New Research Reveals the Most (and Least) Trusted Dog Foods

Britt
by Britt
Photo credit: Pixel-Shot / Shutterstock.com

As loving dog parents, we want to ensure our pups are getting the best of the best – including the best toys, the most comfortable beds, and, of course, the best nutrition. But with so many dog food brands on the market, deciding which ones truly deliver on their promises can be overwhelming.


A recent study has shed light on this very issue. By analyzing a massive amount of market feedback and online customer reviews, it highlights which brands are earning – and losing – the trust of dog parents.


Reviews.ai, a consumer data analysis firm, recently published their Dry Dog Food Report 2025 – Best Seller Performance. It analyzed over 135,000 online customer reviews from 2024, covering 26 pet food brands and 89 specific dry dog food products. The report painted a clear picture of what brands are meeting the expectations of dog lovers across the country and which brands are falling short.


The report sorted the pet food brands into four main performance groups:


Leaders


Brands with high customer satisfaction and strong loyalty. These brands consistently received positive reviews, revealing that dog parents were satisfied not only by the products but also by the brands responsible for them.


Examples include:  Purina, Hill’s, Iams, Nutro, Royal Canin, and Rachel Ray Nutrish.


Niche


These are smaller companies that have a strong customer sentiment. Brands in this group cater to specific needs or preferences and, in doing so, have built a strong, loyal customer base.


Examples include: Merrick, Pedigree, Health Extension, and Natural Balance.


At Risk


Despite having high visibility, brands in this group were found to have declining customer trust. These brands face challenges related to customer satisfaction and loyalty, which may suggest potential issues with their products or brand practices.


Examples include; Blue Buffalo, Taste of the Wild, Orijen, and Open Farm.


Laggards


Brands in this group were found to have low engagement and poor consumer sentiment. They are experiencing significant difficulties in building and maintaining customer trust and satisfaction.


Examples include: Signature, Diamond Naturals, Cesar, Canidae, and Wagg.


So, what do these rankings really mean? What decides which group each pet food brand is sorted into? Researchers combed through a wealth of market research and customer review data, focusing on the feedback provided on various online retailer websites. The rankings were based solely on the feedback offered by dog parents.


In addition to sorting the brands into four categories, the report also revealed that nearly all reviews could be sorted into six primary areas of concern:


  • Dog Preference and Satisfaction: Many pet parents shared frustration with dogs rejecting food due to taste, smell, or texture.
  • Dog Health and Wellness: Pet Parents showed a higher level of loyalty to brands that had strong veterinarian endorsements and clear nutritional health benefits.
  • Brand and Trust: Pet parents are increasingly skeptical and desire brand transparency. Frequent formula or ingredient changes and the use of vague marketing terms can lead to a loss of trust.
  • Product and Experience: Some of the most common complaints seen in reviews included packaging issues, formula changes without notice, and inconsistent food quality.
  • Price and Purchase: Looking behind the “premium” label, pet parents are carefully weighing price vs quality to find the best option for their pets while keeping to their budgets.
  • Service and Fulfillment: When making a purchase, pet parents want to receive their products in a timely fashion. Their opinions can be influenced by delays resulting from slow delivery times and stock shortages. They may also drop due to poor customer support.


This research highlights the importance of doing your own research and due diligence when choosing the best food for your best friend.


Most importantly, the best dog food is the one that meets your pup’s individual needs (and preferences). By staying informed and paying attention to changes in the pet food industry as well as to your dog’s response to their food, you can make the best decision for their health and happiness.


Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter  here.

Britt
Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 3 cats – Pippen, Jinx, and Theia. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

More by Britt

Next