Pedigree Dog Food Reviews – Positive or Negative Ratings?

Pedigree dog food is one of the most popular and well-known dog food brands on the market. As a large, international company that manufactures food for dogs of all ages and sizes, Pedigree has developed a reputation over the years – but is it a good one?

In this comprehensive Pedigree dog food review, we will analyze Pedigree’s full product line, key ingredients, recall history, and what both experts and customers think about the brand. Our goal is to provide dog owners with all the details needed to determine if Pedigree is a good choice to feed your furry friend or not.

An Overview of Pedigree Dog Food Products

Pedigree offers a wide variety of dry dog food, wet/canned food, as well as dog treats and snacks. Their product line includes:

Dry Dog Food:

• Pedigree Complete Nutrition
• Pedigree Choice Cuts in Gravy
• Pedigree Dentastix
• Pedigree Healthy Weight
• Pedigree Puppy Food
• Pedigree Small Dog Food
• Pedigree Large Breed Food

Wet/Canned Dog Food:

• Pedigree Chopped Ground Dinner with Beef, Carrots & Peas
• Pedigree Choice Cuts in Gravy with Beef, Carrots & Rice
• Pedigree Little Champions with Chicken & Vegetables

Dog Treats and Snacks:

• Pedigree Dentastix Treats
• Pedigree Marrobone Treats
• Pedigree Meaty Bites Snacks
• Pedigree Veggie Bites Snacks

This wide range of products is specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of dogs during every stage of life. From puppy to senior dog food, Pedigree aims to offer complete and balanced nutrition.

Analyzing Pedigree Dog Food’s Ingredients

When choosing any pet food, looking at the ingredients list is key. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into Pedigree’s most popular dry dog foods:

Pedigree Complete Nutrition Adult Dry Dog Food

First 5 Ingredients: Ground whole grain corn, meat and bone meal, corn gluten meal, animal fat (BHA used as preservative), soybean meal

Pedigree Small Dog Complete Nutrition Adult Dry Dog Food

First 5 Ingredients: Ground whole grain corn, poultry by-product meal, soybean meal, animal fat (BHA used as preservative), corn gluten meal

Pedigree Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

First 5 Ingredients: Ground whole grain corn, poultry by-product meal, soybean meal, animal fat (BHA used as preservative), corn gluten meal

Pedigree Puppy Food Complete Nutrition

First 5 Ingredients: Ground whole grain corn, poultry by-product meal, corn gluten meal, animal fat (BHA used as preservative), soybean meal

Right away, we notice a heavy use of corn, corn meal, and other grain-based ingredients. Many experts argue that dogs do not digest grains as well as meat proteins. The meat included is not whole meats like chicken or beef, but by-products and meals.

Many Pedigree products also contain BHA or BHT – preservatives that are controversial and may be harmful to dogs when consumed over a long period.

Overall, the ingredients point to a very high carbohydrate, plant-based diet lower in quality meat proteins.

Pedigree Dog Food Recall History

Pet food recalls occur when a brand discovers a food poses a safety risk to pets. Has Pedigree had any significant recalls? Let’s look at their recall history:

August 2014 – Small recall of Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition dry dog food due to the possible presence of small metal fragments embedded in kibble.

June 30, 2012 – Recall of Pedigree brand dog food due to possible salmonella contamination.

August 31, 2014 – Recall of select lots of Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition dry dog food due to the possible presence of small metal fragments embedded in kibble.

December 2015 – Expanded recall of multiple Pedigree dog food products for a potential choking risk from pieces of blue plastic found in the food.

While limited in scope, these recalls point to some potential quality control issues. Finding pieces of plastic and metal in kibble poses real dangers to dogs.

The salmonella contamination recall also raises concerns, as salmonella bacteria can make both pets and people very sick. Proper quality control is needed to prevent contamination during manufacturing.

Expert Veterinarian Reviews of Pedigree Dog Food

What do veterinarians and canine nutrition experts think of Pedigree dog food products? Here are some expert opinions:

“Pedigree uses some low quality fillers and non-nutritious ingredients. There are far better foods on the market, many that cost about the same per day to feed.” – Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM

“There are too many grains and fillers. I prefer dog foods with fewer ingredients and more named meats.” – Dr. Gary Richter, DVM

“I don’t recommend Pedigree. The quality of ingredients is quite low and the foods have caused health issues in some dogs I see.” – Dr. Anna Jane Grossman, DVM

“Dogs need quality meat proteins. Pedigree is full of grains and questionable meat ingredients. I suggest owners choose a brand that relies more on meat-based nutrition.” – Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM

The consensus from vets seems to be that Pedigree is a lower quality food due to an abundance of grains and questionable meat ingredients. Many vets prefer dog foods with fewer, natural ingredients and quality proteins.

