Expertly Curated: The Definitive Guide to the Best Dog Food for Every Life Stage and Dietary Need 

Rocky Kanaka   |  

May 10, 2023

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With hundreds of options available to you, where do you begin on your quest to figure out which dog food is the best for your dog? Every dog is unique, and there simply isn’t a one-size-fits-all dog food solution. Owners need to consider things like breed, age, and allergies when choosing a dog food, not to mention narrowing down what type of dog food they plan to feed their pooch.

I’ve done tons of dog food reviews, even feeding some to my own dogs. I’ve learned—as most people will after a little bit of research—that the best food for dogs depends very much on the dogs in question. A German Shepherd puppy, for example, will have entirely different needs than a senior Chihuahua. 

Here, I’m breaking down all of my top picks for the best dog food in every category! Check out the table of contents below to find the section you need right away, or keep on reading to explore the full list of the best dog food brands on the market. 

Best Fresh Dog Food Brands

Fresh-frozen dog food—sometimes just called “fresh” dog food—is the closest thing to home-cooked food available at the pet store! If you’ve always dreamed of making healthy balanced meals for your pooch from scratch but simply don’t have the time, fresh-frozen dog food can give you the same sense of satisfaction. 

Made from truly fresh ingredients that are lightly cooked to preserve nutrients, fresh-frozen dog food also tastes a lot better than your average kibble or mashed wet food. Because it looks and tastes a bit like “human” food, fresh-frozen dog food is great for picky pups who would rather eat table scraps than their dinner. 

Another key advantage of fresh dog food is its moisture content. If your dog struggles to drink enough water or needs to get more hydration for any reason, fresh dog food can help. High moisture content is also helpful for pups with dental issues, seniors, or delicate dogs who prefer not to crunch through their meals. 

1. The Farmer’s Dog

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Food from The Farmer’s Dog is made in USDA-grade kitchens using the highest standard of processing to preserve nutrient density. Once fully cooked, The Farmer’s Dog food is flash frozen to lock in freshness before being shipped to your door. The Farmer’s Dog carries a few basic recipes, including a beef recipe and a turkey recipe, both of which include a meaty base plus servings of fresh veggies.  

To order from The Farmer’s Dog, you’ll need to create an account and share some information about your pup. You’ll receive a custom meal plan, and be given the opportunity to choose your recipes.

2. Ollie

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If you’re looking for a fresh dog food brand that makes life easier for you in every way possible, check out Ollie. Like other fresh-frozen dog food brands, Ollie uses whole ingredients and cooks them lightly for optimal freshness. What sets Ollie apart is the packaging, which has super clear feeding instructions, and makes opening your dog’s food a breeze. If you don’t use an entire packet at once, just pop the leftovers into the container Ollie provides! 

Choose from four key recipes with different protein bases including the fresh beef with sweet potato recipe. 

3. Nom Nom

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One of the more expensive fresh-frozen foods on the list, Nom Nom’s formulas are unique in that they are generally low-calorie, and available in stores. With four unique recipes to choose from, Nom Nom is missing a true novel protein from its list of formulas but knocks it out of the park with traditional proteins. Take a look at the nutritional information for their Beef Mash recipe. 

Best Raw Food for Dogs

Raw dog food has gained significant popularity over the last decade or so, and today, even large pet-store chains carry raw dog food brands. High in protein and fat while relatively low in carbohydrates, raw dog food formulas can be made with or without fruits and vegetables, but always include animal products like meat and organs. 

Several of the best raw dog food brands also offer delivery services, so you can stay stocked up without ever having to visit the pet store. Of course, you can also make homemade raw dog food—just be sure to consult a vet before settling on a recipe. 

1. We Feed Raw

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One of the best things about We Feed Raw is their all-real meat dog food recipes featuring nearly 100% animal fat, protein, and bone. No, not chunks of bone—which could hurt your dog’s teeth and stomach. We’re talking about ground bone, which contains key nutrients like phosphorus and calcium. Formulated by animal nutritionists to be biologically complete, We Feed Raw also features a proprietary blend of vitamins and minerals in all of their formulas. 

We’ll cover other recipes later in this article but first, let’s look at the beef recipe.

2. Primal Pet Foods

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If you’re looking for variety in your raw dog food, check out the more than half-a-dozen recipes from Primal Pet Foods! Featuring traditional and novel proteins, Primal makes balanced raw recipes with fruits and vegetables added. If you value organic ingredients, Primal makes those a priority, too. 

