Best dry dog ​​food rating for the current year

Types of feed

Proper nutrition is the basis for the full development and good health of a dog throughout its life. Therefore, the issue should be carefully examined. There are two types of dog food based on consistency: dry and canned. Each of them has pros and cons.

Concentration

The main difference between the species is the water content. In wet food, the amount of liquid is 70-80%, in dry food – 10. This means that the content of solids in granules is much higher than in canned food.

This is interesting: The best wet food for dogs

Compound

Both types of dog food include meat (or fish) and herbal supplements, mineral and vitamin complexes. The higher the class, the more natural and beneficial substances there are in the mass. The approximate nutritional value of the products is shown in the table:

Digestibility by the body

The ingredients in wet food are contained in a form that is more natural for digestion than in dry food. And the dogs themselves prefer canned food. Studies of expensive brands have shown that liquid food is absorbed by the body by 75-95%, dry food by 65-85.

Benefit for health

It is believed that hard granules are good at cleaning dogs' teeth from plaque. In fact, this only applies to their contacting surface, and from the sides you will still have to remove dirt with a brush.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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For elderly animals or those suffering from gastrointestinal problems, it is better to buy canned food, as they are easier to digest and do not cause constipation. And with diseases of the teeth and oral cavity, chewing granules will be problematic for dogs.

Harmful additives

Wet food contains much less preservatives, flavors and synthetic dyes.

Storage

In this regard, dry food has a clear advantage. An open package lasts a long time (if you follow the rules indicated on the package), and the granules can remain in the bowl for several days. And an opened can of canned food will not last long even in the refrigerator. In the cup, in a matter of hours, harmful microorganisms will begin to develop in the mass, and the pet will be poisoned.

Benefit

Canned food is more expensive and costs more per serving. The difference is not significant if the dog is small, but providing expensive food to a large breed is problematic.

GMOs: discovered for the first time, but no need to be afraid

Yes, for the first time in the entire existence of Roskachestvo, we found GMOs in a product. Moreover, in food for adult dogs there are 21 brands out of 39 and in food for puppies three out of five brands, both imported and domestic. Genetically modified soybeans were most often identified. However, there is no need to be afraid. Director of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "All-Russian State Center for Quality and Standardization of Medicines for Animals and Feed" (FSBI "VGNKI") Leonid Kish

commented:

– It should be noted that manufacturers do not indicate soy in the composition. Therefore, we can assume that this is either falsification or a technically irremovable impurity. Due to the intersection of logistics of GM products and non-GM products (transportation by the same transport, storage in the same warehouses), the risks of unintentional contamination of raw materials are high. At the moment, no one can officially say that the discovered GMOs are harmful. To make a statement about the dangers of GMOs, long-term large-scale studies and experiments are required, as well as post-marketing monitoring. GMOs found in the studied dog food are permitted for use in food producing countries. In the Russian Federation, these lines have not passed the state registration procedure in the prescribed manner and are not registered for the production of feed and feed additives.

Out of 21 cases, we highlight only the food manufacturer Grandorf

. He indicated in his labeling: “Does not contain GMOs,” which means he deceived the consumer.

Note that when testing dry cat food, GMOs were not found even in trace amounts.

Feed classes

Dog food of different brands differs markedly in price. This variation is explained by differences in composition, production technology, and compliance with quality standards. The table shows brief characteristics of the three types of feed.

If you compare the composition, the difference is obvious. Eating economy class food will only satisfy your dog's hunger. Premium will not harm an adult, but it is not advisable to give it to puppies. Elite super-premium products will satisfy most of the needs of the animal’s body, and holistic products are so natural that their composition will be beneficial even for humans.

The higher the quality of the food, the higher its calorie content. So, a large dog will need half a kilo of cheap food or 300 g of expensive food to keep it full.

Top 3. Blitz Adult All Breeds Sensitive Turkey & Barley

Rating (2021): 4.85

20 reviews from resources taken into account: Yandex.Market, Ozon

Best price The most inexpensive food in the rating can be called one of the best in the budget price segment. It is superior in quality to many more expensive foods.

