Best Dog Food Brands in Australia (2026 Vet Guide)

Royal Canin

Royal Canin is a globally respected name in pet nutrition, known for its research-driven formulations, nutritional quality and product safety. Each product is backed by decades of nutritional science and designed to meet the unique physiological needs of dogs across different life stages and health conditions.

It’s a favourite among vets in Australia and around the world thanks to its precision approach, meeting AAFCO standards, and consistent quality. Whether you have a large-breed puppy or a senior with joint issues, Royal Canin is likely to have a high-quality, tailored solution.

Prime100

Prime100 is a standout Australian-made brand specialising in single-protein, limited-ingredient diets using human-grade meats. Its formulas are often recommended by vets for dogs with allergies, food intolerances, or sensitive stomachs.

Whether you're managing chronic skin issues or supporting a recovery diet, Prime100's science-backed approach makes it a go-to for dogs needing extra care from their food. Their range also includes options with functional ingredients, making it a versatile brand for everyday feeding or therapeutic use.

Hill’s

Hill’s offers two trusted ranges: Hill’s Science Diet for everyday wellness, and Hill’s Prescription Diet for managing specific health conditions under veterinary supervision. 

Backed by extensive clinical research and developed by a team of veterinarians and nutritionists, Hill’s products are carefully crafted to support dogs at every stage of life — from growing puppies to senior pets, and dogs managing kidney disease, allergies, joint issues, and more. Whether you're after preventative care or targeted nutrition, Hill’s combines science and practicality to support your dog’s long-term health.

Purina Pro Plan

Purina Pro Plan is a globally respected, vet-recommended range with deep scientific backing and a wide formulation library, from large-breed puppy and sensitive skin & stomach formulas to the Bright Mind cognitive-support range for senior dogs.

Pro Plan meets AAFCO standards, is widely stocked across Australian veterinary clinics, and offers reliable nutrition at a more accessible price point than premium boutique brands. It's a particularly strong everyday choice for multi-dog households or owners wanting a balanced, science-backed diet without stepping into a prescription range.

Ziwi Peak

Ziwi Peak is an air-dried dog food brand made in New Zealand with a strong following in Australia. 

Air-drying gently removes moisture while preserving nutrients, resulting in a nutrient-dense food where a small daily serve provides the equivalent nutrition of a larger meal of kibble. Ziwi's recipes use ethically sourced free-range, grass-fed and wild-caught meats with very short ingredient lists — making it a popular choice for dogs with sensitivities, fussy eaters, or owners wanting a minimally processed alternative to traditional dry food

Delicate Care

Delicate Care is another Australian option, developed with veterinary nutritionists and formulated for dogs with sensitivities. 

Its focus on hypoallergenic, functional ingredients makes it an excellent option for pets with food allergies, digestive issues, or skin concerns. For owners seeking a vet-formulated, sensitive-support diet, Delicate Care is well worth exploring.

While we don't currently stock Delicate Care, you can typically find it at veterinary clinics. To locate a stockist near you, visit Delicate Care's Where to Buy page.

Best Premium Option: Royal Canin Veterinary Diets

If you're looking for clinically-backed dry dog food with specific health support, Royal Canin’s Veterinary Diet Dry Food range stands out. Designed for conditions like renal disease, dog skin conditions, obesity, digestive issues and sensitive stomachs in dogs, and more, these foods are highly specialised and require vet oversight. With carefully balanced nutrients, tailored fat and protein ratios, and a strong research foundation, this is the go-to product range for dogs needing therapeutic nutrition under veterinary guidance.

Best Australian-Made Option: Prime100

Prime100 is a vet-endorsed, Australian-made brand focused on single-protein, limited-ingredient diets.

Especially useful for dogs with allergies, intolerances, or skin/gut issues, Prime100 formulas are made with human-grade meats and are often used in veterinary food trials. Their commitment to quality control and clean ingredients makes them a standout choice for sensitive pets and health-focused owners.

Best All-Rounder Option: Hill’s Science Diet Dog

Hill’s Science Diet Adult offers a reliable, science-backed dog food option that performs well across a wide range of breeds and life stages. Formulated by veterinarians and pet nutritionists, it supports healthy digestion, lean muscle maintenance, and immune function. Whether your dog is highly active or more laid-back, Hill’s delivers balanced daily nutrition with options tailored to different sizes and needs — making it a great choice for multi-dog households.

