Dog Food

Our Dog Food Explored

At Pets & Friends, we believe that a dog is not just a pet; they are a member of the family. So, whether they are greeting you at the door with a wagging tail after a long day or curling up at your feet while you watch telly, our dogs provide us with unconditional love. In return, the very best thing we can do for them is to make sure they stay healthy, happy, and full of life.

The foundation of that health is, of course, their diet; but, let's face it, especially if you are starting out choosing the right dog food for your furry friend, it can just feel like a bit of a minefield with so many brands, textures, and dietary requirements to consider.

That is why we have curated a world-class range of dog food, from crunchy kibbles to succulent wet meals and specialist raw diets from the top leading dog food brands.

As a result, in this guide, we will explore the different types of food available for your canine, all of which are designed to help you make an informed choice that suits your dog’s age, breed, and lifestyle as well.

1. Dry Dog Food (The Classic Kibble)

Dry dog food, often called "kibble," is the most popular choice for UK dog owners, accounting for over 59% of the dog food market according to the Grand View Research report, and for good reason - it is easy to feed, easy to store, and just offers you great value for money overall.

Why Choose Dry Food?

One of the main benefits of dry food, though, is its dental health properties.

As your dog crunches through the hard biscuits, their mechanical action of doing so helps to scrape away plaque and tartar, keeping their teeth and gums in better condition than they would have otherwise.

Furthermore, dry food is energy-dense because it has a lower water content than wet food; your dog does not need to eat as much volume to get the calories and nutrients they require, which means that despite the smaller portions, your dog will tend to stay fuller for longer, and you’ll find that a single bag of high-quality kibble lasts significantly further than an equivalent amount of wet food, making it a highly cost-effective choice for your household budget, as a direct result.

Top Dry Dog Food Brands at Pets & Friends

We take pride in stocking a diverse range of brands that cater to every budget and nutritional need.

Here are some of our most popular offerings, for instance:

Canagan

Famous for their "Biologically Appropriate" philosophy, Canagan recipes are actually grain-free and designed to mimic the high-protein diet a dog would naturally find in the wild.

Who is it ideal for?
As a result, it’s perfect for owners who want the very best in premium nutrition.

CORE

This brand then focuses on high-quality meat proteins and grain-free recipes, and it is specifically formulated to support lean muscle mass and maintain energy levels, making it a hit for active dogs.

Cooper & Co

Are then a fantastic choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs, as their recipes are simple, high in meat content, and avoid the "fillers" that often cause digestive upset in more sensitive breeds.

Forthglade

Based in Devon, Forthglade is a leader in natural pet nutrition.

While they are famous for their wet trays, their cold-pressed and dry ranges are also equally impressive, using 100% natural ingredients with no hidden nasties.

Royal Canin

Royal Canin is then a global leader in breed-specific nutrition. As a result, they can offer you tailored diets that account for the unique jaw shapes and nutritional requirements of specific breeds, from Chihuahuas to Great Danes alike.

Harringtons

Then, for owners looking for a balance of quality and value, Harrington's is a staple for you to consider.

Proudly made in the UK, it provides you with a complete dog diet that is balanced with natural ingredients that give you an affordable dog food as it does so.

2. Wet Dog Food (For Flavour and Hydration)

If your dog then turns their nose up at dry biscuits, or if you want to give them a real treat at dinner time, wet dog food is the way to go.

Available in tins, pouches, and trays, wet food is often more aromatic and palatable for "fussy" eaters, and due to the options on offer, explains why 80% of UK pet owners are actively looking for "healthier" or more "natural" food options for their dogs, according to the GlobalPets Magazine study.

The Benefits of Wet Food

The standout feature of wet food, though, is its hydration.

As here, many dogs don’t drink enough water throughout the day, and wet food provides a significant moisture boost.

It is also much softer, making it the ideal choice for senior dogs as well, who might have dental issues or puppies who are still transitioning to solid food.

3. Raw and Frozen Dog Food (The Natural Choice)

In recent years, the "BARF" (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet has taken the UK by storm, and raw and freeze-dried dog foods are becoming popular due to this.

