
Pedigree dog food has been a staple in many households for decades, but is it really good for your furry friend?
The Pedigree dog food manufacturing process involves sourcing ingredients from various suppliers, which can sometimes lead to inconsistencies in quality.
Many dog owners swear by Pedigree, citing its affordability and wide availability as major selling points.
Some Pedigree dog food recipes contain fillers like corn and wheat, which can be difficult for dogs to digest.
Our Verdict
Pedigree dog food has a rating of 1 star across all their product lines, indicating a lower quality compared to other brands. This rating is consistent across their various products, including Pedigree for Big Dogs, Pedigree Puppy Growth and Protection, and Pedigree Small Dog Complete Nutrition.
The AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) nutrient profile for Pedigree dog food is mostly classified as "M" for Maintenance, indicating that it's suitable for adult dogs. However, some products like Pedigree Puppy Growth and Protection have a profile of "G" for Growth, suggesting it's more suitable for puppies.
Here's a summary of the AAFCO profiles for Pedigree dog food:
Is a Good?

Pedigree dog food is considered very high risk due to its ultra-processed nature and high levels of carbohydrates.
The dry recipes lost points for excessive added vitamins and minerals, plant protein, sugar, unnamed animal proteins, and seed oils. Some recipes contain 2 or more added amino acids, a sign of lower animal protein and often more plant protein.
High pesticide/herbicide residues, GMO ingredients, synthetic preservatives, rice, natural flavor, and artificial colors or dyes are also concerns in Pedigree dog food.
The canned foods have similar concerns, including excessive added vitamins and minerals, more than 2 amino acids in some recipes, plant protein, unnamed protein, and sugar.
High pesticide foods in the top 5 ingredients, GMO crops, synthetic preservatives, rice, carrageenan, natural flavor, and artificial colors or dyes are also safety concerns in the canned foods.
Pedigree dog food also includes glam ingredients like fruit, but only in minimal amounts that don't provide any nutritional benefit.
Ingredient splitting is another issue, making the ingredients appear lower on the list and moving more desirable animal protein ingredients higher.
The lack of an omega-6:omega-3 ratio in Pedigree dog food is a concern, as omega-6 fatty acids are pro-inflammatory.
On a similar theme: Plant Based Dog Food Brands
Our Rating

Pedigree earns 1 star due to its reliance on grain-inclusive dry dog food with a moderate amount of named and unnamed meat and bone meals as its dominant source of animal protein.
The brand's use of grain-inclusive ingredients is a major red flag, as it can be difficult for dogs to digest and may lead to allergies or sensitivities.
The moderate amount of named and unnamed meat and bone meals is a decent source of protein, but it's not enough to outweigh the negative impact of the grain-inclusive ingredients.
Overall, Pedigree's rating is a reflection of its subpar ingredient quality.
Worth a look: Grain Free Dog Food Health Issues
Recipe and Ingredients
Pedigree dog food has a long list of ingredients, but let's take a closer look at the recipe and ingredients.
The Pedigree Big Dogs Complete Nutrition Roasted Chicken, Rice and Vegetable Flavor has a mix of grains, meat, and vegetables. Ground whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal, and corn gluten meal are all part of the recipe.
Related reading: Chicken Meat for Dogs
The food also contains animal fat, which is a source of omega 6 fatty acids, but it's preserved with BHA and citric acid. This is worth noting if you're concerned about additives in your dog's food.
Here's a breakdown of the estimated dry matter nutrient content:
The Pedigree food line also has different products with varying ingredients. For example, the Pedigree Puppy Growth and Protection has a different AAFCO rating, which is "U", compared to the Pedigree Big Dogs Complete Nutrition, which is "M".
Intriguing read: Different Kinds of Dog Food
Nutritional Value
Pedigree dog food is made with a balance of vitamins, fibre, calcium, and protein, ensuring it's nutritionally balanced as per international standards (AAFCO and NRC).
The recipe analysis of Big Dogs Complete Nutrition Roasted Chicken, Rice and Vegetable Flavor reveals a breakdown of its estimated dry matter nutrient content. This includes 25% protein, 11% fat, and 56% carbs.
The product goes through advanced testing facilities to maintain safety, nutritional efficacy, and palatability. This rigorous testing process ensures that the final product meets the promised nutritional standards.
Suggestion: Is High Protein Dog Food Good for Dogs
According to the recipe analysis, the top ingredients in Big Dogs Complete Nutrition Roasted Chicken, Rice and Vegetable Flavor are ground whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal, and corn gluten meal. These ingredients contribute to the product's nutritional value.
Here's a summary of the estimated nutrient content of Big Dogs Complete Nutrition Roasted Chicken, Rice and Vegetable Flavor on different bases:
Safety and Controversies
Pedigree dog food has had its share of recalls, with at least three voluntary recalls dating back to 2008. One of these recalls was due to a potential choking risk in 2012.
The company has also had issues with customer complaints, which can be found on websites like Customer Affairs, ConsumerAffairs, and Amazon. On these platforms, you can read reviews from customers who have had negative experiences with Pedigree dog food.
To give you a better idea, here are some of the recalls Pedigree has had:
It's essential to be aware of these recalls and customer complaints when considering Pedigree dog food for your furry friend.
Ingredient Safety
Ingredient safety is crucial when evaluating dog food. Many ingredients come from unhealthy, inflammatory sources or are full of pesticides.
To assess the safety of ingredients, we need to consider how processed the food is. A highly processed food is likely to contain more unhealthy ingredients. We also need to check if the food contains known genetically modified foods.
Genetically modified foods have raised concerns about their potential impact on human and animal health. Foods high in pesticides are another red flag, as they can be toxic to dogs. Natural flavor, which is often MSG or animal digest, is also something to watch out for.
Some ingredients, like rice, are high in arsenic and should be avoided. Arsenic is a toxic substance that can harm dogs in large quantities.
Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating the safety of dog food ingredients:
- Processed food status
- Presence of genetically modified foods
- Pesticide content
- Natural flavor ingredients (MSG or animal digest)
- Rice content (high in arsenic)
Complaints and Controversies
If you're considering Pedigree dog food for your furry friend, it's worth knowing about the complaints and controversies surrounding the brand.

