Last Updated: 19/01/2026
Pet Food Comparison Guide: Choosing the Best for your Pet
Confused by pet food labels? Our expert guide compares popular Australian brands on price, protein, and fat content. Learn how to look past the marketing to find a high-quality, digestible diet that supports your pet's long-term health and wellbeing.
Author: Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 4 minutes - short read
Walk into any pet supply store or browse online, and you are met with a dizzying array of bags, tins, and pouches. Every brand claims to be the best, but as a pet parent, how do you cut through the marketing noise? While labels like "holistic" or "natural" sound appealing, the real value lies in the science behind the recipe. From ensuring a brand has strict quality control to checking if a veterinary nutritionist formulated the meal, choosing a diet is about more than just the ingredients list - it's about providing the fuel your pet needs to thrive at every stage of life.
Pet foods compared: cost, protein, and fat
When comparing pet foods, it is easy to focus solely on the price of the bag, but the real value lies in the nutrient density and the daily cost to feed. By looking at the protein and fat levels alongside the cost per meal, you can see exactly what your investment provides for your pet's health. The following breakdown compares some of Australia's most popular brands, helping you balance your budget with the high-quality nutrition your pet deserves.
*The dog food comparison is based on a moderately active 20kg dog (calculated required calorie intake of 1059 calories), and the cat food comparison is based on a 5kg desexed adult cat (calculated required calorie intake of 281 calories)
Nutritional analysis is based on as fed, published values for each food.
Cost is based on current full prices at time of latest update, no sale or Auto-Delivery discounts included.
NB: Nutritional analysis values don't take into account the digestibility of the protein in the diet. Bear in mind that the percentage protein and fat are given as guaranteed minimum values only - the true value ('Typical Analysis') could be higher than this.
Dog food
Royal Canin vs Advance vs Hill's
Cat food
Royal Canin vs Advance vs Hill's
What to look for on a pet food label
When deciding on a pet food, it pays to consider additional factors such as the product safety record of the brand, their quality control methods and whether a veterinary nutritionist or qualified animal nutritionist was involved in the formulation of the diet.
Try not to get drawn in by buzzwords like 'holistic' and 'natural' and instead look for solid evidence of any product claims. Consider the quality and variability of ingredients used as well as the overall digestibility of the product.
Learn more in How to Read a Pet Food Label.
Tailoring nutrition to your pet's lifestyle
Remember that every pet will have subtly different nutritional needs and all recommended feeding amounts are designed to be used as a guide only. For the most appropriate feeding amounts and dietary advice, consult your veterinarian or our Pet Circle Vets for advice before changing your pet's diet.
FAQs
Navigating the world of pet nutrition is a journey, and it is perfectly normal to need a little guidance along the way. While data on protein and cost provides a great starting point, remember that your pet is an individual. What works for the neighbour's Golden Retriever might not be the perfect fit for your Cavalier. By focusing on quality, digestibility, and expert formulation, you are already well on your way to helping your pet live their happiest, healthiest life.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Tue 20 Jan 2026
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Head Veterinarian, BVSc (Hons)
Pet Circle's Head Veterinarian, Dr Teagan graduated from the University of Queensland in 2010 and went on to work in small animal and mixed practice in various locations around QLD & ACT before joining Pet Circle in early 2016. Dr Teagan has special interests in dermatology, nutrition and preventative health care. She feels privileged to witness the special bond people share with their pets on a daily basis and enjoys forming lasting relationships with pet parents and their fur children.
