A comprehensive analysis of 25 dry dog foods for adults highlighted the importance of selecting nutritious, digestible options. Six products received a ‘very good’ rating, with the 4Paws Sunny Hills Premium being the top choice. The evaluation revealed some heavy metal traces across all products, and a few did not meet quality standards. The assessment involved testing for nutrients and contaminants, ensuring compliance with European safety standards and proper labeling.
When it comes to your beloved canine companion, you naturally want to provide them with the finest nourishment possible. This means selecting food that is not only healthy but also easily digestible and free from harmful substances. Moreover, the nutritional composition of the food plays a crucial role in your dog’s overall well-being.
An expert from a university-based animal nutrition institute meticulously analyzed various data points, including protein, minerals, and vitamins. In a comprehensive examination by ÖKO-TEST, a total of 25 dry dog foods aimed at adult dogs were scrutinized for the 11/2024 issue, which includes two organic options.
Important Note: During their assessment, the testers favored products labeled as vegan or vegetarian. In the absence of plant-based options, they opted for those with chicken or poultry flavors. The testers leaned towards classic varieties instead of grain-free options and chose standard formulas over premium ones whenever feasible. All products were labeled as complete nutrition, ensuring they meet your dog’s energy and nutritional requirements without needing additional food sources.
For a detailed report, you can access the full test results through ÖKO-TEST for a fee.
Top Dry Dog Foods: The Test Champions
Out of the evaluated dry foods, six achieved a ‘very good’ rating, while eleven received a ‘good’ score, including the organic varieties. Four products were rated as ‘satisfactory’, and one barely passed with a ‘sufficient’ grade.
The top-rated foods excel in nutritional value, with no significant concerns regarding harmful substances. However, slight deviations in the measured nutrient levels from the labeled values were noted. Additionally, it is important to mention that traces of heavy metals were detected across all tested products.
Notably, the 4Paws Sunny Hills Premium Softbrocken Chicken emerged as the best food in the test, free from any substantial criticisms aside from the minor presence of heavy metals. This standout product is available at retailers such as Budni and Edeka.
Other high-ranking foods include offerings from Kaufland, Lidl, Rewe, and Penny, making them reliable choices for dog owners.
Analysis of Dog Food: What the Test Revealed
Unfortunately, three dog food products did not meet the standards and were rated as ‘insufficient’ (grade 6). The selenium levels in two of these products were significantly elevated, while one exceeded the permissible zinc limit. Additionally, the declared vitamin D3 content varied too much from what was found in the lab for two products, as did the crude fat content.
One of the poorly-rated products comes from Mars. The company has announced that they have revised the formulation and packaging. The updated product, identifiable by its new design and EAN 5900951315930, has been on shelves since April. This is the Frolic Complete with poultry, vegetables, and rice. During the test, the packaging was red with colorful branding featuring a Dalmatian on the right side. In the new design, the Dalmatian is repositioned to the left-center of the packaging.
Understanding the ÖKO-TEST Process for Dry Dog Food
A specialized laboratory conducted a thorough analysis of the dog food’s composition, measuring various minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and vitamin D₃. The lab also screened for contaminants such as heavy metals—including lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury—and found no concerning levels.
An expert from a university animal nutrition institute evaluated the extensive data, checking if the food meets the dog’s nutritional needs in minerals, amino acids, protein, fatty acids, and vitamin D₃ without posing a risk of excessive intake. This evaluation involved comparing laboratory results against the minimum and maximum standards established by the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF). The expert ensured compliance with legal maximum limits and considered scientific literature on potential risks from both overdoses and deficiencies. They also verified whether the feeding guidelines on the packaging align with FEDIAF recommendations for appropriate feeding amounts.
Furthermore, the nutrient levels determined in the lab were compared to the values stated on the packaging to check for compliance with legal tolerance limits. ÖKO-TEST also scrutinized the environmental claims on the packaging, ensuring that vital information regarding the food’s usage, in accordance with FEDIAF guidelines, was adequately provided.