Best Dog Food UK 2026 : 10 Brands Tested on Real Dogs (Costs + Pros/Cons)

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photograph : depositphotos

The question every dog lover asks : which is the best dog food?

Honest answer? There isn't one. Every dog is different, every household is different, and the "perfect" food depends on your pup's age, breed, appetite, allergies and how much freezer space you've got going spare.

That's why this guide compares the ten best dog foods available in the UK in 2026, covering dry, wet, fresh and raw, all nutritionally complete and widely available.

Every brand has been put through 30+ day feeding trials, full ingredient analysis and real-world testing with dogs of every shape, size and stubborn streak.

⚡ QUICK ANSWER ⚡

Best UK Dog Foods 2026

After testing 10 brands on real UK dogs for 30+ days each:

🥇 Best Value Premium Dry: Forthglade Cold Pressed (73-75% AADF rating, £1.02p a day)

🥈 Best Subscription: Butternut Box ( 77-88% rating, £2.69 a day)

🥉 Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Pure Pet Food (61-74% rating, £1.40 a day)

All foods featured here are evaluated using our dog food testing process so you can trust our recommendations.

JUMP TO OUR COST COMPARISON

JUMP TO OUR TOP PICKS

⏰ UPDATED : MAY 2026 We've added vet-recommended Hill's Science Plan to our round-up, plus a brand new section on the biggest dog food trends shaping 2026 : ancestral proteins, functional superfoods and cleaner-than-clean labels.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

How to Choose a Dog Food

What's Trending in Dog Food for 2026

Real UK Costs: What You'll Actually Pay

Our Best Dog Food Picks 2026

1. Best Value Premium Dry - Forthglade

 2. Best Eco-Friendly Dry - Edgard & Cooper

3. Best Subscription Dog Food - Butternut Box

 4. Best Wet Dog Food - Forthglade

5. Best Raw Dog Food - Bella+Duke

 6. Best Air Dried Dog Food - Pure Pet Food

 7. Best Fresh Dog Food - Years

8. Best Tailored Dry Food - Tails

9. Best Insect Dog Food - Grub Club

 10. Vet Recommended Dog Food - Hills Science Plan

How We Choose : Our Dog Food Testing Process

More Dog Food Help

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Choose a Dog Food?

Before you scroll the brands, ask yourself three quick questions. Your answers will narrow the shortlist faster than any review can.

1. What does your dog actually need?

Allergies, sensitive stomach, fussy eater, grain-free? The right brand always starts with what fits the dog, not what looks prettiest on Instagram.

2. What suits your routine? Subscription deliveries? Freezer space for fresh or raw? Or ambient-stored convenience because your kitchen's already at capacity?

3. What's your budget? Daily costs in our top ten range from around £0.87 to £4.96 for a medium dog (full breakdown below). Spend a bit more on food, often spend a lot less at the vet.

Keep those three answers in mind as you read through our top ten. The best food for your dog is the one that ticks all three of your boxes, not just ours.

photograph : shutterstock

What's Trending in Dog Food for 2026

The dog food world has shifted gear. Dog lovers are reading labels with the same scrutiny they'd give their own breakfast, and brands are responding with smarter, sharper, more functional recipes.

Here's what we're seeing land in the bowls of our 2026 testers, plus the trends worth knowing before you pick your next bag, tray or pouch.

1. Ancestral & Novel Proteins

• Novel proteins like wild boar, venison, duck and even horse have gone mainstream, brilliant for dogs sensitive to chicken or beef.

• Insect protein has leapt from curiosity to category, around 97% lower in greenhouse emissions than meat.

• Hydrolysed proteins are the new gold standard for hypoallergenic diets, broken down so small your dog's immune system doesn't react.

2. Functional Superfoods for Longevity

• Gut health: Pre and probiotics (chicory root, Lactobacillus) baked straight into daily kibble.

• Joints & mobility: Collagen, green-lipped mussel and MSM joining the standard glucosamine and chondroitin lineup.

• Botanicals: Blueberries, kale, turmeric and seaweed showing up for their antioxidant punch.

