The Top 10 Dog Food Brands Made in the USA

When it comes to your dog’s health and well-being, what they eat matters. Pet parents across America are becoming increasingly discerning about what goes into their furry companion’s bowl—and for good reason. Dog food made in the USA tends to be held to higher manufacturing standards, often using locally sourced ingredients and undergoing rigorous safety checks. In this article, we highlight the top 10 best dog food brands proudly made in the USA, based on ingredient quality, nutritional balance, sourcing practices, transparency, and customer reviews.

🏆 1. The Farmer’s Dog

Why It Ranks #1:

• Human-Grade Ingredients: The Farmer’s Dog, a USA made dog food brand, uses only fresh, whole foods you’d find in your own kitchen, making it rank highest in the best dog food brands.

• Vet-Formulated: Recipes are crafted by board-certified veterinary nutritionists.

• Made Fresh in USDA-Inspected Kitchens: Meals are gently cooked in the U.S. and delivered fresh—not frozen—for maximum nutrient retention.

• Personalized Meal Plans: Food is tailored to your dog’s breed, size, age, and health needs. It's popular among picky eaters.

Where It’s Made: All facilities are based in the United States, with strict quality control and safety protocols.

Best For: Pet parents looking for fresh, customized meals that are as close to homemade as possible.

🥈 2. Nom Nom

Why It Ranks High:

• Restaurant-Quality Standards: Nom Nom also uses human-grade ingredients, prepared in small batches.

• In-House Microbiome Testing: This brand goes above and beyond with gut health research, offering personalized insights.

• Made-to-Order: Each meal is made fresh in U.S. kitchens and pre-portioned for your dog. Many pet owners find comfort in being able to try their Sampler Pack, including a complete assortment of healthy food ingredients that are nutrient-packed, vet-developed food for your dog to sample. Each recipe is formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists with quality, flavor and texture in mind. Dogs love it. You’ll love knowing you’re feeding them the very best.

Where It’s Made: Tennessee and California.

Best For: Dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies, or owners focused on gut health and overall longevity.

🥉 3. Ollie

Why It Ranks High:

• All-Natural, No Fillers: Ollie’s recipes of natural dog food made in USA exclude corn, soy, or wheat—common allergens in lower-quality brands. Eliminating these ingredients can be great for a pet's health and a pet's weight management.

• Transparent Ingredient Sourcing: You can trace every ingredient in this dog food back to its U.S. origin. It is considered a human grade food and a complete and balanced diet.

• Balanced Nutrition: Recipes meet or exceed AAFCO standards and contribute to a well balanced diet.

Where It’s Made: U.S.-based human-grade kitchens.

Best For: Dogs needing nutrient-dense food without artificial preservatives.

🔹 4. Spot & Tango

Why It Stands Out:

• A Unique "UnKibble" Option: A fresh-dry hybrid that’s gently dried but still uses fresh ingredients.

• Fresh Recipe Option: All of their fresh, wet food recipes are made with 100% fresh, whole ingredients and contain no artificial preservatives, fillers, or additives.

• Human-Grade & GMO-Free: No artificial additives, and all ingredients are recognizable and made of real food. The nutritional value adds to healthy digestion in both small dogs and large dog breeds.

• Minimal Processing: Preserves nutrients and flavors.

Where It’s Made: New York facilities, sourcing regionally.

Best For: Owners seeking shelf-stable convenience with fresh-food quality. In addition to dog food, they make dog treat, as well as supplements for immune health and dental health as well.

🔹 5. Blue Buffalo (Life Protection Formula)

Why It’s Popular:

• Widely Available, Still U.S.-Based: Unlike some smaller brands, Blue Buffalo is stocked nationwide.

• Whole Proteins First: Real meat is always the first ingredient.

• No Poultry By-Products: Avoids low-quality meat derivatives.

Where It’s Made: Manufacturing in Missouri, Indiana, and Pennsylvania.

Best For: Budget-conscious owners looking for quality dry dog food and kibble with premium ingredients.

🔹 6. Merrick

Why It’s Trusted:

• Grain-Free & Grain-Inclusive Options: Caters to a wide variety of dietary needs.

• Locally Sourced Ingredients: Most meat and produce come from Texas and surrounding areas.

• High Protein Content: Great for most canines including active dogs and working breeds.

Where It’s Made: Hereford, Texas.

Best For: High-energy dogs or owners seeking a mix of traditional and holistic nutrition.

