10 Best Cat Foods for Ragdolls – 2025 Reviews & Top Picks

cat licking mouth after eating food from metal bowl

Providing your cat with a healthy, balanced, and high-quality diet is critical for them to stay in optimum health, and your beloved Ragdoll is no exception! But finding the right balance of high-quality food and something that your cat will enjoy can be challenging—or not. Some cats are picky, while others are less so.

Either way, since shopping can be time consuming, we researched and compiled a list of cat foods that are all great options for your kitty. We hope that these reviews will lead you to your Ragdoll’s next favorite food. There’s also a buyer’s guide to help make your decision an informed one.

Important Note: This article has been reviewed by one of our veterinarians to ensure accuracy and safety. However, the opinions and insights expressed are those of the author and may not fully represent the veterinarian’s perspective. This information is intended to complement, not replace, personalized veterinary guidance. If you’re considering changing your cat’s food, we strongly recommend consulting with your vet to ensure the new diet is appropriate for your cat’s health needs.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2025

Rating Image Product Details
Winner

Smalls Ground Bird Cat Food
Smalls Ground Bird Cat Food

  • USDA-certified

  • Available in different textures

  • All-natural, sustainably sourced
  • Second place

    Cat Chow Indoor Hairball & Healthy
    Cat Chow Indoor Hairball & Healthy

  • Well-priced

  • Natural fiber for controlling hairballs

  • Nutritionally balanced for indoor cats
  • Third place

    Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Chicken
    Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Chicken

  • Main ingredient is deboned chicken

  • Psyllium seed husks and cellulose help with hairballs

  • Omega-3 and -6 for healthy skin and coat

  • Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition
    Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition

  • Formulated specifically for the Ragdoll breed

  • Enriched with EPA, DHA, and taurine

  • Nutrients keep the coat healthy and soft

  • Purina ONE +Plus Healthy Kitten
    Purina ONE +Plus Healthy Kitten

  • Affordable

  • Four antioxidants for immune system support

  • High in protein for developing muscles
  • The 10 Best Cat Foods for Ragdolls

    1. Smalls Ground Bird Cat Food — Best Overall

    Smalls Ground Other Bird

    Main ingredients: Chicken, chicken liver, green beans, peas
    Protein content: 55% (dry matter basis)
    Fat content: 30% (dry matter basis)
    Calories: 1,401 kcal/kg

    Smalls offers nutrient-rich, human-grade cat food that is tailored to the specific dietary needs of cats. The Ground Bird Cat Food makes the top of the recommendation list. This recipe’s primary ingredient is deboned chicken and a blend of natural ingredients like green beans, peas, and kale, offering exceptional benefits to cats, particularly those of the Ragdoll breed.

    Smalls recipes are all USDA-certified and sustainably sourced. Each is gently cooked to preserve nutrients and natural flavors. They also cater to all life stages by offering different textures.

    The convenience of a fresh food delivery service is that you never have to worry about running out of cat food or having to compromise your cat’s nutritional needs when buying a bag of cat food on a whim. All of these reasons are why we chose Smalls Ground Bird Cat Food as the best cat food for Ragdoll cats.

    Pros
    • All-natural, sustainably sourced
    • USDA-certified
    • Slow-cooking preserves natural flavors and nutrients
    • Available in different textures
    • Delivered to your door
    Cons
    • Unable to purchase in-store

    2. Cat Chow Indoor Hairball & Healthy Weight Dry Cat Food — Best Value

    Cat Chow Indoor Hairball

    Main ingredients: Chicken by-product meal, whole-grain corn, soy flour
    Protein content: 30%
    Fat content: 5%
    Calories: 358 kcal/cup

    The best cat food for Ragdolls for the money is Cat Chow’s Indoor Hairball & Healthy Weight Dry Cat Food. The indoor formula contains natural fiber to help control hairballs and aids in healthy digestion. Purina claims that the food is nutritionally balanced for cats that aren’t that physically active and includes 25 essential vitamins and minerals for their overall health. However, while this food is an excellent price, it does contain artificial colors.

