Does your dog turn their nose up at dinner sometimes? You are not alone! Picking the perfect dog food can feel like a puzzle. Target has so many brands, from budget-friendly bags to fancy grain-free options. It is easy to feel overwhelmed standing in that aisle, wondering which bag truly offers the best nutrition for your furry best friend.
Finding good quality dog food without spending all your money is a real challenge for many pet owners. You want what is best, but deciphering ingredient lists and brand promises can be confusing. We know you want a happy, healthy pup, and the right food makes a huge difference in their energy and coat.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the best dog food options you can easily find at your local Target. You will learn what ingredients to look for and which brands offer great value. Get ready to shop smarter and see your dog thrive!
Top Dog Food At Target Recommendations
- Healthy Dog Food with High Protein & Low Carbs – This grain free dry dog food & healthy dog food contains 41% high protein from USA-sourced beef to fuel energy, support lean muscle, & satisfy cravings of active adult dogs—small, medium & large breeds
- Healthy Dog Food Dry Kibble with Nutrientboost – Powered by plasma, this premium dog food supports digestive health & nutrient absorption, making it a top choice for high protein dog food, healthy dog food, and holoistic dog food for active dogs
- High Protein Dog Food for Active Dogs – With 41% high protein from USA beef, this real meat dog food beef recipe is perfect for muscle support and energy. It’s packed with protein for dogs who crave dog food with real meat & low-carb diets
- Probiotic-Powered for Gut & Immune Health – This healthy high protein dog food features 90 million probiotics per pound to support digestion, balance gut flora & immune health—ideal for dogs needing premium dog food & protein dog food in one
- Supports Skin & Coat with Salmon Oil & Superfoods – With omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, salmon oil & superfoods like pumpkin, carrot, & blueberry, this gluten free dog food promotes healthy skin & a shiny coat—perfect for dogs with food sensitivities.
- Healthy Dog Food with High Protein & Low Carbs – This grain free dry dog food & healthy dog food contains 41% high protein from USA-sourced beef to fuel energy, support lean muscle, & satisfy cravings of active adult dogs—small, medium & large breeds
- Healthy Dog Food Dry Kibble with Nutrientboost – Powered by plasma, this premium dog food supports digestive health & nutrient absorption, making it a top choice for high protein dog food, healthy dog food, and holistic dog food for active dogs
- High Protein Dog Food for Active Dogs – With 41% high protein from USA beef, this real meat dog food beef recipe is perfect for muscle support and energy. It’s packed with protein for dogs who crave dog food with real meat & low-carb diets
- Probiotic-Powered for Gut & Immune Health – This healthy high protein dog food features 90 million probiotics per pound to support digestion, balance gut flora & immune health—ideal for dogs needing premium dog food & protein dog food in one
- Supports Skin & Coat with Salmon Oil & Superfoods – With omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, salmon oil & superfoods like pumpkin, carrot, & blueberry, this gluten free dog food promotes healthy skin & a shiny coat—perfect for dogs with food sensitivities
- High Protein Canned Dog Food for Active Dogs – This grain free wet dog food is packed with real beef & superfoods to fuel high-energy dogs & puppies. Ideal for pet parents seeking high protein canned dog food or grain free dog food wet recipes
- Moist Dog Food for All Ages – Made with digestible ingredients, this beef dog food is a soft dog food great for dogs of all ages and sizes. A perfect choice for healthy dog food soft, can dog food, wet dog food for small dogs, or senior wet dog food
- Canned Wet Dog Food for Lean Muscle – Made with quality protein & no added fillers, this healthy canned dog food supports muscle maintenance without excess calories. Great for active dogs needing high protein wet dog food or soft senior dog food
- Soft Pate Dog Food for All Breeds & Life Stages – With a pate texture dogs love, this wet food for dogs works for large breed adults, growing puppies, or small breeds. An easy-to-digest option for wet dog food large breed or senior dog wet food needs
- Complete & Balanced Real Dog Food – Made without grains, gluten, soy, corn, or artificial preservatives, this real dog food gives complete daily nutrition. A great pick for dog canned food, pate dog food, grain free dog food wet & soft food for dogs
- TEST YOUR PET’S FOR 855+ FOOD INTOLERANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITIES. Our 2-in-1 pet sensitivity and intolerance test reveals your dog or cat’s response to 575 food ingredients and 282 environmental items, like fabrics, cleaning products, plants, and grasses. You’ll uncover what may be contributing to symptoms like diarrhea, paw biting & licking, skin irritations, and watery eyes.
