What is the best dog food in 2022 - 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.

Brit Fresh Puppy Large Breed Growth & Joints

The line of the Czech company VAFO PRAHA includes the Brit Fresh series: food made from fresh products grown on farms. One of them is for large breed puppies with beef.

The composition of Brit Fresh Puppy Large Breed Growth & Joints is carefully thought out:

The basis of the menu is beef (65%). The remaining animal components are auxiliary: chicken fat (a source of Omega-6), salmon oil (contains Omega-3), and chicken liver is added to improve taste and aroma.

Plant components are represented by pumpkin, buckwheat, oats, flax, beets and apples. They are useful: improve digestion and strengthen the immune system.

Brit Fresh also contains many dietary supplements that promote the proper development of puppies and juniors: brewer's yeast, collagen, probiotics, mussel extract, chondroitin, oligosaccharides.

The owners praise “Brit”: when fed with this diet, the puppies’ bones develop well, their activity increases, and the appearance of their coat improves. However, when switching to food, flatulence often occurs, which usually goes away after a couple of weeks.

Pros:

• high meat content - from 65%;
• There are no low-quality ingredients: everything is grown on local farms and delivered fresh;
• no allergenic products: wheat, corn, chicken, eggs, etc.;
• convenient packaging: with handle and zip lock;
• optimal sized granules.

Minuses:

• Not all products have a specified percentage;
• It’s better to buy food in pet stores or from suppliers: when ordering through Russian online markets, spoiled batches often arrive.

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.

Farmina Vet Life Canine Neutered +10KG

Farmina food is produced by the Italian company Farmina Pet Foods. The company has a series of medicinal foods Vet Life Natural Diet. They are developed by veterinary nutritionists. One of them is for sterilized dogs weighing over 10 kg.

Farmina Neutered is designed to reduce weight and the risk of urolithiasis in neutered dogs. It has a balanced composition that meets the needs of medium and large breeds:

According to my observations, the Farmina treatment series really works. Not only the appearance of the animal improves. Weight also decreases, urine and blood counts normalize.

However, the composition is not ideal. Eating corn: a cheap filler that often leads to food allergies. Plus, the menu is not suitable for pets with chicken intolerance.

Most reviews are positive. Owners note improvement in stool, eye and coat condition, and weight loss. However, some animals refuse to eat Farmina Vet Life Canine Neutered.

Pros:

• suitable for allergy sufferers on an exclusion diet;
• most of the plant ingredients are high-quality: oats, beets, pea fiber, flax;
• excellent dietary supplement;
• there are the necessary substances to strengthen bones and joints: chondroitin and glucosamine;
• improves pets' health.

Minuses:

• the percentage of ingredients is not indicated;
• eat corn;
• there is no fastener on the package;
• not always sold in stores;
• inconvenient size of granules for giant breeds (about 1 cm): large dogs swallow them without chewing them.

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.

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

Now Fresh Senior and Weight Management Dog Large Breed Recipe

Now Fresh is another food for older dogs. Manufactured in Canada by Petcurean Pet Nutrition. Unlike Barking Heads, it belongs to the holistic class.

The trick of “Nau Fresh” is the use of only fresh meat and fish. The diet was developed by veterinary nutritionists. And, perhaps, no other food contains so many useful additives, extracts, oils and medicinal herbs:

The base is turkey. It is complemented by eggs, salmon, and duck. Sources of fiber include potatoes, peas, flax, tapioca, fruits, vegetables and berries. It is impossible to establish the ratio of animal and plant ingredients: the manufacturer does not indicate the percentage.

Also, when analyzing the composition, we find split names: when the same product is hidden under different designations. So, “potatoes”, “potato flour” and “sweet potatoes” are still potatoes, no matter how you look at them. The same applies to “peas” and “pea fiber.” Another minus is the presence of tapioca. This is cassava root starch: a cheap ingredient that is high in carbohydrates.

Now Fresh Senior and Weight Management is amazed by the abundance of dietary supplements. They help strengthen the health and immunity of an elderly pet, improve the functioning of the heart and joints. And, according to user reviews, they increase dogs’ activity and improve their well-being. Plus, the owners claim that even breeds prone to allergies tolerate the diet well.

Advantages:

• rich composition;
• no corn or wheat;
• fresh meat and boneless fish were used;
• convenient granule size;
• good clasp on the pack.

Flaws:

• the percentage of components is not indicated;
• abundance of starch: found in potatoes and tapioca;
• lots of plant foods;
• Due to the variety of animal ingredients, it is not suitable for an elimination diet.

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

Ontario Adult Dog Large Breed Lamb & Rice

"Ontario" is produced by the Czech company Placek Pet Products Ltd., but the diet was developed by Canadian veterinarians and nutritionists.

Ontario Adult Dog Large Breed has a typical super-premium composition:

Over 30% is occupied by meat products: lamb, turkey, chicken and fish fat. But most of it is reserved for plant components: rice, peas, fruits and vegetables. I am glad that there are no cheap ballast substances: corn, wheat, etc.

The disadvantage of the composition is the split of names. “Rice” and “rice bran” are listed separately. This is to put lamb first on the list. If you do the math, the cereal content exceeds the amount of the animal component: 32% versus 23%.

