Our dogs are everything. We want them to have the best in life, and that includes good dog food that will keep them healthy and happy throughout their life.
The only problem is that there are thousands of dog foods out there for you to choose from. Frankly, it can become overwhelming, and in the end, you’ll grab the first dog food that looks half decent.
With this guide, you can push conflicting reviews aside. What if it didn’t have to be this difficult and, quite honestly, stressful?
Lucky for you, it doesn’t. We have gathered the best dog food UK, bringing you detailed information and customer reviews that will help you make the best choice for your pooch.
1. Editors Pick
Lily’s Kitchen Organic Chicken and Spelt Wet Tray
2. Budget Pick
Wagg Adult Dry Complete Chicken and Veg
- Best Vegan Dog Food
- Best Raw Dog Food
- Best Wet Dog Food
- Best Grain Free Dog Food
- Best Dry Dog Food
- Best Natural Dog Food
- Best Food for Puppies
- Best Automatic Dog Feeder
Contents
- Key Things to Look for
- Top Dog Food Brands
- Best Dog Foods UK (In Order)
- 1. Lily’s Kitchen Organic Chicken and Spelt Wet Tray
- 2. Wagg Complete Chicken and Veg
- 3. Harringtons Adult Dog Lamb and Rice
- 4. Skinner’s Field and Trial Chicken and Rice
- 5. Royal Canin Senior Consult
- 6. Barking Heads Puppy Days Starter Bundle
- 7. Hills Perfect Weight
- 8. AATU Free Run Chicken
- 9. James Wellbeloved
- 10. Eukanuba
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
Key Things to Look for
Before you purchase your dog food, there are a few things that you should keep an eye out for when doing your research.
Age. Make sure the dog food is right for your dog’s age. This is important because it will contain different nutrients, calories, and ingredients that cater to a specific age group.
For example, puppies need more nutrients than adults, and their food is usually higher in calories because they are growing. Similarly, an elderly dog will have a different balance of nutrients and fewer calories.
Size. The size of your dog is more important than you might think, and this is both in relation to the contents of the dog food and the size of the kibble.
Food that is made for small breeds tends to have smaller chunks of kibble to make it easier for them to eat, just as the food for larger breeds is bigger so that they can eat it safely. There are also some minor nutritional differences.
Activity Level. Is your dog a couch potato, or are you two trekking for miles each day? The more active your dog, the more calories they need to stay in shape.
Food that has a little more fat and calories will keep them healthy. Dogs that don’t do a lot will need less fat and calories to help them avoid becoming overweight.
Nutritional Needs. Just like people, different dogs have different needs. It could be that they have a sensitive stomach, allergies, or need a food that is grain free. There are plenty of foods on the market that are suited to a range of dietary requirements, so they aren’t hard to find.
Top Dog Food Brands
There are so many fantastic dog food brands out there making excellent dog food, and there are some that are more highly regarded than others. Here’s a quick look at the best dog food brands, as chosen by dog owners across the country:
- Lily’s Kitchen
- Harringtons
- Hills
- Royal Canin
- Forthglade
- Canagan
- Chappie
- James Wellbeloved
- Eukanuba
- Skinner’s
- Wagg
- Orijen
Best Dog Foods UK (In Order)
1. Lily’s Kitchen Organic Chicken and Spelt Wet Tray
Editor’s Pick
This is a fantastic dog food that is packed with all the good stuff your dog needs to thrive. It contains 10% protein, which is excellent for a wet food package, and has one of the lowest ash contents we have seen at only 2.7%.
Oils and fats are at a mere 5% for a well-balanced diet. The fact that it contains organic vegetables and meats shows the strong ethics behind the dog food brand, and also explains why dogs love it so much.
- Key Ingredients: Organic chicken, organic pork, organic turkey, organic vegetables, organic spelt.
- Texture: Wet
- Type: Grain free, organic
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Fussy eaters, all-rounder
Should You Buy it?
Yes, you should buy this dog food. It’s nutritious, healthy, and full of quality ingredients. It’s also quite affordable, especially for organic dog food, which adds to the appeal.
Sample Buyer Review
— Trusted Customer
2. Wagg Complete Chicken and Veg
Budget Pick
This cheap and cheerful food is ideal if you are on a budget, with a 12kg bag coming in at a little over £1 per kilo. It offers a complete and balanced diet, with a good protein score of 21% and a fat content of 8%.
Its ash content is a little high at 8.5%, but there are much worse foods on the market for this. Aside from its delicious meat and vegetable contents, it also contains a healthy dose of omega 6 and 3 oils for a healthy coat and strong joints.
- Key Ingredients: Cereals, meats, animal derivatives, vegetable derivatives, oils and fats
- Texture: Dry Dog Food
- Type: Grain inclusive
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Budget Pick
Should You Buy it?
