Best medium breed dog food 2026: ranking for 11-25 kg dogs
The "medium" dog - between 11 and 25 kg - is the target size of the majority of market formulas. When a manufacturer says "standard adult," they are thinking of this weight range. That is an advantage in terms of choice, but also a trap: the abundance of options masks considerable quality gaps. And crucially, "medium" breeds are far from homogeneous: a 18 kg Border Collie and a 14 kg French Bulldog do not have the same energy, digestive, or respiratory needs.
This ranking scores 24 kibbles on our 100-point scale, with breed-specific notes for different profiles. Version française : Meilleures croquettes chien moyen 2026.
Scoring methodology
| Criteria | Weight in score |
|---|---|
| Protein quality and source (first ingredient, percentage) | 35 pourcent |
| Absence of low-value grains or corn/wheat in first position | 15 pourcent |
| Mineral and vitamin profile (calcium/phosphorus, taurine, omega) | 20 pourcent |
| Ingredient list transparency | 15 pourcent |
| Value for money | 15 pourcent |
Analyses are conducted on each brand's "adult medium" formula or the generic adult formula where no medium-specific version exists. Prices are collected in Europe in April 2026.
The full 2026 ranking
Grade A (85-100): the best options
| Brand | Formula | Score | Price/kg | Protein | First ingredient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orijen | Adult | A (92) | 9.50 EUR | 38 pourcent | Fresh chicken |
| Acana | Wild Prairie | A (90) | 7.80 EUR | 31 pourcent | Fresh chicken |
| Taste of the Wild | High Prairie | A (88) | 5.20 EUR | 32 pourcent | Bison |
| Edgard and Cooper | Adult Chicken | A (88) | 6.50 EUR | 30 pourcent | Fresh chicken |
| Ultra Premium Direct | Medium Adult | A (85) | 6.80 EUR | 32 pourcent | Fresh chicken |
Grade B (70-84): good products with identified compromises
| Brand | Formula | Score | Price/kg | Protein | First ingredient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farmina | N&D Chicken | B (78) | 7.20 EUR | 29 pourcent | Fresh chicken |
| Carnilove | Adult Dog | B (77) | 6.40 EUR | 30 pourcent | Dehydrated chicken |
| Brit Care | Adult M | B (74) | 4.80 EUR | 27 pourcent | Fresh chicken |
| Hill's | Adult Medium | B (72) | 5.90 EUR | 25 pourcent | Chicken |
| Purina Pro Plan | Adult Medium | B (71) | 5.20 EUR | 26 pourcent | Dehydrated chicken |
| Nutro | Natural Choice | B (70) | 5.00 EUR | 24 pourcent | Lamb |
Grade C (55-69): acceptable but better options exist
| Brand | Formula | Score | Price/kg | Protein | First ingredient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hill's | Science Plan Medium | C (68) | 6.10 EUR | 24 pourcent | Chicken |
| Eukanuba | Medium Adult | C (65) | 5.40 EUR | 26 pourcent | Chicken |
| Royal Canin | Medium Adult | C (58) | 5.80 EUR | 25 pourcent | Corn |
| Iams | Adult Medium | C (56) | 4.20 EUR | 24 pourcent | Chicken |
Grade D-E (below 55): avoid
| Brand | Formula | Score | Price/kg | Protein | First ingredient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purina Dog Chow | Adult | D (48) | 2.80 EUR | 21 pourcent | Corn |
| Pedigree | Adult Medium | D (42) | 2.50 EUR | 21 pourcent | Corn/wheat |
| Friskies | Adult Dog | D (38) | 2.20 EUR | 20 pourcent | Corn |
Detailed analysis of the leaders
Orijen Adult (92/100) - the best but most expensive
Orijen remains the absolute reference in ingredient quality. The Adult formula contains 85 pourcent animal-origin ingredients, including one third fresh or chilled meats. The protein profile is exceptional: 38 pourcent crude protein with a list including fresh chicken, fresh turkey, whole fresh carp, fresh Atlantic herring, and egg.
