What is the best dog food in 2021 - a review of 30 foods

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.

Composition of cat food

What to look for in dry or wet cat food. How to choose quality food.

Now let's talk about how not to get confused in front of the cat food shelf and choose not only the tastiest, but also the healthiest for your pet, by looking at the composition of the cat food!

What to look for when choosing cat food

When you first go to a pet store, it is not surprising that you are overwhelmed by the huge variety of cat food on offer. But to make the right choice, you still need to have a cool head on your shoulders, and when choosing a pet food, you should not only focus on the beautiful packaging and reasonable price, but also the cat food analysis in the following points!

If you're still confused about food brands, look at the country of origin. Of course, the best foods are made in Denmark, Germany, Canada, the USA and the UK. Experienced cat owners should pay attention to the brand of food. The reputation of some products is very tarnished, while others, on the contrary, are undeservedly deprived of the attention of buyers. You can find out more about this in the rating of dry cat food. But the most important thing in any food is its composition. We will teach you to read, analyze and compare cat food and immediately assess its real benefits or harm.

Cat food composition analysis

In what cases is it better to put a jar of food on a store shelf?

• If you read that cat food contains fiber, sugar, caramel and attention, propylene glycol. The latter is considered a sweetener, but in fact it is an icing agent, which is very harmful to the health of the animal.
• If the food contains E127 (an artificial coloring), which often causes cancer.
• If the composition does not hide a large percentage of by-products. Good by-products are good for the cat, but often manufacturers use this name to disguise unattractive things like, say, cow hide or just plain slaughterhouse waste.
• The word "meat" does not mean that meat is part of the food, but the manufacturer is trying to hide the true nature of this component. Only if there is a transcript, i.e. a detailed list of types of meat, can we expect your cat to eat a clean product.
• Do not buy food if you have seen ethoxyquin, BHA (E320) and BHT (E321) in it. These are artificial antioxidants that can affect the liver, causing depression, seizures and skin neuroses.
• Chemical preservatives are also not the best food for your cat.

What makes a good cat food?

• ascorbic acid;
• vitamins H, K, B3, I15, B5, B6, B2, B1;
• Calcium oxide, calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate (calcium);
• Calcium pantothenate (vitamin B5);
• chloride, choline chloride;
• cobalt, copper, copper carbonate, copper sulfite, iron sulfite, iron oxide, manganese, zinc;
• the presence of an amino acid such as taurine in the composition is also a good indicator and incentive to purchase food;
• natural antioxidants (vitamins E and C) will not harm your pet.

Comparison of types of cat food

Keep in mind that the price depends on the quality of the issue!

Budget food of economy class. You will immediately recognize them on the shelf because these foods are actively advertised, are the most widely available on the market and can be purchased in almost any supermarket. Economy class ratings include Whiskas, Kaytekat, Darling, Friskies, Oscar, Four Paws and others.

Economy class food contains many artificial additives (flavor enhancers, dyes and preservatives), but not much meat. It is intended to replace low-quality by-products and plant proteins. Such food will never be properly balanced, and the differences in the line are only in taste, but not in content. The nutritional capacity of economy class feed is 60-65%.

A higher level is premium class. They are also cheap and don't contain much meat. Of those presented in our stores , Royal Canin (Russia), Pro Nature, Nutra, Happy Cat , etc. belong to premium food.

They are supposed to have a little more meat than the previous class of products, and the by-products are better. In first class food products there is already a division according to purpose (cats are adult cats, and normal food has been found for wool production). Nutritional capacity - 70-75%.

The price of super-premium for cats is already significant for the family budget. These foods are practically not advertised, since it is believed that the reputation of Hills, Royal Canin (France), ProPlan, Nutra Nuggets, Orijen, Acana and other brands speaks for itself. Super premium food can be purchased exclusively in pet stores and veterinary stores.

They contain a lot of meat, little vegetable protein, and no artificial additives at all. It is absorbed by 85-95% and already takes into account the breeds of cats and cats.

And finally, the food is holistic, elite class (human), which can only be purchased upon prior request. Eagle Pack Holistic, Evo, Orijen, Felidae - all these are Michelin stars in your pet's bowl.

Elite food contains plant components expressed without treatment with harmful substances (n/a pesticides). Animal sources are raised without the use of hormones or antibiotics. By the way, if you want, you can also try this food together with your pet without injury.

Characteristics of the composition of dry cat food

Leave the myths about the uselessness of dry food in the past, because, in fact, the composition of wet, semi-wet and dry food is the same. The only difference is in proportions.

