Review of the best Dog Food in India – Expert advice

Best dog food in India

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Review of best dog food in India 2022

With more of us adopting a pet, the demand for the best dog food in India has gone up. The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us many lessons. We now (more than ever) long for companionship. We want to get our kids off computers and cell phones and dogs (pets) are becoming the best alternative. There are several dog food brands available in the market and it is difficult for the average pet owner to choose the best quality dog food for their pup.
We are a group of dog owners with vast experience in the pet industry. We have tried many of these brands personally and will never recommend something that we won’t personally feed our dogs.
This blog, the best dog food in India, is not only a review but also has information that will empower you to make your own decisions.

Best dog food finder 

With so many dog food brands in the market, how does one choose the best dog food for their dogs? We at barks.in want to help you choose the best dog food that fits your specific needs. 

Simply answer the questions below to find out the best dog food for your dog. Click on the buy link to buy the one that suits you the best. Please refresh the page to attempt again.

At a Glance: Our top 5 best dog food in India

#1 Homemade dog food supplemented with Royal Canin

Homemade dog food combined with Royal Canin dog food at a ratio of 1:1 is the best and most viable food that you can feed your dog. Most pet parents in India feed their dogs homemade dog food along with a top dry kibble like Royal Canin.

#2 ROYAL CANIN

Royal Canin is the leader in the Indian dog food industry. Royal Canin is the number 1 choice among dog breeders and dog show-ring kennels in India and is the best dry dog food in India. Every person interviewed has sworn by the quality of ingredients and the results that they have personally observed.

#3 SmartHeart

SmartHeart Dog Food is a recent entrant into the booming Indian pet industry. SmartHeart dog food is the “best value for money” dog food available in India. They offer a range of dog food for adult and puppy dogs. We have personally used SmartHeart dog food for our dogs with excellent results.

#4 Farmina N&D Grain-free

Farmina N&D has gained in popularity with their grain-free range of products. We have experienced excellent results feeding Farmina N&D grain-free to our German Shepherds combined with homemade food.

#5 Grain Zero

Grain Zero is slowly (but steadily) losing its quality. We’ve been using this brand for our GSD for the past several years and we have seen a noticeable dip in the quality. The flavor has deteriorated considerably to an extent that we can no longer call it flavor but smell. Grain Zero ranked #3 on our list in 2019 and 2020, #4 in 2021, and now #5. Are you listening Grain Zero?

Dog food – The Indian Context

Today’s Indian dog food market is flooded with a wide array of dog food brands. They offer products that range from a few 100 rupees per kilogram to more than 2000 rupees per kilogram. And, there are diverse types of dog food available in India like

• Dry dog food – Dry kibble, most commonly available online
• Wet canned dog food – Wet dog food (or simply wet food), not very popular in India but gaining momentum
• Frozen/dry dog food – Least popular

Unfortunately, the internet is flooded with misinformation. Incorrect online dog food reviews, websites promoting dog food brands for-profit, and YouTube videos continue to propagate misleading information about dog food.

How then do you select the best dog food for your dog? And then there is the Indian context, which needs to address these essential questions

• Can I feed my dog homemade food?
• I am a vegetarian; how can I ensure my dog receives the best food?
• Is commercially processed dog food better than homemade dog food?

This review of the best dog food available in India aims to answer these questions.

Why should you trust our dog food review?

• We have a combined personal experience of over 60 years in working, loving, and living with dogs in India
• Feedback from top show kennels and breeders in India, for whom the health of their dogs is of utmost importance
• Feedback from Indian veterinarians who can contextualize dog nutritional requirement with unique Indian parameters like
  • Indian weather and its influence on a dog’s health,
  • Dogs in the Indian way of life
  • Building disease resistance on foreign/non-native dog breeds
• We have carried out extensive studies of articles published on authorities like Petmd, and American Kennel Club

We hope this article will enable you to make well-informed decisions based on your dog’s specific nutritional requirements.

Dog Nutrition 101 – “Knowledgs is power”

Dogs are carnivorous animals that require a balanced proportion of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals for them to be healthy. A dog’s diet should predominantly contain animal products followed by easily digestible carbohydrates.
In India, dogs are typically fed homemade food. Most dog owners feed their dogs with leftovers. Sometimes, very spicy food. This is not necessarily bad. However, we need to understand, not all human food is good for dogs. The digestive system of a dog vastly differs from that of humans. Hence, care should be taken before feeding leftovers.

