The PetFoodRate journal

Pet food articles, guides, and research

Our guides explain what labels hide, compare brands, and turn nutrition science into practical buying decisions. Updated every week.

Three reviewed adult dog foods compared by current pack price, price per kilogram and PetFoodRate score

Rankings

Best budget dog food 2026: 3 checked picks compared

Three adult dog foods compared with current French retailer prices, product-level scores and practical checks before you buy.

June 9, 2026

Brand review

Schesir avis : pâtée premium au thon visible

Schesir Natural Tuna scores A (83/100). 70% visible tuna, aloe vera, ultra-short recipe. The premium Italian brand analysed.

June 9, 2026

Health guide

Allergie alimentaire chat : symptômes, diagnostic, solution

Cat food allergies: proteins involved (beef, fish, chicken), elimination diet, and the best hypoallergenic cat foods.

June 8, 2026

Rankings

Best medium breed dog food 2026: ranking for 11-25 kg dogs

Medium dogs (Beagle, Cocker, Border Collie, Bulldog): our best kibble rated A to E with prices and portions.

June 7, 2026

Editorial

The pet food industry explained: who owns what, how it is made, and why it is opaque

Mars and Nestle control 70% of the market. How kibble is made, how brands set prices, and what it means for your pet.

June 7, 2026

Brand review

Almo Nature pâtée chat : Avis, note B (76/100) et pourquoi

Almo Nature Classic scores B (76/100). 55% visible tuna, clear broth, complementary. The ethically committed Italian brand.

June 6, 2026

Rankings

Meilleure nourriture chien sans maïs 2026 : Pourquoi ?

Corn is the cheapest filler in pet food. High GI, common allergen, low digestibility. The best corn-free alternatives ranked.

June 5, 2026

Brand review

Lily's Kitchen honest review: the B Corp brand that scores A

Lily's Kitchen scores A (85-86/100). B Corp certified, identified salmon, added taurine. The accessible British premium brand.

June 5, 2026

Species nutrition

Alimentation chinchilla : foin, granulés, dangers sucrés

Chinchillas are strict herbivores with ultra-sensitive digestion. 80% hay, sugar-free pellets, zero fruit. Complete guide.

June 4, 2026

Ingredient guide

Sous-produits animaux : danger ou qualité ? Guide

Are animal by-products dangerous? It depends. Named vs unnamed, chicken liver vs 'animal derivatives'. We clarify everything.

June 3, 2026

Health guide

Cat diabetes and diet: prevention, management, and the food that helps

1 in 200 cats develops diabetes. Too many carbs, obesity, inactivity. How diet can prevent and manage feline diabetes.

June 3, 2026

Rankings

Meilleures croquettes grand chien : Classement 2026

Large dogs have specific needs: joints, slow growth, bloat prevention. The best large breed kibble rated A to E.

June 2, 2026

Health guide

Sport and working dog nutrition: protein, fat, meal timing

A sport dog burns 2-5x more calories than a sedentary one. Protein 30%+, fat 20%+, meal timing matters. Complete guide.

June 1, 2026

Brand review

Wellness CORE avis : Test croquettes chien & chat, Note A

Wellness CORE Adult Dog scores B (84/100), Cat A (86/100). Grain-free, probiotics, L-carnitine. We analyse the full range.

June 1, 2026

Brand review

Cesar honest review: the 'gourmet' dog food that scores D

Cesar Classic scores D (42/100). Gourmet positioning, budget composition. 4% meat, by-products, sugars. We break it down.

May 31, 2026

Rankings

Meilleures croquettes petit chien 2026 : le TOP

Small dogs have specific needs: fast metabolism, small jaws, hypoglycemia risk. The best small breed kibble rated A to E.

May 30, 2026

Brand review

Farmina N&D : avis détaillé, meilleur que Orijen ?

Farmina N&D Prime Chicken scores A (87/100). 42% total chicken, grain-free, university research. We analyse the full range.

May 30, 2026

Brand review

Iams and Eukanuba honest review: the Mars brands between B and C

Iams ProActive scores C (58/100), Eukanuba Adult scores C (60/100). Two average Mars brands. We analyse why and show alternatives.

May 29, 2026

Practical guide

Choisir ses croquettes : le guide en 5 étapes infaillibles

Identify the species, read the composition, check the score, compare daily cost, transition. The definitive guide.

May 28, 2026

Brand review

Sheba honest review: the 'premium' Mars cat food that scores C

Sheba Classic Terrine scores C (52/100). Premium positioning, average composition. 14 percent chicken, vague by-products.

