Best dog food 2022: review of popular brands

The demand for dog food is constantly growing, which gives rise to their variety. Choosing the best product is becoming increasingly difficult. Therefore, we present a review of dog food.

To begin with, food is divided into four categories:

• Economy class;
• premium class;
• super premium class;
• holistic

Products in categories differ in cost and composition. In good food, the amount of nutrients, minerals, useful micro- and macroelements, and vitamins is balanced taking into account the age, size and activity of the dog.

This food is healthy, but more expensive than budget food. Therefore, budget foods that contain synthetic flavors and taste enhancers were not included in the review.

Leaders in premium dog food

Premium food contains 25% meat, the rest is by-products and grains: corn, wheat. The latter are not digestible or practically not digestible in dogs - one of the factors that distinguishes these foods from a higher class product.

In the list of ingredients you will find dyes and flavor enhancers - not much when compared to a budget product. There are also vitamins and mineral supplements. Such food is digestible by about 70%.

Which premium dry foods inspire confidence among dog handlers, breeders and dog owners? The top three are:

• Royal Canin
  . This food is still at the top: even those who don’t have dogs know about it. Availability (can be purchased at any pet store) and a large selection of products make the brand so popular.

• Monge
  . The Italian manufacturer uses rosemary extract and a mixture of tocopherols as a preservative. The range is wide: there are foods for breeds of different sizes, special foods and hypoallergenic ones. Each Monge position includes a complete vitamin and mineral complex.

• Profine
  . Fish and meat ingredients serve as a source of protein. There is no vegetable protein, which is a plus. But there is a lot of fiber, minerals and vitamins. At the same time, Czech food is inexpensive.

An undeniable advantage of the premium category is the price-quality ratio.

Cat food rating 2022

In different food ratings, some products change places, but the meaning remains the same - only the most popular among pet owners for a certain period are included in the TOP.

Economy class feed

The following brands have been the favorite economy class foods for a long time:

• Purina One;
• "Night Hunter";
• "Every day";
• Whiskeys;
• Wellkiss;
• Felix;
• Kitekat.

Table: comparison of economy class feeds

Photo gallery: the best economy class food in 2022

Kitekat is a cheap food that can be found in any supermarket. Although Purina One is an economy class food, veterinarians often recommend it to their patients. Night Hunter cat food is a relatively new brand of pet food, which from the first days began to enjoy the trust of customers

Veterinarians and breeders of purebred cats are dissatisfied with the quality of Whiskas, but the animals themselves simply adore this product

Felix food is a more budget-friendly option for Purina One

Video: examination of popular cheap cat food

Premium segment products

Popular premium segment foods include:

• Royal Canin;
• Hill's;
• Brit;
• "Our brand";
• Berkley;
• Pro Plan;
• ProBalance
• Sheba;
• Happy Cat;
• Iams;
• 1ST Choica;
• Gourmet.

Table: comparison of the most popular premium foods

Photo gallery: premium cat food

Veterinarians trust Royal Canin food, as manufacturers offer a wide veterinary line

Sheba is only wet food, but this brand has many lines

The Hill's brand has many foods with different flavors and for animals of different ages.

Even with a limited number of Gourmet foods, you can choose the right option with the right taste

Pro Plan is one of the products of Purina, which has long been popular among Russian consumers

Super premium food

The most popular super premium food among buyers:

• Pronature Original;
• Gina;
• Bozita;
• Flatazor;
• 1st Choice;
• Bosch;
• Organix;
• Schesir;
• Brit Care;
• Leonardo;
• Monge.

Super premium foods are harder to find than their cheaper counterparts. Some cat owners have to order them from suppliers (this also guarantees quality). In addition, now you can place an order through online stores, in which case you can receive the goods at home.

Table: popular super premium foods

Photo gallery: super premium cat food

1st Choice super premium food cannot boast of a large number of types

Pronature Original food does not contain dyes or flavors

Gina super premium food is highly valued by veterinarians for its high quality

Unlike many other high quality foods, cats like Bozita

Bosch products do not contain soy protein, all protein comes from animal products

Holistic segment feed

The best holistic foods, according to cat owners, include:

• Innova;
• Acana;
• Almo Nature;
• Farmina N&D;
• Nature Holistic;
• Orijen;
• Gina Elite;
• Grandorf;
• Barking Heads;
• Savarra;
• !;
• Now;
• SUPERPET.

Table: comparison of the best holistic foods

Photo gallery: popular luxury cat food

When purchasing Almo Nature wet food in packaging (for example, 12 cans), their price will be lower

Not all cats eat expensive foods such as Pronature Holistic because they do not contain flavor or odor enhancers.

Even a person can eat a food like Innova. Food Go! can only be ordered directly from class=”aligncenter” width=”600″ height=”588″[/img] Lesser-known holistic foods, such as Now, can be purchased at the price of a premium product

SUPERPET food with turkey will appeal to even picky pets

Food with different flavors

Manufacturers try their best to make food more attractive to consumers and healthier for cats. To do this, recipe developers and veterinary nutritionists create products with different flavors. Moreover, it is absolutely not necessary that the food contains exactly the meat that is indicated on the label. Most economy, premium and super premium class products contain flavorings. Of course, some owners understand this trick perfectly well, but what can you do to please your pet?

