So it started off watching friends and family’s dogs which was from a dog lover perspective. Seemed simple enough. Most of the time, easy breezy. Other times, really? I can’t believe I’m doing this.
Then I was introduced to Cesar Millan, and everything changed. I started using his techniques with the different dogs, and they worked. I felt like Dr. Doolittle as I could talk with the animals! It was like magic, I loved it. That’s when I thought, I wonder if I could do this dog thing full-time? I could, so I did.
A friend often told me I should start a blog so I could write about the different dogs and dog experiences; that’s a cute idea, but running a blog specifically to talk about my experiences with dogs wasn’t going to be my thing. I dismissed it. Now, I couldn’t imagine blogging without a dog component. There is value in my writing about my experiences to benefit the dog and the relationship between the dog and its pet parent, so that’s my intention when talking about dogs.
They are family, and we love them like children. A theme for both dogs and humans is the quality of the food.
Here are some of the top websites commonly recommended for reviewing the quality of dog food and treats, based on their focus on ingredient analysis, ratings, nutritional breakdowns, recalls, and independent evaluations. These sites help assess factors like ingredient quality, protein sources, fillers, and overall nutritional value.
- Dog Food Advisor dogfoodadvisor.com
One of the most popular and frequently cited resources. It provides star ratings (out of 5), detailed reviews by brand, ingredient breakdowns, and searchable databases for dry, wet, raw, and fresh foods (including treats in many reviews). It’s widely used by pet owners for quick quality checks. - Consumer Reports (https://www.consumerreports.org/)
Offers in-depth testing-based articles on dog food quality, including lab tests for nutrients, contaminants (e.g., heavy metals, bacteria), and safety. Search their site for “dog food” to find recent reports on popular brands. - PetMD (https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition) or their vet-recommended lists (e.g., https://www.petmd.com/dog/vet-verified/best-dog-food)
Run by veterinarians, it features expert-reviewed guides, top picks, and advice on what makes a high-quality food or treat, often focusing on AAFCO standards and health-specific needs. - Whole Dog Journal (https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/food/)
Provides annual “approved” lists and detailed reviews of dry, wet, and alternative dog foods/treats, emphasizing whole ingredients, minimal processing, and quality sourcing. - TruthaboutPetFood.com (associated with Susan Thixton)
Focuses on transparency, ingredient concerns, recalls, and “real” quality assessments, often highlighting issues in commercial pet foods and treats.
Other notable mentions include vet nutritionist-run blogs like Petfoodology from Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine (https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/), which offers evidence-based insights on pet food myths and quality.Always cross-reference multiple sources and consult your veterinarian, as opinions on “best” quality can vary (e.g., some prioritize grain-inclusive vs. grain-free, or fresh vs. kibble). These sites are great starting points for informed decisions!