Best Dog Food Brands in UK - 2025 Complete Guide

The most asked question by dog lovers everywhere: which is the best dog food brand? Clearly, there is no simple answer. With so many factors to consider, it's impossible to pick the number one dog food brand that would be the best choice for all dogs. Your dog's age, breed, activity level, any allergies, and even how fussy they are about food all play a part in finding the perfect match.

At Buggaz.com, we have tested and reviewed the top dog food brands the UK has to offer, working directly with leading manufacturers to bring you quality options at competitive prices. If you want to buy dog food that truly benefits your furry friend, this guide will help you make the right decision.

The UK dog food market has transformed completely over the past few years. Traditional brands still exist, but a whole new wave of companies is revolutionising how we feed our dogs. From fresh food delivered to your door to eco-friendly options and raw diets, there has never been more choice for pet parents.

 

Understanding Different Types of Dog Food Brands

Dry Dog Food - The Convenient Classic

Dry kibble is still the top pick for many UK dog owners. It's easy to store, lasts a long time, and fits most budgets. The best dog food brands for dogs have moved beyond basic kibble, though. Cold-pressed and lightly baked options are now available, which preserve nutrients better than traditional high-temperature methods.

Forthglade stands out as one of the best dry dog food options. Their cold-pressed range is grain-free and rates exceptionally high for nutritional value. What makes them special is that meat is the first ingredient, not fillers or grains. They offer sizes from small 1kg trial bags up to 18kg for those who want to stock up. Their bags also have proper velcro seals, which actually keep the food fresh, unlike bags that barely close.

For smaller breeds, Forthglade created special small-pellet versions so tiny mouths can actually manage the kibble. They also offer a lightly baked range, which is slightly cheaper but still scores well nutritionally.

Wilsons is another top brand that won the 2025 Your Dog Awards. They have been making pet food since 1861, so they know what they are doing. Their cold-pressed range includes loads of protein options - salmon, chicken, lamb, turkey, duck, venison, trout, white fish, even haggis and vegan recipes. This variety is brilliant if your dog has allergies or you want to rotate proteins.

Wilsons offers sample boxes so your dog can try different flavours before you commit to a big bag. Once you find what works, they have money-saving bundles and a subscribe-and-save option for 10% off. What makes Wilson's unique is that they also sell raw and fresh food, and all their ranges can be mixed.

Edgard & Cooper deserve mention as the best eco-friendly dry dog food. They have a Zero Pawprint Plan for 2025, aiming to become carbon neutral with fully sustainable packaging. Their recipes are either grain-free or gluten-free, perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs. They also offer two plant-based recipes if you want to give your dog a meat-free day occasionally.

 

Wet Dog Food Brands - For Fussy Eaters

Wet food is often more appealing to dogs, especially picky ones. The aroma and texture just seem to work better for dogs who turn their nose up at kibble.

Forthglade wet food won Best Wet Food of 2025 according to Your Dog Magazine readers. Every recipe contains 75% single-source protein like salmon, lamb, duck, beef, or turkey. They make both grain-free and wholegrain ranges, and both score around 85% nutritionally.

Their senior range is designed for dogs over 7 years old. It has 15% less fat than adult recipes and includes glucosamine and chondroitin for aging joints. For small breeds, Forthglade created a dedicated range in smaller 150g trays, which makes portioning much easier.

The Gourmet range includes more unusual proteins like wild boar, goose, and venison. These work brilliantly for dogs allergic to common proteins like chicken or beef.

Many dog owners mix wet food with kibble as a topper. This makes dry food more appealing while keeping costs reasonable. Even the fussiest dogs usually cannot resist when you add some wet food to their bowl.

 

Fresh Dog Food Brands - The Premium Option

Fresh dog food is exactly what it sounds like - real food made with human-quality ingredients, cooked gently, and delivered to your door. It's pricier than kibble, but the quality difference is obvious.

Butternut Box is probably the largest dog food brand in this category. They have delivered over eight million meals since starting in 2016. Their food gets an 87% nutritional rating and is made without grains, soya, sugar, or salt.

Getting started is simple. You take an online quiz about your dog's age, breed, allergies, and health issues. Butternut Box then suggests recipes and creates a personalised plan. Their selection includes chicken, beef, venison, wild boar, and even a veggie option. Meals arrive frozen, so you need freezer space, but the packaging is compact.

The main thing people love about Butternut Box is the variety. You can rotate recipes every week, which keeps picky eaters interested. Many owners mix it 50/50 with kibble to reduce costs while still upgrading their dog's diet.

Years.com takes fresh food to another level. They score an incredible 96% nutritionally. Their head chef used to work on luxury yachts and in Michelin-starred restaurants, and it shows. They use actual human cuts of meat - chicken thigh, salmon fillet, and matured steak.

The biggest advantage of Years.com is storage. Unlike competitors that need freezing, their meals can sit in your cupboard until opened. They only need refrigeration after you open them. Their recipes are grain and legume-free, ideal for dogs with intolerances.