    Pros
    • Well-priced
    • Natural fiber for controlling hairballs
    • Nutritionally balanced for indoor cats
    • Contains 25 essential vitamins and minerals
    Cons
    • Contains artificial colors

    3. Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Chicken & Brown Rice Hairball Control Adult Dry Cat Food — Premium Choice

    Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Chicken

    Main ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice
    Protein content: 32%
    Fat content: 15%
    Calories: 389 kcals/cup

    Blue Buffalo’s Tastefuls Chicken & Brown Rice Hairball Control Adult Dry Cat Food is our pick of a premium choice food for your Ragdoll. It will help control hairballs with the use of psyllium seed husks and cellulose, and natural fiber aids in digestion. The main ingredient is deboned chicken, and the sources of omega-3 and -6 fatty acids will work wonders on your Ragdoll’s coat. Blue Buffalo also uses LifeSource Bits, a blend of important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for immune system support.

    The issues with this food are the price and the small size of the kibble, which might be problematic for particularly large Ragdolls.

    Pros
    • Main ingredient is deboned chicken
    • Psyllium seed husks and cellulose help with hairballs
    • Omega-3 and -6 for healthy skin and coat
    • LifeSource Bits for antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals included
    Cons
    • Small kibble
    • Expensive

    4. Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Ragdoll Adult Dry Cat Food — Best Overall

    Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Ragdoll Adult Dry Cat Food 2025

    Main ingredients: Chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat
    Protein content: 30%
    Fat content: 16%
    Calories: 402 kcal/cup

    Another great cat food for Ragdolls is Royal Canin’s Feline Breed Nutrition Ragdoll Cat Food. Ragdolls have beautifully soft, fluffy coats, and this cat food has the right balance of nutrients to keep them that way. It has omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for large cats like the Ragdoll, and is enriched with taurine. The kibble is also the right shape and size, as it’s made explicitly for the Ragdoll’s jaw.

    The flaw with this cat food is that the main ingredients might not appeal to some owners, but cat food manufacturers always check the nutrition of their food to ensure that a cat will have a healthy and balanced diet.

    Pros
    • Formulated specifically for the Ragdoll breed
    • Nutrients keep the coat healthy and soft
    • Enriched with EPA, DHA, and taurine
    • Kibble is the right size and shape for the Ragdoll
    Cons
    • Main ingredient is chicken by-product meal

    5. Purina ONE +Plus Healthy Kitten Formula Dry Cat Food — Best for Kittens

    Purina ONE +Plus Healthy Kitten Formula Dry Cat Food

    Main ingredients: Chicken, chicken by-product meal, corn gluten meal
    Protein content: 40%
    Fat content: 18%
    Calories: 514 kcal/cup

    The best dry food for kittens is Purina’s ONE +Plus Healthy Kitten Formula, which has chicken as the main ingredient. It contains DHA for a growing kitten’s brain and vision development, in addition to four antioxidant sources, including vitamins A and E, for immune system support. It’s high in protein for developing muscles and has added calcium for strong bones and teeth. It doesn’t contain artificial preservatives or flavors and is quite affordable.

    However, many kitten owners have found that after their kittens ate this food, their poop was much stinkier than before.

    Pros
    • Chicken is the main ingredient
    • Affordable
    • Four antioxidants for immune system support
    • High in protein for developing muscles
    • No artificial preservatives or flavors
    Cons
    • Can make poop stinky

    6. Purina Pro Plan Hairball Control Pate Wet Cat Food

    Purina Pro Plan Hairball Control Pate Wet Cat Food

    Main ingredients: Ocean whitefish, water, meat by-products
    Protein content: 9%
    Fat content: 3%
    Calories: 82 kcal/can

    Purina’s Pro Plan Hairball Control Pate Wet Cat Food is full of natural fiber to help with digestion and hairballs. It has ocean whitefish as the main ingredient (several other flavors are also available, including chicken, turkey, and salmon) and is a high-protein wet food.

    It contains antioxidants for the immune system and vitamin A, and taurine. It also doesn’t have any artificial colors or preservatives. However, there are picky cats out there that might decide that this food is not for them.

    Pros
    • Vet recommended
    • Full of natural fiber to help with hairballs
    • Main ingredient is ocean whitefish
    • High-protein wet food
    • No artificial colors or preservatives
    Cons
    • Picky cats might not like it

    7. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Nature’s Evolutionary Diet Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

    Blue Buffalo Wilderness Nature

    Main ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, pea protein
    Protein content: 38%
    Fat content: 16%
    Calories: 410 kcal/cup

    Blue Buffalo’s Wilderness Nature’s Evolutionary Diet Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food has deboned chicken as the first ingredient. This particular food is a great option for indoor cats for digestion help and maintaining a healthy weight. It has the LifeSource Bits that Blue Buffalo uses in all its dry pet food, which are balanced combinations of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.