• Characteristics

  Country Russia

• Average price: 3680 rub.
• Weight: 15 kg
• Flavor: pork, turkey
• Class: super premium
• Needs: sensitive digestion

Inexpensive super-premium food, which will be the best replacement for Royal Canin and other advertised foods. It costs much less, but is better in composition. There is enough protein; rice and corn are used as a source of carbohydrates. The pork and turkey based diet is designed for all breeds. Medium-sized granules are well suited for large dogs; small breeds will have difficulty chewing them. According to reviews from animal owners, the smell of the food is pleasant, meaty, and not too strong. The granules are moderately fatty, not too dry. There are no undesirable reactions in the form of allergies, digestive disorders, or deterioration of the coat. On the contrary, dogs become more active and look healthy. A small minus is that due to the weak smell, some pets refuse food at first.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Affordable price
• Not a bad composition
• Nice smell
• Optimal granule size

• Not all dogs like it

See also:

• 10 best analogues of Royal Canin food

Types of feed

Dog food is not just a nutritious mass sealed in a package, but a healthy and completely balanced food. There are 3 types of product:

1. Standard. These are foods for everyday consumption that owners choose based on the age, size or breed of the dog.
2. Specialized. They are intended for feeding sterilized animals or those prone to allergies, weight gain, etc.
3. Medicinal (super premium class). They are used when a disease occurs or is threatened, for prevention. These foods are given to dogs in courses and only on the recommendation of a veterinarian.

Manufacturers always indicate the type of nutrition on the packaging, along with tips for use, which means you need to carefully read the label before purchasing. This is especially true for medicinal products.

Hypoallergenic food: popular items

Skin diseases, sensitive gastrointestinal tract - these problems are common in four-legged animals. Hypoallergenic dog food is recommended for them.

The three most popular products include:

• Royal Canin Hypoallergenic
  . The super premium position is suitable for animals with inflammatory bowel disease. It is also given to dogs that exhibit atopic dermatitis and other similar reactions. The manufacturer focused on fatty acids and hydrolyzed proteins, which are responsible for the health of the gastrointestinal tract and skin.

• Grandorf 4 Meat Brown Rice
  . A universal option for all breeds. The food is safe for dogs with allergies. It contains no GMOs, flavor enhancers, artificial preservatives or colors. The product combines four types of dietary meat.

• Farmina Vet Life Canine UltraHypo
  . The key ingredient is fish. No poultry or meat. The composition is rich in mineral supplements and prebiotics, which are designed to eliminate allergic symptoms and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.

All these foods are medicinal. Therefore, when switching your pet to anti-allergic food, consult your veterinarian.

Dry food rating 2022

The most popular group is granulated (dry) dog food. The top 10 titles include:

1. .
2. Acana is a holistic provider from Canada. The uniqueness of the brand is that production is carried out using steam at low temperatures, which allows preserving the valuable qualities of the products. All of the company's products contain a lot of protein (up to 85%) and various additives. The range includes a series of foods, taking into account the dogs’ age, size and allergies. The price of an economical package for 11.4 kg ranges from 4,800 to 6,500 rubles, depending on the type.
3. Piccolo are English-made holistic products designed for small breeds of dogs. These are hypoallergenic products that are as healthy and safe as possible for pets. They do not contain grain; its alternatives are vegetables, herbs, and algae. Protein content – ​​from 60 to 75%. The price is quite high - about 3 thousand 500 rubles. for 4 kg.
4. Orijen is a Canadian holistic product produced based on the principle of matching diet and animal species. The food contains no more than 15% carbohydrates (after all, dogs are predators); there is practically no grain. The freshest products are used, without freezing or long-term storage. There are several types in the line: for different ages and breeds of dogs. The price of a package for 11.4 kg is 6,200 rubles.
5. Wolfsblut is a super-premium English food. Grain-free, hypoallergenic granules contain a lot of meat, as well as vegetables and other healthy additives. This brand has a wide range and a large selection. The average price of a 15 kg package is 7 thousand rubles.
6. Farmina (Italy) – a range of feeds of any class (from economy to holistic). Each of them occupies one of the leading positions in its segment. Manufacturers strive to bring the nutritional composition as close as possible to the natural, natural one, so it contains about 70% protein. The company develops many varieties for all dogs. The price for holistic treatments ranges from 5,500 to 8 thousand rubles. for 12 kg (depending on the type).
7. Pronature Holistic is a Canadian holistic provider of very high quality. It contains healthy meats, vegetables, fruits, and herbs. The ingredients are thoroughly tested and the most modern equipment is used. The main varieties are intended for all ages, but there are also universal ones. A package (13.6 kg) will cost 6,200-8,300 rubles.
8. Applaws is a UK based holistic specialist. Contains up to 75% meat and fish and several types of vegetables. A special feature is the high content of spices and plant extracts. The entire line includes probiotics. There are no grain crops at all. The price is relatively low - 3,400-3,800 for 7.5 kg.
9. Duke's Farm is an English super premium dog food. The main component of the product is meat, followed by easily digestible carbohydrates (cereals, vegetables, berries). Price for 12 kg is about 6 thousand rubles.
10. Savarra is an English holistic and super premium food. The company's assortment is modest, but the quality of production is at the highest level. Meat content – ​​from 63 to 80%. Cereals predominate among plant components. Price – 5,200-8,200 rubles.
11. Now Fresh is a holistic provider from Canada. These are grain-free foods with a high protein content. The brand is popular, you can buy it in any specialized store. The line is very extensive. The product is relatively inexpensive and very high quality. The price for a pack of 11.3 kg starts from 4,400 rubles.

