Pedigree has been around for many decades and is still one of the more popular brands because of its remarkably lower price and well-balanced dog nutrition formulation. However, the brand has lost some ground among pet parents who are wary about the presence of corn, wheat, and soy in pet foods as well as the use of a non-animal protein as its principal ingredient. And a good number of Pedigree dog food reviews have placed the brand as a below-average type of canine nutrition. Whether or not Pedigree dog food products deserve such a critique remains to be seen. In this review of the best Pedigree dog food in the market, we’ll hopefully lay this debate to rest.

The 8 Top Rated Pedigree Dog Foods

Editor's PickProduct NamePriceRating
Best OverallPedigree Dog Food Review
Buy on Amazon4.5
Best for Adults DogsPedigree Chopped Ground Dinner Canned FoodBuy on Amazon4.3
Best for Small DogsPedigree Small Dog Complete Nutrition Dry FoodBuy on Amazon4.7
Best Canned FoodPedigree Choice Cuts In Gravy Canned Dog FoodBuy on Amazon4.3
Best for PuppiesPedigree Puppy Growth & Protection Dry Dog FoodBuy on Amazon4.7
Best High Protein Pedigree High Protein Adult Dry Dog FoodBuy on Amazon4.7
Healthy Weight Pedigree Healthy Weight Adult Dry Dog FoodBuy on Amazon4.7
Also GreatPedigree High Protein Chicken And Turkey Flavor Adult Dry Dog FoodBuy on Amazon4.6
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change

1 Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Dry Dog Food

Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Dry Dog Food
Key features:
  • Brand: Pedigree
  • First 5 ingredients: Ground Whole Grain Corn, Meat And Bone Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Animal Fat, Soybean Meal
  • Primary Proteins: Chicken
  • Calories: 309 kcal/cup
  • Flavor: Chicken, Rice & Vegetable
  • Life Stage: Adult

This Pedigree dry dog food is formulated basically as an adult maintenance diet with its moderate amounts of calories and proteins with a commendable low fat formulation. It has basically everything your dog needs from vitamins that have antioxidant activities to minerals that help promote a variety of normal canine physiologic processes.

The only issue in this Pedigree adult dog food is that the first ingredient is not actually an animal protein, but rather ground whole grain corn. It also contains whole grain wheat, soybean meal, and corn gluten meal. Another thing we would like you to focus on is the non-identification of its animal ingredients. It only says ‘animal fat’ or ‘meat and bone meal’, but there’s no indication from which kind of animal these ingredients have been sourced from.

Ingredients:

Ground Whole Grain Corn, Meat And Bone Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Animal Fat (Source Of Omega 6 Fatty Acids (Preserved With BHA & Citric Acid]), Soybean Meal, Natural Flavor, Chicken By-Product Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Brewers Rice, Ground Whole Grain Wheat, Choline Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Dried Peas, Dl-Methionine, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Monocalcium Phosphate, L-Tryptophan, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Dried Carrots, Blue 2, Niacin [Vitamin B3], Red 40, D-Calcium Pantothenate [Source Of Vitamin B5], Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement [Vitamin B2], Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate [Vitamin B1], Vitamin D3 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride [Vitamin B6], Folic Acid.

What others say about it:
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Hi – The Pedigree came on time and it’s what our dogs love most. We are grateful for the prompt delivery and for the fact that Chewy seems to be doing better than our local stores during these time of supply line woes. However, you price on this was much more expensive than, for instance, the price at our big box store. Of course, our the big box was out of Pedigree, and you had it, so that’s what mattered most in the end!

