I created a clean, reusable comparison chart template you can use to compare any premium pet-food brands (dog or cat). Below is a ready-to-fill chart with common, decision-relevant attributes plus brief guidance on how to evaluate each attribute. If you want, tell me the specific brands (up to 8) and I’ll populate the chart with up-to-date data and sources.

Comparison chart template (columns you can compare across brands)

• Brand
• Product line / top recipes (example: "Original, Grain-Free, Puppy, Senior")
• Type(s) available
  • Dry, wet/canned, freeze-dried, fresh, raw
• Typical protein sources
  • (e.g., chicken, beef, fish, novel proteins)
• Grain-free options?
  • Yes / No / Some lines
• Typical guaranteed analysis (protein / fat / fiber % on dry-matter basis)
  • Example: 30–42% protein; 15–22% fat
• Life-stage formulas
  • Puppy/kitten, adult, senior, all-life-stages, breed-specific
• Specialty formulas
  • Limited-ingredient, hypoallergenic, weight management, sensitive skin/stomach, high-protein, veterinary/prescription
• Ingredient sourcing & manufacturing notes
  • e.g., US/Canada/Europe-made, locally sourced meats, human-grade, named meats vs “meat meal”
• Third-party testing / certifications
  • AAFCO statement, USDA organic, Non-GMO, SQF, BRC, etc.
• Recall history (important — check current FDA/brand pages)
  • List major recalls and dates (always verify current status)
• Typical price tier (relative)
  • Premium / Super-premium / Ultra-premium (example: $3–6+/lb for premium dry)
• Typical packaging sizes & cost estimate
  • e.g., 4 lb, 12 lb, 25 lb; typical $/lb range
• Best for
  • (e.g., active breeds, allergies, small breeds, seniors, picky eaters)
• Potential downsides
  • (e.g., high calorie density, expensive, uses legumes, limited wet options)
• Where to buy / availability
  • Pet stores, online retailers (Chewy, Amazon), veterinary clinics, brand direct
• Notes / recommendations
  • Transition tips, portioning, vet consults for special diets

How to use the chart — what to check for each brand

• Protein source specificity: Prefer brands that list named meats (e.g., “chicken” or “chicken meal”) instead of vague terms like “meat” or “animal by-product.”
• Guaranteed analysis: Compare on a dry-matter basis to avoid moisture-skewed numbers. For cats, higher protein is usually better; for dogs, consider activity level and weight goals.
• Grain-free considerations: Grain-free may be appropriate for true grain intolerances, but some vets have raised concerns about diet-associated heart disease in dogs on some grain-free diets — consult your vet for high-risk dogs.
• Recalls & safety: Always check the brand’s recall page and the FDA recall database before switching.
• Price per pound: Divide package price by pounds to compare value while accounting for calorie density (higher calorie foods may feed less by volume).
• Veterinary / prescription diets: Use only when recommended by your veterinarian for diagnosed conditions.

Quick example (filled for 2 well-known premium lines — illustrative only; always verify for your chosen recipe)

• Brand: Orijen
  • Type(s): Dry, some regional wet/fresh options
  • Protein: Multi-animal named meats (often very high % animal ingredients)
  • Grain-free: Yes (many lines)
  • Typical protein (dry): Very high (often ~38–42% dry-matter)
  • Price tier: Ultra-premium
  • Best for: High-protein needs, active dogs
  • Notes: High calorie/protein — portion accordingly; check label per recipe.
• Brand: Acana
  • Type(s): Dry (several lines), some wet
  • Protein: Named meats, generally high but lower than Orijen
  • Grain-free: Many lines (also grain-inclusive options)
  • Typical protein (dry): High (varies by formula, ~25–35%)
  • Price tier: Premium to upper-premium
  • Best for: Balanced high-quality diet at a somewhat lower price than Orijen
  • Notes: Good variety of recipes including limited-ingredient lines.

Would you like me to:

• Fill this chart for specific brands (tell me up to 8 brands and whether dog or cat), and I’ll pull current nutrition stats, recalls, price-per-lb estimates and provide citations; or
• Create a printable/tabular version (CSV/Excel) of this template you can download?

If you want the populated comparison, list the brands you care about and I’ll fetch up-to-date, sourced info and deliver a completed chart.