Dog food classes: comparisons and ratings

Which brand of wet dog food is best to choose?

To make it easier to decide which wet dog food to choose, experts recommend starting to look for a reliable manufacturer. And after that you can get acquainted with its products. Based on the recommendations of doctors and customer reviews, the following companies were included in the list of leaders:

• Cesar – this brand belongs to the American company Mars. She took her first step towards producing food for four-legged pets only in 1935. A good assortment with different types of diet is sold at affordable prices. The composition contains not only meat products, but also vegetables, healthy herbs, and vitamin supplements.
• GimDog is an offshoot of Gimborn, a major German company that has been developing and producing innovative dry and wet pet food for over 150 years. The products are respected in Europe, Russia, and more than 40 countries around the world.
• Royal Canin is an Austrian brand owned by Mars, which was mentioned above. The activity is aimed at the production and supply of nutritious food for pets. For more than 40 years, the brand has been a recognized leader in the market of organic food for cats and dogs.
• Grandorf is a Russian brand with production facilities located in Belgium and Italy. Dog food presented under this name has a 100% natural hypoallergenic composition with a high meat content and no fillers. An added bonus is live probiotics to maintain animal health.
• Pedigree is an international brand registered in the UK. Despite this, the production is American. Operating since 1934. It belongs to a budget brand of mass demand; it has production facilities in different countries, including Russia.
• Alder`s is a German company developing food for pets based on old recipes and innovative technologies. Naturalness and environmental friendliness are due to the absence of dyes, flavor enhancers, and preservatives. Balanced products are suitable for daily consumption.
• Ava is a company from the Netherlands that has been developing and producing premium quality dog ​​food for over 30 years. The composition is completely natural, supplemented with vitamins for the full growth and development of the animal. The range offers products for small, medium and large dogs. European quality, up to 70% natural meat, naturalness - these are real guarantees of the manufacturer.
• Gemon is a trademark owned by the Italian company Monge, which has been operating since 1963. In the product line you can see those that help with the development and growth of puppies, teenagers, and large sporting dogs. All of them are prepared from high-quality natural products, rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins.
• Trainer is a trademark of the Italian company Nova Foods srl. The range is presented in the form of a line of complete food for cats and dogs based on the principles of holistic nutrition. All products are hypoallergenic, they are suitable for pets with a predisposition to allergies, gluten intolerance, and gastrointestinal problems.

What does “holistic food” mean?

Holistic food has become popular among dog owners over the last decade. Descriptions on manufacturers' websites and online stores claim that these diets are the best food for pets. So why are holistic brands superior to super-premium and premium brands?

The term holistic is translated as “whole.”

The creation of such food is based on a medical concept, which implies that the treatment and prevention of diseases requires an integrated approach that takes into account all aspects of life: physical, psychological, social, etc.

In the holistic industry, this concept has been transformed into the creation of high-quality diets that meet the biological needs of dogs. And their composition is as close as possible to the natural diet of the wild ancestors of dogs - wolves.

The only negative, perhaps, is the high price. But there are also relatively inexpensive options, at a price corresponding to the super-premium segment.

Any food in this class meets key requirements:

• a harmonious combination of all ingredients, which has a positive effect on the health and well-being of the pet;
• use of products of the “Humangrade” category - grown in natural conditions without chemical fertilizers and growth hormones, and also suitable for human nutrition;
• high content of quality meat (50–90%) - only fillets and tenderloins are used, without animal waste (hides, horns, hooves, etc.);
• low percentage of plant components, and high-quality ones: chickpeas, peas, oats, sweet potatoes, fruits, vegetables, berries;
• lack of plant products containing the allergenic protein gluten: wheat, corn;
• using only natural preservatives: vitamin E, broths, fats;
• absence of chemical additives: flavors, dyes, taste enhancers, etc.

However, not all diets labeled “holistic” are produced with these requirements in mind.

We analyzed the composition, reviews of veterinarians, users and prepared a list of the best holistic foods with prices. Only those brands that fully comply with the above conditions participate in the rating.

Rating of wet dog food

Due to the wide variety of brands and manufacturers, it can be difficult to decide which one is the healthiest and highest quality. The most important expert who can recommend wet food for dogs is reviews from veterinarians. In addition, the important selection criteria by which the rating was compiled will help, namely:

• Class – economy, premium and superpremium, holistic;
• Ingredients - percentage of meat, grains, vegetables, other components;
• Type – everyday, specialized, therapeutic;
• Dog age – junior, teenager, middle or aging;
• Dog size – small, medium, large breed;
• Physical activity – Active/Energy, Normal/Standart, Light.