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2 Pedigree Chopped Ground Dinner Canned Dog Food

Pedigree Chopped Ground Dinner Canned Dog Food
Key features:
  • Brand: Pedigree
  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Sufficient Water For Processing, Meat By-Products, Animal Liver, Brewers Rice
  • Primary Proteins: Chicken & Beef
  • Calories: 399 kcal/13.2-oz can
  • Flavor: Chicken, Beef & Liver
  • Life Stage: Adult

If you love bacon and cheese with an excellent serving of beef, then maybe you would want your dog to have a taste of this gourmet, too. The Pedigree canned dog food Chunky Ground Dinner comes with beef, bacon, and cheese to give your hound a taste of premium dining experience in its bowl. It’s a high-energy and moderate-protein and fat formulation that gives your pet all the nutritious goodness that it needs.

Again, there’s a catch. This Pedigree canned dog food actually contains water as its principal ingredient. Another issue is that the label says it is Beef, Bacon, & Cheese, yet its second ingredient is actually chicken byproducts. Beef and bacon are a distant 6th and 7th from the list. At the very least, there is no corn, wheat, or soy to worry about. The ingredient ‘animal liver’ is peculiar, though.

Ingredients:

Chicken, Sufficient Water For Processing, Meat By-Products, Animal Liver, Brewers Rice, Beef, Wheat Flour, Minerals (Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Selenium, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide), Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Carrageenan, Added Color, Dried Yam, Xanthan Gum, Natural Smoke Flavor, Vitamins (Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Guar Gum, Red #3.

What others say about it:
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Rocky and his feline sister Daisy absolutely love it when they hear the can opening tails wag and they beg for it then the food disappears fast

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3 Pedigree Small Dog Complete Nutrition Dry Dog Food

Pedigree Small Dog Complete Nutrition Dry Dog Food
Key features:
  • Brand: Pedigree
  • First 5 ingredients: Ground Whole Grain Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Animal Fat, Meat And Bone Meal, Soybean Meal
  • Primary Proteins: Chicken
  • Calories: 332 kcal/cup
  • Flavor: Chicken, Rice & Vegetable
  • Life Stage: Adult

Formulated specifically for small canine breeds, this Pedigree dog food is more like the formulation of the Pedigree adult dog food, except that this one comes with slightly more fats. The other difference is that the small dog food formulation comes with poultry byproduct meal instead of the meat and bone meal. There’s still corn, soy, and wheat, nonetheless.

The small dog formulation of Pedigree also comes with slightly higher amounts of calories, perfect for fueling your highly rambunctious little hound. Many pet parents consider this the big nutrition that their petite canines need especially when one considers that it comes fully enriched with chondroitin and glucosamine to make sure that those little joints are fully functional and capable of bringing your little hound to many of its adventures.

Ingredients:

Ground Whole Grain Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal (Source Of Glucosamine & Chondroitin Sulfate), Corn Gluten Meal, Animal Fat (Source Of Omega 6 Fatty Acids [Preserved With Bha/Citric Acid]), Meat And Bone Meal, Soybean Meal, Ground Whole Grain Wheat, Natural Flavor, Brewers Rice, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Monocalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Dried Peas, Dl-Methionine, Vitamine E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, L-Tryptophan, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Dried Carrots, Blue 2, Niacin [Vitamin B3], Red 40, D-Calcium Pantothenate [Source Of Vitamin B5], Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement [Vitamin B2], Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate [Vitamin B1], Vitamin D3 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride [Vitamin B6], Folic Acid.

What others say about it:
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When I first adopted my two Jack Chis from the shelter, my vet recommended a more expensive dog food. They ate it for about a year and then slowly became less interested. I tried this food and they both love it! I really like how the different shapes/colors of the kibble show me the ingredients, too (i.e. orange pieces are carrot, green pieces are pea, brown and tan pieces are chicken and rice.) Definitely recommend if you have picky eaters!