Interesting article: Wolfsblut dog food

When eating dry food, you need to provide your pet with 24-hour access to water.

Top 5. Farmina Cibau

Rating (2021): 4.72

80 reviews from resources taken into account: Ozon

Inexpensive food for daily diet Super-premium food meets the needs of large dogs for proteins, fats and other nutrients. They eat it with pleasure.

• Characteristics

  Country: Italy (produced in Serbia)

• Average price: 4451 rub.
• Weight:12 kg
• Flavor: chicken
• Class: super premium
• Needs: for healthy dogs

A good super-premium food containing all the necessary nutrients. Designed for healthy large breed dogs with normal activity. Chicken was used as a source of protein, corn and rice as carbohydrates. The cost is no more expensive than other super-premium foods. Despite some errors in the composition, it can be recommended as a daily diet for pets. It’s difficult to call the food the most popular, but many buyers are completely satisfied with the composition, the size of the granules, and the soft meaty smell. It is well absorbed, does not cause allergies, and is eaten by animals with pleasure. If you need relatively inexpensive and high-quality food, Farmina Cibau can be considered as the basis of the diet.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Dogs like it
• Acceptable cost
• No pungent odor
• Optimal granule size

• Contains a lot of rice and corn

Rating of wet dog food

Many dog ​​owners prefer canned food. They consider them the most delicious, since pets eat such food much more readily than dry foods in granules.

Best wet food:

1. Belcando is holistic, mainly made from chicken meat (up to 80%). The composition includes other varieties, offal, vegetables, berries, rice, pasta. The main advantages are hypoallergenicity and variety of tastes. Price – 300 rub. for 800 g.
2. BarkingHeads is holistic and contains 75% fish or meat. The remaining components are algae, vegetables and herbs. The brand produces a wide range of food of all categories. Price – 120 rub. for 100 g.
3. Hill's idealbalance – premium food for adult dogs. The proportion of protein and fat is relatively small. The series includes only 2 types of product (with chicken and turkey, for dogs with allergies). Price for a 360 g jar – 230 rubles.
4. Eagle Pack holistic - holistic products with a predominance of fresh meat. The manufacturer was the first in the world to produce soy-free food. A unique dietary supplement consisting of plant extracts is added to the products. Cost for 374 g – 160 rubles.
5. Innova EVO is an American made holistic product. The company produces food according to ancient recipes using the latest technologies. There are both universal lines and ones designed for different breeds, as well as curative ones for a wide range of diseases. The content of meat and fish of several types is from 50% and above. Price for 374 g – 220 rub.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

Ask a Question

Wet food can be conveniently mixed with other foods or given to your pet as a separate dish.

Good to know: How to stop your dog from eating cat food

How to choose the best food for your pet?

The variety of choices... creates the problem of choice. Therefore, you probably still have a question about what to feed your dog.

To decide on your diet, focus on:

• Sources of protein. Good food contains fillet, fresh dehydrated poultry, veal, and fish. Sometimes the composition may include by-products such as heart and liver. Herbal ingredients are also acceptable, but they are less digestible and can cause allergies.
• Carbohydrates. The higher the quality of the feed, the less likely it is to contain corn and wheat. These grains are acceptable in the human diet, but are completely useless for tailed animals. Oatmeal, rice, barley and oats are preferred.
• Cellulose. Owners of dogs with allergies should be careful: not all vegetables, fruits and herbs are equally suitable for animals. Although fiber speeds up metabolism. And this is a plus for sedentary pets or overweight dogs.
• Oils and polyunsaturated fats. Omega acids are indispensable in any food; they affect the skin and coat. If your pet suffers from dermatitis and loses a lot of fur, food with omega acids will correct this situation.
• Vitamins and minerals. Vitamins of groups A, B, C and E, zinc, calcium and potassium, as well as magnesium are vital for tailed animals.
• Antioxidants and preservatives. They can and should be of natural origin. Reputable manufacturers indicate this information on the label.

