Dog food 1st Choice: reviews, composition analysis, price

Certified pet food is the pet's main source of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. It is important that it not only saturates, but also contains the daily intake of macro- and microelements, and also suits the individual characteristics of the pet, its breed and state of health. Therefore, every owner wants to be sure of the quality and safety of food for their dog. In this article you can find out where “1st choice” dog food is produced, what it contains, the pros and cons of the food line, and what you can replace it with. In addition, read the opinions of experts and ordinary consumers.

The history of the dog food manufacturer “1st choice”

This food was first marketed in 1990 thanks to PLB International in Canada.

Initially, a family from Quebec started a business producing and selling agricultural animal feed. Then they began to supply food for small domestic animals. Growing and expanding over the years, bringing in experts in the pet nutrition field, the family-owned business has become a leader in North America. The “1st choice” brand has become associated with premium cat and dog food.

In the international market, PLB International was also successful. In 2003, it received Canada's first food grade certification for dry pet food.

Now “1st choice” is the winner of many awards; the line of this brand is distributed in more than thirty countries around the world, including Russia. The representative of PLB International in our country is the Ivanko retail chain.

The history of 1st Choice for dogs

In 1990, sales of Canadian feed began (PLB International). Manufacturers gave joy to cats/dogs by dividing Fest Choice dry dog ​​food into 3 lines: for newborns, older ones, and very old people. The team received praise from specialists and gratitude from clients - it heals animals and instills a love for dry food.

Manufacturers emphasize: for dogs with allergies, Feist Choice (1st Choice) has no analogues in other countries, comes from Canada, and differs in the symbiosis of components that have a positive effect on the dog’s health.

First Choice dog food: composition overview

The absence of allergies to 1st Choice dog food is due to the absence of corn and wheat. The table reflects the components/absence of those influencing the body’s reaction and their influence:

The “gift” is the enrichment of the pet with vitamins from active components - perennial herbs, menthol, ginger and green tea, which calms the pet’s nervous system; added iron increases productivity.

What is included in the food

Taking care of your animal's nutrition is a company priority. A team of professionals - veterinarians, as well as nutritionists and biologists have developed a special balanced nutritional formula, including an optimal set of vitamins, macro- and microelements. A distinctive feature of the “1st choice” dry food line is:

• high content of natural meat as the main ingredient in each package;
• a good variety of flavors for each category of food: from chicken to lamb;
• the presence of minerals in each granule that helps normalize digestion. They provide healthy shiny coat and skin, allow you to control your pet’s weight;
• the composition contains practically no by-products from meat and bone meal, as well as allergens such as wheat, corn or soy;
• preservatives and flavorings made only from natural ingredients;
• the special form of dry food granules helps clean plaque from teeth;
• strengthening your pet's immune system.

The rating of 1st Choice Dog Adult Hypoallergenic food has increased slightly

The overall score for the First Choice Hypoallergenic diet is still awarded based on the first 5 ingredients. As you can see, due to the different spelling of the components, the rating of the 1st Choice Dog Adult Hypoallergenic food is now 2 points higher - 25 points instead of 23. The difference is completely insignificant, and we can assume that the composition of the product has also not changed. Of course, I would like the ingredients to be translated into Russian as accurately as possible, without artistic exaggeration, and also for the diet to include much more high-quality meat, but so far it’s almost 50% potatoes. The pros and cons of 1st Choice Dog Adult “Hypoallergenic” food remain the same, so we also recommend that you read the analysis of the same “First Choice” diet for dogs in the “Formula until 2018” tab.

How much food should you give per day?

The balanced composition allows your pet to eat only food, excluding various types of additives. The optimal amount of food is calculated depending on the individual characteristics of your dog.

This includes age, height and weight (in kg), health status, chronic diseases. For example, the larger the dog, the larger its portion will be. An older pet requires careful attention to its nutritional system. The diet of a pet during illness or after surgery must be discussed with a veterinarian.

Average recommendations for the daily amount of dry food can be found on the back of the product packaging.

Full range of “1st choice”

The company offers several lines of dry food, divided by age.

Puppies from two to twelve months

Newborn dogs require maximum care, especially regarding nutrition, because their digestion is not yet formed, and here it is very easy to cause harm if the food is chosen incorrectly. In the group of these products you can see food:

1st Choice Puppy for toy and small breeds

Small granule size. Composition based on fish or lamb meat. In addition, it contains proteins with hypoallergenic properties, so the food is suitable for short dogs suffering from food allergies. Herring fat has a beneficial effect on the development of the nervous system.

1st Choice Puppy for miniature and small breeds

It is based on chicken and plant ingredients such as potatoes, brown rice, beet pulp, and herbs, which provide a fresh smell from your mouth. A special type of granules helps the development of fragile teeth and ensures a smooth transition from breast milk.

