The PetFoodRate journal

Pet food articles, guides, and research

Our guides explain what labels hide, compare brands, and turn nutrition science into practical buying decisions. Updated every week.

Brand review

Blue Buffalo Life Protection honest review: is the American premium worth it?

Blue Buffalo Life Protection scores B (76/100). Chicken first, whole grains. We analyse why B and not A.

May 27, 2026

Rankings

Best dog treats 2026: the ones worth buying (and the ones to avoid)

Treats account for 10 percent of calories max. Dried meat, chews, dental sticks. Ranking with ingredients and scores.

May 26, 2026

Species nutrition

Kitten nutrition guide: from birth to first birthday

Kittens need 2x more calories per kg than adults. High protein, DHA, taurine. Month-by-month feeding guide.

May 26, 2026

Practical guide

Food transition guide for dogs and cats: the complete protocol to switch safely

Changing food too fast causes diarrhoea and vomiting. The 2-4 week protocol, warning signs, and special cases.

May 25, 2026

Rankings

Light dog food ranking 2026: what 'light' actually means (and which ones work)

Light or reduced-calorie dog food: do they actually have fewer calories? Not always. We compare light formulas to standard.

May 24, 2026

Ingredient guide

Taurine in pet food: why it is the most important ingredient for your cat

Without taurine, cats develop fatal cardiomyopathy and go blind. Which products contain enough, which do not.

May 24, 2026

Health guide

Cat kidney disease and diet: the crucial role of food (and when to switch)

CKD affects 30 pourcent of cats over 15. Reduced phosphorus, quality protein, hydration. When and how to adapt the diet.

May 23, 2026

Brand review

Brit Care honest review: Europe's best-kept pet food secret

Brit Care Salmon scores A (84/100). Salmon first, grain-free, 5.20 EUR/kg. Cheaper than Royal Canin for an A grade. We verify.

May 22, 2026

Species nutrition

Horse nutrition guide: hay, concentrates, supplements, and common mistakes

Horses are hindgut fermenters and continuous grazers. 1.5-2% bodyweight in forage, concentrates by workload. Complete guide.

May 22, 2026

Brand review

Carnilove honest review: the rising Czech grain-free brand

Carnilove Salmon Adult scores A (86/100). Double protein salmon + turkey, grain-free, 6.50 EUR/kg. We analyse the full range.

May 21, 2026

Guide

How kibble is made: extrusion, fat coating, and what it means for your pet

Extrusion at 140C destroys some nutrients. Fat coating makes kibble addictive. We explain the full manufacturing process.

May 20, 2026

Ultra Premium Direct analysis with A score

Brand review

Ultra Premium Direct honest review: the best value-for-money in France?

UPD scores A (85/100). 44% chicken, glucosamine, 5.50 EUR/kg direct. Cheaper than Royal Canin for a higher grade. We verify.

May 19, 2026

Brand review

Edgard and Cooper honest review: the accessible premium brand in supermarkets

Edgard and Cooper scores A (86-88/100). Fresh chicken first, grain-free, available at major retailers. We analyse the full range.

May 18, 2026

Editorial

Pet food regulation in Europe vs USA: FEDIAF, AAFCO, what do they actually guarantee?

FEDIAF and AAFCO set the minimums. But what do they actually cover? What the law requires, and what it doesn't say.

May 18, 2026

Practical guide

How to store kibble (and why an open bag loses nutrients in weeks)

An open bag of kibble oxidises in 2-4 weeks. Fat rancidity, vitamin loss, mycotoxins. How to store properly.

May 17, 2026

A ferret eating from a bowl, illustrating the best ferret food choices for obligate carnivores

Guide

Best ferret food: why your ferret needs 38% protein and zero carbs

Ferrets need 38%+ animal protein, 15-20% fat, and zero carbs. See our graded comparison of the best ferret foods, ingredient breakdowns, and vet-backed tips.

May 16, 2026

Health guide

Pet obesity and diet: the role of food (and how to fix it)

56% of dogs and 60% of cats are overweight. Too many carbs, not enough protein, oversized portions. The guide to correction.

May 16, 2026

Health guide

Pet dental health and food: what kibble does and doesn't do for teeth

80% of dogs over 3 have periodontal disease. Does kibble really clean teeth? What the science says about diet and dental health.

May 15, 2026

Ingredient guide

Glucosamine and chondroitin in dog food: useful or marketing?

Some brands add glucosamine and chondroitin for joints. Is it effective? The doses that matter and the products that contain them.

May 14, 2026

Ingredient guide

Omega-3 in pet food: salmon oil, flaxseed, krill. Which one actually matters?

