Best Dog Food Brands Available in Europe: A Complete Guide
Finding the right food for your dog in Europe involves more than simply picking a bag off the shelf. The European Union has established a robust legal framework to protect pets and their owners, and understanding this framework can help you make a truly informed choice. Whether you buy from a local pet shop or order through a retailer such as Zooplus, knowing what the regulations mean for the food in your dog's bowl is invaluable.
Understanding EU Pet Food Regulations
All dog food sold within the European Union must comply with Regulation (EC) No 767/2009, which governs the placing on the market and use of feed for pet animals. This regulation sets out strict requirements covering labelling, composition, and the information manufacturers must provide to consumers.
Under EC 767/2009, every package of dog food sold in the EU must display the following information clearly:
- The type of feed (complete or complementary)
- The species of animal the food is intended for
- A list of ingredients in descending order of weight
- Analytical constituents (protein, fat, crude fibre, moisture)
- Nutritional additives such as vitamins and minerals
- The net quantity of the product
- A best-before date and batch number
- The name and address of the manufacturer or responsible party
A complete pet food must by definition meet all of a dog's daily nutritional needs when fed as the sole diet. A complementary food does not, and must be combined with other feeds. This distinction matters enormously when comparing products.
How to Read EU Dog Food Labels
EU labelling rules require ingredients to be listed by their category name (for example, "meat and animal derivatives") or by their specific name ("chicken," "beef"). Brands that list specific named proteins give you greater transparency about what your dog is actually eating. When an ingredient such as "chicken" appears first on the list, it means chicken makes up the largest proportion of the recipe by weight before cooking — though this weight shifts significantly after moisture is removed during processing.
Pay close attention to the analytical constituents panel. A higher crude protein percentage generally indicates a more meat-rich recipe, though the quality of that protein matters just as much as the quantity. Similarly, crude fibre content reflects the amount of plant-based roughage in the diet.
Royal Canin
Royal Canin is arguably the most recognisable dog food brand in Europe, with products available in virtually every country in the EU. Founded in France in 1968, Royal Canin is now owned by Mars Petcare and produces an enormous range of breed-specific, size-specific, and health-condition-specific formulas.
Royal Canin's strength lies in its veterinary and life-stage ranges. Their Veterinary Diet line, available through vets and specialist retailers, covers conditions from Kidney Disease Diet">Kidney Disease in Cats: Diet, Symptoms & Prognosis">Kidney Disease Diet">Kidney Disease in Dogs: Diet, Supplements & Quality of Life">Kidney Disease in Dogs: Diet, Supplements & Quality of Life">kidney disease to obesity. For everyday feeding, their Size Health Nutrition range — Mini, Medium, Maxi, and Giant — is formulated to address the differing physiological needs of dogs at each size category. Royal Canin is widely stocked on Zooplus and is straightforward to find across the EU.
Hill's Science Plan
Hill's Science Plan is a science-backed brand with a long heritage in veterinary nutrition. Originally developed by a veterinarian in the United States, Hill's is now a global brand that manufactures products meeting EU regulatory requirements and sells extensively across Europe.
Hill's Science Plan range covers puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs, with formulas tailored by breed size. Their key selling point is the involvement of nutritionists and veterinarians in recipe development. The brand also offers a Prescription Diet range for dogs with specific medical conditions such as urinary issues, joint problems, and liver disease. Hill's products are available on Zooplus and through veterinary clinics across the EU.
Purina Pro Plan
Purina Pro Plan sits at the premium end of the Purina portfolio and is one of the best-selling dog food ranges in Europe. Produced by Nestlé Purina Petcare, Pro Plan uses high-quality protein sources and is backed by decades of feeding research.
The range includes formulas for different life stages, breed sizes, and specific sensitivities such as sensitive skin and stomach. Purina Pro Plan Sport is popular among active and working dog owners, while the OptiAge line targets senior dogs with joint and cognitive support. Pro Plan is fully compliant with EU pet food regulations and is widely available on Zooplus throughout Europe.
Acana
Acana is a Canadian brand that has established a strong presence in the European market, distributed through specialist retailers and online platforms including Zooplus. Acana positions itself in the biologically appropriate feeding category, using high proportions of named animal ingredients and limiting the use of plant-based fillers.
Acana's recipes follow their "WholePrey" philosophy, incorporating meat, organs, and cartilage to mimic the nutritional profile of a natural diet. Popular ranges in Europe include Acana Regionals, which highlight ingredients from specific geographical sources, and Acana Singles, which use single protein sources for dogs with food sensitivities. All products sold in the EU meet the requirements of Regulation EC 767/2009.
Orijen
Orijen is produced by the same company as Acana (Champion Petfoods) and represents the ultra-premium tier of the range. Orijen recipes typically contain over 85% animal ingredients, making them among the most protein-dense dry dog foods available in Europe.
Orijen Six Fish, Original, and Regional Red are among the most popular options with European dog owners who prioritise a meat-first feeding approach. The brand meets EU labelling and composition requirements, and while it sits at a higher price point than mainstream options, many owners report excellent results in terms of coat condition, digestion, and energy levels. Orijen is available through Zooplus and specialist pet retailers across the EU.
Choosing the Right Brand for Your Dog
No single brand is the best choice for every dog. Age, breed, size, activity level, and any existing health conditions all influence which food will serve your dog best. As a starting point, look for a complete food that lists a named protein source as its first ingredient, complies with EC 767/2009, and is appropriate for your dog's life stage.
If your dog has a medical condition or you are uncertain about their nutritional needs, consulting a veterinarian before changing their diet is always advisable. Many of the brands reviewed here — Royal Canin, Hill's, and Purina in particular — offer veterinary consultation services and dedicated clinical nutrition ranges that can be prescribed when needed.
Shopping through a well-established platform such as Zooplus gives you access to the full range of EU-compliant dog food brands, with the added benefit of clear labelling information and customer reviews to help guide your decision.