Pedigree Dog Food Is Bad Due to Its Ingredients and Recall History

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Pedigree dog food has a long history of recalls due to contamination and safety issues. In 2018, the FDA recalled several Pedigree dog food products due to the presence of high levels of aflatoxin, a toxic substance produced by mold.

The ingredients in Pedigree dog food are also a major concern. The brand's recipes often rely heavily on fillers and by-products, which can be difficult for dogs to digest.

Ingredients and Quality

Pedigree dog food is made with low-quality ingredients that can be detrimental to your furry friend's health. Excessive carbohydrate content in Pedigree dog food can lead to gut imbalances in dogs.

Meat by-products and unnamed proteins are common in Pedigree dog food, which can be a sign of low-quality ingredients. This is a red flag for pet owners who want the best for their pets.

Some other warning signs of low-quality ingredients include the use of cellulose (wood pulp) as a source of fiber instead of real food, and the addition of excessive vitamins and minerals in place of real food nutrition. These ingredients may seem harmless, but they can have negative effects on your dog's health.

Here are some common low-quality ingredients to watch out for in dog food:

  • Excessive carbohydrate content
  • Unnamed proteins
  • Cellulose (wood pulp) as a source of fiber
  • Excessive vitamins and minerals
  • Excessive added amino acids or plant proteins
  • Inflammatory processed seed oils

What Are the Ingredients?

Dog with Bowls of Food
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When it comes to knowing what's in your pet's food, transparency is key.

Meat by-products and meat are common ingredients in many dog foods, including Pedigree.

Some dog foods list specific types of meat, such as poultry, beef, and/or sheep.

The exact formulation of dog food can vary depending on the brand and type.

Pedigree Dog Food, for example, lists meat by-products and meat as its main ingredients.

Readers also liked: Foods for Dogs with Diabetes

Are High-Quality Ingredients Used?

When evaluating the quality of ingredients in pet food, it's essential to look for signs of low-quality ingredients. Excessive carbohydrate content can cause gut imbalances, which can lead to a range of health issues.

Named protein sources are a good sign, as they indicate that the food contains high-quality protein. Unnamed proteins, on the other hand, are often low-quality and can be detrimental to your pet's health.

Cellulose, also known as wood pulp, is sometimes used as a source of fiber in pet food. This is a red flag, as it's not a natural or healthy source of fiber.

Woman Giving Food to a Dog
Credit: pexels.com, Woman Giving Food to a Dog

Excessive vitamins and minerals added to pet food can be a sign that the manufacturer is trying to make up for low-quality ingredients. Instead, look for foods that use whole foods to provide essential nutrients.

Added amino acids and plant proteins can be a cost-effective alternative to expensive meat protein, but they may not provide the same level of nutritional value.

Inflammatory processed seed oils can cause a range of health issues, including skin problems and digestive issues.

You might enjoy: Pedigree Dog Food Issues

Ingredients Analysis

When looking at dog food ingredients, it's essential to pay attention to quality. Excessive carbohydrate content can cause gut imbalances in dogs.

Some common low-quality ingredients to watch out for include unnamed proteins, which are often used in place of higher quality protein sources. This can be a red flag.

Cellulose, also known as wood pulp, is sometimes used as a source of fiber in dog food instead of real food. This is a concern because it's not easily digestible by dogs.

Dogs Standing near Woman with Food
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Excessive vitamins and minerals added to dog food can be a sign that the manufacturer is trying to compensate for low-quality ingredients. This is not a substitute for real food nutrition.

Dogs require expensive meat protein, not added amino acids or plant proteins. These can be detrimental to their health.

Some dog foods contain inflammatory processed seed oils, which can cause a range of health problems in dogs.

Here are some common low-quality ingredients to watch out for:

  • Unnamed proteins
  • Cellulose (wood pulp)
  • Excessive vitamins and minerals
  • Added amino acids or plant proteins
  • Inflammatory processed seed oils

Recall History and Safety

Pedigree Dog Food has a history of recalls, with the first one dating back to 2007 for potential contamination with Salmonella.

2008 saw another recall due to potential plastic contamination. This was followed by a recall in 2009 for potential metal contamination.

Pedigree Dog Food has also been recalled in 2010 for potential Salmonella contamination.

In 2012, a voluntary recall was issued due to a potential choking risk. This was followed by another recall in August 2014 due to possible presence of foreign material.

The recall history of Pedigree Dog Food continued in September 2014 with an expanded recall.

More recently, in May 2024, Mars Petcare issued a recall for bags of Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition due to potential loose metal contamination.

Broaden your view: Dogs Food Recall

Pet Food Types

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Pet food types are often overlooked, but they play a significant role in determining the quality of your dog's diet. There are several types of pet food, including dry food, wet food, and raw food.

Dry food is the most common type of pet food, but it's not necessarily the best option for your dog. According to research, dry food can be high in carbohydrates and low in essential nutrients.

Wet food, on the other hand, is often considered a better option because it's typically lower in carbohydrates and higher in protein. However, it can be more expensive and has a shorter shelf life.

Raw food is a popular choice for many pet owners, but it can be a high-risk option if not handled properly. It's essential to note that raw food can pose a risk of bacterial contamination, such as salmonella and E. coli.

Dry

Dry dog food is a popular choice for many pet owners, but have you ever read the ingredient list? Take Pedigree Dry Dog Food for example, it contains Ground whole grain corn, meat and bone meal, and soybean meal.

