What are the cons of Pedigree
Pedigree Dog Food Review (2024)
Pedigree Dog Food, a well-known brand in the pet nutrition space, lists several key components as the foundation of its recipes. These ingredients include ground whole corn, animal fat, and beet pulp, alongside ground whole wheat, meat and bone meal, and chicken by-product meal. Additional elements such as vegetable oil, brewers rice, corn gluten meal, and an array of vitamins and minerals are also integral to the formulation, designed to meet the nutritional needs of dogs.
However, the inclusion of artificial colors and preservatives in Pedigree Dog Food raises concerns regarding its suitability for all pets, especially those with sensitive systems. The prominence of grain-based ingredients, such as corn and wheat, may also present challenges for dogs prone to food allergies or gluten sensitivities, potentially limiting the foods applicability to a broader canine demographic. With a protein content hovering around 22%, the food offers a standard level of protein that is typical for dry dog foods but may not meet the higher protein requirements of some dogs, particularly those with active lifestyles or specific dietary needs.
A detailed examination of Pedigree Dog Foods ingredient list brings to light some critical considerations for pet owners. The reliance on grains as primary ingredients, while economically efficient, might not align with the dietary preferences or health requirements of all dogs. Similarly, the use of artificial additives, while common in many pet foods, is increasingly becoming a point of contention among pet owners who prefer natural and wholesome diets for their companions.
Given these factors, it is essential for pet owners to evaluate Pedigree Dog Foods compatibility with their pets unique health profiles and dietary restrictions. While Pedigree offers a convenient and accessible option for many, the decision to choose this brand should be informed by a careful consideration of its ingredients and how they align with the nutritional philosophy and needs of each individual dog. As pet nutrition continues to evolve, the demand for transparency, quality, and adaptability in dog food ingredients becomes paramount in selecting the best diet for our furry family members.
Pedigree Dog FoodProduct Line
Pedigree, a prominent name in the world of pet nutrition, boasts an extensive selection of dog food that caters to the diverse needs and preferences of canine companions. Available for purchase online, the brand offers an impressive lineup of over 60 varieties of dry and wet dog food, ensuring that dog owners can find the perfect match for their furry friends dietary requirements. This wide range of options underlines Pedigrees commitment to providing comprehensive nutrition solutions for dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds.
Upon examining the ingredient lists across various Pedigree products, one might observe a pattern of similarity not only within the Pedigree brand but also among other dog food brands under the Mars umbrella. This resemblance in ingredient composition reflects a consistent approach to pet nutrition across the companys brand portfolio. While the variety of Pedigrees offerings is vast, the foundational ingredients used in many of their formulations tend to mirror each other, showcasing a uniform strategy in dietary formulation that Mars applies to its pet food products.
The extensive array of Pedigree dog foods, despite the ingredient similarities, is designed to meet specific nutritional needs and preferences. From specialized formulas aimed at supporting joint health, weight management, and digestive wellness to products tailored for puppies, adults, and senior dogs, Pedigree strives to address the unique nutritional demands of dogs at different life stages and with varying health considerations.
11 Varieties of Pedigree Dry Dog Food
53 Varieties of Pedigree Wet Dog Food
Pedigree Recall History
Over the past decade, Pedigree, like many pet food brands, has experienced a few recalls due to various concerns. Heres a summary of the notable recalls affecting Pedigree Dog Food within this timeframe:
- June 2012 Recall: Pedigree issued a voluntary recall for three varieties of their weight management canned dog food products due to potential choking hazards. The recall was initiated after reports of small pieces of blue plastic found in the food, which resulted from a manufacturing error.
- August 2014 Recall: This recall involved specific bags of Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition dry dog food sold in Dollar General stores across four U.S. states. The reason for the recall was the potential presence of metal fragments. Although no health issues were reported, the recall was a precautionary measure to prevent the risk of injury to pets.
Dog Food Network Score
Score: 3.5/10
Reasoning:
- Ingredient Quality:Pedigree often relies heavily on grain-based carbohydrates such as corn and wheat,which are less bioavailable sources of protein for dogs compared to high-quality meats.They also often utilize meat by-products and other less desirable protein sources.
- Recall History:Pedigrees recall history isnt terrible,but it does include potential contamination concerns on a few occasions,raising some flags compared to brands with cleaner records.
- Reviews:Pedigree gets very mixed reviews.Some consumers report their dogs enjoy it and seem to do well long-term.However,many criticize the ingredients and express concerns about its long-term impact on their pets health.
- Popularity:Pedigree is one of the best-selling dog food brands worldwide due to its widespread availability and low price point.
Why a 3.5 and Not Lower:
While I find Pedigree lacking in nutritional quality, certain factors justify it staying above a rock-bottom score:
- Affordability:Budget is a huge consideration for many pet owners and Pedigree delivers in that arena.
