Food guide
Dogs food: the complete PetFoodRate 2026 guide
Choosing dog food is the single biggest daily decision you make for your dog's health. The bowl is filled twice a day, every day, for 12 to 15 years. PetFoodRate grades every product from A to E using protein quality, nutritional balance, absence of undesirable additives, label transparency, and species adaptability. No sponsored brands, no commercial partnerships.
What to look for
- A named animal protein as the first ingredient (fresh chicken, lamb, salmon, beef), not corn or rice
- At least 25 percent crude protein for adult dogs, 30 percent or more for active or working dogs
- Identified fat sources (chicken fat, salmon oil) instead of vague animal fats
- Functional additives like glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3, and probiotics for senior or large-breed dogs
What to avoid
- Vague terms like animal by-products, meat meal, or animal derivatives without species identification
- Artificial preservatives BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, propylene glycol
- Added sugars and food colorants (a dog cannot see colour through advertising)
- Three or more cereals in the top five ingredients (corn + wheat + sorghum is a red flag)
Our PetFoodRate top 5 dogs
- #1 A Orijen Puppy 93/100 dry food
- #2 A Orijen Original Adult Poulet 92/100 dry food
- #3 A Orijen Six Fish 91/100 dry food
- #4 A ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Beef Recipe 91/100 raw food
- #5 A Acana Wild Prairie Recipe 90/100 dry food
Selections by type for dogs
Recommended brands for dogs
Frequently asked questions
Is grain-free dog food really better?
Grain-free is not automatically better. What matters is the protein quality and the absence of cheap fillers. A well-formulated grain-inclusive recipe (with whole oats and barley) can grade higher than a poorly formulated grain-free one loaded with peas and lentils. The FDA flagged a possible link between certain grain-free diets and DCM in 2019, so the answer depends on the specific recipe, not the marketing claim.
Should puppies eat puppy-specific food?
Yes, until 12 to 18 months depending on breed size. Puppies need higher protein (28 to 32 percent), higher fat, and a controlled calcium-to-phosphorus ratio for skeletal development. Large-breed puppies (over 25 kg adult weight) need food specifically formulated to slow growth and protect joints.
How do I switch dog food without upsetting digestion?
Transition over 7 to 10 days. Day 1 to 3: 75 percent old, 25 percent new. Day 4 to 6: 50/50. Day 7 to 9: 25 percent old, 75 percent new. Day 10: 100 percent new. Stop and consult a vet if you see persistent diarrhoea, vomiting, or refusal to eat.
Dogs articles and guides
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Best dog treats 2026: the ones worth buying (and the ones to avoid)
Food transition guide for dogs and cats: the complete protocol to switch safely
Light dog food ranking 2026: what 'light' actually means (and which ones work)
Brit Care honest review: Europe's best-kept pet food secret
Carnilove honest review: the rising Czech grain-free brand
Guides by species
Compare dogs foods side by side
Pick two products from our database and get an ingredient-by-ingredient, sub-score-by-sub-score comparison.