HOW DOES YOUR DOG FOOD RATE: PEDIGREE DOG FOOD (DRY)
Pedigree Dog Food (Dry)
(original source: The Dog Food Advisor)
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆
Pedigree Dog Food receives the Advisor’s lowest rating of 1 star.
The Pedigree product line includes 11 dry dog foods.
Each recipe below includes its related AAFCO nutrient profile when available on the product’s official webpage: Growth, Maintenance, All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.
Important: Because many websites do not reliably specify which Growth or All Life Stages recipes are safe for large breed puppies, we do not include that data in this report. Be sure to check actual packaging for that information.
- Pedigree High Protein with Red Meat [M]
- Pedigree Puppy Growth and Protection [U]
- Pedigree Active Senior Complete Nutrition [M]
- Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Grilled Steak and Vegetable Flavor [M]
- Pedigree Small Dog Complete Nutrition Grilled Steak and Vegetable Flavor [M]
- Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Roasted Lamb, Rice and Vegetable Flavor [M]
- Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Roasted Chicken, Rice and Vegetable Flavor [M]
- Pedigree Small Dog Complete Nutrition Grilled Salmon, Rice and Vegetable Flavor [M]
- Pedigree Healthy Weight Complete Nutrition Roasted Chicken and Vegetable Flavor [M]
- Pedigree Big Dogs Complete Nutrition Roasted Chicken, Rice and Vegetable Flavor [M]
- Pedigree Small Dog Complete Nutrition Roasted Chicken, Rice and Vegetable Flavor [M]
Pedigree Big Dogs Complete Nutrition Roasted Chicken, Rice and Vegetable Flavor was selected to represent the other products in the line for this review.
Pedigree Big Dogs Complete Nutrition Roasted Chicken, Rice and Vegetable Flavor
Dry Dog Food -Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
- Protein 010024
- Fat 010013
- Carbs 010056
Ingredients: Ground whole grain corn, meat and bone meal (source of calcium), corn gluten meal, animal fat (source of omega 6 [preserved with BHA & citric acid]), soybean meal, natural flavor, chicken by-product meal, dried plain beet pulp, ground whole grain wheat, salt, potassium chloride, brewers rice, choline chloride, dried peas, calcium carbonate, zinc sulfate, dl-methionine, vitamin E supplement, niacin [vitamin B3], biotin, dried carrots, l-tryptophan, BHA & citric acid (a preservative), blue 2, yellow 5, yellow 6, d-calcium pantothenate [source of vitamin B5], riboflavin supplement [vitamin B2], red 40, pyridoxine hydrochloride [vitamin B6], copper sulfate, sodium selenite, potassium iodide, vitamin A supplement, thiamine mononitrate [vitamin B1], vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 4.5%
Red items indicate controversial ingredients
Estimated Nutrient Content
| Method | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guaranteed Analysis | 21% | 11% | NA |
| Dry Matter Basis | 24% | 13% | 56% |
| Calorie Weighted Basis | 22% | 28% | 51% |
| Calorie Weighted Basis | 21.8% | 27.7% | 50.5% |
| Nutrient Type | % Composition |
|---|---|
| Protein | 22 |
| Fat | 28 |
| Carbs | 51 |
The first ingredient in this dog food is corn. Corn is an inexpensive and controversial cereal grain. And aside from its energy content, this grain is of only modest nutritional value to a dog. For this reason, we do not consider corn a preferred component in any dog food.
The second ingredient is meat and bone meal, a dry “rendered product from mammal tissues, including bone, exclusive of any added blood, hair, hoof, horn, hide trimmings, manure, stomach and rumen contents”.1
Meat and bone meal can have a lower digestibility than most other meat meals.
Scientists believe this decreased absorption may be due to the ingredient’s higher ash and lower essential amino acid content.2
What’s worse, this particular item is anonymous. So, the meat itself can come from any combination of cattle, pigs, sheep or goats — which can make identifying specific food allergens impossible.
Even though meat and bone meals are still considered protein-rich meat concentrates, we do not consider a generic ingredient like this to be a quality item.
The third ingredient is corn gluten meal. Gluten is the rubbery residue remaining once corn has had most of its starchy carbohydrate washed out of it.