1st Choice Puppy for medium and large breeds with chicken

Contains the optimal amount of nutrients, vitamins and minerals for the development of a fragile organism. Natural prebiotics, such as chicory extract, help maintain proper intestinal microflora, providing high immunity.

1st Choice Puppy for all dog breeds that suffer from sensitive skin and coat

The main ingredients are lamb, fish and brown rice - ideal for sensitive pets. The composition contains fatty acids and L-cystine, which make the coat shiny and shiny.

Adult dogs from ten months to eight years

1st Choice Adult for decorative and small breeds with chicken

The composition contains rice, oatmeal and pearl barley. Tocopherols (vitamin E) are used as preservatives. Sources of fiber (tomatoes and beets) help digestion.

1st Choice Adult for miniature and small breeds based on chicken

Includes plant substances such as rice, potatoes, barley, beet and tomato pulp. Green tea extract, as well as mint and parsley keep the mouth clean and freshen breath.

1st Choice Adult for medium and large breeds with chicken

It contains sunflower oil, flax seeds, as well as dried tomatoes and beets, which help normalize the functioning of the stomach. Special components (collagen, chondroitin, glucosamine) support healthy bones and joints.

1st Choice Adult for all dog breeds that suffer from sensitive skin and coat

The main component is lamb and herring flour. Ginger extract reduces the risk of eating disorders, reduces gas formation and eliminates the urge to vomit.

Dog food base "Fest Choice Hypoallergenic"

The British version of the label gives us an idea of ​​the proportions of the first two ingredients in the composition - it is known that this diet contains 46% dried potatoes (in the Canadian version it is called "dried potato product", an ingredient of a lower class) and 15% fresh duck (Fresh Duck ). However, it should be taken into account that the words “meat” added in the Russian translation (“fresh duck meat”) rather decorates the name of this ingredient: it does not necessarily consist purely of muscle tissue. The Canadian version adheres to a brief interpretation of “duck”, without any details.

The situation is the same with the third ingredient - Duck Meal, that is, duck flour. Please note that it was translated into Russian with the addition of the word “meat” (“duck meat flour”) - this is an advertising gimmick aimed at improving the impression of the ingredient.

Places No. 4 and No. 5 are still occupied by dried beet pulp and hydrolyzed fish meal.

Special food

1st Choice Adult for all breeds to control weight

The composition contains chicken, oatmeal, potato flour, and tomato pulp. The nutritional formula has reduced calorie content of granules for dogs with problematic weight and a sedentary lifestyle.

1st Choice Adult hypoallergenic

Contains potatoes and duck - a source of hypoallergenic proteins, without soy, corn and wheat. Sunflower oil and other vegetable fats make your dog's coat healthy and shiny. Yeast extract promotes the development of beneficial microflora in the intestines.

Senior pets from eight years old

Just like puppies, older dogs need a carefully selected diet.

1st Choice Senior for Miniatures and Small Breeds with Chicken

Small granules with plant ingredients: sweet potatoes, tomatoes, beets, flax seeds and sunflower oil. L-caratine promotes better absorption of fats and prevents their deposition.

1st Choice Senior for medium and large breeds

Consists of chicken meat, oatmeal and pearl barley, potato flour. Special components keep joints healthy for as long as possible. Natural antioxidants, vitamins C and E slow down the aging process and muscle degeneration, and reduce susceptibility to various diseases.

1st Choice Senior made with fish, lamb and brown rice for all dog breeds with sensitive skin and coat

Omega-3 in the composition. Ginger extract improves the functioning of the digestive system. Green tea, mint and parsley keep the mouth clean.

Feed range

Dry food is offered for dogs. The manufacturer does not provide wet canned food. Manufacturing formulas depend on many parameters. 1st Choice offers 13 different options:

Food for puppies. The cost per package of 2.72 kg ranges from 1,150 to 1,400 rubles. They are intended for babies from 2 months and are divided among themselves by breed. The special shape of the granules makes it easier to transition from milk to dry food:

• for decorative and small dogs (based on lamb and fish);
• for miniature and small pets (mini-pellets with chicken);
• for medium and large pets (large chicken pellets);
• for all dogs with problem skin and coat (with lamb, fish and rice).

Food for adults. Price for 2.72 kg – from 1,100 to 1,600 rubles. They are also divided by pet size, and diets for dogs with certain problems are also presented:

• for miniature and small pets from 10 months to 8 years (mini-pellets with chicken);
• for medium and large dogs from 1.5 to 6 years (large chicken pellets);
• for decorative and small dogs with problem skin and coat from 10 months to 8 years (with lamb and fish);
• for all dogs with sensitive skin and coat from 1 year to 7 years (with lamb, fish and rice);
• lightweight for any breed with weight problems from 1 year (with chicken);
• anti-allergenic for all dogs from 1 year (based on potatoes and duck).

