
Choosing the right dog food really shapes your pet’s health, energy, and happiness. With so many brands and formulas on UK shelves and online, it’s easy to feel a bit lost. For the Best Dog Food UK 2025, consider the following tips.
The best dog foods give your dog balanced nutrition tailored to their age, size, and any special needs.
Different breeds and ages need different diets. Puppies need more protein and fat to grow, while older dogs often do better with gentle, joint-supporting recipes.
Some dogs thrive on grain-free meals, but plenty do absolutely fine with classic options like rice or wheat.
Check the first few ingredients—those make up most of the food. Opt for clear meat sources like chicken, beef, or salmon, rather than vague options like “meat meal.”
Look for foods that meet AAFCO nutrition standards and keep your dog’s needs in mind, whether that’s allergies or weight control.
While this guide highlights the best dog food in the UK for 2025, many pet owners also care about their cats’ nutrition. If that’s you, don’t miss our full review of the Best Cat Food UK 2025.
Best Dog Food
Here’s our list of the UK’s top-selling dog food brands for 2025. British pet owners really rate these products for their quality and variety—they suit dogs of all sizes and life stages.
When selecting the Best Dog Food UK 2025, ensure you understand your dog’s unique dietary needs.
Winalot Meaty Chunks in Jelly
- 100% Complete And Balanced
- Quality Ingredients
- Grain Free Recipe
- Helps Support Shiny Coat & Healthy Skin
- With Vegetables And Essential Vitamins And Minerals
Winalot’s wet food is a proper bargain, especially with its grain-free formula and handy portion sizes.
Pros
- Complete nutrition for all ages and breeds
- Grain-free—great for sensitive tummies
- Individual pouches keep food fresh and make serving a doddle
Cons
- Wet food can get a bit messy
- Doesn’t really help clean teeth like crunchy kibble does
- Strong smell—some owners aren’t keen
Winalot nails it with a balanced wet food that suits pretty much any dog. The meaty chunks in jelly seem irresistible to most pups.
Each 100g pouch is perfect for smaller dogs or as a topper for the bigger ones.
The grain-free recipe makes it gentle on sensitive stomachs. If your dog has wheat or corn allergies, this could be a safe bet.
Winalot adds vitamins and minerals to support healthy skin and coats—always a plus.
You get 40 pouches in a pack, making it a much better value than buying tins one by one. The pouches are easy to stash in the cupboard, and you won’t need a tin opener.
Most dogs polish off a whole pouch, so you’ll waste less compared to bigger tins.
Harringtons Lamb & Rice Dog Food 15kg
- 1. THE NATURAL CHOICE – At Harringtons, we believe every dog deserves natural food that’s balanced, wholesome and tasty. From puppies to seniors to special diets, we make a range that’s perfect for you
- 2. RICH IN LAMB – Harringtons Lamb & Rice Dry Dog Food 15kg is a complete adult dog food that has been carefully formulated using all natural ingredients to provide wholesome nutrition for your dog
- 3. NO NASTIES – The #1 ingredient in our dry dog food is meat, for a nutritionally balanced meal. And we never use artificial colour and flavours or added wheat
- 4. CARBON-NEGATIVE – We’re proud to be the UK’s first carbon-negative pet food company. We generate our own electricity, and source locally
- 5. MADE IN THE UK – Harringtons dog food is proudly made by ourselves right here in the UK and has been family run since 1923
This lamb and rice mix is a hit for dogs with sensitive stomachs, offering great value for your money, but fussy eaters might turn their noses up.
Pros
- Massive 15kg bag—great bulk value
- Lamb as the main protein, gentle on digestion
- Family-run UK company, carbon-negative since 1923
Cons
- Some picky dogs won’t touch it
- The bag size is a bit much if you just want to try it out
- Packaging can arrive a bit battered
Harringtons uses lamb as the main ingredient and skips artificial colours, flavours, and wheat. Many owners report that their dogs’ digestion has improved since switching.
The 15kg bag lasts ages, making it a good shout for multi-dog homes or big breeds.
It’s easy to serve, and most dogs seem to like the lamb taste. Harringtons also stands out for being eco-friendly—they generate their own electricity and make everything in the UK.
This appeals if you want to make greener choices. The food suits most adult dogs, and many owners notice firmer stools.
