Best and worst dog food brands – which ones? (2023)

With hundreds of options, from dry and wet to raw dog food, it can be difficult to figure out which one is best for your pet.

Our unique survey insights reveal which dog food brands are loved by which dog food brands? Membership that provides the best value for money and a warm response from your canine companion.

We also asked our vets for advice on choosing the right feed and how much to feed.

See how brands like itBurns,HarringtonandRoyal KennelRated by customers with options from supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl.

Which brand of dog food is best for my dog?

Any dog ​​food produced commercially in the UK is eligibleBritish pet foodThe British Veterinary Association (BVA) said the guidelines would cover the complete nutritional needs of pets.

The UK Pet Food Association said: "The law states that all 'complete' pet foods must contain all the nutrients that pets need for healthy body function, in the correct proportions."

So as long as you buy completely commercial pet food, your dog should be getting all the nutrients they need and you won't need to supplement with anything else.

But the BVA adds, "Each pet has its own needs, so the diet should be adapted to the pet's lifestyle, age, breed and any health conditions." We recommend that people talk to their vet when getting a new pet. "

Which one is highlighted in our results below? Members' favorite brands from best to worst (ranked by overall customer rating). We also asked them to rate the value for money, the quality of the ingredients and how their dogs reacted to the food.

Best dog food brands reviewed by customers

We examined 3,122 Which? Members discover the tastiest dog food you can buy.

One company had an impressive customer satisfaction rating of 85 percent, while two lagged behind at less than 60 percent.

Find out which four brands received the highest scores, the top picks, and the four brands with the lowest overall scores. You can learn more about each brand and view their collections via the links below.

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Dog Food Brand Customer Satisfaction Survey Ratings

cheapest dog food

Different package sizes and different recommended serving sizes make it difficult to calculate the true monthly cost of your dog food.

We compared the monthly costs of three of the most popular options, as well as the brands that scored best and worst in our survey.

Costs are based on a simple dry food diet for an average medium sized dog (10-25kg) such as a French Bulldog.

Medium dogs: monthly food expenses

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• New dog owner? look at oursThe guide to the best and worst pet insurance
• Also a cat owner? look at oursBest and worst cat food guide

How to choose the best dog food

Choosing the right food can make a big difference to your pet's health and well-being, but figuring out what's best for your pet can be difficult.

Signs that your pet is eating a nutritious diet include clear and bright eyes, a shiny coat that is free of dander, cheerfulness and no excess body fat – you should be able to feel their ribs and see their waist.

What is healthier, dry or wet dog food?

There is some debate as to whether one is better than the other. The BVA said: "There is not enough evidence to recommend either option; there are benefits to both. Vets will be able to recommend the most suitable diet.

You can feed your animal wet or dry food or a mixture of both.

Dry food is usually the most economical and easiest to feed and store. Owners who feed wet food should monitor their pet's teeth as this can predispose them to dental disease.

Whether your choice of food is grain-free, raw, hypoallergenic or simply home cooked, commercial grade dog food that meets UK Pet Food Guidelines is nutritionally sound.

Some pets have specific nutritional needs based on clinical findings and should be fed a diet tailored to their needs under the supervision of a veterinarian.

The most suitable diet should be easy to digest and produce dark brown, hard, formed stools.

Here's what animal charity PDSA advises you to look for and what to avoid when choosing dog food.

what to look for

• Something appropriate for your dog's age (eg puppy, adult, senior)
• Commercial dog food labeled "whole"
• Affiliated manufacturer of UK pet food

avoid

• Table scraps and human food, as they can contribute to an unbalanced diet for dogs
• Give your dog bones as they can cause blockages and injure them

Should I feed my dog ​​raw dog food?

Raw food diets for dogs are becoming increasingly popular. One in six members told us they feed their dogs raw food. Of these, nearly four in 10 said they would never eat dry or wet food again.

The BVA tells us: "We do not recommend a raw food diet, at least not without veterinary guidance." This is mainly for two reasons: feeding raw food often leads to nutritional deficiencies (eg cats are low in taurine or high in vitamin A) and the risks associated with handling raw food (for pets and households).

Commercial options are the safest nutritional choice. The PFMA says that commercially prepared raw dog food labeled "complete" meets guidelines to provide the nutritional balance that dogs need in their daily diet.

Some of the reasons owners love feeding has to do with its "naturalness" combined with the improved health of their dogs.

• 40% said they saw firmer stools
• 28% increased digestion
• 26% increase in coating gloss
• 22% increased enthusiasm at meals

There are risks when handling fresh, frozen or freeze-dried raw materials. thisBritish pet foodsuggestions below:

1. Buy products in good condition. You should not see any obvious signs of damage to the packaging, such as dents, tears or discoloration.
2. Wash your hands with warm water and soap after handling your pet, its food or its packaging.
3. Wash and disinfect all surfaces, plates and utensils that have been in contact with raw food immediately after each use.
4. Immediately after your pet has eaten, remove and carefully dispose of any uneaten raw pet food.
5. Clean and disinfect pet feeding areas immediately after pets have eaten.