However, raw natural food does not suffer from this, since you yourself can see what kind of meat the product is made from; the ingredients are visible to the naked eye. For example, SUPERPET food is made from natural chicken, turkey, beef, duck and rabbit. And without the use of fragrances.

There are foods with the following flavors:

• chicken (Whiskas for kittens with chicken, 1st Choice Vitality);
• beef (Kitekat beef in jelly, Almo Nature Beef&Rice);
• rabbit (Monge Rabbit);
• beef tongue (Sheba from veal and tongue, Dinner Menu No. 7);
• lamb (Acana Grasslands);
• ducks (Innova Evo 95 Duck, Sheba mini, Monge Duck);
• turkey (Sheba with turkey in Bechamel sauce);
• liver (Brit Premium with chicken and chicken liver);
• salmon (Sheba mini, Whiskas for kittens stew with salmon);
• tuna (Monge Tonno Del Pacifico Con Salmone);
• shrimp, seafood (Monge Fantasia Di Mare Con Pollo, Schesir with chicken and shrimp);
• trout (Sanabelle Adult with trout);
• anchovies (Monge Anchovies);
• combinations of meat/fish with vegetables/fruits (Farmina N&D fish and orange, Pronature with turkey and cranberries).

Some manufacturers produce food with “rare” flavors (shrimp, seafood, fruit, etc.)

The best super premium food

Breeders and owners of dogs who participate in exhibitions use super-premium food. They contain:

• animal protein from lamb, turkey, chicken in an amount of at least 50%;
• offal - heart, liver instead of bones and skin;
• vitamins and minerals.

The ingredient list may include eggs and gluten-free grains. In the production of super-premium food, no flavors or artificial colors are used.

We offer a selection of the best options:

• Brit
  . Another line of Czech food, which contains shells, cartilage and green mussels. It sounds terrifying, but it's actually good for your joints. The source of protein is exclusively meat products. And collagen, blueberries, herbs and fruits are included as useful additives.

• 1st Choice
  . Food from a Canadian manufacturer pleasantly surprises with its multi-composition - some items contain up to 50 ingredients. The food contains no fresh ingredients: instead, dried chicken liver, fat, poultry meal, fiber, chicory extract. But the predominance of plant components does not affect the quality of the product. Important to know: may cause allergies.

• Barking Heads
  . The English brand produces relatively expensive food, which does not reduce its popularity. The products are dominated by animal fats (meat, poultry and fish), which are better absorbed compared to vegetable fats. Fiber is added in the form of unusual ingredients such as sweet potatoes, alfalfa. Cereals include rice, oats and barley.

Depending on the brand and composition, super-premium products are absorbed by 85-95%. As a result, the pet eats less, but at the same time becomes full faster.

Classification of dry food

All dry food on the market is usually divided into classes. The classification is not based on the cost of the feed, but depends on the quality of the ingredients used in the production of the feed and production technology.

Important: this division is conditional. There are no legally established norms and rules that define the requirements for a particular category. The division was proposed by veterinary specialists and breeders who know from their own experience what effect certain components have on the dog’s health.

Economy

From the name it becomes clear that this food is low in cost. It is due to the low cost of the ingredients used by the manufacturer. When choosing this type of food, you need to understand that it is absolutely not suitable for feeding a young dog.

A special feature of economy feeds is the presence of allergenic cheap ingredients: corn, soy, by-products. This type of food contains practically no meat; flavor enhancers are used, which are quickly addictive. In addition, the nutritional value of economy feed is very low, which will require a large consumption of pellets.

Premium

The composition of food for puppies with o is not much different from economy class. But you can already find higher quality ingredients in them. Distinctive features:

• more detailed composition;
• most often cereals come first, but meat components can also be found;
• artificial colors and preservatives are used;
• often found on the shelves of large supermarkets.

We can say that premium puppy food consists of only 30% meat (most of which is by-products, that is, production waste). About 65% is carbohydrates, and less than 10% is minerals and vitamins. This class is not suitable for young dogs.

Super premium

Distinctive features of the feed class are:

• presence on the packaging of a mark about the age, condition of the animal, breed;
• the packaging contains explanations of how this or that ingredient works and what effect it has on the dog’s health;
• detailed formula;
• up to 35% meat, a small proportion of offal;
• Fish is often found containing beneficial ingredients necessary for the puppy’s health;
• there are specialized useful additives that have a narrowly targeted effect - chondoprotectors, increased calcium content, etc.;
• only natural preservatives;
• no artificial colors or flavor enhancers are used;
• a variety of vitamin supplements.

Super premium food is suitable for feeding a young dog. Most often they are sold through a network of specialized pet stores and veterinary pharmacies.

Holistic

The holistic approach to medicine aims to prevent rather than cure disease. Dog food manufacturers have adopted this philosophy, believing that a balanced diet with the maximum amount of natural ingredients from different groups will help raise a healthy and strong puppy. This health will remain with him for the rest of his life.