May 28, 2026

Brand review

Blue Buffalo Life Protection : notre avis (76/100)

Blue Buffalo Life Protection scores B (76/100). Chicken first, whole grains. We analyse why B and not A.

May 27, 2026

Rankings

Meilleures friandises chien 2026 : saines et à éviter

Treats account for 10 percent of calories max. Dried meat, chews, dental sticks. Ranking with ingredients and scores.

May 26, 2026

Species nutrition

Kitten nutrition guide: from birth to first birthday

Kittens need 2x more calories per kg than adults. High protein, DHA, taurine. Month-by-month feeding guide.

May 26, 2026

Practical guide

Transition alimentaire chien chat : Le protocole sûr

Changing food too fast causes diarrhoea and vomiting. The 2-4 week protocol, warning signs, and special cases.

May 25, 2026

Rankings

Croquettes light : Choisir la bonne, comprendre la mention

Light or reduced-calorie dog food: do they actually have fewer calories? Not always. We compare light formulas to standard.

May 24, 2026

Ingredient guide

Taurine chat : pourquoi elle sauve son cœur et sa vue

Without taurine, cats develop fatal cardiomyopathy and go blind. Which products contain enough, which do not.

May 24, 2026

Health guide

Insuffisance rénale chat : Diète cruciale, quand l'adapter ?

CKD affects 30 pourcent of cats over 15. Reduced phosphorus, quality protein, hydration. When and how to adapt the diet.

May 23, 2026

Four checks before buying Brit Care: recipe, suitability, evidence and delivered price

Brand review

Brit Care Dog Food Review: Salmon Recipe, Score and Value

Brit Care Adult salmon reviewed: current ingredients, B score, recipe changes and a practical checklist to compare packs without health or price promises.

May 22, 2026

Species nutrition

Nutrition cheval 2026 : Guide complet, erreurs à éviter

Horses are hindgut fermenters and continuous grazers. 1.5-2% bodyweight in forage, concentrates by workload. Complete guide.

May 22, 2026

Brand review

Carnilove honest review: the rising Czech grain-free brand

Carnilove Salmon Adult scores A (86/100). Double protein salmon + turkey, grain-free, 6.50 EUR/kg. We analyse the full range.

May 21, 2026

Guide

Fabrication croquettes : extrusion, enrobage et impacts

Extrusion at 140C destroys some nutrients. Fat coating makes kibble addictive. We explain the full manufacturing process.

May 20, 2026

Ultra Premium Direct analysis with A score

Brand review

Ultra Premium Direct honest review: the best value-for-money in France?

UPD scores A (85/100). 44% chicken, glucosamine, 5.50 EUR/kg direct. Cheaper than Royal Canin for a higher grade. We verify.

May 19, 2026

Brand review

Edgard and Cooper avis : la qualité premium en supermarché ?

Edgard and Cooper scores A (86-88/100). Fresh chicken first, grain-free, available at major retailers. We analyse the full range.

May 18, 2026

Editorial

Pet food regulation in Europe vs USA: FEDIAF, AAFCO, what do they actually guarantee?

FEDIAF and AAFCO set the minimums. But what do they actually cover? What the law requires, and what it doesn't say.

May 18, 2026

Practical guide

Stocker croquettes : Évitez la perte de nutriments !

An open bag of kibble oxidises in 2-4 weeks. Fat rancidity, vitamin loss, mycotoxins. How to store properly.

May 17, 2026

A ferret eating from a bowl, illustrating the best ferret food choices for obligate carnivores

Guide

Meilleure nourriture furet 2026 : 38% protéines, 0 glucides

Ferrets need 38%+ animal protein, 15-20% fat, and zero carbs. See our graded comparison of the best ferret foods, ingredient breakdowns, and vet-backed tips.

May 16, 2026

Health guide

Pet obesity and diet: the role of food (and how to fix it)

56% of dogs and 60% of cats are overweight. Too many carbs, not enough protein, oversized portions. The guide to correction.

May 16, 2026

Health guide

Croquettes : Nettoient-elles les dents des chiens/chats ?

80% of dogs over 3 have periodontal disease. Does kibble really clean teeth? What the science says about diet and dental health.

May 15, 2026

Ingredient guide

Glucosamine and chondroitin in dog food: useful or marketing?

Some brands add glucosamine and chondroitin for joints. Is it effective? The doses that matter and the products that contain them.

May 14, 2026

Ingredient guide

Oméga-3 chien/chat : Saumon, lin, krill, le meilleur ?

EPA and DHA vs ALA: not all omega-3s are equal. Which sources matter for your dog or cat, and which products contain enough.