The correct dog food

When selecting the best dog food in India, look for the below composition in their label

• Meat-based protein at least 22% – protein/meat should be the first item on the label (not meal-based, like chicken meal)
• Fat to be at least 17%
• Fiber to be at least 5%
• Others like sweet potatoes/carrots/apple
• Vitamin E and C
• Omega fatty acids

Pet nutrition depends on the dog’s age, health, environment, and climatic conditions where they live. Here are two golden rules when choosing the right dog food.

• Golden rule #1: Food without excessive spices is excellent for dogs.
• Golden rule #2: Choose a popular dog food, talk to dog owners, and reputed breeders to understand your dog’s specific requirements in nutrition.

The incorrect dog food

Knowing what not to feed our dogs is critical. Indian cuisine is famous for its rich flavors and masalas. Feeding spicy food can cause indigestion in dogs. Hence, it is important to distinguish good dog food from bad. Here are golden rules which will help you.

• Golden rule #1: Avoid feeding dogs food that is flavored excessively with masalas and spices.
• Golden rule #2: Do not use products whose ingredients are vague or contains the below
  • Corn and wheat gluten
  • Meat by-products
  • Meal
  • Food dyes
  • Rendered fats
• Golden rule #3: Avoid raw dog food (fresh meat from meat shop) in India, because the health risks outweigh the benefits. The BARF diet is a healthy choice if the meat is clean and free from germs.

All dogs are not equal. Hence, the best dog food for one will not be the best for another. Every dog owner needs to understand basic dog nutrition because it is essential for the well being of your dog.

Best dog food available in India 2022

Breeds like German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, Dobermanns, and Great Danes are now a common sight all across India. Hence, our review takes into account that the most popular dog in India is not a native breed of dog. Native Indian dogs, like Rajapalayam, are much easier to maintain and can thrive on just about any food that you can provide them.

#1 Homemade dog food supplemented with Royal Canin

Our preferred choice of dog food for an average Indian dog is homemade food supplemented with Royal Canin. The recommended portion for adult dogs is 50% Royal Canin and 50% homemade food. For puppies, we recommend 75% Royal Canin to 25% homemade food. This is not only healthy but also very cost-effective. Our classic recipe for homemade dog food is.

• 1 cup of rice
• 250gms of chicken
• Carrots/green beans/other veggies 100gms
• 1 whole egg alternate days

All of these are cooked together in a pressure cooker. Before feeding our dogs, we mix this with 250ml of curd/plain yogurt and a teaspoon of coconut oil. We feed our dogs eggs with shells for calcium. We alternate their meals with Royal Canin and other top kibble.

PROS

• Works the best in the Indian context
• Cost-effective
• Helps your non-native dog adapt better to the Indian climate and food
• Helps them in their digestion
• No need for any additional supplements

CONS

• Need to innovate the portion size based on close observation

#2 Royal Canin

A vast majority of the dog breeders and people involved in dog show circuits in India stand by Royal Canin. Our own personal experience has been very positive. Also, our dogs love them, and it keeps our dogs healthy. Royal Canin has a wide range of specialized kibble covering different dog breeds, sizes, and types. Royal Canin is also readily available in most pet stores and almost always available through Amazon or Flipkart.

INGREDIENTS

• Dehydrated poultry protein
• Maize and Maize flour
• Animal fats
• Others: Wheat, rice, hydrolyzed animal proteins, maize gluten, beet pulp, minerals, fish oil, soya oil, yeasts and parts thereof, hydrolyzed crustaceans (source of glucosamine), hydrolyzed cartilage (source of chondroitin). Vitamin A: 16000 IU, Vitamin D3: 1000 IU, E1 (Iron): 35 mg, E2 (Iodine): 3.5 mg, E4 (Copper): 11 mg, E5 (Manganese): 45 mg, E6 (Zinc): 129 mg, E8 (Selenium): 0.05 mg – Technological additives: Clinoptilolite of sedimentary origin: 5 g – Preservatives – Antioxidants.

GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

• Protein 22%
• Fat 17%
• Fiber 5.5%

OUR ANALYSIS

A closer look at the list of ingredients shows why Royal Canin stands out. Royal Canin makes use of dehydrated chicken to ensure there is no loss of protein post preparation. The percentage of protein is only 22%, which meets the minimum requirement for quality dog food. Royal Canin is also supplemented with essential nutrients and minerals. Overall, Royal Canin continues to be an excellent all-around dry dog food.