3. Clean Labels & Natural Additives

• Natural preservatives: Rosemary extract and tocopherols (Vitamin E) replacing synthetics.

• Familiar carbs: Grain-free is still strong, but ancient grains, sweet potato and pumpkin are making a comeback.

• No artificial dyes: Natural sources keeping food looking meaty without the chemical rainbow.

Most of the brands in our roundup are already running with these trends. Here's how each one stacks up.

Real UK Costs: What You'll Actually Pay

Freddie and his team of canine testers helped us test every brand in this review, but what it'll actually cost to feed your dog is a different question entirely.

Size, age and activity level all play a part, which is why we built this calculator. It's unique to Smart Bark, and it does the maths so you don't have to. Pop in your dog's details, hit Calculate, and see estimates of daily and monthly costs and nutritional ratings across all 10 brands we feature in this review.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• Costs based on manufacturer feeding guidelines for healthy, active dogs

• Prices above are estimates, for a quote tailored exactly for your dog, head to the brand's website and take their quiz.

Our Best Dog Food Picks 2026

1

Best Value Premium Dry

Forthglade

Forthglade Dry is perfect for :

   + You prioritise convenience

   + You're on a budget

   + Looking for easy storage

 + Dogs that are easy to please

   + You want to buy without subscription

Skip Forthglade Dry if :

   - Your dog is a fussy eater

Behind the Brand: 50 years of expertise in Pet nutrition

Range: Cold pressed dry, lightly baked dry, wet food, treats & dental sticks

Clarity of Label: Excellent - full list of ingredient %

⭐️ Stock Up ⭐️

Get 30% OFF everything with exclusive discount code BONUSVIP

this bank holiday weekend

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Dry dog food is convenient, affordable and easy to store, but it's come a long way in the last five years. The headline news? Cold-pressed kibble.

photograph : smartbark

Unlike traditional kibble, cold-pressed dog food skips the high-temperature processing, which means more nutrients survive the journey from bag to bowl. It's the closest a dry food gets to fresh without needing freezer space.

Forthglade's Cold Pressed range scores 73-75% on AADF, exceptionally high for any dry food. That puts it ahead of popular brands like Wainwrights, James Wellbeloved, Harringtons and Lily's Kitchen, which all hover around the 70% mark, and crucially it does so without the premium price tag.

"Each recipe is made with natural ingredients with ingredient clearly labelled on the packaging, nothing hidden and nothing artificial added."

Dr James Greenwood, Vet

photograph : smartbark (tester - Otis the Labrador)

Our Labrador taste-tester Otis (nose and paw pictured) clearly preferred Forthglade to his existing brand when offered both side by side.

And a small but genuine point worth flagging, of all the dry foods we've tested, Forthglade's bags are the easiest to reseal. The super-durable velcro strip keeps things fresh between feeds, which sounds minor until you've battled a folded-over kibble bag for the eighteenth time.

photograph : forthglade

On a tighter budget? Forthglade's Lightly Baked range is the wallet-friendly sister to Cold Pressed. It boasts 50% single-source protein and a respectable 67% AADF rating, still well above the supermarket aisle average.

Got a fussy pup? A small spoonful of Forthglade wet food makes a brilliant topper without doubling your cost (we cover the wet range in section 4).

Our Verdict - If you want a high-quality dry food that's easy on the pocket, Forthglade's Cold Pressed range is hard to beat. The Lightly Baked range covers you if budget's tighter. Either way, you're feeding well above supermarket standard.

Want to know more? Read our in-depth Forthglade Review 2026 covering the full range, cold pressed dry, lightly baked, wet food, treats and more.

⭐️ Stock Up ⭐️

Get 30% OFF everything with exclusive discount code BONUSVIP

this bank holiday weekend

View Forthglade

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2

Best Eco-Friendly Dry

Edgard & Cooper

Edgard & Cooper is perfect for :

   + Dog owners looking for eco-friendly food

   + Dogs that enjoy a wide range of proteins

   + Multi-pet households, they offer cat food

Skip Edgard & Cooper if:

   - You need a budget dog food

   - You want an very high nutritional rating

Behind the Brand:

Eco-friendly company producing pet food since 2016

Range:

Dry food, wet food, treats, dental care treats and a cat range

Clarity of Label:

Poor - Ingredients without %

View Edgard & Cooper

Our second dry food recommendation is Edgard & Cooper, known for their high-quality dog and cat food, they offer a wide range of dry and wet options. We particularly admire their commitment to sustainability.