    It doesn’t contain artificial ingredients or meat by-products and is grain-free. Unfortunately, some cats don’t seem to like this food, and the LifeSource Bits also tend to be ignored.

    Pros
    • Deboned chicken is the first ingredient
    • Helps indoor cats maintain a healthy weight
    • Aids in digestion and helps with hairballs
    • LifeSource Bits for antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
    • Doesn’t contain artificial ingredients or meat by-products
    Cons
    • Picky cats might not like it
    • Some cats don’t eat the LifeSource Bits

    8. Royal Canin Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food

    Royal Canin Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food

    Main ingredients: Chicken meal, corn, brewers rice
    Protein content: 27%
    Fat content: 11%
    Calories: 325 kcal/cup

    Royal Canin Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food is meant for indoor adult cats aged 1 to 7. The blend of fiber provides relief from hairballs, enabling them to pass safely through the digestive tract. The calories are controlled to help indoor cats maintain a healthy weight, and there’s highly digestible protein for easier digestion and better-quality poop.

    Finally, the kibble’s texture and added minerals work together for improved dental health. However, while this won’t affect all cats, some cats might experience upset stomach with this food.

    Pros
    • Blend of fiber for hairballs
    • Controlled calories for weight management
    • Highly digestible protein for digestibility and poop quality
    • Minerals and kibble are great for dental health
    Cons
    • Some cats might get an upset stomach

    9. Iams ProActive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Care Dry Cat Food

    Iams ProActive Health Indoor Weight

    Main ingredients: Chicken, chicken by-product meal, corn grits
    Protein content: 30%
    Fat content: 5%
    Calories: 302 kcal/cup

    Iams ProActive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Care Dry Cat Food has been formulated with L-carnitine, which helps maintain a healthy metabolism and weight by burning fat. It additionally includes beet pulp to help reduce hairballs and aids in healthy digestion. It has omega acids that are great for your Ragdoll’s beautiful coat. It’s made with real chicken and is quite affordable.

    The flaws here are that not every cat seems to enjoy this food, and some cats might experience stomach upset.

    Pros
    • Includes L-carnitine for healthy weight and metabolism
    • Has beet pulp for hairballs and healthy digestion
    • Omega acids for a healthy coat
    • Affordable
    • Made with chicken
    Cons
    • Not all cats like it
    • Might give some cats stomachs upset

    11. Fancy Feast Classic Seafood Feast Canned Cat Food

    Fancy Feast Classic Seafood Feast Canned Cat Food

    Main ingredients: Ocean fish, liver, meat by-products
    Protein content: 12%
    Fat content: 5%
    Calories: 88 kcal/can

    Fancy Feast Classic Seafood Feast Canned Cat Food is a tasty wet food available in multiple flavors. The first ingredient is ocean fish, and it’s fortified with essential vitamins and minerals for your Ragdoll’s overall health. If your cat is sensitive to grains, this food is grain-free.

    However, the texture of this pâté tends to be drier than it should be. Also, picky cats don’t love this food, perhaps because it isn’t moist enough.

    Pros
    • Wet food with many flavors to choose from
    • First ingredient is ocean fish
    • Grain-free for cats sensitive to grains
    Cons
    • Pâté a bit dry
    • Picky cats might not like it

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    Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Ragdoll Cat Food

    Let’s discuss in further detail what food you should choose when shopping for your Ragdoll and why.

    Important Information on Comparing Dry and Wet Food

    When looking at the nutritional values of pet food, the guaranteed analysis listed on the package and included in our tables can be misleading because it’s based on the total weight. To get a correct reading, you need to eliminate the moisture content to compare a dry and a wet diet. If the moisture is not eliminated, the protein and fat content will appear much lower in wet food compared to dry food.

    To better understand if wet food aligns with dry matter recommendations, adjusting the food’s moisture content is necessary. The guide below offers a simple, quick method to estimate dry matter equivalents. Please note that this is only an approximation, not a precise calculation.