All ingredient information must be specific: for example, “dehydrated chicken,” not just “chicken” or “animal protein”; “pea protein,” not “vegetable protein.”

Holistic food

This group includes the highest quality and balanced products. Natural meat (fish) is present in them from 50 to 85% of the total weight; by-products are completely absent. In addition to excellent quality ingredients, many holistic products contain probiotics, which improve digestion in dogs.

Feeds that are ideally balanced in quality and composition deserve a separate brief review:

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

Ask a Question

Holistics are suitable for feeding dogs of any age and breed. According to most veterinarians, food in this class is the best for a complete diet.

Top 4. Monge Dog Maxi

Rating (2021): 4.82

151 reviews taken into account from resources: Yandex.Market, Ozon, Wildberries

Optimal price-quality ratio At an affordable price, the food contains a lot of animal protein and contains useful additives. In terms of price-quality ratio, this is one of the best options.

• Characteristics

  Country: Italy

• Average price: 4100 rub.
• Weight: 12 kg
• Flavor: chicken
• Class: super premium
• Needs: sensitive digestion, overweight

Monge was banned, but a few months later it was lifted and there are currently supplies to Russia. The food is produced in Italy and belongs to the super-premium class. In terms of price-quality ratio, it’s a good option if you can’t buy expensive holistic products on a regular basis. It contains enough proteins and vegetable fats. It is slightly spoiled by the content of corn, but it is still better than wheat, and it is not in first place. The food is suitable for very large breeds weighing up to 80 kg. It can be given to animals with problematic digestion, weak joints, and excess weight. A balanced vitamin and mineral supplement has a good effect on the health and appearance of dogs. This is one of the most successful options among inexpensive feeds, which can be recommended as the basis of the diet. According to users, dogs eat it willingly.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Good value for money
• Sufficient animal protein content
• For very large breeds up to 80 kg
• Balanced vitamin and mineral supplement

• Contains corn

Food for dogs of different ages

At each life stage, animals have different nutritional needs due to physiological changes. Therefore, it is important to give preference to products specially developed by the best manufacturers.

For puppies

List of foods intended for growing canine bodies.

This is interesting: How much water should you give a puppy eating dry food?

For adults

Between the ages of 1 and 6 years, dogs are in their prime. However, taking care of your health is important at any time, so nutrition should remain nutritious.

Food for adult dogs can be selected from products of absolutely any brand, class and type.

For the elderly

In old age, dogs are especially sensitive to diseases and need easily digestible, nutritious food.

Table with names and average cost of feed:

The final choice is made only after comparing the body's response to different types of nutrition.

Dangerous ingredients in feed

Manufacturers are required to indicate on the packaging a detailed list of components included in the product. Unfortunately, not all substances listed on the label are safe for pets.

Description of the most harmful additives:

1. Butylated hydroanisole (BHA, BHA, Butylated Hydroxyanisole, E 320). Synthetic antioxidant, feed preservative. Dangerous for the kidneys and liver, causes allergies.
2. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT, Butylated Hydroxytolune). Causes the same harm as BHA.
3. Digest. This flavoring additive is made by hydrolysis from inedible parts of animals (feathers, wool, hooves, etc.). The ingredient is produced from any remains, including those of animals that died for an unknown reason.
4. Yeast. They are used in cheap feeds to enhance taste and add volume, but have no nutritional value and are an allergen.
5. Bird or animal fat (tallow). Its quality is not controlled.
6. Corn flour. Its composition is poorly digested by the gastrointestinal tract of dogs.
7. Metabisulfite sodium is a harmful preservative. Negatively affects the dog's nervous system.
8. Milk serum. Strong allergen. Contains poorly digestible lactose.
9. Sodium monoglutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer for dog food.
10. Monosodium phosphate, E339. Often causes diarrhea.
11. Propylene glycol. Harmful for animals prone to diabetes. Fish and its by-products, unless the label states that it is not intended for human food. Otherwise, the product contains the dangerous preservative Ethoxyquin (ethoxyquin).
12. Carbohydrate sucrose. It causes diarrhea, and with regular consumption, the development of diabetes.
13. Beet cake, pulp and other sugar varieties.
14. Soy and soy products. This protein is poorly digested and even causes bloating in the dog’s gastrointestinal tract, which means its content should be minimal.
15. Meat by-products (animal meal, bones, offal, giblets, etc.) These leftovers are often poorly cleaned of contaminants, chemicals, hormones, and even barbiturates.
16. Plant by-products (starch, grain flour, etc.) are not always well digested by dogs and may contain toxins.
17. Potassium chloride (Potassium chloride, E 508). Leads to gastrointestinal disorders.
18. Ethylene glycol, preservative and sweetener. A source of unnecessary calories leading to excess weight. Lethal in large doses.
19. Ethoxyquin. It is carcinogenic and therefore prohibited in the food industry.