Peculiarities:

• use of specific formulas;
• a lot of meat;
• use of phyto-components;
• natural preservatives.

These dog foods are quite expensive.

"Biological Compliance"

A class of dog food that has appeared relatively recently. The “biologically appropriate” label means that the manufacturer adheres to the point of view that the dog’s DNA is almost 99% identical to the DNA of the wolf. Even the smallest puppy's diet should contain meat, not grain and waste. In such food, the manufacturer tries to replicate the diet that a dog could get in the wild.

The most - holistic for dogs

A true holistic diet includes meat or fish, fruits, vegetables, berries, oils and animal fats. The composition is “transparent”: it is indicated in what form the component is present in the feed. Holistic foods should not contain high gluten grains. All ingredients are organic - grown without hormones or pesticides.

The top holistic products of 2022 include products from the following brands:

• Farmina
  . Holistic class nutrition from the Natural&Delicious series does not contain grains. In production, fresh and dehydrated (dried) meat is used. Its composition is identical to the food of predators in natural conditions. Farmina is used sparingly. Provides the dog with fresh breath.

• Grandorf
  . A product that does not contain poultry meat, offal, gluten, soy, or artificial preservatives. The manufacturer claims that the food preparation temperature does not reach 80 oC, which allows natural vitamins to be preserved. Granddorf food has an optimal balance of fats and proteins - this guarantees reliable functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and maintenance of the dog’s health.

• Nutram
  . The products of this manufacturer are confused with super-premium food because of the price. Affordable nutrition with excellent composition: dehydrated meat or fish, no corn or wheat, a variety of fruits, vegetables, seeds and natural fats.

Holistic foods, contrary to popular belief, are not medicinal foods. But due to the balanced composition, they reduce the risk of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, joints, and heart.

Briefly about the main thing

1. To feed a puppy you need to select a special diet.
2. The choice is made from super premium and higher lines.
3. Recommended portion sizes must be followed.
4. The dog should always have water available to him.

We recommend choosing food from any of the manufacturers listed in the article that your puppy or young dog will like. What kind of food do our readers feed or did feed their pets when they were little? Share your opinion, please.

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.

The best specialized cat foods

Specialized foods are those products whose formulation was developed taking into account the characteristics of cats:

1. Belonging to a certain breed. For example, long-haired cats need more fiber, and Siamese and Oriental cats eat a lot, so their food should be more dietary, etc.

   Siamese cats can eat a lot, so their food contains fewer calories.

2. The age of the animal. Kittens need high-calorie foods, but older cats need less energy.
3. Cat activities. For example, animals that spend a lot of time outdoors need more dense food.
4. The physical condition of the animal.

The physical condition of the animal means not only diseases (food still cannot cure them), but also a predisposition to any ailments. Currently, products are produced for mustachioed pets with the following diseases and conditions:

• diabetes mellitus (Monge Diabetic, Royal Canin Diabetic DS46);
• urolithiasis (Hill's K/D or Urinary Care series);
• thyroid diseases (Hill's y/d);
• tendency to be overweight (Monge Obesity, Hill's Metabolic);
• skin diseases (Monge Dermatosis);
• orthopedic problems (Hill's j/d series, Royal Canin Mobility MC28);
• prone to dental diseases (Royal Canin Dental DS029);
• liver pathologies (Monge Hepatic, Royal Canin Hepatic HF26);
• recovering from operations (Hill's a/d);
• disorders of the gastrointestinal tract or sensitive digestion (Bosch Sanabelle Sensitive Lamb, Go! Sensitivity + Shine);
• poor appetite or capricious taste (Royal Canin Savour Exigent 35/30).

In many cats, urolithiasis develops in parallel with weight gain; for such animals, Metabolic + Urinary food from Hill's is suitable

A separate specialized line includes food for pregnant and nursing mothers. It is important that the cat receives a lot of vitamins and nutrients that will be beneficial to both her and future kittens. Most large manufacturers develop baby food lines in such a way that the nutrition meets the needs of the expectant mother:

• Monge Kitten;
• Royal Canin Pediatric Queen;
• Now Natural Holistic (complete food for all cats);
• Royal Canin Mother & Babycat (for kittens, pregnant and lactating cats);

  Kitten food is also suitable for pregnant and lactating cats, as it contains all the nutrients necessary for healthy growth of the baby.

• Pro Plan Junior (for kittens and their mothers);
• Brit Care Cat Crazy Kitten (everyday food for kittens and nursing cats);
• Bozita Feline Kitten.