    Moisture Content Multiply Nutrient Level By
    70%  3.33
    75%  4
    80% 5
    85%  6.66

    Indoor Cat Food

    Almost all the food on this list is for indoor cats, and there’s a good reason for that. Ragdoll cats are generally considered indoor cats only, as they are large yet floppy cats that tend to have docile and trusting natures. This can make them more vulnerable than other cat breeds to everything from predators to cat snatchers.

    Indoor cats need environmental enrichment since they don’t have the same opportunities to run and get exercise. Ragdolls are more prone to weight gain and hairballs due to overgrooming. This is why it’s important to play with your cat often and to consider food formulated for indoor cats.

    Maine Coon's large adult cat eats raw meat from a metal cup
    Image Credit: Fayzulin Serg, Shutterstock

    Portion Sizes

    Ragdoll cats tend to eat more than most other breeds, which isn’t surprising given how large they are—they can weigh up to 20 pounds! They are also quite vocal about whether they like their food or when they think that it’s dinnertime.

    High-Quality Food

    You should become familiar with the ingredients in cat food. The first five ingredients tend to make up the majority of what goes into the food. Meat should be the first one, and named meat is best, such as chicken or beef. Cats are obligate carnivores, and roughly 70% of their diet should be animal protein.

    Food Changes

    What your Ragdoll eats will depend on their stage of life. Kittens have different nutritional requirements than adults, and adult cats need different food from seniors. Most cat food manufacturers make food designed for all life stages, so you can usually stick with the same flavors that your cat already loves.

    However, there are times when you need to put your cat on a special diet due to a food allergy, intolerance, or urinary, kidney, gastrointestinal, or endocrine issues. Before you switch your Ragdoll to a new food, though, discuss it with your veterinarian. Any switch should be slow and gradual, and you’ll want to give your Ragdoll the best food designed to keep them healthy.

    Our Ragdoll Cat Food Selection Process

    The cat foods for Ragdolls we reviewed in this article were chosen by PangoVet’s writers and editors, in collaboration with our experienced veterinary team, based on personal experience with the product, knowledge and expertise about the pet’s care needs, brand reputation, and reviews across multiple retail outlets from other customers that have purchased and used the product. The combination of these factors allows us to gather a wide range of information to help you choose only the best cat foods for Ragdolls and ensure you have the most accurate information about these products to promote proper care, health, and well-being of your beloved pets.

    Why Trust PangoVet?

    PangoVet’s licensed and experienced veterinarians have a knowledge base that extends to all kinds of pets—furry, scaly, and feathered—and want only the best for pets of all shapes and sizes. We also have experienced writers and editors who are pet owners with a variety of different pets, and we love our pets as much as you do. We recognize pets as part of our family. We make sure to only choose products from reputable brands highly rated by customers as well as products that we have personal experience with, to ensure that every cat food for Ragdolls featured in this review is high-quality and safe for your pets.

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    Conclusion

    The best overall food for Ragdoll cats is Smalls Fresh Cat Food. These meals were tailored to the specific dietary needs of felines. That said, Cat Chow’s Indoor Hairball & Healthy Weight uses natural fiber for hairballs, and it is the best for the money.

    Our third choice, Blue Buffalo’s Tastefuls Hairball Control Natural Cat Food, includes psyllium seed husks and cellulose for hairballs and has deboned chicken as the main ingredient. If you’re looking for food for your Ragdoll kitten, try Purina’s ONE +Plus Healthy Kitten Formula, which has chicken as the first ingredient and doesn’t contain artificial flavors or preservatives. Finally, Purina’s ONE +Plus Healthy Kitten Formula is vet-recommended because it is high in fiber for hairballs and contains real ocean whitefish as the main ingredient.

    We hope that these reviews have steered you in the right direction for your cat’s new food, but it all comes down to your choices—and your Ragdoll’s taste buds!


    Featured Image Credit: TarasBeletskiy, Shutterstock

    The post 10 Best Cat Foods for Ragdolls – 2025 Reviews & Top Picks appeared first on PangoVet.

    DJANGO Tahoe Harness & Collar Bundle Review 2025: Dog Adventuring Made Easy

    Our Final Verdict

    We give DJANGO Tahoe Harness & Collar Bundle a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

    Quality: 5/5
    Variety: 5/5
    Value: 4.5/5

    It’s a common misconception that smaller dogs need less exercise, and worse, less adventuring than their full to large-sized k9 counterparts. DJANGO is here to prove that any furry friend can accompany you on any adventure with the right gear.

