Best Dog Food in Australia (2025 Buyer’s Guide from a Real Pet Store)

Choosing the right dog food in Australia in 2025 can feel overwhelming. With so many formats—kibble, grain-free, air-dried, freeze-dried, fresh rolls, raw—it's natural to ask: “What is the best dog food for my dog right now?”

In this guide we’ll walk through:

• How to recognise a high-quality dog food
• The main dog food types in Australia & their pros and cons
• Best dog food brands by category (everyday dry, premium, sensitive skin/gut, raw, puppy)
• How to match food to your dog’s age, size, health and lifestyle
• Feeding tips, transition advice, and FAQs

We write from the perspective of an independent Melbourne pet store that sees what real dogs eat, what gets ordered again and again, and which formulas genuinely help with itchy skin, tummy troubles and fussy appetites.

1. What Makes a Dog Food Truly “Best”?

There’s no one perfect diet for every dog, but the best dog foods share these essential features:

1.1 Complete & Balanced for Your Dog’s Life Stage

A high-quality dog food should clearly state that it is “complete and balanced” for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult or all life stages). This indicates the recipe has been formulated to meet the nutrient profiles established by either AAFCO (USA) or FEDIAF (Europe), ensuring appropriate levels of essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fatty acids.

While both frameworks aim to safeguard nutritional adequacy, there are subtle differences in their guidelines for certain nutrients and life-stage requirements. In Australia, most reputable brands follow AAFCO standards, as this is the most commonly recognised reference for commercial pet food. Regardless of which standard is used, choosing a food that is complete and balanced helps prevent long-term nutritional gaps—even if the product is marketed as “premium.”

1.2 Named Animal Proteins at the Top

Look for clearly named animal proteins (e.g., chicken, lamb, kangaroo, salmon) as the first ingredient. Avoid vague terms like “meat and meat by-products”. High-meat recipes tend to offer better amino-acid profiles and taste appeal.

Premium meat-first ranges such as Orijen or the Black Hawk High Meat series are good examples of formulas built around clearly identified, high-quality animal ingredients.

1.3 Sensible Carbohydrates, Functional Ingredients & Digestibility

Dogs can digest carbohydrates, but the best foods use them thoughtfully: limited fillers, appropriate fibre for gut health, added omega-3s, green-lipped mussel, probiotics, etc. Good brands also explain digestibility and quality assurance.

Examples include Prime100, which focuses on clean, limited-ingredient formulations suitable for sensitive dogs, and Ziwi Peak, which relies on minimal carbohydrates and highly digestible whole-prey ingredients to support nutrient absorption.

1.4 Transparent Manufacturing, Recognised Brand Reputation

Brands that share ingredient sourcing, manufacturing processes, third-party testing, and consistently good reviews earn higher trust. 

2. Dog Food Types in Australia – Pros & Cons

2.1 Dry Dog Food (Kibble)

• Pros: affordable, convenient, shelf-stable, and available in a wide range of formulas. Popular examples include everyday natural options such as Black Hawk Dog Food, science-based formulas like Advance, and higher-protein natural ranges such as Ivory Coat.
• Cons: more processed than fresh or raw formats; moisture content is lower; quality varies significantly across brands, so choosing meat-first recipes is essential.
• Best for: households needing a reliable, cost-effective base diet for adult dogs. Many owners also pair kibble with wet food, air-dried toppers (e.g., Ziwi Peak), or single-protein additions (e.g., Prime100) to improve palatability and nutritional variety.

2.2 Grain-Free Dry Food

• Pros: useful for dogs with suspected grain sensitivities; uses legumes or potato instead of wheat/corn.
• Cons: Not inherently “better” for every dog; recipe quality is still key.
• Best for: dogs with digestive or skin issues where grain intolerance is suspected
• Popular Brands: Taste of The Wild, Scratch

2.3 Air-Dried or Slow-Cooked Dry Food

• Pros: very high meat inclusion, gentler processing preserves nutrients; often used as premium or topper.
• Cons: higher cost; smaller bags; highly nutrient-dense so portions differ.
• Best for: smaller breeds, fussy eaters, owners who want premium convenience.
• Popular Brands: Ziwi Peak, Prime100
  