- Variety:Pedigree offers a massive range of wet and dry formulas,accommodating varied preferences and even some age-specific diets.
- Accessibility:You can find Pedigree virtually everywhere,making it convenient in an emergency situation.
Overall:
Pedigree serves a clear purpose in the market. Its popularity stems from its low price and availability. However, quality issues raise valid concerns when choosing a primary food source for your dog. If on a tight budget, Pedigree may not be the worst option, but pet owners who prioritize premium ingredients and long-term health may want to consider alternatives if feasible.
Pedigree Dog Food Review 2024: Recalls, Pros, and Cons
Our Final Verdict
We give Pedigree dog fooda rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars:
Introduction
The Pedigree brand of dog food probably doesnt need much introduction weve all seen these products on the shelves of our local supermarket or pet supply store. In fact, one of the major selling points of this brand is its availability and affordable price point.
As we all know, however, just because something is cheap and easy to find, that doesnt mean its the best option out there. While Pedigree dog food is an accessible option for owners on a budget, its far from the best dog food you could be feeding your canine companions. Between low-quality ingredients and an extensive recall history, it might be time to switch your dog to a more expensive brand. Before you do, though, heres what you need to know:
At a Glance: The Best Pedigree Dog Food Recipes:
The Pedigree brand offers a variety of dog food formulas, including wet food, dry food, and treats. As of our review, here are a few of the best dog food recipes offered by Pedigree:
Pedigree Dog Food Reviewed
Pedigree is an affordable, widely available brand of dog food that almost every pet owner has seen on their local pet store or supermarket shelves. While these formulas are a go-to option for dog owners on a strict budget, they might not be the best option for all (or even most) hungry canines.
Who makes Pedigree Dog Food and where is it produced?
The Pedigree brand is one of many dog food labels owned by Mars, Incorporated, which also owns popular human consumables like M&M candies, Snickers, and Milky Way. Dont worry, though the factories that make your favorite candy bars are not also making your dogs dinner!
While many Pedigree dog food formulas bear a Made in the U.S.A. label, its unclear if this applies to every dog food recipe manufactured by the brand. Since this information isnt readily available, we think its safe to say that not all Pedigree dog food formulas are made in the United States. If youre concerned about where your dogs food is manufactured, we suggest only purchasing Pedigree products that display the Made in the U.S.A. label.
Which Types of Dogs Is Pedigree Dog Food Best Suited For?
Overall, we recommend Pedigree dog food for pups in good health. In other words, these arent necessarily the best formulas for dogs with pre-existing health conditions, food allergies, and other concerns.
With that said, this brand is one of the most affordable dog food labels out there for a reason. If youre able to invest a little extra into your regular dog food budget, your four-legged companions might be better off with something of a bit higher quality.
While we understand that not all dog owners can afford premium dog food formulas, some great alternatives available at your local supermarket might include the Nutro Wholesome Essentials Adult Dry Food or the Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach.
Whats Inside? (The Good and the Bad)
Although Pedigree dog food is not perfect, one great thing about the company is its willingness to share information about its core ingredients. These include:
Whole corn
Despite its poor reputation, high-quality corn can actually be an important source of nutrients for your dog, including amino acids (protein), fiber, and linoleic acid. As long as your dog doesnt have any known corn allergies, theres no reason to avoid this ingredient entirely.
However, many Pedigree dry recipes feature corn as the very first ingredient, which means that animal-based proteins are not being prioritized.
Meat and bone meal
While its always nice to see whole meat as an ingredient in our dogs food, it is far from the only option when it comes to sourcing nutrient-dense animal protein. In Pedigrees case, most of its formulas rely on meat and bone meal instead.
In simple terms, meat and bone meal is a ground-up mixture of the unused parts of an animal after being slaughtered for human consumption. No, this doesnt sound very appetizing to our human stomachs, but dogs (and their wild ancestors) rely on bone, cartilage, and organ meat to get their required nutrients.
So, the use of this ingredient isnt too concerning. However, we wish there were additional sources of animal protein in most Pedigree formulas.
Beet pulp
Just like us humans, dogs need a good amount of fiber to stay regular. Beet pulp is a safe, easily digestible source of fiber.
Vegetable oil
According to Pedigree, several of its formulas contain vegetable oil. While its true that vegetable oil is a source of linoleic acid and can help boost coat appearance, there are better oils you could be feeding your dog.
Despite its popularity in dog food recipes, vegetable oil may cause diarrhea or other digestive symptoms in some dogs.
A Quick Look at Pedigree Dog Food
Calorie Breakdown:
- Widely available at supermarkets
- Different recipes for various dietary needs
- More affordable than competitors
- Some products are made in the U.S.A.