The best and most popular foods for sterilized cats are the following products:

• Pro Plan Sterilized;
• Monge Sterilized Cat;
• Royal Canin Young male;
• Almo Nature Functional Adult Sterilized;
• 1st Choice Sterilized;
• Grandorf 4 Meat & Brown Rice Sterilized

Foods for sterilized animals and fattening cats have similar compositions - this is a low-calorie diet

Video: how dry animal food is made

Cat food reviews

I have two cats living at home: 1 and 1.5–2 years old.
Both are outbred. For 6–8 months they ate kitiket, whiskey and food “from the table”. Both are still healthy. I decided to switch them to a normal diet. I have very little money, so I can hardly afford to constantly feed them with expensive super-premiums. For now I'm taking perfect fit: in home. Maxim_1, forum newcomer https://www.veterinarka.ru/forum/t15307.html

And we had problems with Royal Canin food at first.
I bought it for Persian cats, it didn’t suit us, although I have a Persian at home. Individual intolerance began. I switched to food for allergy sufferers and everything went back to normal. My Marishka ate the food normally, without much zeal, but then over time she got used to it and eats it with pleasure. The main thing is that the food suits her and her health problems have gone away. I think this is important. Elena, forum user https://www.vetmedicus.ru/forum7/topic13573.php

Any premium food that you like, I advise as a breeder, not as a veterinarian.
I feed mine with royals, there were several attempts to change them, both were not very successful, I decided why bother if the cats like it and their condition suits me with this food. They love digestive, outdoor, and sometimes I take a couple more for variety. Delicate, forum user https://www.u-mama.ru/forum/family/pets/563524/

I only gave canned brit, the cats seemed to like it, now I switched to alma nature, they like canned food more (although they look and smell similar to brit).
sunnik, forum visitor https://www.zoovet.ru/forum/?tid=35&tem=694003

We have been eating Grandorf fish for 2 months.
With gusto. Both cats' stools returned to normal - one became softer, the other's diarrhea decreased, the stool became more regular, she can't eat chicken, so she eats fish food. Eyes and ears are clean. They scamper like trotters. But today I saw abundant dandruff on both of them, large, on the back. Once a day I give each person an additional 50g. Happy cat with jelly + 50 gr. water as additional moisture. But mostly the cat eats. Vuber, forum user https://mauforum.ru/viewtopic.php?p=2771720

But Grendorf's 2 kg bags are gorgeous.
Farmina fell apart after a week. ShotKot, forum user https://mauforum.ru/viewtopic.php?p=2771720

At one time I fed my cat only food from the table, but on one of the stormy days my pet got poisoned.
As a result, I had to take him to the veterinary clinic. The doctor advised me to feed my cats dry food, as it contains a lot of proteins and nutrients. I spent a long time selecting different types of food and now I only use Acana. Valeria, forum user https://forum.veterinar.by/topic/91-a-kto-chem-kormit-koshku/page__st__20

I wonder what the composition of canned GO food is.
We don't have them for sale. But I was disappointed with the composition of Shezir dry food. I saw it on sale here. It turned out to be with corn. brau, forum visitor https://www.zoovet.ru/forum/?tid=35.&tem=800111

Yesterday I bought Hills for older cats and dry and a jar of canned food to try.
I mixed it with whiskey and he eats it with pleasure, and Hills eats it first. Marisol, forum user https://www.veterinarka.ru/forum/t173.html

I transferred the cats to Pronature Holistic.
Grandorf can be added a little to the main food to relieve constipation: this food does an excellent job with this. marlah, forum user https://mauforum.ru/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=53439&start=110

My cat got away from Whiskas earlier, by starving the cat we moved to Hills too.
You just need to not coddle with him, but use tough methods. He won’t die of hunger, but he will switch to normal food and there will be no problems! Mavr, forum user https://www.veterinarka.ru/forum/t173.html

Wet food and canned food for dogs: which are the best?

Dogs simply adore them - they smell delicious and are easy to chew. Canned food can be medicinal, for feeding on an ongoing basis, or delicacy. It contains a lot of protein and is digested faster than other types of food. This type of product is usually enclosed in a tight pouch or tin.

In the top 3 best wet food:

• Bozita
  . The line includes canned turkey, chicken, venison, elk, beef and salmon. There is food in the form of pate or jelly with fillet pieces. The products of this brand do not contain dyes, grains, flour, or soy.

• Hills
  . The manufacturer offers two options: with chicken or turkey. The product also contains bran, flaxseed, vitamins and microelements. Hill's food has an ideal balance of fatty acids.

• Belcando
  . Holistic wet food comes in lamb, veal, beef, chicken, duck and turkey. The meat content is high - 80%. The manufacturer claims that it contains no processed foods, soy protein or GMOs.

Wet food is convenient. But keep in mind: their constant consumption can harm your dog. Canned food must be combined with dry food. Otherwise, your pet may end up with obesity, liver and heart problems, tartar on the teeth, and gum degradation.

About products

As part of a comprehensive study by Roskachestvo, 39 products of the most popular dry cat food on the Russian market were studied according to 147 quality and safety indicators.
The study was conducted in 2017 and 2022. In 2017, the cost of products ranged from 190 to 1,700 rubles per unit of goods at the time of purchase. Twelve samples were made in Russia, the remaining 27 were made abroad (in the UK, Germany, Spain, Italy, Canada, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Sweden).

In 2020, the first seven of the previously studied products were sent for repeated research: Acana, Royal Canin, Whiskas, Sanabelle, Hill's Science Plan, Kitekat, Brit Care. The weight of the packages ranged from 350 g to 2 kg, the purchase price ranged from 19 to 130 rubles per 100 g.

