Trying to decipher the ingredients on your bag of dog food is a bit of a minefield. Some of the ingredients can be very vague and it’s easy to understand the reluctance of some manufacturers to come clean about the ingredients when you consider some of the products they use.
Dog owners often feel confused by the vast array of different dry dog foods on the market and are often swayed by clever marketing campaigns. That’s no slight on the owners – it just proves that the manufacturers are marketing their product well and having us believe that it really is the best we can do for our dogs.
There is a good range of holistic pet foods on the market nowadays – foods that do use quality ingredients and are honest about the ingredients used in their foods.
I have tried to list some of the quality foods that are available on the market at the moment. Obviously, my list is not exhaustive and there may be some foods that I have omitted. From each manufacturer, I have taken the ingredients and analysis from a typical adult Chicken/turkey based dried food. You will find however, that there are many other flavours of food, as well as foods for puppies, seniors, fussy eaters, sensitive dogs, etc. Do have a look at the respective websites for further information on their products.
I have also added prices, delivery charges and some details as to where to purchase the products. However, I advise that you look around other sites to see if there are more competitive prices.
Most of these companies are more than happy to send you some free samples. Where possible, I’ve put the contact details for samples, but if there are no contact details, either e-mail or phone the relevant company and ask if they would send out some samples. They are all normally very obliging.
You can gain further information on holistic feeding from The Campaign for Real Pet Food (http://www.crpf.org.uk/)
Arden GrangeAverage cost: 15kg bag - £31.99 with free delivery from 2.5kg bag - £7.79 see http://www.vital-group.co.uk/retailers/ for a local retailer.
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What they say:
The entire Arden Grange range uses only the highest quality ingredients, is hypoallergenic and contains no artificial colourings, flavourings or preservatives. The products represent wholesome ingredients, superior nutrition, excellent palatability and visible results in the condition of the animal. Arden Grange are opposed to animal testing. Our guarantee, together with our company policy, affirms we have not and never will fund any invasive research projects conducted in relation to the development or refinement of pet foods manufactured or sold by our company. Nor would we be party to any act that could be deemed harmful or injurious to animals. From now on, our Arden Grange “Not Tested on Animals Guarantee” logo below will be prominently displayed on all our packaging and marketing materials. |
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Ingredients: Chicken Meal (min 27%) Preserved with mixed tocopherols and rosemary extract. |
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Analysis: Protein |
25% |
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AutarkyAverage cost: 15kg bag - £21.95 with free delivery from http://store.chudleys.com/products/autarky-adult 2.5kg bag - £4.90
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What they say: Autarky products are manufactured using a fixed recipe which ensures quality and consistency in every batch. Only contain raw materials which are sourced from non-genetically modified origins, using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. Only contain the parts of the chicken carcass which are nutritionally beneficial to the animal; for instance, no feathers are included. All chicken used in Autarky recipes is of human grade. Contain a blend of mixed tocopherols, vitamin C and rosemary extract, natural antioxidants which help to maintain the stability of the food. Are made in the UK in a dedicated medication-free pet food plant, controlled under ISO and HACCP systems. ISO All Autarky products are manufactured in accordance with the rules of the quality assurance scheme ISO 9001:2000. The procedures followed ensure traceability of each ingredient, in some cases back to the field in which it was grown, essential when requiring the highest quality ingredients. In addition, ISO 9001:2000 ensures all daily routines have the strictest of quality control systems, from the delivery of raw ingredients through the computer controlled blending of those raw ingredients, the extrusion process which cooks the raw ingredients, to the laboratory that tests every cooked batch, before giving authorisation for the food to be bagged and palletised. |
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Ingredients: Maize With EC permitted antioxidants: mixed tocopherols vitamin c and rosemary extract. |
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Analysis: Protein |
22% |
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Barking Headshttp://www.barkingheads.co.uk/for-dogs/ Average cost: 12kg bag - £33.29 with free delivery from http://www.k9capers.com/shop/products.asp?cat=441 2kg bag - £6.99 see http://www.barkingheads.co.uk/links-to-our-friends.html for an online stockist or http://www.barkingheads.co.uk/index.php?page=modules/stockist/search_stockist to search for a local stockist
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What they say: The serious bit - our range of deliciously yummy natural dog foods. We believe when creating a food, the very best pet food, you can only use the very best ingredients and bundles of them! We do not add any flavour enhancers, colourings, chemical additives, preservatives or use any GM products and that's a promise! We don't allow it in our kid’s foods so why should our dogs be any different! Take a look for yourself, and then let your best friend show you the difference.