2.4 Fresh & Cooked Rolls / Meal Plans

• Pros: often single-protein, minimal processing, tailored meal-plans; excellent for sensitive dogs.
• Cons: need refrigeration; shorter shelf life; usually higher cost per kg.
• Best for: dogs with allergies, sensitive guts or families wanting fresh food delivered.
• Popular Brands: Lyka, Farmers Mate

2.5 Freeze-Dried & Raw-Style Diets

• Pros: raw-style nutrition with convenience; minimal cooking or none; strong appeal for natural-nutrition seekers.
• Cons: premium price; careful handling may be required; need to ensure complete diet.
• Best for: experienced raw-feeders or dogs that thrive on high-meat, low-processing diets.
• Popular Brands: K9 Natural, Big Dog Pet Food

3. Best Dog Food Brands in Australia (By Category)

We group brands by where they perform best. Some you’ll find in our store; others we don’t stock—but they still illustrate the market and help you compare.

3.1 Everyday Natural Dry Food (Value + Quality)

Black Hawk Dog Food

Shop Black Hawk → Black Hawk is one of Australia’s most trusted natural dog food brands, known for its ingredient transparency and balanced nutrition. It uses real, named meats such as chicken, lamb and fish as primary proteins, supported by digestible carbohydrates like rice and oats. Its formulas avoid artificial preservatives and unnecessary fillers, making it ideal for long-term feeding across all breeds and sizes. Black Hawk offers Original, Grain-Free and High-Meat options, giving owners flexibility depending on skin/gut sensitivity and budget.

One of the most popular choices among our customers is the Black Hawk Lamb and Rice Dry Dog Food 20kg, well-known for its great digestibility, steady palatability and excellent value for multi-dog homes.

Advance

Discover Advance → Advance is a well-established Australian brand backed by Mars Petcare, focusing on clinical nutrition and science-based feeding. Its formulas are developed with veterinarians and address breed size, age-specific needs, weight control, dental care and skin/coat conditions. The inclusion of high-quality animal proteins, omega-3s (from fish oil), natural fibres and antioxidants makes Advance a trusted option for puppies, large breeds and dogs requiring structured, predictable nutrition.

Ivory Coat

Shop Ivory Coat → Ivory Coat is one of Australia’s most popular natural grain-free dog food brands. Made with high meat content and no wheat, corn or soy, it appeals to owners looking for a cleaner ingredient panel with premium proteins such as chicken, lamb, turkey and salmon.

Ivory Coat pairs its animal proteins with legumes, sweet potato and natural fibres to support digestive health, while added flaxseed, coconut oil and omega fatty acids help maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat. Its grain-free positioning makes it a strong option for dogs that do not tolerate cereal-based formulas or for owners who prefer a more natural, wholefood-style diet.

Popular recipes like Ivory Coat Lamb & Sardine and Ivory Coat Ocean Fish are frequently chosen for fussy eaters, active dogs and families seeking a well-balanced grain-free alternative without stepping into the ultra-premium price range.

3.2 Grain-Free & Sensitive Gut Dry Food

LifeWise Grain-Free & Biotic Range

Shop LifeWise → LifeWise positions itself as a nutrition-scientific natural dog food, carefully formulated using low-GI carbohydrates, functional fibres and targeted prebiotics/probiotics. Developed by Australian animal nutritionists, the brand focuses heavily on gut health, nutrient absorption and immune support. LifeWise recipes suit dogs with inconsistent stools, itchy skin or low appetite, and provide a good balance between premium quality and affordability.

One of the standout options in the range is the LifeWise Kangaroo, Lamb & Vegetables Dry Dog Food 18kg, a popular formula known for its digestibility, balanced energy levels and suitability for dogs requiring a gentle, multi-protein natural diet.

Scratch Dog Food

Discover Scratch → Scratch is a subscription-based Australian direct-to-consumer brand known for small-batch production and high meat-first recipes. It avoids artificial preservatives, fillers and highly processed grains, targeting owners wanting fresher-than-standard kibble nutrition without the cost of air-dried food. Scratch is appreciated for its transparency—publishing ingredient breakdowns, GI ratings and sustainability commitments. While we don’t currently carry Scratch in-store, it serves as a useful benchmark for ultra-premium dry food quality compared to mainstream brands.

