Dry nutritional granules are a convenient option for feeding your pet. When a puppy appears in the house, the owners begin to intensively study the ratings of the best diets. Then, during the feeding process, they find the species that is most attractive to the dog. Proper nutrition is the key to both the physical and mental health of the dog. You cannot save on dry food, canned food or vitamin complexes.
Saving now will lead to greater spending on health later. But this does not mean that the most expensive food is the best. There are excellent options for diets that will not hit the owner’s pocket. From the article you will learn what foods can be recommended for dogs depending on age, physiological state and health.
Which food to choose: general rules
Please note that all food is divided into 4 classes. There is no point in talking seriously about the use of economy class feed. Such diets are mainly made from meat production waste, cheap grains and offal. In addition, they contain preservatives and additives designed to enhance the taste and cause addiction. Premium food should be chosen with extreme caution, since many unscrupulous manufacturers disguise it as a lower class.
Selection tips:
- choose dry food from super-premium or holistic. The latter are the best option, they contain the best ingredients, have many medicinal products in the line;
- take into account the age and size of the dog - all food has special markings indicating what types of animals the diet is suitable for;
- take into account the conditions in which the animal is kept - active or sedentary lifestyle;
- the choice is made depending on the dog’s special needs: sensitive stomach, pregnancy, need for hair removal, etc.;
- carefully study the composition. It is possible that some ingredients are strictly contraindicated for a particular pet, despite the fact that they are safe.
Naturally, if a puppy gets a new home from a breeder, you should continue to feed him the brand recommended by a breed specialist.
What is the difference between holistic and other foods?
Considered from a marketing point of view, the price of holistic food is high. Despite this, they are increasingly promoted by economics and veterinary medicine, convincing consumers to use only this type of food. There is a share of rational decision in this approach and is explained by several reasons.
- The composition includes natural ingredients. All components (vegetables, root vegetables, meat or fish fractions, berries, fruits, grains) correspond to the quality indicators of products suitable for human consumption. Manufacturers claim that people can eat holistic food without experiencing any problems, and it is safe for children. This concept was defined as “human grade” - a revolutionary approach to nutrition.
- All components are balanced and tested by food and drug control associations in the USA, which guarantees the complete absence of chemical derivatives.
- The holistic food recipe is based on the needs of pets depending on age, breed, category. It is based on 70 percent protein food and 30 percent protein. In feeds of a lower class, the same proportion is observed, but the source is by-products and meat processing residues. The pet receives protein without protein. To satiate you need a much larger portion. The choline approach guarantees satiety due to the complete absorption of components.
- This type of food provides a varied diet in taste characteristics. If you do it yourself, you will have to spend a lot of effort creating a menu, selecting components daily, and calculating the ingredients.
- Cholines use poultry, lean beef and lamb. Particular attention is paid to Omega-3 acids and phosphorus by extraction from the salmon and cod fish families.
- Vitamin supplements are obtained from fresh berries, fruits, vegetables, seaweed, which affects hair growth and strengthening bone tissue.
- Holistic food can be stored for up to a year. Vitamins E and C and rosemary oil act as preservatives. This approach increases appetite and increases the ability to quickly and efficiently digest food. Allergies are excluded in animals, as is often the case with cheaper feed options.
Owners complain that holistic treatments are too expensive. Due to the all-natural ingredients, the price seems overpriced. If you prepare a complete diet for your beloved pet yourself, it will cost much more. It is necessary to take into account many factors that influence the absorption of nutrition, its characteristics, dependence on the dog’s age, breed, size, and daily routine.
Which brand of food should I choose?
The specific manufacturer is not particularly important. The most important indicator is the class and composition of the feed. Note that many popular manufacturers have several factories in different countries. And although they indicate the same composition on the packaging, the quality of the food can vary significantly depending on the country in which the food is produced.
The main condition is that the food must meet the dog’s needs; the company does not matter. At the same time, the ranking is topped by the same brands from year to year, so the owner will have to make a choice among a small list.