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Ingredients: Fresh British Chicken (min 26%) |
Analysis: Protein |
24% |
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| Preserved naturally with natural antioxidants (mixed tocopherols) | |||
Burn’sAverage cost: 15kg bag - £39.75 with free delivery from 2.5kg bag - £7.33 see http://www.burnspet.co.uk/dog/stockist.asp for local stockist
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What they say: Burns Real Food is hypo-allergenic. This means it contains no dairy products, wheat, soya or beef. These are the ingredients which may cause some food allergies in pets, bringing digestive tract, skin, coat and other problems. It is also suitable for use where holistic veterinary treatment is being used in the nutritional management of disease. Whether you have a puppy or an adult dog, there is plenty of choice in the Burns Real Food range - developed for excellent health in dog of all ages, including seniors. Get a sample of Burns Real Food by calling FreePhone 0800 018 1890. Nutritional Advice FreePhone 0800 083 66 96. |
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Analysis: Protein |
18.5% |
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Ingredients: Brown Rice (min 63%) |
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Europahttp://www.europa-pet-food.co.uk/ Average cost: 15kg bag - £36.25 free delivery only on orders over 30kg from
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What they say: Europa Super Premium dog foods are all made in the UK, and the whole range has the accreditation from the BUAV under their “Not Tested on Animals” scheme. Hypo allergenic and containing only the finest ingredients, each naturally preserved lifestage formula provides highly digestible optimum nutrition which is free of wheat or wheat gluten, soya and dairy products, while balanced Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, and a natural prebiotic help each Europa dog stay fit and healthy.
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Analysis: Protein |
19% |
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Ingredients: Rice (46%) |
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Fish4DogsAverage cost: 12kg bag - £37.95 with free delivery from http://www.bowmeows.co.uk/index.asp?category=fish 1.5kg bag - £6.25 plus £2.50 delivery from http://www.fish4dogs.com/Products/Fish-Complete-4-Dogs.aspx or http://www.fish4dogs.com/stockists/Find-Stockists.aspx to find a local stockist
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What they say: We eat well, why shouldn't our pets? We believe the better food we feed our pets the healthier they will be. Our food is all natural and lovingly made from the finest ingredients. That's why our range of premium food and treats is called 'Finest'! Fish4Dogs foods and treats are naturally high in Omega 3, 6 and 9. Trials have shown that simply switching to a Fish4Dogs complete diet with no wheat, high quality fish content, no additives or preservatives has improved dermatitis and general well-being in many dogs.
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Ingredients: Fresh Fish |
30.5% |
Analysis:
Protein |
26% |
Healthy PawsAverage cost: 15kg bag - £41.10 with £2.50 delivery from http://www.healthypaws.co.uk/shop/ 2kg bag - £6.85 with £4.99 delivery from http://www.petville.co.uk/healthy-dog-food.htm or http://healthypaws.co.uk/suppliers.php to find a local stockist
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What they say: The basis of our dog food is born out of an ideal to provide a natural, wholesome food and treat range to supplement a natural, holistic lifestyle for your dog. All of our food and dog biscuit products have been certified as a holistic product by the British Association of Holistic Nutrition and Medicine. Our food and treats are wholesome and nutritious and they provide a complete balance of all the essential minerals and vitamins your dog needs every day. Our natural dog food and treats are suitable for dogs suffering from skin allergies or food sensitivity as they contain no ingredients that are associated with causing such illnesses.
