About the Quality Pet Food Awards
Because quality should be more than a treat
The Quality Pet Food Awards (QPFA) are the UK’s first awards programme dedicated exclusively to recognising excellence in pet food.
Created by the team behind the trusted Quality Food & Drink Awards, QPFA sets a new benchmark for pet nutrition; celebrating products that meet the highest standards of ingredient integrity, nutritional value, and consumer trust.
As the pet food market continues to grow and evolve, with owners increasingly seeking premium, natural, and functional products for pets they consider part of the family, QPFA responds to a clear industry need: independent, expert-led recognition of true quality.
The awards combine rigorous assessment from a panel of veterinary professionals, nutritionists, food technologists, and retail experts with real-world testing by pet owners (and pets) across the UK. From everyday staples to innovative new launches, QPFA shines a spotlight on the products and brands setting the standard in pet nutrition. Winners earn more than a trophy; they gain a trusted mark of quality that resonates with retailers, reinforces brand credibility, and helps consumers make confident choices for their pets.
With a clear mission to champion transparency, integrity, and excellence, the Quality Pet Food Awards are proud to support a fast-growing, values-driven sector, because quality should be more than a treat.
Products will be rigorously judged through a 2-stage process:
Stage one consists of an expert panel of vets, nutritionists, food technologists, and supermarket buyers who will evaluate products based on:
- Nutritional integrity
- Ingredient quality
- Labelling clarity and honesty
- Sustainability (ingredients and packaging)
- Innovation
- Value for money
Stage two consists of at-home judging packs will be sent to selected dog and cat owners across the UK. Products will be tested in a real-life setting, with owners reporting on:
- Palatability (does the pet enjoy it)
- Packaging appeal and usability
- Feeding experience
- Overall satisfaction
Judging Criteria
- Palatability
- Digestibility & Tolerance
- Nutritional Quality & Balance
- Ingredient Quality & Transparency
- Provenance & Sourcing
- Functional Benefits
- Product Format & Usability
- Product Appearance & Consistency
- Value for Money
- Brand Integrity & Trust