Best Budget Option: Advance Dog Food

For pet owners seeking high-quality nutrition at a more accessible price, Advance Dog Food is a standout budget-friendly choice. Proudly Australian-made and developed with input from veterinary nutritionists, Advance offers complete and balanced diets for dogs at every life stage. With digestible meats, targeted nutrients, and no artificial colours, it’s a dependable everyday food that offers excellent value without compromising on your pet’s health.

Raw feeding (when done right) can offer a biologically appropriate, nutrient-dense diet for dogs. However, it needs to be carefully balanced and safe. BARF diets (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) aim to mimic a dog’s ancestral eating habits, focusing on raw meat, bones, and vegetables. With growing interest in fresh and raw food for dogs, here are some standout brands offering safe, vet-informed raw or fresh feeding options.

Big Dog Raw Food

Big Dog Raw Food is a leading BARF provider in Australia, offering raw frozen meals made from human-grade meats, offal, crushed bone, and seasonal vegetables. Their formulas are complete and balanced, with added supplements like probiotics, omega oils, and natural antioxidants. They follow strict food safety protocols and are a favourite among raw feeders looking for convenience, quality, and nutrients that support dog health and vitality.

While we don’t currently stock Big Dog Raw Food, it’s widely available online and through select pet retailers.

Lyka

Lyka is a fresh food delivery brand that blends the benefits of raw feeding with the safety and science of lightly cooked meals. While not strictly raw, Lyka offers gently cooked meals made with whole foods and customised to your dog’s age, weight, and activity level. Their recipes use farm-fresh ingredients, and are formulated with veterinary input to provide balanced nutrition. Lyka is perfect for owners looking for a BARF alternative that’s fresh, high-quality, and delivered with free shipping.

We don’t currently stock Lyka, but you can explore their custom meal plans and order directly via their website with free shipping to most areas.

Scratch

Scratch is an Australian-made dog food brand that delivers fresher, transparently formulated meals directly to your door. Scratch offers both high-quality dry food and nutritionally complete raw options that combine whole meats, vegetables and healthy oils with no artificial preservatives or hidden fillers — with all major ingredients clearly disclosed on their website.

Scratch specialises in subscription-based delivery plans tailored to your dog’s age, breed, weight and activity. Their dry kibble recipes include options like grain-free kangaroo and mackerel & salmon, made from Australian ingredients designed to support gut health, coat quality and overall wellbeing.

We don’t currently stock Scratch, but you can explore their personalised plans and order direct from their website, with delivery available across Australia.

Misconception #1: “Grain-free is always healthier.”

While grain-free diets can help dogs with diagnosed grain allergies (which are very rare in dogs), they’re not inherently better for every dog. Grains, like rice and oats, can provide valuable energy and fibre. In fact, many high-quality dog foods include grains for variety and balance. Choosing grain-free unnecessarily can reduce diversity in the diet and may not provide any added benefits unless medically indicated.

Misconception #2: “The best dog food is all about ingredients.”

There’s a growing trend to focus on ingredient lists, but what matters most is whether the dog food is formulated to be complete and balanced. That means it delivers all essential nutrients in the right proportions to support your dog’s health, based on their life stage and needs. Look for brands that follow trusted nutritional frameworks such as the AAFCO guidelines or the Australian Pet Food Manufacturing Standard (AS5812) — these ensure the product is formulated with your dog’s well-being in mind, regardless of the individual ingredients listed.

Feeding your dog the right food for their needs directly impacts their life expectancy, behaviour, coat condition, energy levels, and even mood. A high quality, well-balanced diet helps maintain a healthy immune system, supports healthy joints and digestion, and can help prevent chronic issues like diabetes or obesity by promoting a healthy weight in your dog.

Since dogs have different nutritional needs depending on their age, size, and health status, it’s important to tailor their food accordingly. What works for a growing puppy will not be suitable for a senior dog with reduced activity levels and different physiological needs. The right dog food is one that supports your dog’s health, keeps their stools well-formed, and makes them thrive.

This guide was created with direct input from Australian vets, nutritional guidelines like AAFCO standards, the Australian Pet Food Manufacturing Standard (AS5812) and a close look at leading pet food brands available across Australia. We evaluated:

• The presence of essential nutrients, including protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals
• Veterinary recommendations informed by scientific studies
• Suitability for different dog sizes, breeds, and life stages
• Brand reputation, transparency, and authored food reviews
• Availability and shipping or retail access
• Whether the formulas meet recognised food standards

We also prioritised Australian-made dog foods and brands known for veterinary involvement or scientific formulation.

