Top 10 Best Dog Food in India
Given below is a brief summary of dog food types, brands, and specialities of various types of dog food available in the country which has been subdivided by brand, with features of each product in a systematic list. Included below are details of the breeds of dogs for which the range of products is ideal, along with descriptions of the various special conditions a dog might have and the dog food which may cater specifically to their needs. All of the products listed are available on Amazon.in.
The Best Dog Food in India
Pedigree Wet Dog Food
This product is made primarily of lamb chops with gravy. It provides the necessary nutrients for a dog, for general bone and muscle growth, and is ideal for all dog breeds. The texture is wet, which takes care of hydration and makes the food highly palatable and is optimized for the growth of the dog’s bones and muscles. It comes in a set of pouches. Its main disadvantage is the relatively high price.
Meat Up Puppy Dog Food
- Meat Up is a dry dog food for puppies of all breeds and sizes. It contains a nutritious formula with a focus on the dog’s health and wellbeing. It comes in a reasonable price range, making it relatively inexpensive compared to some of the more premium brands. This dog food is meat-based, which makes it appealing to the carnivorous nature of most dogs. It is suitable for all breeds and sizes of dogs.
- Its primary disadvantage is that it is a form of kibble, meaning dogs whose primary diet consists of meat Up dog food will require you to feed your dog a separate bowl of water. It is typically sold in 1.2 kg bags.
Pedigree Dry Dog Food
The dry version of Pedigree Dog food is ideal for Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Pugs, Beagles, and German Shepherds. It has high iron and calcium content and comes in a 3kg pack. It is quite tasty for dogs as well. Both varieties of Pedigree dog food are suited to adult dogs.
Purepet Chicken and Milk Puppy Food
- It is a dry dog food formulated for puppies. The composition consists of milk and chicken, and it provides the essential nutrients for enhanced growth. It comes in 2kg packs.
- Ideal Age Range: Puppies of up to 12 months. It is suitable for all dog breeds. It is excellent for the maintenance of bone and muscle general health due to its protein and calcium composition. Its meat-based nature makes it well-tailored to carnivores. This also makes it quite palatable to dogs. The price is reasonable, as well. However, it lacks some vitamins, making it just short of the ideal nutritional package.
Drools Absolute Calcium Sausages
- This is a dry dog food that contains calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, along with a variety of essential vitamins. It comes in packs of small pouches and is ideal for all ages and breeds of dogs. It is also suitable for the growth of puppies.
- However, it has low water content and is biased towards nutrients and elements which facilitate growth, making it better as a complimentary formula.
- It is also available in a 3kg pack.
Chappi Dog Food
- This is one of the cheapest dog food brands in India, a mix of chicken and rice. It is easy to digest and also ideal for dogs who are fighting diarrhoea. This dog food is quite tasty for dogs as well. It is available in large packs. One of its disadvantages, however, is that it contains the byproducts of both rice as well as meat.
- You may need to feed your dog multiple times a day (5-6 servings) due to its light nature.
- It is unfit for puppies below 12 months of age.
Farmina N&D Low Grain Dog Food
- This is a 100% grain-free brand. Although not as pricey as some of the brands mentioned above, it is still quite exclusive, most dogs like the taste of this food. A unique feature of this brand is that the manufacturers place emphasis on fruits and veggies like pomegranate, pumpkin, blueberry, etc. apart from meat.
- A problem with this dog food, however, is that there are some reports of dogs experiencing stomach issues while changing feed.
Orijen Dog Food
- This is the most premium food for dogs out there – in India as well as around the world. The product has a premium feel, and dogs love its taste and texture.
- The ingredients are thoughtfully sourced, and it is rich in protein. It is most natural, though there are some freeze-dried components – most dogs enjoy it nevertheless. This item is grain-free and prepared human grade.
- However, it is well outside the price range of most buyers, and switching between brands once you start feeding this food to your dogs can be difficult, as dogs adjust themselves to the high protein diet.
Purina Super Coat Puppy Dry Dog Food
- This is ideally suited to growing puppies, up to 12 months of age. It is rich in proteins, vitamins, and essential fats. It is available in 2kg packs, and puppies of all dog breeds can consume it for high nutritional value.
- Thus, Purina Super Coat Puppy Dry Dog Food affords all the essential ingredients for growth, immunity, and general wellbeing for puppies. It is also well-adapted to carnivorous feeding behaviour, allowing it to be tasty for most pets.
- It has an excellent reputation, thus indicating a generally safe diet for your pet.
- While this brand boasts an excellent reputation from health experts, it comes with a hefty price tag. This is dry dog food which will need a complimentary water bowl for hydration.
Acana – Grass-Fed Lamb
- Acana’s Grass Fed Lamb recipe is a good organic recipe for family dogs. The primary ingredient in this meal is fresh grass fed lamb (18%). The recipe also has a good helping of organ meat like lamb liver and kidneys.
- This recipe is made for all breeds and all life stages, so it’s convenient for those who have more than one dog. Lastly, a good helping of Vitamin D, E, Zinc, and copper provides a wholesome meal.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Food in India
- To accurately choose the best dog food for your dog, it’s essential to become familiar with your pet’s health, which is vital to the selection process. No two pets are the same, and this translates to the fact that they all have different issues in their overall health.
