Best Dog Food in India: Expert Guide

Welcoming a dog into your life is easy.

Feeding them right? That’s where most new pet parents get confused — endless brands, promises of “high protein”, “grain-free”, “premium”, and “vet-approved”… but what actually matters?

To clear the confusion, we asked certified dog trainer Mallika what she recommends to pet parents when choosing the best dry dog food in India, especially for active, family dogs

1. Dogs Need Real Meat, Not Just “Flavour”

A label that says “Chicken Flavour” or “Contains Meat Derivatives” is not the same as real, named meat like fresh chicken, fish, egg etc.

Real meat =
✔️ Better muscle strength
✔️ Better energy levels
✔️ Better coat & skin health
✔️ Better digestibility

If the first ingredient isn’t a real animal protein, it’s not the best choice.

2. Check the Ingredients 

• Fresh chicken, eggs, fish

• Whole grains like rice, oats

• Natural preservatives (Vitamin E, herbs)

• Added herbs for gut health

The cleaner the ingredients list , better the nutrition 

3. Baked Dry Food > High-Pressure Kibble

Most commercial kibble is made using high heat and pressure, which can destroy nutrients and reduce digestibility.

Baked dry food is different — it is
✔️ Cooked at low temperatures
✔️ Made in small batches
✔️ Helps retain more nutrients & natural flavours
✔️ Easier on digestion and gut health

That means more nutrition stays in the bowl (and your dog’s body), instead of being lost in processing.

4. Look for Gut-Friendly & Skin-Friendly Add-Ons

The best dog food in India today goes beyond basic nutrition. It supports immunity, digestion, coat, mobility, etc.

Helpful extras include:

• Prebiotics & probiotics – for gut & stool quality

• Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids – for coat, joints, heart

• Herbs like ajwain and turmeric – for digestion & gas

• Natural antioxidants – for immunity & ageing support

If the food supports more than “just filling the stomach,” it’s worth paying for.

5. It Should Match Your Dog’s Life Stage

Puppy, adult, senior — each stage needs different nutrition.

A food made for adult dogs should support:
✔️ Stable energy without overfeeding
✔️ Muscle strength & lean body mass
✔️ Digestive comfort
✔️ Healthy stool & shiny coat

If your dog is active, playful, and always ready to go, the food is doing its job.

Want a brand example?

Mallika recommends Good Dog Adult Dry Food because it checks all 3 boxes:

• Real, fresh chicken & eggs

• Baked in small batches at a low temperature

• Herbs + prebiotics for digestion & gut health

🔗 Explore the product here → https://www.gooddogindia.com/products/good-dog-adult

The best dog food is the one with the cleanest ingredients, real protein, gut-friendly extras, and smart cooking methods.

Long story short: baked dry food = better nutrition, better digestion, happier dog. And that’s exactly what Good Dog stands for.