EPA and DHA vs ALA: not all omega-3s are equal. Which sources matter for your dog or cat, and which products contain enough.

May 13, 2026

Golden retriever eating insect-based kibble from a stainless steel bowl, with dried black soldier fly larvae visible in the food

Guide

Insect protein dog food: the sustainable alternative graded A to E

Discover the truth about insect protein dog food: vet-reviewed grades (A-E), cost analysis, top 10 brands compared, and how to switch safely in 2026.

May 12, 2026

Ingredient guide

Probiotics in pet food: marketing or real benefit? What the science says

Some brands add probiotics (Bacillus, Enterococcus). Does it make a difference? The studies and the products that contain them.

May 12, 2026

Brand review

Whiskas honest review: why the best-selling cat food scores D

Whiskas Adult scores D (44/100). 4% meat, vague by-products, added sugars. We break down the full range and show cheaper alternatives.

May 11, 2026

Guide

Raw feeding and BARF for dogs: complete guide, benefits, risks, and alternatives

Is the BARF diet (80% raw meat, 10% bone, 10% organs) better than kibble? The science, the real risks, and the alternatives.

May 10, 2026

Species nutrition

Guinea pig nutrition guide: hay, vitamin C, pellets, and common mistakes

Guinea pigs cannot synthesize vitamin C. Unlimited hay, enriched pellets, daily fresh vegetables. Everything you need to know.

May 9, 2026

Species nutrition

Reptile nutrition guide: gecko, bearded dragon, snake, tortoise

Every reptile has a unique diet. Insectivore, herbivore, carnivore. Calcium, UVB, supplementation. Species-by-species guide.

May 9, 2026

Species nutrition

Pet bird nutrition guide: parrots, canaries, budgies, and the seed-only myth

Seeds alone cause malnutrition. Pet birds need pellets, fresh fruits, vegetables. Species-by-species guide with the best brands.

May 8, 2026

Rankings

Best wet dog food 2026: our independent ranking from A to E

The best wet dog food rated A by PetFoodRate. Lily's Kitchen, Edgard Cooper, Terra Canis vs Cesar, Pedigree. Full data and prices.

May 7, 2026

Ingredient guide

Animal vs plant protein in pet food: what the science actually says

Chicken protein vs pea protein: same crude percentage, different digestibility. Why the source matters more than the number.

May 6, 2026

Brand review

Taste of the Wild honest review: the best value-for-money on the market?

Taste of the Wild High Prairie scores A (88/100). Grain-free, probiotics, bison. We analyse why it is the value champion.

May 5, 2026

Species nutrition

Hamster nutrition guide: seeds, pellets, fresh food, and common mistakes

Hamsters are opportunistic omnivores. Seeds, animal protein, fresh vegetables. What to feed, what to avoid, how much per day.

May 4, 2026

Rankings

Best food for neutered cats 2026: preventing weight gain

After neutering, cats gain weight. Fewer calories, more protein. The best neutered cat food rated A to E.

May 3, 2026

Brand comparison

Acana vs Orijen: same kitchen, different scores. We explain why

Acana (90/100) and Orijen (92/100) are both made by Champion Petfoods. Same factory, 2-point gap. We break down the difference.

May 2, 2026

Species nutrition

Aquarium fish food guide: flakes, pellets, live food, and common mistakes

Feed your fish correctly: protein needs, frequency, quantity. The best brands rated. Common mistakes to avoid.

May 1, 2026

Brand review

Felix honest review: 4% meat, added sugars, D grade

Felix AGAIL scores D (44/100). 4% meat, vague by-products, sugars. We analyse the full range and show better alternatives.

April 30, 2026

Guide

Hypoallergenic dog food: complete guide and 2026 ranking

Dog food allergies: symptoms, diagnosis, elimination diet. The best hypoallergenic dog foods rated A to E.

April 29, 2026

Species nutrition

Rabbit nutrition guide: hay, pellets, vegetables, and common mistakes

Rabbits are strict herbivores. 80% hay, grain-free pellets, daily fresh greens. Everything you need to know.

April 28, 2026

Rankings

Best senior dog food 2026: ranking for dogs over 7

The best senior dog food rated by PetFoodRate. Digestible protein, glucosamine, omega-3. From A to E.

April 27, 2026

Hill's Science Plan analysis with B score

Brand review

Hill's Science Plan honest review: why B and not A

Hill's Science Plan scores B (72/100). Chicken first but corn and wheat in positions 2-3. We explain the score and show A-grade alternatives.

April 26, 2026

Species nutrition

Senior cat nutrition: how to adapt feeding after age 7

After age 7, your cat's nutritional needs change. More digestible protein, less phosphorus, more hydration. The complete evidence-based guide.