- Veterinarians are trained specially for this, and regular visits can prove to be quite helpful. The following key factors are integral to choosing the right dog food for your dog.
Activity or Inactivity Level
- It is necessary to make sure that the diet has a liberal protein supply and a high-calorie count. Though we usually consider fats inappropriate for dogs whose lifestyle consists of a lower activity level, these tend to be the niche. We should refrain from overlooking carbohydrates, as they are excellent sources of energy.
- On the contrary, “low-energy” dogs – like those that may have health challenges require far fewer fats and carbohydrates. Therefore, we should adjust their diet accordingly, as any discrepancies will lead to health problems such as dog obesity.
- You should determine the pet’s activity level based on habits, natural behaviour and occupation, which will play a key role in choosing feeds that are appropriate. A veterinary examination will help here as well, for confirmation.
Age
- There is a vast difference between a puppy’s and a full-grown dog’s diet. The key here is in defining your dog’s stage of development, which you can use to determine the kind of food he/she needs.
- If your dog is a puppy, you will then need to do extra homework and consider the associated sub-stage. For instance, a puppy which is still weaning will have different needs from those of a puppy that’s transitioning to adulthood.
- When it comes to adults, diet is mostly about maintenance, though there are additional factors to look into, such as health and breed type. The usual menu is a high-protein, high-calorie intake with some mineral and vitamin supplements.
- Older dogs tend to have their own set of issues that we need to consider. Since their digestive systems and the body, in general, becomes frail, you will have to adjust the diet accordingly. In general, the high protein and high-calorie diet are maintained while taking all the associated health issues into consideration.
Allergies
- Allergies can be found quite often in dogs, and combating these issues should be paramount before they can inflict serious damage on the dog. Veterinary consultation is the easiest and most foolproof way to figure out any allergies your dog may have, which you must consider before buying its food.
- It is important to go through the ingredients in any dog food before purchase.
Health Status
- If the pet is inflicted with certain health conditions, you must consult a professional to ensure that the dog food provides benefits.
- A balanced diet can go a long way when it comes to healing too. Also, specific foods can help combat particular diseases, for, eg. Chronic Eczema, which can be treated with omega-3 fatty acids.
Breed and Size
- Dog breeds have dietary needs which can be correlated to the size of the dog and how active it is. When it comes to larger dogs, the issues mainly come down to muscle strain and joint stress. To solve this specific issue, the diet should include ample proteins, which help in repairing muscular tissues. Calcium and Vitamin D also helps to keep the bones strong.
- Some dog breeds like Labradors are more naturally predisposed to becoming obese. This is also a factor which can lead to multiple health problems.
- Therefore, you should check the fat and carbohydrate composition to tailor it to prevent the development of these problems appropriately. Veterinary personnel might come in handy if you need a precise diet to fit the needs of your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which dog food is best for puppies?
Puppies (under 12 months of age) generally need a different type of food than adult dogs. This is attributed mainly to the fact that growing puppies whose bones and muscles are still developing have a higher protein requirement than adult dogs. A number of puppy food products and brands have been listed above.
Can dog food go stale?
Until the expiration date, unopened bags, packs or pouches of dog food will generally not go stale. However, exposure to air and moisture after the package is opened can cause damage over time. It is best to make sure your dog consumes the feed within two weeks after opening the bag.
Can dogs be vegetarian?
The simple answer here is Yes – we can raise dogs on a vegetarian diet. Many companies have started making vegetarian versions of their feed. However, a dog may not transition from a meat based diet to a vegetarian diet that easily. In such cases, professional consultation is the best option.
How is dog food made?
Manufacturers usually make dog food using ground meat, grain or vegetables. The most popular method is the process of extrusion. All the raw ingredients are ground up into a paste in this method.
Which dog food is high in fibre?
Many manufacturers make fibre-rich products. Purina is a good brand to look for when it comes to fibre rich dog food.
How much should I feed my dog?
Like human beings, all dogs also need varying levels of food – so there is no fixed answer to this question. It is important to watch the dog, not the dish. A dog will show signs of being hungry or full. It is best to monitor your dog and plan his/her feeding routine accordingly.
Can I make home-cooked food for my dog?
Home-cooked food is always a good option for dogs, along with store-bought dog food. The most important reason for this is that home-cooked food is always freshly prepared, as compared to the store-bought feed, which generally needs some form of preservatives to maintain its quality. However, it is essential to note that your dog may have allergies to certain food items.
Which foods are dangerous to give to dogs?
We must be sure not to give dogs chocolate and other types of candy, citrus fruits, apples, raisins or grapes, onions, garlic, or any form of alcoholic or caffeine-based beverages.
Final Thoughts
We hope this article helps you pick the best dog food for your dog. We want to add that with dry dog food; you should provide your pet with access to clean water 24 hours a day. Dry food only contains 10% moisture and does not give them all the moisture they need. A clean supply of water and premium-quality dog food is all they need for an optimum lifestyle.
We provided you with as many resources possible to help you make your own decision. Do let us know what your favourite dog food is and why.
