For your beloved best friend, only the best dog food brands should suffice. After all, at Take a Break Pets, keeping our pooches happy is of paramount importance. And – when you’ve got another mouth to feed, you want to ensure you’re providing essential nutrition at a decent price. For many of us, dog food has become rather expensive, and perhaps, it’s time to gradually move your furry friend onto something else. Before you add to your basket, it’s worth being well-informed on your dog’s dietary needs…
Despite not being known as particularly fussy animals, dogs still require a complete diet, full of vitamins and minerals to aid growth. In the UK, our pets are spoiled for choice, with many dog food brands paving their way to make nutritious chow accessible. Whether wet or dry dog food, your pooch’s meals need to be full of meat and vegetables. So, which brand of dog food is best? You'll find out our thoughts below...
Best dog food brands at a glance:
• Best overall dog food brand: Royal Canin
• Best dog food brand for dry food: Pooch + Mutt
• Best dog food brand for wet food: Lily’s Kitchen
• Budget-friendly dog food brand: Harringtons
Further, picking the right type of food for your dog is essential for its health and wellbeing. Luckily, many companies provide your pooch with allergy-sensitive or hypoallergenic dog food, to save your precious mutt from having any flare-ups or a dodgy tummy. This being said, your pooch may have preferences. Though you won’t face as many rejections as you would with a cat, finding the right food for your dog may take some work. And – we’re here to hold your paw. Some dogs may tuck into wet food with gusto, but turn their nose up at anything dry. Don’t get disheartened.
Some sage advice for new dog owners: gradually reintroduce any new food, to avoid any upsets. So, if you’re looking for senior dog food for your grouchy pooch, or something high-protein to put a pep in your pup’s step, we’ve found the dog food brands to support you. On a budget? No problem. We’ve made sure to pick some affordable dog food brands that work with vets or scientists, with your pooch’s health in mind, as well as premium brands for spoiling your dog.
Best dog food brands 2024
Royal Canin
Royal Canin has earned its place in the top spot, due to its continued dedication to delivering nutrition, specifically “tailored to the health needs” of dogs and puppies. This is regardless of their size, breed or lifestyle – and the personalised nutrition Royal Canin provides makes it an excellent choice. The brand’s high-quality and reliable recipes are developed with the support of veterinary expertise, designed to cater to all dogs. You can grab it at most pet stores – including Pets at Home.
You can grab breed-specific recipes from Royal Canin, as well as recipes made for dogs with specific dietary requirements, like this doggie weight-loss recipe:
Best overall dog food brand
www.petsathome.com
Help your pooch get their weight down while making sure they're full and satisfied with this Royal Canin Veterinary Health Nutrition Satiety dry food. It's full of natural fibres to help reduce begging in between meals and has a medium protein content (30 per cent) to help your hound maintain muscle mass.
Our review: "As we all know, Labradors are notoriously greedy when it comes to food and because of this our black lab, Barney, had begun to pile on the pounds. We'd tried extra walks, reducing, and changing food to get his weight down but nothing had worked. He then needed to lose a significant amount of weight to be able to have surgery and that's when our vet recommended this Royal Canin food. We introduced it slowly at first with his regular food before switching completely to it within a month. After a few months, Barney had lost the 12kg he needed to, was able to have his surgery and had a spring back in his step once more. The packaging has a really handy chart on it to show the amount of food your dog needs in relation to their ideal weight, so you know exactly how much your pooch needs.”
Pros
- Boasts quick results
- Contains natural fibres
- Aids muscle strength
Cons
- Lists rice and wheat as top ingredients
- Not grain-free pooch chow
Pooch & Mutt
As for Pooch & Mutt, we love their mission. They’re leading the way in healthy pet food, to align your pooch’s mind and body. With the power of nutrition, they’re helping many pet owners look after their beloved pets, with no hassle or worries. They’re healthy, transparent and aim to help pooch parents make better choices for their pets. Take a Break love Pooch & Mutt, as their enhanced series of meals, treats and supplements taste amazing and give our dogs a well-needed boost.
Keep your petite pooch happy with this dry food for small dogs:
Best dog food brand for dry food
www.poochandmutt.co.uk
The Pooch & Mutt Small Dog Complete Superfood is great for any tiny breed, providing the highest nutritional value from natural ingredients. With high meat content, containing chicken and plenty of vegetables as well as superfoods like turmeric, this dry dog food will benefit your super-cute and tiny pup as it grows up[ (not any bigger, though).