April 25, 2026

Brand review

Purina Pro Plan honest review: your vet recommends it, we score it B

Purina Pro Plan Adult scores B (71/100). Chicken first but 3 cereals in top 5. We break down why and show better alternatives at the same price.

April 24, 2026

Rankings

Best puppy food 2026: our independent ranking from A to E

The best puppy food rated A by PetFoodRate. Orijen Puppy, Acana Puppy, Taste of the Wild Puppy vs Royal Canin, Pedigree Junior.

April 23, 2026

Species nutrition

Ferret nutrition guide: 4 vet-approved diets + foods to avoid (2026)

Ferrets need 35-40% animal protein and zero plant fillers. Our vet-approved guide: 4 commercial picks, raw diet basics, and the 7 brands to skip.

April 22, 2026

Review

Pedigree review: what your dog is actually eating for 2€/kg

April 21, 2026

Ingredient guide

The 5 worst ingredients in pet food (and how to spot them)

BHA, unspecified by-products, corn as first ingredient, added sugars, artificial colorants: the 5 ingredients that tank a product score.

April 20, 2026

Guide

How much does dog food actually cost per day (the calculation nobody makes)

The real cost of dog food per day and per month. Royal Canin, Orijen, Pedigree: we compare everything with actual rations and vet costs.

April 18, 2026

Comparison

Whiskas vs Felix: the honest truth about supermarket cat food

April 17, 2026

Pedigree composition analysis with D score

Brand review

Pedigree honest review: why the best-selling dog food scores D

Pedigree Vital Protection scores D (42/100). Corn first, 4% beef, colorants. We break down the composition and show better alternatives.

April 16, 2026

Cat eating from a feeding bowl, representing the PetFoodRate A to E cat food ranking 2026

Guide

Best cat food 2026: 80+ tested, Orijen leads (A-E score)

80+ cat foods tested on protein, ingredients and price/kg. Orijen Cat & Kitten leads at 92/100 (A). Full ranking, cheaper picks, supermarket vs premium.

April 15, 2026

Rankings

Best cat kibble 2026: our independent ranking from A to E

The 10 best dry cat foods rated A by PetFoodRate. Orijen, Acana, Wellness CORE vs Royal Canin, Purina. Full data, prices, and daily costs.

April 14, 2026

Dog food ranking card showing top 5 products

Rankings

Best dog food 2026: 60+ ranked A-E, Orijen leads at 92/100

We tested 60+ dog foods on protein, fillers and price-per-kilo. Orijen Tundra scored 92/100 (A). Top 10 picks, brands to avoid, senior and puppy specific.

April 12, 2026

Rankings

Best wet food for cats 2026: our independent ranking from A to E

The best wet cat food rated A by PetFoodRate. Applaws, Lily's Kitchen, Schesir vs Whiskas, Felix, Sheba. Full comparison with prices.

April 12, 2026

Grain-free nutritional analysis with data bars

Guide

Grain-free dog food: pros and cons according to the studies

Is grain-free better for your dog? The FDA DCM investigation, the real benefits, the risks. We break it down with actual data.

April 12, 2026

Royal Canin vs Hill's side by side grades

Brand comparison

Royal Canin vs Hill's: the honest comparison your vet won't make

Royal Canin scores C (58/100), Hill's scores B (72/100). We break down exactly why, ingredient by ingredient, with no brand partnership.

April 12, 2026

Brand comparison

Whiskas vs Applaws: what your cat is actually eating (side-by-side)

Whiskas scores D (44/100) with 4% meat. Applaws scores A (87/100) with 75% visible fish. We open both cans and compare everything.

April 12, 2026

Brand comparison

Whiskas or Felix: which scores better? + 3 cheaper supermarket alternatives

Whiskas D (44/100) vs Felix D (44/100). 4% meat, added sugars, colorants. We open the pouches and compare everything.

April 12, 2026

Composition list with highlighted red flags

Guides

How to read a pet food label in 90 seconds (the seven red flags every owner should know)

A practical guide to decoding the back of a pet food bag. Seven red flags that downgrade a product instantly, and what to look for instead.

April 11, 2026

Species nutrition

Why cats need meat, not marketing (and why most supermarket cat food fails them)

Cats are obligate carnivores. They need 35 percent animal protein, taurine, and arachidonic acid. Here is why most supermarket pouches fall short.

April 11, 2026

Editorial

Why we built PetFoodRate (and why pet food labels are designed to confuse you)

The story behind PetFoodRate, a free A to E rating service for every pet food. Why marketing claims hide the truth, and how we cut through them.

April 11, 2026