Years recently launched a Chef's Collection with limited edition recipes like King Prawn & Giant Squid Paella and Wagyu Steak Lasagne. Yes, really. Your dog is going to eat better than most humans.

 

Raw Dog Food Brands - Back to Basics

Raw feeding has become hugely popular in the UK. The idea is simple - feed dogs what their ancestors ate. Raw meat, bones, organs, and vegetables, with no cooking or processing.

Bella+Duke is our top pick for raw dog food. They are a multi-award-winning British brand with both RawSAFE and UK Pet Food certifications. This means proper food safety standards, which are crucial when dealing with raw meat.

They offer four different ranges:

Premium Complete is their most popular option. Over 80% meat plus bone, offal, seasonal vegetables, berries, and healthy oils. Everything is grain and gluten-free.

Complete Superfood includes extras like turmeric, ginger, and kelp. It's designed for dogs recovering from illness, puppies, seniors, or nursing mothers.

Complete is aimed at working dogs who need sustained energy. Think herders, hunters, or very active breeds.

Pure Meat & Bone is just that - meat, bone, and offal. Nothing else. Perfect if you want to create your own meals or have a dog with multiple allergies.

Bella+Duke only sells online through a flexible subscription. You can skip, pause, or cancel anytime. Their quiz helps you set up a meal plan, and recipes include chicken, lamb, fish, duck, salmon, beef tripe, and turkey. Meals arrive frozen in 500g trays that you defrost as needed.

 

Air-Dried Dog Food - The Middle Ground

Air-dried food sits between kibble and fresh food. Ingredients are gently dried at low temperatures, removing moisture while keeping nutrients intact. You add water when serving, which makes it more appealing than plain kibble.

Pure Pet Food is the leading brand in this category. Their food scores 80% nutritionally and is particularly popular with dogs who have sensitive stomachs or digestive issues. Because it is customised to your dog, they can account for specific health problems and allergies.

Air-dried food has several advantages. It does not need freezer space, has a long shelf life, and when you add water, it becomes more appetising for fussy eaters. It is also lighter to store than traditional kibble.

 

Organic Dog Food Brands - Chemical-Free Options

Organic dog food brands use ingredients grown without synthetic pesticides, fertilisers, or GMOs. The meat comes from animals raised without routine antibiotics or growth hormones.

While fully organic brands are less common in the UK, several top brands use organic ingredients in their recipes. Edgard & Cooper offers organic beef and organic turkey options. Their Organic Beef & Free-Range Chicken and Organic Free-Range Turkey & Chicken recipes are excellent choices if you want to reduce chemical exposure for your dog.

The challenge with organic dog food is cost. Organic certification and ingredients push prices higher. However, many dog owners feel the health benefits justify the extra expense, particularly for dogs with allergies or sensitivities.

 

What UK Vets Recommend

What dog food do UK vets recommend? Veterinary opinions have evolved significantly. While vets traditionally recommended prescription diets from brands like Royal Canin or Hills Science Diet for dogs with specific health issues, many now recognise that high-quality commercial brands can be equally effective.

Most vets agree on these principles:

• Choose complete dog food that meets all nutritional requirements
• Look for named meat sources as the first ingredient
• Avoid foods with excessive fillers, artificial colours, or preservatives
• Consider your individual dog's needs rather than following trends
• Ensure consistent access to fresh water

Vets generally support any diet that keeps your dog at a healthy weight, maintains good energy levels, produces firm stools, and results in a shiny coat and healthy skin. Whether that is kibble, raw, fresh, or wet food matters less than these health markers.

 

Dog Food Brands to Avoid - Red Flags to Watch For

Not all dog food brands are created equal. Some use low-quality ingredients, unclear labelling, or misleading marketing. Here are warning signs when evaluating dog food brands to avoid:

Vague ingredient lists - If the label says "meat and animal derivatives" without specifying what meat, that is a red flag. Quality brands tell you exactly what protein source they use.

Excessive fillers - Corn, wheat, and soya as primary ingredients offer little nutritional value. They are cheap bulk ingredients that fill your dog up without providing proper nutrition.

Artificial additives - Synthetic colours, flavours, and preservatives are unnecessary. Real meat and vegetables provide natural colour and flavour.

Misleading marketing - Terms like "premium" or "gourmet" mean nothing legally. Anyone can use these words regardless of ingredient quality. Look past the marketing to the actual ingredient list.

Very cheap options - While budget matters, extremely cheap dog food usually means extremely cheap ingredients. You genuinely get what you pay for with pet food.

Generic supermarket own-brand dog foods often fall into these categories. While Pet at home own-brand dog food has improved in recent years, it still typically uses lower-quality ingredients than specialist pet food brands.

 

How to Choose the Right Dog Food Brand

Consider Your Dog's Life Stage

Puppies need different nutrition than adult dogs, and seniors have different requirements again. Many top brand dog food companies create specific formulas for each life stage.