One of my favorite things about Primal is how they deliver their food. Each bag of Primal raw dog food contains either patties or nuggets, which make thawing and serving super easy. Nuggets are great for smaller dogs, while patties are suitable for larger hounds. 

Let’s take a look at the very popular beef recipe from this Primal.

3. OC Raw

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A (relatively) small family-owned pet food company, OC Raw makes simple raw dog food recipes featuring a combination of animal products and fresh produce. Each recipe is thoughtfully crafted and made grain, potato, pea, and lentil-free to make them easy to digest. OC Raw recommends switching up proteins now and then for variety and offers recipes with both traditional and novel proteins. 

Here’s a peek at OC Raw’s Beef & Produce recipe. 

Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food Brands

Freeze-dried dog food is sometimes considered the “next best thing” to raw since this method can be used to effectively preserve nutrients without actually cooking or heating the ingredients. In theory, freeze-drying is a better method of locking in vitamins and minerals than cooking and can help to preserve dog food and keep it shelf stable longer than fresh or raw-frozen food. 

Freeze-dried dog food can be served dry, or rehydrated with water, bone broth, goat milk, or a combination of these. 

1. Bixbi Rawbble

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Perhaps best known for their dog treats, Bixbi also makes a high-quality freeze-dried raw dog food called Rawbble. Rawbble is 95–98% meat, organ, and bone, and includes only whole, fresh ingredients—zero meals or byproducts. Made in the USA without artificial preservatives, flavoring, hormones, or antibiotics, Rawbble comes in 7 flavors which are always grain and gluten-free. 

Take a look at the beef recipe. 

2. Vital Essentials

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Another brand often praised for its dog treats, Vital Essentials makes some of the best single-ingredient and limited-ingredient dog foods on the market. Made with responsibly sourced ingredients that your dog and the planet will love, Vital Essentials freeze-dried entrees include whole-animal proteins to prevent waste and increase nutrient density and value. 

Choose from six formulas including freeze-dried beef. 

3. Primal Pet Foods

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If you want to feed your dog frozen raw but don’t have the freezer space to commit, try Primal Pet Foods’ freeze-dried raw formulas! Identical to the traditional frozen-raw recipes but with moisture removed, all you need to do to serve Primal freeze-dried nuggets is rehydrate them! 

Here’s a quick peek at Primal’s popular turkey and sardine recipe. 

Best Air-Dried Dog Food Brands

Like freeze-dried dog food, air-dried dog food retains more nutrient value thanks to the method of “cooking” or drying it. Air drying doesn’t use heat the way traditional cooking does, which helps the ingredients to keep their vital nutrients intact. Once fully dried, air-dried dog food can last for quite some time without nutrient loss, and makes life especially convenient if you don’t want to deal with raw food in your freezer or huge bags of kibble on the ground. 

1. Sundays Food for Dogs

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My pick for the best air-dried dog food is easy, since Sundays Food for Dogs has never failed to please even picky pups! Slightly crumbly so that it’s easy to chew and digest, Sundays tastes and feels almost like jerky instead of dog food. Yum! Be aware that air-dried formulas like Sundays can be slightly higher in calories, so your dog might not need the same volume of food to achieve the same balanced diet. 

Sundays offers a few formulas, but let’s take a look at the chicken recipe. 

2. Front of the Pack

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If you’re concerned about hidden ingredients in your dog’s food, get ready to discover your new favorite brand: Front of the Pack. So confident in their ingredients that they actually list them on the front of the pack, FOTP dog food is completely free of filler, made from more than 86% meat, and made in the USA. 

Here’s what FOTP’s beef formula looks like. 

3. Badlands Ranch

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A dog food brand created by an actor? You’ve got that right! Badlands Ranch was founded by Katherine Heigl, perhaps best known for her role in the hit medical drama Grey’s Anatomy. This small brand makes high-quality air-dried dog food and features a proprietary blend called Superfood Complete. 

Best Canned Dog Food Brands

One of the benefits of feeding your dog canned food over, say, kibble, is moisture content. Canned food is naturally hydrating, and a simple way to get some water in your dog even if they’re not interested in the water bowl. Thanks to that unmistakable canned dog food smell that most dogs go wild for, it’s rare to find a dog who won’t gobble down canned food, especially if it’s high quality!

Here are just three of the best wet dog foods available right now. 

1. Weruva

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If your dog likes different textures and bits of ingredients in their food, they’ll love everything from Weruva! Family-owned, Weruva’s formulas are thoughtfully crafted with your dog’s taste buds and health in mind. The Steak Frites canned food is one of Weruva’s most popular flavors, but they have tons of other creative recipes in the classic canned food line like “Bed & Breakfast,” “Grandma’s Chicken Soup,” and “Peking Duckin.” 