How to Transition to a New Dog Food

Switching your dog to a new diet too quickly can lead to digestive issues like vomiting or diarrhoea. For a smooth transition:

• Mix 25% new food with 75% current food for 2–3 days
• Gradually increase the new food ratio over 7–10 days
• Monitor for signs of discomfort or refusal and slow down if needed

A gentle, gradual change helps maintain gut balance and ensures your dog accepts the new food. Once your dog is settled on a new diet, check our vet's feeding chart guide on how much to feed your dog for portion guidance by weight, life stage and activity level.

Benefits of Mixing Dry and Wet Food

Offering a combination of dry and wet dog food has several advantages:

• Dry dog food can be better for dental health and portion control
• Wet dog food adds moisture to the diet, which is especially beneficial for dogs that don’t drink enough water
• Mixed feeding allows dogs to adapt to different textures, which can help if prescription foods are ever needed later in life

We recommend mixing formats (like kibble and a Prime roll or other wet food) to provide both nutrition and variety. Explore our comprehensive vet recommendations on the best wet dog food.

Best Puppy Foods in Australia

Puppies have different nutritional needs to support their fast growth and development. They need more fat, calories, and a specific balance of calcium and phosphorus for healthy bone development. Large and small breed puppies should be fed breed-appropriate food to avoid skeletal issues.

Top puppy formulas include:

• Royal Canin Puppy range is tailored by breed size and even by individual breed (Labrador, Golden Retriever, French Bulldog, Maltese and more). The size-specific kibble shape and nutrient density set this range apart.
• Hill's Science Diet Puppy is excellent for healthy brain, eye and skeletal development; widely vet-recommended.
• Advance Puppy Australian-made with high digestibility and a strong vet nutritionist heritage. Strong budget-conscious choice.
• Pro Plan Puppy is backed by science, with sensitive skin and stomach options for puppies prone to upset.
• Prime100 SPD is great for puppies showing early signs of food sensitivity, the single-protein range can be a useful starting point under vet guidance.

  
  

All of these options meet AAFCO standards and are vet-recommended for early life-stage nutrition. For breed-specific guidance, see our breed feeding guides linked at the foot of this article.

For more, read our detailed Best Puppy Food in Australia guide.

Best Senior Dog Foods

As dogs age (generally from 7+, earlier in giant breeds), their metabolism slows, lean muscle declines, and joints, kidneys and cognition can all benefit from targeted nutrition. Senior dogs typically need 10–20% fewer calories than they did as young adults, with higher quality protein, omega-3s, and joint-support nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin.

Top senior options include:

• Hill’s Science Diet 7+: well-balanced everyday senior food with antioxidants and joint support.
• Royal Canin Mature Consult: tailored by size and age, with formulations for older small breeds, large breeds and very senior dogs.
• Advance Senior: locally made, gentle on digestion, and a strong everyday value pick.
• Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Adult 7+ Chicken & Rice Formula: formulated with enhanced botanical oils to support cognitive function in dogs over seven; a great choice if you're noticing your dog slowing mentally as well as physically.
• Ziwi Peak Air-Dried: for fussy seniors or those losing condition, the high palatability and nutrient density can help maintain weight when appetite drops.

These foods support mobility, kidney function, and overall vitality in older dogs.

For more information, check out this detailed guide on the Best Senior Dog Food in Australia.

Hypoallergenic Dog Food Options

Signs of food sensitivity include itching, gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, or behavioural changes like anxiety. If you suspect your dog has allergies, consult your vet and consider a limited-ingredient or novel-protein diet.

Vet-recommended hypoallergenic options:

Prime100: A single-protein, vet-formulated Australian-made option ideal for sensitive skin and digestive support

Delicate Care: Developed with veterinary nutritionists and tailored for allergy-prone pets (available through local vet clinics)

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hypoallergenic: A prescription diet scientifically formulated to manage food allergies and intolerances, often used in elimination trials and long-term allergy care.

For more information, check out this detailed guide on the Best Dog Food for Sensitive Skin in Australia.

Best Dog Foods for Fussy Eaters

Some dogs turn their nose up at perfectly good food — often it's habit, sometimes it's a sign something needs to change. Before swapping food, rule out dental pain, nausea or stress with a vet check.