Although corn gluten meal contains 60% protein, this ingredient would be expected to have a lower biological value than meat.
And less costly plant-based products like this can notably boost the total protein reported on the label — a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.
The fourth ingredient is animal fat. Animal fat is a generic by-product of rendering, the same high-temperature process used to make meat meals.
Since there’s no mention of a specific animal, this item could come from almost anywhere: roadkill, spoiled supermarket meat, dead, diseased or dying cattle — even euthanized pets.
For this reason, we do not consider generic animal fat a quality ingredient.
What’s worse, this fat is preserved with BHA, a suspected cancer-causing agent.
The fifth ingredient is soybean meal, a by-product of soybean oil production more commonly found in farm animal feeds.
Although soybean meal contains 48% protein, this ingredient would be expected to have a lower biological value than meat.
And less costly plant-based products like this can notably boost the total protein reported on the label — a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.
After the natural flavor, we find chicken by-product meal, a dry rendered product of slaughterhouse waste. It’s made from what’s left of a slaughtered chicken after all the choice cuts have been removed.
In addition to organs, this item can also include feet, beaks, undeveloped eggs and almost anything other than prime skeletal muscle.
On the brighter side, by-product meals are meat concentrates and contain nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken.
The quality of this ingredient can vary, depending on the caliber of the raw materials obtained by the manufacturer.
The eighth ingredient is beet pulp. Beet pulp is a controversial ingredient, a high fiber by-product of sugar beet processing.
Some denounce beet pulp as an inexpensive filler while others cite its outstanding intestinal health and blood sugar benefits.
We only call your attention here to the controversy and believe the inclusion of beet pulp in reasonable amounts in most dog foods is entirely acceptable.
The ninth ingredient is wheat. Wheat is another cereal grain and subject to the same issues as corn (previously discussed).
From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.
But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this product.
With six notable exceptions…
First, we find brewers rice. Brewers rice is a cereal grain by-product consisting of the small fragments left over after milling whole rice. Aside from the caloric energy it contains, this item is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.
Next, dried peas are a good source of carbohydrates. Plus they’re naturally rich in dietary fiber.
However, dried peas contain about 27% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the meat content of this dog food.
In addition, we find no mention of probiotics, friendly bacteria applied to the surface of the kibble after processing to help with digestion.
Next, the minerals listed here do not appear to be chelated. And that can make them more difficult to absorb. Non-chelated minerals are usually associated with lower quality dog foods.
Additionally, we’re always disappointed to find artificial coloringin any pet food. That’s because coloring is used to make the product more appealing to humans — not your dog. After all, do you really think your dog cares what color his food is?
And lastly, this food is preserved with BHA, a suspected cancer-causing agent.
Pedigree Dog Food - The Bottom Line
Judging by its ingredients alone, Pedigree Dog Food looks like a below-average dry product. But ingredient quality by itself cannot tell the whole story. We still need to estimate the product’s meat content before determining a final rating.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 24%, a fat level of 13% and estimated carbohydrates of about 56%.
As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 25% and a mean fat level of 12%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 55% for the overall product line.
And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
Below-average protein. Below-average fat. And above-average carbs when compared to a typical dry dog food.
When you consider the protein-boosting effect of the corn gluten meal, soybean meal and dried peas, this looks like the profile of a kibble containing just a modest amount of meat.
Bottom line?
Pedigree is a plant-based dry dog food using a modest amount of poultry by-product or meat and bone meals as its main sources of animal protein, thus earning the brand 1 star.
Not recommended.
Please note certain recipes are sometimes given a higher or lower rating based upon our estimate of their total meat content and (when appropriate) their fat-to-protein ratios.
A Final Word
The descriptions and analyses expressed in this and every article on this website represent the views and opinions of the author of Dog Food Advisor.
Each review is offered in good faith and has been designed to help you make a more informed decision when buying dog food.
However, due to the biological uniqueness of every animal, none of our ratings are intended to suggest feeding a particular product will result in a specific dietary response or health benefit for your pet.
For a better understanding of how we analyze each product, please read our article, “The Problem with Dog Food Reviews“.
Remember, no dog food can possibly be appropriate for every life stage, lifestyle or health condition. So, choose wisely. And when in doubt, consult a qualified veterinary professional for help.
