Is Pedigree a Good Dog Food Brand? A Detailed Review
When it comes to choosing the right dog food, pet owners are often confronted with dozens of options, from boutique organic recipes to widely recognized commercial brands. Pedigree is one such brand that has been available for decades and continues to be one of the bestselling dog food lines worldwide.
Overview of Pedigree Dog Food
Pedigree is owned by Mars Petcare, a global leader in pet food production. It offers a diverse range of products including dry kibble, wet canned foods, and treats. Aimed at delivering balanced nutrition to dogs of all life stages and sizes, Pedigree remains a top choice due to its affordability and availability in most supermarkets and pet stores.
Benefits of Using Pedigree
- Affordability: One of the most budget-friendly dog food options on the market.
- Availability: Easily found in grocery stores and pet shops globally.
- Basic Nutritional Coverage: Includes proteins, fats, and carbohydrates tailored to canine dietary needs.
- Palatability: Many dogs enjoy the taste and readily eat their meals.
- Positive Owner Reports: Some pet parents report healthy coats and good energy levels in dogs fed with Pedigree.
Common Criticisms
While Pedigree meets basic nutritional standards, it receives frequent criticism on several fronts related to ingredient quality and formulation:
- Low-Quality Ingredients: Formulas often use corn, wheat, and meat and bone meal as primary ingredients.
- Generic Animal Fats: May include unnamed animal sources, preserved with BHA—a chemical some pet owners avoid.
- By-Products: Chicken by-product meal is used, which varies in quality and consistency.
- Artificial Additives: Includes artificial colors and flavors which many prefer to omit from their pets’ diets.
- Use of Fillers: Ingredients like maize, soy, and wheat may cause allergies or sensitivities in some dogs.
Notable Ingredients Breakdown (Dry Food)
- Ground Whole Grain Corn
- Corn Gluten Meal
- Meat and Bone Meal
- Animal Fat (preserved with BHA and Citric Acid)
- Soybean Meal
- Chicken By-product Meal
- Brewer’s Rice
- Natural Flavor & Artificial Colors
- Dried Beet Pulp, Salt, and Vitamin Premixes
The nutritional composition includes:
- Protein: 24–25%
- Fat: 11–13%
- Carbohydrates: 50–56%
- Fiber: 4–4.5%
Veterinarian and Pet Owner Opinions
Veterinary professionals are often divided on Pedigree. While it satisfies basic dietary needs and meets AAFCO standards, vets typically prefer brands that emphasize named meat sources, fewer synthetic additives, and minimal fillers. For dogs without health issues, Pedigree may be adequate, but it is rarely recommended for pets with allergies or chronic conditions.
Pet owner reviews similarly vary. Some note long, healthy lives for dogs raised on Pedigree. Others report problems like:
- Skin Issues
- Digestive Upsets
- Increased Stool Volume
- Gas and Unpleasant Odor
Comparison to Premium Brands
Pedigree often falls short compared to premium alternatives like Royal Canin, Blue Buffalo, or Orijen, which generally:
- Use identifiable meat as the first ingredient
- Avoid artificial preservatives and colors
- Include targeted health support formulas
- Have higher protein and fat percentages sourced from animals
Feeding Tips and Recommendations
- Gradual Transition: When switching to or from Pedigree, introduce it gradually over 7–10 days.
- Monitor Health: Watch for symptoms like itching, vomiting, or digestive issues.
- Supplement When Needed: Add cooked meats, veggies, or oils to enhance nutrition.
- Veterinary Consult: Seek professional advice for dogs with special dietary needs or concerns.
Final Verdict
Pedigree is a dependable, budget-friendly option that satisfies foundational dietary requirements for most healthy dogs. However, if you're looking for higher-quality ingredients, specific health formulas, or recipes with fewer fillers and additives, it may not be the ideal choice. As with any dog food, outcomes vary by the pet, and owners should evaluate their dog’s specific health, preferences, and sensitivities when selecting a food.
