Dog food is one of the biggest annual expenses for pet owners - and one of the most important factors in a dog's health. Dozens of brands are available, but not all are worth the money. This review covers 7 dog foods ranging from premium options like Orijen to the budget brand Iams, with detailed nutritional information, current prices, and clear recommendations for different needs and budgets.
Good dog food must list meat as the first ingredient, have a balanced protein-to-fat ratio, and not rely on grain fillers as the primary substance. Premium options are available at Zooplus, PetCenter, and larger pet stores.
Quick overview: all 7 dog foods
| Food | Type | Protein | Price/kg | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Canin Adult | Dry breed-specific | 25-30% | 5-6 EUR | 8/10 |
| Hill's Science Diet Adult | Dry nutrient-focused | 18-22% | 5-7 EUR | 8/10 |
| Purina Pro Plan Adult | Dry performance | 26-30% | 4-5 EUR | 8/10 |
| Orijen Original | Dry grain-free premium | 38-42% | 13-17 EUR | 10/10 |
| Animonda Carny | Wet meat-based | 8-10% (wet) | 2-3 EUR/can | 8/10 |
| Brit Care | Dry grain-free mid-range | 28-32% | 4-5 EUR | 7/10 |
| Iams Protection Plus | Dry budget | 22-24% | 2-3 EUR | 6/10 |
1. Royal Canin Adult - breed-specific dog food
Photo: Unsplash, dog food royal canin
Royal Canin is a brand that built its reputation on breed-specific food - the Labrador Retriever formula differs from the Yorkshire Terrier formula, and both differ from the general adult format. For owners of breeds with known health predispositions (hip dysplasia in retrievers, skin problems in bulldogs), this makes sense.
Royal Canin lines contain 25-30% protein with meat as the first ingredient, but also corn and wheat as fillers, which is a compromise compared to grain-free options. Available in virtually every pet shop.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Dry complete food |
| Protein | 25-30% depending on line |
| Fat | 10-15% |
| Fiber | 2-4% |
| Package | 10 kg, 15 kg |
| Price | 50-80 EUR / 15 kg |
Pros: Breed-specific formula; vet-recommended line; available everywhere; dogs digest it well; therapeutic line for health conditions Cons: Contains grains as filler; more expensive than Purina; marketing sometimes outpaces the formula; some lines have a small percentage of meat protein
Our opinion: Royal Canin is a solid choice for owners who want a breed-specific formula and don't plan to go premium grain-free. For healthy dogs of average breeds, the general adult format is reasonable. For specific health issues, the veterinary line really makes a difference - food that never disappoints but rarely impresses nutritionally either.
2. Hill's Science Diet Adult - nutrient-focused dog food
Photo: Unsplash, hills dog food science diet
Hill's Science Diet formula was developed in collaboration with veterinarians and nutritionists, focusing on specific nutritional needs at different life stages. Hill's is particularly strong in diagnostic and therapeutic lines (kidney, liver, mobility) that are recommended through the veterinary channel.
The recommendation for Hill's Science Diet starts with its clinically tested formulas. Proteins from chicken or tuna are primary, with added vitamin E and omega-3 from fish for skin and coat. The price of 5-7 EUR/kg is somewhat higher than Purina but justified by clinically tested results. Particularly recommended for older dogs and those with special needs.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Dry complete food |
| Protein | 18-22% (chicken or tuna) |
| Omega-3 from fish | Yes - for skin and coat |
| Line | Adult, Senior, Large/Small Breed |
| Packages | 12 kg, 15 kg |
| Price | 60-80 EUR / 15 kg |
Pros: Clinically tested formula; strong therapeutic line (kidney, liver, mobility); omega-3 for coat; preferred by vets; good digestive response Cons: Lower protein percentage than premium brands; availability limited to vet clinics and Zooplus; more expensive than Purina Pro Plan
Our opinion: Hill's Science Diet is the first recommendation for dogs with diagnosed health problems. For healthy dogs, the protein profile is lower than premium options, but the clinical backing provides reassurance. Credible food because the data is behind it.
3. Purina Pro Plan Adult - performance standard dog food
Photo: Unsplash, purina pro plan dog food
Purina Pro Plan Adult is the standard choice for owners who want a balance of protein, availability, and price. 26-30% protein with chicken or salmon as the first ingredient, available in every pet shop and Zooplus, priced around 45-65 EUR for 15 kg - roughly 3-4 EUR/kg. The best price-to-quality ratio in the mainstream segment.
