Let’s be honest, walking down the pet food aisle can be more confusing than browsing for your own dinner. As a pet parent, I’ve definitely stared blankly at rows of bags with words like “grain-free,” “superfood blend,” or “ancestral recipe” and wondered what any of this actually means for my dog.

After some trial and error and lots of label-reading, I’ve devised a few simple steps that help me choose dry dog food that’s actually good for my pup and doesn’t cost a small fortune.

Step 1: Look Past the Hype

Those shiny labels and fancy claims might catch your eye, but they don’t always mean much. “Grain-free” isn’t always healthier, and “all-natural” doesn’t mean what you might think. What I look for instead:

• AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement, to confirm it meets basic dietary standards

• Clearly named proteins like chicken, turkey, or salmon, instead of vague “meat meals”

• Low or no fillers such as corn, soy, and wheat

• Whole food carbs like brown rice, peas, or sweet potato

Tip: If you want help decoding ingredients, this guide makes it much easier.

Step 2: Consider My Dog’s Actual Needs

Every dog is different. Mine’s a medium-sized adult with more energy than I do, so I go for high protein and moderate fat. Here’s a rough idea of how I break it down:

• Puppies need DHA to support brain development

• Senior dogs benefit from lower-calorie food with added joint support

• Larger breeds often do better with big kibble that slows down eating

• Dogs with health conditions may need specific formulas for allergies, weight, or digestion

I always check with my vet before making a switch. They know more about my dog’s needs than any online rating or store recommendation.

Step 3: Find a Reputable Brand

It’s not just about what’s in the food, but also about who’s making it. I go with brands that:

• Are open about where they get their ingredients

• Test their products for quality and safety

• Provide a full breakdown of nutrients and calories

One reason I like shopping at Petco is because they carry a bunch of these trustworthy brands. Better still, they regularly offer promo codes and coupons online, which makes it way easier to buy high-quality food without spending too much.

Step 4: Stay on Budget Without Losing Quality

Good food isn’t always cheap, but it doesn’t have to break the bank either. I keep an eye out for:

• Discounts when buying in bulk

• Auto-delivery offers that knock a bit off the price

• Coupons and online deals, especially from big-name stores like Petco

With a little planning, it’s totally possible to buy quality food and stick to your budget.

Step 5: Watch How My Dog Responds

Once I’ve made a choice, I mix in the new food slowly over about a week. Then I pay attention to a few things:

• Is her energy level steady?

• Are her stools normal?

• Does she seem itchy or uncomfortable?

• Is she actually excited to eat?

I like to jot down any changes in a simple food journal. It sounds geeky, but it works!

Final Thoughts

Feeding your dog shouldn’t feel like cracking a code, but with so many choices out there, it sometimes does. From one pet parent to another, here’s what I’ve learned:

• Don’t trust the label alone

• Check ingredients and nutrients carefully

• Pick food based on your dog, not the trend

• Ask your vet if you’re unsure

• Let your dog’s response guide you

And here’s one more handy tool: this nutrition calculator helps compare calorie content and nutrient values if you’re stuck between brands.