In fact, research from the University of Helsinki (DogRisk) study actually shows that dogs on a raw, low-carb diet have lower blood sugar and blood lipids (cholesterol/triglycerides) and better insulin sensitivity compared to those on high-carbohydrate kibble.

Raw feeding aims to provide dogs with a diet as close to nature as possible, consisting of raw meat, bone, and offal.

At Pets & Friends, we stock brands like Nutriment that make raw feeding simple, safe, and mess-free.

4. Grain-Free and Hypoallergenic Options

Just like humans, many dogs suffer from food sensitivities and allergies, which can often manifest as itchy skin or an upset tummy.

Our grain-free ranges then replace wheat and corn with slow-release energy sources like sweet potato, while our hypoallergenic options use "novel" proteins like duck or white fish to prevent allergic triggers from occurring as well.

Pets & Friends Pro Tip: Despite the "grain-free" trend, the most common food allergens for dogs are actually beef (34%), dairy (17%), and wheat (13%).

Feeding by Lifestage, From Puppy to Senior Dogs

A dog’s nutritional needs change dramatically as they grow, and vary between small breed dog food recipes and those designed for larger frames. For instance, Puppy food has a much higher protein and DHA for brain development, while adult dogs need balanced maintenance.

For those of us who then have senior dogs, these then benefit from lower-calorie recipes supplemented with Glucosamine and Chondroitin, for example, to keep their ageing joints moving comfortably into their older years.

Specialised Working Dog Food and Weight Management Diets

Every dog is also an individual. So, if you have a highly active working dog, they will require higher fat and protein levels for the extra level of stamina they will use up during the day.

Conversely, if your pooch has become a bit "cuddly," you are looking for active weight management (Light) recipes that use higher levels of fibre to help them feel full while reducing their calorie intake at the same time.

Pets & Friends Pro Tip: Did you know that when it comes to dog obesity, according to the UK Pet Food Obesity report 2024, while veterinary professionals estimate that 50% of UK dogs are overweight, a staggering 77% of owners believe their pet is actually a healthy weight?

The Pets & Friends Difference, With Repeat & Save

We know that life is busy. That is why we offer our "Repeat & Save" Dog food subscription service where you can have your dog's favourite food delivered to your door on a schedule that suits you.

Alternatively, we even offer Click & Collect at 15+ UK locations to make pick up easier for you as well.

Not only does this make sure you never run out of food, but it also saves you money on every single order at the same time as well.

Which Format is Best for Your Dog?

As you can see, choosing between dry, wet, and raw can be a bit of a head-scratcher. As every dog is different, and often, a combination of formats (known as "mixed feeding") is the best solution for you.

As a result, to help you decide, here is a quick comparison of how they stack up:

Pets & Friends Pro Tip: Many owners choose to feed dry kibble in the morning for dental health and convenience, then offer them a wet meal or raw topper in the evening for hydration and taste.

Decoding the Label, What’s Actually in the Bag?

Reading a dog food label can feel like learning a second language. As a result, to help you cut through the marketing "fluff," we have put together a quick checklist of what to look for - and what to avoid - to make sure your dog is getting real nutrition, not just "fillers."

Pets & Friends Insight: We vet our brands so you don't have to. Ranges like Canagan and Wellness CORE consistently score high marks for ingredient transparency, making sure that what you see on the front of the bag is exactly what goes into the bowl.

How Much Should I Feed My Dog?

"How much food does my dog actually need?" is one of the most common questions we get asked at our Pets & Friends stores around the UK.

While every dog is an individual, you want to use their weight as a starting point is the best way to make sure they stay at a healthy size, with lean muscle mass as well.

The 7-Day Transition, How to Switch Dog Foods Safely

So, you’ve found the perfect new recipe for your best friend, but before you fill their bowl, it is important to remember that a dog’s digestive system is much more sensitive than ours.

As a result, switching their food too quickly can lead to "tummy troubles," such as loose stools or gas, which can make your dog (and your carpet) very unhappy.

