How We Reviewed The Dog Foods
Yesterdays article focused on the different types of dog food and the ingredients found in them, however with still so many to chose from how do you know which manufacturers and suppliers to trust?
We have examined the ingredients, micro-nutrients and percentages in over 40 dog foods and their manufacturers and have put our top 3 into this article. It is important to note that these top 3 have made the cut for a variety of reasons (as described in each review) and it does not discount the hundreds of others dog food sources available on the market, however when taking into consideration value, high quality ingredients, the necessary micro-nutrients and the additional benefits, our top 3 are clear leaders in their own right.
We have marked the dog foods and their providers in a number of areas with marks out of 5 (5 being the highest score) and we have also provided information and access to their websites (where applicable.)
The Big 3
The Natural Dog Food Company
The Natural Dog Food Company comes in at our number one spot because we rated it highly in all category areas. The dry food is certified holistic hypo-allergenic and is made of 100% whole food. They cater for puppies, adults, seniors and treats and you can be assured that artificial preservatives and additives do not make it into their dog foods. It also contains no wheat or other cereals commonly associated with allergy and intolerance; no artificial chemicals, by-products, GM products, added sugar or dairy products. Below you will see just 2 of their adult dog food options and the high quality ingredients contained in them.
All In One Adult Chicken Ingredients - Dried British Chicken (min 22%), Fresh British Chicken (min 21%), Whole Brown Rice (min 21%) Whole Oats, Mixed Vegetables and Herbs, Whole Barley, Refined Chicken oil, Sugar Beet, Linseed, Brewer’s Yeast.
All In One Adult Salmon Ingredients - Fresh Scottish Salmon (min 24%), Whole Brown rice (min 24%), Whole Oats, Dried Scottish Salmon (min 13%), Mixed Vegetables & Herbs (min 9.25%), Whole Barley, Linseed, Refined Chicken Oil, Brewers Yeast, Sugar Beet, Seaweed
Natural Dog Food Company also rated high with us because of their excellent customer service and wonderful website, enabling us to find all of the necessary information about the company and dog food in one place. Their ethics and approach to dog health, nutrition and the environment is second to none and their knowledge and love of dogs is clear to see. You can buy the products direct from their website and they also list all stockists on the site should you wish to buy in a local store.
Web: www.naturaldogfoodcompany.com Email: info@naturaldogfoodcompany.com Tel: 0800 848 8049
James Wellbeloved
Another natural, hypo-allergenic and holistic company in our number 2 slot is the James Wellbeloved range of pet foods and treats. They do not add any artificial colours, flavours or preservatives to their dog foods and offer both wet and dry varieties. The James Wellbeloved range focuses on dietary and food intolerance requirements for dogs and ensures that their natural approach to dog food production has the canine’s best interests in mind. With no beef or pork, no wheat or wheat gluten, no dairy products or egg in their complete dog food, the ingredients are easy on the dogs digestive tract and can reduce itching on skin and coats.
Adult Lamb & Rice Kibble Ingredients – Lamb (26%), rice (26%), barley (14%), linseed (3%), lamb gravy (2%), alfalfa (1%), seaweed (0.5%), yucca extract (0.02%), chicory extract (0.1%)
We were also impressed with the James Wellbeloved website and the quantity of information and advise available on there. Again you can find a full list of stockists, frequently asked questions, feeding guidelines and all of the ingredients, vitamins, minerals and percentages in each and every dog food type.
Web: www.wellbeloved.com Tel: 0845 300 6320
Wainwrights
Our third and final in the top 3 is actually a Pets At Home own brand and again comes on both wet trays and dry complete food. Wainwrights is the food of choice of several Dog Express team members dogs and is free from soya, dairy, eggs, beef, pork, wheat, gluten and additives and as with the other top 2 choices, this brand is a low allergen and hypo-allergenic making it easy on the digestive system and suitable for dogs with allergies.
Adult Turkey with Rice Wet Tray Ingredients - Turkey (min.71%), Turkey Liver (min. 5%), Brown Rice (min. 5%), Minerals, Seaweed, Chicory Root.
We were very impressed with the value for money and high quality ingredients in the Wainwrights brand of dog food, but we have entered it into our number 3 slot as there is only the basic information available on the website. The Pets At Home staff are very helpful with providing information if you phone them or visit a store, however because they do not just focus on dog food, there website is not as informative as others we have reviewed.
Web: www.petsathome.com Tel: 0800 328 4204
**The Dog Express Team have independently reviewed and used the above dog foods and are in no way associated with or have any affiliate or advertising schemes with these providers. Our reviews and ratings are based on meat content, ingredients as compared to the relevant government regulations and guidelines and value (price and quality of ingredients). We do not take into consideration anything to do with advertising or marketing, manufacturers claims or recommendations or other reviews and as with any review of dog food, we are unable to define the actual source of the raw ingredients or the storage and processing of the food, so all reviews are based on a ‘what you see’ basis.
