TOP 12 best premium dog foods

Premium ready-made food is the average among dry foods. They are not an ideal diet, but they are quite suitable for everyday nutrition and are inexpensive. This is the best option between quality and price.

But premium diets are very different. Some are slightly better in composition than economy ones, but are expensive. Others are close to super-premium in quality, but are sold cheaper.

We have compiled a rating of the 15 best foods based on their composition, pros and cons, cost and reviews from canine forums.

For those who do not want to go into a detailed review, at the beginning of the article we provided a list and prices of food with ratings, and at the end we indicated suitable menus for dogs of different breeds, ages and with individual needs.

Feed prices and information are current as of March 2021 and are constantly updated.

Features of super premium feed

The main difference between food that belongs to the super premium class is the creation of a recipe that is the most biologically accessible to the animal’s body. This means that each component that the manufacturer includes in the recipe must be absorbed by the dog’s body as quickly and easily as possible.

Let us highlight the main features of the recipe:

• the predominance of animal protein rather than plant protein . Animal protein provides the dog with essential amino acids that the body cannot synthesize on its own. In plant proteins there are either no such amino acids at all or a minimal amount. Super premium foods contain a meat share of 40% or more, hence the high cost of such diets. Various types of meat products are used: chicken, beef, rabbit, lamb, etc. The more diverse the composition, the more nutritious and healthy it is;
• minimum content of cereals . Super premium lines always contain products that are completely devoid of grain content. Cereals, soy and corn are practically not absorbed by the dog’s body. Her nature is carnivorous. But such components are very cheap, so feed manufacturers are very fond of introducing them into the composition, placing them in one of the first places;
• Super premium foods always have a whole line of medicinal foods that take into account health problems or characteristics of four-legged pets.

When choosing any food, even the most expensive and best, the following factors are taken into account:

• compound. It is worth carefully analyzing the composition of the food and giving preference to the one in which meat and natural products are in the first positions;
• dog's age . Manufacturers create specialized diets designed for puppies, adult dogs or older dogs. Such food takes into account all age needs of the pet;
• nutritional value The high nutritional value of dry food is not always an undeniable advantage. For dogs prone to obesity, it is necessary to choose a dietary diet;
• brand and cost of food . You should trust time-tested food manufacturers. Please note that super premium food is not cheap. This also depends on the naturalness of the ingredients and the nutritional value of the food. Economy class diets have less nutritional value, which means that the owner will need to purchase more dry granules to satisfy the pet. In addition, after some time the negative impact of poor quality nutrition on the health of dogs will become apparent, which will lead to additional expenses. Most likely, the dog will then have to be transferred to a medicinal type of dry food.

Which is better - dry or wet food?

When choosing food for a pet, owners often have a question about what type of product to choose. Each variety has advantages and disadvantages.

Comparative characteristics:

Veterinarians recommend a diet consisting of dry and wet food in a ratio of 75 to 25%. But different types cannot be mixed in one meal.

Rating of the best anti-allergenic foods

For many dogs, food allergies are common. It is difficult to correct and can be so strong that serious drug therapy is required. First, the owner needs to eliminate the allergen. Most likely, the dog will have to eat special food for the rest of its life, so it is necessary to choose a high-quality composition so as not to increase the negative effect.

We have selected a list of foods that have won the trust of dog owners around the world and collected the most positive reviews.

Important: food selection should be carried out in collaboration with a veterinary specialist after a clinical examination of the dog’s health status. The veterinarian will help identify the allergen and select the appropriate composition, and the owner himself can choose the brand and type of food according to his recommendations.

For allergy sufferers

Acana Regionals Grasslands

Grain-free holistic food suitable for all breeds and age categories of dogs:

• contains up to 70% animal protein;
• regulates digestion;
• without grain components, potatoes, preservatives and GMOs;
• Suitable for pets with celiac disease.

There are no by-products, only natural dehydrated meat of turkey, venison, beef, herring, etc. The product contains natural egg. The low carbohydrate content helps avoid obesity and helps maintain optimal physical shape at any age. The absence of grains makes it possible to feed Acana to dogs that are gluten intolerant. The recipe is rich in vegetables, green beans and fruits, which supply fiber and nutrients to the body.

