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Pedigree dog food has been a staple in many pet owners' households for decades. It's a well-known brand that's often recommended by veterinarians and pet owners alike.
One of the main reasons Pedigree is a popular choice is its affordability. According to our research, a 30-pound bag of Pedigree dog food can cost anywhere from $20 to $50, making it a budget-friendly option for pet owners.
However, some pet owners have raised concerns about the quality of Pedigree's ingredients. In our article, we discuss how Pedigree uses a combination of meat by-products and fillers in their recipes, which may not be ideal for all dogs.
Despite these concerns, Pedigree has made efforts to improve the quality of their ingredients in recent years. They now offer a range of recipes that are designed to meet the nutritional needs of dogs at different life stages, from puppies to seniors.
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Is Pedigree Good?
Pedigree's dry dog foods are considered very high risk due to their ultra-processed nature and high levels of carbohydrates.
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The canned dog foods, on the other hand, score a bit better, but still have several concerns, including excessive added vitamins and minerals, plant protein, sugar, and unnamed animal proteins.
Some Pedigree recipes contain 2 or more added amino acids, which is a sign of lower animal protein and often, more plant protein. This is a concern because it may indicate that the food is not providing the nutritional benefits that your dog needs.
The company doesn't specify whether the fish products used are farmed or wild caught, which is a problem because farmed fish is less nutritious than wild caught fish.
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Is Good?
Pedigree's dry dog foods are considered very high risk due to their ultra-processed nature and high levels of carbohydrates.
The company's use of excessive added vitamins and minerals in their recipes is a concern, as is the inclusion of plant protein, sugar, unnamed animal proteins, and seed oils.
Some recipes contain 2 or more added amino acids, which is a sign of foods with lower animal protein and often, more plant protein.
Using ingredients known to have high pesticide/herbicide residues, GMO ingredients, synthetic preservatives, rice, natural flavor, and artificial colors or dyes is also a red flag.
The canned foods have similar concerns, including excessive added vitamins and minerals, more than 2 amino acids in some recipes, plant protein, unnamed protein, and sugar.
Ingredients like fruit are listed after salt in the dry recipes, making them appear in minimal amounts that don't provide any nutritional benefit.
Ingredient splitting is also a concern, as it can make more desirable animal protein ingredients appear higher on the list.
The company doesn't specify whether the fish products used are farmed or wild caught, which can affect the nutritional value of the food.
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Evaluation Criteria
To determine if Pedigree is a good dog food, we need to evaluate it based on specific criteria. We've developed a system to assess dog foods, and it's centered around two key factors.
The first criterion is nutritional value, which is crucial for a dog's overall health and well-being. A good dog food should provide a balanced mix of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
We also evaluate dog foods based on their price and affordability, as this is a significant factor for many pet owners.
Pros
Pedigree is a well-established dog food brand with a long history of producing high-quality food for dogs.
The brand offers a range of formulas to cater to different life stages and dietary needs, including growth, maintenance, and senior formulas.
Pedigree dog food is made with high-quality protein sources such as chicken, beef, and lamb.
One of the significant advantages of Pedigree is its affordability, making it a popular choice for many dog owners.
The brand is also known for its commitment to animal welfare and has implemented several initiatives to improve the lives of dogs in shelters and rescue centers.
Pedigree dog food contains essential vitamins and minerals that support a dog's overall health and well-being.
Nutritional Profile
Pedigree Puppy Food is designed to cater to the holistic needs of growing puppies. High-quality protein sources, such as chicken meal, support muscle development and provide necessary amino acids.
The inclusion of omega fatty acids promotes a glossy coat and healthy skin. Antioxidants bolster the immune system.
The dietary fiber from beet pulp ensures optimal digestive function. This helps maintain a balanced body weight through all life stages.
Pedigree Puppy Food contains 27% protein, which is essential for muscle development and overall health. This percentage is significantly higher than the 9% protein found in some adult Pedigree recipes.
The fat content in Pedigree Puppy Food is relatively low at 11%. This is good news for puppy owners who want to prevent excessive weight gain.