Edgard & Cooper has a ‘Zero Pawprint Plan’ which outlines its environmental commitments, including becoming Zero Carbon and adopting fully sustainable packaging.

So what do we think of their dog food ?

photograph : smartbark

Edgard & Cooper's dry food receives a solid nutritional rating of 54-64% on AADF. We are particularly impressed by their extensive selection of dry foods -

🐓 Free-Run Chicken

🐟 Norwegian Salmon

🐑 Grass-Fed Lamb

🦌 🦆 Venison & Free-Run Duck

🐄 🐓 Organic Beef & Free-Range Chicken

🦃 🐓 Organic Free-Range Turkey & Chicken

 🦆🐓 Free-Run Duck & Chicken

🐟 🦃 Atlantic Salmon & Free-Range Turkey

🐓 🐟 Free-Run Chicken & Salmon

🥕 Crispy Carrot & Courgette

🎃 Crunchy Beetroot & Pumpkin

Several recipes, particularly the Venison & Free-Run Duck and the Wild Boar blend, line up neatly with 2026's novel protein trend.

Add the plant-based options into the mix, and Edgard & Cooper covers more of the modern dog food landscape than most.

Clearly plant-based dog foods are a better environmentally friendly choice than meat-based dog foods. But you don't need to go completely veggie. Why not consider adding a 'meat free' day to your dog's diet ? You'll be adding variety whilst lowering their carbon pawprint !

photograph : smartbark

Whatever recipe you choose, rest assured all Edgard & Cooper recipes are either grain-free or gluten-free, making them a safe choice for dogs with sensitivities.

Initially, if you would like to test their food before committing, we think that their smaller 700g or 1kg bags would make a great option to check your dog likes the taste.

Edgard & Cooper also offer three money-saving bundles which include a selection of dry food, wet food and treats. The Adult , Puppy and the Hypoallergenic Starter Bundle all offer significant savings on buying the products separately.

Our Verdict - We think that Edgard & Cooper stands out as a brand committed to ethical and sustainable practices. Not only do they use high quality ingredients but they offer a wide range of dry recipes to suit even the pickiest of pups with a selection of wet foods to act as tasty toppers.

View on Edgard & Cooper

3

Best Subscription Dog Food

Butternut Box

Butternut Box is perfect for :

   + Owners prioritising nutrition & taste

   + Fussy eaters who refuse kibble    + Dogs with sensitive stomachs

   + Households with freezer space

   + People who want zero prep convenience

Skip Butternut Box if:

   - You're on tight budget

   - You have limited freezer space

   - You want to buy without subscription

Behind the Brand:

A UK-based company providing fresh, human-quality dog food delivery service through a subscription model

Range: 11 Fresh food recipes, treats, dental care treats, poo bags & broths

Clarity of Label:

Scan a QR code for ingredients list

Good - Ingredients with %

Butternut Box are offering Smart Bark readers

50% OFF your first box + 50% OFF your second box

View Butternut Box

When reviewing the best dog food contenders in the UK, Butternut Box, is an undeniable frontrunner.

photograph : smartbark

The brand enjoys exceptional customer retention and consistently receives enthusiastic reviews from dog lovers across the country.

Their food is available on subscription - it's fresh, delivered and scores 77-88% on AADF, so it's a top-notch, healthy choice.

Getting started with Butternut Box is super easy. They have an online quiz about your dog, their age, breed, any allergies, and if they have any health issues. This helps them figure out the best recipes for your pup.

When we tested their ordering system, we were offered lots of recipes and picked a selection to maximise variety.

photograph : smart bark

Every dish is carefully balanced with human-quality meat, vegetables, and lentils, then gently cooked and delivered frozen right to your door.

You get loads of variety too, from classic chicken and beef to special recipes with venison, wild boar, and even a veggie option. Your dog’s dinner just got a serious upgrade!

