Is Pedigree Canned Dog Food Good: An Expert Review

Is Pedigree Canned Dog Food Good for your furry friend? At FOODS.EDU.VN, we understand that choosing the right dog food can be overwhelming. Pedigree is a widely recognized brand, but it’s essential to delve into its ingredients, nutritional value, and potential health impacts to determine if it’s the best option for your beloved pet. Let’s explore the details to help you make an informed decision, ensuring your dog gets the balanced diet they deserve, enhancing their vitality and overall health.

1. Understanding Pedigree Dog Food

Pedigree’s journey began as Chappie, a canned pet food company in England in the 1930s, later acquired by Mars Limited in 1934. By 1972, with an expanded product line, it became Pedigree Petfoods Ltd. Mars, a major player in the pet food industry, also owns brands such as Nutro, Royal Canin, Sheba, Cesar, Greenies, and Whiskas, alongside veterinary entities like Banfield Pet Hospital, VCA Animal Hospitals, and BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital. Currently, Mars is in the process of acquiring Champion Pet Foods, which includes Orijen and Acana. Mars, a privately held company owned by the Mars family, is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, and reported an annual revenue of US$45 billion in 2023.

This overview provides context for our detailed Pedigree dog food review, where we will examine the quality and safety of its ingredients, aligning with the evaluation standards at FOODS.EDU.VN.

2. Pedigree Dry Dog Food: A Critical Look

Score: 1.1/10

Based on our thorough evaluation criteria at FOODS.EDU.VN, Pedigree Dry dog food receives a score of 1.1/10, categorizing it as a very high-risk option for your dog.

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients in Pedigree Adult Roasted Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Flavor Recipe: ground whole grain corn, meat and bone meal (source of calcium), corn gluten meal, animal fat (preserved with BHA & citric acid), soybean meal, natural flavor, chicken by-product meal, dried plain beet pulp, salt, potassium chloride, brewers rice, ground whole grain wheat, choline chloride, dried peas, dl-methionine, zinc sulfate, calcium carbonate, monocalcium phosphate, vitamin E supplement, l-tryptophan, yellow 5, yellow 6, dried carrots, blue 2, red 40, copper sulfate, d-calcium pantothenate (source of vitamin B5), sodium selenite, niacin (vitamin B3), potassium iodide, riboflavin supplement (vitamin B2), vitamin A supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid.

2.1. Ingredient Quality Concerns

Several factors contribute to the low ingredient quality score for Pedigree Dry Dog Food:

• 2.1.1. High Carbohydrate Content: The carbohydrate content averages around 44%, which is exceptionally high. At FOODS.EDU.VN, we recognize that excessive carbohydrates in dog food often indicate lower quality, as they are a cost-effective filler. High levels of starch can lead to increased insulin levels, obesity, and disruptions in gut balance. This also often correlates with lower protein content; in this case, protein makes up only 23% of the food, about half the carbohydrate amount.
• 2.1.2. Excessive Added Vitamins and Minerals: This line of dog food loses points due to the excessive addition of vitamins and minerals. Ideally, these nutrients should be derived from whole food sources. Over-supplementation can indicate that the base ingredients are of poor quality or have been heavily processed. Moreover, excessive amounts of certain nutrients, like Vitamin D and copper, from premixes can be detrimental.
• 2.1.3. Added Amino Acids: Animal-based proteins are generally more complete in their amino acid profiles compared to plant-based proteins, and they tend to be more expensive. The presence of two or more added amino acids suggests that the food relies heavily on cheaper, lower-quality ingredients to meet the necessary nutritional requirements.
• 2.1.4. Plant Protein Reliance: The use of plant proteins as a cheaper alternative to animal protein is a significant concern. Animal-based proteins are more digestible and offer a more comprehensive range of amino acids, which are vital for your dog’s health.
• 2.1.5. Unnamed Animal Protein: The inclusion of unnamed animal ingredients is a hallmark of lower-quality dog food. Recipes containing animal fat that can be derived from any animal source raise concerns about the consistency and quality of the protein. These ingredients are often inexpensive and may come from rendered waste.
• 2.1.6. Sugar Content: Sugar is frequently added to enhance palatability or as a preservative. However, it’s a low-quality ingredient that can lead to gut imbalances, obesity, and insulin spikes, offering no nutritional benefit to your dog.

