Pedigree Dog Food is a pet food brand owned by Mars, Inc. It was founded in Leicestershire, England, in 1957, and its headquarters are in McLean, Virginia, USA.
Pedigree provides wet and dry food for various breed sizes and growth phases. All of their formulas are developed at The Waltham Petcare Science Institute, which combines data and research to improve pet health. The main appeal of Pedigree dog food is its low cost and availability, as it is available in most pet stores and supermarket stores. However, it is known to include low-quality ingredients and also some whose source cannot be fully explained
Pedigree has been known by several names in many nations, including Klan Kan and Pal. We’ll look at their manufacturing procedure, review a few of Pedigree’s most popular recipes, and examine the underlying concepts of their formulations in the sections that follow. Hopefully, this will assist you in determining whether or not this brand is suitable for your dog.
Which Types of Dogs Is Pedigree Best Suited For?
Pedigree is suitable for adult dogs who do not have any special health or dietary needs. It offers diets for pups, seniors, and large and tiny dog breeds. However, the selection is limited in comparison to other dog food brands. This is not the greatest meal for puppies who suffer from allergies or other health difficulties.
There are better options for your puppy’s food if you have a little extra cash to spend, even though it is a more affordable option.
Pedigree Dog Food Review
1. Pedigree Complete Nutrition Adult Dry Dog Food
Pedigree’s “Complete Nutrition” range has only two recipes, both of which are suited for adult dogs with no special nutritional requirements.
Both recipes begin with corn, which isn’t a “bad” carbohydrate, but many owners choose to avoid it due to its low nutritional content in contrast to other whole grains. It contains vitamins and minerals that keep your dog healthy, as well as omega-6 fatty acids. The chicken and vegetable flavor is designed to make the food more appealing.
It is free of high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, and added sugar, and it contains antioxidants to help the immune system.
Pros
- Budget friendly
- Rich in antioxidants
- Supplies omega-6 fatty acids
- No artificial flavors. No added sugar. No high-fructose corn syrup
Cons
- Corn is the first ingredient
2. Pedigree Puppy Growth & Protection Dry Dog Food
Pedigree’s Puppy formulations are intended for puppies and young dogs up to the age of 18 months. The nutrients in this diet are designed to mimic those contained in nursing dogs’ milk to promote the healthy growth of puppies. It comprises a chicken and vegetable blend and 27% protein. However, the diet largely relies on plant-based protein, which may not be suitable if your puppy has a sensitive stomach. Furthermore, this recipe may not be appropriate for large-breed puppies. The artificial preservative BHA used in this food is not ideal for dogs’ health.
Pros
- Affordable
- Designed exclusively for the needs of puppies
- Supports strong teeth and bones
- No artificial flavors
Cons
Not a good option for large-breed puppies
3. Pedigree for Big Dogs Adult Complete Nutrition Large Breed Dry Dog Food
This meal is designed specifically for large dog breeds and contains organically sourced glucosamine and chondroitin to enhance joint and bone health and help your dog live life to the fullest. It is high in omega-6 fatty acids and provides comprehensive nutrition. The addition of vitamin and mineral supplements contributes to its being a well-balanced meal for large dogs. This meal also contains animal fat preserved with BHA, a chemical preservative that many pet owners try to avoid. It also contains corn, as do most Pedigree meals, which may not be suitable for all dogs.
Pros
- Contains omega-6 fatty acids
- Infused with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
- No artificial flavors, high fructose corn syrup, and sugar
- Formulated for the joint health of large dogs
Cons
- Contains potential allergens
4. Pedigree Chopped Ground Dinner Adult Canned Soft Wet Dog Food
This wet meal is made with real meat for a delicious taste and nutrients that will keep dogs satisfied.
Because this recipe is supplemented with necessary vitamins and minerals, it can be served as a complete meal.
The wet food contains full protein, although it is supplemented with unidentified animal byproducts. However, the formula has far more protein than others in the Pedigree range, which is to be anticipated with wet food. This food, which is available in both cans and pouches, can be used as a stand-alone meal or as a topping.