- HOW DIETARY & ENVIRONMENTAL STRESSORS IMPACT YOUR PET’S HEALTH. When your pet’s gut microbiome and digestive enzymes struggle to break down certain foods or their body reacts to environmental exposures like fabrics, pollen, or cleaning agents, it can lead to similar symptoms like excessive gas, hot spots, bad breath, and ear discharge.
- EASY 3-STEP PROCESS. Collect 10–15 strands of your pet’s fur from the comfort of home, mail it to our certified lab using the prepaid envelope, and receive results by email or through our mobile app in 4 days. No vet visits required.
- ITEMS CATEGORIZED BY 4 RESPONSE LEVELS. Your pet’s food intolerance and environmental sensitivity test highlights Insignificant, Mild, Moderate, and Severe responses. This helps you create an elimination plan to remove or reduce the highest stressors for a period of time, helping their gut health and body recover naturally.
- TRUSTED BY VETERINARIANS & BACKED BY SCIENCE. Each at-home pet intolerance and sensitivity test is double-pass validated to ensure accuracy. Trusted by over 345,000 pets and people and validated by a 3rd party study, 5Strands makes it easy to find answers from the comfort of your home.
- WIDE COVERAGE FOR FOOD & ENVIRONMENTAL TRIGGERS: Analyze over 460 potential sensitivity triggers including proteins, additives, preservatives, and environmental items. Great for identifying possible non-medical sensitivities using a simple at-home hair sample.
- EASY HAIR SAMPLE COLLECTION: Simply collect a few strands of your dog or cat’s hair and send them back using the prepaid return envelope. This non-invasive method allows you to complete the process at home, no appointments, vet visits, or stress for your pet.
- CLEAR & ORGANIZED RESULTS: The test provides a report grouping items by reactivity level, helping you identify which foods or environmental factors may warrant attention. This report is informational and not intended for medical diagnosis or treatment.
- ALL-IN-ONE TESTING KIT FOR HOME USE: Includes a hair collection wallet, sample bag, step-by-step instructions, and a prepaid return mailer. Designed for pet owners who want insights into potential sensitivities without leaving home. Informational use only.
- FROM BETTER LIFE SCIENCE – PET WELLNESS SUPPORT: Created for pet owners interested in learning more about their dog or cat’s food and environmental reactions. Helps guide informed choices on diet and lifestyle adjustments. For informational use only.
- Simple & Delicious Powder: Natural veggie flavor (roasted peas) that’s easy to mix into home-cooked meals—no pills or complex steps required. Even the pickiest dogs love the taste, making it easy for pet parents to boost daily nutrition without compromising flavor. Makes 33lbs of whole food nutritionally complete and balanced. Vegetarian. Not compatible with commercial dog food.
- Balanced Nutrition: Azestfor Homemade Dog Food Vitamins are formulated with 24 essential vitamins and minerals, natural kelp, and chia seeds. Supports coat health, immune function, digestion, and joint health. Ideal for dogs of all breeds and life stages over 12 weeks old.
- Special Diet Friendly: Perfect for holistic, raw, cooked, BARF, or allergy-sensitive diets. It supports weight management, allergy relief, digestive health, and boosts energy levels. With 3 free, vet-approved whole food recipes included, it allows you to easily create a custom meal plan for your pup.
- Eating Better to Feel Better: Azestfor enhances nutrient absorption thanks to the bioavailability of whole food ingredients. The result? Glossier coats, improved digestion, ideal weight maintenance, and relief from dry, itchy skin. Dogs experience better energy, mood, and overall health.
- Always Supported: Our dedicated customer service is ready to assist you if you have any questions or concerns. Proudly manufactured using high-quality, human-grade ingredients, and AAFCO compliant. Azestfor is a trusted choice among thousands of pet parents.
- MADE WITH REAL CHICKEN: Features chicken as the first ingredient for a protein-rich meaty loaf for your dog
- COMPLETE and BALANCED NUTRITION: Formulated to meet AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles for maintenance with essential vitamins and minerals for adult dogs
- MADE IN THE USA: Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients
- CONVENIENT SERVING: Complete food for adult dogs; Feed at room temperature and refrigerate unused portion
- Superfood complete Ingredients are cooked responsibly at low temperatures and air-dried for maximum nutritional value.
- Contains 87% Beef, Beef Heart, Beef liver, and Salmon, 13% seed, vegetables, fruit, minerals and vitamins. NO fillers, corn, wheat, soy, or byproduct.
- Contains Premium Ingredients chosen for nutrition to help support your dogs smooth digestion, healthy vitality, and joint health.*
- Ingredients are hand-selected to support your dogs skin and coat, digestion and immune function.*
- Does not require refrigeration, heat, or water. Simply measure the suggested serving size based on your dogs weight and activity level, pour it into their bowl and watch them enjoy! When youre done, seal the bag up tight.
