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HOW DOES YOUR DOG FOOD RATE: PEDIGREE DOG FOOD (DRY)
Pedigree Dog Food (Dry)
(original source: The Dog Food Advisor)
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆
Pedigree Dog Food receives the Advisor’s lowest rating of 1 star.
The Pedigree product line includes 11 dry dog foods.
Each recipe below includes its related AAFCO nutrient profile when available on the product’s official webpage: Growth, Maintenance, All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.
Important: Because many websites do not reliably specify which Growth or All Life Stages recipes are safe for large breed puppies, we do not include that data in this report. Be sure to check actual packaging for that information.
- Pedigree High Protein with Red Meat [M]
- Pedigree Puppy Growth and Protection [U]
- Pedigree Active Senior Complete Nutrition [M]
- Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Grilled Steak and Vegetable Flavor [M]
- Pedigree Small Dog Complete Nutrition Grilled Steak and Vegetable Flavor [M]
- Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Roasted Lamb, Rice and Vegetable Flavor [M]
- Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Roasted Chicken, Rice and Vegetable Flavor [M]
- Pedigree Small Dog Complete Nutrition Grilled Salmon, Rice and Vegetable Flavor [M]
- Pedigree Healthy Weight Complete Nutrition Roasted Chicken and Vegetable Flavor [M]
- Pedigree Big Dogs Complete Nutrition Roasted Chicken, Rice and Vegetable Flavor [M]
- Pedigree Small Dog Complete Nutrition Roasted Chicken, Rice and Vegetable Flavor [M]
Pedigree Big Dogs Complete Nutrition Roasted Chicken, Rice and Vegetable Flavor was selected to represent the other products in the line for this review.
Pedigree Big Dogs Complete Nutrition Roasted Chicken, Rice and Vegetable Flavor
Dry Dog Food -Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
- Protein 010024
- Fat 010013
- Carbs 010056
Ingredients: Ground whole grain corn, meat and bone meal (source of calcium), corn gluten meal, animal fat (source of omega 6 [preserved with BHA & citric acid]), soybean meal, natural flavor, chicken by-product meal, dried plain beet pulp, ground whole grain wheat, salt, potassium chloride, brewers rice, choline chloride, dried peas, calcium carbonate, zinc sulfate, dl-methionine, vitamin E supplement, niacin [vitamin B3], biotin, dried carrots, l-tryptophan, BHA & citric acid (a preservative), blue 2, yellow 5, yellow 6, d-calcium pantothenate [source of vitamin B5], riboflavin supplement [vitamin B2], red 40, pyridoxine hydrochloride [vitamin B6], copper sulfate, sodium selenite, potassium iodide, vitamin A supplement, thiamine mononitrate [vitamin B1], vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 4.5%
Red items indicate controversial ingredients
Estimated Nutrient Content
| Method | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guaranteed Analysis | 21% | 11% | NA |
| Dry Matter Basis | 24% | 13% | 56% |
| Calorie Weighted Basis | 22% | 28% | 51% |
| Calorie Weighted Basis | 21.8% | 27.7% | 50.5% |
| Nutrient Type | % Composition |
|---|---|
| Protein | 22 |
| Fat | 28 |
| Carbs | 51 |
The first ingredient in this dog food is corn. Corn is an inexpensive and controversial cereal grain. And aside from its energy content, this grain is of only modest nutritional value to a dog. For this reason, we do not consider corn a preferred component in any dog food.
The second ingredient is meat and bone meal, a dry “rendered product from mammal tissues, including bone, exclusive of any added blood, hair, hoof, horn, hide trimmings, manure, stomach and rumen contents”.1
Meat and bone meal can have a lower digestibility than most other meat meals.
Scientists believe this decreased absorption may be due to the ingredient’s higher ash and lower essential amino acid content.2
What’s worse, this particular item is anonymous. So, the meat itself can come from any combination of cattle, pigs, sheep or goats — which can make identifying specific food allergens impossible.
Even though meat and bone meals are still considered protein-rich meat concentrates, we do not consider a generic ingredient like this to be a quality item.
The third ingredient is corn gluten meal. Gluten is the rubbery residue remaining once corn has had most of its starchy carbohydrate washed out of it.
Although corn gluten meal contains 60% protein, this ingredient would be expected to have a lower biological value than meat.
And less costly plant-based products like this can notably boost the total protein reported on the label — a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.