3.3 Premium Single-Protein & Specialist Vet-Support Diets

Prime100 Dog Food

Shop Prime100 → Prime100 is an Australian brand that specialises in Single Protein Diet (SPD) recipes designed for dogs with food allergies, itchy skin, chronic ear issues or sensitive digestion. Each formula focuses on one carefully selected animal protein (such as kangaroo, salmon, turkey or duck), combined with functional ingredients to support the skin, immune system and gut.

The range includes fresh cooked rolls, slow-cooked wet meals and air-dried dog food, making it easy to keep the same single protein while changing texture or convenience. Many veterinarians use Prime100 SPD as part of an elimination diet or long-term management plan for dogs with confirmed food sensitivities or gastrointestinal problems.

3.4 Premium Air-Dried & Freeze-Dried Options

Ziwi Peak

Discover Ziwi Peak → Ziwi Peak is one of the highest-meat dog foods on the Australian market, made in New Zealand using air-dried or steam-dried technology. Each recipe follows the whole-prey principle—combining meat, organs, bone and New Zealand green-lipped mussel for natural joint support. Because it’s nutrient-dense and minimally processed, Ziwi Peak works extremely well for fussy eaters, small breeds, seniors, or as a premium topper to lift the quality of a simpler base kibble.

K9 Natural Freeze Dried Dog Food

Shop K9 Natural → K9 Natural is a New Zealand–made freeze-dried dog food that focuses on raw-inspired, high-meat recipes using grass-fed meats and minimal carbohydrates. Each formula is based around real meat, organs and ground bone, then gently freeze-dried to lock in nutrients while making storage and feeding much more convenient than traditional raw.

Because it is nutrient-dense and low in fillers, K9 Natural works very well for dogs needing extra palatability, higher protein, or a lighter-processed alternative to kibble. Many owners use it as a complete diet for small breeds or as a premium topper over dry food to boost meat content, aroma and omega-3 intake. The range also includes single-protein options and puppy-friendly recipes, making it a versatile choice for households wanting premium freeze-dried nutrition.

Eureka

Discover Eureka → Eureka is an Australian subscription-only air-dried brand positioned at the ultra-premium end of the market. Their recipes use over 90% Australian meat, organs and bones, with the remainder made up of functional ingredients like turmeric, kelp and green-lipped mussel. Their solar-powered slow-drying technology preserves nutrients while reducing environmental impact, making Eureka popular among owners who want sustainable, minimally processed nutrition with raw-like benefits but full convenience.

3.5 Fresh / Tailored Meal Plans

Lyka

Shop Lyka → Lyka is one of Australia’s leading fresh dog food subscription brands, offering lightly cooked meals designed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists. Each recipe uses whole ingredients—real meats, organs, vegetables and superfoods—with no preservatives or fillers. Meals are personalised based on your dog’s breed, weight, age and lifestyle. Lyka is particularly suitable for dogs with allergies, digestive issues, low energy, poor appetite or owners who simply want to move away from kibble-only feeding. Although not sold in-store here, its focus on transparency and real-food ingredients makes it a high-end benchmark for fresh feeding.

3.6 Ultra-Premium Raw / BARF & Specialist Diets

Big Dog Pet Food

Shop Big Dog → Big Dog is one of Australia’s longest-running BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) manufacturers, using human-grade ingredients and a balanced mix of muscle meat, organs, bone and vegetables. Its raw patties offer complete nutrition for dogs needing fresher feeding, improved stool quality, shinier coats, or support for allergies and digestion issues. Big Dog’s range includes puppy, senior, sensitive skin, low-fat and single-protein formulas, making it one of the most versatile raw options available.

Proudi RAW Dog Food

Shop Proudi → Proudi is a boutique Australian-made BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) brand known for its ultra-high meat inclusion and use of 100% human-grade ingredients. Each recipe follows a true carnivore model diet — real meat, organs and bone — with no fillers, grains or unnecessary carbohydrates.

Proudi’s range is particularly loved by owners seeking a pure raw, single-protein style diet for dogs with allergies, sensitive digestion, itchy skin or poor coat quality. Because the recipes contain only premium animal ingredients and no vegetable fillers, the food is highly digestible and often improves stool firmness, coat shine and overall vitality.

