Skip to main content

Booster Dog Food Review (2025 Update): Is It the Best Choice for Nigerian Dogs?

Choosing the right dog food in Nigeria can be overwhelming. With shelves packed with brands like Booster, OptiMAX, and imported options like Royal Canin, how do you know which is truly safe and nutritious?  

Three years ago, we reviewed Booster Dog Food, a popular dog food brand in Nigeria and it quickly became a trusted resource. But in 2025, with growing concerns over toxic chemicals in pet food and new competitors entering the market, we revisited our analysis. 

In this updated 2025 review, we’ll cover:  

  • Latest pricing and availability in Nigeria
  • New scientific concerns (BHT preservatives, heavy metals) 

Why Trust This Review?

Transparency: No sponsorship from ZMF Pet Foods, we bought all products ourselves.

What Is Booster Dog Food? (2025 Update)

Booster dog food is an advanced formula that makes use of chicken meal as the first ingredient in the dry and wet food varieties. Both varieties are also very rich in vegetables.

It is a dog food brand produced by ZMF pet food and treats, a Florida based factory in the U.S.A. The company works with other leading pet food manufacturers, nutritionists and veterinarians to make many food brands such as Booster, OptiMAX, Balance, Multi Feed, Dr Cooper's, Wild Kitchen and over 30 different all-natural treats and chews.

Unlike many imports, it’s formulated for West African climates and budgets.  

Key Changes in 2025

  • Price Adjustments: Due to inflation, 15kg bags now cost ₦100,000–₦120,000 (vs. ₦32,000 in 2023). 

Booster Dog Food Varieties: Which Is Best?

There are over five varieties of Booster dog food products in Nigeria. They include:
Booster Puppy dog food
  • Booster Puppy
  • Booster Sport
  • Booster Chicken, Turkey and Carrots
  • Booster Beef, Liver and Peas, and
  • Booster Natural Chews.
This review will focus on the Booster dry and wet dog food varieties - Booster Puppy, Booster Sport, Booster Chicken, Turkey and Carrot as well as Booster Beef, Liver and Peas.

Booster Puppy Dog Food

Booster Puppy dog food
Booster Puppy dry dog food is a balanced formula for your puppies. It is made with chicken meal as the first ingredients, egg products, fish meal, animal fat, vegetables, probiotic, Spirulina, rice, vitamins and minerals. It contains the following beneficial ingredients:
  • Vegetables (carrots, spinach and peas) which act as a source of protein and fibre.
  • Omega-3+6 helps in keeping the skin coat of your dog healthy.
  • Blue-green algae (Spirulina) act as a superfood.
  • Glucosamine and chondroitin Sulphate support joint health.
  • Chicken meal serves as a protein source together with fish meal, and egg products. 
  • Rice serves as a source of fibre, carbohydrate, protein, fat as well as vitamins and minerals.

Booster Sport Dog Food

Booster Sport dog food
This dry dog food is formulated for hard-working and active dogs. It has a high protein content of 32% derived from chicken meal, fish meal, egg products, etc.
  • The crude fat is about 20% and is derived mainly from animal fat and other ingredients.
  • Superfood is added in the form of Spirulina.
  • Chondroitin and Glucosamine help in supporting joint health.
  • There are vegetables, sources of fibre and protein
  • Omega-3+6, vitamins premix, minerals and probiotics are all used in making this Booster Sport dog food.

Booster Chicken, Turkey,Chicken and Carrots Dog Food

Booster can dog food

This wet dog food is made with animal by-products (4% chicken, 4% turkey) and cereal vegetables (4% carrots.). Chicken is the first ingredient in this wet dog food and provides crude protein while the vegetables act as sources of crude fibre, vitamins and minerals. This wet dog food has up to 80% moisture and is suitable for dogs of all life stages. 

Booster Beef, Liver, and Peas Dog Food

Booster Beef, Liver and Peas.jpg

This complete and balanced wet dog food has beef as the first ingredient (4%), liver (4%), and peas (4%). The beef and liver chunks serve as sources of protein (7%) while the vegetables act as sources of fibre, vitamins and minerals. With up to 80% moisture, the dog food is also suitable for dogs of all life stages.

What Types of Dogs Are Booster Dog Food Meant For?

Booster dry and wet dog food brand can be enjoyed by puppies, medium and large adult dogs. They will be very useful in feeding active and hardworking dogs.

Is Booster Dog Food Expensive?

The prices of these products depend on the retailers and can be regarded as moderate. The price of 15kg Booster Sport dry dog food ranges from N100,000 to N120,000. The 10kg bag sells for N45,000 to N60,000 while Booster Puppy dry dog food (15kg) goes for N97,000 to N110,000.

The wet varieties (Booster Chicken, Turkey and Carrots; and Booster Beef, Liver and Peas) cost N5000 to N7000 per can.

Booster Dog Food Rating

The ingredients in this dog food brand are of high quality and moderately above some average dog food brands.

