Canine Nutrition · Made in Switzerland · May 2026
Joy's Food vs. Major Brands: What Your Dog is Really Eating
Friskies, Royal Canin, Purina Pro Plan… their packaging boasts enticing promises. But turn the bag over to read the ingredient list, and the picture changes dramatically. Here's a factual comparison, based solely on the official compositions published by each manufacturer.
The first ingredient reveals all
In pet food, ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. The first ingredient is therefore the most abundant—and the most revealing. At Joy's Food, it's 73% fresh Swiss chicken meat. In Friskies Active (Nestlé Purina), the first ingredient is… whole grains, at 59%—according to the official composition published by Purina.
| Criterion | Joy's Food (Chicken) | Friskies Active | Royal Canin / Pro Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ingredient | Fresh Swiss chicken (73%) | Whole grains (59%) | Chicken or rice/corn depending on range |
| Real meat in recipe | ~73% | ~4% (beef) | Variable, often dehydrated |
| Grain-free / gluten-free | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | Depending on range |
| Crude protein | 26% (animal-derived) | 20% (mixed) | 22–28% depending on product |
| Estimated carbohydrates | ~21% (potato) | >50% | 30–45% depending on range |
| Texture | Semi-moist (moisture ≤30%) | Dry extruded | Dry extruded |
| Meat origin | 100% Swiss, traceable | Not specified | Not specified |
| Single protein source | ✓ (reduces allergies) | ✗ Blend | Variable |
| Flavor enhancers | ✗ None | No artificial colors/preserv. | Depending on range |
Protein content: where does it really come from?
A high protein percentage on the label doesn't guarantee good nutritional quality. These proteins must also be animal-based and fresh, not reconstituted from by-products or vegetable supplements. At Joy's Food, the 26% crude protein comes entirely from fresh Swiss chicken or beef.
What veterinarians remind us: dogs are opportunistic carnivores whose bodies primarily assimilate animal proteins. An excess of starch from grains can cause digestive problems, loose stools, and food intolerances in sensitive animals.
The grain question: why are they so prevalent?
In Friskies, grains represent 59% of the composition according to the official label published by Nestlé Purina. The reason is simple: starch is essential for the industrial extrusion process—without it, dry kibble won't hold its shape. It's also the cheapest raw material on a large scale. As a result, your dog primarily ingests carbohydrates, even though their body needs them minimally.
Joy's Food limits carbohydrates to approximately 21%, exclusively from potato—a well-tolerated and naturally gluten-free source. Here, potato replaces grain starch, while playing the same binding role in the semi-moist recipe.
Origin: Switzerland vs. rest of the world
Joy's Food is made in Switzerland with fresh chicken or beef meat fit for human consumption, with 100% traceable origin. Purina (Nestlé group) and Royal Canin (Mars group) generally do not specify the exact geographical origin of their animal raw materials on their labels—information they are not legally required to mention for kibble.
Certified Swiss Meat
Fresh Swiss chicken or beef, fit for human consumption. Traceable origin. Made in Switzerland, subject to Swiss veterinary controls.
Origin Not Disclosed
Animal by-products of unspecified origin on the label. High-temperature extrusion process. No legal obligation to mention the country of origin for kibble.
What you will concretely observe in your dog
Owners who have transitioned to Joy's Food regularly report visible improvements within a few weeks:
Our opinion
Feeding your dog supermarket kibble is cheaper to buy—that's a reality. But when comparing official compositions, the nutritional quality gap is significant. Joy's Food offers a short, readable recipe, with fresh Swiss meat at the top of the list and no superfluous ingredients.
For owners who want to align their dog's diet with their own consumer values—fresh, traceable, locally produced—Joy's Food is a coherent and concrete answer.
See Joy's Food on Mon Animal Gourmet →The figures regarding Joy's Food are taken from the official labels published on joys-food.ch. Data concerning Friskies Active comes from the official composition published by Nestlé Purina. The ranges indicated for Royal Canin and Pro Plan reflect an average of their current ranges, as communicated by their respective manufacturers. This comparison is based on objective and verifiable facts, in accordance with Art. 3 let. e LCD (Federal Law against Unfair Competition, RS 241). It does not constitute veterinary advice—consult your veterinarian for any questions regarding your pet's diet.