When choosing the right dog food, two popular brands in South Africa stand out: Hill’s and Montego. Both offer high-quality nutrition, but they differ in their approach, pricing, and availability. Let’s explore the nutritional value, price, and availability of these two brands to help you decide which is best for your dog.
Hill’s
Hill’s is renowned for its science-based approach to pet nutrition, ensuring that every formula is backed by extensive research. With over 220 veterinarians, nutritionists, and food scientists, Hill’s creates diets tailored to specific health needs, making it an excellent choice for dogs requiring specialized care. Their food contains high-quality animal protein, fruits and vegetables, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, and prebiotics and probiotics for digestive health. Hill’s does not include artificial flavours or colourants, prioritising natural ingredients for optimal canine health.
Life Stages & Specialised Diets
Hill’s offers a wide range of formulations for different life stages, including:
- Puppy
- Adult
- Senior
Additionally, they provide grain-free dry food options and prescription diets catering to specific health concerns, such as:
- Breed Size Specific
- Ageing Care
- Dental Care
- Upset Tummy
- Environmental Allergies
- Food Sensitivity
- Glucose Management
- Heart Care
- Joint Care
- Kidney Disease
- Liver Disorders
- Skin Care
- Thyroid Care
- Urgent Care
- Urinary Health
- Weight Management
Price
A 6kg bag of Hill’s dog food costs between R720 and R1000, depending on the specific formula and retailer.
Availability
Hill’s is widely available at online pet retailers, pet shops, and veterinary stores, ensuring easy access for dog owners across South Africa.
Montego Pet Nutrition
Nutritional Value
For 25 years South African families have trusted Montego with the wellbeing of multiple generations of pets. A family-owned business, their products are proudly made in South Africa and formulated by in-house nutritional experts and a veterinarian. Their product range truly caters for all income groups in South Africa by offering nutritionally complete and balanced economy, premium and super premium options, which all meet international standards. With highly digestible formulations that include wholesome and nutrient-rich, Montego does not use artificial flavours or colourants in their complete and balanced diets. Being locally manufactured eliminates import-related delays and restrictions, ensuring a reliable supply.
Life Stages & Specialised Diets
Montego caters to all life stages, including:
- Puppy
- Adult
- Senior
They offer both dry and wet food options, as well as treats. Their specialised diet options include:
- Economy Range – Monty & Me: A budget-friendly option with dry and wet food for puppies and adults.
- Premium Range – Classic: A balanced diet for different breed sizes and life stages (puppy, adult and senior).
- Super-Premium Range – Karoo: A single-grain, duo-protein formula with options for different breed sizes, life stages (puppy, adult and senior) and options for dry and wet food.
In the super-premium Karoo range, Montego also offers health specific diets which include:
- Karoo Targeted Care Skin & Coat Support
- Karoo Targeted Care Sensitive Gut Health (for digestive health)
- Karoo Targeted Care Metabolic Diet & Sterilised Dog
Price
An 8kg bag of Montego dog food costs between R170 and R570, depending on the product line and formulation.
Availability
Montego is readily available in more than 2 700 stores, including pet stores, vet stores, veterinary practices, cooperations, hardware stores and at online retailers, making it a convenient option for many dog owners.
Ultimately, your choice depends on your dog’s specific needs and your budget. Regardless of which brand you choose, ensuring a nutritionally balanced diet is key to your dog’s health and happiness.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both Hill’s and Montego offer excellent dog food options but cater to different needs:
- Choose Hill’s if your dog has specific health conditions requiring veterinary-backed formulations.
- Choose Montego if you’re looking for affordable, wholesome ingredients with a variety of options for different dietary requirements and health conditions.
Ultimately, your choice depends on your dog’s specific needs and your budget. Regardless of which brand you choose, ensuring a nutritionally balanced diet is key to your dog’s health and happiness.