May 13, 2026

Golden retriever eating insect-based kibble from a stainless steel bowl, with dried black soldier fly larvae visible in the food

Guide

Croquettes insectes chien : Avis, Comparatif & Notes 2026

Discover the truth about insect protein dog food: vet-reviewed grades (A-E), cost analysis, top 10 brands compared, and how to switch safely in 2026.

May 12, 2026

Ingredient guide

Probiotiques animaux : mythe marketing ou bienfaits réels ?

Some brands add probiotics (Bacillus, Enterococcus). Does it make a difference? The studies and the products that contain them.

May 12, 2026

Brand review

Whiskas honest review: why the best-selling cat food scores D

Whiskas Adult scores D (44/100). 4% meat, vague by-products, added sugars. We break down the full range and show cheaper alternatives.

May 11, 2026

Guide

BARF chien : Faits, risques, bienfaits vs croquettes

Is the BARF diet (80% raw meat, 10% bone, 10% organs) better than kibble? The science, the real risks, and the alternatives.

May 10, 2026

Species nutrition

Alimentation Cochon d'Inde : Évitez la carence Vitamine C

Guinea pigs cannot synthesize vitamin C. Unlimited hay, enriched pellets, daily fresh vegetables. Everything you need to know.

May 9, 2026

Species nutrition

Nutrition reptiles : Évitez MBD, guide par espèce

Every reptile has a unique diet. Insectivore, herbivore, carnivore. Calcium, UVB, supplementation. Species-by-species guide.

May 9, 2026

Species nutrition

Alimentation oiseaux : Stop aux graines ! Guide 2026

Seeds alone cause malnutrition. Pet birds need pellets, fresh fruits, vegetables. Species-by-species guide with the best brands.

May 8, 2026

Rankings

Best wet dog food 2026: our independent ranking from A to E

The best wet dog food rated A by PetFoodRate. Lily's Kitchen, Edgard Cooper, Terra Canis vs Cesar, Pedigree. Full data and prices.

May 7, 2026

Ingredient guide

Animal vs plant protein in pet food: what the science actually says

Chicken protein vs pea protein: same crude percentage, different digestibility. Why the source matters more than the number.

May 6, 2026

Brand review

Taste of the Wild avis : le champion qualité-prix

Taste of the Wild High Prairie scores A (88/100). Grain-free, probiotics, bison. We analyse why it is the value champion.

May 5, 2026

Species nutrition

Alimentation Hamster : Que donner et quoi éviter ?

Hamsters are opportunistic omnivores. Seeds, animal protein, fresh vegetables. What to feed, what to avoid, how much per day.

May 4, 2026

Rankings

Best food for neutered cats 2026: preventing weight gain

After neutering, cats gain weight. Fewer calories, more protein. The best neutered cat food rated A to E.

May 3, 2026

Brand comparison

Acana vs Orijen: same kitchen, different scores. We explain why

Acana (90/100) and Orijen (92/100) are both made by Champion Petfoods. Same factory, 2-point gap. We break down the difference.

May 2, 2026

Species nutrition

Nourrir poissons aquarium : guide pour éviter les erreurs

Feed your fish correctly: protein needs, frequency, quantity. The best brands rated. Common mistakes to avoid.

May 1, 2026

Brand review

Felix honest review: 4% meat, added sugars, D grade

Felix AGAIL scores D (44/100). 4% meat, vague by-products, sugars. We analyse the full range and show better alternatives.

April 30, 2026

Guide

Hypoallergenic dog food: complete guide and 2026 ranking

Dog food allergies: symptoms, diagnosis, elimination diet. The best hypoallergenic dog foods rated A to E.

April 29, 2026

Species nutrition

Alimentation lapin : foin, granulés, légumes, erreurs

Rabbits are strict herbivores. 80% hay, grain-free pellets, daily fresh greens. Everything you need to know.

April 28, 2026

Rankings

Best senior dog food 2026: ranking for dogs over 7

The best senior dog food rated by PetFoodRate. Digestible protein, glucosamine, omega-3. From A to E.

April 27, 2026

Hill's Science Plan analysis with B score

Brand review

Hill's Science Plan honest review: why B and not A

Hill's Science Plan scores B (72/100). Chicken first but corn and wheat in positions 2-3. We explain the score and show A-grade alternatives.

April 26, 2026

Species nutrition

Senior cat nutrition: how to adapt feeding after age 7

After age 7, your cat's nutritional needs change. More digestible protein, less phosphorus, more hydration. The complete evidence-based guide.

