Why the right pet food matters

The food your pet eats plays an important role in their overall well-being. Many pet owners find that a diet tailored to their pet’s unique needs—whether based on age, breed, or health conditions—can help support digestion, energy levels, and even their coat’s appearance. While the impact of better nutrition varies for each pet, it may also contribute to long-term wellness and happiness.

How we compare pet food brands

At FindPetFood.com, we do the research so you don’t have to. These are just some of the factors we use to compare top pet food brands:

• Real Ingredients
  Are the recipes made with human-grade, natural, or organic ingredients that promote better health?
• Food Options
  Can meals be customized, or are there pre-made choices tailored to different breeds, life stages, weights, and dietary needs?
• How It’s Made
  Do the brands share where their ingredients come from and how the food is prepared to ensure sourcing from safe kitchens and farms?
• Convenience
  Is there an easy-to-use ordering system, subscription plan, and reliable delivery service?
• Health Benefits
  Are the recipes developed with veterinarians or pet nutritionists to support digestion, coat quality, energy levels, and overall wellness?
• Trial Period
  Is there an option to try the food before making a long-term commitment, and are refunds available if the food isn’t a good fit for the pet?
• Customer Reviews
  What do other pet owners say about the brand’s products and services?
• Price
  How does the cost compare to similar brands, and is it reasonable for the quality offered?

Our reviews provide more information about the brands we trust to meet these standards and go the extra mile to create the best food for pets. Learn about each brand’s fresh meals, dry food, variety of recipes, pricing details, customization options, and delivery flexibility, along with side-by-side comparisons of similar brands, to help you find the right match for your pet’s needs.

What to look for in the best pet food

1. Find a high-quality brand

Start by reviewing product labels and ingredient lists. Look for key phrases such as:

• "Human-grade" or "premium meat" – Ingredients with these labels typically meet higher safety and sourcing standards. Some brands use “mystery meats,” which can include low-grade by-products like cartilage, gristle, bones, and other unidentifiable parts.
• "No fillers, artificial flavors, or added colors" – Shows the food avoids unnecessary additives like corn, soy, or artificial ingredients, often used to bulk up volume without adding nutritional value.
• "High protein" – Suggests the food is rich in essential nutrients for muscle maintenance and energy. Some lower-quality brands may use incomplete protein sources, such as plant-based ingredients, which can lead to deficiencies over time and affect overall health.
• "Complete" or "balanced nutrition" – Indicates the food meets all essential dietary requirements for pets.
• "Vet-designed" or "formulated by pet nutritionists" – Suggests the recipes were developed with professional expertise, reducing the need for additional vitamins and supplements.

2. Choose a diet designed for your pet

Next, consider features that match your pet’s specific needs:

• Age – Is the food appropriate for puppies, adults, or senior pets?
• Health conditions – Does it address issues like sensitive stomachs or joint support?
• Breed – Is it tailored for small, medium, or large breeds?
• Allergies – Are there hypoallergenic options or grain-free recipes?
• Energy or calorie requirements – Does the food provide adequate energy for active pets or couch potatoes?

3. Pick a plan that fits their lifestyle, and yours

Think about what works best for you and your pet. Common options include:

Subscription pet food plans are designed to provide food customized to a pet’s specific needs, delivered according to your pet's feeding requirements. Most brands offer a quick online quiz that takes just a few minutes to complete and helps determine the best plan for the pet.

• Fresh food plans – Meals made with fresh ingredients. Fresh food is typically delivered frozen and can be thawed in the fridge for easy portion control.
• Dry kibble plans – Traditional dry food with convenient storage and easy serving. This is typically the most affordable option.
• Combination plans – A mix of fresh and dry food, depending on your pet’s needs.
• Half fresh plans – A great way to introduce fresh food to a pet’s diet. These plans provide smaller portions of fresh meals that can be mixed with the current food, making it a perfect option for trying out fresh food before committing or for adding extra quality to their meals.

Online pet food stores offer flexible ordering, allowing food to be purchased as needed without a subscription commitment. They usually provide a variety of options, including breed-specific, age-specific, and dietary-focused formulas to suit general pet needs.

While they may not be as customizable as subscription plans in terms of exact ingredients or portioning, they still cater to common preferences and requirements. Online stores are a convenient choice for those who prefer to buy in bulk or have less rigid feeding schedules.

Fresh pet food delivery vs. dry pet food

Potential benefits of better pet food

• Improved digestion – Pets with sensitive stomachs may respond well to foods designed to be easier to digest.
• Healthier skin and coat – Nutrient-rich meals might support skin health and a shinier coat.
• Increased energy – Balanced nutrition could help promote a more active lifestyle.
• Weight management – Portion-controlled meals tailored to specific dietary needs may assist in maintaining a healthy weight.
• Long-term health – Providing better food could potentially lower future veterinary costs by promoting overall wellness.

While every pet is different, many pet owners find that better nutrition plays an important role in supporting their pet’s health and happiness.

Pet food brand reviews →