Pros
- Real beef provides healthy fats and minerals
- Delicious and nicely textured
- Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals
- Can also be a meal topper
Cons
- Contains carrageenan and guar gum
5. Pedigree Small Dog Complete Nutrition Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
This recipe is intended for fully-grown yet small-sized dogs. The smaller kibble in this meal is for small breed dogs to eat more comfortably while supplementing vitamins and minerals.
The kibble has a delicious chicken flavor and incorporates whole grains as well as a specific fiber blend. These ingredients aid the digestive tract. The mix also contains omega-6 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health.
This recipe does include dried peas and carrots, which are high in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber.
Pros
- Contains omega-6 fatty acids
- Small kibbles size
- No high fructose corn syrup
Cons
- Contains chicken by-products.
6. Pedigree DENTASTIX Fresh Treats for Small/Medium Dogs
PEDIGREE DENTASTIX Fresh Small/Medium Treats for Dogs are a great way to switch up your dog’s dental care regimen. These chewy dental treats with a mint taste are ideal for small or medium-sized dogs since they have a distinctive chewy texture that helps clean teeth and the gum line. Additionally, they have a special X design that helps scrape off plaque and clean teeth to the gum line. They support your dog’s oral hygiene so you may cuddle up close.
Pros
- Gives your dog a fresh breath
- Help remove tartar
Cons
- Does not stay fresh for long after opening
7. Pedigree Healthy Weight Adult Dry Dog Food
This weight control recipe is made to prevent your dog from gaining weight by offering a leaner meal choice. This dry food has a delightful roasted chicken flavor and contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support your dog’s weight management and skin health. Additionally, the meal contains a lot of carbohydrates, which is not what the majority of pet owners like. Pet owners trying to keep maize out of their dog’s diet should avoid it. Compared to standard formulae, wet and dry food both contain fewer calories. Surprisingly, the wet food contains real chicken, and the dry food contains chicken by-product meal.
Pros
- Affordable
- Low-calories adult dog food
- The canned, wet food version is made with real meat
Cons
- The wet food version has real chicken while dry food doesn’t
Pedigree Dog Food Ingredient Analysis
The main ingredients of Pedigree are a mixture of questionable and healthful ingredients. Many Pedigree recipes use the following components frequently:
Animal Protein
Animal protein is the first item on the list for Pedigree’s wet food. Chicken is the most prevalent meat you’ll encounter. Be aware that while Pedigree sells several wet foods with beef flavor, the primary protein in this food is still chicken.
Bone And Meat
Following corn, Pedigree is created from meat and bone meal, a product that is processed and dried from a variety of animal body parts.
There is no precise list of the animals from which Pedigree obtains its bone meal; nonetheless, the animals used to make meat and bone meal can vary.
It can be challenging to feed a dog a generic food including meat if the dog needs to avoid certain animal ingredients.
Foods High In Pesticide/Herbicide In The First 5 Ingredients
The top 5 ingredients in the recipes in this category all contain items that are known to have significant pesticide/herbicide residues. When wheat and peas are spray-dried with Roundup (unless they are organic), more glyphosate and herbicide residue is left behind than on other crops. Glyphosate is an antibiotic that has been related to cancer and other disorders and can kill healthy gut bacteria.
Carrageenan
A highly processed seaweed derivative called carrageenan is used as a thickening or texturizer. It might be related to various harmful health effects and intestinal inflammation.
Colors/Dyes
Foods are dyed with substances like colors, iron oxide, caramel, and titanium dioxide to enhance their visual appeal to customers. They are linked to health problems and are frequently utilized to cover the rendered materials’ grey color.
Has Pedigree Dog Food Been Recalled?
Yes, Pedigree Dog Food has been recalled.
Throughout its long history of making dog food, Pedigree has experienced multiple recalls. The most recent recall took place in 2014. Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Dry Dog Food was recalled owing to the possibility of tiny metal pieces. There were no reports of dog illness or damage, and the foreign material was not lodged in the food itself. Another recall occurred in 2012 when a voluntary recall was issued for a limited number of three varieties of Pedigree weight management canned food due to a potential choking hazard.