Available in both dog and cat formulas (with poultry, beef, chicken, turkey and kangaroo options), Proudi is well-suited for households committed to raw feeding or looking for an easy, pre-portioned BARF option without preparing raw meals at home.

Dog Food Brands Comparison — Australia 2025

4. How to Choose the Right Dog Food for Your Dog

Rather than chasing a trendy label, ask this: Does the food match your dog’s age, size, health, activity and lifestyle?

4.1 Puppies

• Choose puppy-specific or “all life stages” formulas.
• Feed 3–4 meals per day at first; then reduce.
• For large-breed puppies, avoid overfeeding to protect joints.

4.2 Adult Dogs in Good Health

• Pick a reliable meat-first dry food as your base (e.g., Black Hawk or LifeWise).
• Consider adding wet food, air-dried or raw toppers for variety and extra nutrition.
• Feed by body-condition rather than just following the back-of-bag chart.

4.3 Dogs with Skin Issues, Allergies or Gut Sensitivities

• Consult your vet if food-allergy is suspected.
• Use single-protein diets and avoid random treats that break elimination diets.
• Brands such as Prime100 SPD (single protein) are designed for this purpose.

4.4 Senior Dogs

• Prioritise joint-support nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, green-lipped mussel, glucosamine and highly digestible proteins to support mobility and reduce inflammation.
• Monitor weight carefully — both underweight and overweight seniors need closer attention, as weight fluctuations can affect joints, heart health and overall energy levels.
• If chewing becomes difficult, switching to softer formats like wet food, air-dried food or lightly cooked meals can make eating more comfortable and reduce digestive strain.
• You can also add supportive supplements or special-needs senior dog foods designed for joint care, weight control or digestive support. These can help maintain healthy mobility, steady weight and overall wellbeing as your dog ages.

5. Feeding Guide & Transition Tips

5.1 How Much Should I Feed?

Feeding guides on bags are a starting point — monitor your dog’s waistline, activity, coat and stool. Here’s a general guide for dry food:

• Small breed (5–10 kg): approx. 80–180 g/day
• Medium breed (10–25 kg): approx. 160–350 g/day
• Large breed (25–40 kg): approx. 300–550 g/day
• Extra large (40 kg+): approx. 500–800 g/day

These are rough estimates — always adjust based on your dog’s body condition score (BCS), activity level and treat intake.

Most reputable brands also provide a feeding guide calculator on their official websites, which can help you estimate a more precise daily amount based on your dog’s age, weight and lifestyle. Using these calculators can make it easier to maintain a healthy weight and ensure your dog receives the right amount of nutrition.

5.2 Safe Transitioning Between Foods

1. Days 1–3: 25% new food, 75% old.
2. Days 4–6: 50% new / 50% old.
3. Days 7–9: 75% new / 25% old.
4. Day 10: 100% new food.

For dogs with sensitive stomachs, extend the transition over 10–14 days and avoid switching treats at the same time.

6. FAQ – People Also Ask 

Q: Is grain-free dog food better for my dog?

A: Not always. Grain-free formulas are helpful when your dog has a confirmed grain sensitivity, but many dogs digest good quality grain-inclusive diets perfectly fine. What matters is the meat content, ingredient quality and how your dog responds.

Q: What is the healthiest dog food brand in Australia?

A: “Healthiest” varies by dog. For most adult dogs, a high-quality natural dry food (e.g., Black Hawk, Advance, LifeWise or Ivory Coat) provides excellent long-term nutrition. For dogs with allergies or digestive issues, single-protein options (e.g., Prime100) or fresh/meals (e.g., Lyka) may be the better fit.

Q: What is the best dog food recommended by vets in Australia?

A: Many vets recommend reputable, complete and balanced diets that have solid nutritional research behind them. In Australia this often includes science-based formulas such as Advance, Hill’s Science Diet or Royal Canin, alongside high-quality natural brands like Black Hawk or LifeWise. The “best” choice still depends on your dog’s age, breed, health conditions and body condition, so it’s worth asking your vet which options suit your dog’s specific situation.

Q: What is the best dog food for sensitive stomachs or gut issues?