A study conducted by Roskachestvo showed that among the most popular brands of dry cat food in Russia, there is not a single unsafe one. This is the second case in the history of Roskachestvo research (similar results were obtained during testing of dryers).

However, only one of the 39 samples produced in Canada (Orijen) meets the advanced requirements of the Roskachestvo standard. Due to its foreign origin, the product cannot qualify for the Russian Quality Mark.

Options for dogs of different ages and sizes

Dog food manufacturers offer items for small, medium and large breeds. There are also products for puppies, adults and senior dogs.

And this is not just a marketing ploy: at each stage of life, a dog needs different amounts of nutrients, micro- and macroelements.

The same is true for size: Large dogs are more likely to have joint problems, so they need an emphasis on protein. Small breeds have a faster metabolism, so the product should be as nutritious as possible.

For reference:

When purchasing dry food, be sure to pay attention to the expiration date (as a rule, it is displayed quite large on the packaging). Most often this is one year. However, some manufacturers can extend this period both by introducing new modern technologies and packaging materials, and by adding preservatives to the composition, which should be indicated on the label. Experts do not recommend storing open food for such a long time.

“It’s impossible to say with certainty about the expiration date,” notes Lidiya Toporova
. – I allow storage for six months, but it is better to store no more than three months: during storage, especially if the relevant requirements are not met, undesirable chemical and microbiological processes occur in the feed, which leads to a decrease in the content of nutrients and micronutrients.

It can be assumed that if the manufacturer indicates a certain expiration date on the packaging, then, most likely, he vouches for the preservation of the taste and nutritional value of the dry food throughout this period. However, there are indicators in which violations may indirectly indicate that the taste of the food will deteriorate by the end of its shelf life: it will become rancid. We are talking about the acid and peroxide numbers of fat. As the results of the study showed, deviations in this indicator were found in some samples. Thus, from the product cards you can find out which food tastes deteriorate over time.

Puppy food

“Food for puppies and food for small breed dogs can replace each other,” is one of the most popular misconceptions. A growing body needs more proteins and micro- and macroelements that promote development and growth. Therefore, use food according to its type.

The most popular puppy foods are:

• Orijen Puppy Large breed
  . Suitable for large breed puppies. He received many prizes, and for good reason. The product contains fresh meat, liver and cartilage in large quantities. This guarantees stable muscle development and weight gain.

• Barking Heads Pappy days
  . Option for both puppies and nursing dogs. By the way, puppies can be given it from the third week. Sea fish, chicken, gluten-free, a variety of vitamins and the presence of omega acids are what a growing body needs.

• NOW Natural holistic Fresh Puppy Recipe Grain Free
  . Meat raised without hormones, no grains, an abundance of berries and fruits - the food promotes weight gain and does not cause allergies. Since the diet contains fish, its smell predominates, which puppies especially like.

Important: do not forget to promptly switch your pet to food for adult dogs. Usually puppy food is given up to a year.

Safe and non-toxic

First of all, we investigated how safe dry food for adult dogs and puppies is. Test results have shown that it contains no heavy metals, radionuclides, mycotoxins or antibiotics (not even traces). We did not find any violations from a microbiological point of view: no enterobacteria, E. coli bacteria, salmonella, toxin-forming anaerobes, or other microbes were found in the feed. That is, all dry food studied was well sterilized during production.

Conclusion: All dry dog ​​food studied is safe and non-toxic.

However, trace amounts of various pesticides were found in 19 brands of adult dog food and two brands of puppy food. They could be used in storage of raw materials or finished products as insecticides (protection against insects), or they could be used as feed from plant materials during production (for example, from cereals, dried vegetables, etc.). These quantities are permissible at the legislative level, but products, even if they contain traces of pesticides, are deprived of the opportunity to qualify for the Russian Quality Mark.

Also, the food was not contaminated with pests of grain stocks (these bugs could get into the food from the flour that is used for its production).

However, not everything is so rosy with the presence of metal-magnetic shavings, which can get into the food during flour processing and then injure the dog’s digestive tract. Firstly, it is curious that the feed is not allowed to contain chips larger than 2 mm with sharp edges, but up to 20 milligrams of particles up to 2 mm in size are allowed per kilogram of feed. And this will not be a violation. Secondly, in the feed “True Friends”

54 mg/kg of chips was found, which is more than twice the established standards.

How to choose and store puppy food, see HERE.

Food for adult and senior dogs

So, your friend celebrated his first birthday, which means it’s time to buy food for adult dogs. How is it different from puppy?

It contains less protein and fat, since the dog's body is fully developed, and excess nutrients can lead to obesity. Vitamin complexes and supplements in the amount required for the pet - taking into account the size and activity of the dog.

The best options for adult four-legged animals:

• Acana Adult Dog
  . Contains poultry, which is a good source of amino acids and animal protein. Herring and flounder are also present in the diet. The food is also rich in fiber: fruits, vegetables and fresh herbs.

• AATU For Dogs Free Run Chicken
  . It contains 80% poultry meat, the rest is herbs, fruits, and vegetables. It is attractive that the granules do not contain potatoes or grains. But there is manganese, copper, iron and zinc, as well as vitamins A, D3, E.