PROS

• Royal Canin is the most accepted brand in India by far
• Most dog breeders stand by Royal Canin
• “Tailored nutrition”, dog breed-specific products
• Not too expensive
• No major recalls

CONS

• Some pet owners have expressed mixed results
• People have complained about packaging (probably due to handling)

#3 SmartHeart dog food

We have tried SmartHeart personally, and we like it! SmartHeart dog food is a recent entrant into the Indian pet food scene. SmartHeart is a subsidiary of Perfect Companion Group (PCG), a Thailand-based multi-billion dollar pet food company.

Our Analysis 

The packaging is airtight and robust. The adult dog’s kibble size is just the right size. SmartHeart’s kibble comes in three shapes and colors. The large brownish kibble, medium-sized heart-shaped green kibble, and a bone-shaped smaller kibble.

SmartHeart kibble contains the following benefits:

• Enhance brain function – DHA and Choline for enhancing brain and nervous system
• Healthy heart – Omega 3 fatty acids for a healthy heart
• Enhance immune system – Essential nutrition of Vitamin E and Selenium
• Healthy digestive – Highly digestible ingredients
• Healthy Skin and Coat – Balance Omega 3 & 6 for good healthy skin and shiny coat
• Strong Bones & Teeth – Supplement of Calcium and Phosphorus

Nutritional composition

• Crude Protein – min 23%
• Crude Fat – min 8%
• Crude Fibre – max 4%
• Moisture – max 10%

Pros 

• The best value-for-money dog food in India. Your dog and your pocket will thank you.
• Good quality packaging. Once you open the kibble ensure that you store it in an air-tight container.
• Our dogs loved it.

Cons 

• After eating SmartHeart, our dog’s poop turned green.
• SmartHeart dog food does not include ingredients break up on their packaging.
• A recent entrant into the market.

#4 Grain Zero

We have tried Grain-zero personally and we like it! This is exclusively available on Amazon. There is not much information about this product because of its recent launch. While Grain-zero is not by any means top of the line or premium product, we rate this higher because of our own personal experience. We believe this product is worth a try.

OUR ANALYSIS

Unfortunately, when it comes to the Indian brand of dog food, you have to still rely on user opinion. There is no information about the ingredients used or about the manufacturer.

PROS

• Nice price point, they also offer to buy one and get one free on Amazon
• We could not find any unacceptable ingredients
• Quality of packaging is good, vacuum packed
• Positive reviews from dog breeders who have used this brand

CONS

• There is little information available on the internet, except that the product cover has www.drools.in
• Some have complained about poor packaging
• A recent entrant into the market, only time will tell

#5 Farmina N&D Grain Free

Farmina N&D has gained in popularity with their grain-free range of products. They are the only brand in India that provides different flavors for our dogs. We have experienced very positive results feeding Farmina N&D grain free to our dogs combined with homemade food. Also, their grain free dog food is available at most online retailers.

INGREDIENTS

• Boneless chicken, dehydrated chicken
• Sweet potatoes
• Chicken fat, dried whole eggs, herring, dehydrated herring, herring oil
• Others: Pea fiber, dried carrot, sun-cured alfalfa meal, chicken cartilage (source of glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate), inulin, fructooligosaccharide, yeast extract, dried pomegranate, dried apple, dried spinach, psyllium seed husk, dried sweet orange, dried blueberry, salt, brewers dried yeast, turmeric, vitamin A supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E supplement, ascorbic acid, niacin, calcium pantothenate, riboflavin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, thiamine mononitrate, biotin, folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement, choline chloride, beta-carotene, zinc methionine hydroxy analogue chelate, manganese methionine hydroxy analogue chelate, ferrous glycine, copper methionine hydroxy analogue chelate, selenium yeast, DL-Methionine, taurine, L-Carnitine, aloe vera gel concentrate, green tea extract, rosemary extract, mixed tocopherols (a preservative)

GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

• Protein 36%
• Fat 22%
• Fiber 2.3%

OUR ANALYSIS

Farmina’s grain-free is another excellent choice. It includes Herring and Aloe Vera these constitute an abundant source of Omega 3 and essential anti-oxidants. Farmina’s grain-free dog food has 36% of protein which is much higher than Royal Canin and additionally includes multiple fruit extracts. Overall an excellent choice.