The performance line is especially popular for active dogs with high protein and energy density. A solid recommendation for owners who don't want to pay premium prices but want a good nutritional base. The wet food Purina line is available as a complement to dry.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Dry complete food |
| Protein | 26-30% (chicken or salmon) |
| Lines | Puppy, Adult, Senior, Sport |
| Packages | 3 kg, 7 kg, 14 kg, 20 kg |
| Price | 45-65 EUR / 15 kg |
Pros: Good 26-30% protein profile; widest availability; reasonable price; sport line for active dogs; flavors dogs love Cons: Contains corn in some lines; not grain-free; mid-range brand without premium positioning
Our opinion: Purina Pro Plan Adult is the gold standard of mainstream dog food. If you have a healthy dog with standard needs and don't want to pay 15+ EUR/kg for Orijen, this is a sensible choice that covers all nutritional needs. Reliable every day.
4. Orijen Original - premium grain-free dog food
Photo: Unsplash, premium dog food bowl
Orijen dog food price is more than double that of mainstream brands - 13-17 EUR/kg, around 80-100 EUR for 6 kg - but the reason is clear: 38-42% protein, 85-90% animal-origin ingredients (chicken, turkey, fish, eggs), no grains, no fillers. This is the most biologically appropriate dry dog food available.
The Orijen Original formula mimics the natural diet of wolves and wild dogs - high protein, moderate fat, minimal carbohydrates. Available at Zooplus and specialized pet stores. Dogs switching from mainstream food to Orijen consistently show improvements in coat and energy levels.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Dry complete grain-free food |
| Protein | 38-42% |
| Animal ingredients | 85-90% |
| Grain-free | Yes - no grains |
| Package | 2 kg, 6 kg, 11.4 kg |
| Price | 13-17 EUR/kg |
Pros: Highest protein profile 38-42%; 85-90% animal ingredients; no grains or fillers; visible improvements in coat and energy; most biologically appropriate Cons: Most expensive option at 13-17 EUR/kg; transition must be gradual due to high protein content; harder to find than mainstream brands
Our opinion: Orijen price is high but justified. This is the only dog food on this list that makes no nutritional compromises. For owners who want to give their dog maximum food quality, Orijen is the only real answer. True premium.
5. Animonda Carny - wet dog food with high meat content
Photo: Unsplash, wet dog food can
Animonda Carny is one of the few wet dog food brands with a high percentage of real meat without tricks. 60-70% meat and offal, no corn or soy, an 800g can for 1.5-2 EUR. Available at Zooplus by the palette of 24 cans.
Wet dog food is better for hydration and digestibility but more expensive per calorie than dry. Animonda Carny is popular as a complement to dry food - 50% dry Purina and 50% Animonda gives a balance of nutritional profile and flavor variety. Dry food is recommended for the daily base, wet food for special meals or young dogs.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Wet complete food |
| Protein (wet basis) | 8-10% (equivalent to 30-35% dry matter) |
| Meat/offal | 60-70% |
| Without | Corn, soy, sugar |
| Package | 800g can or 400g |
| Price | 1.5-2 EUR / can |
Pros: High percentage of real meat; no corn or soy; good hydration; tasty - dogs love it; acceptable price Cons: More expensive per calorie than dry food; needs refrigeration after opening; can't be the only food - combination necessary
Our opinion: Animonda Carny is the top pick in the wet dog food category. Quality wet food at 1.5-2 EUR per serving is a reasonable investment. We recommend it as a complement to Purina Pro Plan dry food for optimal daily nutrition.
6. Brit Care - grain-free mid-range dry dog food
Photo: Unsplash, dog kibble healthy food
Brit Care is a Czech brand offering grain-free dry dog food in the mid-range price segment - 4-5 EUR/kg, around 40-60 EUR for 12 kg. 28-32% protein with chicken, salmon, or duck as the first ingredient, no wheat or corn. A grain-free alternative for those who want it without Orijen's price.