To understand this, let's imagine how the dry food production process works.

First, nutritionists develop a recipe. Its components are mixed using automatic machines, and this raw material is baked and pressed through sieves, determining the future shape of the dry food. Next comes the decorating process. This means that the dry food pieces are "pollinated" with fats and digestive products that make the dry product more palatable. These are the main processes for producing dry food.

Therefore, with a good dry food it will not be stated that the percentage of meat is too high. By law, the manufacturer indicates the proportion of the final product, and dried meat cannot account for more than 50%. Usually it is 35%.

If you do not find dry meat in the composition first of all, do not worry, its weight after drying determines the 4th, 5th and even 10th place in the composition.

The absence of dyes and flavors means that the food is not harmful to the cat.

In addition to the composition of cat food, it is worth looking at the daily feeding course. This food is more nutritious for the animal, the manufacturers of which have stated a low daily dose.

Characteristics of wet cat food

As we said before, the ingredients in dry and wet cat food are almost always the same, but what separates wet from dry cat food is the moisture! Canned food sometimes has a moisture content of up to 80% (dry food is 6%). This indicator is important for those who want to know exactly how much and what their cat will eat. To do this, knowing the percentage of moisture (you need to look at the label), you need to calculate the correct percentage of protein and fat. There, on the label, you can read part of the dry residue.

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.

What to look for when choosing and comparing

The analysis of cat food involves the consideration of several characteristics. The latter include :

• country of origin (here the leaders are traditionally considered Canada, USA, Germany, Great Britain, Denmark);
• consistency of food (dry or wet);
• ingredient composition (one of the most important factors when choosing and comparing);
• class (economy, premium, superpremium, elite).

It is difficult for the average person to understand the variety of food on the shelves of modern stores. Someone pays attention to the packaging, which is stupid, to say the least. Others take into account the brand (popular or not). However, it is easy to make a mistake here too.

The big name of the manufacturer is not a guarantee that the food is good. Some brands are simply widely advertised, but the quality leaves much to be desired. Other manufacturers are undeservedly on the margins, but at the same time they produce an excellent product.

It is difficult for the average person to navigate today's variety of products on store shelves and veterinary pharmacies. To objectively compare the composition of feed and other characteristics, he simply lacks knowledge. The information below, based on data from experts, will help solve this problem.

Rating of the best dry food

For comparison, we present the indicators of feeds of various classes.

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.

Comparison of feed by class

As noted above, there are budget cat foods, mid-level (premium class), high (super premium class) and elite - Human Grade (Holistic) class products. The table below discusses the features of each of them .

As can be seen from the comparison table, the best cat foods are elite ones. However, they are only available to a select few, and they cost a fortune. But the owner can calmly feast on this food together with his pet. Super premium products are also a great option.

True, it is not cheap, although the prices are an order of magnitude lower compared to the elite. You won’t find any advertisements for food of either category anywhere, since they don’t need it. The brands speak for themselves, and the clientele has long been packed.

Premium and economy classes are for those who do not have extra funds. If a pet owner falls into this category, he should still try not to give his cat the cheapest food. It would be better then to abandon the finished product altogether, and let the animal eat from the owner’s table. This will be much safer for the cat’s health.

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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

Composition is the most important factor when comparing

The composition is the first thing you need to pay attention to when choosing food. Ingredient comparison is the basis of all cat food reviews and analyses. A high-quality product must contain meat, since small predators need it very much.

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A good food consists of 35-50 percent of it . If it is indicated that the product contains 100% meat (that is, All), you should not grab a jar or bag to celebrate. Most likely, this is food from an unscrupulous manufacturer who is deceiving the buyer.

You should also be wary of the fact that the packaging simply says “meat.” Just which one exactly is not deciphered. There is a high probability that the food manufacturer is not lying in this way, but is not telling the truth either. After all, the word “meat” can mean anything – cartilage, cow skin, etc.

Cheap, low-grade food is full of such “goodness,” but the cat owner thinks that he is buying a real meat product for his pet. Therefore, you need to look for the decoding (chicken, beef, rabbit), and if it is there, take it.

When making a comparison of the composition of cat food, it is necessary to take into account how many other ingredients they contain. Ideally, the food should contain approximately 20 percent protein. Plant fiber (fiber), of which the product consists of a quarter, is good. If there is more of it, it’s bad.

Many people are put off by the word “offal” on labels. However, there is nothing wrong with that. The liver, heart, kidneys are very useful for the body of cats and people. It’s good if there are about 10 percent of them in the composition.