Rating of the best dry food
For comparison, we present the indicators of feeds of various classes.
| Index | Economy | Premium | Super-premium, Holistic |
| Price, availability | The price is low, it is available in every supermarket. There is almost no benefit. Energy value up to 350 kcal per 100 g. | The price is average, widely available in any pet store. The benefits are average, the energy value is more than 350 kcal per 100 g. | The price is high, the full range is not always available in the store. The benefits are high. Energy value 500 kcal per 100 g. |
| Compound |
|
|
|
| Benefit | almost not | average | high |
| Energy value | up to 350 kcal per 100 g. | more than 350 kcal per 100 g. | from 500 kcal per 100 g. |
Now let’s look at the most popular foods of different classes in more detail. We can conclude that at a higher cost, the value of super-premium and holistic food is much greater. This means that the dog will need a smaller portion to be satisfied.
Don't feed your dog this: dangerous compounds in industrial feeds
When choosing food for your pet, you need to carefully read the composition of the food. harmful substances are hidden behind obscure abbreviations . Components familiar to humans may also be unsafe.
- Yeast has virtually no nutritional value and can cause an allergic reaction. Found in “Dibaq”, “Bozita” feeds, etc.
- Potassium chloride often causes gastrointestinal disorders. Found in “Perfect Fit”, “Advance”, “Bosch”.
- Animal/Poultry Fat - This ingredient is generally not quality controlled. Found in the products “True Friends”, “Provipet”, “Hill's Science Plan”.
Soy (can cause bloating), whey (a strong allergen) and sucrose (causes diarrhea), as well as digestates (additives made from unsuitable remains for food (hooves, horns, feathers, etc.)) are undesirable in the feed.
BHA (butylated hydroanisole; Butylated Hydroxyanisole, E 320) and BHT are hazardous to health - preservatives that can cause allergies and are harmful to the liver and kidneys; Sodium metabisulfite is again a preservative that has a bad effect on the nervous system. As well as a sweetener, ethylene glycol , and a flavor enhancer, sodium monoglutamate.
Attention! Manufacturers do not always accurately indicate the composition of the product, so it is important to monitor the condition of your pet.
Holistic and super-premium class
MERA
Country: Germany.
The manufacturer takes into account the type of animal - you can choose food specifically for your pet.
Contains only natural fresh products. The special hypoallergenic formula makes this food safe for dogs with sensitive digestion or allergies.
High proportion of animal protein.
The food contains all the vitamins and nutrients your pet needs, and also contains prebiotics for stable intestinal flora and reliable digestion. The best way to purchase food is on the official website meradog.ru.
Price - from 3875 rub. for 12.5 kg.
Acana
Country: Canada.
A unique feed production process involves processing the ingredients with steam at low temperatures.
The proportion of protein is up to 90%.
A wide range, focusing on the characteristics of dogs.
A rich vitamin and mineral complex in every product of the brand.
The price ranges from 4900 to 6700 rubles per 11.5 kg.
Akana dog food - full review of the line
Piccolo
Country: England.
The main consumer of food is small dogs.
The diet is designed for pets prone to allergic reactions.
Grain is replaced with healthy greens: vegetables, algae.
The proportion of protein is from 65 to 80%.
Price - from 3,500 rubles per 4 kg package.
Orijen
Country: Canada.
The manufacturer takes into account the type of animal and creates a special diet.
The products used are not frozen.
There are no grains.
Wide range, there are medicinal products.
Price - from 6500 for 11 kg.
Orijen dog food - complete review of the line
Wolfsblut
Country: England.
High protein content - up to 90%.
The diet is as close as possible to the type of nutrition of a wolf in its natural habitat.
Natural additives, minimal grain content.
Price - from 7,000 for 15 kg.
Dog food "Wolfsblut" - review of the line
Farmina
Country: Italy.
The manufacturer's line offers both economy class and holistic food.
The share of protein in holistic products is up to 70%.
Wide range of breed feeds.
Price - from 5000 to 8000 per 12 kg.
Farmina - dog food from an Italian manufacturer
Pronature
Country: Canada.
