According to specialists, the kibbles sold by veterinarians are of better quality. (Illustration) (Sweetlouise / Pixabay)
Although almost all pet owners feed them kibble, not all products are equal. According to specialists, it is better to trust the big brands sold at the veterinarian.
More than half of French people (55%) have a dog and/or a cat, according to the FACCO-ODOXA 2024 barometer. Almost all (95%) choose kibble for their food. But where do you find the best products? A question to which
RMC Conso
responded this Wednesday, January 15 by asking experts in the field.
Veterinarians, pet stores, supermarkets…
It seems that veterinarians are best placed to sell quality kibble. These are
“designed and adapted according to the specific needs of animals”
informs Emmanuel Meyer, veterinarian at the SPA headquarters.
“There are research and development centers and animal testers. They are constantly trying to find new products”
specifies Charlotte Devaux, veterinary nutritionist. According to her, certain products have, for example, tripled the life expectancy of cats suffering from kidney disease. These brands like Royal Canin, Purina, Hills, Pro Plan, Virbac and Specific are
“the most technical”
but also
“the most expensive on the market”
recalls the specialist.
You can also find them in pet stores. But be careful with kibble manufactured directly by these establishments. Some pet stores
“are riding harmful trends, like ‘grain-free’, and it’s risky. They replace cereal starch, very well tolerated digestively, with starch from legumes (peas, lentils), which causes gas and heart problems in dogs in large quantities.
warns Emmanuel Meyer.
Be careful when shopping online
Supermarkets offer kibble from major brands, which can also be found at veterinarians such as Ultima and Purina One (Friskies, FIDO, etc.).
“It’s good quality, even if they are lower than those sold by veterinarians. And it’s also because they are cheaper”
analyzes the veterinary nutritionist.
“Pedigree, Whiskas: these are low-end products to avoid. If they are cheap, there is a reason and in the long term they are harmful to health”
decides Emmanuel Meyer, evoking problems likely to be fatal for the animal. As for distributor brands:
“It’s neither good nor bad, but there are no effects on animal health”
underlines Charlotte Devaux.
Another option is to do your shopping online. An advantageous solution because it is
“often cheaper”
. For veterinary brands,
“these are the same kibbles in store and online, there is no traceability problem”
develops Emmanuel Meyer. For other kibbles, it is better to abstain according to the specialist, because the origin of the products is never certain.