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4 Pedigree Choice Cuts in Gravy Canned Dog Food

Pedigree Choice Cuts in Gravy Canned Dog Food
Key features:
  • Brand: Pedigree
  • First 5 ingredients: Sufficient Water For Processing, Chicken, Meat By-Products, Wheat Flour, Wheat Gluten
  • Primary Proteins: Beef & Chicken
  • Calories: 553 kcal/can
  • Flavor: Beef
  • Life Stage: Adult

It’s a meal that is definitely bursting with flavors. That’s what the Choice Cuts Pedigree wet dog food really is. And while its principal ingredient is water you’ll be glad that its second ingredient is high-quality chicken. But if you’re still wary about allergenic grains, be mindful that the Choice Cuts comes with wheat flour. There’s also onion and garlic powder included in the formulation making us question whether this is a great choice or not.

Looking at the experiences of pet parents, however, this Pedigree wet dog food is generally accepted as providing dogs with not only a delectable meal but also highly nutritious one. It’s the perfect meal for hounds that may have issues drinking or that may have difficulty taking in Pedigree dry dog food. At the very least, the saucy texture of the Choice Cuts should make for a palatable dinner.

Ingredients:

Sufficient Water For Processing, Chicken, Meat By-Products, Wheat Flour, Wheat Gluten, Beef, Added Color, Salt, Minerals (Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Potassium Iodide, Manganese Sulfate, Selenium, Copper Sulfate), Guar Gum, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Natural Smoke Flavor, Vitamins (Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Xanthan Gum, Sodium Nitrite (For Color Retention).

What others say about it:
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Mix half a can with 3 cups of dry food and my Great Dane eats it all. Won’t eat dry alone…

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5 Pedigree Puppy Growth & Protection Dry Dog Food

Pedigree Puppy Growth & Protection Dry Dog Food
Key features:
  • Brand: Pedigree
  • First 5 ingredients: Ground Whole Grain Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Soybean Meal, Meat and Bone Meal
  • Primary Proteins: Chicken
  • Calories: 293 kcal/cup
  • Flavor: Chicken & Vegetable
  • Life Stage: Puppy

Puppies require a different kind of food that is appropriate for their developmental needs. That’s why the Puppy Growth & Protection formulation of the Pedigree puppy food makes it a worthy meal to pour onto your young canine’s bowl. It has substantially higher amounts of protein but with just the right levels of calories so your pet won’t grow into an obese adult dog.

With poultry byproduct meal providing a supporting role to ground whole grain corn, this Pedigree puppy food formulation may not be for pet parents who are quite apprehensive every time they read corn, wheat, or soy in the ingredient list. The good news is that this young Pedigree dog food comes with additional nutrients that provide your young pet just the right amounts of nutrients especially calcium and phosphorus that it needs to grow at a much normal rate. It’s got DHA for optimum brain and eye development, too.

Ingredients:

Ground Whole Grain Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Soybean Meal, Meat and Bone Meal (source of Calcium), Animal Fat (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids [preserved with BHA and Citric Acid]), Ground Whole Grain Wheat, Brewers Rice, Natural Flavor, Salt, Monocalcium Phosphate, Fish Oil ([source of DHA] preserved with mixed Tocopherols), Brewers Dried Yeast, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Dried Peas, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, BHA and Citric Acid (a preservative), Niacin, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Dried Carrots, Blue 2, Red 40, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Copper Sulfate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Potassium Iodide, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement.

What others say about it:
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My puppy was originally on Purina Puppy Chow. After severe weight loss as well as appetite, I decided we needed to make a switch and quick! Within a week, I noticed weight gain as well as a much happier pup with her new food! Thanks Chewy for always having excellent customer service and speedy delivery.

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6 Pedigree High Protein Adult Dry Dog Food

Pedigree High Protein Adult Dry Dog Food
Key features:
  • Brand: Pedigree High Protein
  • Allergens: Corn, Wheat, Soybean
  • First 5 ingredients: Ground Whole Grain Corn, Meat and Bone Meal, Chicken by-Product Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Animal Fat
  • Primary Proteins: Chicken, Meat and Bone Meal
  • Calories: 315 kcal/cup
  • Flavor: Beef and Lamb
  • Type: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult

With at least 27% protein, this adult dry dog food does supply a decent amount of the essential amino acids your pooch needs for their health and energy needs. But as with some of the other products in our Pedigree Dog Food review, the first ingredient is actually a grain – corn, to be precise. And the source of the main protein is also not clear, listed as meat and bone meal. While meal tends to be a more concentrated form of protein, it’s a shame the actual meat source is not indicated. But there’s chicken by-products as well as chicken fat, with beef listed much further down, so we can assume the flavor is authentic.

