A recent study evaluated 25 dry dog foods, highlighting six as ‘very good’ and eleven as ‘good.’ The top-rated 4Paws Sunny Hills Premium Softchunks Chicken stood out for its quality. However, three products failed to meet standards, with issues like high selenium and zinc levels. Testing involved comprehensive analysis of nutrients and contaminants, ensuring compliance with FEDIAF guidelines. The study emphasizes the importance of high-quality nutrition for dogs, free from harmful substances.
Unveiling the Results of Dog Food Testing
When it comes to your beloved canine companion, quality nutrition is paramount. Dog food should not only be nutritious and easily digestible but also free from harmful substances. The nutritional composition of the food plays a key role in promoting your pet’s health.
In a recent study conducted by experts at a leading university institute specializing in animal nutrition, a thorough evaluation of 25 different dry dog foods for adult dogs was performed for the November 2024 edition of ÖKO-TEST. Among these products, there were two organic options included.
It’s worth noting that during the purchasing process, the testers favored vegan or vegetarian options. In the absence of plant-based products, they opted for those with chicken or poultry flavors. The experts prioritized traditional formulas over grain-free varieties and leaned toward standard offerings instead of premium ones whenever feasible. All products assessed were labeled as complete food, implying they should fulfill all energy and nutrient requirements for dogs without the necessity for additional food sources.
Top Contenders in Dry Dog Food Testing
Out of the 25 dry foods evaluated, six achieved a top rating of ‘very good,’ while eleven garnered a ‘good’ rating, including the organic selections. Four products received a ‘satisfactory’ score, and one barely passed with a rating of ‘sufficient.’
The standout performers demonstrated excellence in nutritional composition, with no significant concerns regarding harmful substances. However, some nutrient values were found to differ slightly from the claimed amounts. It’s important to mention that traces of heavy metals were detected across all tested products.
Among the participants, the 4Paws Sunny Hills Premium Softchunks Chicken emerged as the top choice, earning accolades for its high quality. This test-winning product is readily available at stores like Budni and Edeka.
Other noteworthy brands include those from Kaufland, Lidl, Rewe, and Penny, which also ranked highly in the assessment.
Concerns About Underperforming Dog Foods
Unfortunately, three dog foods did not meet the standards, receiving an ‘insufficient’ rating (grade 6). In two products, the selenium content was alarmingly high, while another exceeded the permissible zinc levels. Additionally, two foods had a significant discrepancy between the stated and actual vitamin D3 content.
One of the poorly rated products originates from Mars. The company has since made adjustments to the recipe and packaging, and the updated version can be identified by its new design and EAN code 5900951315930, which has been available since April. The product in question is the Frolic Complete featuring poultry, vegetables, and rice. The previous packaging was red with colorful lettering, showcasing a Dalmatian on the right, while the new design highlights the Dalmatian on the left-center.
Insights into the Testing Methodology
To ensure a comprehensive analysis, a specialized laboratory assessed the dog food’s composition, measuring an array of minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and vitamin D3. They also screened for heavy metal contamination (including lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury) and found no significant amounts.
Further evaluation by an expert in animal nutrition involved checking the food’s capacity to meet dogs’ needs for essential nutrients without exposing them to excessive levels. The laboratory findings were compared to the minimum and maximum requirements established by the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF). The expert also verified compliance with legally mandated maximum levels and consulted scientific literature regarding potential risks related to nutrient overdoses or deficiencies. Additionally, the expert evaluated whether the feeding recommendations on the packaging aligned with FEDIAF guidelines, ensuring that they did not suggest insufficient or excessive feeding amounts.
Finally, ÖKO-TEST also examined the accuracy of nutritional claims on the packaging, confirming that essential information for proper feeding according to FEDIAF standards was included.