Choosing the right dog food in the UAE can be confusing. With so many brands available across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman, it’s difficult to know which options truly support your dog’s overall health. Whether you’re shopping at Carrefour, Lulu Hypermarket, Petzone, Pets Delight, or online stores like Amazon.ae and Noon, every brand claims to be the best, but not all provide the nutrition your dog needs.
This guide helps simplify everything. You’ll find a clear, expert-reviewed overview of the best dog food choices suitable for different breeds, ages, and activity levels. The focus is on options that are nutritionally balanced, easy to digest, and ideal for hot UAE weather, where dogs need proper hydration, energy, and skin support.
Best 15 Dog Foods For Your Dogs in UAE
Feeding your dog the right food is essential for their health, energy, and happiness. With so many options available, it can be confusing to choose. Here’s a simple guide to some popular dog foods, their key ingredients, and what makes them special.
1. Purina Alpo
Purina Alpo is a budget-friendly dog food line from Purina, a well-known brand under the Nestlé group. It’s designed for everyday feeding and suits dogs with no special dietary needs, focusing on consistency, affordability, and reliable nutrition.
- Ingredients: Ground yellow corn, beef and bone meal, soybean meal, animal fat, animal digest
- Why it’s good: A budget-friendly option with essential proteins and fats for everyday health.
- Best for: Dogs who need a simple, reliable diet.
- Brand: Purina (Nestle)
2. Diamond Naturals
Diamond Naturals is a well-known line from Diamond Pet Foods, focused on balanced nutrition at a reasonable price point. The brand emphasizes protein-rich formulas combined with whole grains to support energy, muscle maintenance, and overall vitality in adult dogs.
- Ingredients: Beef meal, grain sorghum, ground white rice, dried yeast, egg product
- Why it’s good: Offers a balance of protein, grains, and nutrients for active dogs.
- Best for: Adult dogs needing steady energy and strong muscles.
- Brand: Diamond Pet Foods
3. Purina Beneful
Purina Beneful is a well-known dog food line from Purina (Nestlé), designed to provide balanced nutrition for dogs. It combines protein and wholesome grains to support energy, overall health, and daily well-being.
- Ingredients: Beef, whole grain corn, barley, rice, wheat, corn gluten meal
- Why it’s good: Provides wholesome grains and protein for daily nutrition.
- Best for: Dogs that enjoy a mix of meat and grains.
- Brand: Purina (Nestle)
4. Hills Science Diet Prescription
Hills Science Diet Prescription is a dog food line from Hills Pet Nutrition, specially formulated to support digestion and overall health. It’s ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or prescription diet needs.
- Ingredients: Lamb meal, brown rice, whole grain wheat, brewers rice, corn gluten meal
- Why it’s good: Formulated for dogs with special dietary needs; supports digestion and overall health.
- Best for: Dogs with sensitive stomachs or prescription diet requirements.
- Brand: Hills Pet Nutrition
5. Taste of the Wild
- Taste of the Wild is a high-protein, grain-free dog food from Diamond Pet Foods, packed with natural antioxidants. It’s ideal for active dogs or those with grain sensitivities.
- Ingredients: Water buffalo, lamb meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, peas
- Why it’s good: Grain-free, high in protein, and full of natural antioxidants.
- Best for: Active or outdoor dogs, and those with grain sensitivities.
- Brand: Diamond Pet Foods
6. Orijen
Orijen is a biologically appropriate dog food line from Champion Pet Foods, offering high-quality protein and nutrient-rich ingredients for dogs needing top-tier nutrition.
- Ingredients: Deboned chicken, deboned turkey, Atlantic flounder, whole eggs, whole Atlantic mackerel
- Why it’s good: High-protein, biologically appropriate diet mimicking a natural diet.
- Best for: Dogs needing top-quality protein and nutrient-rich food.
- Brand: Champion Pet Foods
7. Carna4
Carna4 is a natural dog food from Carna4 Inc., rich in protein and Omega-3 to support shiny coats and overall health, ideal for dogs with sensitive skin.
- Ingredients: Fresh chicken, chicken liver, eggs, organic sprouted barley, salmon
- Why it’s good: Natural ingredients rich in protein and Omega-3 for shiny coats.