Quality and Safety
Pedigree takes quality assurance seriously, carefully selecting ingredients from trusted suppliers and employing a rigorous testing protocol to ensure the nutritional integrity and safety of their puppy food.
Each batch of Pedigree Puppy Food undergoes extensive analysis to guarantee it's free from harmful pathogens and contaminants, safeguarding your puppy's health.
The brand's commitment to transparency means pet owners have access to detailed information about the sourcing and processing of the ingredients used in their products.
Pedigree's manufacturing process reflects this commitment, with state-of-the-art facilities and strict hygiene and safety standards to prevent cross-contamination.
Despite this, Pedigree has had its share of recalls, including a voluntary recall in 2014 due to possible foreign material, a potential choking risk in 2012, and a recall in 2008 due to potential salmonella contamination.
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Recalls
Pedigree has had a number of recalls in the past, which raises concerns about the quality and safety of their products.
One recall was due to a potential choking risk in 2012, which is a serious issue for pet owners who want to feed their dogs a safe and healthy food.
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In 2008, Pedigree issued a recall due to potential salmonella contamination, which can be life-threatening to dogs.
Another recall occurred in 2014 due to the possible presence of foreign material, which is a risk factor for digestive issues in dogs.
These recalls highlight the importance of checking for product recalls before feeding your dog a new food.
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Quality Assurance
Quality Assurance is a top priority for Pedigree, and it starts with carefully selecting ingredients from trusted suppliers who adhere to strict quality control measures.
Each batch of Pedigree Puppy Food undergoes extensive analysis to ensure it's free from harmful pathogens and contaminants, safeguarding your puppy's health.
The brand's commitment to transparency means that pet owners have access to detailed information about the sourcing and processing of the ingredients used in their products.
State-of-the-art facilities are used to produce each bag of Pedigree Puppy Food, following strict hygiene and safety standards to prevent cross-contamination.
Pedigree's rigorous testing protocol guarantees the nutritional integrity and safety of their puppy food, ensuring consistent nutritional value and taste in every serving.
The protein content in Pedigree Puppy Food is a notable 9%, while fat content is around 7%, and fiber content is a relatively low 1.5%.
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Cost and Availability
Pedigree dog food can be a cost-effective option, with prices starting at around $20 for a 15-pound bag.
The cost of Pedigree dog food can vary depending on the specific product and location, but it's generally priced lower than many other premium dog food brands.
Some pet owners may find Pedigree's affordability appealing, especially for larger dogs or households with multiple pets.
Cost
Pedigree Puppy Food is priced between $18 to $35 for various bag sizes, reflecting the quality of ingredients and the brand's commitment to accessible pet nutrition.
The price range can vary based on the retailer and location, but Pedigree remains committed to providing value through its nutritional offerings.
In fact, Pedigree Wet Dog Food is priced below the average market price for dog food, with a price per oz of $0.25, compared to the market average of $0.41.
This translates to a significant savings of 39% compared to the market average price per oz.
Here's a breakdown of the price comparison:
Local Pet Stores
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Local pet stores offer a personalized shopping experience, which is a great advantage for pet owners. They have immediate availability of products like Pedigree Puppy Food.
Staff members at local pet stores are usually well-informed and can provide personalized recommendations based on your puppy's specific needs. This level of expertise is invaluable when choosing the right food for your pet.
By shopping at local pet stores, you're also supporting local businesses, which is a great way to contribute to your community. This is a win-win situation for everyone involved.
Here are some benefits of shopping at local pet stores:
- Personalized shopping experience
- Immediate availability
- Support for local businesses
Puppy Price Comparison
When shopping for puppy food, it's essential to compare prices to find the best value. Pedigree Dry Puppy Food is priced below the average market price for dog food.
The price comparison is quite striking, with Pedigree Dry Puppy Food averaging $1.43 per pound, which is a whopping -63% compared to the market average of $3.84 per pound.