PROS

• A comprehensive range of choices like grain-free, low-grain are available in multiple flavors
• Quality ingredients, gluten-free and GMO-free
• Positive feedback from people who have used it
• Compares favorably with Royal Canin

CONS

• Too many choices make it confusing for new dog owners
• Yet to be fully adopted by the professional dog breeders community

Canine Creek Dog Food

Canine Creek dog food is a new entrant into the dog food scene in India. They offer a grain-free range of products for starters (newborn puppies), puppies, and adult dogs. 

Canine Creek is an India based company manufacturing high-quality dog food locally. We got a 4 kg Adult bag from Amazon for our dogs to check.

Our Analysis 

The packaging was neat, beautiful sealed zip lock bag with a message to save the environment. The kibble was very similar to Grain Zero, in color, size, and texture. Our dogs enjoyed it.

We were impressed with the ingredients list on two counts.

1. 48% real free-range chicken, with fruit-based anti-oxidants.
2. They are the first Indian dog food company to provide a list of their ingredients.

Pros

• Well-chosen ingredients in optimal balance.
• Excellent price point, not very expensive.
• The packing quality was excellent, and reusability was a nice touch.
• Positive feedback from users.

Cons

• Unproven company in the market.
• While the price is ok, it is not competitive. At the same price, grain zero offers buy one and get one free option.

Drools Focus

Drools Focus is the premium brand of dog food from drools. The top 2 ingredients are chicken and dried egg. However, the rest of the ingredients are not clearly listed. Drools Focus is rated higher because of user feedback rather than scientific fact. We encourage our readers to be cautious about products that are not open about the ingredients.

INGREDIENTS

We could not find a detailed list of ingredients on Drools Focus website. However, the Drools website says, “No wheat, corn or soya, no chicken by-products or artificial flavors”.

OUR ANALYSIS

Unfortunately, when it comes to the Indian brand of dog food, you have to still rely on user opinion. We rate drools focus higher based on our discussions with people who have been using this product for a long time. However, if you decide to proceed with Drools Focus, we recommend that you introduce it gradually. Closely monitor your dog’s acceptance before switching over.

PROS

• Good level of acceptance
• Strikes a nice balance between quality and price

CONS

• Yet to be widely accepted
• Unknown list of ingredients

Acana

Acana is another brand of the Orijen international dog food available in India. They offer multiple meat choices for both adult and puppy. Looking at the ingredients reveals high-quality ingredients in the right proportions.

Acana has 29% protein combined with essential vitamins, fats, and farm-fresh vegetables. You will notice that they don’t include fast glucose, such as potatoes and tapioca. Instead, they use good quality veggies.

The downside is its high cost and lack of availability. We also haven’t come across many dog breeders, or fanciers use this product.

Pros

• Excellent ingredients
• Acana Heritage has high protein content 29%
• Offers multiple flavors for both adult and puppy

Cons 

• Acana is an expensive choice.
• Not very popular among dog breeders and dog fanciers.

Taste Of Wild Grain-Free

First, let us get this out of the way, Taste of wild grain-free is one of the best dog foods available in the market anywhere in the world. Taste of wild employs the best ingredients and are known for their legendary quality assurance process.

Why then are we rating it number 6 in our list when every other review in the world puts them in the top 3? We clarified this earlier, and it is because of the Indian context. Dog food which is imported and expensive remains in-shelf for a long time making them prone to damage and degradation. Imported dog food also costs more resulting in high consumer price.

PROS

• The perfect blend of protein, fats and other essential nutrients
• Top brand loved all across the globe
• Significant investments in their own R&D

CONS

• Availability in India
• Super expensive
• Not locally produced

Orijen

Orijen is another top international brand that has entered the Indian market. Their freeze-dried dog food is sold through Amazon and other online pet stores. Orijen is among the top dog food brands in the world. Orijen is imported into India.

PROS

• High reputation and reception across the globe
• “Biologically Appropriate” dog food
• Great ingredients, strikes a nice balance

CONS

• Need to make their products relevant to the Indian context
• Not sourced or produced locally
• Very expensive

Eukanuba Pet Food

Eukanuba is a US-based company that operates locally in India. They started their India business in 2008, and they have been gaining in popularity in India.

Eukanuba offers both puppy and adult dog food range of dog food. Adult dog food combines 22% crude protein, with 12% fat and other essential nutrients.

Eukanuba belongs to Mars, a multi-brand company that is worth $33 billion. Mars also owns the following pet food brands

• PEDIGREE®
• ROYAL CANIN®
• WHISKAS®
• KITEKAT®
• BANFIELD®
• NUTRO®

Pros

• Locally made in India with locally procured ingredients. 
• Eukanuba, Pedigree, and Royal Canin belong to the same parent company Mars. However, we are not sure of the quality across all their products.
•  Eukanuba has 22% crude protein, 12% fat, and other essential nutrients.

