What is the best dry dog food in the UK?
There are a few things to think about before choosing the best dry dog food in the UK. It would be best to consider what is right for your dog. Age, size, and ingredients in the food are all key points.
Age, Like humans, puppies need extra nutrients and vitamins for growth. They also need more calories. As the dog matures, they will need different nutrients. These will help with their joints and immune system.
Size, as with puppy food, the smaller the dog, the smaller the kibble, this is also the same for adult dogs.
Ingredients, Do you ever look at the ingredients before buying, or are you swayed by the packaging? Many people feed their dogs junk food that has little or no nutritional value. Pet food manufacturers must follow European and UK standards. They do this to ensure that natural pet foods only contain natural ingredients. The food should not contain any artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives.
The first ingredient on the ingredient list must be meat. Search for Chicken, Beef, Salmon, Lamb, and Duck by their names and not derivatives. It is acceptable to use certain derivatives, but they shouldn't be the main content.
Type, wet or dry? These are the two main types, and obviously, this review will not cover raw food. The choice will be down to personal choice, or even a mixture of the two.
Dry food, Many people consider dry food, also known as kibble, to be healthy. It encourages better dental hygiene. Dogs have to chew it more, which helps remove plaque. On the downside, it can be too dry and not appealing to some dogs. If wet food is needed, we recommend adding it to the meal to make it more appealing.
Wet food. Wet food is more enticing than dry food because of the smell and because it contains a high moisture content. For some dogs that cannot drink enough water, wet food is another option. Additionally, wet food is easier for dogs to chew than dry dog food, but it does not provide the same level of dental hygiene as dry food. For dogs with chewing problems, it’s advisable to feed them with wet dog food. It is possible to mix both dry and wet food for your pet, so they get the best of both worlds. Read our review on Wet Dog Food HERE
You are probably not surprised to see this if you came from the Best Puppy Food guide. Some of the brands have crossed over to dry food. Orijen comes out on top in all three breed categories. It has over 90% nutritional value for all breed sizes. It's the best dog food.
If you decide to switch to a new food, this could mean changing the brand from your usual dog food or switching from puppy food to adult food, make sure to slowly introduce the new food over a period of 7 to 10 days. Day 1-3 Mix 75% of old food with 25% of new food. Days 4-6 50/50%. Day 7-9 75% new food, 25% old food, and 10 days onwards you continue with the new food only.
We cover the review for the best dry dog food in the UK in four sections, Small, Medium and Large, breeds, and a section on the senior breed. Click the highlighted section below to take you to the required area.
We will earn a small commission on qualifying purchases of the listed best dry dog food which helps keep this site updated and free. None of our reviews are affected by this.
Best Small Breed Dog Food
(Best Premium Brand)
Despite not being a brand many people in the UK are familiar with, Orijen is an award-winning pet food manufacturer with a worldwide reputation for trust spanning more than a quarter-century and is part of the ‘Champion Pet Food’ group. The company is based in Canada and produces the Acana brand puppy food.
Orijan was also ranked number one in our recent Puppy Food review.
ORIJEN Small Breed has been made specifically for the smaller dog breed. The small dog breed dog has certain nutritional needs and requires a Biologically Appropriate diet to thrive. 63% of the composition is meat which includes 15% fresh Turkey meat, 13% fresh Chicken meat and 4% raw quail meat.
Even though this is dry food, it contains nourishing proteins and nutrients and has a 93% nutritional value. The kibble has a unique shape that makes it easier for them to eat. This food has balanced nutrition to maintain energy and a healthy weight, but more importantly, it has a great taste and ingredients for peak health.
Suitable for dog breeds up to 10kg fully grown and can be used from weaning right up to old age.
You will find that this is not the cheapest product on the market, but pay for what you get.
Key Ingredients - Fresh turkey meat (15%), fresh chicken meat (13%), raw quail meat (4%), fresh cage-free eggs (4%), raw whole rockfish (4%), raw whole herring (4%), fresh turkey liver (4%), fresh chicken liver (4%), fresh turkey heart (4%), fresh chicken heart (4%), dehydrated turkey meat (4%), dehydrated chicken meat (4%), dehydrated herring (4%), dehydrated chicken liver (4%), dehydrated egg (4%), whole red lentils, whole pinto beans, whole green lentils, chicken fat
Type - Wheat-free.