Food for the elderly. The cost for a 2.72 kg package varies from 1,100 to 1,300 rubles. The distinction is made based on the size of the pets:

• for miniature and small pets over 8 years old (mini-pellets with chicken);
• for medium and large pets from 6 years and older (large chicken pellets);
• for all breeds with problem skin and coat from 8 years (with lamb, fish and rice).

1st Choice foods differ not only in age and size, but also in the special needs of pets:

• grain-free potato-based diet options for animals with severe allergic reactions;
• For healthy skin and coat, a separate line of food with a high content of Omega component has been developed;
• For overweight dogs, a lightweight food has been created, the calorie content of which is reduced compared to regular food. It is also suitable for low-active pets.

Each owner can choose the ideal type of food for their dog, taking into account not only its breed, but also individual problems.

Advantages and disadvantages of food

The Fest Choice brand has a number of advantages:

• good composition. Focusing on maintaining the health of pets, natural ingredients predominate in the developed formula. These are meat and plant matter. In addition, each granule contains a sufficient amount of micro- and trace elements that meet the daily intake;
• You can’t do without preservatives in dry food. “1st choice” uses natural preservatives - tocopherols (vitamin E);
• sufficient range of products. A variety of specialized foods will help you make the right choice in accordance with the characteristics of your dog;
• optimal price. The price corresponds to the quality of the product. At the same time, every dog ​​owner can afford such dry food.

However, along with this, there are some disadvantages to this product:

• a significant amount of plant components in the composition. They make up about a third of all substances;
• presence of by-products. There are very few of them, but they are still present;
• The taste set is quite monotonous. Basically it's chicken. Hypoallergenic formulations contain lamb and fish;
• Buying food of this brand will not be difficult on specialized sites. But finding it in retail stores may not be easy. It is often put on the counter in special pet stores, but more often you have to place an order.

Reviews from leading veterinarians

The overwhelming majority of specialized veterinarians speak positively about this brand of dry food. On thematic forums you can find the following statements:

Anastasia S.:

In my practice, there were cases when this food was not entirely suitable for the pet. There were eating disorders. But there are very few of them. In general, the composition of Fest Choice is good. You can try introducing it a little at a time with your usual food, increasing the volume and adjusting the proportions. And then watch the reaction.

Natalia T:

Good food, I like the composition. I often recommend it to my patients. It is, of course, not medicinal. It's very suitable for regular feeding.

Reviews from dog owners

Alexandra S:

I have a Yorkie, my name is Lola. From a young age she constantly had stomach problems. Well, regular cheap food definitely wasn’t suitable. Immediately something happened. Therefore, I carefully selected food for the baby. I decided to try Fest Choice and introduced it gradually. Everything went smoothly. Moreover, she constantly turned her nose up at other mass market brands. I even checked the naturalness of yoghurts with her. If she eats, then everything is fine)) And then Fest Choice began to eat well. And now only on it. So far there haven't been any serious problems.

Olga T.:

The store didn't have our food, I think I'll take this one and try it. Well, to be honest, I didn’t notice much of a difference. Although many people praise 1st choice. Jason seems to eat it the same way, although he doesn’t care what he eats, in my opinion. The packaging is beautiful, it smells nice, but I don’t think I’ll buy it regularly. More likely as a backup option.

Irina F.:

Initially, this food attracted me for some reason when I was choosing food for my puppy. Fest Choice came right away. I take it for miniature dogs. There are small light brown granules, they are just the right size for small breeds. Everything in the composition is beautifully written, but I even tried it myself once. I didn’t feel anything bad about the taste; it wasn’t a very greasy crisp, almost tasteless. I didn't get poisoned)

Contraindications

Manufacturers assure: the complex excludes components that negatively affect the health of the dog during pregnancy and illness, but if you are individually intolerant to the components (chicken, salt included in the composition), you should contact your veterinarian for a careful selection.

Reasons for choosing “1 Choice food for dogs with allergies”

• No restrictions - an extensive range of flavors, division by weight category, age of pets, special series for those losing weight and those suffering from an acute allergic reaction to any food;
• There are no “offal” found in the composition, there is real meat (protein), the real amount is indicated on the packaging;
• Chicken liver hydrolysate replaces the "breakfast attraction with a persistent chemical aroma";
• Has a positive effect on the functioning of the stomach due to minerals, prebiotics and natural composition;
• Hypoallergenic for the most capricious pets;
• “Travel” versions are available - 350 g;
• The price/quality ratio is good.

Flaws:

• Difficult to access in land-based stores, easily ordered online;
• The presence of salt in the composition, however, the pet’s body does not cause a negative reaction;

What do they think of 1 Choice?

