Good nutrition is the cheapest prevention there is. We pick brands per category that consistently meet our criteria, organic or natural and with real meat up front. Below the picks we explain what to look for on the label yourself.
Our picks for the dog
Just RusselFresh & tailored
Fresh tailored dog food
Food developed with veterinarians and tailored to your dog: recipe and portion matched to breed, age and weight. The fresh meals contain 70% meat and 30% vegetables and fruit, with no artificial additives, wheat or corn.
developed with vets tailored recipe 70% meat in fresh meals
Complete raw meals with at least 70–80% meat, bone and offal, topped up with seasonal vegetables and berries. RawSAFE-certified and delivered frozen to your door. If in doubt about raw feeding, always consult your vet.
≥70% meat, bone & offal RawSAFE-certified grain-free
Dutch web shop specialised in 100% natural food, treats and supplements for dogs and cats: from freeze-dried food to single-ingredient dried treats, without artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.
100% natural range single-ingredient treats Dutch web shop
Fully EKO-certified and a Dutch brand. One of the very few that is genuinely 100% organic, from the meat to the grains, with no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.
From the makers of Orijen, with fresh chicken as the first ingredient and regional ingredients. A step more affordable, yet still high in animal protein and free of artificial additives.
fresh chicken first regional ingredients no artificial additives
Holistic wet food with recognisable, high-quality ingredients and a high meat content. Wet food also adds moisture, which is good for the kidneys and bladder.
high moisture recognisable ingredients no added sugar
Good food saves on the vet laterA healthy weight and good teeth prevent costly problems. See what a pet costs over a whole lifetime.
What to look for on the label
Named meat up front
Ingredients are listed by weight. A specific meat (“fresh chicken”, “salmon”) should be at the top, not grain, maize or potato. Avoid vague terms like just “meat and animal by-products” with no source.
Complete & naturally preserved
Choose “complete” food (it meets the FEDIAF standard) so all nutrients add up. Look for natural preservation with tocopherols (vitamin E) or rosemary instead of synthetic BHA, BHT or ethoxyquin.
No needless extras
Added sugars, caramel, and artificial colours and flavours do not belong in good food. For cats especially: they are true carnivores, so lots of animal protein and little needless starch.
Honest about “grain-free”
Grain-free is not automatically healthier. Grains are not a problem for most dogs, and some grain-free recipes heavy in legumes are under investigation for heart issues. Grain-free mainly makes sense with a proven sensitivity. Unsure, or does your pet have a condition? Talk to your vet; a medical diet always comes before a brand preference.
Chosen independently on composition and certification, not on commission. Some “View” links may earn us a small commission if you buy through them; this never affects which brands we recommend and costs you nothing extra. This is general information, not medical or nutritional advice. If your pet has a condition, allergy or is overweight, always consult your vet.
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