Amazon Complete Wet Food
- The pack contains 48 servings: 12 x bites with beef and vegetables; 12 x bites with chicken and vegetables; 12 x snacks with poultry and lamb meat; 12 x bites with beef and chicken. all in sauce
- Adult Dog Food: 100% Complete and Balanced Nutrition Designed by Animal Nutritionists and Veterinarian-Reviewed
- Meat and meat derivatives 36% (including a minimum of 4% of the mentioned protein). Meat and derivatives of animal origin suitable for human consumption
- The product contains “assorted sugars”, derived from caramel syrup used as a natural source of color (0.15%); no other sugars have been added
- With fiber (inulin) to promote digestibility; With valuable proteins for strong muscles
This budget-friendly wet food covers all the basics, with four flavours to keep things interesting—ideal if you want value but don’t want to skimp on quality.
Pros
- 48 pouches, four meat varieties—less mealtime boredom
- All the vitamins and nutrients for adult dogs
- No artificial dyes or preservatives, no soy or dairy
Cons
- Uses caramel syrup for colour—so a bit of added sugar
- You have to check the back to see which flavour you’re holding
- Bigger dogs might need more than one pouch per meal
Amazon’s own-brand wet food ticks a lot of boxes. Vets and nutritionists helped design it, and you get 12 pouches each of beef/veg, chicken/veg, poultry/lamb, and beef/chicken.
Each 100g pouch packs 36% meat and comes fortified with vitamins D3 and E for bones and immunity. There’s added fibre and high-quality protein for digestion and muscle health.
Pouches make mealtimes simple—just open and serve, no faffing about. Feeding guidelines suggest splitting a pouch into two meals, but large dogs will need more.
PRO PLAN Veterinary Diets HA Hypoallergenic
- Included components: 1x PURINA PRO PLAN VETERINARY DIETS Canine HA Hypoallergenic 11kg dry food
- Item display weight: 11000.0 grams
If your dog suffers from food allergies, this vet-approved diet could make a real difference.
Pros
- Formulated for sensitive and allergic dogs
- Safe for puppies right through to seniors
- Big 11kg bag—good value if you need it long-term
Cons
- You’ll need a vet’s recommendation
- Not much in the way of flavour variety
- Costs more than standard dog foods
This food targets allergies with a special hypoallergenic formula. It’s designed to reduce reactions while still providing your dog with everything they need.
The 11kg size suits bigger dogs or households with more than one pup—you’ll want to store it somewhere dry to keep it fresh.
With nearly 6,000 reviews and a strong 4.5-star average, many owners have noticed a significant difference. The vet backing is reassuring if you’re dealing with tricky food sensitivities.
Bakers Adult Chicken and Veg Dog Food
- 100% Complete Complete pet food for adult dogs Perfect nutritional balance for all your dog’s daily needs Made with Selected Natural Ingredients
- Recipe using superfoods With Natural Spirulina Algae, known for its beneficial impact on intestinal health With spinach, a natural ingredient contributing to essential minerals
- No added Artificial Colours, Flavours & Preservatives
- Antioxidants to help support natural defences
- Added quality protein to help support muscle strength
Bakers is a supermarket staple, giving you good value and complete nutrition in a dry food format.
Pros
- Natural superfoods like spirulina for digestion
- No artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives
- Big 14kg bag—ideal for multi-dog families
Cons
- Grain content might not suit sensitive dogs
- Chicken flavour could get boring for fussy eaters
- 14kg is heavy and awkward for small spaces
Bakers has earned a reputation for being affordable without cutting corners on nutrition. Your dog gets all their daily vitamins and minerals, plus extras like spinach for added minerals.
The recipe supports your dog’s overall health—antioxidants for immunity, protein for muscles, and vitamin D for strong teeth and bones.
Most dogs enjoy the taste of chicken and vegetables. The crunchy kibble helps clean teeth as they chew, and vitamin A plus zinc keep skin and coats looking good.
Lily’s Kitchen Chicken & Duck Grain-Free
- Keep your pooch happy with this bag of complete and balanced food, made to a grain-free recipe* for dogs 4 months+
- This dry dog food is made with natural ingredients including freshly prepared meat and offal. We’re talking 31% fresh chicken and 8% freshly prepared duck with prebiotics to help encourage healthy digestion
- Why not try the rest of our delicious dog food, all made with natural ingredients. From wholesome wet food to delicious organic options, treats, recipes with one source of animal protein, and more, each suitable for small, medium and large dogs
- As a B Corp company, we are committed to our target to be fully recyclable by 2025. To find out more about our sustainable initiatives, and how we use our business as a force for good! Visit our brand store
- Here at Lily’s Kitchen, we make proper dog food and cat food made with natural ingredients and freshly prepared meat and offal. Only the best for your furry family
If you want a premium, grain-free option, Lily’s Kitchen is a brilliant choice—especially for sensitive dogs, though it’s a bit pricier.