Merrick dog food is often praised for its high-quality ingredients and focus on natural, wholesome nutrition. Many recipes emphasize real meat as the first ingredient, and they often include healthy grains, vegetables, and fruits. Merrick also offers a grain free diet and limited ingredient diet option, making them suitable for dogs with sensitivities or allergies. 

🔹 7. Wellness CORE

Why It’s a Favorite:

• Protein-Rich & Nutrient Dense: Ideal for muscle maintenance and optimal health.

• No Artificial Preservatives or Colors: Clean and natural formulation.

• Includes Probiotics: Supports digestive health.

Where It’s Made: Primarily in Indiana and Minnesota.

Best For: Dogs needing high protein and a stronger immune and digestive system.

🔹 8. Canidae PURE

Why It’s Included:

• Limited Ingredient Recipes: Ideal for allergy-prone dogs.

• Sustainable Practices: Uses regeneratively farmed ingredients.

• Clean Proteins: Salmon, lamb, bison, and duck sourced from trusted suppliers.

Where It’s Made: Brownwood, Texas.

Best For: Dogs with sensitivities, and eco-conscious pet parents.

🔹 9. Taste of the Wild

Why It’s Well-Liked:

• Unique Protein Sources: Venison, wild boar, bison, trout—great for variety and taste.

• Grain-Free & Ancient Grain Recipes: Appeals to modern and ancestral feeding philosophies.

• Family-Owned: Made by Diamond Pet Foods in the U.S.

Where It’s Made: Facilities in California, Missouri, Arkansas, and South Carolina.

Best For: Dogs who thrive on ancestral or high-protein diets.

🔹 10. American Journey (Chewy’s Brand)

Why It Deserves Mention:

• Great Value for Price: High-quality ingredients at a more affordable cost.

• Good Variety: Dry, wet, grain-free, and limited-ingredient options.

• Made Exclusively in the U.S.: Manufacturing quality is tightly controlled.

Where It’s Made: U.S. facilities with local and global ingredient sourcing.

Best For: Pet parents looking for solid nutrition without breaking the bank.

🐾 Why "Made in the USA" Matters

✅ Higher Safety Standards

Whether it's wet dog food, a raw diet, or even dry food, U.S.-made dog foods must comply with regulations set by the FDA, USDA, and AAFCO. These ensure transparency, cleanliness, and proper labeling.

✅ Trusted Ingredient Sourcing

Local sourcing minimizes contamination risk. Many U.S. brands also avoid ingredients from countries with less stringent quality control.

✅ Quality Control & Recalls

In-house testing and traceability help prevent widespread contamination. U.S. brands tend to act faster and communicate more transparently in case of a recall.

✅ Better Nutrient Profiles

Brands operating in the U.S. often invest in research, veterinary collaboration, and continuous product improvement.

How a Dog's Health is Impacted by The Dog Food They Eat

A dog’s diet is the foundation of their overall health. Remember, "you are what you eat". From their energy levels and immune system to their coat shine and even their lifespan, nutrition plays a vital role. Here's how the food they eat can shape their well-being:

1. 🧠 Cognitive Function and Mental Health

✅ Positive Effects of Good Nutrition:

• Omega-3 fatty acids (like DHA from fish oil) are critical for brain development, especially in puppies.

• Antioxidants support neurological health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline in older dogs. It's important to do what you can proactively to ensure that you have healthy adult dogs.

❌ Effects of Poor Diet:

• Nutrient deficiencies can contribute to anxiety, restlessness, or depression-like symptoms in most dogs.

• Processed foods high in sugar or artificial dyes may lead to hyperactivity or lethargy.

2. 💪 Muscle Development and Physical Strength

✅ Protein Power:

• High-quality animal protein supports muscle repair and growth.

• Amino acids like lysine and methionine are vital for strength and endurance.

• These types of foods help build and support healthy joints.

❌ Poor Protein Sources:

• Cheap fillers and meat by-products can result in muscle wasting and weakness.

• Lack of proper protein can lead to poor mobility, especially in active or aging dogs.

3. 🧬 Immune System Support

✅ Immunity Boosters:

• Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as zinc and selenium, help prevent illness and infections while maintaining your pet's health.

• Probiotics and prebiotics foster a healthy gut microbiome, which plays a major role in immunity.

❌ Immunity Risks:

• Dogs fed nutrient-poor or spoiled food are more susceptible to infections, skin conditions, and slower healing.

4. 🦴 Joint and Bone Health

✅ Bone-Building Nutrients:

• Calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D are crucial for bone development and joint health.

