Trying to feed a picky eater can be quite the challenge for any dog owner. Nothing is worse than your dog clearly refusing to eat that new dog food brand you just purchased. If you are looking to avoid a hunger strike with your dog, you may want to consider a highly palatable dog food brand they simply can’t refuse.
So what’s the best dog food for a picky eater? We researched over 1800 brands for the best dog food for a picky eater. Here are the best dog food brands for a picky eater for 2024.
ACANA® Heritage Meat Dry Dog Food
ACANA’s Heritage Meats Formula is a grain-free, protein-packed recipe loaded with over 60% of traditional heritage meat. This 5 star dry dog food formula is palatable for the most pickiest of dogs. All the meats found in Acana Heritage Meats is deemed fit for human consumption before arriving for processing in their Kentucky DogStar Kitchen.
Made in Kentucky, Acana Heritage Meats features a WholePrey ratio which mimics the diet of their wild counterparts. ACANA Heritage Meats Formula consists of real angus beef, Yorkshire pork and grass-fed lamb. By using whole animals, wholesome vegetables and antioxidant-rich fruits the formula simply can not be refused by a picky eater.
Ingredients: Deboned beef, deboned pork, beef meal, whole green peas, red lentils, pinto beans, pork meal, beef fat, chickpeas, green lentils, whole yellow peas, deboned lamb, herring oil, sun-cured alfalfa, natural pork flavor, beef tripe, beef liver, beef kidney, pork liver, pork kidney, pork cartilage, lamb tripe, lamb liver, lamb kidney, dried kelp, whole pumpkin, whole butternut squash, kale, spinach, mustard greens, collard greens, turnip greens, carrots, apples, pears, freeze-dried beef liver, freeze-dried pork liver, freeze-dried lamb liver, zinc proteinate, mixed tocopherols (preservative), chicory root, turmeric, sarsaparilla root, althea root, rose hips, juniper berries, dried lactobacillus acidophilus, dried bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, dried lactobacillus casei fermentation product.
Caloric Content: 3405 kcal/kg (388 kcal per 8 oz cup)
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 29.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 17.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 6.0% max |
| MOISTURE | 12.0% max |
| DHA | 0.15 min |
| EPA | 0.15 min |
| CALCIUM | 1.4 min |
| PHOSPHORUS | 1% min |
| OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS | 2.1% min |
| OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS | 0.8% min |
| GLUCOSAMINE | 300mg/kg |
| TOTAL MICROORGANISMS | 100MM CFU/lb min |
Wysong® Optimal Diet Dry Dog Food
With over 42.0% min protein level, this 5 star dry dog food brand is one of the best for a picky dog. Developed by Veterinarian Dr. Wysong, Wysong Optimal Diet Dry Dog Food is packed with protein-rich organic chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal and fish meal.
Additionally, the formula contains low levels of carbohydrates, a low glycemic index, probiotics, multiple organic whole ingredients and a variety of micronutrients. Furthermore, Wysong Optimal Diet Dry Dog Food is great for any life-stage and is one of the most complete and balanced dog foods available online today.
Ingredients: Organic Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Fish Meal, Peas, Potato, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseeds, Beet Pulp, Eggs, Montmorillonite Clay, Crab Meal, Whey, Natural Chicken and Fish Flavor, Coconut Oil, Chia Seeds, Salt, Calcium Carbonate,Tomato Pomace, Calcium Propionate, Organic Barley Grass Powder, Blueberry, Kelp, Yogurt, Apple Pectin, Fish Oil, Yeast Extract, Citric Acid, Chicory Root, Hemicellulose Extract, Mixed Tocopherols, Rosemary Extract, Yeast Culture, Carrots, Celery, Beets, Parsley, Lettuce, Watercress, Spinach, Minerals (Potassium Chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Calcium Iodate), Vitamins (Ascorbic Acid [source of Vitamin C], Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Ribo-flavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex [source of Vitamin K activity], Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid), Dried Bacillus licheniformis Fermentation Product, Dried As pergillus oryzae Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus niger Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus lactis Fermentation Product, Pepper.
