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Dog Food Alternatives: What to Buy When Your Usual Brand is Gone

August 8, 2022 By Nicole Leave a Comment

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Today, we’re going to talk about dog food alternatives for those times when your usual brand is gone.

Whether it’s due to panic buying shortages, recalls, or just low funds, sometimes you can’t get the brand you need.

Knowing how to choose a good alternative can save your wallet, sanity, and even your dog.

So, let’s get started, shall we?

Content & Quick Navigation

  • Help! I can’t get my dog his usual food! What do I do?
  • Tips for choosing a good dog food alternative
  • List of dog food alternatives by type
  • Author

Help! I can’t get my dog his usual food! What do I do?

As a dog owner, I’m definitely in the same “what the heck do I feed her now that everyone bought everything in sight” boat.

We’ve been managing, mostly due to the fact that I’ve always done a rotation diet with my dogs.

The tips below for finding good dog food alternatives will help whether you normally rotate foods or stick with one brand.

After we go over the basics, I’ll share some of my favorite alternatives to different brands.

Tips for choosing a good dog food alternative

Today, we're going to talk about dog food alternatives for those times when your usual brand is gone. Read on for general tips and specific ideas.

Over the last few weeks, I’ve seen panicked messages from many dog owners asking, “what do I do now that I can’t get my usual food?”

One owner is having a hard time finding Purina Sport. Another, a good alternative to Blue.

My friend is even having a hard time swapping out her bulldog’s raw diet. She usually buys Stella & Chewy, but it’s been selling out fast.

So, let’s start with some general tips. Then, like I said, we’ll talk about a few specific swaps that work.

Ask your vet for a recommendation

Before you start shopping for dog food alternatives, call your vet’s office.

They may save you loads of time by offering the perfect recommendation.

Sadly, many vets are currently overwhelmed and may not be able to get to the phone.

So, let’s assume tip #1 didn’t work and move on.

Make a list of must and mustn’ts

Sit down and look at your usual brand of dog food.

Think about why you chose it. What ingredients do you NEED to have? What MUST you avoid?

My dog is allergic to beef, so right off the bat anything with that ingredient is off the list.

She also has a sensitive tummy and doesn’t do well with anything too fatty.

Plus, she’s a bit chunky and needs something somewhat low-cal.

I recommend drawing a line down a sheet of paper and dividing into three columns.

First column- MUST HAVE. Second- MUST NOT HAVE. Third- WOULD BE NICE.

I think that last one is pretty self-explanatory.

Make another list of places to shop

Once you know what you need in your dog food alternatives, it’s time to start checking stock.

Even in currently closed-down states, pet stores are considered “essential businesses”

That said, most of us want to avoid going to extra stores right now. The less contact we have with others, the better.

Again, divide your list into three categories:

  • online suppliers that deliver to your door
  • brick and mortar stores that do curbside pickup
  • stores that you have to actually go into

Use our list of places to buy dog food during a shortage for some ideas.

You’ll want to work down your list in that order as you shop for dog food.

Same manufacturer, different name

While you shop, remember that a small handful of manufacturers and companies own quite a few brands.

For example, Purina owns Blue. PetSmart owns Chewy.

So, it’s possible to find literally the same exact food under a different name.

To illustrate, let me tell you a little story (not about dog food, but it proves my point).

Years ago, my son was in Cub Scouts and had a “popcorn selling” day outside Walmart.

When we ran out, his leader asked me to run in and grab some popcorn from the store, and we would just sell it for less.

So, I bought a brand that Walmart sells fairly cheap.

I opened up a box and realized something- it was literally the SAME exact popcorn that we were selling. Same wording, same packaging, everything.

So, yep, you can get literally the same thing under a different name. Just compare ingredients and you’ll see.

Now that we have a general idea of how to shop, let’s look at some dog food alternatives by type and need.

FYI, the next section includes affiliate links. If you buy through them, we earn a small commission at no extra charge to you.

List of dog food alternatives by type

Today, we're going to talk about dog food alternatives for those times when your usual brand is gone. Read on for general tips and specific ideas.

Before I give you a list of dog food alternatives, please understand that every dog is different.

While many dogs are just fine with switching foods entirely without tapering, others can’t even handle a minor switch with just one changed ingredient.

So, know your dog and what he can handle. Follow HIS gut, not mine. πŸ˜€

Below are some of the best (in my opinion and research) brands from each category.

If you need very specific swaps, I highly recommend checking out PawDiet.

Their entire site is dedicated to brand comparisons and alternatives.