Pedigree issued two recalls in 2008 owing to the possibility of salmonella in certain states. Other recalls took place in 2007 and 2004.
Do Vets Recommend Pedigree Puppy Food?
Depending on the needs of each puppy, veterinarians may recommend Pedigree puppy food. Pedigree is a well-known brand that offers a variety of formulae to accommodate various dietary requirements. The company has been in business for many years and provides high-quality goods designed to supply puppies with all of the nutrients they require for healthy growth and development. Pedigree also provides unique recipes for various breeds or sizes of dogs. Finally, it is up to your veterinarian to choose which sort of food is ideal for your dog according to their age, breed, size, and health state.
Customers Reviews
Positive
- Affordable
- Best with picky eaters
- It helped with weight control
- The glucosamine and chondroitin added to the food aid in joint health
Negative
- Contains a lot of corn
- Made some dogs gassy
- Contains artificial dye
What We Like About Pedigree Dog Food
Budget-friendly Prices
Few brands can compete with Pedigree’s prices for some of the most cost-effective dog food. Therefore, Pedigree might be a decent, economical option for them if you have a lot of dogs and they don’t have any food sensitivities.
Easy to Find
Most pet retailers sell the extremely well-known Pedigree brand of products. Pedigree dog food is even available at several supermarkets and grocery stores. Pedigree dog food is offered by a large number of well-known online pet food retailers. Therefore, purchasing Pedigree dog food is relatively convenient whether done in stores or online.
Taste And Texture
Pedigree Puppy Food offers a delicious flavor that puppies adore. It’s chewability and soft texture serve to ensure that your dog receives all the nourishment they require without battling through hard kibble. There is something for every pooch since the food is available in a variety of tasty flavors like chicken, beef, lamb, turkey and vegetable stew.
Maintains oral health
Cleaning your puppy’s teeth is difficult, especially if they dislike having the toothbrush near their mouth. What better way to keep their teeth healthy than to feed them Pedigree DENTASTIX treats? It lessens the likelihood of plaque or tartar accumulation in their teeth.
What We Don’t Like About Pedigree Dog Food
Contains a lot of Plant Protein
A less expensive alternative to high-quality animal protein is plant protein. Animal sources are preferred over plant-based sources of protein because they are easier to digest and include a greater variety of amino acids.
Contains Sugar
Sugar is frequently used in pet food as a preservative, humectant, or to make it more palatable. It is a substandard element that can lead to unfavorable gastrointestinal changes obesity, and insulin rises.
Controversial Ingredients
Pedigree dog food does contain some questionable substances. Aside from corn and animal byproducts, some recipes include artificial food colors such as red 40, yellow 5, yellow 6, and blue 2. Dogs with sensitive stomachs and food allergies, on the other hand, may develop allergic responses or digestive disorders if fed Pedigree dog food.
High Carbohydrates
Carbohydrate content in this line averages 44%, which is exceptionally high. Excess carbohydrate is an indicator of low-quality foods since it is frequently utilized to cut expenses. Large amounts of carbohydrates can raise insulin levels, lead to obesity, and disrupt intestinal balance. High carbohydrate diets also result in a lower protein diet, as is the case here with 23% protein, which is roughly half the quantity of carbohydrates.
Excessive Added Vitamins And Minerals
This line loses ingredient quality points due to the excessive amount of vitamins and minerals added. This is typically due to low-quality or highly processed ingredients. These nutrients should ideally come from whole foods. Excess vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin D and copper, can also develop from vitamin premixes.
Is Pedigree A Good Dog Food?
Yes, Pedigree Dog Food is good, especially for budget-conscious pet owners.
Pedigree Dog Food is made with low-cost ingredients to keep costs low while still providing all of the nutrients a dog requires at every stage of life. Pedigree dog food is suitable for dogs who do not require a particular diet. Many dogs enjoy it, and it’s a popular choice for picky eaters.
While Pedigree is occasionally criticized for its ingredient selection, the main line is that if your dog thrives on this food and you are not instructed by a vet to change the diet, there is no reason to assume Pedigree is not worth the money. However, if you want high-quality food you should consider another brand.