Not the least indicator of the manufacturer’s reliability was the feedback from dog owners. Places among the nominees were distributed based on the level of popularity and demand. Experts relied on the ratio of price and quality, since the choice of many is influenced by price and budget, which means that low-cost offers are considered primarily.

Husse

The manufacturer provides dogs with nutritious wet food, which is sold in different sizes of bags. Here you can easily find wet food for dogs of different ages and breeds. The assortment includes tender pate, pieces of meat in jelly, which do not contain GMOs and various chemicals. The food contains plant extracts, echinacea and ginseng, which increase the immunity and stress resistance of pets.

Pros:

1. Wide selection of varied soft food;
2. High nutritional value;
3. Contains plant extracts;
4. Suitable for animals with diabetes and other diseases;
5. Affordable prices;
6. Different bag sizes.

Best wet food for small breed dogs

When creating a balanced dog diet, experts primarily rely on the breed and size of the animal. This helps to assess the need for certain substances for the normal functioning of the body. It is important that the food does not lead to excess weight gain and an excess of vitamins, but at the same time there are enough resources for its own heating and activity. The rating of wet food for small breed dogs was compiled taking into account the popularity and degree of trust of buyers, their reviews, as well as the recommendations of leading veterinarians.

Cesar

Among the huge selection of diets for different dogs, experts recommend giving small breeds Cesar wet food lamb with vegetables. Your favorite dish will be the most tender young lamb without meat substitutes, as well as a healthy and light vegetable supplement. Before launching it, the manufacturer found the right formula to suit the physical needs of small dogs. The composition contains all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals that allow the animal to be healthy and active. There are other options to choose from - with rabbit, beef, chicken, veal, various vegetables and sauces.

Advantages

• Generally available in most stores;
• Good appearance;
• Premium quality;
• Large selection of flavors and compositions;
• Attractive to dogs.

Flaws

• There are no details about the full lineup;
• The recipe does not take into account the natural, age-related characteristics of the dog.

Caesar is sold in 100g bags. Some buyers value premium quality, varied composition, and many flavors to choose from. Others note a lack of information from the seller regarding other components. But one thing is for sure, there are no flavor enhancers or preservatives, this is a manufacturer’s guarantee.

The best dry dog ​​foods

GimDog Pure Delight

Another premium wet dog food from the small breed category. It comes in a tin can with a convenient opening method, as is the case with conventional canned food. But in this case we are talking about a delicacy consisting of high-quality chicken, tuna, and beef. It contains no flavors, colors, preservatives or GMOs. High-tech formulations were involved in their development. They allowed the components to retain their beneficial properties, vitamins and minerals as much as possible.

Advantages

• High meat content;
• Diverse composition;
• High percentage of proteins;
• No harmful additives;
• Suitable for sensitive, demanding dogs.

Flaws

• Small packaging;
• Price.

After opening the jar, a pleasant aroma is felt that evokes appetite. The manufacturer indicates all the important information - the percentage of meat, protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, minerals, etc. Depending on the weight, it is recommended to give your pet 1 to 3 cans per day. Pure Delight belongs to the super premium category, which is why it does not fit every budget.

Royal Canin Mini Adult

Royal Canin wet dog food for small breeds is presented in the form of a product with the self-explanatory name Mini Adult. It can be given to your pet at the age of 10 months to 8 years, and the weight should not exceed 10 kg. The food helps maintain proper weight and contains vitamins and minerals for the normal functioning of vital organs. It has an appetizing aroma and excellent taste due to its balanced composition and oily consistency. The small cross-shaped granules are easy to grasp with small teeth. There is everything for a silky shiny coat, healthy teeth, strong bones.

Advantages

• Rich balanced composition;
• Good nutrient tolerance;
• Disease prevention;
• Attractive smell, taste;
• No questionable additives;
• Premium quality.

Flaws

• Frequent cases of crafts;
• Price.

There are many positive reviews about this product, most often the praise concerns the composition, taste and convenient shape of the granules for a certain type of jaw of small breeds. Despite the small portion, a dog weighing up to 10 kg will be satisfied with it. But you have to pay for quality, and the price is one of the reasons for rare negative reviews.