- Best for: Dogs with sensitive skin or needing coat support.
- Brand: Carna4 Inc.
8. Nutrisource
Nutrisource is a dog food line from Tuffy’s Pet Foods, designed to support healthy bones, muscles, and energy levels, perfect for active dogs of all ages.
- Ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, chicken fat
- Why it’s good: Supports healthy bones, muscles, and energy levels.
- Best for: Active dogs of all ages.
- Brand: Tuffy’s Pet Foods
9. Kirkland
Kirkland is an affordable, high-quality dog food from Diamond Pet Foods, offering balanced nutrition for medium to large breeds in everyday feeding.
- Ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, cracked pearled barley, chicken fat
- Why it’s good: Affordable, high-quality nutrition for everyday feeding.
- Best for: Medium to large breed dogs needing balanced nutrition.
- Brand: Diamond Pet Foods
10. Purina Pro Plan
Purina Pro Plan is a dog food line from Purina (Nestlé), formulated with glucosamine to support joint health, ideal for active dogs or breeds prone to joint issues.
- Ingredients: Chicken, rice, whole grain wheat, poultry by-product meal, soybean meal
- Why it’s good: Includes glucosamine for joint health.
- Best for: Dogs prone to joint issues or active breeds.
- Brand: Purina (Nestle)
11. Iams
Iams is an easily digestible dog food from Mars, Inc., suitable for all life stages, including puppies, adults, and senior dogs.
- Ingredients: Chicken, corn, sorghum, chicken by-product meal, beet pulp
- Why it’s good: Easily digestible and suitable for all life stages.
- Best for: Puppies, adults, and senior dogs alike.
- Brand: Mars, Inc
12. Blue Buffalo Wilderness
Blue Buffalo Wilderness is a high-protein, grain-free dog food from Blue Buffalo Pet Products, supporting lean muscle and energy for high-activity dogs or those with grain sensitivities.
- Ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, pea protein, tapioca starch
- Why it’s good: Grain-free, high in protein, supports lean muscle.
- Best for: High-energy dogs or dogs with grain sensitivity.
- Brand: Blue Buffalo Pet Products
13. Farmina N&D
Farmina N&D is a balanced dog food line from Farmina Pet Foods, supporting energy, digestion, and coat health, suitable for dogs needing a grain-inclusive diet.
- Ingredients: Chicken, dehydrated chicken, whole spelt, whole oats, chicken fat
- Why it’s good: Balanced nutrition for energy, digestion, and coat health.
- Best for: Dogs needing a grain-inclusive diet for energy.
- Brand: Farmina Pet Foods
14. Royal Canin
Royal Canin is a carefully formulated dog food from Mars, Inc., offering balanced daily nutrition for small to medium breeds with normal activity levels.
- Ingredients: Corn, chicken by-product meal, brewers rice, brown rice, corn gluten meal
- Why it’s good: Carefully formulated for balanced daily nutrition.
- Best for: Small to medium breeds with normal activity levels.
- Brand: Mars, Inc
15. Essence
Essence is a dog food line from Pets Global, Inc., featuring unique protein sources for dogs with food sensitivities, ideal for those needing novel proteins.
- Ingredients: Guinea fowl, duck, turkey, chicken, duck meal
- Why it’s good: Unique proteins for dogs with food sensitivities.
- Best for: Dogs needing novel protein sources.
- Brand: Pets Global, Inc
Best Dog Kibble Under $60 in the UAE
Most pet owners in the UAE shop for dog food at Carrefour, Lulu Hypermarket, Petzone UAE, Pets Delight, Dubai Pet Stores, Abu Dhabi Pet Shops, and online marketplaces like Amazon.ae and Noon. With so many options, selecting the right kibble isn’t just about price. It’s about nutrition, digestibility, and long‑term health.