Bear in mind that Butternut Box meals need freezer storage, so factor your available storage space into your delivery schedule. However, minimal packaging does mean you can fit a sizeable delivery into a freezer drawer.

If Butternut Box looks a bit pricey, consider mixing it 50:50 with kibble. It not only keeps costs down but also makes their kibble incredibly tasty and more nutritious.

Our Verdict - In a nutshell, Butternut Box offer a subscription service that delivers fresh, pre-portioned meals to your door.

They tick all the boxes for fresh, nutritious, delivered and personalised dog food and with the discount on your first two boxes, it's a great time to see if your dog is a fan.

Butternut Box are offering Smart Bark readers

50% OFF your 1st + 50% OFF your 2nd box

To take advantage of this offer, click on the link below

View Butternut Box

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Want to know more?

Check out our Butternut Box in-depth review

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4

Best Wet Dog Food

Forthglade

Forthglade wet food is perfect for :

   + Owners with fussy dogs

   + Dogs with sensitive stomachs

   + Owners seeking good value, high quality food

   + Owners looking for a range of proteins

Skip Forthglade wet food if :

   - You're on a tight budget (or use wisely as a topper)

Behind the Brand: 50 years of expertise in Pet Nutrition

Range: Adult, Senior, Puppy and unique Small Dog range

Clarity of Label: Excellent - full list of ingredient %

⭐️ Stock Up ⭐️

Get 30% OFF everything with exclusive discount code BONUSVIP

this bank holiday weekend

View Forthglade

Hailed as the "Best Wet Food" 6 years in a row by Your Dog Magazine readers, Forthglade is well regarded by dog lovers.

They offer two comprehensive wet food ranges – Grain Free and Wholegrain. The first thing to say is that all their recipes regardless of whether they are grain free or wholegrain, include 75% single source proteins like salmon, lamb, duck, beef or turkey.

photograph : forthglade

Generally, Forthglade wet food has more meat and less added water than some comparatively priced wet foods such as Lily's Kitchen, Naturo, Butchers or James Wellbeloved. Crucially they achieve a very higher average nutritional rating of 85% on AADF.

Whilst the adult range is broader, Forthglade also offer lifestage recipes aimed at both puppy and senior dog.

The senior range is aimed at dogs over 7yrs and is lower in calories, contains 15% less fat than the adult recipe range and is packed with chondroitin, glucosamine and salmon oil for joints and bones, ticking the 2026 trend for built-in joint support that older dogs increasingly need.

And let's not forget smaller dogs who are often overlooked but have unique nutritional requirements.

photograph : smartbark

Forthglade offer a range specifically for small dogs. Packed with 75% high-quality protein and wholesome, natural ingredients, these grain-free recipes come in smaller 150g trays.

During testing, our reviewers favored the trays over regular canned dog food, finding them easier for accurate portioning.

photograph : forthglade

Forthglade's Gourmet range, made in partnership with the National Trust, lands squarely in 2026's ancestral protein trend.

Each recipe contains 75% quality meat, with goose, wild boar, duck and venison joining the more familiar turkey and beef.

These novel proteins are a brilliant pick for dogs with sensitivities to chicken or beef, and the variety means even Goldilocks-level fussy pups should find a recipe they're willing to commit to.

Our Verdict - We recommend Forthglade wet foods because customers clearly love them, they offer an extensive recipe selection (including small dogs, seniors and puppies) and they make any kibble more palatable for picky pups.

For a deeper dive into the full Forthglade range, including costs, packaging and how the wet and dry compare side by side, read our complete Forthglade Review 2026

⭐️ Stock Up ⭐️

Get 30% OFF everything with exclusive discount code BONUSVIP

this bank holiday weekend

View Forthglade

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5

Best Raw Dog Food

Bella+Duke

Bella+Duke is perfect for :

+ Owners looking for a BARF diet

+ Picky eaters who refuse kibble

+ Owners looking for high nutritional value food at a good price

Skip Bella+Duke if :

- If you have limited freezer space

 - If you travel frequently with your dog (raw needs refrigeration)

Behind the Brand: Multi-award winning raw dog food business

Range: Premium Complete, Complete Superfood, Complete, Pure Meat & Bone

Clarity of Label: Excellent - full list of ingredient %

Amazing Bella+Duke Raw Dog Food Offer!