Maximum natural ingredients, modern production lines, minimal processing.
Grains are replaced by vegetables, algae.
The line of foods includes both breed-specific ones or those intended for special needs, as well as universal ones.
Price - from 6000 to 8500 for 13.5 kg.
Applaws
Country: Great Britain.
It contains a large number of vegetables, spices and extracts from medicinal herbs.
The share of protein is up to 75% meat or fish.
All products in the line contain probiotics.
Price - from 3500 to 4800 per 7.5 kg.
Applaws dog food - full line review
Duke's Farm
Country: England.
It contains grains, but of the highest quality, which are quickly absorbed by the dog’s body.
The diet contains vegetables and seasonal berries.
Price - from 6000 for 12 kg.
Savarra
Country: England.
The manufacturer focused on the quality of the product, the line is quite narrow.
The proportion of protein is up to 80%.
Easily digestible grains are present.
Price - from 5500 to 8500 per 12 kg.
Now Fresh
Country: Canada.
The brand is available in almost any store.
Does not contain grain.
High proportion of protein - up to 90%.
Wide range.
Price - from 4500 for 12 kg.
Now Fresh dog food – owner reviews, pros and cons
9 Bosch Sensitive Lamb & Rice
An increased amount of protein in dry food may not always be beneficial for a dog. For older pets, dogs with food allergies and those with kidney failure, 20-25% protein is usually sufficient. This is exactly how much meat products are contained in a product created specifically for animals sensitive to high-protein nutrition. In the first place in the list of ingredients is rice - a delicate dietary product, quite healthy for dogs with normal weight and sugar levels.
There is no fresh raw meat in the feed, and poultry meal is used as animal sources of protein. On the one hand, this is a disadvantage, on the other hand, there is evidence that peptides from hydrolyzed meat are better and faster absorbed by the digestive system. They are confirmed in the practice of dog breeders: there are enough reviews on this food to understand that it really has hypoallergenic properties and is most likely suitable for dogs with a problematic digestive system.
Hypoallergenic
The purpose of such food is to rid the dog’s body of the influence of the allergen and keep its digestion, coat and skin healthy.
1ST CHOICE
The Canadian manufacturer offers two types of hypoallergenic food - for small breeds and universal.
Lamb meat and herring were chosen as the main ingredient.
Grains are replaced by rice, potatoes, oatmeal and barley.
The proportion of protein is reduced to 25%.
Price - from 400 rubles per 1 kg.
1st choice dog food - full review of the line
Brit
Country: Czech Republic.
The line includes a variety of products for different types of animals.
The Sensitive series is based on animal protein: venison, lamb, fish.
Grains are replaced with brown rice and potatoes.
Price - from 200 rubles per 1 kg.
Brit dog food - expert reviews and detailed analysis of the composition
Eukanuba
Country: Netherlands.
High-quality food for dogs with allergies.
It is especially recommended for those animals that have a skin reaction to food.
In Dermatosis food, the meat component is replaced with fish.
Contains potatoes, dried beets.
There are no options in the food line, only one type.
Price - from 500 rubles per 1 kg.
Eukanuba dog food - reviews and composition analysis
Grandorf
Country: Belgium.
There is only one type of holistic food in the line - Duck & Potato Adult All Breeds.
The food contains poultry and sweet potatoes.
Sea krill meat is responsible for joints, and a complex of medicinal herbs is responsible for digestion.
Price - from 650 rubles per 1 kg.
Grandorf dog food - full review of the line and reviews from experts
GO!
Canadian food (Daily Defense Lamb Meal Recipe) has a composition with a reduced protein content - about 22%.
Lamb meat with a low allergenic index is used instead of oatmeal grain.
Low cost - from 500 rubles per 1 kg.
Dog food GO!: analysis of ingredients, reviews from owners and veterinary specialists
Ten of the best foods
MONGE GRILL
Suitable for dogs of all breeds, Monge Grill wet food features a mouth-watering taste thanks to its juicy jelly and grilled meat. Animals love this scent.