    If you’re a seasoned adventurer, surely you’ve held onto soggy dog leashes and attempted to dry smelly harnesses and collars. With DJANGO’s water-repellent or waterproof designs, you can spend more time strolling the boardwalk without smelling like a wet dog.

    DJANGO supplies the appropriate gear for every adventure; from beaches to cities, and all the way into the mountains, with bundles that equip you and your adventure partner for whatever comes your way.

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    Overview

    DJANGO Tahoe Bundle Review - close up of product

    Product Type: DJANGO Tahoe Bundle: includes a dog collar, neoprene dog harness, and waterproof leash
    Best Suited For: Small to large dogs
    Price Range: Affordable
    Contents: Tahoe No Pull Dog Harness, Tahoe Dog Collar, Tahoe Waterproof Dog Leash
    Specs: Tahoe No Pull Harness Sizes: S 13 – 18” (Chest girth), M 18 – 24” (Chest girth), L 24 – 28” (Chest girth), XL 28 – 32” (Chest girth), XXL 32 – 42” (Chest girth)
    Tahoe Dog Collar Sizes: S 9.5-13.5” (Neck girth), M 12.5-18.5” (Neck girth), L 17-26”
    Tahoe Waterproof Dog Leash Sizes: S for dogs up to 20 – 25lbs, Standard size for dogs over 20- 25lbs
    Options: Colors include: Alpine Blue, Dark Teal Green, Hibiscus Pink, Poppy Seed Gray, Raspberry Purple, Sandy Beige
    Assembly: Each piece comes fully assembled
    Storage: If collar, harness, or leash are wet, hang to dry. Otherwise, no special storage is required
    Cleaning: Hand wash all items with mild detergent and hang dry

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    Our Experience

    DJANGO Tahoe Bundle Review - dog wearing harness outdoors

    During my many years as a dog owner, avid hiker, and adventurer, I’ve always loved having a dog or two (or four) by my side. Our mountain lifestyle carries us into the woods, hiking along the shores of roaring rivers and marching up mountain tops. All three items from DJANGO that I trialled held up in our rural setting, and are well-suited to impress anyone in different environments as well.

    The easily adjustable straps of the Tahoe No-Pull harness make minor size changes simple while on the trail. Each d-ring is large enough to accommodate a bigger leash clasp, such as the carabiner-style waterproof leash connection. I was thrilled to see how quickly I could change between the collar connect and the front and back harness connects.

    The Tahoe Dog Collar is made of polyester webbing with the same heavy-duty side-release buckles and d-ring. The Tahoe dog collar is durable enough for leash use, but isn’t so big that it interferes with the harness. Pet owners who frequently walk their dogs in town, like I occasionally do, can appreciate a set that still provides control without needing to remove the collar to place the harness.

    The Waterproof Dog Leash from DJANGO is my personal favorite part of the Tahoe bundle. As humans who treat our dogs like family, we often find ourselves surrounded by a body of water. On our latest outing, Bruce frolicked through the mountain streams while I popped down to sit by the creek. The leash fell from around my shoulders into the stream, but thankfully, the water beaded off and the leash remained perfectly comfortable to carry. I’ve carried far too many muddy, sandy, damp, stinky leashes not to rejoice in this moment.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros
    • Waterproof or water-resistant material
    • Durable d-ring connections
    • Easy to clean
    • Easily adjustable
    • Affordable for the quality
    • Multiple color options
    • Bundle pricing
    Cons
    • Dog collar not waterproof
    • Not reflective

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    Key Features

    DJANGO Tahoe Bundle Review - dog wearing harness

    Sizing

    Django (the adventure doggo that inspired the company) may be a smaller-sized pup, but this brand accommodates mid to large-sized dogs well. Other brands geared toward or built around larger dogs tend to have slightly different sizing guides, so be sure to measure before buying! My Australian Cattle Dog, Bruce, is midsize and would usually be a Medium, but in DJANGO’s harness, he is an XL, so be aware of the size guide while ordering. The size guide is very well detailed and makes ordering easy.

    Note that the neck girth on the Tahoe No Pull Harness doesn’t allow for much wiggle room. The benefit of this is that it fits snug to the dog’s chest and neck area to prevent catching on anything or your dog slipping out of the harness. Again, be sure to measure before purchasing.

