Short answer — many high-quality “premium” dry foods are available; good options to consider (with why) are below, plus quick tips on how to pick the best one for your dog.

Top premium dry dog‑food brands (widely available / commonly recommended)

• ORIJEN (Champion Petfoods) — very high animal‑ingredient and protein content; marketed as “biologically appropriate.” (orijenpetfoods.com)
• ACANA (Champion Petfoods) — slightly broader range of formulas than ORIJEN with a strong meat-first ingredient profile. (dogfoodadvisor.com)
• ZiwiPeak — New‑Zealand air‑dried formulas with very high meat content (good option if you want a minimally processed dry/air‑dried style). (australianvitamins.com)
• Farmina N&D — European brand with high‑protein, ingredient‑focused recipes including grain‑inclusive and grain‑restricted lines. (sydney.globalpetfoods.com)
• Fromm — family‑owned US brand with a range of grain and grain‑inclusive premium recipes (solid reviewer ratings). (dogfoodadvisor.com)
• Merrick / Taste of the Wild / Kibble brands with strong reputations — widely recommended by reviewers and vets for meat‑first recipes and variety of lines. (Examples reviewed by independent sites.) (dogfoodadvisor.com)
• Hill’s Science Diet / Hill’s Prescription Diet and Royal Canin — clinically focused, vet‑recommended and widely used for dogs with medical needs or where a therapeutic diet is required. Good choices when a vet diagnosis indicates a specialised diet. (hillspet.com.au)
• Purina Pro Plan — large range, nutritional research behind many formulas and commonly recommended by vets. (purina.com)

How I picked these (what “premium” commonly means)

• Meat‑first / higher quality named animal proteins near the top of the ingredient list.
• Good guaranteed analysis for your dog’s life stage (protein/fat on a dry‑matter basis).
• Clear nutritional adequacy statement (AAFCO or feeding trials). (aafco.org)
• Positive independent reviews and (where applicable) clinical/veterinary backing. (dogfoodadvisor.com)

Important safety/selection notes (especially for Australia)

• Grain‑free / pulse‑rich diets: the FDA investigated an association between some grain‑free / pulse‑heavy diets and cases of canine DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy). The issue is complex and not fully settled — if your dog is on a long‑term grain‑free or pulse‑heavy diet, discuss it with your veterinarian (especially for breeds predisposed to heart disease). (fda.gov)
• Check the label: look for the AAFCO (or local) “complete and balanced” statement for the correct life stage. (fda.gov)
• Recalls and regulation in Australia: pet food regulation and recall systems are less tightly mandated than for human food in Australia; stay alert for recall notices and report adverse events to your vet or relevant local authorities. (This makes choosing established brands with transparent sourcing and testing attractive.) (apog.com.au)

Practical tips to choose the right premium kibble for your dog

• Pick a formula matched to life stage (puppy / adult / senior) and special needs (weight, sensitivity, joint support). (aafco.org)
• Compare guaranteed analysis on a dry‑matter basis (for true protein/fat comparison). (fda.gov)
• Ask your veterinarian about any breed‑specific or health concerns (allergies, pancreatitis, heart disease). If your vet prescribes a therapeutic diet, stick with that until advised otherwise. (hillspet.com.au)
• Transition slowly (7–14 days) to avoid GI upset.
• Consider budget vs benefits: truly premium formulas cost more; weigh the clinical/ingredient advantages against what you can sustainably afford.

If you’d like, I can:

• Narrow this to premium options that are available in Australia (I can check local stockists/prices), or
• Recommend the best premium formula for a specific dog (age, weight, breed, health issues, preferences).

Which of those would you prefer me to do next?