The fourth ingredient is animal fat. Animal fat is a generic by-product of rendering, the same high-temperature process used to make meat meals.
Since there’s no mention of a specific animal, this item could come from almost anywhere: roadkill, spoiled supermarket meat, dead, diseased or dying cattle — even euthanized pets.
For this reason, we do not consider generic animal fat a quality ingredient.
What’s worse, this fat is preserved with BHA, a suspected cancer-causing agent.
The fifth ingredient is soybean meal, a by-product of soybean oil production more commonly found in farm animal feeds.
Although soybean meal contains 48% protein, this ingredient would be expected to have a lower biological value than meat.
And less costly plant-based products like this can notably boost the total protein reported on the label — a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.
After the natural flavor, we find chicken by-product meal, a dry rendered product of slaughterhouse waste. It’s made from what’s left of a slaughtered chicken after all the choice cuts have been removed.
In addition to organs, this item can also include feet, beaks, undeveloped eggs and almost anything other than prime skeletal muscle.
On the brighter side, by-product meals are meat concentrates and contain nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken.
The quality of this ingredient can vary, depending on the caliber of the raw materials obtained by the manufacturer.
The eighth ingredient is beet pulp. Beet pulp is a controversial ingredient, a high fiber by-product of sugar beet processing.
Some denounce beet pulp as an inexpensive filler while others cite its outstanding intestinal health and blood sugar benefits.
We only call your attention here to the controversy and believe the inclusion of beet pulp in reasonable amounts in most dog foods is entirely acceptable.
The ninth ingredient is wheat. Wheat is another cereal grain and subject to the same issues as corn (previously discussed).
From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.
But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this product.
With six notable exceptions…
First, we find brewers rice. Brewers rice is a cereal grain by-product consisting of the small fragments left over after milling whole rice. Aside from the caloric energy it contains, this item is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.
Next, dried peas are a good source of carbohydrates. Plus they’re naturally rich in dietary fiber.
However, dried peas contain about 27% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the meat content of this dog food.
In addition, we find no mention of probiotics, friendly bacteria applied to the surface of the kibble after processing to help with digestion.
Next, the minerals listed here do not appear to be chelated. And that can make them more difficult to absorb. Non-chelated minerals are usually associated with lower quality dog foods.
Additionally, we’re always disappointed to find artificial coloringin any pet food. That’s because coloring is used to make the product more appealing to humans — not your dog. After all, do you really think your dog cares what color his food is?
And lastly, this food is preserved with BHA, a suspected cancer-causing agent.
Pedigree Dog Food - The Bottom Line
Judging by its ingredients alone, Pedigree Dog Food looks like a below-average dry product. But ingredient quality by itself cannot tell the whole story. We still need to estimate the product’s meat content before determining a final rating.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 24%, a fat level of 13% and estimated carbohydrates of about 56%.
As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 25% and a mean fat level of 12%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 55% for the overall product line.
And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
Below-average protein. Below-average fat. And above-average carbs when compared to a typical dry dog food.
When you consider the protein-boosting effect of the corn gluten meal, soybean meal and dried peas, this looks like the profile of a kibble containing just a modest amount of meat.
Bottom line?
Pedigree is a plant-based dry dog food using a modest amount of poultry by-product or meat and bone meals as its main sources of animal protein, thus earning the brand 1 star.
Not recommended.
Please note certain recipes are sometimes given a higher or lower rating based upon our estimate of their total meat content and (when appropriate) their fat-to-protein ratios.
A Final Word
The descriptions and analyses expressed in this and every article on this website represent the views and opinions of the author of Dog Food Advisor.
Each review is offered in good faith and has been designed to help you make a more informed decision when buying dog food.
However, due to the biological uniqueness of every animal, none of our ratings are intended to suggest feeding a particular product will result in a specific dietary response or health benefit for your pet.
For a better understanding of how we analyze each product, please read our article, “The Problem with Dog Food Reviews“.
Remember, no dog food can possibly be appropriate for every life stage, lifestyle or health condition. So, choose wisely. And when in doubt, consult a qualified veterinary professional for help.