2. Instinct Original

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Available in many major pet stores, Instinct is a mainstream brand that gets pretty good ratings overall. Instinct’s canned food uses whole ingredients and is always protein-forward. With an easy-to-chew pate texture, this wet food isn’t too mushy or too firm. Take a look at what’s in their original beef recipe: 

Best Dry Food for Dogs

Kibble and dry dog food are undeniably the easiest and most convenient way to feed your dog since they are shelf-stable, relatively inexpensive, and ready to eat. I’m all about convenience, especially if something convenient is also good for your dog! 

Many commercial kibbles are made with questionable ingredients like filler meals, animal byproducts, and food waste from manufacturing other products. While these foods might do in a pinch, we don’t recommend feeding them long-term, especially with so many other options on the market. 

Ditch that boring, dry, flavorless kibble and take a look at the newest innovations in dry dog food. 

1. Spot & Tango UnKibble

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Spot & Tango takes first place for the best dry dog food by a longshot, since it’s not made with any of the byproducts or off-cut ingredients used in traditional dry dog food. Spot & Tango recipes are made fresh and dried using a proprietary technology designed to maximize nutrient value. Spot & Tango offers three UnKibble recipes including Cod + Salmon, Beef + Barkley, and Chicken + Brown Rice.

2. Orijen

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A more traditional dry kibble, Orijen made it to this list thanks to its high protein content and focus on fresh, whole ingredients. Orijen has a variety of formulas, but we suggest checking out their original to get you started. 

Best Dog Food for Puppies

Puppies are growing constantly, and using tons of energy to develop, play, make mischief, and be adorable! Because puppies are growing, they have different dietary needs than adult dogs and should be put on a puppy-specific diet. 

Some people like to make homemade puppy food so that they can see precisely what their pup is eating. If you—like most of us—don’t have time to cook for your dog, take a look at these high-quality dog food brands offering puppy formulas. 

1. Merrick Puppy Plate

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Merrick’s Puppy Plate formula is made with the same whole, fresh ingredients you expect from all Merrick products! High protein with about 96% meat or poultry, Merrick Puppy Plates taste just as good as they are for your pup’s health. 

Let’s take a look at Merrick’s poultry-free Puppy Plate beef recipe. 

2. Instinct Original for Puppies

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Instinct also makes puppy food! This original chicken recipe for puppies is made from several healthy proteins to give your pup some variety and includes all the nutrients your little dog needs to grow big and strong. 

Best Senior Dog Food 

As dogs age, their nutritional needs change. Senior pups are less active and need fewer calories, but may need more supportive nutrients to keep them feeling their best. To accommodate our dogs as they enter their golden years, it’s important to adjust their food to suit their new lifestyle. For example, your senior pup might be spending more time staring out the window at squirrels than chasing them these days, which means they need more nutrients for eyesight and fewer calories for running. 

In addition to basic nutritional requirements, many senior dogs also do well on soft dog food, which is easier on their teeth, high in moisture, and easier to digest than dry food.  

If your dog has specific health issues or nutritional needs, your vet may suggest cooking senior dog food recipes at home where you have full control of the ingredients. Alternately, many brands make senior-specific dog food, even offering special formulas for different health conditions. 

1. Blue Buffalo Homestyle for Seniors

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Blue Buffalo products are available in almost every pet store, and they happen to be one of the better brands of wet food, especially for seniors. This homestyle recipe featuring chicken is packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients for your senior pup. 

2. Spot & Tango Fresh Food

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Spot & Tango’s fresh dog food recipes are easy to digest, packed with moisture, and available in low-fat formulas like Turkey + Red Quinoa. Great for seniors who sometimes forget to stay hydrated, Spot & Tango fresh food is a great source of everything your older pup needs. 

Best Dog Food for Picky Eaters

My dogs are totally picky, and I can’t relate to people who say their pups will eat “anything.” Two of my dogs are especially picky, and will sometimes turn their noses up to meals completely if they don’t like the scent, flavor, or texture. Of course, my dogs need to eat, so I’ve gone on a long hunt to find the most delicious dog food brands for picky dogs! 

1. The Farmer’s Dog 

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If you have the kind of picky dog that only wants human food, check out The Farmer’s Dog. Made from fresh, lightly cooked ingredients, The Farmer’s Dog has won over some of the most suspicious eaters and tastes just like a home-cooked meal. When my dogs did a head-to-head taste test, they really enjoyed the beef recipe, but The Farmer’s Dog will make suggestions if you’re not sure which formula to choose. 