The main limitation: price (9.50 EUR/kg) and availability (online or specialist pet store only). For an 18 kg Border Collie, the monthly budget exceeds 65 EUR.
Since Mars acquired Orijen in 2023, formulas have not yet changed in any documented way. Monitor composition updates. For context on this acquisition, see our pet food industry explainer.
See our best dog food 2026 overall ranking for the broader picture.
Acana Wild Prairie (90/100) - the more accessible Orijen alternative
Acana is Orijen's "little sister" - same group (Champion Petfoods/Mars), same regional ingredient philosophy, slightly less concentrated formula. 70 pourcent animal ingredients, 31 pourcent protein, fresh chicken as first ingredient.
The price (7.80 EUR/kg) is more accessible for a result very close to Orijen. It is often the best value-for-money in the A segment.
Our Acana vs Orijen comparison covers all the differences in detail.
Taste of the Wild High Prairie (88/100) - best value-for-money in grade A
Taste of the Wild offers a grain-free formula with bison and venison - less common proteins that suit dogs with sensitivities to common chicken or beef. Bison is a high-quality ingredient rarely used outside premium segments.
The score reaches 88 despite a price of only 5.20 EUR/kg. This is the best value-for-money in the grade A ranking. The limitation: some batches may lack consistency in composition from one country to another (production in the United States).
See our Taste of the Wild review for the full analysis.
Edgard and Cooper Adult Chicken (88/100) - the only grade A in supermarkets
Already covered in our Edgard and Cooper review, this Belgian brand is the positive anomaly on the market: grade A available in mainstream supermarkets. The first ingredient is "fresh chicken (40 pourcent)," the formula is grain-free, and the brand is B Corp certified.
For owners who shop at supermarkets and prefer not to order online, this is the optimal choice.
Royal Canin Medium Adult (58/100) - the veterinary recommendation paradox
Royal Canin Medium Adult is very frequently recommended by vets. Its score of 58 (grade C) deserves an explanation of that gap.
The formula opens with corn as the first ingredient, followed by "dehydrated animal proteins" (unspecified source), then corn flour. At 100g, you find approximately 25 pourcent protein - nutritionally adequate, but with no indication of quality or source.
What Royal Canin does well: a precisely calibrated calcium/phosphorus formula and serious palatability research (dogs eat their kibble willingly). What the grade C penalises: insufficient transparency on animal protein origins and corn leading the ingredient list.
Royal Canin has belonged to Mars since 2001.
Breed-specific notes
Border Collie and Australian Shepherd (highly active breeds)
These breeds have a high metabolism and significant protein requirements. Grades C and D do not sufficiently cover their needs for quality animal proteins.
Priority recommendation: Orijen (92) or Acana (90). If budget is tight: Taste of the Wild (88) at 5.20 EUR/kg.
Indicative daily ration (18 kg Border Collie, high activity):
- Orijen: 250-280g/day - cost approximately 2.50 EUR/day
- Taste of the Wild: 270-300g/day - cost approximately 1.56 EUR/day
English Bulldog and French Bulldog (brachycephalic breeds)
Brachycephalic breeds have specific constraints: overheating risk, obesity tendency, frequent digestive issues. Kibbles rich in fat or fermentable additives should be avoided.
Recommendation: Edgard and Cooper (88) or Brit Care (74) with weight monitoring. "Light" formulas are not necessarily better (they often contain more grains to reduce calories).
Important note: kibble size. Brachycephalic breeds often struggle to pick up kibble that is too small or too round. Royal Canin Bulldog is one of the only formulas with an adapted shape (even if its nutritional score is low - this is a genuine functional trade-off).
Beagle and Cocker Spaniel (obesity risk)
Both breeds have a genetic tendency to weight gain. The Beagle in particular is classified as one of the highest-risk breeds for obesity.
Recommendation: Edgard and Cooper or Taste of the Wild. Avoid high-calorie-density formulas (Orijen can be too rich for a sedentary Beagle).
