Pedigree Dry Dog Food Review: An In-Depth Analysis

The Pedigree brand, owned by Mars Petcare, is a widely recognized and accessible option in the dog food market. However, a closer examination of its dry food formulations reveals significant concerns regarding ingredient quality and nutritional completeness. This review delves into the Pedigree dry dog food range, providing a comprehensive analysis based on its ingredients, nutritional profile, and recall history, ultimately aiming to guide pet owners in making informed decisions for their canine companions.

Pedigree Dry Food Range Overview

The Pedigree dry product line encompasses 15 distinct recipes, each receiving a critically low rating from Dog Food Advisor. While marketed as an affordable choice, many of these formulations prominently feature corn as a primary ingredient. Despite appealing flavor descriptions, the actual inclusion of these flavor-imparting ingredients can be minimal in several recipes.

Key Features of the Pedigree Dry Range:

• Affordability: A significant advantage for budget-conscious pet owners.
• Accessibility: Widely available in most pet stores and online retailers.
• Made in the USA: Manufacturing takes place domestically.
• Concerns: Use of corn as a primary ingredient, artificial colors, and preservatives.

The table below outlines the Pedigree dry food products and their respective ratings:

(U indicates that the AAFCO nutrient profile is not provided on the company’s website.)

Recipe and Label Analysis: A Closer Look

To provide a detailed assessment, the “Pedigree for Big Dogs Complete Nutrition Roasted Chicken, Rice and Vegetable” recipe was selected for in-depth analysis.

Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content:

• Protein: 24.5%
• Fat: 12%
• Carbohydrates: 51.3%

These figures suggest a below-average protein content and above-average carbohydrate levels when compared to the average dry dog food.

Ingredient Breakdown

The ingredient list for this specific Pedigree formula raises several red flags:

1. Corn: The primary ingredient is corn. While providing energy, corn offers limited nutritional value to dogs and is a common allergen. Its prominent placement suggests a reliance on this inexpensive grain over more nutrient-dense protein sources.
2. Meat and Bone Meal: This ingredient is an anonymous rendered product derived from mammal tissues, including bone. Its digestibility can be lower than other meat meals, and the lack of specificity regarding the animal source makes it difficult to identify potential allergens.
3. Soybean Meal: A soy-based product, it contributes to the overall protein content but is a plant-based protein source.
4. Animal Fat: This generic by-product of rendering lacks specificity regarding the animal source and is preserved with BHA, a controversial antioxidant suspected of being a carcinogen.
5. Corn Gluten Meal: Another plant-based protein source that can artificially inflate the total protein percentage reported on the label, potentially masking a lower actual meat content.
6. Beet Pulp: A source of fiber, though its inclusion is sometimes debated as an inexpensive filler.
7. Other Ingredients: The list continues with ingredients like dried peas (adding carbohydrates and some protein), artificial coloring (added for human appeal, not canine benefit), and minerals that may not be chelated, potentially reducing their absorbability. Notably absent are probiotics, which are beneficial for digestive health.

Nutritional Analysis

Based on its ingredient profile, Pedigree dry dog food generally presents a nutritional picture that is less than ideal. The protein content is near average, but the fat content is below average, and carbohydrate levels are high. Considering the protein contributed by ingredients like corn gluten meal and soybean meal, the actual meat content in these formulas appears to be moderate at best. The fat-to-protein ratio also falls within a less-than-optimal range.

Pedigree Dog Food Recall History

While specific recalls can vary, it is essential for consumers to stay informed about any past recalls associated with a brand. Consumers can refer to comprehensive recall databases for the most up-to-date information.

Brand Ownership and Foundation

Pedigree is a brand under the Mars Petcare umbrella, a global conglomerate that also owns other well-known pet food brands such as Royal Canin and Whiskas. In 2008, Mars established The Pedigree Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting animal shelters and promoting dog adoption across the United States. To date, the foundation has made significant donations to shelters, facilitating the rehoming of hundreds of thousands of homeless dogs.

Final Verdict

Pedigree dry dog food is categorized as a grain-inclusive option. While it utilizes a moderate amount of named and unnamed meat and bone meals, its heavy reliance on corn and corn-derived ingredients, along with the inclusion of artificial colors and preservatives, leads to a critically low rating. The brand earns 1 star from Dog Food Advisor, signaling that it is strongly not recommended for dogs. Pet owners seeking optimal nutrition and high-quality ingredients for their canine companions should explore alternative brands that prioritize whole meats, avoid controversial fillers, and offer a more transparent and complete nutritional profile.

Sources

1. Association of American Feed Control Officials, 2008 Edition.
2. Shirley RB and Parsons CM, Effect of Ash Content on Protein Quality of Meat and Bone Meal, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Poultry Science, 2001 80: 626-632.