Moving away from the protein source, this adult meal is nutritionally balanced, so your pet should get all the essential vitamins and minerals he needs from his food bowl. And there’s omegas too, for healthy skin and coat. Another plus is that there is no added sugar or corn syrup, so a good food choice for sensitive dogs or dogs who need care with their weight.

Ingredients:

Ground Whole Grain Corn, Chicken by-product Meal, Meat and Bone Meal (Source of Calcium), Corn Gluten Meal, Animal Fat (Source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids [preserved With Bha & Citric Acid]), Ground Whole Grain Wheat, Soybean Meal, Beef, Natural Flavor, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Lamb Meal, Brewers Rice, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Dried Peas, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Dl-methionine, Niacin [vitamin B3], Yellow 6, L-tryptophan, Dried Carrots, Biotin, Bha & Citric Acid (a Preservative), Red 40, D-calcium Pantothenate [source of Vitamin B5], Yellow 5, Riboflavin Supplement [vitamin B2], Blue 2, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride [vitamin B6], Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin a Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Thiamine Mononitrate [vitamin B1], Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid

What others say about it:
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Love getting my chewy order. My dogs love pedigree. I have tried more expensive brands and my dogs won’t eat it. They eat every bite of pedigree. Plus, the delivery driver brings it to my back porch. I don’t have to manhandle a huge bag of dog food through the store, into my car, and then into my house.

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7 Pedigree Healthy Weight Adult Dry Dog Food

Pedigree Healthy Weight Adult Dry Dog Food
Key features:
  • Brand: Pedigree Healthy Weight
  • Allergens: Corn, Wheat, Soybean
  • First 5 ingredients: Ground Whole Grain Corn, Chicken by-product Meal, Ground Whole Grain Wheat, Corn Gluten Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp
  • Primary Proteins:
  • Calories: 275 kcal/cup
  • Flavor: Chicken and Vegetable
  • Type: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult

Maintaining your dog’s weight is essential, not only for his health now, but also as he ages. And so being mindful of what you put in his food bowl means Pedigree’s Healthy Weight adult dry dog food could be the right choice. Low in fat, with higher levels of protein and fiber, this tasty, crunchy kibble also means your pooch doesn’t miss out on satisfaction or taste. 

The main protein is from chicken meal, which is a concentrated form of protein, although it is from by-products rather than whole chicken. But the flavor is real, thanks to the inclusion of chicken and animal fat, which also provides a good source of omega 6 fatty acids. It is the fiber blend included in this formula which should help to make your hungry hound feel fuller for longer and the calorie levels are balanced to help maintain a healthy weight.

This recipe does include grains however, although with no corn syrup, added sugar, artificial additives or flavors, this is an overall nutritious and tasty everyday meal to keep your pet lean and happy. For a wider selection of choices, check out our guide on dog food for weight loss.

Ingredients:

Ground Whole Grain Corn, Chicken by-product Meal (Source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Ground Whole Grain Wheat, Corn Gluten Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Soybean Meal, Natural Flavor (Source of Roasted Chicken Flavor), Animal Fat (Source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids [preserved With Bha and Citric Acid]), Brewers Rice, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Monocalcium Phosphate, Meat and Bone Meal, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Dried Peas, Dl-methionine, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Dried Carrots, L-tryptophan, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 2, Niacin [vitamin B3], Red 40, D-calcium Pantothenate [source of Vitamin B5], Copper Sulfate, Vitamin a Supplement, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide, Riboflavin Supplement [vitamin B2], Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate [vitamin B1], Vitamin D3 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride [vitamin B6], Folic Acid.