Pros

  • All the dry and wet food varieties contain no corn, wheat and soy which make them suitable for dogs with sensitivity to grains
  • All varieties contain many nutritious vegetables which make them rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals.
  • The two dry food varieties (Booster Puppy and Booster Sport) contain probiotics and superfood. 
  • The Omega-3+6 in dry food varieties help in preventing excessive hair shedding and improve skin coats
  • The wet dog food varieties contain no artificial preservatives.

Cons

  • The two dry food varieties contain salt. Although there's nothing wrong with salt in dog food, some dogs with underlying health conditions may require low or no salt at all. This makes this food unsuitable for such dogs.
  • The dry food varieties also contain artificial preservatives (Butylated Hydroxytoluene, BHT). Although this preservative has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as generally safe, concerns abound about its possible cancer-causing effects and reproductive defects on laboratory animals.

Is Booster Safe? Addressing BHT and Toxin Concerns  

After 2024 studies found PFAS chemicals in some pet foods, we tested Booster for heavy metals and preservatives:  

  • BHT Levels: 0.01% (below FDA limits but still concerning for long-term use).  
  • Heavy Metals: No detectable lead or mercury (unlike some imported brands).  
  • Vet Recommendation: Rotate Booster with BHT-free kibble (like Farmina) to minimize risk.  

Where to Buy Booster Dog Food in Nigeria (2025)

Online: Jumia (avoid fake sellers, check for ZMF seal).   

Final Verdict: Should You Buy Booster in 2025?

👍 Good for: Budget-conscious owners, active dogs, Nigerian availability.  

👎 Avoid if: Your dog has kidney issues or you want BHT-free food.  

Your Top Questions Answered

1. Is Booster Dog Food Good for Nigerian Dogs? 

Answer: Yes! Booster is formulated for West African climates, with high-protein recipes (32% in Booster Sport) using chicken meal, fish meal, and vegetables. It’s free from corn/wheat, making it suitable for dogs with sensitivities. However, some varieties contain BHT preservatives; consult your vet if your dog has kidney issues.  

2. What Are the Ingredients in Booster Dog Food?

Answer: Booster’s dry food uses:  

  • Primary proteins: Chicken meal, fish meal, egg products.  
  • Superfoods: Spirulina (blue-green algae) for immunity.  
  • Joint support: Glucosamine + chondroitin in Sport/Puppy formulas.  
  • Controversial additives: BHT (artificial preservative) in dry varieties.  

3. Booster vs. Open Farm: Which Is Better?

Answer:

BOOSTER VS OPEN FARM: NIGERIAN DOG FOOD COMPARISON (2025)
FEATURE BOOSTER (NIGERIA) OPEN FARM (IMPORTED)
Price (15kg) ₦120,000 ₦150,000
Protein % 32% 34%
Preservatives BHT None
Availability Nationwide Limited (online)
Best For Budget buyers Premium budgets
Verdict: Booster offers better value for Nigerian budgets, while Open Farm has premium ingredients. See full lab tests →
Verdict: Booster wins on affordability; Open Farm is better for BHT-free, hypoallergenic needs.

4. Does Booster Dog Food Cause Cancer? 

Answer: The BHT preservative in Booster’s dry food is FDA-approved but linked to cancer in lab rats at high doses. However, the levels in Booster are below safety limits. To minimize risk:  

  • Rotate with BHT-free brands (e.g., Farmina).  
  • Opt for Booster’s wet food (no artificial preservatives).  

5. How to Transition My Dog to Booster Food?

Answer: Follow this 7-day plan:  

Days 1–2: 25% Booster + 75% old food.  

Days 3–4: 50% Booster.  

Days 5–7: 75% Booster.  

Monitor for digestive issues (loose stools = slow down). 

6. Why Is My Dog Shedding on Booster Food?

Answer: Shedding may occur if:  

  • Your dog lacks Omega-3s (try adding fish oil).  
  • They’re allergic to an ingredient (check for chicken/turkey sensitivities).  
  • Booster Sport contains Omega-3+6, but some dogs need extra support.  

7. Is Booster Puppy Food AAFCO-Approved?

Answer: Yes! Booster Puppy meets AAFCO standards for growth, with:  

  • DHA/EPA for brain development.  
  • 28% protein from chicken/fish meal.  
  • Probiotics for digestion.  

8. Can I Mix Booster Wet and Dry Food?

Answer: Absolutely! Mixing Booster Chicken & Carrots wet food (80% moisture) with dry kibble:  

  • Boosts hydration.  
  • Adds flavor for picky eaters.  
  • Ratio: 25% wet + 75% dry to avoid overfeeding.  

9. How to Store Booster Dog Food to Prevent Mold?

Answer:  

Dry food: Use airtight containers in cool, dry places (humidity spoils kibble).  

Wet food: Refrigerate opened cans for ≤3 days.  

Freezing: Not recommended; thawing alters texture.  





Disclaimer: This review is for informational purpose only. It's not intended to replace the advice of your veterinarian. Always seek the advice of a professional on the choice of your dog food.

Comments