By the way, I’m using Amazon tables for these lists because you can quickly see if a food fits your budget and ships with Prime.

Chewy is another great source, but you’ll have to do a bit more work to find out if something is in stock.

Grain-free dog foods

This is a good list to start with if you know you want grain-free dog food and your pup can handle switching without problems.

The below are all for a large bag (between 20-30 lbs).

Preview Product Rating Price
Merrick Dry Dog Food, Real Texas Beef and Sweet Potato Grain Free Dog Food Recipe - 22 lb. Bag Merrick Dry Dog Food, Real Texas Beef and Sweet Potato Grain Free Dog Food Recipe - 22 lb. Bag $73.98 Buy on Amazon
Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food, Original Turkey & Chicken, 26-Pound Bag Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food, Original Turkey & Chicken, 26-Pound Bag $79.99 Buy on Amazon
Nulo Adult Salmon Grain-Free Dry Food, 24 lb Nulo Adult Salmon Grain-Free Dry Food, 24 lb $77.99 Buy on Amazon
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine Grain-Free Recipe with Roasted Bison and Venison Adult Dry Dog Food, Made with High Protein from Real Meat and Guaranteed Nutrients and Probiotics 28lb Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine Grain-Free Recipe with Roasted Bison and Venison Adult Dry Dog... $58.99 Buy on Amazon
Canidae PURE Limited Ingredient Premium Adult Dry Dog Food, Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe, 24 Pounds, Grain Free Canidae PURE Limited Ingredient Premium Adult Dry Dog Food, Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe, 24... $74.99 Buy on Amazon
ORIJEN Dog Original Recipe, 25lb, High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Packaging May Vary ORIJEN Dog Original Recipe, 25lb, High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Packaging May Vary $99.99 Buy on Amazon

Grain-inclusive dog food alternatives

Grains aren’t always a bad thing, as long as you choose the right type of grain-inclusive food.

These brands come highly recommended by vets and Dog Food Advisor.

Preview Product Rating Price
Wellness Complete Health Dry Dog Food with Grains, Natural Ingredients, Made in USA with Real Meat, All Breeds, For Adult Dogs (Chicken & Oatmeal, 30-Pound Bag) Wellness Complete Health Dry Dog Food with Grains, Natural Ingredients, Made in USA with Real Meat,... $69.98 Buy on Amazon
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Small Bite Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice 30-lb Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Small Bite Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice... Buy on Amazon
Diamond Naturals All Life Stages Chicken and Rice Formula Dry Dog Food Protein from Real Chicken, and Probiotics Diamond Naturals All Life Stages Chicken and Rice Formula Dry Dog Food Protein from Real Chicken,... $46.99 Buy on Amazon
NUTRO ULTRA Adult Large Breed High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins from Chicken Lamb and Salmon, 30 lb. Bag NUTRO ULTRA Adult Large Breed High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins from Chicken... $70.99 Buy on Amazon
Eagle Pack Natural Dry Dog Food, Original Chicken & Pork, 30-Pound Bag Eagle Pack Natural Dry Dog Food, Original Chicken & Pork, 30-Pound Bag $61.44 Buy on Amazon
Victor Super Premium Dog Food – Purpose - Nutra Pro – Gluten Free, High Protein Low Carb Dry Dog Food for Active Dogs of All Ages – Ideal for Sporting Dogs, Pregnant or Nursing Dogs & Puppies, 40lbs Victor Super Premium Dog Food – Purpose - Nutra Pro – Gluten Free, High Protein Low Carb Dry Dog... $72.99 Buy on Amazon

Limited ingredient & hypoallergenic dog foods

Preview Product Rating Price
Wellness Simple Natural Grain Free Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food, Turkey and Potato Recipe, 26-Pound Bag Wellness Simple Natural Grain Free Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food, Turkey and Potato Recipe,... $79.98 Buy on Amazon
Canidae PURE Limited Ingredient Premium Adult Dry Dog Food, Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe, 24 Pounds, Grain Free Canidae PURE Limited Ingredient Premium Adult Dry Dog Food, Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe, 24... $74.99 Buy on Amazon
Zignature, Lamb Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, 25-lb Zignature, Lamb Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, 25-lb $90.99 Buy on Amazon
Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Recipe with Real Salmon Natural Dry Dog Food, 4 lb. Bag Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Recipe with Real Salmon Natural Dry Dog Food, 4 lb. Bag $27.99 Buy on Amazon
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food, Sweet Potato & Fish Formula, 26 Pounds, Grain Free Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food, Sweet Potato & Fish Formula, 26... Buy on Amazon

Raw, freeze dried, and human-grade food

Consider this the “other” category: Raw diet dog foods, freeze-dried options, and “human-grade” dehydrated foods.