Veterinarians believe that after 7-9 years of age (depending on the breed), a dog is at greater risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, as well as bone diseases. Older pets may have metabolic problems. Therefore, with the onset of advanced age, it is worth switching your pet to special food. Decent options for older dogs:

• Hill's Science Plan Active Longevity. As a dog ages, it needs less animal fat, so the manufacturer has made a diet based on lamb meat. The food also contains sodium, phosphorus and antioxidants, which prevent the development of cancer and gastrointestinal problems. Contains fatty acids, antioxidants, sodium, phosphorus. Hill's is easy to digest, which is especially important for older dogs.

• Brit Care Dog Weight Loss
  . If your pet has a tendency to allergies, is overweight or is inactive, pay attention to this position. The meal includes rabbit meat and rice, as well as salmon oil, fruit, glucosamine and inulin.

You need to gradually transfer your dog from one food to another: mixing the previous food with the new one.

The best foods for healthy dog ​​coats and teeth

Shiny fur and strong teeth are not only beauty. This is also an indicator of the health of the pet. Manufacturers develop nutrition that can improve your pet's appearance and provide her with good health and energy.

Monge Specialty Line Hypoallergenic Salmone&Tuna

The protein base of this Italian food is tuna and salmon. These components help improve the condition of the coat: it becomes shiny. The food is rich in calcium, which has a beneficial effect on the skeletal system, and rice as a basic plant element ensures that the product is hypoallergenic.

Pros:

• Balanced composition;
• Suitable for those with sensitive digestion and allergies;
• There is no strong fishy smell;
• Convenient packaging.

Minuses:

• The size of the granules is not suitable for small breeds;
• High price.

Barking Heads Good Hair Day

Holistic with a high content of lamb (46%) and fish components beneficial for wool (trout and salmon oil).

Pros:

• Quality ingredients and vitamin supplements;
• Hypoallergenic components (base: lamb, rice, sweet potato);
• Inexpensive for the holistic practitioner;
• Even pets with low appetites like it.

Minuses:

• Inconvenient packaging for large packs;
• Small granules are not ideal for large breeds.

Acana Pacifica

The famous Canadian holistic has two options: 4 fish ( 70% wild herring, perch, silver hake and flounder ) and “Sardine” ( 50% Pacific sardine ). Fish has a beneficial effect on the condition of the coat and the general condition of the body.

Pros:

• Hypoallergenic composition;
• The product is rich in proteins and fats;
• Convenient packaging.

Minuses:

• High price;
• Large granules are not suitable for small breed dogs.

Dr. Clauder's

Therapeutic food for pets with skin diseases and hair problems. The basis of the product is chicken and rice. For healthy skin and coat, the product contains calcium and vegetable oils (linseed, cucumber, safflower).

Pros:

• Effectively improves the condition of the pet’s body;
• Balanced combination of ingredients;
• Suitable for pets of all sizes.

Minuses;

• High price.
• Not suitable for allergy sufferers with chicken intolerance.

Attention! Medicinal food is not suitable for a regular diet. This food is prescribed by a veterinarian.

1st Choice Sensitive Skin and Coat

Canadian product for pets with sensitive skin and coat problems. Its basis is lamb, fish and rice. Components important for wool and skin are contained in flax seeds, herring fat and vegetable oil.

Pros:

• Hypoallergenic composition;
• Balanced supplements;
• Small granules are suitable for pets of all breeds.

The downside is that it's not easy to find.

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.”

Food for strengthening the dog's skeleton and muscles

Taking care of your pet's bones, joints and muscles is important both as they grow up and into old age. It is especially important to choose a diet that helps strengthen muscles and joints for representatives of large and giant breeds.

Advance Veterinary Diets Articular Care Senior +7 Years Canine Formula

Therapeutic nutrition for elderly pets, especially useful during the period of rehabilitation after injuries to the musculoskeletal system and bone diseases.

The product contains salmon and chicken protein, rice, peas and cartilage-healthy additives (including vitamin K).

Pros:

• Suitable for all breeds;
• Helps reduce pain;
• Conveniently packaged;
• Well absorbed.

Minuses:

• May cause allergies due to the presence of wheat, corn and chicken in the feed;
• High price.

Royal Canin Maxi Joint Care

Balanced nutrition for large breed pets. Reduced calorie content prevents weight gain , which reduces stress on joints. Collagen protects bones, and fatty acids take care of joints and ensure healthy coat.

Pros:

• Easy to find in pet stores;
• Well absorbed;
• Helps increase activity;
• Protects bones and joints;
• Inexpensive compared to analogues of other brands;
• Suitable for feeding pets with dysplasia.

Minus - may cause an allergic reaction due to chicken, corn and wheat in the composition.

Farmina Vet Life Canine Joint

Therapeutic food for pets with musculoskeletal problems.

Pros:

• Suitable for pets of different breeds;
• Well absorbed;
• Even picky four-legged animals like it;
• Quality vitamin and mineral supplements.

Minuses:

• High price;
• The composition does not indicate the percentage of ingredients;
• The basis of the product is plant components (spelt and oats);
• Among the components there are those that often cause allergies (chicken, eggs).