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Ingredients: Brown Rice |
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Analysis: Protein |
21% |
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Joe and Jack’shttp://www.joesnaturalpetstore.co.uk/Natural_Dry_Dog_Food/c20/index.html Average cost: 10kg bag - £25.92 with free delivery from 1kg bag - £3.12 with free delivery from http://www.joesnaturalpetstore.co.uk/Tasters_/Samples/c26/index.html
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What they say: I developed the Joe & Jack's range of natural foods after seeing the benefits that good quality, natural home-cooked recipes had for my dog Jack, and patients at the surgery. After perfecting the home-cooked recipes, I used these to create the Joe & Jack's range of complete meals, including natural dry foods and steam-cooked wet dinners. As a UK dog food supplier, all of my Joe & Jack's products are made in the UK, using local ingredients wherever possible, and are packed full of healthy natural ingredients - and absolutely no artificial additives. They are tasted - and approved - by my dog Jack and his friends, and never, ever tested on unwilling animals. My natural dry dog foods are the perfect complete diets for all adult dogs, young and old. We use nothing but top quality ingredients, and I've made sure the levels of protein and fat are perfectly balanced for dogs of all ages. Available in 2 varieties - fresh chicken and rice, and lamb and rice - Joe & Jack's natural dry foods are as tasty as they are healthy.
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Ingredients: White & Brown Rice (min 55%) |
Analysis: Crude Protein |
20% |
Luath Holistic Nutrition for DogsAverage cost: 15kg bag - £40.64 with free delivery for over 15kg from 2kg bag - £7.49 with £4 delivery or see http://www.landofholisticpets.co.uk/where_to_buy.htm for a local stockist
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What they say: We have 2 ranges of holistic dog food suitable for dogs of all ages which will improve the quality of your dog’s life. All our foods are free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives. No wheat, corn, soy, beef or pork in any of our diets. Suitable for dogs with eczema, itchy skin, excess shedding, hot spots, waxy ears, runny eyes, tooth tarter, bad breath, hyperactive, chewing feet, colitis, IBS, pancreanitis, epilepsy, overfull anal glands and many more health issues. To receive a sample, leaflets and a £5.00 OFF
voucher, please fill out the form:
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Ingredients: Brown Rice |
Analysis: Protein |
18.5% |
Luath Working and Sporting Dog FormulaAverage cost: 15kg bag - £34.58 with free delivery for over 15kg from
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What they say: Luath's Working & Sporting Dog Formula replaces the high energy diet for dogs and is Intended for working dogs with low to moderate energy requirements
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Ingredients: Brown Rice |
Analysis: Protein |
20% |
Natural Dog Food CompanyAverage cost: 15kg bag - £39.95 with £2.50 delivery charge from http://www.naturaldogfoodcompany.com/Adults-c-2.html
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What they say: We supply BAHNM certified holistic products which are manufactured according to a code of practice which we believe to be ethically and morally sound. We believe our products are better for the health of animals because we don’t compromise on principals of holistic nutrition, which, simply means that they mirror the natural requirements of the animal.