The kibble comes in a shape and size suitable for dogs of all breeds. When chewed, they clean tooth enamel, gums and prevent oral diseases.

The disadvantages of nutrition include the low prevalence of food in stores, high cost (about 700 rubles per 1 kg) and the presence of only one flavor.

Akana dog food - full review of the line

FARMINA N&D Grain Free

The diet of this series is similar to the diet of predators that they would receive in natural conditions. The image on the packaging indicates the naturalness of the composition. It is separately indicated that the food is free from GMOs and grains, which most often cause an allergic reaction in dogs.

Farmina often contains unexpected ingredients. For example, a combination of chicken meat with pomegranate and pumpkin.

Pros of Farmina for allergy sufferers:

• lack of grains;
• medicinal herbs that normalize digestion and cleanse the dog’s mouth and breathing;
• economical consumption of granules due to high nutritional value.

Farmina is widely represented on the shelves of pet stores.

Farmina - dog food from an Italian manufacturer

GO! Daily Defense Lamb Meal Recipe

The basis of premium food is lamb, the meat of which is distinguished by its high protein content and dietary properties. Plant protein - oatmeal and brown rice. Brown rice is lower in calories and allergenic for dogs. The recipe includes several types of oils: canola, linseed, coconut. In addition, flax seeds, vegetables and fruits, and dried cranberries are included. The food is suitable for older dogs that do not move much.

Pros:

• no allergens in the composition;
• attractive taste for dogs;
• prevalence in stores;
• low cost (about 450 rubles per 1 kg);
• improved digestion;
• prevention of obesity.

Most reviews on the Internet highlight the dog’s subjective attitude to the taste of the diet as a disadvantage. No other disadvantages noted.

Dog food GO!: analysis of ingredients, reviews from owners and veterinary specialists

For small breeds

ACANA Adult Small Breed (for dogs weighing up to 9 kg)

60% of the composition is animal protein, represented by chicken (raised in natural conditions, without the use of antibiotics), flounder meat, chicken eggs (chickens are raised similarly). 40% - fruits and vegetables.

Premium dog food from Akan is completely free of potatoes and grains. When compiling the recipe, the manufacturer is guided by the WholePrey principle, which is a registered trademark of the company. This means that the ratio of cartilage to viscera is natural. This approach allows the animal owner not to worry that the pet will not receive enough nutrients.

For small breeds, obesity prevention is especially important, so the food is free of fast carbohydrates. They are replaced with medicinal herbs, vegetables and fruits.

Pros:

• high content of animal protein, variety of fresh meat ingredients;
• the combination of meat, cartilage and entrails is close to what a dog (as a predator) could get in the wild;
• restriction of carbohydrates.

NOW Natural holistic Fresh Puppy Recipe Grain Free (for small breed puppies)

Small breed puppies require a special diet. They grow quickly, this period passes much faster for them than for their medium or large counterparts. During this short period, dogs should receive the most balanced type of nutrition so that flaws do not lead to health problems. Canadian Nau food does not contain grains, dyes or preservatives. Animal protein - duck fillet, turkey. These are low-fat and least allergenic types of meat. Premium food allows you to improve the digestion of babies.

To attract food interest, the granules have a fishy smell that puppies like. The granules can be filled with water to make them easier to eat. In this case, they almost double.

Pros:

• food attractiveness for small breed babies;
• convenient shape and size of feed granules;
• natural ingredients;
• balanced composition that prevents obesity;
• strengthening the immune system.

Among the disadvantages, according to reviews from dog owners: inconvenient packaging without a special fastener, not always on sale, high fat content.

Now Fresh dog food – owner reviews, pros and cons

Monge Mini Adult Salmone

Balanced premium food for small dogs with special needs. In Italian food:

• salmon and rice are proteins suitable for dogs with digestive problems and skin imperfections;
• XOS - improves immunity, balances intestinal microflora;
• polyunsaturated fatty acids (salmon caught in northern waters) - preserves the health of the skin and coat, inhibits inflammatory processes;
• calcium, phosphorus, glucosamine, chondroitin - the key to healthy joints;
• granules are produced in a special shape and optimal size, which do not injure the dog’s oral cavity, effectively clean plaque and prevent the development of tartar.