The product also contains a vitamin complex: E, A, D3, fats, oils and minerals. This food can be consumed by dogs prone to gluten allergy as it contains no grain components.
Advantages:
- Contains natural beef;
- Suitable for pets with gluten allergies;
- Excellent and appetizing taste;
- Natural beef;
- Essential vitamins and minerals;
More: Top 10 Dog Breeds for Inexperienced Owners
Flaws:
- Small portion;
- After opening the package, it is good for a day, no more;
- Not completely natural composition.
Dog food MONGE GRILL
Belcando Selected meat (0.8 kg) 1 pc.
Since Belcando canned wet food does not contain grain components, it is ideal for dogs who are gluten intolerant. The food, produced in a convenient jar, is intended for adult dogs of different breeds. The beneficial elements of wet food have a positive effect on the dog’s mobility, well-being and appearance.
Advantages:
- Affordable price;
- Economical consumption;
- Has the consistency of jelly;
- Suitable for gluten intolerance;
- Supports health and immunity;
- Affects activity;
- Pleasant taste.
Flaws:
- The content is not completely natural.
Dog food Belcando Selected meat (0.8 kg) 1 pc.
Savarra Adult All Breeds Dogs Turkey
It is a universal food for adult dogs of all breeds. Produced from natural turkey meat, which is an absolutely hypoallergenic product. It is well absorbed by the intestines, and it also contains a large amount of nutrients, including B vitamins and vitamin A. Turkey meat has a high content of trace elements such as sodium. This meat enriches blood plasma and improves metabolic processes in the pet’s body.
In addition to fresh meat, this food also contains dried turkey and salmon. There are also grain crops here - oats, barley, brown rice, flax seeds, peas. Veterinarians recommend this product for both purely domestic and hunting breeds. If you feed your dog this food, he will remain active and active for many years.
Advantages:
- Compared to analogues, the cost is quite adequate;
- Meat and fish are sources of protein;
- There are no preservatives in the composition;
- There are a large number of vitamins and minerals.
Flaws:
- Very difficult to find on sale..
Dog food Savarra Adult All Breeds Dogs Turkey
HILL'S PRESCRIPTION DIET L/D CANINE HEPATIC HEALTH CANNED
The product, part of a series of wet and medicinal food, was developed and released according to a unique formula.
Medicinal food is suitable for those dogs that have impaired liver function and problems with the urolithiasis system. It contains a rich vitamin and mineral complex, thanks to which the activity of dogs significantly increases.
Veterinarians recommend Hill's Prescription Diet as the best dog food with a therapeutic and preventive composition, since the product is effective and significantly reduces the load on the liver. The food is recommended for feeding dogs during the period after surgery.
Advantages:
- Useful properties;
- Dietary composition;
- Price;
- Taste qualities;
- Rehabilitates in the postoperative period;
- Strengthens the animal's immunity.
Flaws:
- There are contraindications;
- Insufficient protein content.
Dog food HILL'S PRESCRIPTION DIET L/D CANINE HEPATIC HEALTH CANNED
GO! DAILY DEFENCE LAMB DOG RECIPE
The carefully thought-out composition of the GO! Daily Defense allows you to keep dogs of all ages, large, small and medium breeds active and mobile. The advantage of dry food is that it contains fresh lamb meat, rich in valuable proteins, brown rice and oatmeal. Fruits and vegetables provide the animal with the necessary amount of carbohydrates, which have a beneficial effect on the immune system.
More: Top 10 best tape measures for dogs, choosing a tape measure leash for dogs
GO! Daily Defense is rich in minerals and essential vitamins that support a healthy and strong immune system, cardiovascular system, phosphorus and calcium accompany the development of the skeleton, strengthen teeth and bones, prebiotics and probiotics improve the functioning of the intestines and digestive system, and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids acids care for the dog's fur and skin.
Advantages:
- For dogs of all ages and breeds
- Contains high-quality hypoallergenic components;
- Contains fresh lamb - a source of protein;
- Ideal ratio of proteins and fats;
- Without GMO;
- No preservatives;
- Grooming;
- Improves the function of the digestive system;
- Price.