Attention! Transfer your pet to therapeutic food only after consulting a veterinarian.

Brit Veterinary Diet Dog Grain Free Joint & Mobility

Grain-free food for those who suffer from joint diseases. It contains two types of fish, peas and buckwheat, as well as additives that ensure healthy joints and cartilage.

Pros:

• Easy to digest;
• Hypoallergenic;
• Suitable for pets prone to obesity;
• Recommended for animals with hereditary joint diseases;
• Suitable for all breeds.

Minuses:

• Difficult to find (easier to order online);
• High price.

Pro Plan JM Joint Mobility

A food that helps increase the activity of sedentary animals with excess weight and joint problems. The main ingredients are rice and dried salmon protein.

Pros:

• Thanks to the high protein content, the pet quickly gets full, but does not gain weight;
• If you follow the feeding recommendations on the package, the dog loses excess weight and becomes more active;
• Suitable for older pets;
• Recommended for all breeds.

Minu with - high cost.

Veterinarian advice

What do veterinarians think about dog food? What do they think is the best dog food? Even experts disagree on brands, but they are unanimous on the following:

• Bone and meat-and-bone meal have no place in a good product. The “animal products” marker also indicates that it is better to leave this food in the store. Meat only: fresh, fillet or dehydrated.
• You should know what by-products the pellets are made from. The liver and heart will be useful for the dog. Feathers, horns, hooves and bones are unlikely to make a pet stronger and healthier.
• Rice, barley, oatmeal and oats are digestible grains. Ideally, they should not exceed 30% of the composition. Wheat and corn are acceptable in very small doses.
• Artificial preservatives, flavors and flavor enhancers are definitely something that should not be in your pet’s bowl.
• The percentage of mineral impurities should not exceed 10. Ideally, the ash content should be 6-8%.

To understand how high-quality the food is, look at the daily consumption rates. The larger the portion, the worse the product is digested and the less pure meat it contains.

Advice from veterinarians on choosing dry food for cats and their recommended composition

The main ingredient is animal meat, fish or poultry. The ideal choice would be a composition in which at least half of the diet comes from meat and its derivatives. The more meat, the better the food is for cats. Veterinarians advise buying good dry cat food from trusted manufacturers who indicate on the packaging the source of animal protein and the method of obtaining it.

The peculiarities of the production process do not allow us to completely prevent heat treatment of meat, but it can be prepared in different ways. The meat that is positioned by the manufacturer as “fresh” is of the greatest value. Accordingly, it was not defrosted or preserved. The production technology does not make it possible to use more than 35% of dry and fresh meat components, but this indicator indicates that this is one of the best dry food for cats.

More often, “dehydrated” or “dehydrated” meat is used. It is dried and is a valuable source of animal protein. Its high concentration in food is the basis for a high-quality diet for your pet. Another significant source of animal protein is flour obtained from various types of meat.

Dry food must contain sources of fiber. They can be dried fruits, vegetables or brown algae. Good manufacturers add natural probiotics and prebiotics, which improves digestion and ensures normal bowel function. Sources of carbohydrates include potatoes, rice and legumes.

A couple more recommendations

When buying food for the first time, take the smallest package. Even a product with an impeccable composition may not be suitable for your pet.

The best foods can still cause allergies, and intolerance to certain ingredients may also occur. This also happens: a dog simply refuses to eat a specific type of food - for no reason.

And one more thing: focus on the composition of the product, not on the brand’s popularity. Sometimes brands that invest a lot of money in promotion sell products with mediocre ingredients. As a result, you are buying a name, not quality food for your pet.

Rating of the 3 best dry food for cats of the holistic class

SAVARRA with turkey and rice

The food is based on turkey meat, which is considered the most dietary and tender. It is well absorbed by the cat's body and contains a large amount of nutrients. Turkey is rich in vitamins A and E, and also surpasses beef and veal in sodium concentration. Due to this, the blood is saturated with plasma and metabolic processes are established, which plays an important role for sterilized and overweight animals.

The best dry holistic food for cats contains L-carnitine, which has a beneficial effect on metabolism and helps improve fat metabolism. This solves the problem of excess weight.

Peculiarities:

• animal age: adults (1-6 years)
• special needs: for spayed/neutered people, prevention of excess weight, hypoallergenic
• holistic: yes
• side dish: with rice

GO! Skin+Coat with chicken

Your pet will be grateful to you if you buy GO food for him! Skin+Coat. The main ingredient is high-quality meat from free-range chickens. It saturates the cat's body with amino acids that strengthen muscles, and Omega fatty acids help maintain healthy skin and shiny coat. The recipe excludes the presence of by-products, soy, wheat and corn.

• GO! Skin+Coat consists of probiotics and prebiotics to maintain optimal intestinal microflora and improve digestion;
• Amino acid-rich fruits and vegetables strengthen the immune system;
• Flaxseed has a high concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids, a lot of fiber and protein;
• Whole grains provide vital energy.