Pros
- 31% fresh chicken and 8% duck—great for digestion
- Grain-free, perfect for allergy-prone pups
- Small kibble suits all breed sizes
Cons
- Costs more than most supermarket brands
- Some dogs get loose stools when switching
- The duck smell can be a bit much for some owners
Lily’s Kitchen is a proper British favourite among owners who want natural, wholesome food. The recipe blends fresh chicken and duck with prebiotics for gut health.
Many owners notice improved skin and digestion after switching. The grain-free formula is a blessing for dogs with wheat or corn allergies.
Kibble is about 1cm, so most adult dogs manage it easily. The chicken and duck combo seems to go down a treat, and some dogs get very excited at mealtimes.
The 2.5kg bag is a decent value, especially if you get it on subscription. Lily’s Kitchen recently switched to fully recyclable packaging, which is a nice touch for eco-minded buyers.
Pedigree Adult Mixed Selection Pouches
- 100 Percent Complete and delicious wet dog food for adult dogs
- Wet dog food pouches in easy-to-open pouches, suitable for a fresh healthy meal, on its own or on top of dry dog food
- Nutrition for dogs that helps support healthy bones, good digestion, a healthy skin and coat and strong natural defences
- Dog food developed with Pedigree vets and nutritionists at Waltham Pet Nutrition Centre
- This wet dog food in gravy contains no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives
Pedigree’s wet food pouches are a solid choice if you’re after a hassle-free meal topper or a complete dinner for your adult dog. They’re decent value, especially when you’re short on time or just want to keep things simple.
Pros
- You can open these pouches in seconds—no faff, no mess
- Mixed flavours help keep your dog keen at mealtimes
- Recipe developed with vet nutritionists for balanced adult nutrition
Cons
- Pouches might not fill up bigger breeds unless you use more than one
- Only suitable for adult dogs—not for pups or seniors
- Once opened, wet food needs proper storage
Each box comes with 40 handy pouches, all packed with a variety of flavours most dogs seem to love. Every 100g pouch delivers complete nutrition for adult dogs, whatever the breed.
Honestly, the ease of use is a real win here. Tear one open, pour it out—no tin openers or sticky spoons to worry about.
Many owners use half a pouch at each meal, especially when mixing it with dry kibble. The gravy-based formula skips artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives, which is reassuring.
Pedigree’s team at the Waltham Pet Nutrition Centre designed this recipe to help with bones, digestion, and a healthy coat. Just remember to pop any leftovers in the fridge and use them within a couple of days.
The pouches stack up neatly in the cupboard so that you won’t lose precious kitchen space either.
Forthglade Wet Dog Food Variety Pack
- WET DOG FOOD VARIETY PACK: 12 x 395g trays in 3 flavours your dog will love: 4x Turkey with sweet potato and vegetables, 4x Lamb with butternut squash and vegetables, 4x Duck with potato and vegetables
- NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Bursting with goodness and made using natural ingredients, with added vitamins, minerals and botanicals, gently steamed to retain as much natural flavour and goodness as possible
- FOOD FOR HAPPY DOGS: Grain-free and hypoallergenic recipe, which means it’s kind and gentle on your dog’s tummy and easy to digest, made using our high quality recipe with 75 percent turkey, lamb or duck
- COMPLETE DOG FOOD: A complete and balanced meal containing everything your dog needs to stay happy and healthy, free from junk, fillers and artificial colours, flavours and preservatives
- VOTED BEST WET DOG FOOD 2025 YOUR DOG MAGAZINE: Award winning dog food for the fifth year in a row, proudly made at Forthglade’s factory in the heart of Devon
This Forthglade pack is a bit of a treat, really. It’s ideal for dogs with sensitive tummies but still delivers top-notch nutrition for adults.
Pros
- Three meat flavours mean your dog won’t get bored
- Grain-free—brilliant for dogs with food sensitivities
- High meat content (75%) for proper protein intake
Cons
- Trays can create a bit more packaging waste than tins
- Needs refrigerating after opening and doesn’t last long
- Costs a bit more than basic supermarket wet foods
Forthglade’s wet food has won awards for five years running. In this pack, you get turkey with sweet potato, lamb with butternut squash, and duck with potato—each made from natural ingredients and free from artificial nasties.
The grain-free, hypoallergenic recipes are gentle on digestion. You get all the vitamins and minerals your dog needs, and the gentle steaming keeps the flavours and nutrients intact.
Each 395g tray is a generous portion for most adult dogs, and with 75% meat, you know your pet’s getting good protein. It suits all breeds, making it handy if you have more than one dog at home.
