Affordable Dog Food Doesn't Always Break the Bank
In the latest evaluation of dry dog foods by Stiftung Warentest, a German consumer organisation, several top-rated products have been identified that offer both nutritional quality and affordability. The test, featured in the 8th issue of 2025, assessed 24 dry dog foods for adult dogs, including regular, sensitivity-marketed, and organic-certified varieties [1][5].
Top-performing products were found to meet the nutrient needs of an average 15-kg adult dog based on established guidelines, were reasonably priced, and showed good results with sensitive dog formulas without excessive additives [1]. Although specific brand and product names were not listed in the publicly available summary, the report highlights that quality dry dog foods can be found at affordable prices, even from discount retailers, while some expensive special formulas performed worse [1].
One example of a highly regarded nutritious and affordable dry dog food, though not explicitly stated as tested by Stiftung Warentest, is REAL NATURE Country Selection. This grain-free formula uses fresh lamb and duck from Ireland, avoids artificial preservatives, sugars, dyes, and colors, and is suitable for sensitive dogs [3]. It aligns with Stiftung Warentest's emphasis on natural, additive-free recipes with quality ingredients.
For precise brand rankings and product recommendations, it is necessary to consult the full Stiftung Warentest 2025/8 report or their detailed website test page from July 25, 2025 [1][5].
The test results indicate that quality dry dog food doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, the only "very good" dry food, "Sunny Hills" from Edeka brand "4Paws", scored 1.3, while a more affordable option, "Pablo Kraft Menu" from Netto Marken-Discount, received a "good" rating of 1.9 and a daily ration costs just 0.25 euros [1].
It is important to note that if a dog has intolerances, digestive problems, or other diseases, it's better to choose diet food, which must be labeled as such. Low sugar content in dog food is acceptable, according to testers, and often comes from ingredients like grains or fruits. However, the report advises paying attention to the label "sensitive food" as there is no legal definition or official guidelines for this type of food [1].
The Stiftung Warentest test also found that inadequate feeding recommendations can lead to overweight or underweight in pets, and some tested products were criticized for lacking nutrients [1]. No harmful substances or unwanted ingredients were found in any of the 24 complete foods tested [1].
In conclusion, the Stiftung Warentest 2025 dry dog food test found several top-rated products that are both nutritious and affordable. Discount brands performed surprisingly well, while expensive specialized products sometimes scored lower. The tested foods were evaluated for complete nutrition for adult dogs, including sensitive formulas. For detailed product rankings and specific product recommendations, it is necessary to consult the full report or the Stiftung Warentest website [1][5].
- Top-performing dry dog foods, such as the REAL NATURE Country Selection, prioritize science by using high-quality, natural ingredients, aligning with the principles of health-and-wellness.
- In the realm of food-and-drink for dogs, the test showed that affordable products like "Pablo Kraft Menu" from Netto Marken-Discount can offer good nutrition, challenging the belief that quality comes only with a high price.
- The evaluation of dry dog foods by Stiftung Warentest has underscored the importance of nutritious and balanced diets for maintaining a dog's lifestyle, highlighting the significance of science in health-and-wellness, particularly in the realm of nutrition.