2.2. Ingredient Safety Concerns

All recipes in this category score 0/10 for ingredient safety, signaling serious concerns:

• 2.2.1. Ultra-Processed Nature: This dog food line loses significant points for being ultra-processed. The ingredients undergo multiple heating cycles, which can drastically reduce the availability of essential enzymes, vitamins, amino acids, and phytonutrients. Ultra-processed foods have also been linked to higher mortality rates across various species.
• 2.2.2. High Pesticide/Herbicide Foods in Top 5 Ingredients: The top ingredients in these recipes are known to have high pesticide and herbicide residues. Non-organic crops are often sprayed with Roundup, leading to high levels of glyphosate residue. Glyphosate is an antibiotic that can harm beneficial gut bacteria and has been linked to cancer and other diseases.
• 2.2.3. GMOs in Top 5 Ingredients: These recipes include genetically modified organisms (GMOs) like corn and soybeans in the top five ingredients. There are limited safety studies on GMO crops, and they often lack the nutritional benefits of non-GMO alternatives. Furthermore, GMO crops can deplete soil nutrients and increase pesticide use, potentially contributing to environmental issues like bee die-offs.
• 2.2.4. Meat and Bone Meal Concerns: The term “meat and bone meal” is broadly defined and can include tissues from any mammal, including roadkill and deceased livestock. This ingredient is among the cheapest animal-derived components used in pet food. Although labels may specify “beef and bone meal” or “pork and bone meal,” this doesn’t significantly improve the ingredient’s overall quality.
• 2.2.5. Arsenic in Rice: Rice is prone to arsenic contamination as it naturally absorbs arsenic from the water in which it grows. Arsenic is linked to chronic health issues.
• 2.2.6. “Natural Flavor” Ambiguity: The term “natural flavor” is often used to enhance palatability but can refer to MSG or animal digest, both of which are low-quality and lack sufficient safety studies.
• 2.2.7. Synthetic Preservatives: While antioxidants are used to preserve shelf-stable foods by preventing oxidation and nutrient degradation, synthetic options like BHA are less desirable. Natural antioxidants, such as mixed tocopherols, are preferable due to limited toxicity studies linking artificial antioxidants to potential health risks, including cancer.
• 2.2.8. Artificial Colors/Dyes: Artificial colors, iron oxide, caramel, and titanium dioxide are used to make the food more appealing to consumers. These additives can mask the grey color of rendered ingredients and have been linked to various health issues.

3. Pedigree Wet Dog Food: An In-Depth Analysis

Score: 4.3/10

Pedigree Wet dog food scores 4.3/10, which still classifies it as a high-risk dog food according to our criteria at FOODS.EDU.VN.

Here are the listed ingredients for Pedigree Chopped Ground Dinner Bacon Cheeseburger Flavors Recipe: chicken by-products, water sufficient for processing, chicken, meat by-products, pork liver, brewers rice, beef, minerals (potassium chloride, magnesium proteinate, zinc sulfate, copper proteinate, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide), sodium tripolyphosphate, carrageenan, added color, dried yam, guar gum, vitamins (choline chloride, vitamin E supplement, biotin, d-calcium pantothenate, thiamine mononitrate, vitamin A supplement, vitamin D3 supplement), xanthan gum, natural bacon flavor, natural grilled cheeseburger flavor.

