Pedigree Dog Food Review: Formulas, Recipes, and Recalls

Pedigree is a common dog food brand known for its wallet-friendly meals for our four-legged friends.

Below, we’ll dive into the company’s history, examine the principles behind their formulas, look at their manufacturing process, and analyze a few of Pedigree’s common recipes. Hopefully, this will help you decide whether or not this brand is a good choice for your canine!

Quick Picks: Preferred Pedigree Picks

1. Pedigree Choice Cuts [Best Overall Pedigree Dog Food]: Pedigree Choice Cuts contains the highest amount of whole protein compared to the rest of the brand’s offerings. You can also purchase the wet food in pouch form to use as an enticing kibble topper. 
2. Pedigree High Protein [Best Dry Pedigree Dog Food]: This formula by Pedigree features a higher protein content than the other dry foods and contains some sources of whole protein in its recipes. 
3. Pedigree Chopped Ground Dinner [Best Pedigree Dog Food for Picky Pups]: This isn’t the most nutritious wet food on the market, but there’s an impressive selection of flavors for picky eaters.

Pedigree Dog Foods: Our Overall Thoughts

We certainly understand that some pet parents need to feed a low-cost food to their dogs. But it is important to be clear at the outset: We’re not the biggest fans of this brand. 

Simply put, Pedigree foods do not meet many of our criteria for choosing a high-quality dog food.

Many of their recipes do not include a whole protein at the top of the ingredient list, and the brand fails to properly label some of the animal byproducts used in their recipes.

Nevertheless, their foods do meet AAFCO guidelines, so if your vet gives you the green light, you may want to consider one of their recipes if you’re looking for a very budget-friendly option. 

To give you some perspective, Pedigree foods are usually about one-third the price of some of the premium brands we usually recommend owners choose.

While we generally don’t recommend Pedigree brand pet foods, here are the preferred selections from the brand if your vet gives you the O.K. 

Pedigree Dog Food: Brand History & Background

Pedigree has been around longer than most dog food brands, as it was started by the Chappel Brothers in 1932, across the pond in Manchester. At this time, the company simply canned meat scraps and branded them as dog food under the name “Chappie.” Due to the brand’s popularity and budget-friendly prices, sales rose at a steady rate, and larger corporations began to take notice. 

The conglomerate MARS Inc. (which you may know for producing other products like M&Ms) acquired the brand in 1934. 

In 1972, the brand became known as “Pedigree Petfoods” in all markets outside of the United States. MARS expanded its pet food selection by acquiring dog food brand Kal Kan in 1989 and began officially branding all foods under “Pedigree”. 

The current slogan for Pedigree is “We’re for dogs”, and the brand’s recipes are sold in more than 60 countries. The manufacturer has factories throughout the U.S. and Canada, and their headquarters are located in Franklin, Tennessee. 

Pedigree Dog Food Recall History

Unfortunately, Pedigree has an extensive history of product recalls. Some of the most recent include:

• Pedigree initiated a recall in 2014 due to a possible presence of a foreign metal material in the foods. This recall was centered around Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition dry dog food sold in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
• In September and August 2008, several Mars products and Pedigree foods were recalled for potential salmonella contamination, this time involving their Large Breed Adult recipe, which was manufactured in a Pennsylvania facility.
• Pedigree also recalled “Chilled Dog Rolls” sold exclusively in New Zealand in 2007 for possible metal contamination. 
• In 2004, Pedigree foods manufactured and sold in the Asian Countries Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, South Korea and Vietnam were linked to kidney failure due to toxins produced by mold in some of the manufacturing facilities.

Now, recalls are unfortunately a fact of life (they happen with human foods all the time), so we don’t necessarily think it is always necessary to write off a brand because of one or two product recalls.

But companies that issue repeated recalls should face tougher scrutiny.

Pedigree Dog Food: Formulas and Recipes

Pedigree produces nine key formulas of dry and wet foods. These formulas or product lines all contain a variety of recipes, each with slightly different ingredients. 

