Orijen
Why we love it: It truly focuses on what dogs and cats are meant to eat, a diet rich in high-quality animal protein.
Orijen recipes are packed with fresh and raw meats, including muscle meat, organs, and bone, which means your pet is getting whole-prey nutrition the way nature intended. This approach helps support strong muscles, healthy skin and coat, and overall vitality.
One of the things we really appreciate is that Orijen keeps their formulas low in carbohydrates and free from unnecessary fillers. Instead of loading up on grains or starches, they focus on nutrient-dense ingredients that actually benefit your pet.
✔️High protein, meat-first recipes
✔️Whole-prey ingredients for balanced nutrition
✔️No fillers, by-products, or artificial additives
✔️Supports digestion, energy, and overall health
Another reason we love Orijen is the quality and sourcing behind the food. They prioritize fresh, regional ingredients and hold themselves to high standards when it comes to safety and nutrition.
At the end of the day, Orijen is a great choice for pet parents who want to feed a biologically appropriate diet that helps their pets not just live, but truly thrive.
Farmina
Why we Love it: Farmina is one of those tried-and-true brands that’s been around for a reason. It’s well known, trusted, and has some really solid recipes in my opinion.
Our personal favorites are their Pumpkin line, Prime, and Fish formulas. We love that they offer a big variety so you can really find something that fits your pet’s needs, whether that’s sensitive stomach, skin support, or just a high-quality everyday food.
What really stands out to me is:
✔️ High-quality ingredients with real meat as the focus
✔️ Lower carbs compared to a lot of other kibbles
✔️ Great options for pets with allergies or sensitivities
✔️ No fillers or unnecessary junk
✔️ Made with a focus on digestion and overall health
At the end of the day, it’s a food we feel confident recommending because it’s consistent, well-balanced, and works well for a lot of different dogs.
SquarePet
Why we love it: One of the lowest carbs, highest meat formulas with absolutely no peas or legumes (aka common fillers) we’ve seen! EVEN BETTER. Made in Minnesota with a clean limited ingredient deck. Moreover, SquarePet Turkey & Chicken Formula is a veterinarian formulated dog food that boasts 96% of protein from cage-free turkey and chicken, salmon, and eggs. It is specifically designed to promote a lean body condition and strong muscles due to its high protein content and ultra-low carbohydrate levels, containing less than 14% carbohydrates. The food contains a proprietary dietary fiber blend, including prebiotics and probiotics, which is highly digestible and supports healthy digestion and small stools. The turkey and chicken used in the formula are responsibly and humanely sourced from the USA and Canada. The food also includes wholesome fruits, vegetables, antioxidant vitamins and minerals, and crucial omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, including DHA & EPA, to support healthy skin, shiny coat, immune system health, and brain function. It is made in the USA without any ingredients from China and has all-natural nutrition with no chemical preservatives.
Raw bistro
Why we love it: One of the biggest things we love about this brand is what they stand for. They focus on humane, sustainable sourcing, which is really important to us. Their meats are 100% grass-fed and pasture-raised from Midwest family farms, and they use organic produce, which you just don’t see everywhere.
We also love how clean and simple the ingredient list is—no junk, no fillers, just real food that feeds well and supports your dog’s health.
Their frozen raw entrées are honestly some of the most complete and balanced options out there. They use high-quality proteins like grass-fed beef and free-range poultry, paired with real fruits and veggies straight from the farm. It’s the kind of nutrition that actually helps your pet thrive, not just get by.
Another thing that really sets them apart is their focus on rotation and variety. Switching between recipes helps keep your dog’s diet balanced, can reduce the chances of sensitivities, and honestly just keeps mealtime more exciting for them.
Dr. Gary's
Why we love it: This brand has been around for decades and was developed by a veterinarian who focused on one simple goal: supporting long-term health through proper nutrition. What we love most is their commitment to digestive health, which is the foundation for so many other areas like skin, coat, energy, and overall wellness.
Dr. Gary’s formulas are made with:
✔️Highly digestible ingredients to support gut health
✔️Natural sources of fiber and prebiotics
✔️Quality proteins to maintain muscle and energy
✔️No unnecessary fillers or artificial junk
One thing that really sets this food apart is how well it feeds consistently. It’s a great option for pets with sensitive stomachs, inconsistent stools, or those who just need a solid, reliable everyday food.
We also love that it’s a family-owned brand that prioritizes quality over trends. It may not be flashy, but it’s one of those foods that simply works and that’s what matters most.
At the end of the day, Dr. Gary’s Best Breed is a dependable choice for pet parents who want a balanced, digestion-focused diet that supports their pet from the inside out.