A: For sensitive stomachs, look for easily digestible recipes with moderate fat, high-quality protein and added prebiotic fibres. Limited-ingredient or single-protein formulas (such as Prime100 SPD or carefully formulated LifeWise recipes) are often used, especially when you’re trying to reduce variables and stabilise stool quality. Avoid frequent, sudden food changes and work with your vet if symptoms persist.

Q: What is the best dog food for fussy eaters?

A: Fussy dogs often respond well to higher-meat, more aromatic diets such as air-dried, freeze-dried or premium wet food. Brands like Ziwi Peak, K9 Natural, Prime100 or high-meat kibble ranges can work very well. You can also use a premium topper over a more affordable base kibble to improve smell and taste without blowing the budget.

Q: Should I feed raw or BARF diets?

A: Raw or BARF diets can be excellent when properly formulated, frozen and handled hygienically. They are not necessary for every dog—but if your dog thrives on them and your household can manage the logistics, they are a strong option. Always choose a reputable brand (e.g., Big Dog or Proudi) and ensure it’s complete and balanced.

Q: Is raw dog food safe in Australia?

A: Commercial raw diets from reputable manufacturers are formulated with food safety and balanced nutrition in mind. They use strict hygiene standards, freezing, and quality control to reduce risk. However, raw feeding may not suit every household—especially those with very young children, immunocompromised people, or limited freezer space. Good hygiene (washing hands, bowls and surfaces) is essential.

Q: Is air-dried or freeze-dried dog food better than regular kibble?

A: Air-dried and freeze-dried foods are usually higher in meat and less processed than standard kibble, which can improve palatability and nutrient density. However, they are also more expensive per kilo. Many owners use them as complete diets for smaller dogs or as toppers over kibble to boost meat content and flavour while keeping overall costs manageable.

Q: How do I switch my dog’s food safely?

A: Use a gradual transition over about 7–10 days. Start with 25% new food and 75% old, then slowly increase the proportion of new food every few days. Monitor stool quality, appetite, energy and coat. If any issues arise, slow the switch down or consult your veterinarian.

Q: What dog food should I use for itchy skin or allergies?

A: Itchy skin or chronic ear infections often stem from food, environment or parasites. Work with your vet to confirm whether food is a factor. Then consider a single-protein elimination diet (e.g., Prime100 SPD) and choose a low-ingredient, limited-ingredient dry food or fresh meal appropriate for your dog’s size and stage. Be strict about treats and table scraps during the trial.

Q: How many times a day should I feed my dog?

A: Puppies often need 3–4 meals per day; adult dogs typically do well on two meals a day; seniors may benefit from 2–3 smaller meals/day, especially if they have digestive or joint issues. Adjust based on your dog’s size, activity level, metabolism and how well they tolerate meal size.

Q: What is the best dog food for puppies in Australia?

A: Look for a complete and balanced puppy formula, or an “all life stages” diet that clearly states it is suitable for growth. In Australia, popular options include puppy ranges from Black Hawk, Advance, LifeWise and some of the more natural or high-meat brands. For large-breed puppies, choose a formula specifically designed for controlled growth and joint support, and avoid overfeeding to protect developing bones.

7. Where to Buy Dog Food in Australia (Especially Melbourne)

If you’re based in Melbourne (Victoria), shopping locally offers real advantages — especially when dealing with heavy bags, fresh food or raw diets.

At ADS Pet Store in Moorabbin we provide:

• Same-day local delivery to many suburbs in Melbourne when you meet the minimum spend.
• Refrigerated shipping for fresh meals, raw patties and other temperature-sensitive foods.
• Click & Collect from our warehouse for convenient pickup.
• A carefully curated range of dog foods including dog food collection based on what our customers repeatedly repurchase and what we see works.

If you’re still undecided which food fits your dog best, you’re very welcome to contact us with your dog’s age, breed, weight, body condition and health issues. We’ll help you create a shortlist and guide you through a safe transition.

Bottom line: There is no one single “best dog food in Australia” for all dogs—but there absolutely is a best starting point for your dog right now. Choose a diet that is complete, meat-first, suited to their life stage and health, feed it consistently, and adjust based on what your dog tells you—via their energy, stool, coat and body shape.