Selection of Russian-made food for dogs and cats

The appearance of a puppy in the house is not only joy and tenderness, but also a great responsibility. The baby must be raised, vaccinated in a timely manner, and, of course, fed properly.

Nowadays industrial food for animals is gaining more and more popularity. Canned food and granules are easy to use and have a well-balanced composition for the full functioning of your pets.

Russian or foreign?

Today, the pet products market is constantly growing. Not only import companies, but also domestic dog food manufacturers offer their products. In Russia, this direction was formed about 25 years ago and continues to develop successfully. Brands are actively working to reach a large number of consumers and present canned food and granules from economy to super premium class to the attention of buyers. In the lines of Russian brands, it is no longer difficult to find a suitable product for both healthy animals and those with diseases.

Interest in domestic brands

Recently, many foreign brands are transferring the production of goods to Russia. And dog and cat food manufacturers are no exception.

Such popular brands as Royal Canin and Pro plan have long been making their products on our territory, rather than importing them from abroad. In this regard, some owners complain about the deterioration in the quality of food and are beginning to look for domestic analogues of industrial food. Attention to Russian goods is also dictated by a sharp jump in prices for foreign dry food and canned food. Therefore, owners are trying to find domestic dog food that is not inferior in quality, but is cheaper than the usual imported food. Manufacturers in Russia are trying to keep the bar and not lose to their Western competitors in this matter.

Gatchina Feed Mill

The company occupies a leading position among companies producing industrial food for our little brothers. The plant presents a wide range of products, including more than 1,200 types of canned food and dry dog ​​food. In Russia, manufacturers keep up with the times and offer customers products of different classes and price ranges. And the Gatchina plant is no exception. Both economy class and super premium food are presented here. The latter includes Stout, which is quite famous among owners.

The line has several types of ready-made food designed for different needs of dogs. For adult dogs, they produce 7 types of food with different flavors:

1. Depending on the size of the pet, there are kibble options for small, medium, large and giant breeds.
2. Hypoallergenic food is suitable for pets who are prone to this type of reaction.
3. For animals with stomach problems, food for dogs with sensitive digestion is suitable.
4. For dogs prone to weight gain, the manufacturer offers food with an optimal level of energy value, which also helps prevent obesity.

Although it belongs to the “super-premium” line, veterinarians still classify it as “premium”, since the composition cannot boast of the proper amount of meat.

Another equally popular product from Gatchina. The line is constantly growing and replenished with products designed for different needs of animals. In addition to standard granules with different flavors for dogs without health problems, puppies and older dogs, the manufacturer produces dry food designed for active pets and working breed dogs.

Independent evaluation of holistic products for dogs based on reviews and formulations

After all the necessary characteristics of the feed have been determined, choose a manufacturer. To do this, compare prices with the composition indicated on the label. Pay special attention to:

• the first five components in the list (their content is greatest). Ideally, the percentage of each of them and the method of obtaining should be written down.
• quality and quantity of protein sources. For predators, animal proteins are preferable to plant proteins. Therefore, the higher their content, the better. The sources are meat, fish, eggs. Raw and dehydrated fillets have an advantage over meat meal (may contain bones);
• a variety of sources of vitamins (the more there are, the more complete the animal’s diet receives). Therefore, the richer the composition, the higher the justified cost of the product.

Based on these and other parameters, a review of holistic dog food was conducted among the most popular manufacturers. They all comply with generally accepted standards, but not equally well.

The rating results are summarized in the table below. One point means “good”, two points means “ideal”.

Abba Holistic

Pros:

• up to 50% meat (fresh and processed).

Minuses:

• the inscription “vitamins and minerals” is not deciphered;
• composition insufficiently enriched for holistic purposes (considering the cost).

Acana

Pros:

• a complete breakdown of the composition with percentage indication of content and details of components;
• there is dried cartilage tissue, useful for joints;
• at least 20% vitamins of plant origin.

Minuses:

• high price.

Holistic Blend (Canada)

Pros:

• extruded meat (gentle processing);
• whole grain ingredients.

Minuses:

• inferior to analogues in terms of the number of components.

Brit (Czech Republic)

Pros:

• all protein indicated in the composition is of animal origin only (meat flour);
• sources of fat are chicken and fish oil. At the same time, they are preserved using a natural preservative (tocopherol);
• source of fiber is apple.

Minuses:

• instead of whole meat there is flour;
• It is not clear what natural flavors the manufacturer introduced.

Go! Fit+Free (Canada)

Pros:

• a diverse composition of animal protein sources (raw and dehydrated fillet, eggs);
• sources of fats of animal (salmon, poultry) and vegetable (flaxseed, coconut, sunflower) origin;
• carbohydrates in the form of rice, peas, lentils instead of cheap potatoes and corn.

Minuses:

• not detected.

Innova Evo Red Meat (USA)

Pros:

• several types of meat;
• carbohydrates and fiber come from vegetables (instead of potatoes) and fruits (instead of grains).

Minuses:

• salt detected (in minimal quantities).

Orijen Six Fish (Canada)

Pros:

• about 70% fish meat and flour of six types (pike perch, trout, whitefish, sockeye salmon, coho salmon, chinook salmon) and also salmon and herring flour;
• unique marine components.

Minuses:

• small assortment.

Grandorf

Pros:

• diverse composition of high-quality animal protein;
• source of carbohydrates - brown rice;
• Antarctic krill instead of corn (quality filler).

Minuses:

• The percentage of components is not indicated.

Monge (Italy)

Pros:

• meat content about 40%.

Minuses:

• corn gluten meal (vegetable protein), but not more than 2%.

Now Fresh

Pros:

• price.

Minuses:

• no percentage of components in the composition, low proportion of animal proteins;
• only vegetable sources of fats;
• high carbohydrate content (potatoes, peas, etc.).

