South Africa’s top Dog Food Brands – It can be difficult to choose the right food for your dog. We’ve created this post to help you find the right food for your dog, while also making it easy on your wallet. quality dog foods south africa
We also have our top ten South African dog food brands, along with information about their nutritional content, benefits, and cost.
Like most things, there are many brands that compete against each other. Each brand has its unique set of advantages and disadvantages.
You can choose the best dog food by weighing the price and the quality of the food. Also, consider whether the brand caters specifically to your dog’s needs.
Consider these Things When Choosing South African Dog Food
Look for a bag of dog food that has a nutritional guarantee. Also, look for bags with at least two primary ingredients, such as ostrich and rice or game and rice.
Here are some things to watch out for
Proteins – You want to ensure that your dog’s main source of nutrition is animal protein and that it has at least 20% protein.
It must contain a particular meat such as chicken, beef, ostrich or pork. If the bag only says “meat protein” or “meat meal”, you will get the leftovers of the day’s scraps.
Grains These can also be called carbs but must contain a specific grain. These are essential for dogs’ diets. Rice should be preferred over maize and you should choose one that contains fewer than 5% GMO grain.
Vegetables This vegetable is a great addition to your dog’s diet. Your dog will benefit from any vegetable.
These three essential components should be listed first on any dog food packaging. They often list the components in descending order.
Best Dog Food Brands In South Africa
What to Avoid when choosing South African Dog Food
Meat byproducts: We love ‘lamb/meal’ and ‘chicken/meal by-products/meal, but we don’t think they are as good. By-products can be bones, organs and other leftovers. They are then ground up and added to the food.
You don’t want’meat byproducts/meal’. This could, as we have said, imply anything. One group could be grinding up members from a rival gang, for all we know. Be sure to label the by-products!
Sweeteners Xylitol has been gaining a lot of attention recently. Although we doubt that you will find it in your dog’s food or dog treats, we recommend you avoid giving your dog peanut butter, honey, or any other sweetener.
Propylene glycol can be found in dog food.
BHA and BHT are examples of artificial colors and flavors.
You should also avoid corn gluten meal and wheat flour, as well as wheat gluten meal and wheat flour.
You should not expect any sweeteners or artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or additives to your dog’s food.
It is not necessary. You can add raw egg, raw mince meat or milk to your dog’s food if he doesn’t like it.
What dog food is the most nutritious on the South African market?
When we refer to “healthiest”, we mean the purity and quality the components.
You can check the labels of any dog food brands you are considering.
Pay attention to the amount of vitamins and minerals included. You can make a list of your favorite foods and compare their advantages and components.
It is easy to shop for dog food online by listing the components in the descriptions of each dog food variety.
Dog Food Special Dietary Requirements
All dogs are not created equal. Some breeds are more susceptible to skin, joint and digestive problems, while others are more sensitive to certain grains or proteins.
It is important to get to know your dog’s nutritional needs and provide the right food for them.
Dog food manufacturers that are high-quality have created customized diets for their dogs to meet specific nutritional needs.
Hill’s, Eukanuba and Royal Canin offer dietary options that cover more than just the various phases of your dog’s lives.
There are many options for dogs with sensitive stomachs, weight issues, aching joints, sensitive skin or sensitive stomachs. Ask your veterinarian to provide samples if you want to shop around.
Best South African Dog Food Brands
1. Montego
Montego is a South African family business that was founded in 2000 by Hannes Van Jaarsveld. Montego is a locally-produced dog food brand that has been incredibly popular since 2000. It produces high-quality food at very low prices.
They are committed in providing safe, nutritious, and delicious dog food. They have been accredited by Pet Food Industry Association of South Africa.
Montego has a number of brands with their own benefits. These include Montego Classic and Monty & Me as well as Field + Forest and Karoo.
However, they do not offer products for specific breeds, ages or nutritional needs. Therefore, they can be used as an alternative to meet all general and non-specific requirements.
Montego is a high-quality, affordable dog food that’s both delicious and economical.
2. Royal Canin
In 1968, Dr. Jean Cathary founded Royal Canin in France. His goal was to produce food that met the nutritional needs and breeds of the animals for which it was made.
They offer a wide variety of foods for specific breeds so you can feel confident that your dog is getting all the nutrition it needs. This also helps to avoid breed-specific health issues.
Royal Canin products have received positive reviews from pet owners.
Royal Canin has been accredited in a number of areas including ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 14001(Environment), ISO 50001 [Energy], OHSAS 18001 (“Health and Safety”), and FSSC 222000 (Food Safety and Safety (food safety).
There are many options for dog food to suit different breeds, ages and medical conditions.
Royal Canin’s food prices fluctuate but they are generally a more expensive brand than brands that cost the same.
3. Purina
This American-owned enterprise is governed under the supervision of the Association of American Feed Control Officials. They have a high protein to-grain ratio, and low ash levels, which are used primarily by firms as filler.