Good dog kibble:
- Supports healthy digestion
- Helps maintain ideal weight in the warm UAE climate
- Provides balanced energy for daily walks or beach play
- Improves coat, skin, and immune function
1. Wholehearted Active Performance
- Price: ~$54.99 (~AED 200–220)
- Crude Protein: 31%
- Crude Fat: 20%
Why It’s a Top Choice
- A high proportion of animal‑based protein is essential for muscle health
- No corn or wheat, which are common allergens
- Balanced crude protein and fat are ideal for moderate to active dogs
- Includes glucosamine, which supports joint health (important for large breeds)
- Excellent price‑to‑nutrition ratio compared with many UAE options
Full Ingredient Breakdown
✔ Real Chicken
✔ Chicken Meal (concentrated protein)
✔ Brown & White Rice (digestible carbs)
✔ Egg Product (bioavailable amino acids)
✔ Chicken Fat (energy and skin/coat support)
✔ Sweet Potato (fiber + slow energy release)
For dogs living in hot climates like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, balanced carbs help prevent sudden energy spikes and digestive discomfort.
2. Taste of the Wild
- Price: ~$56.99 (~AED 210–230)
- Crude Protein: 29%
- Crude Fat: 15%
What You Get
- Beef, as the number one ingredient, is great for protein
- Higher protein than most under‑$60 options
- Often recommended for medium to large breeds
Peas and garbanzo beans are included but not harmful, they can be harder for some dogs to digest, especially those with sensitive stomachs. Gradually introduce this kibble over 7–10 days if switching breeds or protein sources.
3. Strive for Health
- Price: Under $60 (~AED 220)
- Crude Protein: ~30%
- Crude Fat: ~20%
What Makes It Work
- Good macro ratios (protein/fat) for daily feeding
- Budget‑friendly, great for larger households with more than one dog
What Dog Food Do Vets NEVER Feed Their Pets?
Veterinarians consistently warn pet owners to avoid certain foods that can seriously harm dogs. One of the biggest concerns is raw pet food, which may contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella if not handled properly. Vets also advise avoiding high-fat foods such as bacon, as these can trigger dangerous pancreatitis in dogs. Another well-known hazard is chocolate, especially dark chocolate, which contains toxic compounds that dogs cannot safely digest.
Vets also highlight the risks of grapes and raisins, which can cause sudden kidney issues in a small percentage of dogs, and xylitol, a common artificial sweetener found in sugar-free products and some peanut butters, known to cause life-threatening drops in blood sugar. Lastly, many veterinarians recommend avoiding low-quality kibble filled with cornmeal, artificial preservatives like BHA, and chemical colorings that may impact long-term health. Choosing safe, high-quality dog food is essential for better nutrition and overall pet wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions
For adult dogs, look for food rich in high-quality protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins. Brands that use real meat as the first ingredient and avoid fillers like corn or wheat are ideal for maintaining energy, muscle health, and a shiny coat.
Puppies need nutrient-dense food with higher protein and fat content to support growth and development. Look for options with DHA for brain development and calcium for strong bones. Puppy formulas are usually smaller in size for easy chewing.
For dogs with allergies, limited ingredient or hypoallergenic formulas are recommended. Foods with single protein sources, like lamb or salmon, and grain-free options can reduce allergic reactions. Always consult your vet for severe allergies.
Small breeds require smaller-sized kibble or bites with higher calorie density to meet their energy needs. Ingredients should support dental health and joint support, as small dogs are prone to dental issues.
High-quality dry dog food should provide balanced nutrition with proteins, fats, and fiber. Look for foods with real meat as the first ingredient, natural preservatives, and added vitamins and minerals for overall health.
Golden Retrievers benefit from food rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and joint support supplements. Formulas with glucosamine and chondroitin help prevent joint issues common in this breed.
French Bulldogs thrive on high-protein, low-fat formulas with easily digestible ingredients. Foods that support skin health, reduce flatulence, and maintain weight are ideal for this breed.
Pit Bulls need high-protein, energy-rich food to support their muscular build. Look for formulas with real meat, essential amino acids, and added vitamins for overall performance and health.
Senior dogs benefit from low-fat, easily digestible food with joint support. Ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, and antioxidants help maintain mobility, digestion, and immune health
Dogs with sensitive stomachs need gentle, easily digestible food with limited ingredients. Options with rice, chicken, or salmon as primary ingredients can help prevent digestive issues
Pomeranians require small-bite, high-energy food that supports dental health, a shiny coat, and overall vitality. Foods with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are excellent for their skin and fur.