Puppies need higher protein and fat for growth and development. Their food should support bone growth, brain development, and building a strong immune system. Brands like Wilsons, Bella+Duke, and Forthglade all offer dedicated puppy ranges.

Adult dogs need balanced nutrition to maintain health and energy. This is where you have the most options across all food types.

Senior dogs benefit from lower calories to prevent weight gain, plus added joint support like glucosamine. Reduced fat helps aging digestive systems. Forthglade's senior wet food range is specifically designed with these needs in mind.

Factor in Activity Level

A working Border Collie needs vastly different nutrition than a Bulldog who prefers napping. Active dogs burn more calories and need higher protein to maintain muscle mass. Wilson's Complete range is designed specifically for working dogs and active breeds.

Less active dogs need carefully portioned meals to prevent obesity. Many brands offer light or weight management formulas, but often, you can simply feed less of a quality food.

Account for Allergies and Sensitivities

Food allergies in dogs are increasingly common. Common allergens include chicken, beef, dairy, wheat, and soya. If your dog has itchy skin, digestive upset, or ear infections, food could be the culprit.

Single-protein recipes make it easier to identify and avoid allergens. Brands like Wilson's, Forthglade, and Edgard & Cooper offer extensive single-protein options. Novel proteins like venison, duck, or fish can work for dogs allergic to common proteins.

Grain-free options help dogs with wheat or corn sensitivities. However, not all dogs need grain-free food. Wholegrains like oats and brown rice are actually beneficial for many dogs.

Think About Practical Factors

Storage space matters more than people realise. Raw and frozen fresh food needs significant freezer capacity. If you have limited space, dry food, air-dried food, or shelf-stable fresh food like Years.com makes more sense.

Budget is obviously important. Fresh and raw foods cost more than kibble. However, feeding higher-quality food often means feeding less volume because it is more nutritious. Your dog also potentially has fewer vet bills long-term.

Convenience varies by brand. Subscription services deliver food automatically, which is brilliant if you have a busy schedule. Dry food from shops works if you prefer buying as needed.

Your dog's preferences ultimately matter most. The most nutritious food in the world does not help if your dog refuses to eat it. This is why trial sizes and sample boxes are valuable.

 

Popular Dog Food Brand Questions Answered

What is the name of the dog food?

This seems like an odd question, but it is actually commonly searched. Dog food goes by many names depending on type - kibble, wet food, raw food, fresh food, air-dried food. Brand names include everything from traditional options like Pedigree and Purina to newer brands like Butternut Box and Bella+Duke. At Buggaz.com, we stock a wide range of these brands to suit every dog's needs.

What are the big 4 dog food brands?

The big 4 traditionally refers to the largest global manufacturers - Mars Petcare (makes Pedigree, Royal Canin, James Wellbeloved), Nestle Purina, Hill's Pet Nutrition, and Colgate-Palmolive (makes Hill's Science Diet). These companies dominate supermarket shelves and vet clinics. However, their market dominance is being challenged by smaller, quality-focused brands.

What is the number 1 dog food brand?

In terms of sales volume, Pedigree likely claims this title globally. However, in terms of quality and nutrition, smaller specialist brands often rank higher. Awards from publications like Your Dog Magazine go to brands like Wilson's and Forthglade. The answer depends on whether you measure success by sales or by nutritional quality.

 

Making the Switch to a New Dog Food Brand

If you decide to change your dog's food, do it gradually. Sudden changes can upset your dog's stomach, causing diarrhoea or vomiting.

Follow this schedule:

• Days 1-3: Mix 25% new food with 75% old food
• Days 4-6: Mix 50% new food with 50% old food
• Days 7-9: Mix 75% new food with 25% old food
• Day 10: Feed 100% new food

Watch your dog during the transition. Firm stools, good energy, and enthusiasm for meals indicate the new food is working well. Loose stools, lethargy, or refusing food suggest the change is too fast or the food does not suit your dog.

Some dogs with very sensitive stomachs need an even slower transition over 3-4 weeks. There is no rush. Take the time needed for your individual dog.

 

Final Thoughts on Choosing Dog Food Brands UK

The best dog food brands the UK offers today provide options for every dog, every budget, and every lifestyle. Whether you choose traditional kibble, fresh food, raw diets, or something in between, what matters most is finding complete nutrition that keeps your dog healthy and happy.

Pay attention to ingredient quality, nutritional ratings, and how your individual dog responds. A shiny coat, good energy levels, healthy weight, and firm stools tell you more than any marketing claims.

Do not be afraid to try different options. Many brands offer trial sizes or money-back guarantees. Your dog's needs may also change over time as they age or their activity level shifts.

At Buggaz.com, we make finding quality dog food brands simple. Browse our carefully selected range, compare options, and find the perfect nutrition for your furry family member. Your dog deserves the best, and we are here to help you provide it.