Strict recommended ration (12 kg Beagle, moderate activity):
- Edgard and Cooper: 160-190g/day
- Always measure - never eyeball portions
For overweight dogs, see our pet obesity and diet guide.
Labrador and Golden Retriever (allergy-prone)
Both breeds are overrepresented in consultations for food allergies. The most frequent allergens in dogs are beef, chicken, wheat, milk and soy - in order of frequency.
For dogs with suspected allergy: choose a single novel protein formula (venison, duck, rabbit, bison). Taste of the Wild High Prairie (bison) or Carnilove Duck (duck) are good starting points.
For dogs with no declared allergy: the standard range applies.
See our guide on hypoallergenic dog food.
Springer Spaniel and Vizsla (ultra-active breeds)
Similar profile to the Border Collie but often with higher muscle mass. Protein requirements can exceed 30 pourcent of the ration.
Recommendation: Orijen (38 pourcent protein) is the natural candidate. Acana (31 pourcent) is sufficient for most individuals.
Daily ration table by weight and brand
| Dog weight | Orijen | Taste of the Wild | Edgard Cooper | Royal Canin Medium | Pedigree |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 kg | 160g | 180g | 170g | 215g | 265g |
| 15 kg | 200g | 225g | 215g | 270g | 330g |
| 18 kg | 230g | 260g | 250g | 310g | 385g |
| 22 kg | 270g | 300g | 290g | 365g | 450g |
| 25 kg | 300g | 335g | 325g | 405g | 500g |
Note: Orijen rations are lower in grams because caloric density is higher. A dog will be satisfied with fewer grams of Orijen than of Pedigree.
Real monthly cost by brand (18 kg dog)
| Brand | Score | Ration/day | Price/kg | Monthly cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pedigree | D (42) | 385g | 2.50 EUR | 29 EUR |
| Royal Canin Medium | C (58) | 310g | 5.80 EUR | 54 EUR |
| Edgard Cooper | A (88) | 250g | 6.50 EUR | 49 EUR |
| Taste of the Wild | A (88) | 260g | 5.20 EUR | 41 EUR |
| Acana | A (90) | 240g | 7.80 EUR | 56 EUR |
| Orijen | A (92) | 230g | 9.50 EUR | 66 EUR |
The table reveals an important finding: Edgard Cooper (grade A) costs less per month than Royal Canin Medium (grade C) for an 18 kg dog. The higher energy density of premium kibble reduces the required ration and partially offsets the higher per-kilo price.
The "medium breed" marketing traps
"Special medium breed formula": what is actually different?
Most "medium breed" formulas differ from the standard "adult" formula only in:
- Kibble size (adapted to a medium dog's jaw)
- Sometimes caloric density (slightly adjusted)
Analytical guarantees (proteins, fats, vitamins) are rarely significantly different. A good "adult" formula without the "medium" mention suits a 15 kg dog just as well as a "medium breed" labelled formula with lower quality ingredients.
"Enriched with glucosamine/chondroitin": marketing or real?
Some brands highlight glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. The levels present in mainstream kibble are generally too low to have a proven therapeutic effect.
If your dog has joint problems, see our glucosamine and chondroitin guide for what actually works.
Transitioning to better kibble
If your dog currently eats Pedigree or Royal Canin and you want to switch to Orijen or Taste of the Wild, the transition must be gradual. An abrupt change can cause digestive upset (mild to moderate diarrhoea) even if the new food is objectively better.
Recommended transition plan (10-14 days):
- Days 1-3: 75 pourcent old food + 25 pourcent new food
- Days 4-7: 50 pourcent / 50 pourcent
- Days 8-10: 25 pourcent old + 75 pourcent new food
- Day 11+: 100 pourcent new food
Dogs with sensitive stomachs or who have always eaten the same food sometimes need 3 weeks. This is normal.