Below, we’ll review the product lines as a whole and dive into a few selected recipes. 

1. Pedigree Complete Nutrition

Pedigree’s “Complete Nutrition” line contains just two recipes, which are both intended for adult dogs without specific dietary needs. 

The first ingredient for both recipes is corn, which isn’t necessarily a “bad” carbohydrate, though many owners like to avoid it for its minimal nutritional value in comparison to other whole grains. 

As the top protein source, the Complete Nutrition line presents “meat and bone meal”. While meat meals aren’t inherently bad, they should be properly labeled so that pet parents can identify allergens if needed. Proper labeling also helps demonstrate that there aren’t any objectionable food sources used in the recipe.  

Other sub-par protein sources in this formula include soybean meal, which is more commonly found in farm animal feeds, and corn gluten meal which has protein, but less than a meat source. 

Complete Nutrition also uses artificial colors in its recipes, which is unnecessary for our furry friends. The food also contains animal fat, which is preserved with BHA. While there’s no conclusive evidence that BHA is dangerous to dogs, it has been linked to cancer in rodents which leads some pet owners to avoid the ingredient. 

Examining Pedigree’s Adult Complete Nutrition Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Recipe

To make an informed decision on the Adult Complete Nutrition line, we looked at the formula’s Chicken, Rice & Vegetable recipe. 

The Chicken, Rice, & Vegetable recipe has a protein reading of 21%, a fat level of 10%, and a carbohydrate content of about 60%. Given this high carbohydrate content level and the food’s lack-luster ingredient list and high carbohydrate content, we’d consider it a below-average dog food. 

Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Ingredients

Pedigree Complete Nutrition Recipes

• Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Chicken, Rice, & Vegetable
• Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Steak & Vegetable

2. Pedigree Puppy 

As the name suggests, Pedigree’s Puppy formulas are designed for puppies and young dogs up to 18 months old. The formula includes five different recipes, with both wet and dry options. 

While this formula does include more protein than the Pedigree adult dog food formula, it’s still a lackluster food for growing dogs, as it derives much of its protein content from corn and animal byproducts. The formula also includes artificial colors which isn’t needed for your budding best buddy. Also, the animal fat in the recipe is preserved with BHA which is an artificial preservative. 

This recipe does include a source of DHA which helps support a pup’s organ development, though there are plenty of better dog foods for your puppy that also feature DHA. 

Examining Pedigree’s Puppy Complete Nutrition Chicken & Vegetable Recipe 

We went ahead and checked out Peigree’s Puppy Complete Nutrition Chicken & Vegetable Recipe so that you can have a clear understanding of the food’s nutritional content. 

The food contains 30% protein, 12% fat, and 44% carbohydrates. We’d consider this puppy food to be fairly low-quality, due to its high level of carbohydrates and lack of whole protein sources. 

Pedigree Puppy Complete Nutrition Chicken & Vegetable Ingredients

Pedigree Puppy Recipes

• Pedigree Puppy Complete Nutrition Chicken & Vegetable 
• Pedigree Puppy Complete Nutrition Steak & Vegetable 
• Pedigree Puppy Ground Chicken and Beef (Wet)
• Pedigree Puppy Cut Chicken in Sauce (Wet)
• Pedigree Puppy Chopped Lamb & Rice (Wet) 

3. Pedigree High Protein 

Pedigree’s High Protein formula is designed for active adult dogs and – as the name implies – contains a higher protein percentage than other Pedigree foods. However, the difference in protein content is fairly small; these recipes only have 5% more protein than other adult Pedigree foods.

While this line does include some whole proteins in its recipes, animal byproducts make up the main source of protein, with whole sources much further down in the ingredients list. This food also contains artificial colors and animal fat preserved with BHA. 

This food may provide pups with slightly more protein than other formulas within Pedigree, but there are much better high-protein dog foods available, if you ask us.