Yes, if you are on a budget this is one of the best with regards to ingredients and ash content. Your dog will still benefit from a healthy diet, and the inclusion of omega oils is perfect for their coats and eyes.
Sample Buyer Review
— Trusted Customer
3. Harringtons Adult Dog Lamb and Rice
Best All-Rounder
This tasty dry dog food is perfect for all breeds and sizes. While it is marketed as food for adults, it is actually suitable for dogs as young as 8 weeks old. The omega 3 and 6 fatty acids help them to maintain a healthy coat, joints, and eyes, and it has a great protein content of 21%.
The fat content is a little higher at 10%, but this is still within a healthy limit. The ash content is higher than others at 9%, but it is a fantastic complete dog food that delivers flavour and nutrition.
- Key Ingredients: Maize, lamb meat meal, porridge oats, rice, meat meal
- Texture: Dry Dog Food
- Type: Wheat and dairy-free
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: All-rounder
Should You Buy it?
Yes, this is great food and it comes at a brilliant budget price. It’s not perfect, but it still provides a balanced diet that will keep your dog happy and healthy.
Sample Buyer Review
— Julia
Have a questions? Ask in the comments below
4. Skinner’s Field and Trial Chicken and Rice
Best Working Dog Pick
Working dogs need more energy and more calories in order to stay fit and healthy, and Skinner’s have formulated this food to perfectly accommodate them. The protein content is fantastic at 22%, and it is balanced with a low level of ash (6%).
As for fat content, this comes in at a comfortable 10%, and its hypoallergenic ingredients mean that your working dogs can spend their day outside without reaction or irritation.
- Key Ingredients: Brown rice, chicken meat meal, naked oats, peas, linseed
- Texture: Dry Dog Food
- Type: Hypoallergenic
- Life Stage: Adults
- Suitable For: Working dogs, allergies
Should You Buy it?
Yes, it is a great dog food that’s packed with energy for your working pups. It’s high-quality, and the fact that it is hypoallergenic is an added bonus for those who are out working all day.
Sample Buyer Review
— Trusted Customer
5. Royal Canin Senior Consult
Best Senior Pick
This delicious dog food comes from one of the best and well-renowned companies in the UK. It contains an impressive 23% protein content, as well as a low 5.5% ash.
The fat content is a little high at 14%, but when fed as part of a balanced diet this won’t make a massive difference to their weight. The food itself has been specially designed to improve brain health and vitality, as well as provide muscle mass support and digestive tolerance.
- Key Ingredients: Maize, dehydrated poultry protein, wheat, wheat flour, vegetable fibres
- Texture: Dry/Wet
- Type: Nutritional support and digestive balance
- Life Stage: Senior
- Suitable For: Mature dogs
Should You Buy it?
Yes, it is a fantastic dog food for senior dogs and provides them with all the nutrients they need to lead a happy and healthy life.
Sample Buyer Review
— Janet Archibald
6. Barking Heads Puppy Days Starter Bundle
Best Puppy Pick
This dog food is perfect for young puppies as it provides all the nutrition they need to grow and thrive. It contains an exceptional 28% protein, making it one of the best dog foods we have found in this regard.
Additionally, the ash content is 8%, which is low when compared to the amount of protein inside. It contains 17% fat, which is good for growing puppies that need extra energy and calories. The combination of wet and dry dog food in this pack is perfect for adventurous pups, and the nitie nite treats are ideal for calming them down in the evenings.
- Key Ingredients: Salmon, Dried Chicken, Sweet Potato, Potato, Chicken
- Texture: Dry/Wet
- Type: Grain free
- Life Stage: Puppy
- Suitable For: Rounded nutrition, puppy all-rounder
Should You Buy it?
Yes, this bundle is incredible value for money and comes with everything you need to get started with your puppy. Dry dog food, wet food, and a pack of tasty little treats.
Sample Buyer Review
— Amy Campbell
Read Here : Best Dog Food for Colitis
Have a questions? Ask in the comments below
7. Hills Perfect Weight
Best Low Fat Pick
Weight loss and maintenance can be tricky to stay on top of, and finding the perfect food is the key to success with pet weight. It contains an excellent 23% protein to keep them healthy and full of energy, alongside 11% of fat.
The ash levels are very low at 5%, and it is able to provide long-lasting weight support, as well as ensure lean muscle is kept strong and healthy. It’s also made with probiotic to keep digestion strong and healthy.
- Key Ingredients: Wheat, maize gluten meal, maize, chicken and turkey meal, pea bran meal
- Texture: Dry Dog Food
- Type: Low fat
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Dieting and weight loss
Should You Buy it?
Yes, it is a fantastic dog food that is packed with nutrition and perfectly suited to pets who need to lose a few pounds and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Sample Buyer Review
— Doris Poar
8. AATU Free Run Chicken
Best Pick for Pregnant Dogs
The key thing with pregnant dogs is that they need a diet that’s high in protein. The good news with AATU is that you will find an exceptional 32% of it in every serving.