Preview Product Rating Price
Stella & Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Super Beef Meal Mixer – Dog Food Topper for Small & Large Breeds – Grain Free, Protein Rich Recipe – 18 oz Bag Stella & Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Super Beef Meal Mixer – Dog Food Topper for Small & Large... $44.99 Buy on Amazon
The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Whole Grain Dog Food – Complete Meal or Dog Food Topper – Chicken 2 lb (makes 8 lbs) The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Whole Grain Dog Food – Complete Meal or Dog Food Topper... $25.53 Buy on Amazon
ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food – All Natural, High Protein, Grain Free and Limited Ingredient with Superfoods (Beef, 2.2 lb) ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food – All Natural, High Protein, Grain Free and Limited Ingredient with... $60.18 Buy on Amazon
Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Grain-Free Beef Mini Nibs Dog Food, 1 lb. Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Grain-Free Beef Mini Nibs Dog Food, 1 lb. $46.99 Buy on Amazon
Northwest Naturals Freeze Dried Raw Diet for Dogs Freeze Dried Nuggets Dog Food – Lamb – Grain-Free, Gluten-Free Pet Food, Dog Training Treats – 12 Oz. Northwest Naturals Freeze Dried Raw Diet for Dogs Freeze Dried Nuggets Dog Food – Lamb –... $36.99 Buy on Amazon
Primal Freeze Dried Dog Food Nuggets Chicken Formula, Crafted in The USA Grain Free Raw Dog Food, 14 oz Primal Freeze Dried Dog Food Nuggets Chicken Formula, Crafted in The USA Grain Free Raw Dog Food, 14... $33.98 Buy on Amazon

Low-cal weight management dog foods

If you have a bit of a chunky monkey, these foods will help get her back on track.

Preview Product Rating Price
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice 30-lb Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown... $66.99 Buy on Amazon
Victor Super Premium Dog Food – Purpose - Senior Healthy Weight – Gluten Free Weight Management Dry Dog Food for Senior Dogs with Glucosamine and Chondroitin, for Hip and Joint Health, 40lbs Victor Super Premium Dog Food – Purpose - Senior Healthy Weight – Gluten Free Weight Management... $66.99 Buy on Amazon
ORIJEN Dry Cat Food, Fit & Trim, Biologically Appropriate & Grain Free, 12OZ ORIJEN Dry Cat Food, Fit & Trim, Biologically Appropriate & Grain Free, 12OZ Buy on Amazon
Merrick Grain Free Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food Recipes, Healthy Weight Real Beef, 25 Pound Merrick Grain Free Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food Recipes, Healthy Weight Real Beef, 25 Pound Buy on Amazon
Solid Gold - Fit as a Fiddle Weight Management Cat Food - Low Calorie Grain Free Dry Cat Food Recipe with Alaskan Pollock - Superfoods & Probiotics for Gut Health and Immune Support Solid Gold - Fit as a Fiddle Weight Management Cat Food - Low Calorie Grain Free Dry Cat Food Recipe... $45.99 Buy on Amazon

Now, keep in mind that the above lists are not swap-for-swap lists, but rather a starting point for your ingredient comparisons.

I hope this helps!

Remember, even if everyone panic-bought all the food in your grocery store, there isn’t actually a dog food shortage right now.

So, try online stores first. You may find just what you’re looking for!

Have you needed to find dog food alternatives yet? Share your experiences below.

Author

  • Nicole
    Nicole

    Hi there! I'm Nicole, the editor-in-chief and one of the writers here at DogVills. I've been a dog owner for most of my adult life and a dog lover for much longer than that. I grew up with a wonderful German Shepherd named Jake, who I loved SO much that I named my son after him. When I'm not writing for DogVills or my own site, Pretty Opinionated, I love spending time with my teenager (when he actually lets me) and my Pharaoh Hound, Freya. I'm also an avid reader AND a total TV fanatic.

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Last update on 2023-02-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Sharing is caring!

120 shares
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Tags: best dog food, dog food alternatives, finding dog food

About Nicole

Hi there! I'm Nicole, the editor-in-chief and one of the writers here at DogVills. I've been a dog owner for most of my adult life and a dog lover for much longer than that. I grew up with a wonderful German Shepherd named Jake, who I loved SO much that I named my son after him. When I'm not writing for DogVills or my own site, Pretty Opinionated, I love spending time with my teenager (when he actually lets me) and my Pharaoh Hound, Freya. I'm also an avid reader AND a total TV fanatic.

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