Raw dog food may not be right for all dogs (or owners): 11 percent of those who have tried raw dog food said they would never do it again. Some of the reasons given included being too messy or smelly, or worrying about pollution.

Overall, 33 percent of members haven't tried feeding their dogs raw food because they haven't done enough research, and a further 28 percent don't want to handle raw meat - almost a quarter of those surveyed said they were worried about the spread of bacteria.

Is homemade dog or cat food a good idea?

The experts we interviewed do not recommend homemade dog food. This is because preparing a balanced home-cooked diet for your pet can be very difficult, so it is generally not recommended unless under veterinary supervision.

Can my dog ​​eat vegetarian food?

In theory, it is possible to find and feed your dog a vegetarian food that still meets its needs.

But the BVA warns that doing this well can be difficult and, unless you work with a veterinary-trained nutritionist, it can be harmful to your pet's health.

Do dogs need different food as they get older?

"Yes," says BVA. Puppies need to eat puppy food because they have specific energy and nutritional needs. Different dog breeds age at different rates as they age. For example, a Great Dane may be "senior" than a Yorkshire terrier.

Your vet will be able to advise on the best diet for your pet's life stage, breed and lifestyle, as well as tell you if your pet has any special dietary needs.

My dog ​​has allergies - should I buy allergy-friendly food?

Some pets seem to have sensitivities or intolerances to certain ingredients and additives, which can lead to various problems.

Common symptoms include lethargy, aggressive or hyperactive behavior, chronic skin and ear problems, mucus and jelly in the stool, gas, bloating, and weight gain/loss.

The most common food intolerances seem to be dyes, sugar, wheat, milk and soy. Obviously, not all pets are sensitive to these things, but it's best to consult a vet if the effects persist.

How much should I feed my dog?

How much your dog should eat depends on factors such as breed, type, age, health and lifestyle. For example, a working collie requires more energy than a puppy with a less active lifestyle.

Use a scale every day to weigh each meal to ensure you are feeding your dog the correct portion. A few extra pills may not do much, but it can add up to a huge weight gain.

Most commercial dog food packages come with feeding guidelines based on the dog's weight and activity level. Ask your vet if you are unsure.

Is my dog ​​overweight?

Obesity in pets is a top welfare concern for veterinarians, according to the agencyAnnual PAW Report. Another 2021 study from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) found that1 in 4 dogs registered by vets as obese. Studies have also found that certain breeds are more prone to weight gain.

The PAW report also estimates that about half of overweight and obese dogs have health problems that may be related to their weight.

Weight-related problems include musculoskeletal disorders, breathing problems and diabetes.

To know if your pet is overweight, it is important to know its ideal weight and shape. A good rule of thumb is to be able to see your dog's ribs.

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How much should my dog ​​weigh?

• Trumpet: under 10 kg
• Medium: 10-25 kg
• Large size: 26-40 kg
• Giant: over 41 kg

check your dog's weight

Very thin: more than 20% below ideal body weight

• Ribs, spine and hip bones are easily visible (short-haired pets), muscle volume is significantly reduced and subcutaneous fat is not palpable.

Underweight: 10-20% below ideal body weight

• The ribs, spine and hip bones are clearly visible, the waist and abdomen are clearly tightened and there is very little subcutaneous fat.

ideal

• The ribs, spine and hip bones are easily palpable, the folds of the waist and abdomen are visible and a small amount of fat can be palpated.

Overweight: 10-15% above the ideal body weight

• The ribs, spine and hip bones are difficult to feel, the loin is barely visible, the back is broad and there is a layer of fat on the belly and base of the tail.

Obesity: more than 15% higher than the ideal body weight

• The ribs, spine and hip bones are difficult to feel under the thick layer of fat, the loin cannot be seen, the belly can sink considerably, and there are thick pads of fat on the loin and base of the tail.

Is my dog ​​overweight? discovery sign

The Kennel Club advises attention to:

• larger and rounder face
• unwilling to go for a walk
• Difficulty walking
• slightly out of breath
• thick and fat neck
• It is difficult to feel the ribs if you run your hand over the side of the dog's body
• Lack of a pronounced waistline.

If you think your pet may be overweight, make an appointment to visit your local vet for advice and a plan of action.

Is it okay to give your dog treats?

Treats are a great way to train and reward your dog. A quarter of dog owners we surveyed said they feed their pets daily, while another three in 10 feed their pets twice a day. But giving too many treats can kill your pet.

Snacks help meet their daily food needs, so take this into account when measuring out meals.

Which one? dog food study

To find out the best and worst dog food brands, we surveyed 1,564 dog food brands in November 2021. Members who have recently purchased dog food and asked about their experiences with the chosen brand.

Customer ratings are based on their overall satisfaction with the brand and whether they would recommend it.

See our guide for more details on the most popular brands aboveThey arrived,Burns,Harrington,bakkerandRoyal KennelDog food.

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