★★★★★ 1 star rating out of 5
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Back in 2020, I checked out Good Boy Dog Food for the first time and was really impressed. It stood out because of its great
Pedigree has stood as a fixture in the world of pet nutrition, ingrained in the memories of many of us. Childhood recollections might bring us back to commercial breaks filled with the confident assertion, “Pedigree Chum – preferred by 8 out of 10 canines!” It’s the kind of slogan that didn’t just stick with us through the years but also established Pedigree as the preferred choice for pet owners globally.
Yet, in an era where pet health and dietary standards are more scrutinized than ever, there’s a question hanging in the air: Can Pedigree truly hold its ground as one of the leading dog food brands? Is our fondness for the brand founded on happy memories, or does the calibre of Pedigree’s nutrition actually rise to meet its high-profile promises and the challenges posed by its rivals?
Our thorough Pedigree dog food review is designed to cut through the haze of sentimentality, assess the bold marketing claims, and measure the real-life nutritional benefits your furry friend gets from this well-known brand. We dissect the ingredients, evaluate consumer experiences, and benchmark Pedigree against the modern criteria for premium dog food.
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About Pedigree dog food as a Brand
Pedigree’s story begins in 1935 when Mars acquired Chappie Dog Food, a brand that turned meat scraps unwanted by humans into dog food. At a time when canine nutrition was barely understood, Chappie surprisingly won over pet owners. Close on its heels, a competitor named Kal Kan, which specialized in using retired racehorses for dog food, entered the scene. Mars, recognizing a good opportunity, acquired Kal Kan and, in the 1980s, rebranded it as Pedigree.
Initially, Pedigree began as Chappie in England during the 1930s until Mars took over in 1934, and as the product range grew, it was aptly renamed Pedigree Petfoods in 1972. Beyond Pedigree, Mars owns a spectrum of pet care brands and operations including Nutro, Royal Canin, Sheba, and several pet hospitals. It’s also in the process of acquiring Champion Pet Foods, adding premium brands like Orijen and Acana to its roster.
As a privately-owned entity by the Mars family, based in McLean, Virginia, Mars reported a staggering annual revenue of US$45 billion in 2020. The transformation from a humble meat scrap dog food to a leading name in pet nutrition showcases Pedigree’s lasting legacy and Mars’s significant influence in the evolving pet care industry.
Pedigree Dog Food Review
Pedigree uses a “typical analysis” labeling method for their dog food, a stark contrast from the “guaranteed analysis” that many other pet food manufacturers use. A guarantee places a minimum requirement on the amounts of critical nutrients like protein and fat, and maximum limits for fiber and moisture. This approach facilitates a fair comparison between different brands of pet food.
However, Pedigree’s typical analysis does not stipulate any such minimum requirements. As such, there is no certainty that each batch will meet these values, which could mean that the actual protein and fat could be lower than the listed 20% and 10% respectively, and the carbohydrate content could be much higher than the estimated 52%.
Having looked at what a typical analysis from Pedigree might entail, let’s break this down a bit:
- Protein: 20%
- Fat: 10%
- Crude Fiber: 2%
- Estimated Carbohydrates: 52%
From a nutritional perspective, there are several concerns when it comes to the quality of these individual ingredients:
Protein Content
Pedigree’s dry dog food contains a relatively low protein content—20%. Considering dogs thrive on a protein-rich diet for optimal health and fitness, the quality and source of this protein are of paramount importance. Pedigree mainly relies on meat and bone meal and by-product meals. These proteins are not as easily digestible or nutritionally rich as high-quality whole meats or identified meat meal (like chicken meal).
Fat and Carbohydrates
The fat content in Pedigree’s formula is around 10%. But the quality of these fats (their source and composition) has a profound impact on a dog’s health, and it is not clear whether Pedigree’s food offers optimal quantities of crucial omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
The estimated carbohydrate content in their products is alarmingly high at 52%. Such a high carbohydrate figure, mainly sourced from grains such as corn and wheat, is not ideal, as dogs naturally require more protein and fats in their diets. More often than not, excess carbohydrate content links back to filler ingredients contributing to potential obesity and other health-related complications in dogs.
Crude Fiber
Pedigree’s dog food contains an adequate crude fiber content of 2%, which is suitable for adult dogs as it aids their digestive health without being excessively high.
These ingredients can have potential health implications for your pets. The high carbohydrates content and the possible low protein and fat quality might pose health issues such as obesity and undernourishment. Moreover, the non-specific “natural flavor” and addition of food colorants call into question the food’s overall safety and quality.
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Pedigree Dry Dog Food
When looking into Pedigree’s Dry Dog Food, such as their Adult Roasted Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Flavor product, one can see a significant emphasis on grains and plant-derived proteins. Notably, ingredients such as ground whole grain corn, soybean meal, and corn gluten meal signify an elevated carbohydrate content, averaging an estimated 44%. This percentage is considerable and exceeds what is typically advised for dog food, potentially leading to concerns including high insulin levels, obesity, and disturbances in gut health.
Further, the product comprises meat and bone meal without specifying the animal source, casting doubt on the richness and quality of the protein offered. The presence of additive amino acids may indicate the strategy of substituting more costly animal proteins with plant-based proteins.
Several food safety concerns surface as well. The highly processed nature of the food likely reduces its natural nutrient content. Possible issues also arise from pesticide/herbicide residues and genetically modified (GMO) ingredients. The addition of synthetic preservatives and artificial colors poses further threats to canine health.
Pedigree Wet Dog Food
Turning to Pedigree Wet Dog Food, it’s notable that whilst the carbohydrate content still trends higher than ideal, it is comparatively reduced at about 20% on a dry matter basis. However, similar issues surface as seen in the dry food variant, such as over-fortification with vitamins and minerals, potentially suggesting subpar ingredient quality. Continuation of undefined animal proteins and inclusion of sugars, detected in forms such as dextrose, persists as well.
The safety of its ingredients is called into question with the highly processed nature of the wet food, likelihood of pesticide/herbicide residues, and the use of synthetic preservatives. Furthermore, it incorporates carrageenan, a thickening agent known to potentially cause intestinal inflammation and other health issues.
| Available from | Shopee.ph Adult & Puppy |
| Galleon.ph |
Upon considering these known variables and potential risks, I personally choose not to feed my dog Pedigree and would not recommend feeding it to your dog. It’s essential to prioritize our pet’s health over cost savings. Opting for a dog food with a more balanced, healthier nutritional profile is a more responsible approach.
