Is Pedigree a Good Dog Food?

Pedigree is one of the most recognized dog food brands worldwide. It is affordable, widely available, and marketed as a balanced diet for dogs of all life stages. However, many pet owners question whether Pedigree is truly a healthy choice for their furry friends. In this blog, we will analyze the ingredients, nutritional value, pros and cons, expert opinions, and possible alternatives to determine if Pedigree is a good dog food.

Written byBarbara PerezBarbara Perez

Clock12 min read

Understanding Pedigree Dog Food

Pedigree is owned by Mars Petcare, one of the largest pet food manufacturers in the world. The brand offers a variety of formulas, including:

  • Dry Dog Food (for puppies, adults, and senior dogs)
  • Wet Canned Food (available in different flavors and textures)
  • Specialty Diets (like weight management and oral care)

Pedigree is commonly found in grocery stores, making it an accessible option for dog owners. But does accessibility mean quality? Let’s dive into its ingredients and nutritional value.

In This Article

  • Key Ingredients in Pedigree Dog Food
  • Customer Reviews
  • Nutritional Breakdown
  • Pros of Feeding Your Dog Pedigree
  • Cons of Pedigree Dog Food
  • Is Pedigree Safe for All Dogs?
  • Key Takeaways
  • FAQs
Key Ingredients in Pedigree Dog Food

Key Ingredients in Pedigree Dog Food

Pedigree’s ingredient list includes:

  • Chicken or Meat By-Products – A source of protein, but lower quality than whole meats.
  • Corn, Wheat, and Soy – Common fillers that provide carbohydrates but may not be suitable for dogs with allergies.
  • Animal Fat and Bone Meal – Used for energy and flavor but may lack premium nutritional value.
  • Artificial Colors and Preservatives – Ingredients like BHA and artificial dyes, which some pet owners prefer to avoid.
Customer Reviews

Customer Reviews

When evaluating whether Pedigree is a good dog food, it's essential to consider real customer experiences and expert insights. 

Below are dog owner reviews on Pedigree’s quality:

Lisa M. – "Great for my rescue dogs!"
"I’ve been feeding my two rescue dogs Pedigree for over three years, and they’ve done great on it! Their coats are shiny, their energy levels are good, and they never turn their noses up at mealtime. For the price, I think it’s a solid choice."

Jake R. – "Affordable, and my dog loves it!"
"My Labrador, Max, is a picky eater, but he devours Pedigree! It’s easy on my wallet and keeps him satisfied. No digestive issues so far, so I’m sticking with it."

Emma T. – "Caused allergies in my dog."
"I switched to Pedigree to save money, but within weeks, my Golden Retriever started itching non-stop. The vet said it could be the corn and fillers in the food. I had to switch to a grain-free option."

David S. – "Too many fillers, not enough nutrition."
"I wanted a budget-friendly food for my German Shepherd, but I noticed he was always hungry even after eating. After reading the ingredients, I realized it’s packed with fillers and lacks real meat protein. I switched to a higher-quality brand, and he seems much healthier."

Sophia L. – "Upset my dog’s stomach."
"My Beagle, Daisy, had constant diarrhea after switching to Pedigree. I thought she’d adjust, but after a month, I had to stop feeding it to her. She’s much better on a different brand."

Nutritional Breakdown

Nutritional Breakdown

Pedigree meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards, meaning it provides the minimum nutrients dogs need. However, the protein content (18-22%) is lower than that of premium dog food brands, which often contain 30% or more protein from high-quality meat sources.

Pros of Feeding Your Dog Pedigree

Pros of Feeding Your Dog Pedigree

If you're considering Pedigree for your furry friend, several advantages make it a popular choice among dog owners.

  • Affordable and Budget-Friendly – Compared to premium brands, Pedigree is much more cost-effective.
  • Easily Available – Found in grocery stores, pet shops, and online retailers worldwide.
  • Different Formulas for Different Dogs – Offers puppy, adult, senior, and breed-specific formulas.
  • Contains Essential Nutrients – Provides vitamins and minerals for overall health.
Cons of Pedigree Dog Food

Cons of Pedigree Dog Food

Despite its affordability and convenience, Pedigree does have some concerns that may impact your dog's long-term health.

  • Use of Fillers and By-Products – Less meat-based protein and more plant-based fillers, which may not be ideal for active dogs.
  • Artificial Additives – Contains preservatives and artificial colors that some pet owners prefer to avoid.
  • Potential Allergies and Digestive Issues – Some dogs may develop sensitivities to grains and by-products.
  • Lower Protein Content – Compared to high-quality brands, Pedigree has a lower percentage of animal-based protein.
Is Pedigree Safe for All Dogs?

Is Pedigree Safe for All Dogs?

Pedigree may be suitable for:

  • Dogs with no dietary restrictions who can tolerate grains and fillers.
  • Owners looking for a budget-friendly option with complete and balanced nutrition.
  • Less active or senior dogs who do not require high protein levels.

Pedigree may not be ideal for:

  • Dogs with grain allergies or sensitive stomachs.
  • Highly active dogs or working breeds that need more protein.
  • Pet owners looking for premium, all-natural ingredients.

Key Takeaways

Budget-Friendly & Widely Available – Pedigree is an affordable dog food brand found in most grocery stores and pet shops.

Meets Basic Nutritional Standards – It provides essential nutrients and meets AAFCO guidelines but lacks premium-quality ingredients.

Contains Fillers & By-Products – Uses corn, wheat, soy, and meat by-products instead of high-quality protein sources.

Artificial Additives Present – Includes artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors that some pet owners prefer to avoid.

Not Ideal for All Dogs – May not suit dogs with grain allergies, sensitive stomachs, or high-protein dietary needs.

Better Alternatives Exist – Brands like Blue Buffalo, Purina Pro Plan, and Taste of the Wild offer higher-quality ingredients and better protein sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pedigree dog food good for all breeds?

Does Pedigree help with a dog’s coat and skin health?

Barbara Perez
Written by

Barbara Perez

Barbara Perez is the Lead Pet Expert and an avid animal advocate at ThePetWorld.org, bringing over a decade of experience in pet care, training, and animal welfare. With a deep passion for improving the lives of pets and their owners, Barbara combines expert knowledge with a heartfelt commitment to educating and empowering pet lovers everywhere. Whether it's through her insightful articles or hands-on advice, she is dedicated to fostering a stronger bond between humans and their furry companions, one wagging tail at a time.

Was this article helpful?

ThePetWorld.org  is dedicated to offering information and education about pets but does not offer veterinary advice. Our content should not be considered as an alternative to professional veterinary consultation.

2025 ThePetWorld.orgAll Rights Reserved

DMCA

Promoted and managed by Skyscrapers