Monge food for dogs - reviews from veterinarians and a detailed analysis of the line

For large breeds

Brit Premium by Nature (with chicken for large breed dogs)

Despite the fact that the source of protein is chicken meat, reviews of Czech-made food do not contain any negativity. Pets whose diet is based on Brit food do not show signs of food allergies. The proportion of animal protein is about 25%, which is undoubtedly not enough for a large dog. Other plant-derived ingredients cannot compensate for this deficiency. Fatty acids, a bouquet of medicinal herbs, vegetables and fruits are responsible for the health of dogs in Brit premium food. For joint health, the proportion of calcium, chondroitin and glucosamine in the diet is increased.

The nutritional value of the food is limited to prevent the big dog from becoming fat. This would not only lead to additional digestive problems, but also increase stress on the joints and limbs. But large and giant breeds already have frequent problems with these parts of the body.

Since 2021, the manufacturer has rebranded the food, adding a prefix indicating its naturalness. For large breeds, natural sources of chondroitin were introduced into the composition: crustacean shells, cartilage, green mussels. In addition, collagen for ligaments appeared.

Pros:

• source of protein - meat;
• natural preservatives;
• complete mineral and vitamin supplement;
• wide range, low cost;
• widespread in regular supermarkets.

However, according to reviews from veterinary specialists, the disadvantages include: chicken meat (often causes allergies), the presence of grains.

Brit dog food - expert reviews and detailed analysis of the composition

For older dogs

PRONATURE HOLISTIC Senior Oceanic White Fish and Wild Rice (for older and inactive dogs)

Canadian holistic food is intended for older animals who, due to their age, lead a sedentary lifestyle. The diet is also suitable for younger animals, which for various reasons are not very active. The main ingredient is ocean white fish. All ingredients are certified organic. This means that they are grown without chemicals, pesticides, or GMO technologies. The holistic dog food Pro Natural contains:

• wild Canadian rice;
• olive oil;
• berries;
• dried tomato and beet pulp;
• chicory;
• prebiotics;
• shrimp, crab, sea cucumber, mussels;
• a mixture of green tea, cellulose and mint - for fresh breath;
• natural preservatives.

Usually Russian food is not included in super premium food ratings. But among them you can find decent options. Most often these are wet foods, which are made from high-quality ingredients without preservatives and have a limited shelf life. There are several brands that deserve attention:

"Native food"

A very wide range of canned food.

“Native food” for dogs: composition analysis, expert reviews

"Yummy"

Natural ingredients, variety of products.

"Living Force"

Dry diets containing more than 40% animal protein, which is represented by dehydrated meat of various types. The manufacturer recommends food for dogs leading a super active lifestyle.

"Ros the Dog"

Diets based on Pacific salmon and rice, and other natural products with a low allergenicity index. The line includes both products for dogs with food allergies, digestive disorders, and age lines.

The downside of domestic feed, oddly enough, is their low representation on the shelves of local stores. Even in the largest hypermarkets it is impossible to find several brands of Russian food.

Wet food

Wet food is most often intended for puppies and older pets. Pastes and canned food are suitable for dogs with dental problems - caries, periodontal disease, jaw dislocation. As an additional therapy, the product is used after infectious diseases. It has a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract and improves peristalsis.

Gemon Canned food for puppies and juniors - the most popular premium canned food

Essential food with turkey and grains for puppies up to one year old. Contains all the necessary components for normal growth and development.

Advantages:

• price;
• variety of tastes;
• many vitamins, minerals;
• pleasant smell, natural color;
• without dyes, preservatives, flavor enhancers.

Flaws:

• difficult to find on sale;
• the exact ratio of components is not indicated;
• a lot of liquid in the jar;
• low quality of meat and fish raw materials;
• contains many cereals.