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 42.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 14.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 5.5% max |
| MOISTURE | 10.0% max |
| OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS | 0.7% min |
| OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS | 2.1% min |
Zignature® Grain-Free Zssential Multi-Protein Dry Dog Food
Check out the first 5 ingredients in this ultra-premium dry dog food brand. This formula is loaded with turkey, salmon, lamb and duck which provides a taste that picky eater can’t refuse. Zignature Grain-Free Zssential Multi-Protein Limited Ingredient Formula contains no potatoes, grains, chicken, eggs, tapioca, corn, glutens or soy.
In addition to being a limited ingredient formula, antioxidant rich fruits, legumes and vegetables are also added. Zignature Zssential is not only extremely palatable, but offers one of the best high-quality diets available online today. Per guaranteed analysis, Zssential is 100% complete and balanced with 32.0% min protein level and 16.0% min fat level.
Ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Meal, Salmon, Lamb Meal, Chickpeas, Duck Meal, Pea Flour, Peas, Sunflower Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols And Citric Acid), Flaxseeds, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Natural Flavors, Dicalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Salmon Oil, Salt, Dried Kelp, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Cobalt Proteinate), Vitamins (Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Blueberries, Cranberries, Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Cobalt Carbonate).
Caloric Content: 422 kcal/cup
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 32.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 16.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 5.5% max |
| MOISTURE | 10.0% max |
| CALCIUM | 1.2% max |
| PHOSPHOROUS | 1.0% max |
| OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS | 4.5% min |
| OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS | 2.0% min |
ORIJEN® Original Dry Dog Food
Orijen is simply the best dog food brands for a picky eater. This biologically appropriate grain-free diet is made with the highest quality ingredients money can buy. Take a look at ORIJEN’s 5 star nutrient-rich ingredient list below.
According to ORIJEN’s Original ingredient list 85% of the formula contains poultry, fish and egg in addition to 15% fruits and vegetables. The rich heritage meats sourced from local Kentucky farmers is actually fit for human consumption, and has a whopping 3 times the meat of most standard dog foods. The first 16 ingredients are meat based and is noted to be one of the most palatable dog food brands available online today.
Ingredients: Deboned chicken, deboned turkey, yellowtail flounder, whole eggs, whole atlantic mackerel, chicken liver, turkey liver, chicken heart, turkey heart, whole atlantic herring, dehydrated chicken, dehydrated turkey, dehydrated mackerel, dehydrated chicken liver, dehydrated turkey liver, whole green peas, whole navy beans, red lentils, chicken necks, chicken kidney, pinto beans, chickpeas, green lentils, alfalfa, chicken fat, natural chicken flavor, herring oil, ground chicken bone, chicken cartilage, turkey cartilage, dried kelp, freeze-dried chicken liver, freeze-dried turkey liver, whole pumpkin, whole butternut squash, kale, spinach, mustard greens, collard greens, turnip greens, whole carrots, apples, pears, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, zinc proteinate, mixed tocopherols (preservative), chicory root, turmeric, sarsaparilla root, althea root, rosehips, juniper berries, dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, dried lactobacillus casei fermentation product.
Caloric Content: 3940 kcal/kg, 394 kcal/cup
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 38.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 18.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 4.0% max |
| MOISTURE | 12.0% max |
| DHA | 0.2 min |
| EPA | 0.2 min |
| CALCIUM | 1.4 min |
| PHOSPHORUS | 1% min |
| OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS | 3% min |
| OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS | 0.8% min |
| GLUCOSAMINE | 600mg/kg |
| CHONDROITIN SULFATE | 600mg/kg |
| TOTAL MICROORGANISMS | 100MM CFU/lb min |
Natural Balance® Original Ultra Whole Body Health Chicken, Chicken Meal, Duck Meal Dry Dog Food
Developed in 1989 by Dick Van Patten, Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body is formulated for all dog breeds and life stages. The #1 ingredient found in this palatable dry dog food brand is real chicken. In addition to chicken, chicken meal, peas, potatoes, chicken fat and brown rice are also added to this 100% complete and balanced formula.
With the recent study that a grain-free diet can enlarge the heart in certain breeds, Natural Balance added taurine to help combat heart enlargement and help with healthy heart function as well. If you have a dog that is a picky eater and you’re on a budget take a look at Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health.
Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Potatoes, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Brown Rice, Oat Groats, Pea Protein, Carrots, Duck Meal, Natural Flavor, Dried Tomato Pomace, Menhaden Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) , Oat Hulls, Flaxseed, Salt, Potassium Chloride, DL-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Taurine, Vitamins(Vitamin E supplement, Niacin, d-calcium pantothenate, Vitamin A supplement, Riboflavin supplement, Thiamine mononitrate, Vitamin D3 supplement, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Folic acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 supplement), L-ASCORBYL-2-POLYPHOSPHATE (SOURCE OF VITAMIN C), L-Tryptophan, Dried Kelp, Dried Spinach, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Cranberries, Blueberries, Mixed Tocopherols (preservative), L-Carnitine, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract
Caloric Content: 3750 kcal/kg, 410 kcal/cup
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 23.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 13.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 3.0% max |
| MOISTURE | 10.0% max |
| CALCIUM | 1.2% min |
| PHOSPHORUS | 1.0% min |
| VITAMIN E | 100 IU/kg min |
| ASCORBIC ACID | 200 mg/kg min |
| TAURINE | 0.05% min |
| DHA & EPA | 0.25% min |
| OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS | 2.5% min |
| OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS | 0.4% min |
Nature’s Variety® Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Grain Free Turkey Formula Freeze Dried Dog Food Topper
If you’re dog simply refuses to eat the dog food you sit out, you may want to start mixing the kibble with freeze-dried toppers. Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Mixers is made with frozen raw meat and provides optimum flavor for the pickiest of eaters. Real freeze-dried raw turkey is the #1 ingredient in this 5 star grain-free recipe.
The high-protein diet is minimally processed to retain a rich flavor and making it packed with holistic nutrition. A healthy variety of fresh fruits and vegetables help balance the protein-dense formula. Made in the USA, Nature’s Variety has been in business since 2002 and has a healthy variety of freeze-dried dog food options to choose from.
Ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Liver, Pumpkinseeds, Turkey Heart, Carrots, Apples, Butternut Squash, Ground Flaxseed, Montmorillonite Clay, Dried Kelp, Broccoli, Mixed Tocopherols, Apple Cider Vinegar, Salmon Oil, Rosemary Extract, Blueberries, Dried Chicory Root.
Caloric Content: 4,160 kcal/kg, 233 kcal/cup
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 36.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 26.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 15.0% max |
| MOISTURE | 6.0% max |
Wellness® Core Raw Rev Natural Grain Free Original Turkey and Chicken with Freeze Dried Turkey Dry Dog Food
If you are looking for a flavorful premium dry dog food kibble with freeze-dried toppers already included, check out Wellness CORE RawRev Dry Dog Food. This 5 star high-protein diet is nutritionally rich and includes 100% real raw freeze-dried turkey.
Real turkey is the #1 ingredient followed by; turkey meal, chicken meal, peas, potatoes, chicken fat and freeze-dried turkey. Protein (36.0% min) and essential fat levels (16.0% min) per guaranteed analysis is complete, balanced and health focused.
If you have a dog that is a picky eater, Wellness CORE RawRev makes the process of preparing their meals faster and easier. Additionally, eliminating the need to purchase additional freeze-dried toppers or wet food will save you more money.
Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Peas, Potatoes, Dried Ground Potatoes, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Freeze – Dried Turkey, Tomato Pomace, Chicken Liver, Natural Chicken Flavor, Ground Flaxseed, Salmon Oil, Spinach, Vitamin E Supplement, Broccoli, Carrots, Choline Chloride, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries, Kale, Sweet Potatoes, Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
Caloric Content: 3,682 kcal/kg, 423 kcal/cup
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 36.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 16.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 4.0% max |
| MOISTURE | 10.0% min |
| CALCIUM | 2.0% min |
| PHOSPHORUS | 1.4% min |
| VITAMIN A | 25,000 IU/kg min |
| VITAMIN E | 400 IU/kg min |
| OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS | 3.25% min |
| OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS | 0.50% min |
| GLUCOSAMINE | 250 mg/kg min |
| CHONDROITIN SULFATE | 200 mg/kg min |
| TOTAL LACTIC ACID MICROORGANISMS* | 80,000,000 CFU/lb min |
Party Animal® Grain Free Blazin Beef Recipe Wet Dog Food
If you are in need of a flavorful wet dog food brand for a picky dog try Party Animal Grain-Free Blazin Beef Wet Dog Food. Noted as being highly palatable per dog owner reviews, the Blazin Beef has a healthy mix of real flavor beef dogs simply can’t resist.
