Is Pedigree Dry Dog Food Killing Dogs? Which Dogs To Feed?

Recently, the pet food industry has expanded exponentially, offering options to pet owners seeking convenience.

However, questions about certain dog food brands’ ingredients, formulations, and overall safety have arisen amidst this convenience.

Pedigree is one of the prominent names under scrutiny. Is Pedigree dry dog food killing dogs?

Are concerns blown out of proportion? This article will discuss this brand to answer the question. Let’s keep reading for the necessary information!

About Pedigree Dog Food 

is pedigree dry dog food killing dogs

History

Founded by Mars, Incorporated, one of the world’s largest and most recognizable confectionery, pet care, and food conglomerates, Pedigree emerged as a brand with a mission to provide dogs with balanced and nutritious meals.

The inception of Pedigree dates back to the 1930s when Mars, Incorporated entered the pet food market.

Given the evolving lifestyles of pet owners, the company recognized the need for a convenient and standardized way to provide essential vitamins and nutrients to dogs.

This realization led to the development and success of Pedigree as a line of dog food products that aimed to deliver complete and balanced nutrition in a convenient, ready-to-feed format.

Over the decades, Pedigree expanded its offerings and evolved its formulations to keep up with advancements in veterinary science and pet nutrition.

The brand emphasized the importance of using quality ingredients and formulating recipes that catered to the specific dietary needs of various dog breeds, sizes, and life stages.

Recalls

Is Pedigree dog food being recalled?

Yes. Some bags of Pedigree dry food were recalled in August 2014 due to metal particles in the packaging.

However, there had been no reports of canine illnesses or injuries, and the foreign material was not entrenched in the kibble, according to the notification.

Another one happened in June 2012. A few models of Pedigree dog foods were recalled after small fragments of blue plastic were discovered in some cans.

Yet, the manufacturer had said they didn’t receive any reports of injury or illness related to the defective products.

In September 2008, Mars issued a large recall of dozens of items, including some Pedigree dog food lines, due to probable salmonella contamination.

In August 2008, they also did that with some other Pedigree foods for the same reason.

Is Pedigree Dry Dog Food Killing Dogs?

What dog food do vets not recommend

There have been no widespread, substantiated claims or evidence suggesting that Pedigree dry dog food is directly causing the death of dogs.

However, Pedigree has faced its share of criticisms, concerns, and controversies.

Is Pedigree safe to eat? Overall, this brand is considered a high-risk food.

Pros

Reasonable price

Dry dog food products are convenient for long-time storage, portioning, and feeding. They don’t require refrigeration and can be left out for longer periods without spoiling.

Pedigree is often positioned as a budget-friendly option in the pet food market, making it accessible to many pet owners.

Suitable For Picky Dogs

Pedigree invests in research and formulation to make its products palatable to many dogs, including those with picky eating habits.

The brand offers a variety of flavors and formulations, catering to different taste preferences. This variety can make the food more appealing to dogs that are picky eaters.

Many dogs are drawn to meat-based flavors. Pedigree often includes meat ingredients as a primary component, making the food more enticing.

Availability

Pedigree is generally easy to find in pet stores, supermarkets, and online retailers.

It’s a widely recognized and established brand in the pet food market, so you can often find Pedigree products in the pet food aisle of major retail chains, pet specialty stores, and even online platforms.

Cons

Have some controversial ingredients

Are dry dog foods bad for dogs? Pedigree dry dog food has faced criticism and controversies over the years related to the quality of its ingredients.

Certain Pedigree formulas contain grains like corn and wheat. What dog food do vets not recommend? It’s food that has too much grain corn.

Grains can be controversial due to the potential for triggering food allergies or sensitivities in some dogs. However, many dogs tolerate grains well.

Some line products have artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.

These additives enhance the food’s taste, appearance, and shelf life, but some pet owners prefer to avoid them due to concerns about potential health effects.

It’s a good practice to read the ingredient label and nutritional information.

Consulting with a veterinarian is recommended if you have concerns about specific ingredients or your dog’s dietary needs. 

A veterinarian can help you determine whether a particular Pedigree formula aligns with your dog’s health requirements and whether alternative options suit your dog’s needs.

Not offer a high source of animal protein 

In many dry recipes, animal protein is not always the first ingredient.

The ingredients list on dog food packaging typically lists ingredients in descending order of weight before cooking.

This means that the first ingredient is the most predominant by weight before processing.

Indeed, some product lines may list grains or meat by-products first.

This disadvantage of dry food has been a point of contention for some pet owners who prefer to see whole meat sources as the primary ingredient.

Which Dogs Can You Feed Pedigree? 

Why dogs don t eat pedigree

Is dry dog food better than wet? It depends. But Pedigree dog food meets the minimum nutritional standard of the Association of American Feed Control Officers (AAFCO).

Many dogs enjoy their dry rather than wet food. So if you pooch is a picky eater, introducing Pedigree to its diet can stimulate its appetite.

But why dogs don’t eat Pedigree? Pedigree products are generally formulated for dogs with average activity levels.

If your dog is exceptionally active or less active, you might need to adjust portion sizes or consider specialized formulas.

This brand suits adult dogs with no special health or dietary needs. It also offers diets for pups, the elderly, and large and tiny dog breeds.

However, the selection is limited in comparison to other dog food companies.

Conclusion

Is Pedigree dry dog food killing dogs? It lacks substantial evidence to support the conclusion.

Concerns and controversies regarding the quality of ingredients, additives, and nutritional value of commercial pet foods, including Pedigree, have circulated.

But there is no widespread confirmation of Pedigree dry dog food being a direct cause of canine fatalities.

The dog food market provides a wide range of options.

And the well-being of our furry companions remains a top priority, and responsible decision-making regarding their nutrition is of utmost importance.

If pet owners have concerns about their dog’s diet, consult a veterinarian.

Author

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Hi I am Mitchell. Dog Growth is a blog about dog caring and training where I share my experiences to my community. Hope you enjoy it!

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