3.1. Ingredient Quality Concerns

Several aspects of the ingredient quality in Pedigree Wet dog food raise concerns:

• 3.1.1. High Carbohydrate Content: With an average carbohydrate content of 20% on a dry matter basis, this is considered high for canned dog food. Excessive carbohydrates are typically used to reduce costs, and large amounts can lead to insulin level spikes, obesity, and imbalances in the gut.
• 3.1.2. Excessive Added Vitamins and Minerals: As with the dry food, the wet food loses points for excessive added vitamins and minerals. Ideally, these nutrients should come from whole food sources, and over-supplementation can be a sign of poor-quality or heavily processed ingredients.
• 3.1.3. Added Amino Acids: The presence of added amino acids indicates that the food may not contain sufficient high-quality animal protein. Relying on added amino acids can be a less effective and less nutritious way to meet a dog’s protein requirements.
• 3.1.4. Plant Protein Inclusion: The use of plant proteins as cheaper substitutes for animal proteins remains a concern. Animal proteins are generally more digestible and contain a wider array of essential amino acids.
• 3.1.5. Unnamed Animal Ingredients: The use of unnamed animal ingredients like animal plasma, animal liver, and meat by-products is a sign of lower quality. The lack of specificity makes it difficult to ascertain the quality and safety of these components.
• 3.1.6. Sugar Content: The addition of dextrose, a type of sugar, in several recipes is a significant drawback. Sugar provides no nutritional value and can lead to various health issues, including unwanted gut changes, obesity, and insulin spikes.

3.2. Ingredient Safety Concerns

These wet foods also present several safety-related issues:

• 3.2.1. Highly Processed: Canned foods are heated before and during canning, which can lead to significant losses in active enzymes, vitamins, amino acids, and phytonutrients. Processed foods are also associated with higher mortality rates in many species.
• 3.2.2. High Pesticide/Herbicide Foods in Top 5 Ingredients: The recipes contain ingredients known to have high pesticide/herbicide residues, such as wheat and peas. These crops are often sprayed with Roundup, leading to high levels of glyphosate residue, which can harm beneficial gut bacteria and has been linked to cancer and other diseases.
• 3.2.3. GMO Ingredients: The presence of cornstarch, a known GMO ingredient, is concerning. There are limited safety studies on genetically modified crops, and they may lack the nutritional benefits of non-GMO alternatives.
• 3.2.4. Synthetic Preservatives: The use of synthetic preservatives to maintain shelf stability is less desirable than using natural antioxidants like mixed tocopherols. Synthetic preservatives have limited toxicity studies and may be linked to adverse health effects.
• 3.2.5. Arsenic in Rice: As mentioned earlier, rice can be contaminated with arsenic, which is linked to chronic health issues.
• 3.2.6. Carrageenan: Carrageenan, a highly processed derivative of seaweed used as a thickener, may be linked to intestinal inflammation and other negative health effects.
• 3.2.7. “Natural Flavor” Ambiguity: The term “natural flavor” can be misleading, often referring to MSG or animal digest, which are low-quality ingredients with limited safety studies.
• 3.2.8. Artificial Colors/Dyes: The inclusion of artificial colors and dyes is used to make the food more appealing to consumers but may hide the grey color of rendered ingredients and has been linked to health issues.

4. Is Pedigree a Good Dog Food Overall?

Overall, Pedigree’s dry dog foods are considered very high risk due to their ultra-processed nature and high carbohydrate levels.

The canned dog foods fare slightly better due to less processing and fewer carbohydrates but are still considered high-risk options.

The dry recipes are further penalized for excessive added vitamins and minerals, plant protein, sugar, unnamed animal proteins, and seed oils. The presence of two or more added amino acids is a sign of foods with lower animal protein content, often compensated with more plant protein. Safety concerns include the use of ingredients known to have high pesticide/herbicide residues, GMO ingredients, synthetic preservatives, rice, natural flavor, and artificial colors or dyes.

The canned foods share similar concerns, including excessive added vitamins and minerals, more than two added amino acids in some recipes, plant protein, unnamed protein, and sugar. Food safety concerns also encompass high pesticide foods in the top five ingredients, GMO crops, synthetic preservatives, rice, carrageenan, natural flavor, and artificial colors or dyes.

