Is Pedigree a Good Dog Food? When I first got my German Shepherd, I went with Pedigree because it was familiar. It’s the brand my family used when I was growing up, it’s affordable, and you can find it pretty much everywhere. Bella seemed happy eating it—she’d wag her tail at every meal and finish her bowl in minutes.
But a few months in, I started wondering: Am I feeding her what’s truly best for her, or just what’s convenient for me? If you’ve been asking yourself the same thing, let me share my experience and what I learned along the way.
My Experience with Pedigree
For the first six months, Bella did fine on Pedigree—or so I thought. But then little things started adding up. Her coat wasn’t as shiny as it used to be, and she began shedding more than usual. She also had the occasional upset stomach—nothing serious, just enough to make me notice.
At first, I brushed it off as her getting into scraps (she’s sneaky like that), but after a particularly gassy week, I decided to look at the ingredients in her food. That’s when I started questioning if Pedigree was giving her everything she needed.
What’s Actually in Pedigree?
If you’ve ever read the back of a Pedigree bag, you’ve probably noticed words like “chicken by-product meal” and “meat and bone meal.” These are protein sources, but they’re not the high-quality kind you’d find in more premium dog foods. They’re processed and less nutritious than real, deboned meat or named proteins like “salmon” or “lamb.”
Pedigree also uses a lot of fillers like corn and wheat. These are okay for energy but don’t offer much in the way of nutrients. Plus, if your dog has sensitivities, these ingredients could cause issues.
The Pros and Cons of Pedigree
What I Liked
- Affordable: Let’s be honest—feeding a big dog like Bella can get expensive. Pedigree made it easy to stick to a budget.
- Widely Available: I could grab a bag during my regular grocery run, which was super convenient.
- Tasty (for Bella): Bella genuinely seemed to enjoy the taste, so there was no fuss at mealtime.
What I Didn’t Like
- Her Coat and Digestion: Bella’s coat became dull, and she had more shedding and stomach upset than I was comfortable with.
- Ingredient Quality: Once I started comparing Pedigree’s ingredient list to other brands, I realized it relied heavily on by-products and fillers.
- Artificial Additives: Pedigree includes artificial colors and preservatives, which I wasn’t thrilled about, especially since I wanted Bella to have cleaner, more natural food.
Why Some Dogs Do Fine on Pedigree
After talking to a few friends and my vet, I learned that Pedigree works well for many dogs. If your pup doesn’t have specific allergies or sensitivities, and you’re looking for something affordable, it’s not a terrible choice.
But for dogs with higher energy levels or unique needs—like Bella—it might not be the best long-term solution.
Switching to a New Dog Food
When I decided to switch Bella off Pedigree, I did it gradually by mixing in a new food over two weeks. I chose a higher-quality brand with real meat as the first ingredient and no artificial additives. Within a month, I noticed a big difference: her coat was shinier, she had more energy, and her digestion improved.
That said, I’ve met plenty of dog owners whose pets have thrived on Pedigree. Every dog is different, so what worked for Bella might not be necessary for your pup.
Final Thoughts: Is Pedigree a Good Dog Food?
Pedigree is a solid option if you’re on a tight budget or need something easily accessible. It meets basic nutritional needs and works for many dogs. But if you’re looking for higher-quality ingredients or have a dog with specific health concerns, it might be worth exploring other brands.
For me, switching away from Pedigree was the right move for Bella, but that doesn’t mean it’s wrong for everyone. The key is to monitor your dog’s health, energy, and coat—and trust your gut if you feel it’s time for a change.
Have you tried Pedigree? I’d love to hear your experience. Let’s swap stories and tips—it’s always helpful to learn from other dog parents!