Our review: "I feed my dachshund a mixture of wet and dry food and Pooch & Mutt Grain-Free Small Dog Complete Superfood is the only one I have found that she doesn't turn her nose up at. I would definitely say she grazes on her dry food throughout the day, but it doesn't take her long to polish it off. Considering it is just one flavour, it must be super yummy. I love the fact that Pooch & Mutt's food is junk-free, packed full of vitamins and minerals that she may not get in her wet food and is hypoallergenic and gentle on her tummy. Given that she's a small breed, the kibble is just the right size for her little mouth. Can't wait to try her on more of Pooch & Mutt's fantastic range."
Pros
- Hypoallergenic and antioxidant-rich
- Anti-inflammatory and grain-free
- Small kibble for tiny mouths
Cons
- None we can think of!
Butternut Box
Butternut Box is the UK’s home for fresh dog food delivery. They deliver freshly prepared, perfectly portioned meals directly to your door, which you have control over. Super flexible, you can pause or cancel at any time. Your pooch’s Butternut Box is based on their individual needs (such as breed, eating habits, lifestyle, and age). Start with a trial box and a plan can be tweaked to suit your pooch. With high meat content and recyclable packaging, this B-Corp is one of our favourite picks.
Why not treat your dog with a Butternut Box? Read our full Butternut Box review to find out more about this doggy diet plan.
Best dog food brand for all life stages
butternutbox.com
Butternut Box is a leading subscription brand, whose fresh recipes are made from human-quality meat and vegetables, gently cooked to create the right balance of vitamins and minerals for your dog. As part of the service, you have to give them information about your dog's breed, calorie needs, age and lifestyle. Butternut Box dog food is classed as 'All Life Stages' which means it's appropriate food to feed your puppy as they develop. Just let them know their age and weight as they grow.
Our review: "I signed up to Butternut Box when my miniature dachshund Waffle, who was about 9 months old at the time, started to turn her nose up at the dry Royal Canin kibble that I had been feeding her since she was a little puppy. Even though she did graze on her kibble, I knew she needed more and she was a little underweight so I knew she needed something different, especially as she would gulp down every single type of human food we gave her. With that in mind, I tried a few wet foods, but she didn't touch them either. My friend then recommended Butternut Box (they tend to offer codes to new customers) so I got a discount on her first order. Getting the delivery was honestly so exciting, she even got a little bandana and welcome pack! The pack then suggested warming her new food up a little in the microwave to make it smell exciting and she gulped it down and has done ever since. I've never seen her wag her tail so much and her coat is so smooth and shiny, there is no doubt in my mind that she isn't getting everything she needs in her food. I would say it is pricey, though, and if I owned a larger dog, I would definitely struggle to afford it. It currently costs me about £44 a month."
Pros
- No nasties whatsoever
- Can be personalised to your dog
- Customer service is great
Cons
- Need freezer space
James Wellbeloved
James Wellbeloved is a brand that truly cares about the well-being of our beloved pets, recognising “all the joy, generosity and love they bring, without ever saying a word.” With this understanding, James Wellbeloved dedicates themselves to crafting recipes that not only cater to pets' taste preferences but also minimize food reactions and ensure a balanced and complete diet. Their recipes are free from any nasties and full of nutrients, designed to help cats and dogs thrive.
This brand is well-known for its grain-free dog food range...
Best dog food brand for value
Next, we have James Wellbeloved Grain-Free Dry Adult Food, which is packed full of goodies for your pooch. These include Yucca Extract for less smelly poos and Linseed which is a great source of Omega 3. Not only will your pup's stomach be settled, but its skin and coat will glow. Made with high-source turkey, you can't go wrong.
Customer review: "We have been giving our dog this food for over a year now and he has been fit and well. Tried a lot of alternatives but he had an upset stomach from the other types of food. As a rescue dog, we had no idea about his diet before we got him. This bag (10kg) lasts us a little over a month. (Our dog weighs 21.90kg) Our dog loves the Turkey and Vegetable bag. I'm sure if he could speak (or type) he would tell you that he really enjoys it. We also take it out with us to help train him when he meets other dogs and it has worked really well. Great food, good results."
Pros
- Contains a balanced blend of dietary fibres
- Omega 3 and 6 oils promote healthy skin and coat
- Support for the immune system and gut health
Cons
- No variation in flavour
Lily's Kitchen
From an ordinary kitchen, came Lily’s Kitchen. Now, it has risen to become a prominent pet food brand in the UK: “We’re on a mission to change the way pets eat." As a B-Corp, they collaborate with nutritionists to create delectable recipes using wholesome and environmentally friendly ingredients. Their dedication to pet health and happiness drives their belief in the significance of a balanced, nutritious diet, with the aim of influencing the industry to forgo fillers and choose goodness.