What independent research confirms
Several independent studies have compared digestibility and long-term benefits across different kibble grades. Recurring conclusions:
Quality animal protein: dogs fed high-quality identified animal protein kibble maintain lean muscle mass better, particularly after neutering or from age 7 onwards.
Grains vs grain-free: grain-free formulas are not systematically superior - what matters is the quality of the primary protein and the absence of unnecessary fillers. A dog without grain allergies can tolerate cereals perfectly well.
Energy density: premium kibbles (Orijen, Acana) have higher caloric density than economy formulas. This means less grams per day, but requires attention to portions (overweight risk if not adjusted).
Skin and coat: coat improvements are often the first visible signs of a diet upgrade. Omega-3s (EPA and DHA) from fish in premium formulas have documented impact on coat quality after 6-8 weeks.
For the importance of omega-3s in pet nutrition, see our omega-3 pet food guide.
Frequently asked questions
My vet recommends Royal Canin Medium. Why does it score C? Royal Canin is a well-formulated brand on mineral and caloric balance. The C score primarily reflects insufficient ingredient transparency and corn leading the list - not toxicity or danger. If your dog is healthy on Royal Canin and you are cautious about changing, staying put is a valid option. Our rankings inform, they do not guilt-trip.
My dog is 7 years old. Should they switch to "senior" kibble? Senior formulas are often marketing. Most 7-10 year old healthy dogs do not need a special formula. What changes with age: caloric needs may drop slightly, quality proteins remain important (contrary to the outdated idea of reducing protein in older dogs). See our senior dog food guide.
Can I mix two brands? Yes, no problem if both are complete foods. Some owners mix a premium brand (Taste of the Wild) with a more affordable B-grade (Brit Care) to balance quality and budget.
How do I know if my dog is digesting their kibble well? Signs of good digestion: firm, not overly smelly stools, moderate stool volume, shiny coat, consistent energy. Very high stool volume (linked to non-digestible fillers like grains) or very smelly stools may indicate poor digestibility.
What about the grain-free and heart disease concern? Between 2018 and 2022, the US FDA investigated a possible correlation between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. The investigation was closed in 2022 without establishing causality. Current consensus among board-certified veterinary cardiologists is that grain-free feeding is not inherently dangerous for the vast majority of dogs. Some vets remain cautious for breeds genetically predisposed to DCM (Dobermans, Great Danes, Boxers).
Our final recommendation
For the majority of dogs between 11 and 25 kg with no particular health issues:
First choice: Taste of the Wild High Prairie (A, 88) - best value-for-money in the A segment, rare bison protein, grain-free.
If you shop in supermarkets: Edgard and Cooper (A, 88) - the only grade A option in mainstream retail.
For very active breeds: Acana (A, 90) or Orijen (A, 92) depending on budget.
Tight budget: Brit Care Medium (B, 74) remains decent. Avoid Pedigree and Royal Canin for ingredient transparency reasons.
Explore our complete best dog food 2026 ranking for all sizes and profiles. If your medium dog is a senior (7+), our senior dog food ranking covers the age-specific adjustments. For treats, see our best dog treats 2026 guide - the ingredient quality rules apply there too.
A final note on budget: the monthly cost table above shows the most important reframe in medium breed dog feeding. Buying by price-per-kilo tells you almost nothing. What matters is price-per-month accounting for the ration required by each formula's caloric density. Once you account for that, several grade A options cost the same or less than popular grade C choices. The information was always there - it just needed calculating.
Sources
- FEDIAF - Nutritional Guidelines for Dogs (2023 edition): https://www.fediaf.org/self-regulation/nutrition.html
- National Research Council - Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats (2006, updated 2021): https://www.nap.edu/catalog/10668
- Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) - Dog Food Nutrient Profiles: https://www.aafco.org/regulatory/nutrient-profiles/
- Veterinary Dermatology Journal - "Food allergy in dogs: a review" (2023): https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Veterinary+Dermatology
- British Journal of Nutrition - "Obesity in companion animals" (2022): https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition
- Clara Bell, Editorial Writer, PetFoodRate