April 25, 2026

Brand review

Purina Pro Plan : Avis, score B. Le choix des vétos décrypté

Purina Pro Plan Adult scores B (71/100). Chicken first but 3 cereals in top 5. We break down why and show better alternatives at the same price.

April 24, 2026

Three puppy foods compared for 2026, including a separate large-breed formula

Rankings

Best puppy food 2026: 3 exact products checked

Three puppy foods compared by exact recipe, current retailer format, PetFoodRate score and suitability for standard or large-breed growth.

April 23, 2026

Species nutrition

Ferret nutrition guide: 4 vet-approved diets + foods to avoid (2026)

Ferrets need 35-40% animal protein and zero plant fillers. Our vet-approved guide: 4 commercial picks, raw diet basics, and the 7 brands to skip.

April 22, 2026

Review

Pedigree review: what your dog is actually eating for 2€/kg

April 21, 2026

Ingredient guide

The 5 worst ingredients in pet food (and how to spot them)

BHA, unspecified by-products, corn as first ingredient, added sugars, artificial colorants: the 5 ingredients that tank a product score.

April 20, 2026

Guide

Coût nourriture chien : le vrai prix par jour

Calculate your dog food budget from pack prices, feeding quantities and fees, with the limits of comparisons between products.

April 18, 2026

Felix and Whiskas wet cat food compared on the PetFoodRate A to E scale

Comparison

Felix vs Whiskas: which scores higher in 2026?

Felix scores 35/100 and Whiskas 30/100 in this PetFoodRate wet-food comparison. See the exact products, label evidence and limits of the result.

April 17, 2026

Pedigree composition analysis with D score

Brand review

Pedigree honest review: why the best-selling dog food scores D

Pedigree Vital Protection scores D (42/100). Corn first, 4% beef, colorants. We break down the composition and show better alternatives.

April 16, 2026

Cat beside a bowl, illustrating the PetFoodRate 2026 cat food ranking

Guide

Best cat food 2026: independent A-E ranking

PetFoodRate ranks 609 dry and 202 wet cat foods from label and catalog data. See the current leaders, method, limits and complete-food checks.

April 15, 2026

Rankings

Best cat kibble 2026: our independent ranking from A to E

The 10 best dry cat foods rated A by PetFoodRate. Orijen, Acana, Wellness CORE vs Royal Canin, Purina. Full data, prices, and daily costs.

April 14, 2026

Dog food ranking card showing the top three recipes and 697 recipes scored

Rankings

Best dog food 2026: 697 recipes scored A-E

PetFoodRate scores 697 dry dog food recipes on five criteria. Orijen Original leads this editorial selection at 92/100.

April 12, 2026

Rankings

Meilleure pâtée chat 2026 : classement indépendant A à E

The best wet cat food rated A by PetFoodRate. Applaws, Lily's Kitchen, Schesir vs Whiskas, Felix, Sheba. Full comparison with prices.

April 12, 2026

Grain-free nutritional analysis with data bars

Guide

Grain-free dog food: pros and cons according to the studies

Is grain-free better for your dog? The FDA DCM investigation, the real benefits, the risks. We break it down with actual data.

April 12, 2026

Brand comparison

Royal Canin vs Hill's: compare the actual recipes

Royal Canin Medium Adult scores C (65/100). A current label review and why the exact Hill’s recipe must be identified before comparison.

April 12, 2026

Brand comparison

Whiskas vs Applaws 2026 : ce que votre chat mange vraiment

Whiskas scores D (44/100) with 4% meat. Applaws scores A (87/100) with 75% visible fish. We open both cans and compare everything.

April 12, 2026

Composition list with highlighted red flags

Guides

Décrypter étiquette croquettes : 7 pièges en 90 secondes

A practical guide to decoding the back of a pet food bag. Seven red flags that downgrade a product instantly, and what to look for instead.

April 11, 2026

Species nutrition

Why cats need meat, not marketing (and why most supermarket cat food fails them)

Cats are obligate carnivores. They need 35 percent animal protein, taurine, and arachidonic acid. Here is why most supermarket pouches fall short.

April 11, 2026

Editorial

Why we built PetFoodRate (and why pet food labels are designed to confuse you)

The story behind PetFoodRate, a free A to E rating service for every pet food. Why marketing claims hide the truth, and how we cut through them.

April 11, 2026

Best budget dog food 2026: 3 checked picks compared

Schesir avis : pâtée premium au thon visible

Allergie alimentaire chat : symptômes, diagnostic, solution

Best medium breed dog food 2026: ranking for 11-25 kg dogs

The pet food industry explained: who owns what, how it is made, and why it is opaque

Almo Nature pâtée chat : Avis, note B (76/100) et pourquoi

Meilleure nourriture chien sans maïs 2026 : Pourquoi ?

