Does More Expensive Dog Food Last Longer?

Paying premium prices for dog food does not necessarily mean the food will last longer. In fact, many benefits you'd associate with pricey food may not be in all expensive foods. Just as you do with your food, read labels. Becoming educated about a dog̵7;s nutritional needs is the best way to ensure your canine companion gets the most for your money.

  1. Assumptions About Premium Foods

    • Many who pay more for premium dog food brands believe their choice is more cost-effective, thinking dogs need to eat less of the expensive food. A comparison of three dry dog food brands ranging in price, however, illustrates the difference in feeding amounts may not be as significant as assumed.

    Nonpremium Vs. Premium Foods

    • In this comparison, three dog food brands are compared. First, Purina Healthy Morsels represents one of the less expensive nonpremium brands. Second, Iams ProActive Health is a mid-range dog food. While easily found in nonspecialty stores, it costs slightly more than low-end varieties. It's not generally thought of as a premium dog food. Blue Buffalo is a premium brand sold primarily in pet stores.

    Feeding Guidelines Compared

    • Pet parents are correct to assume that Blue Buffalo, the premium brand in the comparison, requires smaller serving sizes than the other two brands. However, the difference is quite small. According to the feeding guidelines listed at each company̵7;s website, a 75-pound dog would need to eat 4 cups of Purina Healthy Morsels, 3¼ cups of Iams ProActive Health for large breed dogs or 3 cups of Blue Buffalo Life Protection food for large breed adult dogs.

    Price Differences

    • As the comparison between the three brands shows, the difference in daily feeding amounts is about 1 cup for large breed dogs. However, the price differences between these brands are larger. A 15.9-pound bag of Purina Healthy Morsels is $16.99, compared with $19.99 for 15 pounds of Iams and $32.99 for 15 pounds of Blue Buffalo. While spending an extra $3 for the Iams may be a sound financial choice given the difference in food servings, paying the extra for the premium brand would not be. A 2011 "Consumer Reports" study found similar results and suggested the only real difference between the cheap and expensive brands was the cost.

    Nutritional Benefits

    • Even if the serving sizes do not vary enough to account for the vast difference in prices among dog food brands, some pet parents believe the nutritional benefits mean their canines can make more efficient use of the nutrients. According to the Dog Nutrition Center, quality dog foods include animal protein in the first few ingredients and not byproducts, use whole wheat sources of carbohydrates, have quality sources of fats and oils, and add mineral supplements to ensure the dog̵7;s nutritional needs are met. While all three brands meet these basic standards, Iams and Blue Buffalo̵7;s ingredient lists have less filler and more animal sources than does Purina -- explaining, in part, why the Purina product is less expensive.

    Paying More Makes Sense Sometimes

    • Before you pay premium price for dog foods, you need to carefully compare feeding guidelines and ingredient lists to make sure the extra expense is worth it. Purchasing the slightly more expensive Iams product would be more cost effective and just as nutritionally sound as buying the premium product. However, for dogs with special dietary needs, such as sensitive stomachs or food allergies, paying premium prices to avoid health problems makes the best sense.