Forthglade skips fillers and focuses on wholesome nutrition. Just make sure you’ve got fridge space for any open trays, and you’ll notice your dog stays interested in their meals.
Amazon Complete Dry Dog Food
- Medium & Large Breeds
- Food for adult Dogs: 100% Complete and Balanced Nutrition
- Developed by pet nutritionists and checked by veterinarian
- Natural prebiotics to support sensitive digestion
- Biotin and zinc to support healthy skin and coat, Vitamin D to support strong bones
If you’re after affordable dry food for a medium or large dog, Amazon’s own brand is worth a look. It’s not fancy, but it covers the basics at a price that’s hard to beat.
Pros
- Excellent value compared to the premium brands
- Natural prebiotics support digestion
- Added biotin, zinc, and vitamin D for skin and bone health
Cons
- Some dogs get digestive upset when switching over
- Doesn’t always get top marks from independent testers
- Might not tempt fussy or sensitive eaters
Amazon’s lamb and rice recipe covers all the nutritional bases for adult dogs in the larger size range. Vet nutritionists have had a hand in developing it, so you’re not just getting random ingredients thrown together.
The kibble’s packed with prebiotics and extra vitamins for a healthy coat and strong bones. Many owners report that their dogs happily clear their bowls, thanks to the resealable bag keeping things fresh.
It’s not for every dog, though. Some people experience loose stools when switching, and the ingredient quality isn’t as high as the premium options. Still, plenty of dogs seem to do just fine on it.
The 5kg bag is a bargain for anyone watching the pennies. You get balanced nutrition without splashing out on the specialist brands.
Harringtons Complete Wet Dog Food
- 1. THE NATURAL CHOICE – At Harringtons, we believe every dog deserves natural food that’s balanced, wholesome and tasty. From puppies to seniors to special diets, we make a range that’s perfect for you
- 2. GRAIN FREE – Harringtons wet dog food is a complete grain-free dog food providing balanced nutrition for all dogs age 8 weeks and above
- 3. DELICIOUS FLAVOURS – The Meaty 16x400g wet dog food multi-pack contains 4 tasty flavours for your dog to enjoy – 4x Beef, 4x Turkey, 4x Chicken & 4x Lamb
- 4. UNIQUE FRESHCOOK METHOD – Our meat’s so good, it’s graded for humans. We freshly prepare it, cook it gently to lock in nutrition and flavour, then add vitamins and minerals
- 5. MADE IN THE UK – Harringtons dog food is proudly made by ourselves right here in the UK and has been family run since 1923
Harringtons’ grain-free wet food is a top pick for sensitive dogs. It’s a great value, with four meaty flavours and plenty of natural goodness.
Pros
- No grains or common allergens, so ideal for sensitive tummies
- Uses freshly prepared, human-grade meat
- Four flavours in one multipack—no more bored dogs
Cons
- Pellet texture isn’t for every dog—some prefer chunks or pâté
- Big 16-tin pack can fill up your cupboard
- Some dogs might not fancy mixed-protein options
Made in Britain, this wet food stands out for its natural approach. Harringtons uses their FreshCook method to prepare the meat gently, then adds all the essential vitamins and minerals.
You get four tins each of beef, turkey, chicken, and lamb—so there’s plenty of variety. That mix helps keep dogs interested and gives them balanced nutrition from different proteins.
The grain-free recipe is a real bonus for dogs with skin or tummy issues. It’s dairy-free, gluten-free, and hypoallergenic, so it suits dogs with multiple sensitivities.
Family-run since 1923, Harringtons knows a thing or two about dog food. The 400g tins are a handy size, and the recipe suits any dog over eight weeks old so that you can use it for pups and adults alike.
Buying Guide
Age and Size Requirements
Pick food that matches your dog’s age and size. Puppies need more calories and nutrients to grow, while adults need to maintain their weight and stay healthy.
Big breeds often need special formulas for joint support. Tiny dogs usually prefer smaller kibble that’s easier to chew.
Check the Ingredients List
Always check the first five ingredients. You want to see a named meat—like chicken or lamb—right at the top.
Skip foods heavy on fillers or vague by-products. Watch out for artificial colours and preservatives; vitamin E is a much better option for keeping food fresh.
Nutritional Standards
Nutrient | Adult Dogs | Puppies |
---|---|---|
Protein | 18% minimum | 22% minimum |
Fat | 5% minimum | 8% minimum |
Fibre | 4% maximum | 4% maximum |
Look for foods that meet AAFCO or FEDIAF standards. They set the rules for what counts as complete nutrition in pet food.
Special Dietary Needs
Think about your dog’s health issues. Allergies? Go for limited-ingredient diets. Older dogs usually do better with foods that support their joints.
