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Portions, meal times and when to move from puppy food to adult food.
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Dogs · Cats · Small Pets
The best pet food, minus the label confusion
Fluffy Food Advisor picks the best pet food for dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs. Every pick is sorted by pet and life stage, with a plain-English reason it made the list.
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How to choose the right pet food
The right pet food depends on three things: what kind of animal you have, how old it is, and how active it is. Brand matters less than most labels suggest. A well-made food from a mainstream brand often beats a pricey boutique bag. Here is the short version of what we look for.
1. Match the food to the life stage
Puppies and kittens need more calories, protein and certain minerals than adults. That is why growth formulas exist. Large-breed puppies need their own formulas, because controlled calcium helps their bones grow at a safe pace. Senior pets may do better on lower-calorie food once they slow down. Ask your vet when to switch, because the timing varies by breed and size.
2. Wet, dry or both?
Dry food is convenient, affordable and easy to portion. Wet food adds moisture, which matters most for cats, because they naturally drink little water. Many owners feed a mix, for example dry food in the morning and a wet meal at night. Either can be a good choice as long as it is complete and balanced and you watch the total calories.
3. Rabbits and guinea pigs eat mostly hay
For rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas, unlimited grass hay such as timothy or orchard grass should make up most of the diet. Hay wears down their constantly growing teeth and keeps their gut moving. Add a small, measured portion of plain pellets and daily leafy greens. Skip muesli-style mixes with seeds and dried fruit, because pets pick out the sugary bits. Guinea pigs also need a daily source of vitamin C. See the House Rabbit Society's diet guide for portion guidance.
4. Switch foods slowly
Change your pet's food gradually over about 7 to 10 days. Mix a little of the new food into the old, and increase the share every couple of days. A sudden switch is the most common cause of an upset stomach after a new bag.
Not veterinary advice. Our picks are a starting point for healthy pets. If your pet has a medical condition, allergies or a prescription diet, follow your vet's advice first.
Ready to compare? Jump back to our dog food picks, browse cat food for indoor cats and kittens, or see hay and pellets for small pets. You can read how we choose products on our about page.
FAQ
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Pet food questions, answered
What is the best food for my dog?
The best dog food is a complete and balanced formula made for your dog's life stage and size, and one your dog does well on. Look for an AAFCO statement on the bag, match puppy, adult or senior, and watch your dog's weight and coat over the first few weeks. See our dog food picks.
Is wet food better than dry food for cats?
Neither is automatically better. Wet food adds moisture, which helps cats who drink little water. Dry food is easier to store and portion. Many owners feed both. What matters most is that the food is complete and balanced and that the calorie total fits your cat.
How often should I change my pet's food?
You do not need to rotate foods if your pet is healthy and doing well. Switch when your pet changes life stage, when your vet recommends it, or if the current food stops agreeing with them. Always switch gradually over 7 to 10 days.
What should rabbits and guinea pigs eat every day?
Unlimited fresh grass hay, a small measured portion of plain pellets, fresh leafy greens and clean water. Guinea pigs also need daily vitamin C from food or a supplement. See our small pet picks for hay and pellets.
Is grain-free food healthier for dogs?
Not for most dogs. True grain allergies are uncommon, and the FDA has investigated a possible link between some grain-free diets and a heart condition called DCM. Unless your vet recommends grain-free, a quality food with grains is a safe default.
How do you choose your pet food picks?
We favour complete and balanced foods from established brands, and check the life stage on the label. We earn a commission from some links, but that never decides what makes the list. Read more on how we choose products.