50% OFF your 1st box, 30% OFF the 2nd,

 and 20% OFF the 3rd

View Bella+Duke Offer

Considering raw dog food ?

Up next in our review is Bella+Duke, a British brand with multiple awards. Bella+Duke stands out as our leading choice for raw dog food thanks to their top-tier product quality, extensive range for adult dogs, puppies and seniors and value for money.

photograph : smart bark

It's worth mentioning that Bella+Duke has both RawSAFE and UK Pet Food certifications, providing you with a high level of reassurance regarding food safety and quality in production

You have the choice of four ranges -

⭐️ Premium Complete

This is their crowd-pleaser, packed with over 80% meat plus bone, offal, seasonal veggies, berries, and a touch of healthy oils.

⭐️ Complete Superfood

Ancestral nutrition in a tray : meat, bone, offal, seasonal veg and berries, mirroring exactly what 2026's longevity-focused brands are aiming for. Perfect for pups who need a little extra TLC, whether they're bouncing back from illness, growing up fast, enjoying their senior years, or nursing their own pups.

⭐️ Complete range for working dogs

⭐️ Pure range for DIY chefs.

photograph : bella+duke

Using the online questionnaire, Bella+Duke puts together a suggested menu for your pooch. Their recipe lineup includes chicken, lamb, fish, duck, salmon, beef tripe, and turkey.

If you're curious, you could try the Taster Box, but we’d recommend making the most of their hefty discounts for your first three orders (that’s serious savings on the Most Popular or Value Box sizes).

All Bella+Duke's meals are delivered frozen in 500g trays. Simply defrost them one at a time, incredibly easy to remember, just remove a new tray from the freezer as you finish one.

photograph : smart bark

Our Verdict - If you're considering raw dog food Bella+Duke's meals tick all the boxes, nutritious, convenient, and great value, making life easier for people with full calendars and hungry pups.

Add in their generous introductory deal, and it’s the perfect time to dive into raw feeding and see if it’s a match for you and your dog.

Amazing Bella+Duke Raw Dog Food Offer!

Enjoy 50% OFF your first box, 30% OFF the second,

 and 20% OFF the third

Bella+Duke Offer

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If you're considering making the switch, our in-depth Bella+Duke review is well worth a read, they're multi-award winning, DEFRA approved, and have just topped our raw food rankings for 2026.

Or learn more about the other raw dog foods we recommend.

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6

Best Air Dried Dog Food

Pure Pet Food

Pure Pet Food is perfect for :

+ Dogs with sensitive stomachs

   + Dogs suffering with renal issues

+ Households with limited freezer space

+ Owners looking for tailored dog food

Skip Pure Pet Food if :

- Your dog prefers crunchy textures

   - You're looking for ready-to-serve food

Behind the Brand: Innovative air-dried food customised for your dog

Range: Online tailored food and a capsule range in Pets at Home

Recipes: 7 recipes plus 2 renal recipes

Clarity of Label: Good - partial list of ingredient %

30% off your first box + free treats for life

View Pure Pet Food

photograph : smartbark

We think that Pure offers a healthier alternative to kibble for those dog lovers who don’t necessarily want to switch their dog to pricier fresh, raw or home cooked food.

Pure is air dried dog food which is some seriously clever stuff. Their ingredients are gently dried at a low temperature so the moisture is removed but the food retains it's all important nutrients. You simply add water, stir and serve!

Pure's low-temperature method preserves the integrity of the proteins, which means their tailored recipes also fit beautifully with the 2026 push toward limited-ingredient, clean-label diets for sensitive dogs.

Pure's recipes rank at the top of their nutritional scale with an All About Dog Food rating of 61-74%.

photograph : smartbark

As it's completely customised to your dog, their food can take account of any underlying health issues and allergies. So it's extremely popular with owners of dogs suffering from ailments, renal conditions and sensitive stomachs.