We adore this comforting selection pack:
Best dog food brand for wet food
www.lilyskitchen.co.uk
The Lily's Kitchen Classic Wet Dog Food Selection will have your dog's mouth-watering, with recipes such as Slow-cooked Lamb Hotpot, Cottage Pie and Chicken and Turkey Casserole. Did you know you can Subscribe and Save with Lily's Kitchen? It's super easy to set up, saves you money and means you'll never forget to buy dog food again.
Customer Review: "I have been using Lily's for my gorgeous dog for about 9 years. The choice of foods is amazing, so innovative - he has never had digestive issues, has a lovely shiny coat and loves his food! The site is great, easy to use and delivery is prompt. I love it - it has a caring feel."
Pros
- A great variety of different flavours
- Full of organic fruit and vegetables
- Contains essential vitamins, minerals and herbs
Cons
- Hard to buy in bulk
Harringtons
If you're on a budget, consider Harringtons, a budget-friendly option available at Pets at Home, Amazon, and Tesco. Hailing from Yorkshire, Harringtons has "a strong affinity for all that’s natural” when it comes to giving our furry friends some chow. With this, they strongly believe that high-quality and natural pet food should be accessible (and affordable) for all. Even better, Harringtons has a commitment to sustainability and gives back to the community.
High on quality, low on price, we couldn't ask for more...
Best budget-friendly dog food brand
www.petsathome.com
Consider, the Harringtons Grain Free Meaty Selection. It consists of sixteen tasty tray-cooked dinners to help your dog live its best life. Providing them with a healthy diet - using natural, healthy ingredients - Harringtons makes fabulously tasty food. This pack is grain-free, has no nasties and is packed with added vitamins and minerals for a complete meal.
Customer review: "My dog loves this food, seems to be well made and she loves the taste, never takes her long to devour it."
Pros
- All natural ingredients
- A complete food
- Rich in meat protein
Cons
- This food is formulated without grain but is processed on a line handling grain so it may not be completely clear of traces
Tails.com
In 2013, Tails.com was founded to address the confusion surrounding pet food choices. With a group of experts, including vets, nutritionists, and engineers, the team creates personalized recipes for each dog, considering taste, allergies, age, and weight. The owner is in control, with no mystery ingredients or jargon—over a million combinations make up each recipe. Thousands of dogs have enjoyed millions of meals from Tails.com, receiving excellent reviews.
Ready to try it out for yourself? New customers can get 75% off their first box by using the code 75OFFFIRSTBOX. What a steal. For more insight, check out our full Tails.com review.
Best dog food brand subscription
tails.com
You'll get unique recipes delivered to your door based on what you tell them about your canine companion when you sign up for a tails.com subscription. With this customisable meal plan, you can keep your pooch happy.
Our review: "As Frankie is food driven, he'll eat almost anything, but it's clear that tails.com is on another level for him. Alaskan Malamutes are a vocal breed, so when they really love something, you'll know about it. Dinner time has now become an almighty song and dance. He leaps around the room, barking and howling at us until we're done dishing up, and he can dig in, wolfing it down in just a few minutes. He's never been this vocal about any previous food brands, so I know he loves it."
Pros
- Tailored recipes for your lucky pooch
- Discounts are available on the first order
- Your dog's recipe will adapt with age
- Easy to portion and find support
Cons
- Our reviewer felt portions could be a bit bigger
Pedigree
Next, Pedigree - a renowned dog food brand, stands out for its exceptional attributes in the pet food industry. For this brand, dogs are their way of life, which is why they're passionate about supporting rescue centres and providing cutting-edge nutrition for dogs of all breeds, and ages, nationwide. Plus, the prices are affordable to everyone. With over 80 years of experience, there's no surprise as to why you'd choose Pedigree. With a can of their trusty food, Pedigree guarantees that it is: "great quality, nutritious and tail-waggingly delicious."
Why not try this mixed meat selection?
Best dog food brand for popularity
The Pedigree Adult Wet Dog Food - Mixed Selection pouches come in a jelly mix and gravy mix, so there will be a version that your dog will love. Whether you opt for the gravy mix or the jelly mix that we've linked to, you'll be getting no nasties with this vet and nutritionist-developed recipe, plus it comes in a bumper value pack. Instead of tins, the food comes in easy-to-open pouches, with some dogs needing more than three a day.
Customer review: "Our pug will soon tell us whether the food we give her is any good and she absolutely loves Pedigree dog pouches. We have given her other brands which she has just walked away from. She has two pouches a day (morning and evening) mixed with a little dry food to aid her digestion. She does seem to thrive on this."