Best wet food for medium breed dogs

Due to the fact that the needs of dogs of different sizes and breeds are different, manufacturers offer a separate line of wet food for dogs of medium breeds. The composition contains a precisely calculated ratio of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals to maintain vital activity and health without the risk of exhaustion or overeating. They will tell you which wet food for medium-sized dogs is better, expert assessments, reviews, pros and cons of the presented nominees.

Grandorf Veal for adult dogs

An excellent solution for such pets would be food from the Belgian manufacturer Grandorf, in particular Veal for adult dogs. And although it is more expensive than big brands like Pro Plan or Royal Canin, it is fully justified by the super premium quality. The product slogan is “Meat and nothing extra.” This product belongs to the Holistic diet category with a hypoallergenic composition without GMOs, soy, dyes, preservatives, salt and sugar. Veal is low-fat, easily digestible, lean, which is suitable for animals with a sensitive digestive system. In addition to meat, there are vitamins, amino acids, and minerals.

Advantages

• Hypoallergenic composition;
• 100% natural formula;
• Complex of vitamins;
• Holistic class nutrition;
• Excellent aroma and taste;
• Maximum amount of nutrients.

Flaws

• Price.

Experts note an increased meat content of up to 80%; this primarily sets Grandorf wet dog food apart from other nominees. Most often, such expensive, but high-quality and healthy food is purchased for dogs with a sensitive gastrointestinal tract and a tendency to allergies. The only reason for negative ratings is the price, it is higher than that of competitor brands.

Pedigree for healthy skin and coat

A good portion of meat for a medium breed dog in the form of wet food. The main ingredient in the composition is meat and offal of rabbit and turkey. They are supplemented with healthy cereals, mineral components, beet pulp, vegetable oils, and a vitamin set. Maximum benefit for the skin and coat due to substances such as zinc, tocopherol, calcium, linoleic acid. The minimum daily dose is 3 packs, the maximum is 10 pieces, depending on weight.

Advantages

• Shiny silky coat;
• Calcium for strong bones;
• Maintaining the immune system;
• High digestibility of ingredients;
• Maintaining normal digestion.

Flaws

• Small packaging volume;
• Dog addiction, refusal of other food.

The most common brand, Pedigree, has the maximum number of reviews. Positive ones emphasize good composition, useful additives for the pet’s health, and value for money. In negative reviews about wet dog food, Pedigree complains about the insufficient volume of one serving, which is why they have to buy several. Some dog owners note that with constant feeding of Pedigree, the animals refuse another diet, that is, they get used to it.

Dr. Alder`s beef minced meat

Such a balanced diet is distinguished not only by its excellent taste, but also by its healthy formula. Meat products here contain 80%, these are minced beef and offal. They are supplemented with valuable mineral salts and substances, fats, and vitamins. Can be used as a supplement to the diet or main food. No synthetic substances, preservatives or GMOs were found in the composition. The daily dose should be selected taking into account the weight, size, activity and physical condition of the dog.

Advantages

• Complete balanced formula;
• No age restrictions;
• Large percentage of meat;
• No harmful substances;
• Pleasant aroma and taste.

Flaws

• Insufficient variety of tastes and compositions;
• Small portion.

The manufacturing company is trusted in many countries of the world, including Russia. This is confirmed by numerous positive reviews from dog owners. Dr. Alder`s is suitable for different breeds, but the dosage of one package is often not enough. And this increases the cost of purchases. Some note a small selection of ingredients and flavors, which is why picky pets will quickly get bored with beef.

Best wet food for large breed dogs

The healthiest food for a large dog will be natural, nutritious, and convenient. Most often it is produced in wet form, packaged in a tin can or plastic container. Manufacturers have calculated everything so that one serving is sufficient for a large breed. Approximately 53-60 kcal is needed per kg of weight; each package contains this information. Based on the percentage of positive reviews and recommendations from veterinarians, the best products for large breeds were selected.

Ava Premium Adult Beef, Lamb and Blueberry

This manufacturer offers canned food of super premium quality, and the canned food in question is intended for large dogs. The composition is well balanced to maintain the activity, health, and youth of the animal. Leading nutritionists and veterinarians were involved in the development of the formula. In addition to meat ingredients, you can see here amino acids to prevent obesity, chondroitin to strengthen joints, fiber for the gastrointestinal tract, fatty acids for the skin, wool, heart, and choline for the liver. 30% lamb, 35% beef, broth, blueberries, vegetable oil and minerals.