Pronature Holistic

Pros:

• reasonable price and wide range;
• all components are within normal limits.

Minuses:

• not too high content of animal protein, not of the best quality (raw flour);
• insufficiently diverse composition of animal proteins;
• high volume of carbohydrates;
• useless components (cellulose powder).

Summit (Canada)

Pros:

• real high-quality meat in the composition;
• low cost.

Minuses:

• flour instead of whole ingredients (may include skin and bones);
• oatmeal, rice, barley - in second place in the list of ingredients.

"KlinVet"

No less famous among dog food manufacturers in Russia is KlinVet. The Willy Tail brand, represented by the company, offers canned food and dry food for man's four-legged friends. The line includes several products designed for both puppies and adults of small, medium and large breeds. Despite the fact that the food is an economical option, it does not contain chemical components, GMOs or flavors. However, consumers write in their reviews that canned food and granules are suitable only for healthy animals not prone to allergies. In addition to industrial food for dogs, the manufacturer also offers products for other pets.

Dyes and preservatives in food are a myth

There is an opinion among consumers that artificial colors are added to dry food. We managed to prove that this opinion is nothing more than another myth. In the food we tested, we did not find such artificial colors as tartrazine, ponceau, azorubine and charming red. Most likely, the food gets its color due to natural dyes.

Also, the studied food did not contain preservatives (sorbic and benzoic acids) and fat antioxidants (butyloxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene), which protect the food from oxidation and, accordingly, from spoilage. Thus, we have dispelled another common myth: manufacturers do not increase the shelf life of food using the listed preservatives and antioxidants. In addition, we did not find nitrites in the studied food (they could have come from plant materials), which negatively affect the dog’s body.

"Scythian"

The list of the best dog food manufacturers in Russia includes. A wide selection of premium dry food makes it possible to purchase ready-made food for kittens and adult dogs of various ages, activity and weight:

1. For puppies of small and large breeds, including universal food for all babies.
2. For adults, granules are suitable, designed, in addition to animals of different sizes, for allergy sufferers and dogs with a susceptible stomach.
3. For animals that are active and lead a measured lifestyle, the manufacturer offers food with a carefully adjusted balance of all important substances.

The granules are produced at a modern plant of the international holding Provimi, which allows us to talk about the quality of the product. It contains no soy, preservatives and other chemical elements, which minimizes the likelihood of allergies in pets.

For ready-made food, chicken and turkey meat are used, as well as grains and vegetables for proper digestion of the pet.

Briefly about the main thing

1. Holistic food is high-quality rational nutrition for dogs.
2. It is necessary to gradually transfer dogs to holistic nutrition, adding small portions to their usual diet.
3. This class of food contains only natural ingredients that promote longevity, active growth, and development of the pet.
4. Cereals, dyes, enhancers, and genetically modified products are excluded.
5. Protein base - meat of birds, wild animals, lambs. Source of fiber - vegetables, root vegetables. Fortification occurs due to the addition of plant extracts, berries, and medicinal herbs. Useful additives in the form of omega fatty acids, flax seeds, and vegetable oil allow you to achieve the ideal combination of components.

"RosPes"

"RosPes" specializes in treats, accessories and food for dogs. In the list of Russian manufacturers, this is perhaps the only company developing products designed only for dogs. The line includes ready-made food for any dog: from puppies to adults, including service dogs. Thanks to the variety of flavors and directions, you can choose granules for almost any pet that does not suffer from chronic diseases:

1. Several flavors are offered for dogs with digestive problems or food intolerances.
2. Puppies can be pampered with food tailored to their breed as well as universal nutrition.
3. The manufacturer has prepared granules for adult and elderly dogs taking into account their needs and age-related problems.

RosPes is constantly improving its product, trying to meet Western standards and customer expectations.

The best foods for small breed dogs

The diet of small breed dogs differs significantly from the food of large pets. This is due to the fact that they are more active and expend more energy per day, so they need food with a higher calorie content. They include natural protein, which is found in large quantities in chicken, turkey, lamb, salmon and cod. Fruits and berries support the immune system; easily digestible carbohydrates prevent the risk of developing allergic diseases.

GO! Daily Defense Lamb Dog Recipe

Rating: 4.9

Created for puppies and small dogs, the food included in the rating is enriched with nutrients necessary for their activity and health. It does not contain artificial additives, by-products, soy, gluten, or GMOs. Lamb fillet is a source of protein that meets the daily requirement of the animal.

The food is suitable for dogs suffering from food intolerance and allergic diseases. Alfalfa, apples, carrots, cranberries are natural antioxidants that reduce the possibility of diabetes.

Thanks to Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, the condition of the coat and skin improves. Prebiotics and probiotics control the functioning of the digestive system. According to reviews from owners, the dog becomes more mobile, and proper muscles are formed.

Advantages

• natural composition;
• high protein content;
• recommended for allergies;
• normalizes digestion.

Flaws

• not detected.

Should I choose domestic goods?

The issue of choosing food for a four-legged gourmet is quite complex. The huge selection of granules and canned food confuses even experienced owners. Experts also have different opinions on the issue of feeding pets. Many people still prefer to treat their clients with imported food, believing that it is of higher quality. But it is important to understand that most foreign brands have been manufacturing their products in Russia for a long time.

The best manufacturers of dog food, according to veterinarians and breeders, have changed not only their location, but also the composition and formulation of granules, which could not but affect their quality. This has already been repeatedly noticed by the owners of four-legged animals. By purchasing an expensive foreign package, the buyer, in fact, takes domestic food, but with a markup from the manufacturer. Therefore, more and more often, owners choose Russian-made food for their pets, since its quality has only been growing recently.