How to keep your dog busy when the weather outside isn't cooperative
Dangers Posed to Pets at Christmas Time
Summertime means outdoor adventures for you and your furry friend. But lurking in those tall grasses is a tiny, yet potentially dangerous threat: grass seeds. These seemingly harmless little things can cause a world of trouble for your dog if not caught and removed promptly. How Grass Seeds Can Harm Your Dog Grass seeds are designed to stick, and they do just that to your dog's fur, paws, and even ears. Once embedded, they can cause a range of problems: Skin irritation: Grass seeds can cause redness, itching, and discomfort when lodged in your dog's fur or between their toes. Infection: If a grass seed penetrates the skin, it can carry bacteria, leading to painful and swollen infections. Serious complications: In rare but severe cases, grass seeds can migrate to other parts of the body, causing internal damage. Signs to Watch For Be on the lookout for these signs that your dog may have a grass seed problem: Excessive licking or chewing of paws Head shaking or tilting Pawing at the face Redness or swelling around the eyes or ears Discharge from the eyes or ears Lethargy or loss of appetite Preventing and Removing Grass Seeds Prevention is key to keeping your dog safe from grass seeds: Avoid walking your dog in tall grass, especially during dry weather when seeds are more likely to spread. Regularly check your dog's fur, ears, and paws for any signs of grass seeds. Trim the hair around your dog's paws and ears to reduce the risk of seeds getting caught. If you find a grass seed, try to remove it carefully with tweezers. If you can't easily remove the seed or if the area is red, swollen, or painful, contact your vet immediately. When to See a Vet It's important to seek professional help if: You can't remove the grass seed yourself. Your dog is showing signs of pain or discomfort. There's evidence of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus. You suspect the grass seed has migrated to another part of the body. By taking precautions and being aware of the risks, you can help protect your furry friend from the dangers of grass seeds and ensure they enjoy a happy and healthy summer. Do you have any other questions about grass seeds or dog care?
A Guide to Dog Dental Care
Summer is a time for adventure, and what better way to experience the great outdoors than with your furry companion by your side? Hiking and camping trips are a fantastic way to bond with your dog, but venturing into flea and tick territory requires some extra preparation. Here's how to keep your pup safe and pest-free on your next outdoor adventure: Flea and Tick Prevention is Key Talk to your vet : Before you hit the trails, discuss flea and tick prevention with your veterinarian. They can recommend the best product for your dog based on their age, breed, and lifestyle. There are several options available, including topical medications, oral chews, and collars. Apply prevention medication : Follow the instructions on your chosen flea and tick preventative carefully. Be sure to apply it well in advance of your trip, according to the product label. Year-round protection : Many flea and tick medications offer year-round protection. This is important, even if you don't plan on spending a lot of time outdoors, as fleas and ticks can also be a problem indoors. Tick Check Time Daily examinations : Get into the habit of checking your dog for ticks every day, especially after spending time outdoors. Focus on areas like the ears, paws, armpits, and groin where ticks like to hide. Tick removal : If you find a tick on your dog, remove it promptly with a tick removal tool. Never try to pull it out with your fingers, as this can leave the mouthparts embedded in the skin. Be aware of tick-borne diseases : Lyme disease is a common concern in many areas. Talk to your vet about the risks in your area and whether a Lyme disease vaccination is recommended for your dog. Camping Considerations Choose your campsite wisely: Ticks are more prevalent in tall grass and wooded areas. If possible, set up camp in a clear, grassy area. Create a tick-free zone: Treat the campsite perimeter with an EPA-approved insect repellent safe for use around pets. Hiking Happy Trails Stick to the path : Stay on designated trails to avoid tall grass and brush where ticks are more likely to be hiding. Leave no trace: Clean up after your dog and dispose of waste properly. This helps to protect the environment and wildlife. Water, water, water: Just like you, your dog will need plenty of water to stay hydrated on a hike. Bring a portable water bowl and take frequent breaks to allow your dog to drink. By following these simple tips, you and your dog can enjoy a safe and happy adventure in the great outdoors. Remember, preparation is key! With a little planning and preventative measures, you can keep your furry friend safe from pesky fleas, ticks, and other outdoor hazards.
Beat the Heat with Pawsome Homemade Frozen Dog Treats!