The lick the bowl clean formula contains fresh beef, beef liver and a healthy mixture of organic fruits and vegetables. The blueberries, cranberries and apple provide natural, sweet sugars that dogs love. In addition to the variety of healthy ingredients, beef broth is also added to slow simmer the stew into a flavorful meal.
Party Animal does not contain corn, wheat, artificial sugar, dairy, GMOs, chemical preservatives, soy and artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. If you are looking to mix your dog’s dry food or looking for a meal substitute to dry food check out Party Animal.
Ingredients: Beef, Beef Liver, Beef Broth, Sunflower Oil, Organic Guar Gum, Cassia Gum, Organic Dried Kelp, Organic Dried Carrot, Organic Dried Pumpkin, Organic Dried Cranberry, Organic Dried Apple, Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Oxide, Niacin Supplement, Zinc Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Manganous Oxide, Vitamin A Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Calcium Iodate, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Cobalt Carbonate.
Caloric Content: 1,352 kcal/kg, 499 kcal/13 oz can
| Guaranteed Analysis: | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 9.00% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 8.00% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 1.50% max |
| MOISTURE | 78.00% max |
| CALCIUM | 0.25% min |
| PHOSPHORUS | 0.20% min |
| VITAMIN A | 8,000 IU/kg min |
| VITAMIN E | 25.0 IU/kg min |
Merrick® Grain Free Grammy’s Pot Pie Wet Dog Food
If you are looking for a real flavorful wet dog food brand for your picky dog, check out Merrick Grammy’s Pot Pie Recipe. The recipe is made with farm-fresh deboned chicken, chicken broth, potato, carrots, peas and apples.
In addition to a healthy ingredient list, Grammy’s Pot Pie delivers a palatable flavor your dog will absolutely love. 100% complete and balanced, Grammy’s Pot Pie includes a healthy mix of antioxidants, chelated minerals and amino acids as well. Handcrafted in Hereford, Texas, Merrick purchases their whole meats from reliable and trusted local farmers.
Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Broth, Potato, Carrots, Peas, Apples, Dried Egg Product, Natural Chicken Flavor, Carrageenan, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins (Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate), Guar Gum, Salt, Sodium Phosphate, Cassia Gum, Canola Oil, Olive Oil, Flax Oil, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Glucoheptonate, Sodium Selenite), Thyme, Sage, Rosemary, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Lecithin.
Caloric Content: 935 kcal /kg, 356 kcal/13.2 oz can
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 8% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 5% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 1.4% max |
| MOISTURE | 81.0% max |
Orijen® Regional Red Freeze Dried Dog Food
If you are whits end on getting your picky dog to eat the food you sit out, you need to try ORIJEN Red Freeze-Dried Dog Food. This 5 star ultra-premium freeze-dried dog food is packed with 90% meat ingredients. Locally and ranch raised black angus beef, wild boar, lamb, pork and bison are all included in ORIJEN Regional Red.
Additionally, antioxidant rich fruits, wholesome vegetables, and essential vitamins & minerals make up the remaining 10% of the biologically appropriate diet. If you are looking for the most flavorful diet that closely mimics the wild, check out ORIJEN Red Freeze-Dried.
Ingredients: Angus beef (ground with bone)*, wild boar (ground with bone) *, lamb (ground with bone) *, whole herring*, bison (ground with bone) *, beef liver*, spinach*, pea fiber, lamb liver*, pork liver*, beef heart*, lamb heart*, beef tripe*, whole salmon*, sunflower seeds, Red Delicious apples*, Bartlett pears*, Red Heart plums*, Tilton apricots*, pumpkin*, Butternut squash*, Imperator carrots*, kelp*, mixed tocopherols, cranberries*, blueberries*, blackberries*, chicory root, dandelion root, summer savory, peppermint leaf*, ginger root*, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, manganese proteinate.
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 36.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 35.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 5.0% max |
| MOISTURE | 4.0% max |
| DHA | 0.3% min |
| EPA | 0.3% min |
| CALCIUM | 1.7% min |
| PHOSPHORUS | 1.4% min |
| OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS | 2.5% min |
| OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS | 1.1% min |
| GLUCOSAMINE | 300mg/kg |
| CHONDROITIN SULFATE | 300 mg/kg |