Flaws:
- Not sold in all pet stores.
Dog food GO! DAILY DEFENCE LAMB DOG RECIPE
BRIT PREMIUM ADULT L
Premium dry food - excellent for the daily diet of an adult dog. In addition to the impressive content of meat in the feed (41%), which is the main advantage of the product, it also includes: fat, rice, chicken meal, corn, dried fruits, important vitamin elements - zinc, copper, etc.
Brit food is veterinarian approved as a food that provides a complete diet for adult dogs. Indeed, judging by the reviews, while eating this food, dogs become more mobile and active, their coat becomes smooth and voluminous.
Advantages:
- Practical packaging;
- Ideal composition;
- Excellent quality;
- Excellent taste;
- Does not cause allergies;
- Affordable price;
- With salmon, with chicken.
Flaws:
- Not for all dog breeds.
Dog food BRIT PREMIUM ADULT L
Acana (17 kg) Heritage Adult Large Breed
Acana Heritage Adult is veterinarian approved and the best premium food for adult dogs. The products differ in their useful composition and content of components vital for the development and health of your pets.
The basis of the food is chicken, Atlantic herring, and flounder. Dogs of impressive shape urgently need a balanced diet and food with a considerable amount of protein. Fish and meat keep dogs strong and active, and most importantly, promotes bone and skeletal development.
Advantages:
- Contents of vegetables and fruits;
- With chicken, beef, turkey;
- Ideal proportion of proteins and fats;
- Presence of legumes;
- Does not cause allergies;
- Excellent composition;
- Availability of vitamins;
- Economical consumption;
- Available in all pet stores;
- Vitamin ratio.
Flaws:
- Price.
Dog food Acana (17 kg) Heritage Adult Large Breed
2. Grandorf Natural & Healthy
This food contains exclusively natural ingredients, making it as close as possible to the animal’s natural diet. It was created based on the opinions of professional veterinarians and experienced breeders of dogs of various breeds. According to them, the food was not developed for profit, but to ensure that animals remained active and cheerful throughout their lives.
More: Top 10 best vacuum cleaners for cleaning animal hair
This food contains many types of meat, all of which have excellent hypoallergenic qualities: duck, veal, rabbit, turkey and fish. In addition, this food contains rice, which is a source of complex carbohydrates, and it also does not cause allergic reactions. All vitamin supplements found here are completely natural. Another component is Antarctic krill - small crustaceans, significantly superior in nutritional value to corn. There are no artificial colors, preservatives or other additives of this kind.
Advantages:
- Excellently balanced food containing everything necessary for a dog’s health;
- Its use allows you to maintain intestinal microflora;
- Bones and ligaments are strengthened;
- No allergic reactions.
Flaws:
- You have to order exclusively from the manufacturer, since it is almost impossible to find it on the open market.
Dog food Grandorf Natural & Healthy
Purina Pro Plan (14 kg) Large Robust Adult canine dry
Created specifically for adult dogs, this dry complete food has distinctive features of its composition and vitamin complex. Taking into account all the characteristics of large breed dogs, the company’s specialists have developed an exclusive OPTIHEALTH formula, which has a beneficial effect on the general condition of dogs.
The undeniable advantage of Purina Pro Plan is the competent combination of its components. The product contains: proteins, wheat cereal, chicken, healthy fish oil, plant extracts, etc. The food has a positive effect on the development of joints and strengthening the skeletal system.
Advantages:
- Excellent quality;
- Useful composition;
- Optimal proportion of proteins and fats;
- Availability of chicken and meat;
- Rich in cereals;
- Economical consumption;
- Quickly absorbed;
- Not addictive;
- Keeps you in physical shape;
- Saturated with vitamin-mineral complex;
- Supports muscle and joint development;
- For large breeds.
Flaws:
- Price.
Dog food Purina Pro Plan (14 kg) Large Robust Adult canine dry
The best wet food and canned food for dogs
Many owners prefer wet food. They are most conveniently used in feeding small animals. In addition, canned food always contains fewer amounts of various chemicals that are harmful to your pet’s health. This diet does not require a large amount of liquid and does not create additional stress on the dog’s kidneys.