Examining Pedigree’s High Protein Beef and Lamb Recipe

Here’s a clear view of the nutritional content you can expect from the Pedigree High Protein formulas.

The High Protein Beef and Lamb dry food recipe feature 27% protein, 12% fat, and 54% carbohydrate content. While this dry food does have more protein than the classic line, it’s still below average due to the disproportionate amount of carbohydrates it contains. 

Pedigree High Protein Beef and Lamb Ingredients

Pedigree High Protein Recipes

• Pedigree High Protein Beef and Lamb 
• Pedigree High Protein Chicken and Turkey
• Pedigree High Protein Beef and Lamb (Wet)
• Pedigree High Protein Chicken and Turkey (Wet)
• Pedigree High Protein Chicken & Duck (Wet)
• Pedigree High Protein Beef & Bison (Wet) 

4. Pedigree Healthy Weight 

The “Healthy Weight” formula by Pedigree includes one dry food and two wet foods. This weight management formula is designed to help your dog pack on fewer pounds by providing a leaner meal option.

Unfortunately, this food contains artificial dyes which are unnecessary for mutt meals. The food is also pretty heavy on the carbohydrates, which isn’t something most pet parents want. It’s also a no-go for pet parents trying to avoid corn in their dog’s diet. 

However, Healthy Weight is one of the few Pedigree formulas that contain joint supplements glucosamine and chondroitin which is a plus for your pooch. 

Examining Pedigree’s Healthy Weight Chicken and Vegetable Recipe

Here’s the nutritional content you can expect from Pedigree’s healthy weight line, pulled from the dry Chicken & Vegetable recipe. 

This food has a protein content of about 21%, fat at 7% and about 54% carbohydrates. Since the food only  has a small amount of protein, it’s considered a below average selection. 

Pedigree Healthy Weight Chicken and Vegetable Recipe Ingredients

Pedigree Healthy Weight Recipes

• Pedigree Healthy Weight Chicken & Vegetable 
• Pedigree Weight Management Chopped Beef & Liver (Wet)
• Pedigree Weight Management Chopped Chicken & Rice (Wet)

5. Pedigree Small Breed

Pedigree’s Small Breed Formula is designed for fully grown yet fun-sized furry friends. The formula features three different dry food recipes, each with tinier kibble pieces for compact canines. 

Most of the formula is made up of carbohydrates, mainly derived from corn. Once again, corn isn’t necessarily a bad ingredient, but some pet parents might want to avoid it. This recipe features chicken meal which acts as a source for glucosamine and chondroitin, which help to support your pooch’s joints.

This recipe does contain dried peas and carrots which serve as a good source of vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, but they are somewhat low in the ingredient list. It also features artificial colors which isn’t great.   

Examining Pedigree’s Small Breed Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Recipe

Is Pedigree right for your small-sized pooch? Take a look at the nutritional content of the Chicken, Rice, and Vegetable recipe of the Small Breed formula. 

The small breed Chicken, Rice, & Vegetable recipe features about 24% protein, 56% carbs, and 13% fat. This makes it a pretty below-average pick, relative to many other dog foods on the market, which contain more protein.  

Pedigree Small Breed Chicken, Rice, and Vegetable Ingredients

Pedigree Small Breed Recipes

• Pedigree Small Breed Chicken & Steak
• Pedigree Small Breed Steak & Vegetable
• Pedigree Small Breed Chicken, Rice, and Vegetable 

6. Pedigree Large Breed

Pedigree’s Large Breed formula includes a single recipe: Chicken, Rice, and Vegetable. While full-grown large breed dogs could eat the Adult Complete Nutrition food by Pedigree, they wouldn’t get the added benefit of this recipe’s glucosamine and chondroitin which serve as joint supplements. 

Aside from the joint supplements, however, this formula doesn’t have a lot of benefits for larger furry friends. The carb-heavy meal also contains fairly low protein levels , and features unnecessary artificial colors. 