Your Guide to Snapping Up the Best Dog Food at Target
Shopping for dog food at Target can be easy! Target offers many brands. You need to know what to look for. This guide helps you choose the best food for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For in Target Dog Food
Good dog food should meet your dog’s needs. Think about your dog’s age and size. Puppies need different food than senior dogs. Active dogs need more calories.
Age and Life Stage Appropriateness
- Puppy Formulas: These have extra protein and fat for fast growth.
- Adult Formulas: These maintain a healthy weight and energy level.
- Senior Formulas: These often have fewer calories and added joint support.
Ingredient Quality Indicators
Check the ingredient list first. The first few ingredients matter most.
- Real Meat First: Look for named meats like “chicken,” “beef,” or “salmon” as the first ingredient.
- Whole Grains or Vegetables: These provide good energy and fiber.
Important Materials: What’s Inside Matters
The building blocks of dog food determine its quality. You want good stuff, not just fillers.
Protein Sources
Protein helps build strong muscles. High-quality protein comes from animal sources. Plant proteins are okay, but animal sources are usually better absorbed by dogs.
Fats for Energy and Coat Health
Healthy fats give your dog energy. They also keep their coat shiny. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are great additions. Fish oil is a common source.
Carbohydrates and Fillers
Carbs provide energy. Good carbs include sweet potatoes or brown rice. Low-quality foods often use lots of corn or wheat as cheap fillers. Sometimes, these fillers cause tummy troubles.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make dog food excellent. Other things make it less ideal.
Quality Boosters (Improve Quality)
- Natural Preservatives: Vitamins C and E help keep the food fresh naturally.
- Added Supplements: Glucosamine for joints or probiotics for digestion are excellent additions.
- Limited Ingredients: If your dog has allergies, limited ingredient diets found at Target are a smart choice.
Quality Reducers (Reduce Quality)
- Artificial Colors and Flavors: Dogs do not need bright colors in their food. These are added just for human appeal.
- By-Products: “Meat by-products” are less clear sources of animal material compared to named cuts of meat.
- Artificial Preservatives: Look out for BHA, BHT, or Ethoxyquin. These chemical preservatives are best avoided.
User Experience and Use Cases at Target
How does buying dog food at Target work for real pet owners?
Convenience and Variety
Target makes buying easy. You can grab dog food while buying groceries. They stock popular national brands and often carry Target-exclusive lines like ‘Good & Gather’ or ‘Simply Nourish’.
Use Cases for Different Owners
- The Budget-Conscious Owner: Mid-range brands at Target offer better nutrition than the cheapest options without breaking the bank.
- The Picky Eater Owner: Target often stocks wet food varieties, which can entice fussy dogs. Try different flavors!
- The Owner Transitioning Food: If you are slowly switching your dog’s diet, Target usually has several similar options available for an easy switch.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Food at Target
Q: Does Target carry grain-free dog food?
A: Yes, many popular brands stocked at Target offer grain-free options. Always check the label carefully.
Q: Are Target’s store-brand dog foods any good?
A: Target’s store brands often aim for good value. Look for the same high-quality ingredients (like real meat first) in their store brands as you would in national brands.
Q: Where is the dog food located in the store?
A: Dog food is usually found in the pet supply aisle, often near the back or side of the store, alongside cat food and treats.
Q: Can I use Target Circle offers on dog food?
A: Yes! Target Circle often provides discounts or special deals on pet supplies, including dog food.
Q: What is the best way to switch my dog to a new Target food?
A: Switch slowly over seven to ten days. Mix a little new food with the old food, increasing the amount of new food each day. This prevents stomach upset.
Q: Does Target sell prescription dog food?
A: Generally, no. Prescription or veterinary therapeutic diets must usually be bought directly from a veterinarian’s office or specialized online retailer.
Q: What should I do if my dog reacts badly to a food bought at Target?
A: Stop feeding the new food immediately. You can usually return unopened or partially used bags to Target with your receipt for a refund or exchange.
Q: Are the cheapest dog foods at Target safe?
A: They are generally safe, but they often use more fillers and lower-quality protein sources. They might not provide optimal long-term nutrition.
Q: Do they sell raw or freeze-dried options?
A: Some larger Target stores are starting to stock limited raw or freeze-dried toppers, but selection varies greatly by location.
Q: How can I tell if the food is high in protein?
A: Look at the guaranteed analysis panel on the bag. Aim for at least 20-25% protein for a standard adult maintenance diet.