Summer brings glorious long walks and adventures in the great outdoors. But for dog owners, there's a hidden danger lurking in tall grasses that many don't even consider: the humble grass seed. These tiny, seemingly innocuous seeds can cause a surprising amount of pain, discomfort, and even serious health problems for our canine companions. At [Your Blog Name/Your Name], we want to ensure your pup stays happy and healthy all season long. So, let's shed some light on the sneaky dangers of grass seeds and how you can protect your dog. What Makes Grass Seeds So Dangerous? Grass seeds (often called "awns") might be small, but their unique structure makes them a formidable foe. Many varieties, particularly those from wild or unkempt grasses, have sharp, pointed ends and backward-pointing barbs. This design allows them to: Easily Attach: They readily cling to fur, especially in breeds with longer or feathery coats. Burrow Deep: Once attached, their barbed nature means they can only travel in one direction – forward. They can pierce the skin and then continue to burrow deeper into your dog's body. Carry Infection: As they burrow, they can drag bacteria and dirt with them, leading to painful infections and abscesses. Migrate: Alarmingly, once under the skin, a grass seed can travel a significant distance within the body, sometimes ending up in organs like the lungs or even near the spine, causing severe complications. Where Do Grass Seeds Typically Lodge? While a grass seed can technically get almost anywhere on a dog's body, certain areas are more common entry points due to their exposure during walks and play: Paws (Especially Between the Toes): This is one of the most frequent locations. Dogs pick them up as they walk, and the seeds can easily get stuck in the fur between their paw pads, then burrow into the soft skin. You might notice your dog excessively licking, limping, or a swollen, red area between their toes, sometimes with a small "weeping" hole. Ears: Floppy-eared breeds are particularly susceptible, but any dog can get a grass seed down their ear canal. Signs include vigorous head shaking, pawing at the ear, tilting their head to one side, or rubbing their ear on the ground. If left untreated, they can cause painful ear infections or even rupture the eardrum. Eyes: A grass seed can get lodged under the eyelid or behind the third eyelid, causing extreme irritation. Symptoms include excessive tearing, redness, squinting, or pawing at the eye. If not removed promptly, they can scratch the cornea and lead to serious eye damage or infection. Nose: Dogs who sniff along the ground can inhale grass seeds. This might lead to sudden and repeated sneezing, pawing at their nose, or even a bloody discharge from one nostril. Under the Skin (Anywhere on the Body): Seeds can also embed themselves in the armpits, groin, or any other area of the coat, creating a painful lump or abscess that your dog constantly licks or chews. What to Do If You Suspect a Grass Seed Problem: Act quickly! The sooner a grass seed is identified and removed, the less likely it is to cause severe problems. Inspect Thoroughly After Every Walk: This is your best defense! After any walk, especially through long grass or meadows, take a few minutes to check your dog from head to tail. Paws: Carefully spread their toes and check between the pads. Ears: Look inside the ear flap and as far down the canal as you can see. Coat: Run your hands through their fur, paying extra attention to their armpits, belly, and around their tail. Eyes and Nose: Gently check these areas for any foreign bodies or signs of irritation. Remove Visible Seeds (Carefully): If you spot a seed that hasn't penetrated the skin, you can try to carefully pick or brush it out. Contact Your Vet IMMEDIATELY If You Suspect a Seed Has Embedded: If your dog shows any of the symptoms mentioned above, or if you find a seed that has started to burrow into the skin, do not delay. Grass seeds rarely resolve on their own, and the longer they are left, the deeper they can travel and the more damage they can cause. Your vet may need to sedate your dog to properly examine the affected area and remove the seed, especially if it's in a painful or delicate spot. Prevention is Key! Avoid Long Grass: Whenever possible, steer clear of areas with tall, dry grass, especially during late spring and summer when seeds are prevalent. Keep Groomed: For long-haired breeds or those with feathery paws and ears, consider trimming the fur around these areas short. This makes it harder for seeds to cling and easier for you to spot them. Consider Protective Gear: For highly susceptible dogs, specialized booties can protect their paws, and snoods can help cover their ears during walks in grassy areas. By being vigilant and understanding the risks, you can help protect your beloved dog from the hidden dangers of grass seeds and ensure a safer, happier summer for you both.
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