We feel that the protein and moisture levels in the meal are too high.
You are basically paying a lot for things your dog will never use. They are great for dogs if you have the money.
4. Vets Choice
Vets Choice is a nutritious, high-quality dog food that Royal Canin has developed and was designed by South African veterinarians. Although they use premium ingredients, it is not clear where their origins are.
Vets Choice offers a limited but comprehensive product line that covers every stage of a dog’s life, from puppyhood to senior. Although they are an excellent all-around choice, they don’t offer as many specialized products as brands such as Royal Canin and Hills.
Vets Choice is priced at the middle of premium dog food markets, making it an excellent option even if you have the budget for more expensive products.
Why choose Vet’s Choice? It is highly nutritious, easy to digest, high in Omega 3 and 6, and affordable
5. Ken-L
Martin and Martin’s subsidiary Ken-L provides high-quality pet food at affordable prices to owners who can’t afford premium rates. The dry food is affordable, but it does not compromise on the nutritional requirements of your dog to live a healthy and long life.
You can choose from either chicken or beef flavors, and the food comes in sizes between 8kg and 40kg. Puppy food is also available for small furry pets.
6. Hill’s
Hill’s was founded in 1939 by a blind man who sought help for his guide dog, and found nutrition.
Hill’s Pet Food has been a leader in the development of high-quality pet foods that meet specific health requirements and treat ailments.
They work with more than 220 veterinarians, food scientists and technicians to produce pet meals.
These products are recommended by veterinarians, and clients have mostly positive feedback.
Hills claims their safety and quality requirements are so strict that they have been modeled after human food production companies.
Hill’s products and their care in creating solutions for a wide range of pet needs and illnesses is what makes them stand out.
Royal Canin’s food is expensive, although the prices vary due to the wide variety of products available. Hills pet owners are prepared to pay a premium for the high quality food they get.
7. Bobtail
BOBTAIL(r), a family staple, has been providing a variety of healthy dry foods, meal enhancers and treats for more than 30 years. Keep South African-born dogs healthy, happy, and strong.
South African dogs need high-quality, homemade food to be strong. They need to be fed BOBTAIL(r), with VITARITE(r), which provides 23 essential vitamins and minerals that keep them strong and proud of their heritage.
Bobtail created a unique recipe called VITARITE(r), that is used in all their dog food. It contains 23 minerals and vitamins and the perfect blend of vegetable derivatives and animal-based proteins.
These can be used to provide dry foods as well as meal enhancers such gravy powder or sachets with chunks in gravy. You can sprinkle the gravy on top of dry food to give your dog some variety in their meals.
8. Acana
Acana created meals that are inspired by your pet’s original diet. Acana believes that all domestic dogs are derived from the gray wolf, so they used the wolf’s nutritional needs and feeding habits to create their dog food.
They are said to follow five essential Nature Rules: high protein, large amounts of fresh meats, high quality whole prey meats, low glycemic carbs, and a wide variety of fresh meats.
9. Pedigree
This product contains no artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners.
Pedigree products have been designed to help dogs stay healthy. The dry food is rich in fiber which aids digestion. Additionally, the pellets cause abrasion during dog eating which improves dental hygiene.
Pedigree dry goods include: Puppy 1- 12 months (Small to medium breed) 5kg or 3.5kg. Available in chicken flavor and rice flavor. Puppy 3- 12 months (large breed) 5kg or 5.5kg. Also available in chicken flavor and rice flavor.
75 kg and 4 kg. There are both chicken and beef flavor options. +12 Months for Adults (Medium Breed) 75kg, 6kg and 15kg respectively.
There are both beef and chicken flavors. Adult 18 months old (Large Breed) 6kg There is a variety of chicken and beef flavors. Seniority plus 6 Years (All breed sizes) 75kg and 5.5 kg Chicken flavor are available.
10. Eukanuba
Eukanuba, which translates to “tops,” makes a great dog food. Since 1969, they have been providing a unique food product that is focused on pet growth and health.
The main product line of PAWS is comprised of these items:
- Puppies (Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, Mall & Medium Breed Lamb & Rice).
- Adult (Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, Lamb & Rice), Lamb & Rice
- Rice, Large Breed – Lamb & Rice
- Weight Management (Small, Medium and Large Breeds).
- Seniors (Small, Medium and Large Breeds).
- Daily Maintenance (Sensitive Skin & Sensitive Joints)
- Work and endurance performance second to none
11. Nutri Byte
Nurtibyte South African-made dog food provides high-quality meals to your dogs. Each meal contains a variety vitamins and nutrients. All components have been tested and certified before they are made into dog food.
The brand uses a lot of rice and import protein sources. There are many diet options.
Nutribyte’s best dog food choices include small to medium-sized breed puppies, large breed puppies, adult maintenance, senior dog food, small bite adult, senior small bite, Endurance and Mother’s Miracle.
As an incentive, Nutribyte dog treats can be enjoyed as tasty and healthy snacks.