Brit Care lines also have special formulas for sensitive digestion, white coats, active dogs, and sterilized dogs. Particularly good for dogs with grain allergies who can't afford Orijen. Food that delivers good value in the grain-free segment.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Dry grain-free complete food |
| Protein | 28-32% (chicken, salmon or duck) |
| Grain-free | Yes |
| Lines | Sensitive, White Dog, Active, Sterilised |
| Package | 3 kg, 12 kg |
| Price | 40-60 EUR / 12 kg |
Pros: Grain-free for 4-5 EUR/kg - good ratio; 28-32% protein; special lines for sensitive dogs; available online; solid for dogs with allergies Cons: Less well-known than Royal Canin and Purina; availability more limited than mainstream; not clinically tested like Hill's
Our opinion: Brit Care is a smart choice for owners who want grain-free dog food without Orijen's premium price. For dogs with grain allergies or intolerances, this is the best-value option. Food that definitely meets nutritional needs without breaking the budget.
7. Iams Protection Plus - budget segment dog food
Photo: Pexels, dog food bowl kibble
Iams Protection Plus is a budget dog food available in supermarkets for 2-3 EUR/kg, around 30-40 EUR for 12 kg. 22-24% protein, chicken as the first ingredient, but with wheat and corn as fillers. Food that does the job without any special ambitions.
For owners on a tight budget or those with dogs that "eat anything," Iams Protection Plus is a reasonable option. Our general advice isn't to go budget if you can avoid it - it's always better to buy less Purina or Brit Care than more Iams - but if budget is the constraint, Iams is better than no-name brands.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Dry complete food |
| Protein | 22-24% |
| Ingredients | Chicken, wheat, corn |
| Grain-free | No |
| Package | 3 kg, 12 kg, 15 kg |
| Price | 30-40 EUR / 12 kg |
Pros: Cheapest available option; available in all supermarkets; chicken as first ingredient; consistent quality; convenient for travel Cons: Corn and wheat as fillers; lower protein profile; not grain-free; not recommended as a long-term choice for young or active dogs
Our opinion: Iams Protection Plus does the job in a pinch or for dogs with iron stomachs. Better than no-name alternatives in the budget segment, but we advise moving up to Brit Care or Purina Pro Plan when budget allows. Not premium by any stretch, but acceptable.
Conclusion
Dog food in 2026 - the market is full of options but the choice is actually straightforward once you know what to look for: protein from meat as the first ingredient, no excessive grains, and food suited to the dog's age and activity level.
| User profile | Recommendation | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Dog with special needs - diet | Hill's Science Diet | 5-7€/kg |
| Mainstream, good balance | Purina Pro Plan | 4-5€/kg |
| Breed-specific formula | Royal Canin | 5-6€/kg |
| Grain-free without premium price | Brit Care | 4-5€/kg |
| Maximum nutrition, premium | Orijen Original | 13-17€/kg |
| Wet for hydration | Animonda Carny | 1.5-2€/can |
| Budget option | Iams | 2-3€/kg |
For premium: Orijen Original is unmatched nutritionally. For mainstream price-quality balance: Purina Pro Plan. For grain-free without premium cost: Brit Care. For special health needs: Hill's Science Diet therapeutic line. For breed-specific formula: Royal Canin.
Wet food like Animonda Carny is an ideal complement to dry food for hydration and variety. Dog food isn't an area to cut corners on - better food means fewer vet costs in the long run.
FAQ - Common questions about dog food
Which dog food is most recommended by vets? Vets most commonly recommend Hill's Science Diet and Royal Canin therapeutic lines for dogs with diagnosed problems. For healthy dogs, Purina Pro Plan is a vet-accepted option with good availability.
Is grain-free dog food always better? Not automatically. Grain-free dog food is better for dogs with grain allergies, but for healthy dogs without specific needs, Purina Pro Plan or Hill's with grains is completely acceptable. What matters most is a high percentage of protein from meat.
How much does Orijen cost? Orijen dog food price (Zooplus) is around 13-17 EUR/kg, about 80-100 EUR for 6 kg. That's more expensive than Purina, but the protein profile is 38-42% versus 26-30% - the quality difference is real.
Should I mix dry and wet dog food? Mixing dry dog food with wet like Animonda Carny gives better results for hydration, flavor variety, and digestibility. A split of 70-80% dry and 20-30% wet is recommended for an average adult dog.
Where can I buy dog food online? Zooplus is the largest online pet shop with the best selection of premium dog food including Orijen, Brit Care, and Animonda. Amazon.de is a good alternative. Royal Canin and Purina are also available at major online retailers. Wet dog food prices are often lower online than in physical stores.