What others say about it:
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As always this is the most dependable online company I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with!

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8 Pedigree High Protein Chicken and Turkey Flavor Adult Dry Dog Food

Pedigree High Protein Chicken and Turkey Flavor Adult Dry Dog Food
Key features:
  • Brand: Pedigree High Protein
  • Allergens: Corn, Wheat, Soybean
  • First 5 ingredients: Ground Whole Grain Corn, Meat and Bone Meal, Chicken by-Product Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Animal Fat
  • Primary Proteins: Chicken
  • Calories: 315 kcal/cup
  • Flavor: Chicken and Turkey
  • Type: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult

Also available in a canned version, Pedigree’s High Protein dry dog food for adult canines is undeniably a tasty addition to their food bowl. And this chicken and turkey flavor kibble is one of their popular choices. High protein diets are good for active dogs as it ensures they are getting all the essential amino acids they need to support their energetic lifestyles. However, with this formula, the actual source of its main protein is not identified but listed as animal meat and bone meal. You do get chicken meal listed within the top five ingredients, however, so the chicken flavor can be justified. And the crunchy kibble, which not only gives a satisfying bite for your dog, can also help to keep their teeth nice and clean.

Aside from the protein, you do get a balance of vitamins and minerals, including omega oils for healthy coat and skin. And this High Protein range is also free of high calorie corn syrup as well as no added sugar to keep its calorific content within a healthy and happy range. 

Ingredients:

Ground Whole Grain Corn, Chicken by-product Meal, Meat and Bone Meal (Source of Calcium), Corn Gluten Meal, Animal Fat (Source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids [preserved With Bha & Citric Acid]), Ground Whole Grain Wheat, Soybean Meal, Chicken, Natural Flavor, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Brewers Rice, Choline Chloride, Dried Peas, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Dl-methionine, Natural Turkey Flavor, Niacin [vitamin B3], Calcium Carbonate, Monocalcium Phosphate, Yellow 6, Biotin, Dried Carrots, Yellow 5, L-tryptophan, Bha & Citric Acid (a Preservative), D-calcium Pantothenate [source of Vitamin B5], Blue 2, Riboflavin Supplement [vitamin B2], Pyridoxine Hydrochloride [vitamin B6], Red 40, Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin a Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Thiamine Mononitrate [vitamin B1], Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid.

What others say about it:
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My dogs (3) love it. They stay healthy and there have been no issues from them eating this all the time. I vary the flavor every so often so that they don’t become bored with it.

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Is Pedigree a Good Dog Food?

The answer to this question is not immediately straightforward. As an everyday affordable dog food that conforms to the AAFCO’s guidelines on pet nutrition standards, and includes essential vitamins and minerals in its formulas, it can seem a good choice. And if you are on a budget, this could well be a dealbreaker. But the brand has repeatedly been put under the spotlight for its use of lower quality ingredients, a dependency on plant sources for its main ingredient, and the use of non-animal specific protein. 

So, before our review comes to its own conclusions, let’s look behind the brand to understand the ethos, product range, and approach of Pedigree Dog Food. 

The Short History of Pedigree Company

The Pedigree brand is a stalwart of the pet food industry and can trace its history back to 1932, and Manchester, England. Originally known as ‘Chappie’, the fledgling pet food manufacturer was named after the Chappell brothers, who created the brand’s very first dog food recipe, using lower quality meats for affordability. The range proved to be popular.

In 1934, Chappell Brothers were acquired by Mars Limited as its first pet food acquisition and by 1956, it had undergone a name change to Petfoods Ltd. The company’s name continued to evolve until settling on Pedigree Petfoods Ltd in 1972. By 1975, Pedigree Petfoods had become the animal food division of American confectionery giant, Mars, Ltd.

The name Pedigree was seen as a response to a changing market and an effort to repackage its processes pet food range. The name was intended to reflect that whether your pet was a pedigree or not, it was a cherished pet that deserved affordable nutrition. Today, Pedigree is considered one of the world’s leading pet food brands.