To help you to get a smooth and safe transition to your new food, we recommend following our 7-day gradual mix guide, such as:

Pets & Friends Expert Tip: During the transition, you should also keep a close eye on your dog's energy levels and stools.

If they seem to be struggling at the 50/50 mark, simply stay at that ratio for an extra couple of days before increasing the new food again.

Every dog is different, so just remember there is no rush, and if you are at all unsure, pop in and see our team, who can help to guide you as well.

Top Tip for Fussy Eaters
If your dog is picking out the old biscuits and leaving the new ones, try adding a splash of warm water or a tiny bit of wet food topper to the mix.

This softens the textures and blends the scents, making it much harder for them to be picky.

Frequently Asked Questions - Your Dog Food Queries Answered

As you can imagine, our teams get asked a lot of questions when it comes to dog food, with some of those being:

How do I know if my dog has a food allergy?

Food allergies in dogs typically manifest as skin irritation (constant itching, red paws, or recurring ear infections) or chronic digestive issues like gas and loose stools.

Unlike seasonal allergies, food sensitivities persist year-round.

If you suspect an allergy, we recommend trying a hypoallergenic dog food with a "novel" protein source, such as duck or white fish, to identify the trigger, or coming in to see our team if you are unsure in anyway.

Is grain-free dog food actually better for my dog?

Grain-free dog food is not necessarily "better" for every dog, but it is an excellent solution for those with specific sensitivities to wheat, corn, or barley.

For many dogs, grain-free recipes are easier to digest because they replace "filler" grains with nutrient-dense alternatives like sweet potato and peas, which provide more stable energy levels throughout the day.

What is the most cost-effective way to buy dog food?

The most cost-effective way to manage your pet budget is to buy in bulk and use a subscription service.

High-quality kibble is generally more affordable per serving than wet food. At Pets & Friends, our Repeat & Save service allows you to schedule your deliveries and save a percentage on every single order, ensuring you never pay full price for your dog's favourite meals.

Can I mix wet and dry dog food together?

Yes, "mixed feeding" is a fantastic way to give your dog the dental benefits of dry kibble alongside the hydration and aroma of wet food.

Just make sure you balance the calories - if you add a pouch of wet food, you should reduce the amount of dry kibble accordingly to prevent unwanted weight gain.

How long does a bag of dog food stay fresh?

Once opened, a bag of dry dog food typically stays fresh for about 6 to 8 weeks, provided it is stored in a cool, dry place.

However, we also recommend keeping the food in its original bag but placing that bag inside an airtight container to prevent the natural oils from oxidising and to keep the "crunch" that dogs love, and to read the back of the bag, as this will give you exact instructions for the exact brand.

So is Dog Food Right For You?

As you can see, choosing the right food is one of the most important decisions you will make as a pet parent.

At Pets & Friends, we are here to support you with expert advice and the best brands in the business as well.

So, explore our full range today and find the perfect dog meals for your best friend.

More than Just Food, Dog Snacks and Accessories

In addition to a quality diet, we also stock a wide range of dog snacks and dog treats that can be used for training, rewarding good behaviour, or simply as a special something for your canine friend.

Don't forget to check out our selection of dog bowls either to help you find the perfect style for your dog's feeding station as well.

Who Are Pets & Friends?

Pets & Friends is also more than just a pet shop; we're a community of pet lovers, backed by the experience of our parent company, Kennelgate, a family-run business that's been around for donkey's years.

Our whole approach is actually built on providing you with friendly, down-to-earth advice to help you give your pet the best life possible.

Furthermore, we believe that every pet is a friend, and as their owner, you're a friend of ours too. We're also passionate about what we do, and we're here to help you every step of the way.

Here to Help, However You Shop

So, whether you're shopping with us online or visiting a store, our customer service team is always ready to lend a hand.

Online, you can easily track your delivery or get in touch about returns.

In-store, our expert team can offer brilliant, practical advice on everything from finding the right food for a sensitive tummy to fitting your dog with the perfect harness.

We're also properly trained and genuinely love pets, so no question is too silly. So much so that we are committed to making sure you and your pet have a happy experience with us every single time.