Additional marketing and ingredient concerns, while not affecting the score, are worth noting:

• 4.1. Glam Ingredients: The inclusion of “glam ingredients” like fruits listed after salt suggests they are present in minimal amounts that provide no nutritional benefit.
• 4.2. Ingredient Splitting: Both dry and canned recipes show evidence of ingredient splitting, a practice of dividing ingredients into subcategories to make them appear lower on the list. This can also push more desirable animal protein ingredients higher in the ingredient list.
• 4.3. Lack of Farmed vs. Wild-Caught Fish Disclosure: The company does not specify whether the fish products used are farmed or wild-caught. Farmed fish is generally less nutritious and lacks the same healthy fatty acid balance as wild-caught fish.
• 4.4. Absence of Omega-6: Omega-3 Ratio: The failure to provide the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is a concern. Omega-6 fatty acids are pro-inflammatory, and AAFCO allows a highly inflammatory ratio of up to 30:1.

5. Pedigree Dog Food Recalls

Pedigree has faced several recalls over the years:

• August 2014: Voluntary recall due to the possible presence of foreign material.
• June 2012: Voluntary recall due to a potential choking risk.
• 2008: Voluntary recall due to potential salmonella contamination.

6. Evaluation Criteria Explained

At FOODS.EDU.VN, we use a comprehensive set of criteria to evaluate dog foods:

6.1. High-Quality Ingredients

We look for the absence of low-quality ingredients and markers, including:

• Excessive carbohydrate content, which can lead to gut imbalances.
• Unnamed proteins, which are of lower quality.
• Cellulose (wood pulp) as a fiber source instead of real food.
• Excessive vitamins and minerals added in place of real food nutrition.
• Excessive added amino acids or plant proteins instead of expensive meat protein.
• Inflammatory processed seed oils.

6.2. Ingredient Safety

We assess how safe the ingredients are, looking for:

• The extent of food processing.
• The presence of known genetically modified foods.
• Ingredients known to be high in pesticides.
• The use of “natural flavor,” which is often MSG or animal digest.
• The presence of rice, which can be high in arsenic.

Each food is objectively evaluated, and a score is assigned based on the average of ingredient quality and safety. Our reviews are unbiased and do not include affiliate links. FOODS.EDU.VN partners with DogFoodReviews.com to provide unbiased, objective criteria to help dog owners choose the best dog food. You can view the full Evaluation Criteria at DogFoodReviews.com.

7. The Importance of Understanding Dog Food Labels

Decoding dog food labels can feel like navigating a maze, but understanding what you’re feeding your pet is essential for their health and vitality. The team at FOODS.EDU.VN is dedicated to breaking down complex nutritional information, making it easier for pet owners to make informed choices. Here’s a simplified guide to help you read between the lines of dog food packaging.

7.1. The Ingredient List: A Closer Look

• 7.1.1. The First Five Ingredients: In most countries, pet food manufacturers are required to list ingredients by weight, with the heaviest listed first. The first five ingredients make up the bulk of the food, so they are most important. Look for high-quality protein sources, such as named meats (e.g., chicken, beef, lamb) rather than meat by-products or meals.
• 7.1.2. Whole vs. Processed Ingredients: Whole ingredients, like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, are generally more nutritious than their processed counterparts. However, meals (e.g., chicken meal, fish meal) can be a concentrated source of protein, but they should still be named.
• 7.1.3. Avoidance List: Steer clear of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Also, be cautious of excessive fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, which offer minimal nutritional value and can cause digestive issues in some dogs.

7.2. Guaranteed Analysis: What It Tells You

The guaranteed analysis provides percentages of crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and moisture.

• 7.2.1. Protein: Essential for muscle development and overall health. Active dogs and puppies require higher protein levels.
• 7.2.2. Fat: Provides energy and supports healthy skin and coat. The source of fat is crucial; look for named sources like chicken fat or fish oil.
• 7.2.3. Fiber: Aids digestion. However, excessive fiber can reduce the absorption of other nutrients.
• 7.2.4. Moisture: High moisture content is typical in canned foods, which can help keep your dog hydrated.