Pros
- Great for the price
- Contains no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives
- Pouches are easy to open
Cons
- The meat content is mid-range and not fresh
- Not many vegetables - add some in
Hill's Pet Nutrition
Hill’s Pet Nutrition is a go-to brand for specialised recipes, supporting dog health challenges. Committed to sustainability and pet welfare, their reliable, science-informed pet food is available on Amazon, Pets at Home, and ZooPlus. The founder often said: "Pet nutrition is vital to pets living long, healthy lives" - we couldn't agree more. Their recipes are high in nutrition and informed by science.
Hill's Science Plan caters for all breeds and life stages, such as this large breed puppy food:
Best dog food brand for health issues
www.petdrugsonline.co.uk
Give your playful pooch the best and see its tail start wagging. For large breed dogs under 18 months, healthy growth and development are important to make sure they get the best start in life. This delicious Hill's Science Plan Large Breed Dry Puppy Food provides high-quality protein for building lean muscles, DHA from fish oil for healthy brain and eye development, and balanced minerals for strong bones and teeth. Just as their powerful personality is developing, your dog's body needs the right building blocks to grow too, and Hill's Science gets our paw of approval.
Customer review: "Puppy loves this food - Helped her gain weight at a healthy pace and keeps her feeling fuller for longer - coat, skin, eyes and teeth all looking healthy after being on this food - Brilliant value for money considering Pets at Home charge £45 (ish) for this size. - Our older dog has now gone onto the adult (small dog version food) and he is loving it too."
Pros
- High-quality protein for building lean muscles
- Balanced minerals for strong teeth and bones
- Suitable for large breed puppies up to 18 months
Cons
- Requires plenty of room to store and keep fresh
- Maize is listed as the first ingredient
Wagg
Available at quite a few different retailers and supermarkets, Wagg is well-established as one of the UK’s favourite pet foods. They only put the best into their food and treats, so "you and your pets get the most out of them." In November 2020, Wagg became the first major pet food manufacturer to be certified Carbon Neutral. Not only does the brand give back to the planet, but they give back to the dogs who live there, too.
We recommend this dry food:
Best dog food brand to buy in bulk
Coming in rather a large pack size, the Wagg Complete Chicken and Rice Dry Food is a great option if you like to get ahead. It's a premium complete wheat-free, dry dog food containing chicken and rice - which makes it perfect for dogs with a tricky tummy. This blend also contains no added dairy, soya or artificial colours. Perfect. Perfect for supporting your pooch's digestion, immune support and overall health, we like Wagg's no-nonsense, no-nasties approach.
Customer review: "Great price for the size of the bag and the fact wheat free. Our dog loves it!"
Pros
- Aids digestion with a wheat-free, probiotic recipe
- No artificial flavours or colours in this food
- With added Vitamin E for immune support
Cons
- Mid-range protein content
Forthglade
For over five decades, the Devon-based company, Forthglade, has crafted premium, natural dog food. With 50+ years of expertise in pet nutrition, they've expanded to offer a diverse selection of nutritious wet and dry dog food, along with wholesome treats. No matter the size or breed of the lucky pooch, Forthglade has it covered, with high-quality, high-protein meals with up to 75% meat in each portion - perfect for dogs that love to run around and play.
According to them, this is their bestseller...
Best dog food brand for active dogs
forthglade.com
The Turkey, Chicken & Chicken With Liver Wet Dog Food - Variety Pack offers grain-free meals for your dog, promoting balanced nutrition and gentle digestion. Free from artificial additives, it features three hypoallergenic recipes: chicken, turkey, and chicken with liver & vegetables: natural goodness for even sensitive tummies.
Customer review: "Really good quality dog food - I’ve said it has 5* taste - I can’t really say it tastes delicious but my dog definitely does think it’s the best!"
Pros
- An amazing (and natural) source of protein and amino acids
- Hypoallergenic, grain-free and complete dog food recipe
- Free from fillers, artificial colours, flavours and preservatives
Cons
- May not suit dogs who are allergic to chicken - seek another
Edgard and Cooper
Edgard and Cooper may be a newer company, but they are thriving: serving healthy pet food in 13 countries. Now offering cat food by demand, this B-Corp pet food brand focuses on sustainability and supports animal charities globally. Designed by experts, their recipes offer natural nutrition. Luckily for your pooch, many of their recipes are hypoallergenic, grain-free and organic - perfect for a pooch that needs a little extra support in their chow.
We've chosen their Venison and Duck recipe...