If your pup isn’t into beef, they have several other tasty recipes to choose from!

2. Sundays Food for Dogs 

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For dogs who love treats more than anything else, try Sundays Food for Dogs! Picky pups will think you’ve accidentally given them a bowl of their favorite jerky treats instead of a bowl of food, and they’ll gobble this up before you can blink an eye. 

Choose from one of three recipes including turkey. 

Best Food for Dogs with Allergies

Dogs can have food allergies just like humans. Believe it or not, two of the most common allergies found in dogs are food allergies: chicken and beef. 

Although chicken and beef are used ubiquitously throughout the dog food industry, many dogs are actually sensitive to these ingredients. Food allergies can manifest as GI upset, inflamed skin, itchiness, and more, and it can be quite a stressful experience for a dog owner. In general, the best move is to switch your dog to a novel protein, but you should also consult your veterinarian immediately. 

In some rare cases, dogs can be allergic to all or most animal proteins and may be prescribed  vegan or vegetarian dog food by their veterinarian. 

Of course, dogs can also have allergies to other things like the environment (e.g. grass) which can lead to similar allergic reactions and symptoms. Even if your dog isn’t allergic to their food, choosing the right formula can still make a difference. For example, a dog with allergies to dust might experience less inflammation if eating a diet high in omega-3 and 6 fatty acids. 

Here’s our short list of the best dog food for skin allergies, tummy troubles, and more. 

1. We Feed Raw — Venison Recipe

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A company that prides itself on using limited ingredients, We Feed Raw is a great brand to look at if you have a dog who needs a novel protein without any filler. The venison recipe is my top pick for dogs with allergies, but be aware that this recipe also contains beef organs. If your pup is sensitive to beef, choose a different option.

2. Zignature Select Cuts — Trout & Salmon Formula

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A company that prides itself on offering a huge range of novel proteins, Zignature is one of the best brands of dog food for skin allergies, gastrointestinal issues, food intolerance, etc. This formula features trout and salmon, both of which have a low potential to trigger an allergic reaction. These varieties of fish are also known to contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which can help soothe inflammation from allergies. 

3. Petaluma

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Believe it or not, dogs can actually be allergic to meat! If your dog needs to eat a plant-based diet, take a look at Petaluma’s proprietary Roasted Peanut Butter & Sweet Potato blend. 

Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs

Dogs with sensitive stomachs don’t necessarily have allergies, though some do. Some dogs may have sensitive stomachs due to a lack of nutrient absorption or some other physical ailment, while others may have anxiety or nerves causing them tummy trouble. 

In this section, I’m including dog food recipes designed specifically for gut health and formulated using simple, limited ingredients.

1. Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet

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Merrick makes a high-quality limited-ingredient diet designed specifically for dogs with sensitive stomachs. This salmon and sweet potato recipe is especially good for dogs who could use some extra omega-3s and other healthy fats to reduce inflammation. 

2. Zignature Limited Ingredient with Probiotics

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One of Zignature’s most popular and unique novel proteins is kangaroo. This particular recipe also includes probiotics and a limited ingredient formula to make it easy on your dog’s digestive system. 

Best Dog Food for Weight Gain

Does your dog need to gain weight, either for its health, or because it’s just a picky eater who struggles to put on muscle? Try one of these dog foods to help your dog gain weight! Calorie-dense and rich in protein, healthy fats, and key nutrients, these foods will help give your pup’s body that boost it needs to grow big and strong. 

1. We Feed Raw — Duck Recipe

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We know your dog needs to eat a high-protein diet to gain weight, which is why We Feed Raw’s ~100% animal protein, fat, and bone derived formulas are at the top of the list. Duck is a great example of a good weight-gain protein, since it has plenty of healthy fat combined with lean muscle. Keep in mind that this formula is not 100% duck, and includes turkey products so it won’t be suitable for dogs with poultry allergies. 

2. Sundays — Beef Recipe

Source: Sundays Food for Dogs

Calorie-dense, air-dried formulas like this beef recipe from Sundays Food for Dogs are great for dogs who need to put on a few pounds. Rather than needing to stuff themselves full, dogs that eat air-dried food can enjoy those calories in smaller portions. This formula includes almost zero filler, so you’re guaranteed only high-quality nutrients going in. 