Some dogs need grain-free, others are fine with grains. If you’re unsure, just ask your vet—it’s always worth a quick chat.
Budget and Quality Balance
Don’t assume the priciest bag is always the best. Check the cost per meal, not just the sticker price. Sometimes, higher-quality foods go further, so you use less in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
UK dog owners have plenty of questions when it comes to picking the right food. Most concerns boil down to brand trust, ingredient quality, feeding style, and making sure their dog stays healthy.
What are the best dog food brands in the UK for 2025?
The big hitters in the UK are Royal Canin, Hills Science Diet, and Purina Pro Plan. Vets recommend these a lot, and they’re always top sellers.
James Wellbeloved, Arden Grange, and Burns Pet Nutrition are popular British choices with a focus on quality ingredients. Loads of UK pet owners swear by them.
If you’re looking for something more premium, Orijen, Acana, and Ziwi Peak have become favourites for their high meat content and natural recipes.
What ingredients should I look for in healthy dog food?
Go for foods listing a specific meat—chicken, beef, or lamb—as the first ingredient. Avoid anything vague like “meat meal” or “animal derivatives.”
Opt for whole grains like brown rice or oats over cheap fillers like corn. Sweet potatoes and vegetables add the vitamins and minerals your dog needs.
Skip artificial preservatives like BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin. Natural options like vitamin E or mixed tocopherols are much better for your dog.
Is dry dog food better than wet dog food for UK dogs?
Dry food’s easy to use, keeps teeth cleaner, and is usually cheaper per meal. You can store it without fuss, which is handy for busy British households.
Wet food has more moisture, which helps dogs who don’t drink much. The more pungent taste often tempts fussy eaters.
Honestly, lots of UK vets recommend mixing both—best of both worlds, really. You get the crunch, the flavour, and a bit of variety for your dog.
How do vets in the UK recommend choosing dog food by breed and age?
Big breed pups need careful calcium and phosphorus levels to protect their joints. Brands like Royal Canin and Hills make breed-specific foods for popular UK dogs like Labradors and German Shepherds.
Older dogs need fewer calories but more joint support—look for “senior” or “mature” blends from reputable brands.
Small breeds burn through energy quickly and need smaller kibble. Purina Pro Plan and others do size-specific options for tiny dogs.
Which dog foods are most suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies?
Limited-ingredient foods from Hills Prescription Diet can help you pinpoint allergies. They stick to one protein and keep extras to a minimum.
James Wellbeloved’s lamb and rice works well for sensitive dogs in the UK. Burns’ fish-based foods are also a safe bet for many dogs with allergies.
Hydrolysed protein diets break proteins down so they don’t trigger allergies—your vet can help you find the right one if it comes to that.
What are the top grain-free dog food options in the UK?
Orijen and Acana really stand out in the grain-free market, thanks to their high meat content formulas. These Canadian brands pack their recipes with fresh, regional ingredients and keep things completely grain-free.
Canagan, on the other hand, makes its grain-free dog food right here in the UK. They use British farm ingredients, and you’ll spot sweet potato and pea providing the carbs instead of grains.
Taste of the Wild brings a more budget-friendly grain-free option to the table, and you’ll find their products in most UK pet shops. Their recipes feature novel proteins—think venison and buffalo—which can be a real treat for dogs with fussy tastes or sensitivities.
How can I switch my dog’s food without causing digestive problems?
Start by mixing about 25% of the new food with 75% of your dog’s current food for the first three days. Every few days, bump up the amount of new food while reducing the old, so you’re not rushing their system.
It usually takes 10 to 14 days to switch entirely, giving your dog’s tummy time to get used to the change. If your dog’s especially sensitive, you might want to slow things down even more.
Keep an eye out for loose stools, vomiting, or a loss of appetite during the transition. If any digestive troubles stick around after you’ve finished the switch, it’s probably wise to have a word with your vet.
Premium brands usually use higher-quality ingredients. The manufacturing processes tend to be better, too.
Since these foods pack in more nutrients, you often need to feed less. That means the bag lasts longer than you’d expect.
When you factor in the smaller portions, the price gap actually shrinks. For many households, you’re looking at just £1–2 extra per day.
Cheaper foods can sometimes trigger food allergies or leave your dog lacking key nutrients. That might mean more trips to the vet down the line.
Honestly, spending a little more upfront on quality food often pays off in lower healthcare costs and a happier, healthier pup.
Looking for cat food instead? See our complete guide: Best Cat Food in the UK 2025 – Complete Market Analysis.
Last update on 2025-09-18 at 21:17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.