Suitable For - Small puppy breeds up to 10kg
As mentioned in the previous review on Orijen, Acana is part of the ‘Champion Pet Food’ group, so no surprise this is up there with the top recommendations.
Acana Adult Small Breed Recipe is an ideal follow-on if you have been using this brand as a puppy as part of our top recommended review on Best Dry Puppy Food. Acana has opted to use a 60/40 balance. 60% is quality animal ingredients like fresh Canadian chicken and raw flounder balanced with 40% fruit, vegetables & botanicals. It is packed with nutrition and animal protein your adult dog needs to live their best life and has a nutritional value of 91%, which is 2% lower than its sister brand Orijen. 31% of the kibble is protein to provide energy for your small breed.
It is suitable for small dog breeds up to 10kg from 12 months old to old age. It contains no grain ingredients and the kibble is small in size to suit the small breed.
Key Ingredients - Fresh chicken (16%), chicken meal (15%), whole red lentils, whole green peas, whole chickpeas, turkey meal (4.5%), chicken fat (4%), fresh chicken giblets (liver, heart) (4%), herring meal (4%), eggs (4%), raw flounder (4%), fish oil (4%)
Type - Wheat-free.
Suitable For - All dog breeds up to 10kg
(Best on a Budget)
James Wellbeloved has been specifically tailored for pets with skin and digestive sensitivities. It is high in fibre and has a Nutritional rating of 71%. This complete dry food is hypoallergenic and made from all-natural ingredients with no added artificial colours, flavours or preservatives and is blended with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which helps to reduce stool odour, added yucca extract, helping to maintain healthy gut flora and added prebiotic from natural chicory inulin.
Contains no Beef, Pork, Soya, Wheat, Dairy or eggs which some dogs can be allergic to.
The kibble size is small to suit the smaller breed and is suitable for all dog breeds up to 10kg.
James Wellbeloved - Adult Small Breed
Key Ingredients - Lamb meal (26.0%), white rice (23.6%), barley, lamb fat (5.5%), brown rice (5.5%), pea protein, whole linseed, sugar beet pulp, lamb gravy (2.9%).
Type - Contains no Beef, Pork, Soya, Wheat, Dairy or eggs.
Suitable For - Small breeds from 10kg.
Acana Senior Recipe has been specifically tailored to nurture mature and older dogs. This blend is a 65% mix of quality animal ingredients which includes fresh Canadian chicken and raw flounder balanced with 35% fruit, vegetables & botanicals, this recipe provides a balanced diet and a nutrition value of 92% with fewer calories to help support a healthy weight and nurture your senior dog.
It comes in three convenient sizes, 2kg, 6kg and 11.4kg.
Key Ingredients - Fresh chicken (19%), chicken meal (18.5%), whole red lentils, whole green peas, turkey meal (6%), fresh chicken giblets (liver, heart) (5%), herring meal (4%), pea fibre, eggs (4%), raw flounder (4%), fish oil (3%), whole chickpeas, whole green lentils, whole yellow peas, pea starch, chicken fat (1%), raw turkey liver (0.5%)
Type - Wheat-Free
Suitable For - All dog breeds and sizes
Best Medium Breed Dog Food
We found that Orijen came out top in the medium dog size category. This may be a brand you haven't heard of, but they are an award-winning pet food manufacturer with a worldwide reputation of trust dating back over 25 years and is part of the 'Champion Pet Food' brand. This company is based in Canada and also produces the Acana brand, which we recently rated as the best dry puppy food. Orijen Adult Six Fish dog food is made from fresh wild-caught Pacific pilchards, mackerel, hake, flounder, rockfish, and sole, combined with rich, nourishing protein sources. , and a limited 18% low-glycemic carbohydrates. Orijen Six Fish nourishes dogs of all life stages according to their evolutionary and biological needs.
Even fussy eaters will enjoy this delicious dish because it comprises 71% meat and 95% nutrition.
Key Ingredients - Fresh whole pacific pilchard (18%), fresh whole pacific mackerel (13%), fresh whole pacific hake (12%), fresh whole pacific flounder (5%), fresh whole rockfish (5%), fresh whole sole (5%), whole mackerel (dehydrated, 5%), whole herring (dehydrated, 5%), Alaskan cod (dehydrated, 4.5%), whole sardine (dehydrated, 4.5%), whole blue whiting (dehydrated, 4%), herring oil (4%)
Type - Wheat-free.
Suitable For - All dog sizes and breeds.