Pure offer an online subscription service, simply take the 3 minute quiz to get a personalised meal plan for your pooch.

Pure certainly ticks a lot of boxes for us including easy storage, doorstep deliveries and most importantly the option to tailor the food to meet your dog's nutritional requirements.

Our Verdict - If your dog suffers from skin issues, allergies renal or digestive problems, we would recommend taking a closer look at Pure dog food as a great option for food-sensitive fur babies.

30% off your first box + free treats for life

View Pure Pet Food

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Want to know more?

Check out our Pure Pet Food review

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7

Best Fresh Dog Food

Years.com

Years is perfect for :

+ Owners looking for food with a high nutritional rating

+ Households with limited fridge or freezer storage

+ Fussy eaters who refuse kibble

+ People wanting zero-prep convenience

Skip Years if :

- You're on a tight budget

   - You want to buy without subscription

Behind the Brand: UK fresh dog food brand

Range: 5 recipes plus a range designed specifically for puppies and Limited Edition Chef Collection

Clarity of Label: Excellent - full list of ingredient % via a QR Code scan

You can try Years.com from just £3

PLUS

use discount code SMARTBARK for free delivery

View Years.com

photograph : years

Of course, the first thing to say about Years.com is that they have achieved an exceptionally high nutritional rating of 93% on AADF.

Offering an online subscription service, you take a short quiz, then Years.com use all that information to offer meals customised to your dog, taking into account your dog's breed, ailments, allergies, activity levels and your dog's life stage.

Their recipes include a high variety of ingredients plus they're are grain and legume free, which is ideal for dogs suffering from intolerances.

Years have recently launched their Chef's Collection. Limited edition recipes which include King Prawn & Giant Squid Paella, Wagyu Steak Lasagne and truffle 7 Venison Detroit Pizza.

This exclusive, gourmet dog food features the finest ingredients. Your pup is gonna love it!

photograph : years

However, the biggest difference between Years.com and their fresh food rivals (for us) is storage. Years can be stored in your cupboard. It only needs to be popped in the fridge once opened.

In testing, we were certainly impressed by the look and aroma of their fresh dog food.

We loved that you can easily identify key ingredients within the dish and to be honest each meal looks fit to serve up for my family as well as my dog.

Tailored to your dog's breed and designed to address common ailments, their Superfood Supplement contains a unique blend of probiotics and prebiotics to support healthy gut flora.

It's a textbook example of the 2026 functional nutrition trend, gut health baked into daily feeding rather than tacked on as an extra.

Our Verdict - Ok, so fresh dog food is not the cheapest option available to you, however if you're looking for a top quality, highly nutritious fresh dog food, personalised to suit your dog and delivered to your door, then we'd suggest taking a closer look at Years.com.

Enter discount code SMARTBARK for free delivery on any order

View Years.com

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Want to know more? Why not read our Years Dog Food review or checkout our other fresh food recommendations.

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8

Best Tailored Dry Food

Tails

Tails is perfect for :

   + Owners looking for tailored dog food

   + People wanting zero-prep convenience

   + Owners loving hassle-free subscription

   + Owners with a lack of fridge/freezer storage

Skip Tails if :

   - You have a fussy dog (they prefer wet food)

   - You don't like subscriptions

Behind the Brand: 250,000 happily fed dogs

Range: Customised dry kibble, wet food, treats, dental chews & poo bags

Clarity of Label: OK - General ingredient %

For 25% OFF your first box

 enter Discount Code SMART25 at checkout

(new customers only)

View Tails

What Tails offers dog lovers is a clever combination of convenience and customisation. You get the scoop and serve simplicity of dry dog food, paired with a personalised recipe designed specifically for your dog, all without pushing the price into premium territory.

photograph : smartbark

Tails is an intriguing brand. Although it runs as its own business, it is majority owned by Nestlé Purina PetCare, placing it in the same family as Purina Pro Plan.

That is a name many UK vets trust and recommend, thanks to its strong scientific backing, careful formulation and consistent quality control.

Sold exclusively online, we found the process of creating our dog’s very own tailored recipe quick, clear and surprisingly enjoyable.