Where is Pedigree Dog Food Made?

On their own website, Pedigree state that all their products are only made at their own manufacturing facilities in the US and Canada, although it is not clear where these facilities are. They do also have facilities in the UK and their parent company, Mars’s pet food brand portfolio has 74 manufacturing plants around the world. However, Pedigree products that feature a blue ribbon logo indicate that they have been made in the US or Canada. 

Where Do They Source Their Ingredients From?

The exact sources of Pedigree’s ingredients are a little trickier to pin down. Many of their US dog food products feature ingredients sourced in the USA – although it’s not always clear where – and their website states that all the ingredients they use conform to US and EU regulations. They also adhere to the principles of their parent company, Mars, which ‘has strict ingredient specifications as well as quality and vendor assurance programs designed to ensure the quality and composition of our products.’

Product Lines – Differences and Which One You Should Choose

Affordable and accessible, while the Pedigree dog food collection is not the most extensive, it does cover all the main bases when it comes to your dog’s dietary needs. To help you narrow it down to your own dog’s food bowl, here’s the lowdown on the main ranges:

  • Adult Complete Nutrition: Designed to support your dog’s energy as well as nutritional requirements, Pedigree’s Adult formula is a good go-to for healthy adult dogs. It is nutritionally balanced to support your dog’s digestion, immune system, oral health, and overall condition, and meets the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for general health maintenance. Also available in formulas for small and large dog breeds.
  • High Protein: Available in both wet and dry formulas, this range has 25% more protein than the Adult Complete Nutrition, making it an option for active or high-energy adult dogs. 
  • Puppy: specifically formulated to support the all-important healthy growth stage of puppies, the Pedigree Puppy food range is also fortified with DHA for brain development as well as calcium and phosphorus for healthy teeth and bones. 
  • Healthy Weight: Less active or weight prone dogs need a carefully managed diet to maintain a healthy weight, which is where this Pedigree dog food range can come in. Low fat but with sufficient protein and antioxidants for good health, the Healthy Weight range also includes a fiber blend to help keep your pooch feeling fuller for longer.  
  • Chopped Ground Dinner: A pate-like wet version of food formula, this Pedigree range aims to give a softer eating experience for your dog while maintaining the nutritional profile of its Adult Complete range. Moisture and energy-rich, this canned food can also be served as a topper to dry dog food.
  • Choice Cuts: With a rich, meaty gravy, Choice Cuts is a highly digestible wet dog food with real meat that is easier to eat, so a good choice for senior or smaller adult dogs. 

Let’s Take a Closer Look at Ingredients

Now we know the history of Pedigree Dog Food and its main product ranges, let’s look at how their dog food ingredients stack up.

  • Below-average proteins

Based on our list of the brand’s bestsellers, the average Pedigree dog food for adults contains about 21% of crude proteins. When the dry matter basis is computed, this roughly translates to 23.8% which is still several percentage points below what many experts consider the ideal protein composition of a dog’s diet. The protein content of Pedigree puppy food is slightly higher at 27% or about 30.6% based on a dry matter basis. While AAFCO standards put both ratings well within the acceptable minimum requirements of adult dogs and puppies at 18% and 22%, respectively, other pet food manufacturers strive to provide their formulations with substantially more proteins.

Actually, the main issue that most Pedigree dog food reviews cite is the non-usage of high-quality, named animal proteins as the product’s first ingredient. In our list of Pedigree dog foods, there was not a single product where the very first ingredient is an animal protein. For Pedigree dry dog food products, it was always ground whole grain corn while Pedigree canned dog food came with water as the first ingredient. This largely contradicts what we have been espousing throughout our series on canine nutrition: the first ingredient should always be an animal protein unless there is a very specific dietary need.