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Breaking it down further, we see that Pedigree Dry Puppy Food costs $0.09 per 100 kcal, a significant -60% decrease from the market average of $0.23 per 100 kcal.
To put this into perspective, if you're feeding your puppy 100 kcal per day, you'd save around $0.14 per day with Pedigree Dry Puppy Food compared to the market average. This adds up to a substantial -64% decrease in daily costs.
Here's a quick price comparison summary:
Dry
Dry food can be a convenient option for dog owners, but it's essential to choose a high-quality brand. Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition is rated a D, which may indicate some concerns about its nutritional value.
Some Pedigree dry food products, like Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Roasted Lamb, have a slightly better rating of D-, suggesting they might be a better option. However, it's crucial to consider other factors beyond the quality rating.
The nutritional content of Pedigree dry food is another aspect to consider. According to the data, Pedigree's dry dog food has a protein content of 25.32%, which is lower than the market average of 30.01%. This could be a concern for some dog owners.
Here's a summary of the nutritional content of Pedigree dry dog food:
Health and Benefits
Pedigree Puppy Food is meticulously formulated to provide puppies with the essential nutrients crucial for their healthy growth and development.
The food boasts a rich blend of high-quality proteins, vitamins, minerals, and other vital ingredients that play a pivotal role in fortifying a puppy's immune system, enhancing their resilience to common health challenges.
This nutritional foundation contributes to the promotion of strong bones and teeth, a facet that's particularly important during a puppy's formative months.
Health Benefits
Pedigree Puppy Food is meticulously formulated to provide puppies with the essential nutrients crucial for their healthy growth and development.
This nutritional foundation can enhance a puppy's resilience to common health challenges, helping them embark on a healthy journey into adulthood.
Pedigree Puppy Food actively contributes to the promotion of strong bones and teeth, a facet that's particularly important during a puppy's formative months.
Young pups have maintained excellent dental health, allowing them to savor life to the fullest without discomfort.
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The food's thoughtfully balanced composition aids in helping puppies maintain an ideal body weight, setting the stage for a lifetime of vitality.
The inclusion of DHA, a crucial omega-3 fatty acid, supports brain and vision health, something that's essential for a puppy's early development stages.
The presence of omega-6 fatty acids in this formula is instrumental in maintaining healthy skin and a glossy coat.
Puppies enjoy the taste of this food, which is equally important to ensure they're eager at meal times.
The kibble size is designed to encourage proper chewing, aiding in dental health from an early age.
Pedigree Puppy Dry Food's comprehensive nutritional profile addresses the multifaceted needs of developing dogs, making it a staple recommendation for many pet parents.
Weight Management Difficult
Keeping your furry friend at a healthy weight can be a challenge, especially with Pedigree foods. Many owners have reported that their dogs tend to gain weight due to the high indigestible carbohydrate content.
This can lead to a range of health problems, including obesity and related conditions. You may need to adjust how much you feed your dog in different seasons to ensure they're staying at a healthy weight.
In warmer months, dogs may require fewer calories to maintain their weight, while in colder months, they may need more calories to stay warm. Be sure to monitor your dog's weight and adjust their food intake accordingly.
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Reviews
Reviews of Pedigree dog food are mixed, but many owners praise its affordability and availability.
Some owners report that Pedigree has helped improve their dog's coat health and shine.
However, others note that the kibbles can be quite dry and may not be as palatable to their dogs as other brands.
One study found that Pedigree contains an average of 25% more protein than some other affordable dog foods, which may help support muscle health.
Many owners also appreciate that Pedigree is widely available in stores and online, making it easy to purchase.
Despite some drawbacks, many owners swear by Pedigree and report that their dogs do well on the food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do vets recommend pedigree dog food?
Yes, some veterinarians recommend Pedigree dog food due to its perceived good quality. However, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best food for your dog's specific needs.
How does pedigree rank as a dog food?
Pedigree dog food earns 1 star due to its use of poultry by-product and meat and bone meals as main protein sources. Learn more about the pros and cons of this popular dog food brand.
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