• Glucosamine and chondroitin promote joint flexibility and ease arthritis symptoms.

❌ Risks from Deficiencies:

• Without proper nutrients, dogs may suffer from brittle bones, joint pain, or growth abnormalities.

5. 🐾 Skin and Coat Condition

✅ Signs of a Healthy Diet:

• A shiny, soft coat and flake-free skin often indicate balanced nutrition.

• Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids reduce inflammation and dryness.

• Taking care of a dog on the inside contributes to their health on the outside, including their skin and coat.

❌ Signs of Poor Diet:

• Dull, greasy, or shedding coat.

• Poor coat health.

• Frequent itching, hotspots, or dermatitis can be triggered by food allergies or lack of essential fats.

6. 🦷 Dental Health

✅ Crunchy Kibble or Dental Treats:

• Certain foods and food ingredients can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.

• Added nutrients like vitamin C and enzymes promote oral health.

❌ Soft or Sugary Foods:

• Can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.

7. 💩 Digestive Health

✅ High-Fiber, Natural Diet:

• Promotes regular bowel movements, healthy gut flora, and less gas from a puppy to an adult dog.

• Helps prevent diarrhea, constipation, and bloating.

❌ Problematic Ingredients:

• Low-quality grains or meat by-products can cause food sensitivities and gastrointestinal upset.

• Artificial preservatives and fillers often lead to inconsistent or odorous stools.

8. ⚖️ Weight Management and Energy Levels

✅ Proper Portion & Balance:

• Keeps your dog lean and energized, supporting organ health and longevity.

• Maintains your dog's weight.

• Complex carbs and lean protein fuel sustained activity.

❌ Poorly Formulated Diet:

• Leads to obesity, diabetes, or metabolic disease.

• Causes fatigue, moodiness, or hyperactivity spikes from simple sugars.

9. ❤️ Heart and Organ Health

✅ Essential Fatty Acids and Taurine:

• Support cardiovascular health and organ function.

• Potassium and B vitamins help regulate heart rhythm and blood pressure.

❌ Danger of Grain-Free Fads (in some cases):

• Some grain-free diets have been linked to canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) due to taurine deficiencies.

10. ⏳ Lifespan and Disease Prevention

✅ Long-Term Benefits of Good Nutrition:

• Well-nourished dogs who eat a good dog food are shown to live longer, healthier lives.

• Proper nutrition lowers the risk of cancer, arthritis, diabetes, and chronic disease.

❌ Cumulative Effects of Poor Diet:

• Can shorten lifespan by increasing the risk of obesity-related illnesses, immune deficiencies, or organ failure.
  
  

Final Thoughts

Your dog’s food does more than just fill their bowl—it fuels every cell in their body. A nutrient-rich, balanced diet made with high-quality ingredients can prevent disease, improve quality of life, and extend your dog's years by your side. We know this from our own food experiences. On the flip side, poor food choices can result in chronic health problems, discomfort, and even emotional distress for your furry friend.

The pet food you choose contributes to your dog's joint health, coat health, lifespan and many other important factors that we covered in this article.

Choosing a U.S.-made dog food brand gives you peace of mind, knowing your dog is eating safe, nutritionally sound meals. Whether you opt for a wet dog food or something fresh like The Farmer’s Dog, or premium kibble like Wellness CORE, there’s a trustworthy option to fit every budget and lifestyle.

Tip: Always consult your veterinarian when changing your dog’s diet, especially if they have specific health needs.

WHO IS PRIDE+GROOM?

PRIDE+GROOM was born because a group of New York City dog lovers wanted the same level of grooming products for their dogs that they themselves enjoyed. They looked (hard) but nothing was up to snuff. Or sniff. Like so many, we love our families and take pride in our homes, and we consider our pets to be integral parts of those entities. That said, we could not find an effective way to coif them that was on par with the way we tended to our children, our homes, or ourselves. These beloved pets are allowed on the furniture and in our beds, and yet even when fresh from the groomer, we knew they did not smell or feel as good as they could.

With the development of our coat-specific shampoos, conditioner and deodorizing spray, we think we found just the way to say thanks for being the best and the sweetest MVP of the house. Skin and coat health is very important to us.

PRIDE+GROOM is the first dog grooming brand launched under a beauty platform, with formulas made in a clean beauty and scent lab. We know beauty is not only skin deep. We did a ton of research to create the entire line. Each product is formulated with its own unique blend of essential oils sourced from around the world.

IN DOG WE TRUST

Shop our entire line:  www.prideandgroom.com