If it's genuinely a palatability issue, these brands tend to win over fussy eaters:

• Ziwi Peak Air-Dried: the gentle drying process keeps natural meat aroma intact; many fussy dogs accept Ziwi when they've rejected several kibbles.
• Prime100 SPD Air-Dried: single-protein, human-grade meats, very palatable and clean.
• Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin: designed to be easy on the gut while still highly palatable.
• Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach: salmon-based, often a hit with fussy dogs.

Try mixing a small amount of warm water or a tablespoon of wet food into kibble to release aroma — sometimes that alone solves the problem without a brand swap.

Best Dog Foods for Large & Giant Breeds

Large and giant breed dogs (Labradors, Goldens, German Shepherds, Great Danes, Rottweilers, Bernese Mountain Dogs and similar) have specific needs that smaller breeds don't, particularly around joint health, lean body mass maintenance, and controlled calcium for puppies. 

Feeding the wrong food during growth can predispose large-breed dogs to orthopaedic issues including hip dysplasia and elbow problems.

Top large-breed picks:

• Royal Canin Maxi Adult Dry Dog Food: calibrated kibble size, joint support, and tailored calorie density for slower-aged large breeds.
• Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed: added glucosamine and chondroitin, controlled minerals for joint and heart health.
• Advance Large Breed Chicken and Rice Adult Dog Food: Australian-made with high-quality lamb or chicken protein at a more accessible price.

For large-breed puppies, stick to a dedicated large-breed puppy formula (Royal Canin Maxi Puppy, Hill's Science Diet Puppy Large Breed, Advance Puppy Plus Growth Large Breed) until 12–24 months. These have lower energy density and controlled calcium to slow growth and protect developing joints.

Shop our large-breed dog food range.

What is the best dog food brand in Australia?

There's no single "best" brand — the right choice depends on your dog's life stage, size, breed and any health conditions. For most healthy adult dogs, vet-recommended brands like Royal Canin, Hill's Science Diet, Purina Pro Plan, Advance and Prime100 all provide excellent nutrition. For dogs with specific needs (allergies, joint issues, kidney disease), a prescription veterinary diet under vet guidance is usually best.

Is Australian-made dog food better?

Not automatically — but Australian-made brands like Advance, Prime100 and Black Hawk benefit from local ingredient sourcing, shorter supply chains and compliance with the AS 5812:2017 Australian Pet Food Manufacturing Standard. For owners who prioritise traceability and supporting local farmers, Australian-made is a strong choice.

How much should I feed my dog?

The amount depends on your dog's body weight, life stage, activity level and the calorie density of the food. See our full dog feeding chart guide for daily portions by weight and the vet calorie formula.

Is grain-free dog food better?

For most dogs, no. Grain allergies in dogs are rare. Grain-free can be useful for dogs with diagnosed sensitivities, but it's not inherently healthier — and poorly balanced grain-free diets have been linked to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in some breeds. Choose grain-free only if there's a clinical reason, and always pick brands meeting AAFCO standards.

Can I mix wet and dry dog food?

Yes — and many dogs do best on a combination. Dry food supports dental health and is more economical; wet food adds hydration and palatability. Just adjust portions so you don't double-feed. Roughly 100 g of wet food replaces about 25–30 g of dry food in calories.

How often should I change my dog's food?

You don't need to change frequently. If your dog is thriving on their current food — good coat, ideal body condition, firm stools, steady energy — there's no need to switch. Change food when a life stage transitions (puppy → adult → senior), if a health condition develops, or if the current food isn't working. Always transition gradually over 7–10 days.

What dog food do most Australian vets recommend?

Australian vets most commonly recommend Royal Canin, Hill's Science Diet, Purina Pro Plan, Advance and Prime100. These brands invest heavily in nutritional research, meet AAFCO and Australian standards, and have therapeutic ranges for managing specific conditions.

Choosing the right dog food plays a huge role in your pet’s long-term health, energy, and overall quality of life. Whether you're feeding a puppy, adult, or senior, their diet should match their age, breed, and individual needs. Focus on products that meet credible pet food manufacturing standards – like AAFCO and the Australian Pet Food Manufacturing Standard (AS5812) – avoid fillers, and prioritise complete and balanced diets suitable for your dog’s life stage and health conditions.

Brands like Prime100 and Delicate Care offer excellent Australian-made options for sensitive or health-conscious pets, while Royal Canin and Hill’s are trusted globally for their science-based formulas. If you're ever unsure, your vet is the best guide — helping you choose the right food to keep your dog healthy, happy, and thriving.

This article was written by Dr Jane Miller