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When comparing cat food displayed on the store counter, you should pay attention to minerals and vitamins. Their presence is a big plus. In particular, we are talking about vitamins of group B, as well as C, E, I15, H, K. Of the minerals, the following are of particular benefit to the cat :

• calcium;
• chloride;
• copper;
• iron oxide;
• cobalt.

If they exist, the product wins the comparison. A mark on the label that says “tasteful” should alert a loving owner. It means that instead of real meat, the food contains only its taste, which is ensured by harmful additives. The cat will gladly swallow such a meal, attracted by the aroma, but this can negatively affect her health. The following substances have a bad effect on the body of fluffies :

• cellulose;
• sugar;
• preservatives;
• antioxidants E320, 321, 324;
• dye with the symbol H127 (it provokes cancer).

If you discover this, it is better to put the jar of food back on the counter. Compared to others, she clearly loses. No caring owner would poison an animal. Moreover, today there is plenty to choose from, and there are many alternative options.

When trying to decide on a purchase and comparing many foods, you should also pay attention to how much of the product the manufacturer recommends giving your cat per day. The lower this norm, the better the quality of the product.

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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

Review of the Orijen line for cats

Most Orijen products are intended for daily feeding of cats of all breeds and age groups. The exception is Orijen Fit & Trim, a reduced-calorie food designed for overweight adult cats. In Russia you can buy four types of Orijen cat food; food called Orijen Regional Red is not supplied to the Russian Federation.

Orijen cat food is available in the following packaging sizes: 340 g, 1.8 and 5.4 kg. Cat & Kitten food is also available in 17 kg packaging.

If you compare the compositions of some Orijen cat foods presented on the American and Russian markets, you can find some differences. For example, the content of meat products in Six Fish and Cat & Kitten food in the American version reaches 90%. This is due to the fact that feed produced at a Canadian factory is sold in the Russian Federation, and feed produced at a factory in the American state of Kentucky is sold in the USA. By 2021, the manufacturer promises to complete the construction of a new plant in Canada and supply Orijen feed with 90% animal raw materials to Russia.

On our website you can compare Orijen cat food with food from other manufacturers. To do this, simply move the cursor over the image of the food in its card and click on the “add to comparison” that appears, then click on the “deferred food” tab in the bottom panel. On the deferred food page, check the box next to the products whose compositions you want to compare.

If you found our analysis of Orijen cat food helpful, and if your pet has ever tried this food, please share your opinion with us below or in the food selection card. Reviews from veterinarians about Orijen food will be especially useful for our readers.

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

What does a cat need?

Before moving directly to the comparison, let's look at what a cat needs, what substances it needs to maintain the body and maintain health. It should be said that here animals are not much different from humans. They also need :

• Protein (meat, fish, eggs, milk). It gives the cat strength. Thanks to protein, animals are maintained in normal condition, their muscles grow and develop. If the food does not contain enough protein, the cat will be weak, inactive, and passive compared to those pets that do not experience such a deficiency.
• Fats (meat, animal and vegetable oils). Provides the body with energy. Also, thanks to them, the skin will be healthy, and the coat will be shiny, smooth and silky. It is important not to overdo it with fats. If too much of them enters the pet’s body along with food, the animal may develop obesity and a host of accompanying health problems.
• Carbohydrates are also responsible for vital energy . They are abundant in vegetables, fruits, and grains with a high fiber content, which is necessary for the normal functioning of the cat’s digestive tract. However, it cannot be overfed with them, as well as with fats, since pets have a shorter colon than that of the omnivorous class of animals. Cats are still carnivores; it is more difficult for them to digest plant foods.
• All living organisms need water – and cats are no exception . Even if your pet’s diet includes exclusively wet food, it is imperative to give her clean water in large quantities.

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When compiling food ratings, the amount of substances mentioned above must be taken into account. The balance of the diet, and therefore the health of the pet, depends on this. If there is little or, conversely, too much of something in the food, the cat will suffer.

She will develop problems such as gastrointestinal dysfunction, loss of strength, obesity, tooth and hair loss, eye diseases, etc. An animal that “sits” on low-quality food can always be recognized among other, happier cats. The comparison will be in their favor.

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:

1. BELCANDO.
2. dr. ALDERS.
3. HILLs PD k/d.
4. HAPPY DOG.
5. 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

1. Dry food is divided into 4 classes.
2. For dog nutrition, it is better to choose super-premium and holistic class.
3. Holistic food contains several meat ingredients and components that are suitable for humans.
4. When choosing, you need to take into account the expiration date and characteristics of a particular pet.
5. Many manufacturers have food lines for different ages and needs.
6. 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.