient
- Supports the immune system
- May cause upset stomach in some dogs
- Unfavorable taste for some dogs
- Small bag size
7. NUTRO Natural Choice Adult Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: | Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Split Peas |
Protein content: | 22% |
Fat content: | 14% |
Calories: | 343/cup |
This natural dry dog food company provides a holistic recipe with the NUTRO Natural Choice Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe. A meat-first ingredient list means the protein content is high, and the ingredients are crafted with nutrition in mind. With added flavor from sweet potatoes and rice, your dog will gravitate toward this food!
It has added fiber for a healthy digestive system and essential antioxidants to support overall pup health. It has no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives making sure your dog is getting nutrition in every bite. The downside is that it may not be easy for some dogs to digest.
- Clean, natural ingredients
- Meat as the first ingredient
- May be difficult for some dogs to digest
8. Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: | Chicken, Chicken Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Peas, Pea Starch, Sweet Potatoes |
Protein content: | 27% |
Fat content: | 12% |
Calories: | 355/cup |
If your dog is on a grain-free diet, Nature’s Recipe might be ideal for you! Nature’s Recipe Grain-Free makes it easy to digest for those with sensitive stomachs. It contains added nutritional value with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. It provides a wholesome option to keep your dog nourished with everything they need.
There are no added fillers, artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors. With chicken as its 1st ingredient, you can be sure that the protein content is high and rich in nutrients and flavor. This recipe is crafted with natural products in mind. The downside is that Nature’s Recipe is pricey compared to other dog foods.
- Natural ingredients
- High protein
- Easy to digest
- Expensive
9. Purina ONE SmartBlend Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: | Chicken, Brewers Rice, Soybean Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Poultry By-Product Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Whole Grain Wheat |
Protein content: | 28% |
Fat content: | 13% |
Calories: | 361/cup |
Purina ONE SmartBlend for large breeds is on the list of the best dog food at Target this year. The first ingredient listed is real chicken, and the high protein supports strong muscles and a healthy heart to keep your dog growing healthy throughout their life. This recipe contains glucosamine and supports joint health, providing an added benefit to a daily meal.
Your dog will like the tender bits mixed with crunchy kibble and a great taste. It has no artificial flavors or preservatives, and since it’s packed with nutrition and flavor, Purina ONE could be the choice for you. The downside is that it may cause digestion issues in dogs with an allergy or chicken sensitivity.
- Natural
- Meat-first ingredients
- Possible digestion issues for dogs with chicken allergies
10. Crave Grain Free High Protein Adult Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: | Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chickpeas, Split Peas, Pork Meal |
Protein content: | 34% |
Fat content: | 17% |
Calories: | 463/cup |
With one of the highest protein contents on this list, coming in at 34%, Crave Grain Free High Protein is one of the best formulas at Target. The first ingredient is real chicken, resulting in energy-filled and healthy dogs. The recipe is grain-free for easy digestion if your vet recommends that your dog needs a grain-free diet.
It does not contain chicken by-product meal, corn, or wheat, which makes it a good option for dogs with sensitivities. This recipe also contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Crave is a great option for small and large breed dogs with different dietary needs. However, some picky dogs may not like this food.
- Natural ingredients
- Meat as the first ingredient
- No fillers
- Picky eaters may not like it
Buyer’s Guide: Picking the Best Dog Food from Target
Our reviews and conclusions show that the brands we discussed include nutritional benefits and have different options catered to your dog’s specific needs. You won’t have to worry about getting the right nutrition and a balanced diet from any recipes listed here.
The premium and best overall dog food choices seem widely popular due to their natural ingredients. With real meat included, they are a top choice. Adding the label of having no artificial added ingredients is also important when ranking these choices.
Look out for food in the list of ingredients that your dog may have allergies to avoid any possible digestion issues. Depending on your dog’s diet and palette, this list will hopefully support you in your choice for your dog’s next favorite meal. It’s also a good idea to consult your vet about your dog’s special dietary needs before choosing a food.
Final Verdict
In summary, Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 is the best overall dog food at Target with limited ingredients that you can see in the food. Purina Dog Chow comes in at the best value with an affordable price point without compromising nutrition. Rachael Ray Nutrish Dish makes the top five as a premium choice with high-quality, natural ingredients.
IAMS Proactive Health for Puppies has added nutrients, minerals, and vitamins for a growing pup. Nutro Ultra Trio Proteins is another good choice with high protein content. Hopefully, you can use these reviews to help you find the best food at Target for your dog.
Featured Photo Credit: Jaromir Chalabala, Shutterstock