Best dog food brand for organic meals
www.petsandfriends.co.uk
Edgard & Cooper’s Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, featuring Fresh Venison and Free-Run Duck, is made exclusively from fresh meat. A mix of proteins, fruits, and veggies provides a complete diet for adult dogs. Ideal as a standalone meal or combined feeding, this dry recipe comes in 100% biodegradable packaging - a planet-friendly choice.
Pros
- Packed in 100% earth-friendly, biodegradable packaging
- Irresistibly meaty, high in protein and antioxidants
- Hypoallergenic recipe, with prebiotics - perfect for tummies
Cons
- Some dogs may not get on well with duck
Best dog food brands FAQs
Which brand dog food is best?
We thank all dog food brands for ensuring our mutt's bellies are full of healthy, nutritious chow. Those with high protein are helping our dogs live long, healthy lives, with shiny and glossy fur, not to mention a calm tummy. So, our top choice is Royal Canin, for its wide range of recipes, which is tailored to your dog's specific needs.
What brand of dog food do most vets recommend? All of the above are vet-recommended and approved.
What brand of dog food do most vets recommend?
All of the dog food brands on our list come recommended by vets so it will all depend on your dog's needs as to which brand of food your vet may tell you to consider. When choosing any dog food brand, vets will say to look for recipes that contain a high percentage of meat and protein and a no/a low amount of fillers to make sure your pup is getting the goodness they need. Read on for more advice on how to choose the best dog food brand.
How to choose the best dog food brand
As a dog owner, selecting the best dog food can be overwhelming with the abundance of options available. With new dog food brands emerging each year, the decision-making process can be daunting. However, Lily's Kitchen has some valuable advice to help you choose the ideal dog food for your furry companion.
Understand your dog's nutritional needs
A balanced diet for your doggie will contain “all the key nutrients in the correct proportions to allow your dog to be active and healthy,” says Lily’s Kitchen. However, they add that this will depend on factors such as age, state of health and level of activity. That being said, the main elements of their diet stay the same: protein, fats, carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins, minerals and water.
Lily’s Kitchen refers to these as the “building blocks”, playing a vital role in maintenance and repair, ensuring your pooch is physically – and mentally – healthy. After all, food is fuel – and it’ll keep them active and happy. For clarity on what's best for your pooch, speak to your vet or have a look around for a breed-specific guide on our site.
Know that meat and fish content matter
Good dog food brands will contain proper meat. Try and ignore 'derivatives' as much as you can. High-protein recipes are a great choice. Plus, they allow for “firmer poop that’s easier to pick up.” Unlike carnivorous cats, our dogs are omnivores by nature. Therefore, protein-rich recipes are essential to aid growth and repair.
However, there should be more to a diet than just meaty goodness...
Learn how to read dog food labels
From meat to vegetables to botanicals and beyond, a complete, balanced diet for your pooch will help in its development. Look for ingredients you “recognise and value” says Lily’s Kitchen, such as named, fresh meats, a good balance of omega 3 and 6, fatty acids and full of nutrients. Joints are supported by chondroitin and glucosamine, which can be found in joint support supplements.
Know what to food to avoid
After looking at what you should look for from your dog's favourite chow, consider what should be kept away from your dog's bowl. Wholegrains can be beneficial to your pooch's digestion, however, there are hypoallergenic and grain-free recipes if your pooch is a little sensitive. Choose a brand that avoids your dog's allergens.
Avoid food with artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives. They're not helping your pooch in the slightest. The more natural tasting, the better. Plus, foods with excessive fillers like corn, wheat, or soy, offer little nutritional value.
Are expensive brands worth the money?
As a responsible dog owner, you understand the importance of providing your furry friend with a special diet if they are experiencing health issues. Opting for a vet-approved recipe with the right nutrients is essential, but it doesn't have to break the bank.
For dogs, a high meat content is crucial, as they are omnivores. Avoid vegetarian or vegan dog diets and choose complete brands that offer fresh, nutritious, and total protein. Dry food is generally more affordable and may benefit dental health, while wet recipes are ideal for senior dogs. It's totally your call.
Consider brands like Lily's Kitchen with 65 per cent meat content. Or mid-range options like James Wellbeloved that are complete and balanced. Beware of unhealthy fillers used by some brands, which can lead to digestion issues. Investing a bit more in high-quality food can prevent long-term health issues and reduce vet bills in the future, ensuring your loyal companion stays healthy and happy.
Piper Huxley is a Homes, Garden and Wellness Product Writer for Take a Break, specialising in pet health. When she’s not barking about dog supplements, she’s online devouring cat content.