7.3. Additional Labeling Terms

• 7.3.1. “Complete and Balanced”: This term indicates that the food meets the nutritional standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for a particular life stage.
• 7.3.2. “Natural”: While this term may sound appealing, it only means that no synthetic ingredients have been added. It doesn’t necessarily mean the food is high-quality.
• 7.3.3. “Organic”: Organic foods must meet specific USDA standards. If a pet food is labeled “organic,” at least 95% of its ingredients must be certified organic.

8. Alternatives to Pedigree: Exploring Better Options

Given the concerns about Pedigree dog food, it’s wise to explore alternative brands that prioritize higher-quality ingredients and safer manufacturing processes. At FOODS.EDU.VN, we believe in empowering pet owners with the knowledge to make the best choices for their furry friends. Here are some recommended alternatives to Pedigree that you might want to consider.

8.1. High-Quality Dry Dog Food Alternatives

• 8.1.1. Orijen: This brand is known for its biologically appropriate diets, which are rich in meat-based proteins and low in carbohydrates. Orijen uses whole prey ingredients, meaning they include meat, organs, and bones in their recipes.
• 8.1.2. Acana: Similar to Orijen, Acana focuses on regional ingredients and meat-rich formulas. They offer a variety of recipes tailored to different breeds and life stages.
• 8.1.3. Taste of the Wild: This brand offers grain-free options with novel protein sources like bison, salmon, and venison. They also include fruits, vegetables, and probiotics for added nutrition.
• 8.1.4. Blue Buffalo Wilderness: This line of dog food is protein-rich and grain-free, featuring deboned meat as the first ingredient. They also include “LifeSource Bits,” which are cold-formed to preserve the potency of vitamins and antioxidants.

8.2. High-Quality Wet Dog Food Alternatives

• 8.2.1. Ziwi Peak: Ziwi Peak offers air-dried and canned dog food made with high percentages of meat, organs, and bones. Their recipes are limited in ingredients and free from grains, soy, and artificial additives.
• 8.2.2. Wellness CORE: This brand provides grain-free, protein-rich wet food options. They use high-quality ingredients and avoid meat by-products, fillers, and artificial preservatives.
• 8.2.3. Merrick Grain-Free: Merrick offers a variety of wet food recipes with real meat, poultry, or fish as the first ingredient. Their foods are grain-free and contain no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
• 8.2.4. Canidae Grain-Free PURE: This line features limited ingredient diets, which are ideal for dogs with sensitivities. They use simple, wholesome ingredients and avoid common allergens.

8.3. Factors to Consider When Switching

• 8.3.1. Ingredients: Read the ingredient list carefully and look for named meat sources, whole grains (if not grain-free), and avoid artificial additives and fillers.
• 8.3.2. Life Stage: Choose a food that is appropriate for your dog’s age and activity level. Puppies, adults, and seniors have different nutritional needs.
• 8.3.3. Sensitivities: If your dog has any known allergies or sensitivities, opt for a limited ingredient diet that avoids those triggers.
• 8.3.4. Transition Slowly: When switching dog foods, it’s essential to transition gradually over 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset. Mix a small amount of the new food with the old food, gradually increasing the proportion of the new food each day.

9. Understanding AAFCO Standards

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) plays a crucial role in regulating pet food in the United States. AAFCO is not a government agency but a voluntary membership association that sets standards for pet food ingredients, labeling, and nutritional adequacy. Understanding AAFCO standards can help you make informed decisions about the food you choose for your dog. FOODS.EDU.VN is committed to providing you with clear, reliable information to navigate these standards effectively.

9.1. What Does AAFCO Do?

AAFCO’s primary functions include:

• 9.1.1. Setting Nutrient Profiles: AAFCO establishes nutrient profiles for dog and cat foods, outlining the minimum and sometimes maximum levels of essential nutrients required for different life stages (growth/reproduction, adult maintenance).
• 9.1.2. Defining Ingredients: AAFCO provides definitions for pet food ingredients, ensuring consistency and transparency in labeling.
• 9.1.3. Developing Model Regulations: AAFCO develops model regulations that states can adopt into their laws, helping to ensure uniformity in pet food regulation across the country.