Some pet owners have had negative experiences with Pedigree, as evident from 1-star reviews on ConsumerAffairs and Amazon.
You can find more information about these complaints on Pedigree's website, under Customer Affairs.
Pedigree has also had its share of recalls over the years, with three notable instances dating back to 2008.
Here are the details of these recalls:
- 2008: Voluntary recall due to potential salmonella contamination.
- 06/2012: Voluntary recall due to a potential choking risk.
- 08/2014: Voluntary recall due to possible presence of foreign material.
Types of Food
When it comes to the types of food that are good for our furry friends, we should consider what they're made of. Pedigree dog food is a popular choice, but is it good for our dogs?
Pedigree dog food is available in various types, including dry food, wet food, and treats. Some popular flavors include chicken, beef, and lamb.
A well-balanced diet is essential for our dogs' overall health, and Pedigree dog food claims to provide this. However, the quality of the ingredients and nutrients can vary depending on the type and flavor chosen.
Dry
Dry dog food is a popular option for many pet owners. It's often considered a more convenient choice than wet food, as it's easier to store and serve.
Some dry dog foods contain a high amount of corn, such as Pedigree Adult Roasted Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Flavor Recipe. This particular recipe has Ground whole grain corn as its first ingredient.
Other ingredients in Pedigree Adult Roasted Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Flavor Recipe include meat and bone meal, which serves as a source of calcium. This is a common practice in dog food manufacturing.
Some dry dog foods also contain artificial preservatives, like BHA & citric acid, which are used to preserve the animal fat in Pedigree Adult Roasted Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Flavor Recipe. This is a concern for some pet owners who prefer natural ingredients.
Not all dry dog foods are created equal, as evidenced by the Pedigree Wet dog food score of 4.3/10. This indicates a high risk dog food according to the evaluation criteria.
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Wet
Wet dog food can be a convenient and tasty option for your furry friend, but it's essential to be aware of the potential drawbacks. High in carbohydrates, wet dog food can cause obesity and negatively impact gut balance.
Some recipes contain unnamed animal ingredients, such as animal plasma and meat by-products, which can be made from any type of animal and are often less expensive and lower quality.
Canned foods are highly processed, causing significant losses in active enzymes, vitamins, amino acids, and phytonutrients. This processing can also lead to higher mortality rates in many species.
Sugar is often added to pet food, including dextrose, a low-quality ingredient that can cause unwanted gut changes, obesity, and insulin spikes.
Check this out: Can Dog Food Cause Diarrhea in Dogs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do vets recommend pedigree dog food?
Vets generally recommend Pedigree Dog Food as a budget-friendly option that meets a dog's basic nutritional needs. However, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian to determine the most suitable diet for your furry friend.
Sources
- https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-reviews/pedigree-dog-food-dry/
- https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/pedigree-dog-food-review/
- https://www.pedigree.in/adult/4-reasons-to-trust-pedigree-dog-food
- https://www.petful.com/pedigree-dog-food-review/
- https://www.greenmatters.com/pets/is-purina-good-for-dogs
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