We all want our furry best friends to thrive, and a big part of that is ensuring they get the right fuel for their amazing bodies. But with shelves overflowing with dog food options, deciphering labels and picking the perfect protein and nutrition content can feel like cracking a doggy Da Vinci code. Fear not, fellow pet parents! This post will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the dog food aisle with confidence. Protein Power: Age Matters: Puppies are growing machines, so they need more protein (around 29%) than adult dogs (18-25%). Senior pups may also benefit from a slight protein bump to support muscle mass. Activity Level: The energetic athlete in your life? They likely burn through protein faster than a couch potato pup. Look for higher protein content (up to 30%) in active or working dog food. Source Matters: Just like for us, protein quality is key. Animal-based proteins like chicken, beef, or fish are generally more digestible and provide essential amino acids for your dog's growth and well-being. Beyond the Protein: Protein is a vital piece of the puzzle, but it's not the whole picture. Here's a quick rundown of other important nutrients: Fats: Provide energy and support healthy skin and fur. Look for balanced levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Carbohydrates: Fuel your dog's body and brain. Complex carbs are preferable to simple ones. Vitamins and Minerals: These micronutrients keep your dog's bodily functions running smoothly. Decoding the Label: The AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) guidelines ensure dog food meets minimum nutritional requirements. Here's what to watch for on the label: Guaranteed Analysis: This section lists the minimum percentages of protein, fat, fiber, and moisture in the food. First Ingredient: This should ideally be a named protein source, like chicken or salmon. Aesthetics: Avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Remember: Consult Your Vet: They can recommend a food based on your dog's individual needs and any health concerns. Read Reviews: See what other pet parents have to say about different brands. Start Slow: When switching foods, gradually introduce the new one over a week to avoid tummy tr oubles. By understanding your dog's unique needs and wielding your newfound label-reading skills, you can choose a dog food that fuels their tail wags and keeps them happy and healthy for years to come. Remember, a happy pup makes a happy home! If you're still not sure, we are always willing to provide a FREE pet food consultation to help you find the right fit for your pet.
Spring has sprung! As the days get warmer and we spend more time outdoors with our furry friends, it's the perfect time to revamp their grooming routine. Shedding season is in full swing, and our pups need a little extra TLC to keep them looking and feeling their best. Here are some tips, tricks, and essentials to transform your dog from winter wooly bear to a sprightly spring pup! Brushing Bonanza: Brush, brush, brush! This is the golden rule of spring grooming. Regular brushing removes loose fur, prevents matting, and distributes natural oils for a healthy coat. Choose the right brush: Short-haired breeds might benefit from a bristle brush, while long-haired pups need an undercoat rake to remove that hidden fluff. Make it a bonding experience: Turn brushing into a pampering session. Use a gentle touch and positive reinforcement with treats or praise. Bath Time Bliss: Spring clean that fur! A bath can help remove winter grime, allergens, and that "doggy odor." But be gentle! Frequent baths can strip away natural oils. Use a dog-friendly shampoo: Skip human shampoos, which can irritate your pup's skin. Opt for a gentle, dog-specific formula. Rinse thoroughly: Leaving shampoo residue can cause itchiness. Rinse, rinse, rinse! Paw and Nose Care: Pawsitively essential! Spring means more walks and hikes, so check your dog's paws regularly for cracks, cuts, or debris. Keep paw pads moisturized with a dog-safe balm. Sniffing out dryness: Cold winter winds can leave your dog's nose dry and cracked. Apply a little petroleum jelly (safe for dogs!) to keep their nose happy and healthy. Bonus Tips: Fight the fleas and ticks: Spring is prime time for these pests. Talk to your vet about flea and tick prevention medication. Freshen up their breath: Dental hygiene is important! Ask your vet about dog-safe dental chews or sprays to keep their breath minty fresh. Spring Grooming Essentials: High-quality brush or comb suitable for your dog's coat type Gentle dog shampoo and conditioner Dog-safe ear cleaner (optional) Nail clippers (optional, consult your vet if unsure) Dog-safe paw balm Flea and tick prevention medication (consult your vet) With a little extra effort, your dog will be looking and feeling their best this spring! Remember, grooming is a great opportunity to bond with your furry friend. So crank up the tunes, grab your favorite brush, and get ready for a spaw day your pup will love!
What to do to help protect your pets and avoid flea and tick infestations.
Ah, winter. A time for cozy nights by the fire, hot cocoa, and... bundled-up dog walks? While snow angels and frosty adventures can be exciting for our canine companions, the season also brings unique challenges for their furry well-being. So, how exactly does winter affect our four-legged friends? Let's explore both the wags and woes:
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