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    About DJANGO

    DJANGO Tahoe Bundle Review - packaging

    DJANGO is a brand created by Steph and Mike, around their beloved pup Django. While travelling the world with their trusty dog in tow, Mike and Steph created a line of dog accessories and gear that allow you to adventure with your dog in various settings. DJANGO is a well-recognized brand, with nods from Forbes, MSN, Bark & Co, and more, and has carved its way into many pet lovers’ homes globally.

    Philantrophy: DJANGO donates a portion of sale proceeds to non-profits that promote safe ocean practices, support coastal community environments and forest preservation
    Refund Policy: DJANGO has a 30-day return policy. All items wishing to be returned must be unused and in original packaging
    Shipping: This product ships from the US and can be shipped internationally via djangobrand.com

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    Are DJANGO products a Good Value?

    Yes, DJANGO provides their customers with high-quality gear at an affordable price point. DJANGO’s bundles encourage more savings. While on the mid-to-high end of the market in comparison to what you see in local pet stores, DJANGO’s products won’t beg to be replaced often, so spending a little extra should save your pocketbook in the long run.

    How We Tested

    I travel with extra water, leashes, bear spray, and more to keep my dogs safe. But I’ll admit there are often things I don’t travel with, and it’s usually a harness. Generic harnesses are often ill-fitting, prone to twisting, get caught on branches, and double in weight when wet.

    While initial testing and fit checks of DJANGO’s Tahoe No Pull Harness were encouraging, I wanted to put it to the test in an active, wild environment. I buckled my Australian Cattle Dog, Bruce, into the harness and headed into the woods. As a dog with impeccable recall, Bruce remained off leash for most of the walk, darting through trees, jumping in streams, and traipsing through mud. The Tahoe No Pull Harness didn’t budge! It stayed in place while the water and mud dripped right off, which made for pleasant handling after our hike.

    DJANGO Tahoe Bundle Review - close up of hook

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    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    What is the exchange policy?

    Purchases made within the US are eligible for exchange for 30 days. International exchanges are welcome, however, DJANGO does not cover shipping labels for returns.

    How many varieties, colors, sizes, or options are there?

    The Tahoe collar comes in 3 sizes: Small, Medium, and Large, with six color options (see above).

    The Tahoe No Pull Harness comes in 5 sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, and XX-Large.

    The Tahoe Waterproof Leash comes in small and standard sizes.

    How do I measure my pet?

    Each of DJANGO’s products is accompanied by a size chart on their website and a description of how, where, and what to measure your pet with.

    DJANGO Tahoe Bundle Review - sizing guide

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    Conclusion

    In conclusion, DJANGO’s products are well-made and impressive in a world full of pet accessories. Dog owners can shop DJANGO’s site and become inspired to adventure with their smaller dogs, enabling mental stimulation, physical exercise, and a closer bond. Those of us with mid-to-large-size dogs can purchase their larger sizes for the durable material, high quality, and well-thought-out design. DJANGO products are meant for real-world use and will get the job done in many different scenarios.

    The post DJANGO Tahoe Harness & Collar Bundle Review 2025: Dog Adventuring Made Easy appeared first on PangoVet.

    Ancestry Know Your Pet DNA Review 2025: Get to Know Your Dog Better than Ever

    Our Final Verdict

    We give Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

    Ease of Use: 5/5
    Result Clarity: 4.8/5
    Speed: 4.7/5
    Value: 4.8/5

    Long gone are the days when you had to wonder what breeds made up your rescue pup. With dozens of breed DNA test options available, it is easier than ever to know your dog. And now, with advancements in DNA research, you can even learn about the genes that affect your dog’s health and appearance.

    One of the most popular DNA test options for getting to know your dog on this deeper level is Ancestry’s Know Your Pet DNA. This easy-to-use option provides insights into your dog’s breed, health traits, physical characteristics, behavioral tendencies, and doggy relatives.

    I had a chance to test this DNA kit on my rescue Chihuahua, who was picked up as a stray when he was a year old. Find out what mysteries were unlocked about my dog and if this DNA test kit is a good option for your furry friend in my full Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry review.

