An ÖKO-TEST analysis of 25 dry dog foods highlights nutritional quality and safety, classifying six as ‘very good’ and eleven as ‘good’, including two organic options. The top-rated product is 4Paws Sunny Hills Premium Softbrocken Chicken. While concerns were raised about trace heavy metals, three products earned ‘unsatisfactory’ ratings due to excessive selenium and inaccurate nutrient declarations. The assessment involved a thorough review of nutrients and contaminants against established standards, emphasizing the importance of balanced and safe dog food.
Content based on ÖKO-TEST findings*
You want nothing but the best for your furry companion, which means their food should be nutritious, easy to digest, and free from harmful substances. The nutritional value of the food is also essential.
To ensure quality, experts at a university animal nutrition institute assessed various aspects, including protein, minerals, and vitamins. For their November 2024 issue, ÖKO-TEST conducted a thorough evaluation of 25 dry dog foods aimed at adult dogs, including two organic options.
Note: In their purchasing process, testers favored vegan or vegetarian products. When those weren’t available, they selected chicken or poultry-flavored options. Experts opted for traditional formulas over grain-free varieties and prioritized standard foods over premium options when possible. All examined products were labeled as complete dog foods, meaning they should meet a dog’s full energy and nutritional needs even on their own.
For detailed findings, you can access the complete test through ÖKO-TEST.
Top Dry Dog Foods: The Winners
Six dry foods received a ‘very good’ rating, while eleven were rated as ‘good’, which includes the two organic options. Four products rated ‘satisfactory’, and one narrowly passed with a ‘sufficient’ rating.
The top-rated foods excelled in nutritional content, and no harmful substances were identified. However, some nutrient levels slightly differed from what was stated on the packaging, and traces of heavy metals were detected in all tested products.
Despite the minor heavy metal trace findings, one dog food stood out as the best in the evaluation: 4Paws Sunny Hills Premium Softbrocken Chicken. This top performer is available at Budni and Edeka stores.
Other high-performing foods can be found at Kaufland, Lidl, Rewe, Penny, and Zoo Royal.
Dog Foods Under Scrutiny
Three dog foods failed the evaluation, receiving an ‘unsatisfactory’ grade (6). Two of these products had excessive selenium levels, while one contained more zinc than permitted. In two instances, the actual vitamin D3 content deviated significantly from what was declared, as did the crude fat levels in two other cases.
Notably, one subpar product comes from Mars. The company announced a recipe and packaging redesign, making the improved version identifiable by its new design and EAN 5900951315930, which has been on store shelves since April. This product is Frolic Complete, featuring poultry, vegetables, and rice. The older packaging showcased a red background, colorful Frolic lettering, and a Dalmatian on the right side. The updated packaging positions the Dalmatian on the left-center.
Testing Methodology for Dry Dog Foods
A specialized laboratory analyzed the dog food’s composition, focusing on various minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and vitamin D₃. It also examined for heavy metal contamination (including lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury) and found no concerning quantities.
An expert from a university animal nutrition institute carefully reviewed the gathered data. They ensured the food supplied adequate minerals, amino acids, protein, fatty acids, and vitamin D₃ without imposing excess levels on the dog’s system. This was achieved by comparing laboratory results with the minimum and maximum standards set by the European Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (FEDIAF) and checking compliance with legal limits. The expert also reviewed scientific literature on the risks associated with over- and underdosing.
Additionally, they compared the actual nutrient values to those stated on the packaging, assessing if any discrepancies lay within acceptable legal limits. ÖKO-TEST also verified the environmental claims on the packaging and ensured vital feeding information was provided in alignment with FEDIAF guidelines.