Wet food rating
Hill's idealbalance
Premium food for adult dogs.
Balanced amount of protein and fat.
2 types in the line - with chicken and turkey, for allergy sufferers.
Price - from 240 rubles per jar (360 g).
Hill's dog food - complete review of the line
BarkingHeads
Holistic class canned food containing fish or meat up to 75%.
Large selection of flavors and categories.
Price - from 120 rubles per jar (100 g).
Innova EVO
American wet food holistic class.
The manufacturing company combines ancient recipes with the latest plant lines.
The line includes: medicinal, breed and universal products.
Price - from 230 rubles per jar (374 g).
Native food
Russian canned food can be used in the nutrition of puppies from 2 months of age.
Contains meat, tripe, water and vegetable oil.
The most natural recipe.
Price - from 120 rubles per jar (340 g).
“Native food” for dogs: composition analysis, expert reviews
Happy Dog NaturLine
The pates do not contain GMOs, preservatives or chemical additives.
The ingredients undergo minimal processing.
Suitable for feeding dogs of all breeds from 4 months.
Price - from 320 rubles per jar (374 g) or from 60 rubles for 85 g pouches.
Dog food Happy dog: analysis of ingredients, reviews from owners and specialists
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.
Veterinarian recommendations
Veterinary experts highlight a number of tips for selecting food:
- choose from super-premium or holistic classes;
- the packaging must be without tears, the jar must be free of dents and rust. Pay special attention to the expiration date;
- the meat ingredient should come first;
- It is better to feed the dog dry and wet food alternately to normalize the fluid level;
- Do not forget about the characteristics of pets.
According to reviews on the Internet, most veterinary specialists recommend the following foods:
- BELCANDO.
- dr. ALDERS.
- HILLs PD k/d.
- HAPPY DOG.
- BRIT.
However, it is worth choosing food based on the preferences of the pet, its health, and the owner’s wallet.
Owner reviews
Irina K. We tried many foods on the doctor’s advice. From drying, food from Royal Canin came up for the corgi. There are also dry food and canned food. We came to it through experience - the dog really liked it, the fur is fine, there is no scabies or shedding. I'm afraid to try something different, although I often notice new foods in stores.
Oleg. R. Only Akana food suited us. From birth the dachshund was fed it, as recommended by the breeder. Now we feed a diet for adult dogs, we take different tastes. Eats everything. To be honest, the food smells nicer than others we bought.
Vladimir R. I have a big dog - Alabay. He lives in a warm enclosure; he needs high-quality and high-calorie food. Especially in winter. We stopped at Grandorf. We chose the one for allergy sufferers with duck and potatoes. Our dog has a little something - his eyes are red, his whole stomach is covered in spots, it itches. And he really loves to eat something forbidden. This is the food that saves us.
Briefly about the main thing
- Dry food is divided into 4 classes.
- For dog nutrition, it is better to choose super-premium and holistic class.
- Holistic food contains several meat ingredients and components that are suitable for humans.
- When choosing, you need to take into account the expiration date and characteristics of a particular pet.
- Many manufacturers have food lines for different ages and needs.
- Food ratings are in the nature of recommendations; the owner’s task is to choose the one that is suitable and appealing to the dog.
What class of food do you use? Which brand of food comes first for you? Why? Tell us about the characteristics of your four-legged friend and his dietary preferences, please. What does he like more: dry food or wet canned food? Share your experience in the comments, your experience is very important to us and other readers.
Useful video
Grandorf wet food in the video below:
To choose the best food for your pet, it is important to understand what it will be used for: as a main or supplementary diet. Wet food should not be used as a cat's only meal, despite its good composition and high meat content.
A cat needs fiber, vitamins and mineral supplements in small quantities, the high content of which is contained in the line of dry food. In addition, the high moisture content in canned food and spiders reduces the nutritional value of the product. Therefore, we recommend using canned food and pouches in combination with dry food.