Arden Grange Premium is the natural choice if you have been using the Arden Grange Puppy food as one of the top reviews. Arden Grange is synonymous with top-quality dog food at an affordable price. There are generous levels of fresh chicken which make this a highly palatable and digestible diet. The recipe is also maize-free to suit dogs with an allergy or intolerance to this ingredient.
The blend contains a nutritional value of 75% and natural supplements to help promote the optimum health, vitality and condition of your dog. It also included prebiotics to aid digestion, joint supplements, essential fatty acids to promote healthy skin and coat, cranberries for urinary tract health, antioxidants and added vitamins and minerals to help support the immune system and dental health.
Arden Grange prides itself on being a British family-owned company based in Sussex since 1996, and its core philosophy is 'nutrition without compromise'.
Key Ingredients - Chicken (fresh chicken 20%, chicken meat meal 20%), rice (19%), potato, refined chicken oil, beet pulp, whole dried egg, chicken digest, fish meal, yeast, krill, whole linseed, minerals, prebiotic FOS, prebiotic MOS, yucca extract, glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin, cranberries, nucleotides.
Type - Wheat-free.
Suitable For - All dog sizes and breeds.
Autarky is another brand that was recommended as part of our Best Puppy Food reviews and is our recommendation for Best on a Budget for Medium size dogs. Autarky Adult dry food comes in various flavours but the Succulent Salmon has the highest nutritional rating of 66%.
The Succulent Salmon offers adult dogs a naturally balanced option for fussy eaters within a highly palatable salmon and rice diet that is free from wheat gluten and soya. The main ingredient is 35%, Salmon. The diet has been formulated with the correct balance of minerals, energy, protein and traces of nutrients to support and maintain highly active dogs.
The diet has been formulated to promote overall health and well-being. and contains quality protein sources to support strong musculature and includes key vitamins and minerals.
Additionally, it has added prebiotics and a natural antioxidant package that helps support a dog's immune system and helps with digestion.
Key Ingredients - Salmon (min 35%), rice (min33%), oats, chicken fat, yeast, full-fat linseed, alfalfa, prairie meal, peas, unmolested beet pulp, dicalcium phosphate, mannan oligosaccharides, milk thistle, marigold, nettle, seaweed, blackcurrant extract, carrot, yucca extract, thyme, beetroot, tomato, peppermint, fennel, paprika, turmeric, dandelion, ginger, fenugreek, rosemary extract, oregano and aloe vera.
Type - Wheat gluten and soya-free recipe
Suitable For - All dog breeds and sizes from 12 months to 7 years.
Best Large Breed Dog Food
#1 Orijen Adult Whole Prey Dog Food
Like the other two sizes, it is not surprising that ORIJEN has ranked first on our list for the large dog breed as well.
Wild-caught fish, free-range chickens and turkeys, and nest-laid eggs are all included in Orijen Adult Whole Prey Dog Food.
Every dog breed has a biological need for a diet rich and varied in fresh whole animal ingredients. This food contains 38% rich protein and only 19% carbohydrates. ORIJEN is suitable for dogs of all breeds and life stages, depending on their evolutionary and biological needs.
ORIJEN is the only dog food that contains as many fresh and raw meats as its top ten ingredients, including fresh chicken, turkey, and fish meats are air-dried at 90°C to create a concentrated source of nourishing protein.
A diet rich in fresh meat, organs and cartilage as well as whole fish and whole eggs provides your dog with virtually every nutrient he needs.
ORIJEN is infused with freeze-dried chicken and turkey livers, giving it a delicious taste that dogs will enjoy.
Key Ingredients- Fresh chicken meat (13%), fresh turkey meat (7%), fresh cage-free eggs (7%), fresh chicken liver (6%), fresh whole herring (6%), fresh whole flounder (5%), fresh turkey liver (5%), fresh chicken necks (4%), fresh chicken heart (4%), fresh turkey heart (4%), chicken (dehydrated, 4%), turkey (dehydrated, 4%), whole mackerel (dehydrated, 4%), whole sardine (dehydrated, 4%), whole herring (dehydrated, 4%), whole red lentils, whole green lentils, whole green peas, lentil fibre, whole chickpeas, whole yellow peas, whole pinto beans, whole navy beans, herring oil (1%), chicken fat (1%), chicken cartilage (1%)
Type - Wheat-free.