Reviews make you want to buy dog ​​food - veterinarians/owners recommend it, talking about its “miraculousness.” The example shows 2 opinions - a specialist and a housewife:

“Clients are faced with a problem - their beloved pet refuses to eat pellets, and problems with the gastrointestinal tract occur. I recommend the hypoallergenic “Choice” - clients return with words of gratitude. Dogs measuring 70 kg lose weight up to 40 by eating ready-made food. Thanks to the reduction in fat levels, flavorings that affect the taste and smell of the product, but are not harmful to health (beets), vitamins and minerals, and the absence of cheap corn, dogs live longer and get rid of problems without suffering from a rash on the back, the promised formula can freshen breath . The complex is available for purchase and is worth the cost. Don’t torture the animal, don’t feed it rubbish.”

“After long struggles with analogues that changed the composition, we purchased food from the Canadian company 1 st choice.

The pet has been eating for a month and is completely satisfied - it smells natural, unlike chemical flavorings, the composition is decent - I was pleased with the amount of meat and minerals with vitamins.

There are no complaints about dry food. The dog is running happy)"

Cases of non-acceptance are understandable - the animal may not fully digest food, lose weight by eating it on both cheeks - the choice is agreed with a specialist, a ruler is selected, and the DOG'S DIMENSIONS are taken into account. The body of a small puppy cannot physically digest large granules for “large creatures”. A girl who switched from pellets for small breeds to pellets for large breeds (a dachshund dog) was surprised - the dog was losing weight and going to the toilet more. There were no doctor's recommendations to switch to the series for large breeds.

Overall First Choice rating (1 st Choice)

The diet of Fest Choice dog food excludes analogues in Russia, does not deceive the buyer with cheap corn, and attracts a decent amount of meat. Price for 20 kg. – 6,333 rubles, enough for several months, the dog will receive an incredible dose of minerals, components that fight approaching old age, and will strengthen blood vessels. The food differs from its competitors, remaining inexpensive, healthy, and hypoallergenic.

The main rule: running to the store if you find a rash on your puppy’s back is a bad idea, contact your veterinarian for advice. When purchasing food at random, do not complain about the quality - the difference between the subtypes of diet for size and age category matters!

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Briefly about the main thing

1. 1st choice dry dog ​​food belongs to the Canadian company PLB International.
2. A distinctive feature of this food is its completely natural composition of meat and plant ingredients. Flavorings and preservatives are also natural substances.
3. Fest Choice products are divided into groups depending on the age of the dog (newborns, adults and seniors). In addition, you can choose food depending on the breed of your pet, its size, such distinctive features as food or skin sensitivity, allergies, and the need to monitor weight.
4. Limited tastes are perfectly compensated by the presence of natural nutrients, vitamins, micro- and microelements in the composition of dry food.
5. Unfortunately, there are no analogues of this product in our country. However, it is difficult to find it in stock on store shelves. However, it is very easy to place an order on the website on the Internet.
6. But in any case, always follow your veterinarian's recommendations. Don't experiment with your pet's diet. The main thing is his health, not the brand.

Features of 1st Choice Dog Adult food: about additives

The package has a colored circular diagram telling about 3 positive features of the diet: their code names are Digeston, Dental, No Grain. Unusually, in the English ingredient list in the Canadian version of the label, some of the ingredients are highlighted in red, blue and yellow. Each of them corresponds in color to the above three features.

Thus, the manufacturer indicates that the Dried Potato Products ingredient is used in the food instead of grain, that Green Tea Extract, Dried Spearmint, Dried Parsley are included here for teeth, that is, green tea extract in combination with dried mint and dried parsley, as well as for digestive benefits - three extracts: yeast, chicory and ginger (Yeast Extract, Chicory Extract (inulin) and Ginger Extract). There are no links to research results confirming exactly how they work and how effective the specified substances in this food are.

It is interesting that the fact of preserving vegetable oil in a natural way is indicated only in the Canadian list of ingredients, and the composition marked GB and, accordingly, the Russian version of the label do not confirm this. But the Russian version, by analogy with the English-language composition of GB, contains additional explanations about why certain ingredients were added - for example, whole flaxseed as a source of Omega acids, chicory extract and yeast extract as sources of prebiotics.

True, we still found several differences in terms of additives - we do not see monocalcium phosphate and lecithin in the new list of components. Also in the text, details about additives that are sources of chondroprotectors are now presented differently - additional explanations have appeared: small shrimp and crab shells (a source of glucosamine), New Zealand green mussels (a source of GAGs) and sea cucumbers (a source of chondroitin). Dosages of glucosamine and chondroitin in food can be found in the Guaranteed Analysis and Supplements section.