9.2. AAFCO Statement of Nutritional Adequacy

One of the most important things to look for on a pet food label is the AAFCO statement of nutritional adequacy. This statement indicates that the food is complete and balanced for a particular life stage, meaning it contains all the nutrients your dog needs in the right proportions.

The AAFCO statement will typically read something like: “[Product Name] is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for [life stage].”

There are two ways a pet food can meet AAFCO standards:

• 9.2.1. Formulation Method: The food is formulated to contain all the required nutrients based on the AAFCO nutrient profiles.
• 9.2.2. Feeding Trial Method: The food has been tested in a feeding trial conducted according to AAFCO procedures, demonstrating that it supports the health and well-being of dogs.

9.3. Limitations of AAFCO Standards

While AAFCO standards are a valuable tool for evaluating pet food, they do have limitations:

• 9.3.1. Minimum Requirements: AAFCO standards focus on minimum nutrient requirements, not optimal levels. A food that meets AAFCO standards may still contain low-quality ingredients or be high in fillers.
• 9.3.2. Ingredient Quality: AAFCO does not evaluate the quality of ingredients used in pet food. It is up to pet owners to research and choose foods with high-quality, whole-food ingredients.
• 9.3.3. Processing Methods: AAFCO standards do not address how pet food is processed. Highly processed foods may lose some of their nutritional value.

10. FAQs About Pedigree Dog Food

Here are some frequently asked questions about Pedigree dog food:

1. 10.1. Is Pedigree dog food suitable for all dog breeds?

   Pedigree offers different formulas for various life stages and sizes, but its overall quality is a concern. It’s best to consult with a vet for breed-specific dietary needs.

2. 10.2. What are the main ingredients in Pedigree dog food?

   The main ingredients typically include corn, meat and bone meal, and soybean meal, which are not the highest quality.

3. 10.3. Does Pedigree dog food contain artificial additives?

   Yes, Pedigree dog food often contains artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, which can be harmful.

4. 10.4. Is Pedigree dog food grain-free?

   No, Pedigree dog food is not typically grain-free, and it includes grains like corn and rice, which may not be suitable for all dogs.

5. 10.5. How does Pedigree dog food compare to other brands in terms of cost?

   Pedigree is generally more affordable than premium brands, but the lower cost reflects the use of cheaper ingredients.

6. 10.6. Has Pedigree dog food ever been recalled?

   Yes, Pedigree has had several recalls due to contamination and other issues, which raises concerns about its safety standards.

7. 10.7. Can Pedigree dog food cause allergies in dogs?

   Due to its ingredients like corn, soy, and artificial additives, Pedigree can potentially cause allergies in sensitive dogs.

8. 10.8. What are the benefits of feeding my dog Pedigree dog food?

   The primary benefit is its affordability and wide availability, but nutritionally, there are better options available.

9. 10.9. How do I switch my dog to a different food from Pedigree?

   Gradually mix the new food with Pedigree over 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset.

10. 10.10. Where can I find more information about the best dog food options?

    Visit FOODS.EDU.VN for detailed reviews and expert advice on choosing the best dog food for your pet.

Choosing the right dog food is a critical decision for your pet’s health and well-being. While Pedigree is a widely available and affordable option, its ingredient quality and safety raise concerns. By understanding the ingredients, nutritional content, and potential risks, you can make an informed choice that prioritizes your dog’s health.

At FOODS.EDU.VN, we are dedicated to providing you with the knowledge and resources you need to make the best decisions for your furry friend. We encourage you to explore our comprehensive guides and reviews to discover high-quality alternatives that offer superior nutrition and safety. Remember, a healthy diet is an investment in your dog’s long-term health and happiness.

Ready to dive deeper into the world of pet nutrition? Visit foods.edu.vn today and discover a wealth of information to help you make the best choices for your beloved companion. Let us help you ensure your dog enjoys a vibrant, healthy life! For more information, visit us at 1946 Campus Dr, Hyde Park, NY 12538, United States, or contact us via WhatsApp at +1 845-452-9600. Your pet’s health is our priority!