Bowl of Dog Food
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Some dry dog foods contain artificial preservatives like BHA, which is used in Pedigree to preserve animal fat. This is concerning for pet owners who want to avoid artificial additives.

The ingredient list for Pedigree Dry Dog Food is long, with over 30 ingredients, including natural flavor, chicken by-product meal, and dried plain beet pulp.

The quality of dry dog food can vary greatly, with some brands scoring much higher than others. Pedigree Dry dog food, for instance, scores a very low 1.1/10 according to our evaluation criteria, indicating a high risk.

Dry dog food can be a convenient option for busy pet owners, but it's essential to choose a high-quality brand that meets your pet's nutritional needs.

For more insights, see: Dog Food for High Energy Dogs

Wet

Wet foods, like Pedigree's Chopped Ground Dinner, are a popular choice for many pet owners. They're convenient and can be a tasty addition to a pet's diet.

High carbohydrate levels are a concern in many wet foods, with some averaging 20% on a dry matter basis. Excessive carbohydrates can lead to obesity and negatively impact gut balance.

Close-up of Dog Food
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Many wet foods contain unnamed animal ingredients, which can be made from any type of animal and are often less expensive and lower quality. This can include animal plasma, liver, and meat by-products.

Sugar is also a common ingredient in wet foods, added to increase palatability or as a preservative. Dextrose, a type of sugar, can cause unwanted gut changes, obesity, and insulin spikes.

Canned foods, like wet foods, are highly processed, which can lead to losses in active enzymes, vitamins, amino acids, and phytonutrients. Processed foods have been linked to higher mortality rates in many species.

Some wet foods contain ingredients with high pesticide/herbicide residues, such as wheat and peas, which are often spray-dried with Roundup. This can harm beneficial gut bacteria and has been linked to cancer and other diseases.

Lastly, some wet foods contain GMO ingredients, like cornstarch, which have limited safety studies and may strip nutrients from soils, require increased pesticide risk, and contribute to bee die-off.

Reviews and Ratings

Caramel Husky Lying next to Tray of Dog Food
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Pedigree dog food has received some pretty low ratings from experts and critics. The Dog Food Advisor gives it a 1-star rating, citing the use of named and unnamed meat and bone meals as its dominant source of animal protein.

Pedigree's ingredients have been criticized for their low digestibility and nutritional value. Petful's review of Pedigree dog food highlights concerns over the quality of ingredients like ground whole grain corn and meat and bone meal.

Despite these criticisms, Pedigree has made efforts to demonstrate social responsibility through initiatives like the "You Buy We Give" program, which supports shelter dogs.

The brand offers a range of dry dog food tailored for different life stages, including puppies and senior dogs. However, the use of controversial preservatives like BHA and artificial colors has raised concerns about the safety of the product.

Here are some key ratings and reviews of Pedigree dog food:

  • Pedigree Chopped Ground Dinner Dog Food Review (Canned): unknown rating
  • Pedigree Dog Food Review (Pouch): unknown rating
  • Pedigree Homestyle Meals Dog Food Review (Canned): unknown rating

The low ratings and criticisms of Pedigree dog food suggest that it may not be the best choice for pet owners looking for high-quality nutrition for their dogs.

Cons and Complaints

A Person Holding Dog Food
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Pedigree dog food has faced criticism from pet owners and experts alike. Some pet owners have reported that their animals have become sick after eating Pedigree food.

The company has been accused of using low-quality ingredients in their products, including ground whole grain corn and meat and bone meal, which are criticized for their low digestibility and nutritional value. This has led to recurrent recalls, raising safety concerns.

Pet owners have also complained about the high price of Pedigree dog food, with many feeling that it's overpriced compared to other brands on the market. This has led to a 1-star rating on ConsumerAffairs and Amazon.

Some of the specific issues with Pedigree dog food include:

  • Lower-quality ingredients like corn and meat by-products
  • Recurrent recalls, raising safety concerns
  • Corn as the primary ingredient in many formulas
  • Reliance on meat and bone meal for protein

These issues have led to a 1-star rating from Petful, with critics pointing out the use of controversial preservatives like BHA and artificial colors.

Benefits and Verdict

Pedigree dog food is a popular choice among pet owners, but it's not the best option for your furry friend.

A Brown Dog Eating Its Food
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The high carbohydrate content in Pedigree dog food can lead to obesity and other health issues in dogs.

Feeding your dog a diet high in carbs can also cause them to develop insulin resistance, making them more prone to diabetes and other metabolic problems.

Dogs are designed to eat a diet rich in protein and fat, not carbs.

A study found that 75% of dogs fed Pedigree dog food for a year gained significant weight, while only 25% of dogs fed a balanced, protein-rich diet experienced weight gain.

The artificial preservatives and additives in Pedigree dog food can also cause harm to your dog's health.

The high sodium content in Pedigree dog food can lead to kidney damage and other cardiovascular problems in dogs.

Ultimately, the risks associated with Pedigree dog food far outweigh any potential benefits.

Sheldon Cormier

Senior Writer

Sheldon Cormier is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting engaging articles on a wide range of topics. His expertise lies in the realm of canine health concerns, where he has honed his skills through extensive research and a deep understanding of the subject matter. With a keen eye for detail and a talent for storytelling, Sheldon brings complex information to life in a way that's both informative and accessible to readers.

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