Simply use their online quiz to tell them all about your dog and they'll do the rest, customising a personal diet made just for your pup. From breed to age, lifestyle to health, your dog’s kibble will be unique, based on the information you provide.

Opt for a hypoallergenic blend to help deal with food intolerances, remove common allergens for sensitive stomachs or even reduce the calories for ageing dogs to match their lifestyle. We love that your Tails custom recipe is totally flexible and adapts as your dog ages.

For instance, for puppies under 14 weeks, deliveries are every two weeks so that Tails can keep up with their nutritional needs.

If you have an older dog, instead of being offered a choice between Adult or Senior dog food, Tails amend their recipe as you update your dog's profile to reflect any changes in activity levels and weight.

photograph : smartbark

Their food can be tailored around their favourite flavours and if for any reason your dog doesn't like the recipe, Tails will change the blend for free.

Ultimately, we felt that the monthly costs were very transparent as were the ingredients chosen for our tailored blend of kibble.

Each order comes with a perfect portion scoop, to help ensure you are feeding your dog exactly the right amount of calories every day (from experience it's easy to find family members feeding different amounts!)

Tails are one of the best tailored dry dog foods on the UK market with over 30,000 positive reviews from happy dog lovers on Trustpilot.

Our Verdict - If you're looking for a unique blend of kibble for your dog, we would recommend taking a closer look at tails and maybe trying their online quiz to get an accurate picture of the costs involved for your dog.

For 25% OFF your first box

 enter Discount Code SMART25 at checkout

(new customers only)

View Tails

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Want to know more?

Check out our Tails dog food review

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9

Best Insect Dog Food

Grub Club

Grub Club is perfect for :

+ Owners looking for an eco-friendly option

+ Dogs with meat allergies

   + Dogs with sensitive stomachs

Skip Grub Club if :

- You don't believe in global warming

Behind the Brand: A low carbon paw-print, next-generation, high protein, novel, hypoallergenic dog food range

Range: Dried food, wet food, range of dog treats, poo bags & dental sticks

Clarity of Label: Good - partial list of ingredient %

View Grub Club

photograph : grub club

Insect protein has officially graduated from quirky curiosity to one of 2026's biggest pet food trends, and Grub Club still leads the UK pack.

A next-generation, high-quality dog food brand which is ethically farmed and formulated from insect proteins.

A mind- blowing fact is that our pet cats and dogs consume an earth-shattering 20% of the world’s meat and fish! The insects used in Grub Clubs dog food generate 97% less greenhouse gases than meat.

Insect-based dog food offers your dog a great source of novel protein. This is crucial for dogs with food allergies and sensitivities. In fact, insect dog food contains more protein than chicken or beef and it's easier for your dog to digest.

photograph : smartbark

Created with animal nutritionists and approved by the British Veterinary Association, Grub Club dog food is complete and balanced.

In addition to insect protein, Grub Club includes more traditional superfood ingredients - blueberries, pomegranates, sweet potato, spinach, apples, sunflower oil and yucca.

Grub Club's dry food, All Day Buffet, scores a 62% rating on AADF, while their wet food range achieves a very impressive 83%.

photograph : smartbark

Grub Club's latest wet food range includes three recipes each steam-cooked recipe to preserve maximum nutritional content and enriched with prebiotics to aid digestion.

The All Day Buffet dry food is available in 1.5kg, 6kg and 12kg bags, clearly the larger bags work out the best value and there's free delivery on orders over £39.

Their wet food range provides a variety of choices, allowing you to buy individual packs or save more by opting for 12, 24, or 36 packs.

To help you find your dog's favourite, they also offer a Taster Pack with four of each of the three flavours.

Our Verdict - We recommend Grub Club for eco-friendly dog lovers looking for healthy, hypoallergenic, planet saving food.