Call on 0800 848 8049 or e-mail sales@naturaldogfoodcompany.com for a sample
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Ingredients: Chicken Meat Meal (min 22%) |
Analysis: Crude protein |
20% |
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| The proteins, vitamins and minerals are all naturally occurring in the raw materials that we use and require no artificial additives. | |||
OrganipetsAverage cost: 12kg bag - £45.01 with free delivery from 2.5kg bag - £11.49 plus £3.95 delivery from
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What they say: OrganiPets is a founding member of the Campaign for Real Pet Food. We're working with other passionate individuals to promote honesty and openness about the ingredients that go into pet foods. Working together, and with your support, we can make a real difference – no more meat and animal derivatives, no more artificial additives - more real pet food! Specifically, we aim to:
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Ingredients: Organic fresh chicken (min 22%) With natural antioxidant vitamin E (tocopherol-rich extracts of natural origin) |
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Analysis: Protein Vitamin A |
28%
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OrijenAverage cost: 13.5kg bag - £46.95 with free delivery from http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/dogs/dry_dog_food/orijen 2.5kg bag - £12.95 with £2.90 delivery from
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What they say: ORIJEN's Biologically Appropriate concept is simple: include the fresh, whole foods that nature intended cats and dogs to eat, and exclude ingredients like cereal grains that your dog or cat is not evolved to eat. High-protein, low-carbohydrate and Grain-FREE, ORIJEN diets feature farm-fresh ingredients in a Biologically Appropriate ratio of 70 percent meat, 30 percent fruit and vegetables, and zero grain (70/30/0). Made with a diversity of fresh (but never frozen) meats - including free-range chicken and turkey, fresh whole eggs and wild-caught regional fish; ORIJEN's grain-free recipes match the evolutionary diets of dogs and cats and promote their peak physical well-being. Trial sizes are available to buy
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Ingredients: De-boned chicken Chicory root Iron proteinate Dried lactobacillus acidophilus Mixed tocopherols |
Analysis: Protein Botanical analysis Chicory root Vitamins Vitamin A Amino acids Taurine Minerals Sodium |
42.0%
700mg/kg
40kiu/kg
0.18mg/kg
0.25% |
Symplyhttp://www.symplypetfoods.co.uk Average cost: 15kg bag - £37.99 with free delivery from http://www.symplypetfoods.co.uk/Turkey-Rice 2kg bag - £8.99 with £2.95 delivery from http://www.symplypetfoods.co.uk/Turkey-Rice
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What they say: Symply pet food is formulated with one underlying philosophy behind it – performance first! Our quality ingredients are chosen for their nutritional value and benefits for your pet. At first look, Super Premium pet foods can seem more expensive than medium
or value brands. However, because of the high digestibility levels of
ingredients in Symply you actually feed less per day which has the
additional benefit of lower stool volume.
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Ingredients: Dried Turkey (min. 26%) |
Analysis: Protein |
22% |
I have based the following estimated daily feeding costs on a 20kg dog, feeding the recommended amount given by each manufacturer
| Arden Grange | 56p per day feeding 263g per day |
| Autarky | 27p per day feeding 185g per day |
| Barking Heads | 55p per day feeding 200g per day |
| Burns | 53p per day feeding 200g per day |
| Europa | 78p per day feeding 325g per day |
| Fish4Dogs | 79p per day feeding 250g per day |
| Healthy Paws | 68p per day feeding 250g per day |
| Joe and Jacks | 77p per day feeding 300g per day |
| Luath Holistic Dog Food | 54p per day feeding 200g per day |
| Luath Working Dog | 46p per day feeding 200g per day |
| Natural Dog Food Company | 53p per day feeding 200g per day |
| Organipets | 75p per day feeding 200g per day |
| Orijen | 96p per day feeding 275g per day |
| Symply | 38p per day feeding 150g per day |
Below, you will find the ingredients from two very well known brands of commercial dog food. These brands are marketed very well and many dog owners think that they are giving their dog the best possible nutrition - because of the marketing strategy by the manufacturers.
Chicken and vegetable
Cereals, Meat and animal derivatives (Minimum 4% fresh meat in the soft moist kernel, minimum 4% chicken in the red and brown kernels), Vegetable protein extracts, Oils and fats, Derivatives of vegetable origin (0.5% beet pulp in the red and brown kernels), Various sugars, Minerals, Vegetables (minimum 4% vegetables in the green and yellow kernels). With antioxidants, coloured with and preserved with EC additives.
Chicken and Rice with vegetables
Cereals (Min. 4% Rice, Min. 4% Maize), Meat and Animal Derivatives (Min. 4% Chicken), Oils and Fats (Min. 1% Sunflower Oil), Derivatives of Vegetable Origin, Vegetable Protein Extracts, Minerals, Seeds (Min. 4% Flaxseed), Vegetables (Min. 4% Carrots, Min. 4% Beans), Fruit (Min. 2% Apple).
If you compare the above ingredients to the recommended dry foods, you'll see the difference. Hardly anything in these ingredients is actually specified - they are full of vague terms such as "cereals", "derivitives", "oils", etc., etc. You actually do not know what you are feeding your dog on - and you possibly wouldn't want to know either.
For further information, have a look at the glossary of dog food ingredients and check each of them against it.