Pedigree Dog Food Reviews from Customers

In addition to expert opinions, customer reviews of Pedigree dog food can provide helpful insight into real experiences with the brand. We analyzed reviews on Chewy.com, Amazon, and ConsumerAffairs.com for Pedigree products.

Here is a summary of common feedback from customer reviews:

Positive Comments

• Affordable, budget-friendly pricing
• Dogs seem to love the taste
• Wide availability in stores makes it convenient to purchase

Negative Feedback

• Formulas changed, dogs had digestive upset
• Dogs wouldn’t eat the food
• Dogs had itchy skin, ear infections, or other health issues
• Quality has gone down, used to be better
• Too many grains, fillers, artificial colors/flavors

Overall, while some dogs seem to enjoy the taste, there are numerous reports of dogs having adverse reactions to Pedigree dog food. Many people feel the brand quality and ingredients have declined over the years as well.

Is Pedigree Dog Food High or Low Quality?

Considering all the available information – ingredients lists, expert reviews, and customer feedback – Pedigree does appear to be a lower quality dog food.

Some concerns with the brand include:

• High amounts of corn, grains, fillers instead of quality meat proteins
• Use of animal by-products instead of whole meat cuts
• Inclusion of controversial preservatives like BHT and BHA
• Multiple recalls over the years due to contamination and quality issues

Additionally, many customer reviews report dogs having health problems or reactions after eating Pedigree foods.

While Pedigree is affordable, convenient, and dogs seem to like the taste, there are likely better options for providing dogs with optimal nutrition.

What Are Some Alternatives to Pedigree Dog Food?

For dog owners searching for a higher quality alternative to Pedigree, here are some top rated brands to consider:

Taste of the Wild: High protein recipes with roasted meats, probiotics, fruits and vegetables. Grain-free options available. Costs around $1.50 per pound.

Purina Pro Plan: Formulas focus on optimal protein and live probiotics. Made without corn, wheat or soy. Costs about $1.60 per pound.

Natural Balance: Contains quality proteins and digestible carbohydrates. No artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Costs around $1.80 per pound.

Blue Buffalo: Real meat is the first ingredient in all recipes. Features antioxidants, vitamins and fatty acids. Costs about $2.00 per pound.

Merrick: Grain-free recipes packed with deboned meat, fruits and vegetables. Costs about $2.50 per pound.

While these brands are more expensive than Pedigree, they provide quality nutrition from natural ingredients that may improve your dog’s health.

6 Common Questions About Pedigree Dog Food (FAQ)

Still have some questions about Pedigree pet food products? Here are answers to 6 of the most frequently asked questions.

Is Pedigree dog food high or low quality?

Overall, most vets and experts consider Pedigree a lower quality dog food due to its high percentage of grains, fillers, and questionable meat ingredients. The frequent recalls are also a concern.

Is Pedigree healthy for dogs?

While Pedigree meets basic nutritional levels to sustain dogs, its heavy grain ingredients and use of by-products make it less than ideal for optimal canine health. Many vets recommend higher quality foods.

Is Pedigree good for puppies?

Pedigree puppy food meets minimum standards, but due to its corn and grain-heavy formulas, other brands with more protein and nutrients are better for puppy development.

Does Walmart sell Pedigree dog food?

Yes, as a popular grocery retailer Pedigree is widely available at Walmart at budget-friendly price points. However, Walmart also sells premium pet foods that may be healthier.

Is Pedigree or Purina dog food better?

Most vets and experts rate Purina higher than Pedigree. Purina utilizes corn and soy but in lower amounts. Some grain-free Purina options are higher quality than Pedigree’s grain-heavy formulas.

Is Pedigree discontinuing dog food?

There are no indications that Pedigree is discontinuing or going out of business. However, some specific formulas have been discontinued or changed over the years, which caused issues for some dogs.

The Bottom Line: Is Pedigree a Good Dog Food Brand?

At the end of the day, Pedigree dog food provides adequate basic nutrition at an affordable price point. However, due to the heavy use of corn, grains, and by-products, it is not the highest quality food. Many vets and experts suggest healthier alternatives exist.

Dogs may appear to enjoy the taste and Pedigree’s wide availability makes it convenient. But the ingredients, expert reviews, and customer complaints give one pause in recommending Pedigree, especially for the long term.

For dog owners searching for optimal nutrition from high quality natural ingredients, Pedigree may leave something to be desired. There are several brands that offer similar cost and convenience but with superior recipes.

However, every dog is unique. While some dogs thrive on grain-free or limited ingredient diets, others tolerate traditional kibble with corn and grains just fine. Monitoring your own dog’s condition is the best way to determine if a food like Pedigree is working for your pet or not.