The fat content is 16%, which is ideal for the higher calorie intake that expectant mothers need for themselves and their pups. The ash content is one of the lowest out there at 3%, and the ingredients are all exceptionally high-quality to give your dog something delicious and packed with nutrients.
- Key Ingredients: Chicken, sweet potatoes, chickpeas, peas, salmon oil
- Texture: Dry Dog Food
- Type: High protein
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Pregnant dogs
Should You Buy it?
Yes, this dog food is exceptional. While we have listed this one as the best for pregnant dogs (which it is), it is also ideal for any pup that wants a healthy diet with an excellent level of protein.
Sample Buyer Review
— Rachel Hurford
9. James Wellbeloved
Best Large Breed Pick
Large breed dogs need bigger chunks of kibble and different nutrients than smaller ones, which is where this fantastic dog food from James Wellbeloved comes in. It has excellent protein content at 23% for plenty of energy.
The fat content is a little high at 15%, and the ash at 7%, but these are nicely balanced since large breeds tend to need the added calories. Additionally, it is completely hypoallergenic and packed with omega 3 for a healthy and shiny coat.
- Key Ingredients: Rice, turkey meat meal, oats, turkey fat, whole linseed
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Grain free
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Large breed
Should You Buy it?
Yes, this is great dog food with fantastic protein content to keep your dogs feeling happy and healthy. Large breeds with benefit from the added nutrients, and the large kibble is easy for them to eat.
Sample Buyer Review
— Rodger Meachem
Have a questions? Ask in the comments below
10. Eukanuba
Best Small Breed Pick
Backed by Crufts, this is one of the leading dog food brands in the UK and perfect for small breeds of dog. It has 28% protein and 18% fat, which is fantastic and helps active dogs keep their energy up and ensures they are getting enough calories to stay fit.
The ash content is wonderfully low at 3%, and this means there is more room for good nutrients to be squeezed in. It is also loaded with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to ensure a healthy coat, eyes, and joints.
As an added bonus, the kibble is specially shaped to help clean teeth while they eat for good breath and healthy gums.
- Key Ingredients: Dried chicken and turkey, fresh chicken, maize, wheat, poultry fat
- Texture: Dry
- Type: Active dogs
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable For: Small breeds
Should You Buy it?
Yes, this is a brilliant dog food, and one that your dog is sure to love. Not only is it full of good nutrients, but even the shape has been carefully considered with regards to their oral health.
Sample Buyer Review
— Tina
FAQs
Is Grain Free Dog Food Important?
Yes, grain free dog food can be very important. An increasing number of dogs are suffering from intolerances and grains are one of the most common causes of this. Grains can cause bloating, flatulence, and an upset stomach.
Read Here : Best Natural Dog Food Guide
What if My Dog is a Picky Eater?
If your dog is a picky eater, trialling a new food is the best option. Buy the smallest bags, or get sample packs, and slowly change their diet until you find something that they enjoy.
The most important thing here is that you don’t cave and feed them a diet of treats or human food. Instead, contact your vet to see what can be done – especially if they start losing weight.
Should I feed My Dog Wet or Dry Food?
This is a popular topic – which one should you feed your dog? Both are great, but with wet food, you need to be careful that you balance their diets.
If you only feed them wet food it can cause bad breath, but also makes their teeth weak and more prone to complications that will cause them to fall out or be removed. Balancing wet and dry means that they get the meaty chunks they love, as well as hearty kibble for their physical and oral health.
What Age Should I Switch My Dog’s Food?
The ideal age to switch your dog’s food from puppy to adult is one year old. If you are changing from adult to senior, this can be a little difficult.
Large breeds have shorter lifespans, which means they are considered mature, or senior, at 5 or 6. Smaller breeds do not have to switch until they are 7.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best dog foods is a big decision, and you might need to sample a few different types before you find one that your dog is happy with. That’s why we have selected a huge range for you to look through, each of which has its own unique traits that might benefit your dog.
It’s impossible to choose just one of these as the best dog food brands, especially when you factor things like budget into the mix.
However, we can say that you can’t go wrong with brands like Lily’s Kitchen and Barking Heads – each of which offers fantastic nutrition and a range of dog food that your dogs are sure to devour. Plus, both of these come at a great price.
What did you think of our guide to the best dog food UK? Did you find something that your dog absolutely loves, or are you still searching for their dinner? We love hearing from you, so leave us a message in the comments below.
For over a decade, Adrienne has been a freelance content writer and blogger who’s passion lies in anything related to dogs. Growing up, dogs were a very important part of family life in the Hardwick household. Now, Adrienne is the proud parent to two Swedish Vallhunds called Moose and Pumpkin.