Ontario has many useful additives. In addition to medicinal herbs and extracts, it contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which are vital for strengthening joints in large and giant dogs. There are also herbal components that improve digestion (thyme, fennel, yucca) and the condition of the coat (brewer's yeast, fish oil).

The owners indicate that the transition to Ontario Adult Dog is easy: there was no digestive upset, decreased activity, or changes in stool. Most pets feel great on the Czech diet, but some have allergies. Moreover, due to 4 different meat products, it is difficult to determine exactly which one caused the intolerance.

Pros:

• good dietary supplement;
• low price;
• nice smell;
• no harmful dyes or preservatives;
• convenient clasp.

Minuses:

• few meat ingredients;
• not suitable for an exclusion diet;
• the contents of the components are not clearly stated;
• low nutritional value for active and working dogs: you need to increase the amount of food or give additional products;
• Allergies are possible.

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

Alleva Holistic Puppy Mini Chicken & Duck

The line of the French company Diusa Pet has an excellent “drying” for puppies of small breeds. Due to its high nutritional value, digestibility and hypoallergenicity, it is suitable for pregnant and lactating dogs.

Alleva Holistic Chicken and Duck Chowder is made from high quality ingredients grown in Northern Europe, Italy and France. Brand features:

• steam processing of raw materials, which preserves maximum nutrients;
• use of natural preservatives: tocopherol or vitamin E;
• inclusion of a complex of phytonutrients: medicinal herbs and flowers, natural supplements.

Alleva’s recipe is excellent:

The first three places on the list are occupied by protein sources: fresh and dried chicken and duck meat. Their total amount in granules is 75%. Considering that there are other similar components (liver, fish and chicken fat), the content of animal ingredients exceeds 80%.

Sweet potato (in our opinion - potato) and pea starch were used as a source of carbohydrates. They are not the best choice due to their high glycemic index. But the ingredients are often used in the manufacture of ready-made diets for dogs. Moreover, there are few of them in Alleva. Sources of fiber are herbs and pea fiber.

I often recommend Alleva Puppy Mini for puppies and juniors prone to problems with the musculoskeletal system: dachshunds, French bulldogs, etc. Due to the presence of cartilage and potassium, it can be used as a preventive measure for pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.

The owners note that even capricious dogs eat the food with pleasure. The granules are small and suitable for dwarf breeds. Also on Alleva, food allergies go away, stool normalizes, and coat quality improves.

Pros:

• over 80% meat components;
• no cheap plant ingredients: corn, soy, wheat;
• powerful phytocomplex and vitamin-mineral supplement;
• versatility: suitable for pregnant, lactating and growing dogs.

Minuses:

• presence of potato and pea starch;
• Not all herbal ingredients have percentages listed.

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.

Review results

Small dogs are prone to digestive problems, allergies, obesity and, as a result, cardiovascular diseases. High-quality feed plays an important role in the prevention of these pathologies. It is better to immediately choose a good one from a class of holistic specialists than to spend tens of thousands of rubles on treatment in a few months or a couple of years. In addition, “miniks” eat little, so feeding them won’t put a dent in your pocket.

For daily nutrition of healthy animals, I recommend the following diets:

• Alleva Holistic Puppy Mini Chicken & Duck;
• Primordial Adult Dog Mini Holistic;
• Grandorf Adult Mini 4 Meat & Brown Rice.

Some good dietary foods are:

• Piccolo Light / Senior recipe;
• Brit Care Adult Dog Mini Light & Sterilized.

If your budget is limited , take a look at Farmina Vet Life Neutered and Ava Senior Dog Small Breed. They are not much inferior to expensive analogues, and cost 1.5 times less.

The main advice on which small breed dog food is best is the condition of your pet. If your pet eats granules with pleasure, feels great, is active and does not show allergies, stay on the chosen diet. Changing a proven brand to another, even a better one in composition, is not always a good decision. This should only be done when necessary or directed by a veterinarian.

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.

FAQ

Why did my dog ​​lose his appetite?

This may be due to an excess of calories during the day, a violation of the diet; if symptoms appear for more than a day, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian.

The dog just ate, but remained hungry?

Most likely, your pet is constantly lacking calories during the day, and because of this, he asks for supplements. Reconsider the choice of food; it may be low in carbohydrates, which is still an important component of the dog’s energy needs.

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.

Basic principles of feeding

By following the basic rules for feeding your pet, you will eliminate the possibility of your friend getting sick.

Dogs often like to eat when they are already full and can overeat their daily caloric intake per meal, so it is important to maintain the standard daily portion at different times of the year. We will find out the standard weight norm for your dog breed, how many calories are needed per day and put it on a diet.

Dogs do not smell food well, focusing primarily on smell, so an important criterion when choosing premium food is aromatic additives, for example, natural chicken liver in many products, which is indispensable for your pet to eat the day’s food with appetite.

The digestion of food in dogs is much faster than in humans, and therefore, in order to keep your pet full and healthy, it is better to feed it in small portions 3-4 times a day.

Dogs' stomachs are not able to fully digest some foods in order to obtain the necessary benefits of vitamins, and therefore manufacturers often include a complex of minerals for joint health, coat preservation, etc.