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    Overview

    PGV Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry Review - box kit

    Product Type: DNA Kit
    Best Suited For: Dogs with unknown histories and lineages
    Price Range: Average
    Contents: Instructions, swab, shipping bag, prepaid envelope
    Test type: Cheek swab
    Options: Breed (breed and traits) or Health (health, breed, and traits)
    Time to results: About 3 weeks

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    Our Experience

    PGV Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry Review - profile

    I had the opportunity to review Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry last year when I used their Health kit on my mixed-breed rescue dog, Ragz. It was a lot of fun to finally find out what breeds she was. But the experience did leave me wondering if this test would be as useful on a purebred dog (or supposedly purebred dog).

    Recently, I had the opportunity to find out when I ordered another test for my Chihuahua, Papyrus.

    Papyrus is also a rescue. He came to me via a last-chance rescue after being picked up by animal control as an intact, one-year-old stray.

    He certainly looks like a Chihuahua, though his tan and brindle coat is very unique, so I always thought there was a chance a couple of other small breeds could be mixed in. I was also very interested in finding out more about his behavior traits. He is an anxious dog—even more so than most Chihuahuas—and I’ve always wondered if this was because of his experiences early in life or just the genetic card he was dealt.

    With these questions in mind, I registered Papyrus’ test, swabbed his cheek, and sent his DNA off for testing.

    It took about four days for the lab to receive my kit, and another 17 days before I received the results.

    The breed results were a little surprising—turns out this little guy is 100% Chihuahua! But far more interesting to me were the behavior trait results. Papyrus is genetically predisposed to basically every anxious, fearful, and aggressive tendency that can be mapped through DNA.

    He rated high for fear of grooming, vets, and loud noises. He also snaps easily, doesn’t share, reacts aggressively to strangers, and is prone to separation anxiety and social anxiety.

    Now, genes aren’t the only thing that determines behavior, as Ancestry is quick to point out. But in Papyrus’ case, almost all of these were accurate.

    At 16 years old, this information doesn’t do much for us other than maybe vindicate Papyrus for a lot of his difficult behavior—he really can’t help it! But I can see how understanding a dog’s behavioral tendencies could be incredibly valuable for new puppy owners. Had Papyrus’ original owners known how prone he was to being fearful and anxious, they could have taken steps to help him relate more positively to his environment.

    The other thing I found really valuable about the test was the health marker feature. Papyrus has three recessive genes for eye-related disorders that lead to blindness. While none of these diseases have been studied in Chihuahuas, knowing he has these issues does shed some light on why his vision has been going downhill so quickly these last few months.

    In general, I found this test to be super easy to use (if you can cheek-swab an anxious, snappy Chihuahua, you can cheek-swab any dog!). I also found the results to be fairly intuitive to read and I am a fan of the Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry dashboard.

    Overall, I would recommend this test to purebred and mixed dog owners alike. Not only can it confirm your dog’s lineage, but it has the potential to shed some much-needed light on your dog’s behavioral tendencies and potential future health issues.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros
    • Easy to use
    • Intuitive dashboard
    • Results are easy to interpret
    • Over 200 health markers
    • Links to doggy relatives
    Cons
    • Processing time varies
    • A little pricey

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    Key Features

    PGV Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry Review - kit contents

    Easy to Use

    The Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry test is easy to use and can be completed at home in just a few minutes.

    In each kit you’ll receive:
    • Instructions
    • A swab with an attached container
    • Shipping baggy
    • Prepaid shipping box

    First, be sure to use the card included in your kit to register it. The account you create during this step is where your results will be once the lab has processed the DNA.

    To get the DNA, you’ll need to swab the inside of your dog’s cheek for about 30 seconds. After you finish, you’ll store the swab in a tube with preservative liquid so the DNA makes it intact to the lab.

    This swab is brilliantly designed with the swab sticking out of the tube with the liquid. So, after you’re done swabbing, all you need to do is flip the swab around and screw it into the tube.

    From there, you’ll stick the tube in the included ziplock baggy and then put that into the prepaid shipping box. Seal the box, put it into the nearest USPS dropbox, and wait.

    My kit was received by the lab about four days after I put it in the mail. About five days later, I received an email informing me that the scientists had started processing the sample. From there, it took another twelve days before I received results.

    Determines Breed and Relatives

    Most dog DNA tests will help you determine your dog’s breed, and Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry is no exception. They use reference DNA from over 400 dog breeds, including wolf, coyote, and village dogs, to find out exactly what went into making your dog.

    Each breed identified in your dog’s DNA is broken down into a percentage so you can see which ones are more dominant in their genes.