This food also contains animal fat preserved with BHA, which is a chemical preservative that many pet parents try to steer clear of. It’s also packed with corn, like most other Pedigree meals, which might not be the best pick for every pooch.  

Examining Pedigree’s Chicken, Rice, and Vegetable Recipe

Here’s a look at the nutritional content for the Large Breed Chicken, Rice, and Vegetable food. 

This food is made up of about 50% carbohydrates, 22% protein, and 9% fat. With mainly plant-derived protein, we’d consider this a below-average food. 

Pedigree Large Breed Chicken, Rice, and Vegetable  Ingredients

Pedigree Large Breed Recipes

• Pedigree Large Breed Chicken, Rice, and Vegetable 

7. Pedigree Tender Bites 

The Pedigree Tender Bites formula intends to provide pups with a more interesting meal, providing two textures in a single food: traditional dry kibbles and chewier bits.

Nutritionally speaking, Pedigree tender bites are fairly lackluster with a high carbohydrate content, derived primarily from corn. The food contains artificial dyes and has BHA, a synthetic preservative. 

The included dried peas and carrots can help provide furry friends with fiber and antioxidants, though these vegetables are notably low on the ingredient list. With no whole meat source to be found, this food derives its protein from meat and soy byproducts. 

Examining Pedigree’s Tender Bites Chicken Recipe

Check out the nutritional content for the Tender Bites Chicken food.

The Tender Bites Chicken recipe is comprised of 52% carbohydrate content, 21% protein, and 11% fat. Given the low protein levels and a high carbohydrate content, we’d rank the Tender Bites recipe below most other dry foods. 

Tender Bites Chicken Ingredients

Pedigree Tender Bites Recipes

• Pedigree Tender Bites Chicken
• Pedigree Small Breed Tender Bites Chicken & Steak 

8. Pedigree Choice Cuts 

Pedigree Choice Cuts is a wet food line with 4 different recipes. Available in both cans and pouches, this food can be used as a standalone meal or topper. 

The wet food does contain whole protein, though it’s accompanied by unnamed meat byproducts. However, the formula is much more protein-packed than others in the Pedigree line, though that’s somewhat expected with wet food. The choice cuts line appears to be a better option for dogs than most Pedigree foods, though there are plenty of other more nutritious wet food options to choose from. 

Examining Pedigree’s Choice Cuts Beef in Gravy Recipe

Are you considering feeding your pooch choice cuts as a kibble topper or on their own? Check out the nutritional breakdown of the Choice Cuts Beef in Gravy recipe. 

The Choice Cuts Beef recipe features 38% protein, 27% carbs, and 35% fat. While this wet food has less fat than the chopped option, we still think it’s a relatively poor choice since most of the protein is derived from meat by-products and plant sources. 

Pedigree Choice Cuts Beef in Gravy Ingredients

Pedigree Choice Cuts Recipes

• Pedigree Choice Cuts Beef in Gravy (Wet)
• Pedigree Choice Cuts Steak & Vegetable in Gravy (Wet)
• Pedigree Choice Cuts Chicken & Rice in Gravy (Wet)
• Pedigree Choice Filet Mingon in Gravy (Wet)

9. Pedigree Chopped Ground Dinner

With nine different recipes to choose from, Pedigree’s Chopped Ground line is the brand’s most extensive product formula.

The recipes in this wet line include whole protein, but also derive protein from unidentified animal byproducts which isn’t ideal. Additionally,  the recipe’s primary carbohydrate, brewers rice, is a grain by-product that only provides a modest amount of nutritional value. 

This food also contains artificial colors and the thickening agent carrageenan which isn’t preferred by some pet parents, though there isn’t conclusive evidence surrounding the substance’s safety or danger in pet food. 

Examining Pedigree’s Chopped Ground Beef Recipe

Before committing to Pedigree’s Chopped Ground wet food, let’s take a look at the nutritional content of the Ground Beef recipe. 

