Based on ÖKO-TEST’s findings for issue 11/2024, a comprehensive examination of 25 dry dog foods revealed nutritional quality and safety concerns. The analysis emphasized the health, compatibility, and absence of critical substances in dog food. Among the tested products, six received a ‘very good’ rating, while three failed with ‘insufficient’ scores due to excessive mineral content. The top-rated food was 4Paws Sunny Hills Premium Softbrocken Chicken, available in several major retailers. All products were assessed for their ability to meet dogs’ dietary needs.
Content based on the test results from ÖKO-TEST*
As a pet owner, you want nothing but the best for your furry friend. This means the food should be healthy, digestible, and free from harmful substances. Additionally, the nutritional composition of the food is essential.
A specialist from a university animal nutrition institute has analyzed data regarding protein, minerals, vitamins, and other components. For the issue 11/2024, ÖKO-TEST conducted a comprehensive examination of 25 dry dog foods meant for adult dogs. Among these products, there are also two organic options.
Note: In their purchasing decisions, testers favored products labeled as vegan or vegetarian. If plant-based options were unavailable, they selected products with chicken or poultry flavor. The experts also preferred traditional formulas over grain-free varieties and opted for standard rather than premium food whenever possible. All products were labeled as complete foods, meaning they must meet the dog’s energy and nutritional needs, even if no other food is provided.
A detailed test report can be accessed for a fee from ÖKO-TEST.
Dog Dry Food: Here Are the Test Winners
Six dry foods received a ‘very good’ rating. Eleven were rated ‘good’, including the two organic options. Four scored ‘satisfactory’, and one dry food barely passed with a rating of ‘sufficient’.
The winning products excelled in nutritional composition and received no complaints regarding contaminants. However, the measured nutrient values occasionally differed somewhat from the listed values. Additionally, traces of heavy metals were found in all tested products.
Despite the minor traces of heavy metals, one food stood out as the best in the test: the 4Paws Sunny Hills Premium Soft Bites with chicken. This test winner is available at Budni and Edeka.
Foods from Kaufland, Lidl, Rewe, Penny, and Zoo Royal are also among the highest-rated.
Criticism of Dog Food
Three foods failed the test with an ‘insufficient’ rating (score 6). In two cases, the selenium content was significantly elevated, and one product contained more zinc than allowed by limits. On two occasions, the declared vitamin D3 content deviated too greatly from the laboratory’s findings. The same applied to two instances of crude fat content.
One of the poor performers is from Mars. According to the company, a formula and packaging redesign has been implemented. The new product can be identified by the updated packaging design and has been available in stores since April under the new EAN 5900951315930. This pertains to the Frolic Complete with poultry, vegetables, and rice. During the test period, the packaging was red, with a colorful Frolic label and a Dalmatian pictured on the right side. The new packaging features the Dalmatian in a left-centered position.
How ÖKO-TEST Evaluated Dry Food
A specialized lab analyzed the composition of dog food, determining a range of minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and vitamin D₃ content. The lab also tested the food for contamination with heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury) but found no significant amounts.
An expert from a university animal nutrition institute evaluated the extensive data. They assessed whether the food sufficiently provided the dog with minerals, amino acids, protein, fatty acids, and vitamin D₃ without overloading the organism with excessive levels. This involved comparing lab results with the minimum and maximum requirements established by the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF). The expert also verified adherence to legal maximum limits. Scientific literature was consulted for potential risks associated with over- and under-dosages. They checked if the feeding recommendations on the packaging met the FEDIAF guidelines regarding the dog’s nutritional needs.
The expert also compared the nutrient values obtained in the lab with the amounts stated on the packaging to identify whether discrepancies fell within legal tolerance levels. ÖKO-TEST examined environmental claims on packaging to ensure that essential usage instructions in accordance with FEDIAF guidelines were included.