3. The Farmer’s Dog — Beef Recipe

^{Source: @TheFarmersDog}

The beef recipe from The Farmer’s Dog is packed with vital nutrients including hearty protein, fat, and just the right amount of carbs to support healthy weight gain. If your dog has struggled to put on weight due to pickiness, this formula will solve your problems—your dog will clean their bowl after every meal. 

Best Dog Food for Weight Loss

Even if your dog needs to lose weight, they should still be eating a high-protein diet! Protein helps to retain lean muscle mass while supporting energy to exercise and get stronger. These dog foods are mostly high in protein but relatively low in fat and carbs, so your dog is getting plenty of energy without anything weighing them down.  

1. ZIWI Peak — Air Dried Lamb Recipe

^{Source: ZIWI}

Did you know that lamb is one of the best proteins for dogs, and it’s lean, high-in protein, and considered less likely to trigger allergies? ZIWI’s air-dried lamb dog food recipe is a great option for a dog trying to lose weight, and could even be used as healthy treats in place of high calorie cookies and biscuits. 

2. We Feed Raw — Turkey Recipe

^{Source: We Feed Raw}

The turkey formula from We Feed Raw is leaner than some of the brand’s other formulas, and has a higher protein to fat ratio. If your pup needs to cut back on fat while still getting protein, this recipe is going to be a winner. 

Best Dog Food Brands by Breed

Different breeds have different nutritional requirements when it comes to providing the best nutrition for our furry friends. That’s why choosing the right dog food brand tailored to their breed is essential.

Several dog food brands have recognized the importance of breed-specific nutrition and have developed specialized formulas to meet these unique requirements. These brands carefully analyze the genetic predispositions, size, energy levels, and health concerns associated with different breeds. By doing so, they can formulate diets that provide the ideal balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals for specific breeds.

For example, larger breeds like Great Danes and Newfoundlands have different nutritional needs compared to smaller breeds like Chihuahuas and Shih Tzus. Large breed formulas often contain controlled levels of calcium and phosphorus to promote proper bone and joint development, while small breed formulas focus on providing the right amount of energy to fuel their fast metabolism. Additionally, certain breeds may be prone to allergies or sensitive stomachs, requiring specialized formulas that are free from common allergens or easily digestible.

Each of these links contains a detailed analysis on the best type of food for that breed.

Best Dog Food for

Australian Shepherds 

Find everything you need to know about choosing the best dog food for an Australian Shepherd. Learn More!

Beagles

Feeding your family Beagle high-quality dog food can help keep them happy and healthy so you can enjoy their merry nature for a long time. Learn More!

Boxers

A healthy diet is the key to a healthy, wiggly, and playful Boxer! Learn More!

Bulldogs (English & American)

Check out our recommendations for the best food for this adorable breed; a healthy, well-balanced diet. Learn More!

Chihuahuas

Read about what these little dogs need to stay happy and healthy, and our recommendations for the best dog food for a Chihuahua. Learn More!

Corgis

Find out everything about the best dog food for Corgis to keep them happy and healthy their whole lives. Learn More!

Dachshunds

These dog foods help these little dogs need to stay happy and healthy… Learn More!

German Shepherds

Discover the ultimate selection of dog food options tailored specifically to meet the unique biological needs of German Shepherds while seamlessly aligning with your lifestyle. Learn More

Goldendoodles

Discover everything you need to know about choosing the best dog food for a Goldendoodle. Learn More!

Golden Retrievers

Discover about the best food to feed Golden Retrievers, any of which fully meet the biological needs of these gorgeous dogs. Learn More!

Great Danes

Make sure to check out these six recommendations for the best dog food for Great Danes. Learn More!

Huskies

Siberian Huskies need a healthy balanced diet and have a few breed-specific needs that require their owners to choose their dog food very carefully. Learn More!

Labrador Retrievers

Even if your Lab has never even seen a duck or a pheasant, they still need the same essential nutrition they would if they were a bird dog. Learn More!

Maltese

Discover the best dog foods for Maltese, and valuable insight from Maltese breeder and pet expert. Learn More!

Pitbulls

Discover the best dog foods for pitbulls. Each option is biologically appropriate, and most importantly, super delicious! Learn More!

Poodles

After extensive research and analysis, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the best dog food for standard & toy Poodles. Learn More!

Rottweilers

 To keep your Rottweiler happy and healthy, it’s important to choose their food carefully. Learn More!

Shih Tzus

Explore what to look for in a quality dog food and recommend some of the best options to keep your Shih Tzu furry friend thriving. Learn More!

Yorkshire Terriers

Check out our recommendations for the best dog food for Yorkies to keep them happy and healthy. Learn More!

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