Cons

• Not very popular among dog fanciers in India

Hill Science

Hill Science is another international brand operating in the Indian market. Unlike Orijen, they offer a wide array of products. Hill Science is the only prescription-based dog food available in the Indian market. They offer dog food tailored for dogs with digestive and skin disorders.

PROS

• Highly specialized food targeting specific needs for a dog
• Not very expensive

CONS

• Yet to be widely adapted
• Very little adoption

Arden Grange

Arden Grange is a popular international brand of dog food offering a wide range of products based on the dog’s age group and size. They are a recent entrant in India hence, unproven. Since they are new to the India, they have relatively low acceptance.

PROS

• Good international reviews
• Not as expensive as the other dog food brands from outside India

CONS

• Yet to be tested in the Indian context
• Very little adoption

PEDIGREE

Pedigree has been in India for a long time. Pedigree is sold as a budget dog food. This is another popular Indian brand which does not provide any information about the ingredients used. The product label is vague with an image showing 10% fat, 22% protein and 5% fiber.

Good dog food is one that provides your dog with protein, carbohydrates, fats, and other nutrients that is essential for the dog’s well being. Our recommendation is to avoid low-end dog food from Pedigree and select some of their “Pro” branded products.

PROS

• Low cost

Cons

• No description of the ingredients used
• All the people whom we have spoken to have forbidden its use

Nestle’s Purina

Purina Super Coat for adult and puppy are available through online retailers. We have not tried this dog food. The advertisement on the package says brain development, super coat, and improved immunity. While all this is great, they don’t provide any information about the ingredients used. We won’t recommend this dog food.

Pros

• Less expensive.

Cons

• No nutrient analysis or ingredients provided.

Conclusion: Review of top dog food in India

Based on our experience we conclude that in India homemade dog food is inevitable. It is a healthy and the least expensive choice of dog food.

We have owned native Indian dog breeds as well as Dobermanns and GSDs (German Shepherd Dog), we know from experience each dog is it’s own. Therefore, as a pet parent, it is your responsibility to provide proper care and nourishment for your dog.

Remember, puppies require puppy food whereas an adult dog requires, adult food, and a senior dog will need senior dog food. Always use dog food that is correct for your dog’s age.

We hope we were able to offer you some insights into dog food available in the market, which ones to choose from, and the views the dog-loving community in India have on each of these products.

Now that you have learned about the best dog food in India, you should also read about the top dog breeds in India and see how you can help save native Indian dog breeds.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DOG FOOD IN INDIA

FAQ1: WHICH IS THE BEST DOG FOOD BRAND IN INDIA?

The best dog food available in India is Royal Canin. Royal Canin offers a wide range of products tailored to dog’s age, breed and size. Therefore, the best dog food currently available in India is Royal Canin.

FAQ2: WHAT DOG FOODS DO VETS RECOMMEND?

Most veterinarians in India recommend Royal Canin combined with homemade dog food above all dog food. Royal Canin has consistently proven its worth and can be complemented with homemade dog food at a 1:1 ratio.

FAQ3: SHOULD DOGS EAT GRAIN-FREE FOOD?

Grain-free dog food is a good choice but not essential. The below composition ensures complete nutrition for your dog

• Meat-based protein at least 22%
• Fat to be at least 17%
• Fiber to be at least 5%
• Others like sweet potatoes/carrots/apple
• Vitamin E and C
• Omega fatty acids

FAQ4: WHAT IS THE HEALTHIEST FOOD AVAILABLE IN THE MARKET?

The healthiest dog food available in India is a combination of homemade dog food and a portion of dry dog food. We recommend this because the dog food industry is a developing one and top international brands are not fully operational.

FAQ5: WHAT FOOD SHOULD WE AVOID FEEDING OUR DOGS?

Above all, follow the three golden rules listed below as a guide.

• Golden rule #1: Avoid feeding dogs food that flavored excessively with masalas and spices.
• Golden rule #2: Do not use products whose ingredients are vague or contains the below
  • Corn and wheat gluten
  • Meat by-products
  • Food dyes
  • Rendered fats
• Golden rule #3: Raw food. Raw meat or BARF diet is a healthy choice if the meat is clean and free from germs.

DISCLAIMER