Peculiarities:

• animal age: kittens (up to 1 year), elderly (7+), adults (1-6 years)
• special needs: for healthy skin and shiny coat
• holistic: yes
• premium: yes

GO! Carnivore grain-free with chicken, turkey, duck

The rating of the best holistic dry food is updated by GO! Carnivore is a grain-free, protein-packed recipe. It is designed to provide a balanced diet to keep your cat healthy and fit. It is made with fresh chicken, turkey, trout, duck, salmon, vegetables and fruits.

As a result, the immune system is strengthened and the body is saturated with antioxidants. Taurine improves vision and heart function, probiotics support healthy intestinal microflora. The manufacturer does not use growth hormones, gluten, grains or other harmful ingredients.

Peculiarities:

• animal age: adults (1-6 years)
• breed size: all breeds
• special needs: grain-free

The best dog food for gastrointestinal diseases

For dogs with sensitive digestion, diets with ingredients that are as digestible as possible are recommended. Microelements and prebiotics are also added to the formula to improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Hill's Prescription Diet I/D Canine - Best Canned Food for Dogs with Sensitive Digestion

5.0

★★★★★

editorial assessment

93%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

Technologists, nutritionists and veterinarians work on the creation of Hill's food. The quality of the supplied ingredients is carefully controlled, each of them is subject to preliminary testing. Daily analysis of finished products is also carried out.

However, Hill's Prescription Diet is a separate line of food that should be included in the daily diet only for pets with significant health problems and after the recommendation of a veterinarian. Canned food is intended for dogs that often suffer from intestinal upset. The manufacturer promises a visible effect after 3 days of feeding.

The mixture is based on turkey and pork liver, with rice and corn added for nutrition. The formula is enriched with flax seed, psyllium, vitamins and minerals. Special fiber not only improves digestion, but also nourishes intestinal cells. Canned food is colored with natural caramel. As a result, the digestibility of the composition reaches 95%.

Pros:

• contains antioxidants;
• consists of highly digestible ingredients;
• natural composition;
• Most pets like the taste;
• There are no breed or age restrictions.

Minuses:

• cost (250 rubles per jar weighing 360 g).

Hill's Prescription Diet I/D Canine canned food is a medicinal food, but it cannot replace a comprehensive examination and therapy of an animal.

Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Digestion - inexpensive super-premium food

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

90%

buyers recommend this product

Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Digestion with Lamb is suitable for dogs with gastrointestinal problems. The manufacturer offers a line for small, medium and large breeds: the granules differ in size for the convenience of the animals. The food is produced in dense bags weighing from 0.7 to 14 kg.

The composition includes lamb and dried poultry protein, the protein share is 25%. Dried chicory root is a source of prebiotics. The formula also includes antioxidants and a vitamin-mineral complex. Sensitive Digestion is clinically proven to improve gut flora and prebiotics are effective in improving gastrointestinal health.

Pros:

• available in most pet stores;
• the presence of vitamins and minerals in the composition;
• convenient packaging;
• low cost for super-premium class (2,700 rubles per 7 kg);
• There are different kibble options for dogs of all sizes;
• contains prebiotics to improve digestion.

Minuses:

• low protein levels;
• presence of ingredients of questionable quality and unknown origin.

Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Digestion contains products from processed plant materials. This component raises questions among veterinarians and dog owners. And the vague wording “lamb” and “poultry protein” does not exclude the presence of offal in the feed instead of pure meat.

GO! Sensitivity + Shine - Grain-Free Formula

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

76%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

GO! Sensitivity + Shine is a Canadian holistic dry food for dogs with problems with the digestive system. Contains no by-products, gluten, artificial flavors or colors, no corn, wheat or soy. But the high level of fiber (3.5%) cleanses the intestines of toxins, regulates digestion and restores microflora.

The manufacturer offers several flavors to choose from: salmon, venison, turkey, pollock, duck. In any case, the formula implies only one source of high-quality protein in the feed. Carbohydrates include oatmeal, whole oats, potatoes or lentils and peas. It also contains rapeseed oil, a source of vitamin E. Healthy additives in the composition include: apples, flax seeds, quinoa, seaweed, yucca extract, rosemary, chicory root, fatty acids and a vitamin-mineral complex.

The food is nutritious, its calorie content is 3560 kcal/kg. Due to this, the feeding rate is low and the mixture is consumed slowly. The size of the kibble is small, so this diet is suitable for puppies and adult dogs of all breeds. For sale GO! Sensitivity + Shine in 2.72 or 11.3 kg packs.

Pros:

• suitable for puppies and adult dogs;
• convenient packaging;
• rich natural composition;
• economical consumption;
• does not cause allergies;
• thoughtful packaging with Velcro;
• contains a lot of fiber.

Minuses:

• difficult to find in pet stores;
• expensive (about 5,700 rubles for a bag weighing 11.3 kg).

Dog breeders note that the price of this food corresponds to the quality of the holistic class. GO! Sensitivity + Shine is recommended for daily nutrition of animals with problematic digestion or frequent allergies. By the way, its composition has a beneficial effect not only on digestion, but also on the general health of the dog.

Soft and warm cat bed

Pet Territory 10/03/20210
A short review of a beautiful, soft and warm bed for cats, cats or small dogs. Features: long fur and partial presence...

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