Pedigree’s Chopped Ground Beef has 50% fat content, 27% protein, and about 21% carbohydrates. The food’s above-average fat content and average protein render this formula a below average choice for dogs. 

Pedigree Chopped Ground Beef Ingredients

Pedigree Chopped Ground Dinner Recipes

• Pedigree Chopped Ground T-Bone Steak (Wet)
• Pedigree Chopped Ground Chicken (Wet)
• Pedigree Chopped Ground Beef (Wet)
• Pedigree Chopped Ground Chicken, Liver, and Beef (Wet)
• Pedigree Chopped Ground Beef, Bacon, and Cheese (Wet)
• Pedigree Chopped Ground Chicken & Rice (Wet)
• Pedigree Chopped Ground Turkey & Bacon (Wet)
• Pedigree Chopped Ground Filet Mignon & Bacon (Wet)
• Pedigree Chopped Ground Filet Mignon (Wet)

Pedigree Dog Foods: The Pros and the Cons

There’s no one right food for dogs, so Pedigree may be worth considering if it’s approved by your veterinarian, even if it’s not one of the foods we recommend.  Here are some major pros and cons of the brand as a whole to factor into your decision. 

PROS: Good Things About Pedigree Dog Foods

The biggest benefit when it comes to Pedigree is the brand’s notably affordable price point. While you get what you pay for in many ways, Pedigree does meet AAFCO guidelines, while saving you plenty of cash.  

Another benefit is that the Healthy Weight, Large Breed, and Small Breed formulas include joint supplements glucosamine and chondroitin. 

Pedigree is also readily available in most major pet retailers, so you won’t have any trouble getting your hands on Fido’s food. The food options within the same formula are also very similar, so you can switch between flavors every now and then to give your dog some variety, so long as it doesn’t upset his stomach. 

CONS: Not-So-Good Things About Pedigree Foods

Unfortunately, Pedigree has many more downsides than upsides. Unsurprisingly, a brand known for budget-friendly foods has to cut a few corners to keep the product price point low. 

For one thing, the brand does not include whole protein sources in their dry food and uses unidentified animal byproducts in some of its recipes. This can be particularly problematic for furry friends with allergies, since you aren’t able to identify  the source of the meat used in the foods. 

Additionally, none of these dog foods contain probiotics, so it’s probably not a good brand for dogs with stomach sensitivities or digestive issues.

Most of their dry recipes also include a hefty amount of corn, which — while not necessarily “bad” — is not an ingredient you want to see at the tippy top of the ingredient list. And some pet parents prefer to avoid corn altogether. All of the recipes include corn, so if you’re trying to avoid this controversial ingredient, you’ll have to seek other food brands.

Many of the recipes include artificial colors, which is not only an unnecessary inclusion (your dog doesn’t care what color her food is), but it may cause health problems in some cases. In fact, artificial colors have been shown to be toxic to some laboratory animals when consumed in large quantities. 

And finally, all of the whole fruits or good vegetables for dogs included in these recipes are fairly low on the ingredient list. So, your pooch isn’t reaping a lot of the benefits of natural fiber or antioxidants from Pedigree recipes, either.   

Pedigree Pet Foods: The Bottom Line  

Because it is so affordable, many pet parents find Pedigree to be a good option for their pooch. But in our view, there are better budget-priced dog foods available.

Pedigree foods do not meet many of the criteria we value in pet foods, and they are carb-heavy and low in whole, quality protein. 

With all that said, Pedigree dog foods may still prove acceptable in some cases.

These foods do meet AAFCO guidelines, so if your pup doesn’t have any food-related health issues and your vet doesn’t object, you may still want to give it a try. Just be ready to make a switch if it doesn’t work out for your pup.

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Has your dog tried Pedigree? What’s your mutt’s meal of choice? We’d love to hear all about it in the comments below!