- Features some lower-quality ingredients
- Company has been subject to past recalls
- Not a good source of animal protein
Pedigree Dog Food Recall History
Though a larger brand is indeed more likely to experience recalls than a smaller competitor, the number of recalls issued by the Pedigree brand in recent years is on the high end.
In 2014, Pedigree recalled a selection of 55-pound dry dog food bags because of potential metal fragment contamination and a single lot of 15-pound dry dog food bags for possible contamination with a foreign material.
In 2012, Pedigree recalled three varieties of wet food for potential contamination with small pieces of plastic.
In 2008, Pedigree recalled a wide variety of dog food products because of potential salmonella contamination.
Unlike some other pet food companies, whose past recalls have been over relatively minor quality issues, Pedigrees recall history is concerning.
Reviews of the 3 Best Pedigree Dog Food Recipes
If youre interested in learning a little more about Pedigree dog food, heres a closer look at three of the brands best formulas:
1. Pedigree Dry Dog Food High Protein (Beef & Lamb)
The Pedigree Dry Dog Food High Protein formula is popular among owners who want to boost the amount of muscle-building protein being fed to their dogs. Compared to the brands standard adult dry food, this formula contains 25% more protein. It also contains essential amino acids and nutrients to meet your dogs dietary needs.
The Beef & Lamb recipe contains a minimum of 27% protein, 12% fat, 4% fiber, and 12% moisture.
Despite our criticisms of the Pedigree brand, this formula is quite popular among consumers. You can see what other dog owners have to say about this dry dog food by reading the Chewy reviews.
- High-protein formula supports lean muscle
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Available at most pet food retailers
- Affordable for most dog owners
- Plant-based protein is the primary source
- Filler ingredients may trigger digestive issues
2. Pedigree Choice CUTSin Gravy (Country Stew)
If youre someone who prefers feeding your dog wet food over kibble, even if just as a special treat, the Pedigree Choice CUTS in Gravy is one of the brands most popular canned food recipes. Unlike the brands dry food formulas, the primary protein source in this food is real chicken, which is great to see. Looking at Pedigree wet dog food reviews, this formula offers well-balanced nutrition for the price.
For the Country Stew recipe, the minimum nutritional breakdown includes 8% protein, 3% fat, 1% fiber, and 83% moisture.
Many dog owners on a budget rely on this food to feed their canine family members, so we encourage you to check out what other consumers have to say by reading the Chewy reviewsfor this product.
- Meat is the primary protein source
- More affordable than many other wet formulas
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Highly digestible ingredients
- Features nutritious fats for coat and skin health
- Protein content is on the low end
- Does not contain much fiber
- Contains a large amount of gravy
3. Pedigree Dry Dog Food Puppy(Chicken & Vegetable)
For those looking for a Pedigree puppy food review, the Pedigree Dry Dog Food Puppy formula is definitely the brands most popular option. This recipe includes key nutrients for puppy development, such as DHA, calcium, and phosphorus. Like Pedigrees adult dry food formulas, though, this product does rely heavily on plant-based protein.
In the Chicken & Vegetable flavor, youll find a minimum of 27% protein, 11% fat, 4% fiber, and 12% moisture.
To hear what other puppy owners have to say about this dry food formula, we suggest hopping over to the Amazon reviews.
- Designed for the needs of young dogs
- Includes a good amount of protein
- Affordable and easy to find
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Primary protein sources are corn and soy
- Not ideal for some large breed puppies
What Other Users Are Saying About Pedigree Dog Food
Looking at what other reviewers have to say about Pedigree and its line of dog food formulas, its clear that we arent the only ones who think this brand is acceptable but definitely not the best.
PetAware: Although Pedigree formulates its products to conform to standards set by nutrition authorities, their use of questionable ingredients cannot be overlooked.
DogFoodAdvisor: Pedigree is a grain-inclusive dry dog food using a modest amount of poultry by-product or meat and bone meals as its main source of animal protein.
Dog Food Insider: This is not a food you want to feed your dog if you have alternatives. There are some other foods that have some of the same ingredients, but this food has none of the better ingredients you usually find to offset ingredients you dont like.
Labrador Training HQ: It is safe to say that this dog food, while popular, is not the top dog food that you should be serving to your pup.
Conclusion
So, should you feed your dog Purina dog food? In the grand scheme of things, feeding your dog one of the Purina dog food formulas, either short or long term, is unlikely to do any harm. Theres a reason that Pedigree is one of the most popular budget dog food brands out there, and we dont see it going anywhere any time soon.
On the other hand, we believe that there is a wide variety of other great options out there that may be healthier for your dog than Pedigree Dog Food. If you have access to higher-quality dog food, we definitely recommend checking out your options before settling on a Pedigree formula.
