Supermarket and household names
Long-established brands found in most UK supermarkets as well as online: Whiskas and Felix for cats, Pedigree for dogs, and IAMS for both.
Specialist and premium brands
- Royal Canin: size, breed and life-stage specific food for cats and dogs.
- Hill’s: Science Plan for everyday feeding plus the Prescription Diet range.
- Eukanuba: dry dog food by breed size, life stage and activity.
- James Wellbeloved: British hypoallergenic-focused recipes for dogs and cats.
- Burns: Welsh brand with simple, rice-based dog and cat food.
- Naturediet: British complete wet dog food.
- Applaws: British brand best known for cat food with whole fish and chicken pieces.
- Taste of the Wild: American grain-free dry food for dogs and cats.
- Concept for Life and Wolf of Wilderness: exclusive brands of the online retailer zooplus.
Veterinary diets
Hill’s Prescription Diet and Royal Canin Veterinary Diet are formulated for pets with specific health conditions, such as kidney, urinary, digestive or weight problems. They are intended for use under veterinary guidance, so speak to your vet before starting or switching one.
Comparing brands
Price per kilogram, or per day of feeding, is a fairer comparison than pack price, because recommended daily amounts vary between foods. Check whether a food is complete or complementary, and compare like for like: life stage, breed size and dry or wet. Whichever brand you choose, switch gradually over about a week.
Common questions
Are expensive pet food brands better?
Not automatically. Price reflects ingredients, marketing, research and where the food is sold. A complete food from any reputable brand that suits your pet’s age, size and health, and that your pet does well on, is a good choice. Your vet can help if your pet has specific needs.
What is the difference between complete and complementary pet food?
A complete food contains all the nutrients a pet needs and can be fed on its own. A complementary food, such as many treats, toppers and some wet foods, is meant to be fed alongside a complete food. The label must say which it is.