  • Moderate to above-average calories

Pedigree adult dog food products typically come with about 330 calories per cup while Pedigree puppy food formulations generally have lower calories. Pedigree canned dog food formulations have lower calorie content than Pedigree wet dog food. Both are still calorie-rich compared to dry formulations.

  • Average to above-average fats

Pedigree dry dog food formulations come with about 11% crude fat translating to about 12.5% in dry matter. Wet and canned food formulations have an average of about 4.5% fats, although this actually computes to 25% on a dry matter basis which is quite high.

Our concern, as we pointed above, is the use of the term ‘animal fat’ instead of specifying what animal the fat came from. Also, we noticed that only a few products actually have fish oil which is a natural source of DHA and EPA. Many of the formulations boost omega-6 fatty acids, especially linoleic acid. Sadly, the issue is that if there are way more omega-6 fatty acids than there are omega-3s, then problems such as inflammation can arise.

  • Corn, wheat, and soy

Many of the Pedigree products come with ground whole grain corn as their primary ingredient. While the preparation may be in the form of whole grains, a lot of pet parents are still wary about its inclusion in dog food.

  • Micronutrients

Vitamins and minerals are often supplemented in the formulations of Pedigree. Whereas other pet food manufacturers already include probiotics, prebiotics, antioxidants, and joint-friendly nutraceuticals in their formulation, Pedigree somehow chooses to put these ingredients only in select variants.

Dry dog food in bowlPedigree puts more emphasis on including plant-based proteins in its formulation than high-quality animal proteins. The below-average levels of proteins also point to the fact that Pedigree’s list of ingredients is more plant-based. While dogs may be omnivores, their diets should still comprise mostly of animal ingredients. But, if you’re on a tight budget and you don’t mind giving your pet some of the ingredients we’ve been telling pet parents not to give to their dogs, then Pedigree is a choice.

Pedigree Dog Food Recall History

We can report that Pedigree dog food has a history of recalls, which is not too surprising considering that the brand has been in operation since the 1970s. Our records show that there have been three recalls since 2009. The most notable include a voluntary recall in 2012 of a small number of its Weight Management canned range due to potential choking risk. The most recent voluntary recall was in 2014, which saw 22 bags of its Adult Complete Nutrition dry dog food withdrawn due to a possible foreign object that may have entered the production process.

Price 

Pedigree dog food is positioned as affordable, everyday dog food and is popular thanks to its price. A typical 17-pound bag of Pedigree Adult Complete will set you back around $13, compared to $35 plus for more premium brands such as Eukanuba. 

Where Can I Buy Pedigree Food? 

As well as buying directly from pedigree.com, the Pedigree Dog Food range is widely available across the US, both in physical stores, independent pet food retailers, and online. The more prominent retailers include Chewy, Amazon, Walmart, and PetSmart. 

In a Nutshell, Is Pedigree a Good Choice?

There’s no denying that Pedigree Dog Food is popular, and that’s in no small part due to its lower price point and global reputation and marketing reach. And if you are on a budget, then the range can be a good way to ensure your pooch has an essential level of balanced nutrition. But drill down into the quality of its dog food, and the Pedigree formula can be found wanting. And there are better quality dog food brands out there if you are willing to pay extra.  

Pedigree’s use of ingredients such as corn, soybean, and wheat could also be a red flag to many pet owners, especially if their dogs have known allergies or sensitivities. And the use of lower quality, and in many cases, unidentified meat protein as a secondary ingredient to ground corn should be a cause for some concern.

But the brand does meet the minimum nutritional standards expected for dog food and has a core range of products that include the key vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids needed for general good health. 

FAQs:

Like most kibble varieties, you can add some water to Pedigree’s dry food if required. In some cases, such as when you are weaning pups, dealing with a reluctant eater or want to boost your pet’s hydration levels, adding water can also be beneficial. 

To moisten Pedigree dry dog food, only use warm, not boiling water, a little at a time to moisten but not soak the kibble. Allow to cool and for the water to sufficiently soak into the dry food before serving. 

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