Advantages

• Real animal protein;
• Valuable supplements;
• Treats to improve taste;
• Grain-free composition;
• Protein of animal origin.

Flaws

• The antioxidant components in the composition are not specified;
• Low prevalence.

Many buyers are captivated by Dutch production and trust in European quality. So far, the range with this name is little known on the Russian market. A good indicator of quality is the composition, testing by veterinarians and nutritionists. The disadvantages include incomplete information about the composition.

Gemon Pieces with beef and rice

Complete food that allows you to satisfy your dog's one-time food needs. The main ingredients are beef and rice, 45% are meat components, 4.2% cereals, you can also see eggs and minerals in the recipe. Intended for adult pets aged 1-8 years. Italian quality guarantees gluten-free. For a weight of 30-80 kg, the manufacturer recommends 1800-3700 g of product per day, divided into several doses.

Advantages

• The price is 15-20% lower than other premium canned goods;
• Suitable diet for dogs that are aged, pregnant or ill;
• Maintaining the condition of fur and skin;
• No preservatives, dyes;
• Delivery from Italy with strict quality checks;
• Substances included to support immunity.

Flaws

• Contents of cereal crops;
• Insufficient information about the composition.

The Gemon company is still little known on the Russian market; its products are not so easy to find in stock. But the demand for it is good, since Italian production with strict quality control is trustworthy. Weaknesses are the presence of cereals, which are not always indicated in the composition, which means insufficient information about the product.

Trainer Fitness3 No Gluten Adult Medium&Maxi Duck and rice canned

The new line of products from Trainer - Fitness3 originates from the promotion of the philosophy of holistic nutrition and its benefits. This means that all products with this name will not contain anything unnecessary except for 3 sources of health and strength for the dog - animal proteins, digestible vegetable fats (linoleic acid), and carbohydrates. Monoprotein nutrition guarantees the animal’s well-being. In the composition you can see freeze-dried duck meat with rice, corn oil.

Advantages

• Hypoallergenic;
• Real meat in sufficient doses;
• Holistic diet;
• Good digestibility of components;
• Prevention of excess weight;
• Complete exclusion of gluten;
• Wide range of flavors and compositions.

Flaws

• Not sold in all pet stores;
• Some options don't contain enough meat.

Veterinarians recommend any product called Trainer Fitness3 for dogs with a sensitive digestive system, as well as those prone to allergies. The food has received the maximum number of positive reviews, despite the fact that it is not always in stock and is sold more online.

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Which wet dog food is best to buy?

The presented nominees have a lot of distinctive features, advantages, and are also similar in composition, quality and beneficial properties. Therefore, choosing the best wet dog food among them will be difficult. You should rely on the reputation of the manufacturer, the breed and physical condition of the pet, as well as price, quality, and composition. From a comparative analysis of positions in the ranking, the following conclusions can be drawn:

• The widest range of flavors and compositions – Cesar;
• High-quality medicinal canned food – Royal Canin Mini Adult;
• Diet for sensitive dogs – Trainer Fitness3 No Gluten Adult Medium&Maxi Duck and rice canned;
• An excellent product for regular feeding - Dr. Alder`s beef minced meat;
• The most delicious quality delicacy is Ava Premium Adult Beef, Lamb and Blueberry.

Any of the presented canned food significantly saves dog owners time. Recipes and formulas found by experienced specialists will help maintain good activity, health, appearance of the animal, and most importantly, its weight. The choice of what is best to buy is made based on subjective assessments and characteristics of the pet.

Rating of premium dog food

Let's start with the rating of premium food, since they are the most popular. But not because they are of the highest quality, but because they are relatively inexpensive and have a not frankly bad composition.

Top 10 rating of premium dog food:

1. Profine (Czech)
2. Monge (Italian)
3. Crockex Wellness (Italian)
4. Brit Premium by Nature (Czech)
5. Optimeal (Ukrainian)
6. Frank's ProGold (Dutch)
7. Kennels Favorite (Dutch)
8. Club 4 Paws (Ukrainian)
9. Blitz (Russian)
10. Karmy (Russian);

Only those premium foods that have already been reviewed by the PetObzor website took part in the formation of this rating. For a complete list of premium dog foods, follow the link.

The main criterion in compiling the rating was the composition of the feed, but price and other factors were also taken into account. Please note that this rating is a subjective opinion from the PetObzor website and therefore cannot be 100% reliable.