Pedigree is a well-known brand of dog food that has been trusted by pet owners for many years. It’s formulated specifically for dogs and offers a range of products that cater to different life stages and specific dietary needs.
With a wide range of options available, pet owners may struggle to find an affordable dog food with quality ingredients.
Many people believe Pedigree is a good choice for providing balanced nutrition to their dogs, but is it really the best option? In this article, we will answer the question – “Is Pedigree good for dogs?”
We will explore the ingredients, benefits, and potential drawbacks of feeding your dog Pedigree and provide some recommendations for making informed decisions about your dog’s diet.
What Is Pedigree Made Of?
Pedigree is made of the following ingredients:
Meat & Animal Derivatives – Pedigree mainly contains animal-based ingredients with high protein content and other vitamins and minerals.
Inorganic Content – Vitamin and mineral supplements are also separately added to Pedigree during the manufacturing process to enhance the nutrition of dog food.
Vegetable Derivatives – Pedigree is plant-based as well. It includes several vegetables, including sugar beet pulp, which help with digestion and are also a good source of protein.
Cereals – Cereals such as wheat, corn, and rice are good sources of carbohydrates. The addition of vegetable derivatives and cereals helps with the absorption of nutrients.
Salt – In optimal quantities, sodium and chloride are essential for dogs. Unlike human beings, salt is not a flavor enhancer for dogs. Therefore, its addition does not increase palatability.
Flavors & Sugar – These are added to increase the palatability and add to the taste in highly controlled, minimal quantities.
Can Dogs Eat Pedigree every day?
It is generally safe for dogs to eat Pedigree brand dog food daily as long as it is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. However, following the feeding guidelines on the packaging is important to ensure that your dog receives the right amount of nutrients and calories. For your convenience, below is a basic diet overview:
- Pedigree is usually best consumed 2-3 times daily in portions appropriate for your dog’s age and desired weight. This covers both wet and dry foods.
- You can feed your puppies three tiny meals to satisfy their nutritional demands for development and energy without overfeeding them.
- Older dogs also eat two to three times a day – however, their meals will be a little bigger.
However, Pedigree can be slightly problematic for dogs with allergies or digestive struggles. While corn is good as a filler and a good source of energy, it takes work to digest. And therefore, it is not optimal to eat Pedigree for every meal your dog consumes.
What Is the Nutrient Percentage of Pedigree?
Checking the nutritional content of any food item is essential. The same goes for Pedigree. Pedigree offers nearly 3348 kcal per kilogram. Therefore, a standard Pedigree cup would have around 309 kcal.
It contains ground whole grain corn, meat and bone, corn gluten meal, animal fat (for Omega 6), soybean, dried plain beet pulp, chicken by-products, brewers rice, potassium chloride, ground whole grain wheat, and several other vitamins and minerals such as B2, B12, B5, Monocalcium, Zinc Sulfate, and others. The nutritional breakdown of Pedigree is as follows:
- Crude Protein – 21%
- Crude Fat – 10%
- Crude Fiber – 4%
- Moisture – 12%
- Linoleic Acid (Omega 6) – 2%
- Calcium – 1%
- Phosphorus – 0.8%
- Zinc – 80 milligrams
- Vitamin E – 100 IU/KG
Another important thing to remember is the feeding process, which many people ignore. Most people give dog food as per their whims and fancies. However, there are specific feeding instructions given by Pedigree.
Below we list a guide for giving Pedigree to your dog. It features the number of cups to be given to your dog with reference to its weight:
- Up to 5 kg – ¼ to 1 cup
- 5 – 11 kg – 1 to 1 ¾ cups
- 11 – 22 kg – 1 ¾ to 3 cups
- 22 – 34 kg – 3 to 4 cups
- 34 – 68 kg – 4 to 6 ¾ cups
What are the Pros & Cons of Pedigree?
Pros
- High nutritional content: When it comes to nutrition, Pedigree does come packed with the right vitamins and minerals for your dog.
- Wide variety of products: Pedigree offers a range of wet and dry food options, including formulas for puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs, as well as specialized formulas for specific breeds or health needs.
- Affordable: Pedigree dog food is generally less expensive than other premium brands, making it a budget-friendly option for many dog owners.
- Widely available: Pedigree dog food is widely available at pet stores and online, making it easy to find and purchase.
Cons
- Limited transparency: Pedigree does not provide a detailed ingredient list about the sourcing or processing of its ingredients on its website, making it difficult for consumers to know exactly what they are feeding their dogs.
- Controversial ingredients: Some Pedigree products contain controversial ingredients such as corn, wheat, and soy, which may not be suitable for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities.
Is Pedigree Good for Dogs?
If you’re looking for low-cost dog food with all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, this is the one. It’s American-made, has no added sugar, and is free of artificial flavors. It is not only cheap and nutritious – it’s also accessible in almost every store, so if you run out, you can go to the nearest supermarket and get a bag.
However, you must consider what’s best for your dog. Although this dry dog food meets all FDA/AAFCO requirements, corn is the main ingredient. That’s why it’s so inexpensive — the ingredients aren’t perfect, but what you get is high quality.
Pedigree products are made with high-quality protein sources and contain essential vitamins and minerals to support dogs’ overall health and well-being.
Endnote
So, is Pedigree good for dogs? Pedigree is one of the most popular dog food items in the industry today, and for a good reason. It is a household name and stands up for its reputation.
However, like everything else, too much of it can affect your dog and lead to digestive and other complications. It is also important to note that the suitability of Pedigree dog food for individual dogs will depend on their specific needs and preferences and any health conditions they may have.
