Dog Food Comparison Chart [Infographic]

Check out our dog food comparison chart to see how your dog food stacks up against some of the leading pet food brands.

Every pet food brand claims to be healthy nowadays. With such a range in price and types available, there must be a difference somewhere. But what is it?

Which cat and dog food brands are concerned about what's best for your pet, and what brands just want to make money? Compare dog food Canada. With our pet food comparison chart, you can make the best decision for your pet's nutrition.

With many options for food manufactured in Canada, from private labels to more common wet dog food with cuts in gravy or chicken flavour, ingredient quality is everything when it comes to your dog's health.

Dog Food Comparison Chart

We've chosen some of the most popular dog food brands as well as some premium pet specialty brands to see which dog foods are providing the best nutrition for your pet. 

For more advice on finding the right diet for your dog, Check out What Should I Feed my Dog? A Beginners Guide to Dog Food.

The Pet Food Comparison Chart Decoded

Meat as Primary Ingredient

Meat is central to the diet of both cats and dogs. No surprise it should make up most of the first 6 ingredients in your pet food ingredient list - which lists by weight in descending order.

Some foods on this best dog food chart have "Not after processing" in this box. That means that they have meat such as chicken, deboned chicken, or fresh chicken (or the like, but not a meal) listed.

Items on the ingredients list are weighed before processing. Meats that aren't meals contain a lot of water before processing, which will evaporate when heated.

That means that the weight of these ingredients drastically reduces after processing - knocking meat off the top of the ingredient list and likely even out of the top six ingredients.

No Artificial Colours, Flavours, or Preservatives

This one is easy. Artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives are not necessary because there are natural alternatives. What's more, many chemicals have been linked to adverse health conditions, including cancer.

Others have not been studied extensively enough to know that they are risk-free. Opt for natural whenever possible.

Includes Fruits and Veggies

Everyone knows the nutritional value of whole fruits and vegetables. Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in a natural form with natural flavour cannot be beaten.

Contains Probiotics/Prebiotics

Probiotics are valuable because they enhance digestion by improving the absorption of certain nutrients. They are the good bacteria that line healthy intestines. Prebiotics are important because they are foods that "feed" that good probiotic bacteria, keeping your pet's system functioning at full capacity.

No Use of Non-Descript By-Products (Meat, Poultry, Fish, or Animal By-Products)

By-products are what remain after the meat is removed from animal carcasses. It can include organ meats, feathers, hooves, bones, and other tissues not typically eaten by humans. Some of these can be very nutritive - such as organ meats - but you have no way to tell what is in one batch of by-products compared to another.

Except for one indicator - non-descript meats. Non-descript meats - including meat, poultry, fish, or animal by-products - are of lower quality than named by-products (such as chicken or pork, for example). Avoid by-products in favour of quality protein meals or whole meats, and avoid non-descript animal by-products at all costs.

No Corn, Wheat, or Soy Proteins

Not all proteins are created alike. While corn, white rice, wheat, and other grains provide bulk to pet food, they do little nutrition-wise. Pets have limited carbohydrate needs. Don't let cheap carbs act as your pet's primary source of protein - if you can, choose meat.

Meat Inclusion

The meat inclusion of food is describing what percentage of the protein in that food comes from an animal source. This is an often overlooked feature in pet foods but can indicate quality. 

If your dog's kibble contains 30% protein, that sounds pretty good, right? Protein means meat, right?

Protein can actually come from many sources, both plant and animal, but the nutrients that those proteins provide will be quite different. A diet that is very carb-heavy may be sourcing a lot of that protein percentage from grains, fruits, vegetables, and starches.

Some plant-based protein is fine, but alone it will not contain all of the essential amino acids that are sourced from an animal protein. Try to look for a minimum of 50% meat inclusion.

Meat inclusion is not something that all dog food brands will advertise, so finding out the meat inclusion can be difficult. If you are not sure about your dog's food, contact the manufacturer and ask. 

Many quality dog foods will be forthcoming with this information; some will point out their meat inclusion levels on the packaging.

Regionally Sourced Ingredients

With recent pet food import scares, many pet owners are concerned about the quality of their pet food ingredients and what countries those ingredients are sourced from.

Europe, Canada, and the United States have high standards when it comes to food processing - and pet food processing recently is being watched more closely. Whenever possible, choose pet food brands that source their materials from regions in these areas (or a trusted source close to your location).

As Canadians, we are a bit biased towards Canadian-sourced ingredients, which is why we chose to highlight brands that source their ingredients from Canada, from dog treats to wet dog food and everything in between.

Avoid Options Like Ol Roy Dog Food Canada

Ol Roy dog food is a low-quality dog food that uses subpar ingredients, to say the least. Manufactured in Canada, Ol Roy was actually discovered to contain a lethal drug known as pentobarbital.

Pentobarbital is used in the euthanization of cats and dogs and should not be ingested by animals.

When combined with the carcinogen known as BHA, Ol Roy dog food is flat-out dangerous and should be avoided at all costs! Other options like Acana Dog Food Canada are a much safer choice.

Conclusion

While not extensive, this dog and cat food comparison chart can give you a good idea of where common pet food brands stand nutritionally. If your pet food is not on the list, look at your pet food ingredients, and see where your food would receive checkmarks and where other brands do it better. Or check out dogfoodanalysis.com for dog and cat food reviews.

You may just want to reconsider what food you are feeding your dog or cat. After all, your pet's food affects every aspect of their health and even can determine how long they live and what kind of quality of life they have.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What factors should I consider when comparing dog food brands?

When comparing dog food brands, consider factors such as ingredient quality, the presence of fillers or by-products, the protein source, grain content, and any specific dietary needs your dog may have. 

How can I determine the quality of ingredients in dog food

Ingredient quality can be assessed by reading the ingredient list on the dog food packaging. Look for named protein sources (e.g., chicken, beef, salmon) as the primary ingredients, and avoid foods with excessive fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. Research the reputation of the brand and its sourcing practices.

Are premium pet specialty brands always better than popular mainstream brands?

Not necessarily. While premium pet specialty brands may prioritize high-quality ingredients, some mainstream brands also offer nutritious options. 

What should I consider when choosing dog food for a pet with dietary restrictions?

If your dog has dietary restrictions or specific health concerns, consult with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations. Look for dog food brands that offer specialized formulas designed to address those dietary needs.

Is wet dog food or dry kibble better for my dog?

The choice between wet and dry dog food depends on your dog's individual preferences and dietary requirements. Consider your dog's age, size, and specific needs when deciding.

How can I use the dog food comparison chart to make the best choice for my pet?

Use the dog food comparison chart to evaluate various brands based on factors like ingredient quality, protein content, grain content, and suitability for your dog's needs. Compare multiple options to find a dog food that meets your pet's nutritional needs and fits your budget.