Unscrupulous manufacturers do not always write the full composition of food ingredients, which means it is necessary to monitor the dog’s body’s reaction.

Hill's Canine Adult Advanced Fitness

A distinctive feature of this food for large breeds is that no raw fish or meat ingredients are used in its production process. The label does not provide a clear understanding of the real ratio of components: the manufacturer indicated in the first place a component called “Lamb and Rice”, however, in fact, most of this food contains ground corn, which is a source of vegetable proteins. Sources of animal proteins are lamb meal and protein hydrolysate. The food contains a large number of cereals, which are not natural for the diet of carnivores. Rosemary extract, citric acid, and tocopherols act as antioxidants.

Advantages: natural preservatives and thickeners, availability in most retail chains.

Disadvantages: it does not contain raw meat or fish products, and the main component is ground corn, which is not particularly beneficial for dogs. A number of ingredients on the packaging are indicated in a very veiled manner; it is impossible to identify which raw materials are hidden under one name or another (animal fat, vegetable oil, protein hydrolysate) - the manufacturer uses marketing ploys to hide the real state of affairs. Contains maize gluten.

The benefits and harms of industrial feed

Any ready-made food from stores is made under the influence of temperature and pressure, so the lion's share of natural ingredients loses their original benefits. Some proteins, carbohydrates, and fats take on an indigestible form. Therefore, it is advisable to include home-cooked food in a dog’s healthy diet. Causes:

1. Finished products contain a high content of nutrients, but are far from a complete complex of vitamins and microelements that the body needs. Synthetic minerals are added to them, and they are absorbed worse than natural ones.
2. Any industrial feed includes at least a small proportion of undesirable ingredients (chemical additives and fillers, waste, sugar, inedible components, etc.).

Super premium class and holistic specialists are the best in this regard, but in other cases it is necessary to diversify your pet’s diet with natural products and self-prepared food.

Buyers judge the composition by the labels on the packaging, so we can only hope for the integrity of the manufacturer. You shouldn’t choose food solely based on reviews from other owners, but it’s still worth listening to the opinions of experienced people.

Reviews from veterinarians

Canine health professionals advise owners on what food is best for their dog based on their personal experience.

Veterinarian Olga Ivanchenko: “Of course, cheap brands do not meet any requirements regarding a complete composition. I recommend at least premium and holistic food. American Artemis and Canadian Pronature Holistic are good options. On a budget, you can choose food from the Chappi range.”

Veterinary dermatologist Sergei Rudenko: “The cheaper the food, the more likely it is that the dog’s body will react poorly to it. This is especially true for animals prone to allergies and gastrointestinal diseases. If you decide to feed your pet with ready-made products from the store, then choose holistic or super premium class. Among them there are both medicinal and specialized types. Good brands are Piccolo, Canidae, etc.”

When choosing food, it is important to focus on a number of indicators: characteristics of the breed, the size and age of the dog, and the financial capabilities of the owner. But it is advisable to remember that there are special conditions of animals (illness, pregnancy, nutrition of puppies) when their body will require a special diet. Attentive attention to the diet is the key to the health and longevity of your pet.

Review results

Even out of 10 species, it is not easy to choose which food is best for large breeds. If you are undecided, listen to my recommendations. The best ones reviewed:

• for puppies - Orijen Puppy Large Grain Free;
• daily diet for adult dogs - Applaws Adult Large Breed Chicken Grain Free;
• for the “oldies” - Barking Heads “Golden Years”;
• for overweight or neutered pets - 1st Choice Nutrition Sterilized;
• for dogs with allergies and/or sensitive digestion - Alleva Equilibrium Sensitive Ocean Fish.

Last piece of advice: when choosing, consider the availability of supplies to your city. This is relevant for residents of the region: not all cities receive the necessary feed regularly. In this case, do not chase the perfect menu, which will disappear from the shelves in a couple of weeks or a few months. It’s better to choose a diet that you eat all the time, even if the composition is a little worse.