Suitable For - All dog sizes and breeds, from weaning to old age
We ranked Acana in our top 3 for the large breed, just as we did for the small breed. Acana recipes are formulated to meet the needs of each breed, and this one is suitable for large and giant breed dogs over 1 year of age and weighing over 25 kilos. Compared to the smaller recipes of this brand, the kibble is much larger.
As with the other breed sizes, Acana has opted to use a 60/40 balance. 60% of the ingredients are fresh Canadian chicken and raw flounder, balanced with 40% fruits, vegetables, and botanicals. A great source of nutrition, animal protein, and calcium, it is packed with all the nutrition and animal protein your adult dog needs to live their best life.
Key Ingredients - Fresh chicken (16 %), chicken meal (16 %), whole red lentils, whole green peas, turkey meal (6 %), whole chickpeas, fresh chicken giblets (liver, heart) (4 %), herring meal (4 %), eggs (4 %), raw flounder (4%), fish oil (3%), chicken fat (2.5%), whole green lentils, whole yellow peas, pea fibre, pea starch, raw turkey livers (0.5 %)
Type - Wheat-free.
Suitable For - All large breeds over 25kg from 12 months to old age.
Arden Grange formulates its recipes based on breed size, just like Acana. Due to its larger kibble size and higher levels of glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM, Arden Grange's large breed is ideal for large breed dogs who require additional help in maintaining strong joints and cartilage.
The product is free of artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives. Formulated with a unique blend of nutrients and natural supplements to help maintain your dog's health, vitality, and condition. Supplements include prebiotics for digestive support, joint supplements, essential fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, cranberries for urinary tract health, antioxidants and added vitamins and minerals for immune and dental health.
The product is naturally hypoallergenic, which means there is no wheat gluten, beef or soya. As a result, there may be fewer dietary intolerances and allergies that can cause digestive problems and skin problems. This recipe has a nutritional value of 69%.
Key Ingredients - Chicken (Chicken Meat Meal 25%, Fresh Chicken 5%), Rice (25%), Maize, Refined Chicken Oil, Beet Pulp, Chicken Digest, Whole Dried Egg, Yeast, Krill, Whole Linseed, Minerals, Glucosamine (740mg/kg), MSM (740mg/kg), Prebiotic FOS, Prebiotic MOS, Chondroitin (520mg/kg), Yucca Extract, Cranberries, Nucleotides.
Type - Hypo-Allergenic - Wheat Gluten Free
Suitable For - All large breeds over 20kkg from 12 months to 7 years.
30L Dry Food Container
Now you have found your choice of food, why not store it in a container and keep it dry. This 30L plastic storage container will hold up to 15kg of dry kibble and has a scoop to help you dispense your food.
5 FAQ on Dog Food
1. What makes a dog food the best choice for my pet?
The best dog food is one that meets your dog's specific nutritional needs, considering factors such as age, breed, size, and health. Look for a balance of high-quality proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Consulting with your veterinarian can help determine the most suitable diet for your dog.
2. Are commercial or homemade diets better for my dog?
Both commercial and homemade dog food can be appropriate, but it depends on various factors. Commercial dog foods are formulated to meet specific nutritional standards and are convenient. However, some pet owners prefer homemade diets to have more control over ingredients. Regardless of the choice, it's crucial to ensure the diet is balanced and nutritionally complete.
3. What ingredients should I look for in the best dog food?
Look for dog foods with high-quality animal proteins (such as meat or fish), healthy fats, whole grains or vegetables, and essential vitamins and minerals. Avoid fillers, artificial additives, and excessive preservatives. Always check the ingredient list and choose a product with named protein sources and minimal by-products.
4. How do I choose the right dog food for my dog's specific needs?
Consider factors such as your dog's age, size, breed, activity level, and any specific health concerns. Puppies, adult dogs, and seniors have different nutritional requirements. Some breeds may have predispositions to certain health issues, requiring special dietary considerations. Consult with your veterinarian to tailor a diet plan that best suits your dog's needs.
5. Is grain-free dog food a better option?
The debate over grain-free dog food continues, and opinions among veterinarians vary. While some dogs may have grain sensitivities or allergies, the majority can tolerate grains well. The key is to choose high-quality grains and focus on the overall nutritional profile. Consult your vet to determine if a grain-free diet is necessary for your dog or if a balanced diet with grains is suitable.
Remember, individual dogs have unique nutritional requirements, so it's always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best dog food for your specific pet.
Updated 31/03/2024
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