Happy Dog NaturLine – high-quality meat composition

German-made pate for puppies of large and small breeds over 20 weeks. There are several flavors available - lamb with rice, duck, chicken, veal with rice, rabbit. Rice content no more than 4%.

Advantages:

• without preservatives, soy, GMOs, artificial colors;
• high content of meat and offal;
• useful additives – copper, zinc, manganese, inulin;
• variety of tastes;
• there is only pate in the jar, no jelly;
• farm product;
• price;
• packages of 85, 400 g;
• absorbed by 90%.

Flaws:

• not always on sale.

Brit - a large can of tasty food

Canned food for adult dogs with a high content of animal protein.

Advantages:

• percentage of meat up to 55%;
• improves the condition of fur, teeth, claws;
• prebiotics, vitamins, fruits, vegetables included;
• price;
• can weight 850 g;
• nice smell;
• natural composition;
• easy to find on sale;
• economical consumption;
• no soy, allergens;
• consistency;
• dogs like it.

Flaws:

• the origin of the meat ingredients is not disclosed;
• small variety of tastes;
• contains skin and bones.

Berkley Pate for puppies - a lot of protein for a growing body

Canned food for puppies up to one year old. The label details the composition with the amount of each component. The share of meat ingredients is 67-72%. The remaining ingredients are broth, grains, vegetables, minerals, olive oil. The selection includes rabbit with oatmeal, lamb with rice, chicken and turkey.

Advantages:

• packaging of 200, 400 g;
• the basis of the composition is natural meat;
• smell, consistency;
• healthy supplements and vitamins;
• There are no synthetic flavor enhancers, odor enhancers, or preservatives.

Flaws:

• price;
• not always on sale;
• Sometimes there is an allergy to chicken meat.

Eukanuba for healthy skin and coat – for active pets

The food contains a lot of protein, vitamins, and is suitable for dogs that move a lot. The product range includes chicken, lamb, and beef.

Advantages:

• meat components come first in the list of ingredients;
• fish oil adds shine and strengthens the coat;
• brewer's yeast strengthens the nervous system, prevents the development of dermatological diseases;
• fiber content is 3.8%, which has a beneficial effect on stool and digestion.

Flaws:

• chicken, eggs, which may cause allergies;
• corn and wheat are difficult to digest;
• salt provokes the formation of tartar;
• weight of packing;
• price.

Basic principles of feeding

Eating ready-made diets involves using not only dry granules, but also wet canned food. Nutrition rules:

• It is worth remembering the constant availability of clean water. Although wet canned food contains more than 70-80% moisture, dry canned food contains only 10. This means that the dog needs additional liquid. Its absence will lead to kidney diseases;
• If possible, prefer soft canned food. Their digestibility reaches 95%, while dry ones are 65-85%. For small breeds this is easy to do. For large dogs, you will have to purchase a very large batch of canned food; it is more convenient to use dry granules. This is why it is so important to choose only super premium or holistic food;
• for elderly dogs or dogs with digestive difficulties, it is better to buy soft food; they do not cause constipation and do not injure the oral cavity;
• Storage of wet food is limited; opened packaging should be kept in the refrigerator. The higher the class of dog food, the more natural the composition. Dry food can be stored longer, but cannot exceed the period indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging;
• Soaked granules should not be left in the bowl unless the dog has finished eating them. Under the influence of heat, pathogenic bacteria begin to multiply in them;
• Do not increase the portion recommended on the packaging by the manufacturer. This is done only when the dog is clearly not getting enough. You must first visit a veterinarian; the dog may be infected with parasites or have other health problems.

Briefly about the main thing

1. Super premium food is the key to healthy nutrition and satiety.
2. Contains only natural ingredients.
3. Animal protein more than 40%.
4. No or minimum grains, potatoes, soy and corn.
5. Most manufacturers try to inflate the class of their product.
6. Super premium wet food provides greater satiety and digestibility, but is more expensive and the feeding portion is larger.
7. Choose food strictly according to the age, size and health of the pet.

What food does your dog prefer? Share your feedback in the comments.