Pet Food: ask the OCU

Written and verified by the lawyer Francisco María García

Last update: 27 December, 2022

Pet food: ask the OCU

Many times consumers aren’t completely sure if they’re buying the best products. With food, the doubts seem to be greater.

Is what the labels or packaging say really reliable information? When it comes to pet food, the uncertainty is even greater. In order to get help and valuable information, you can ask the OCU. 

What is the OCU?

This office is the Organization of Consumers and Users of Spain. It’s a private, non-profit organization, and they are devoted to defending the rights of all consumers. It carries out all operations without any subsidies from the state, thanks to the contributions of more than 300,000 members.

Specifically, the OCU works to defend the following rights of these canine citizens:

• Protection in cases of health or safety risks to consumers and users. Also in scenarios in which people’s economic interests may be affected.
• Assistance, advice, and repair requests for damages.
• Guarantees information and education for citizens.
• Provides representation services and promotes consumer and user participation. 

Does the OCU certify product quality?

One of the tasks of this “consumer club” as some members call it, is to thoroughly the quality of certain product groups. These include animal feed and pet food. 

After analyzing the products available on the market, the OCU issues a report offering conclusions about dog food. In order to do this important task, their partners first obtain the products off store shelves throughout the country, just like any consumer would.

What factors do they evaluate?

The testing of the pet food begins with evaluating how the products are presented and packaged. They analyze the main brands on the market.

First, a large part of the findings on the report reflects is about the products sold in plastic containers. People use them because of the more practical and resistant than those in paper bags.

They also check whether each food has the properties and nutrients that the packaging or labels claim to have. Specifically, within the “complete diet” line of domestic dog food, they check whether the product complies with the following guidelines:

• Calorie intake: They determine whether what is recommended and guaranteed on the packaging meets the pets’ needs.
• Mineral residue content: If the quantity is very high, it means that they have used poor quality ingredients to make the food.
• Fiber levels: Food containing fiber is not essential for a dog’s diet. However, they are important because they help these animals’ digestive systems to work properly.
• Fat: You should include fat in a balanced way in your pet’s diet. Excess fat can lead to obesity problems. If they consume below the recommended minimum, they can have nutritional deficiencies.
• Protein: This is a vital element for dogs. When it comes to all the food available on the local market, the protein content is why really counts

The OCU’s list

Although it’s just a reference, you should take the OCU’s research about dog food into account. The following products stand out among those with the highest scores:

• Affinity Advance Medium Adult (chicken and rice). This food is intended for pets weighing between 10 and 30 kilos, and up to 7 years old. It contains 20% chicken and 15% rice, along with some fish oil.
• Nutro Choice Adult Maintenance. Suitable to dogs up to 7 years old, regardless of breed or size. It offers 27% chicken and 17% rice and it contains a considerable amount of additives such as seaweed.
• Royal Canin Medium Adult 15 kg. One of the most accepted products by domestic dog owners. Its main components include chicken proteins and pork.