Lily's Kitchen honest review: the B Corp brand that scores A

Alimentation chinchilla : foin, granulés, dangers sucrés

Sous-produits animaux : danger ou qualité ? Guide

Cat diabetes and diet: prevention, management, and the food that helps

Meilleures croquettes grand chien : Classement 2026

Sport and working dog nutrition: protein, fat, meal timing

Wellness CORE avis : Test croquettes chien & chat, Note A

Cesar honest review: the 'gourmet' dog food that scores D

Meilleures croquettes petit chien 2026 : le TOP

Farmina N&D : avis détaillé, meilleur que Orijen ?

Iams and Eukanuba honest review: the Mars brands between B and C

Choisir ses croquettes : le guide en 5 étapes infaillibles

Sheba honest review: the 'premium' Mars cat food that scores C

Blue Buffalo Life Protection : notre avis (76/100)

Meilleures friandises chien 2026 : saines et à éviter

Kitten nutrition guide: from birth to first birthday

Transition alimentaire chien chat : Le protocole sûr

Croquettes light : Choisir la bonne, comprendre la mention

Taurine chat : pourquoi elle sauve son cœur et sa vue

Insuffisance rénale chat : Diète cruciale, quand l'adapter ?

Brit Care Dog Food Review: Salmon Recipe, Score and Value

Nutrition cheval 2026 : Guide complet, erreurs à éviter

Carnilove honest review: the rising Czech grain-free brand

Fabrication croquettes : extrusion, enrobage et impacts

Ultra Premium Direct honest review: the best value-for-money in France?

Edgard and Cooper avis : la qualité premium en supermarché ?

Pet food regulation in Europe vs USA: FEDIAF, AAFCO, what do they actually guarantee?

Stocker croquettes : Évitez la perte de nutriments !

Meilleure nourriture furet 2026 : 38% protéines, 0 glucides

Pet obesity and diet: the role of food (and how to fix it)

Croquettes : Nettoient-elles les dents des chiens/chats ?

Glucosamine and chondroitin in dog food: useful or marketing?

Oméga-3 chien/chat : Saumon, lin, krill, le meilleur ?

Croquettes insectes chien : Avis, Comparatif & Notes 2026

Probiotiques animaux : mythe marketing ou bienfaits réels ?

Whiskas honest review: why the best-selling cat food scores D

BARF chien : Faits, risques, bienfaits vs croquettes

Alimentation Cochon d'Inde : Évitez la carence Vitamine C

Nutrition reptiles : Évitez MBD, guide par espèce

Alimentation oiseaux : Stop aux graines ! Guide 2026

Best wet dog food 2026: our independent ranking from A to E

Animal vs plant protein in pet food: what the science actually says

Taste of the Wild avis : le champion qualité-prix

Alimentation Hamster : Que donner et quoi éviter ?

Best food for neutered cats 2026: preventing weight gain

Acana vs Orijen: same kitchen, different scores. We explain why

Nourrir poissons aquarium : guide pour éviter les erreurs

Felix honest review: 4% meat, added sugars, D grade

Hypoallergenic dog food: complete guide and 2026 ranking

Alimentation lapin : foin, granulés, légumes, erreurs

Best senior dog food 2026: ranking for dogs over 7

Hill's Science Plan honest review: why B and not A

Senior cat nutrition: how to adapt feeding after age 7

Purina Pro Plan : Avis, score B. Le choix des vétos décrypté

Best puppy food 2026: 3 exact products checked

Ferret nutrition guide: 4 vet-approved diets + foods to avoid (2026)

Pedigree review: what your dog is actually eating for 2€/kg

The 5 worst ingredients in pet food (and how to spot them)

Coût nourriture chien : le vrai prix par jour

Felix vs Whiskas: which scores higher in 2026?

Pedigree honest review: why the best-selling dog food scores D

Best cat food 2026: independent A-E ranking

Best cat kibble 2026: our independent ranking from A to E

Best dog food 2026: 697 recipes scored A-E

Meilleure pâtée chat 2026 : classement indépendant A à E

Grain-free dog food: pros and cons according to the studies

Royal Canin vs Hill's: compare the actual recipes

Whiskas vs Applaws 2026 : ce que votre chat mange vraiment

Décrypter étiquette croquettes : 7 pièges en 90 secondes

Why cats need meat, not marketing (and why most supermarket cat food fails them)

Why we built PetFoodRate (and why pet food labels are designed to confuse you)

PetFoodRate is now available for iPhone