    In addition to testing for breeds, Ancestry also reports DNA matches for your dog in the same way their human DNA kits help people find relatives. Your dog’s dashboard will show other dogs who have taken the test and happen to share DNA with yours. The amount of DNA shared is reported as well as the breed of that dog and, if the owner uploaded it, a picture of them.

    Interestingly, the Papyrus’ closest matches in terms of DNA percentage are two Patagonian Sheepdog/Pitbull mixes. I don’t know how this works, but it is very interesting! All the other dogs currently listed in his matches are Chihuahuas.

    The database of DNA matches is always being updated. So, as new dogs test, your dog will find new relatives.

    Identifies Health, Behavior, and Physical Markers

    In addition to breed markers, Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry also looks at trait markers.

    Their standard test includes physical and behavioral traits, while their more expensive test also includes health markers.

    Physical trait markers can tell you more about the genes that make your dog look how they look. For adult dogs, this can be an interesting exercise, but one that isn’t likely to have many surprises. For example, Papyrus’ genes say that he likely has a tan coat, erect ears, and short fur, but none of the trait markers explain his brindle coat.

    While adult dogs already show all the physical traits they are likely to express, puppies are much more apt to surprise. Physical trait testing can help you predict what your dog will look like once they shed their puppy fur and grow into their adult body.

    Much like physical traits, behavioral traits can help you understand how your dog might act so you can prepare and train accordingly. Most of these traits present on a sliding scale. For example, your dog’s genes can help determine whether your dog will be laid back, terrified, or somewhere in between when in social situations.

    Lastly, the health aspect of the test analyzes 201 markers for known health issues. Any markers found will be reported as “notable” or “increased risk.”

    Notable markers typically mean your dog only carries one copy of the gene and may not express the condition, but their offspring may inherit the issue. Increased risk markers usually mean your dog has two copies of the gene or that the disease only requires one copy to present signs.

    Knowing your dog’s predisposition to different diseases or their potential to pass diseases on is incredibly valuable. By discussing these results with your vet, you may be able to apply preventative measures to help protect your dog or intervene earlier to help them lead a happier, healthier life.

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    About Ancestry

    PGV Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry Review - dog paws with kit

    Headquarters: Lehi, Utah
    Processing Labs: Third-party US labs
    Shipping Time: Up to 10 days
    Processing Time: 2 to 8 weeks
    DNA Services: Kits for humans and dogs are available at this time

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    Is Ancestry a Good Value?

    Both of Ancestry’s pet DNA kit offerings are priced about on par with competitors. But what you get with this company that you don’t get with other options is the DNA match feature which allows you to find your dog’s relatives. Ancestry also has one of the better dashboards available, making it a great value in an increasingly competitive market.

    How We Tested

    I tested this product by using it the same way any customer would.

    Upon receiving the kit, I followed the directions to register it and administer the cheek swab. I then mailed it back to the company and tracked how long it took to hit each milestone and receive my final results.

    I also spent significant time exploring the results dashboard, all the features, and the associated articles to gauge useability, clarity of results, and how intuitive the interface is.

    PGV Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry Review - swabbing

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    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    How long until I receive my results?

    According to the website, it can take between two and eight weeks to get your results. The first time I used this test, it took about 13 days from when I mailed it to receive my results. This time it took 21 days.

    Can I test my puppy?

    Yes, you can use this test on dogs of all ages. Currently, the test is only available for canines.

    Will my results be updated over time?

    Yes, Ancestry is constantly updating their reference databases, which means your results may shift slightly over time. Additionally, the DNA matches are frequently updated as more dogs take the test.

    What happens if I get a failed result?

    Failed results (when the DNA was not able to be tested) usually occur due to not enough DNA on the swab or a quality control issue, according to the Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry website. If this happens, you will receive a free kit to retest with.

    PGV Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry Review - behavioral

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    Conclusion

    If you’re interested in getting to know your dog better, Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry can help.

    This DNA test compares your dog’s genes with over 400 breeds, looks at over 200 health markers, and identifies dozens of physical and behavioral traits to help you understand your pup from the inside out. Best of all, it is easy to use, a great value, and produces results relatively quickly.

    The post Ancestry Know Your Pet DNA Review 2025: Get to Know Your Dog Better than Ever appeared first on PangoVet.