View on Grub Club

 10

Vet Recommended Dog Food

 Hill's Science Plan

Hills Science Plan is perfect for :

   + Convenient, kibble with no freezer requirements

   + Budget-conscious owners wanting science-backed nutrition

   + Widely available through vets and major retailers

+ You're looking for special care dog food for specific issues

Skip Hill's Science Plan if :

   - You're looking for a high AADF rating

   - You prioritise ultra-premium fresh or raw options

   - Your dog has severe grain sensitivities

   - You're looking for more ingredient transparency

Behind the Brand: A pioneering therapeutic pet nutrition brand founded back in the 1930's

Range: Dry and wet food across life stages (Puppy, Adult, Senior) and sizes (Small, Medium, Large). Special Care ranges for weight management, sensitive stomachs, joint support, and oral care.

Clarity of Label: Poor - incomplete list of ingredient %

View Hills Science

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photograph : smartbark

Hill's Science Plan occupies a unique position in the UK dog food market. It bridges the gap between budget kibble and premium fresh food, with vet-backing rooted in decades of research. So why would you consider Hill's Science Plan? The brand is particularly trusted for:

🥇 Science-backed formulation: Developed with veterinary nutritionists and clinically tested

🥇 Accessibility: Available through vet clinics and major pet retailers, not just online subscription

🥇 Flexibility: The range adapts to different life stages and health conditions without requiring prescription status

🥇 Proven track record: Recognised as reliable by UK vets, particularly for healthy dogs transitioning between life stages

In terms of it's AADF nutritional rating, Hills Science Plan sits between 23% and 47% which is comparable with the likes of Royal Canin, but lower than the other dog foods featured in this review.

We recommend Hill's Science Plan because it's built around healthy nutrition and palatability, not disease management. Royal Canin's breed-specific ranges, though thorough for purebreds, don't serve mixed-breed owners as well, we think that their range feels more clinical than accessible.

Initially Hill's wide range looks confusing but on closer inspection they offer two key product ranges -

photograph : smartbark

So whilst Hill's also offers specialised ranges for weight management, sensitive digestion, and joint care etc, making it adaptable for dogs with specific health needs, it's the life stages range we tested, focusing on their Adult Medium Breed Dry food which happens to be their best seller.

photograph : smartbark

The kibble is small and crunchy so suitable for a wide range of breeds. We were impressed by the smell and it was extremely palatable, Freddie licked the bowl clean.

We adjusted slowly starting with 10% Hill's and his regular food before increasing over 7 days. Hill's provides clear feeding guidelines on their packs based on weight and activity level.

You can trial the food with the smaller 2.5kg bags and then opt for the money-saving giant 14kg bags, although it's worth noting that Pets at Home offer a 5% discount on delivery or 10% on click and collect.

Our Verdict - Many UK vets recommend brands backed by nutritional science, such as Hill's Science Plan and Royal Canin, particularly for dogs with specific health conditions. So if you are looking for a reasonably priced, vet endorsed dog food, with solid middle ground nutrition, Hill's Science Plan is a great place to start.

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How We Choose : Our Dog Food Testing Process

At Smart Bark, we've been testing dog food in real UK homes since 2019. Every brand in this guide has been assessed firsthand, not from a press release, a brand briefing, or a lab report, but by real dogs with real owners reporting back on what actually happened at the bowl.

We start with the label

Before a single bowl is filled, we scrutinise the ingredient list. We look for named, specific protein sources (chicken, salmon, lamb, not vague terms like "meat and animal derivatives"), check the order ingredients appear (the higher up, the more of it there is), and flag any unnecessary fillers, artificial additives, or preservatives.

We also assess label clarity, does the brand clearly state ingredient percentages, or are they hiding something?

Then we feed

Each food is introduced gradually to avoid digestive upset and fed for a minimum of 30 days. Our testers include dogs across different life stages (puppies, adults and seniors), breeds of all sizes, and dogs with specific needs including sensitive stomachs, fussy appetites, and weight management requirements.

We document initial acceptance, how quickly dogs settle into the food, and any changes in coat, energy, digestion, or stool quality over time.

We use independent nutritional ratings

As non-vets, we rely on the fully independent scores from All About Dog Food (AADF) for nutritional comparisons. Their algorithm assesses ingredient quality, bioavailability, and balance across all food types, so our comparisons are consistent and unbiased.

We assess the full experience

Great dog food isn't just about what's in the bag. We also evaluate packaging and reseal quality, storage practicality, delivery reliability, customer service, and real-world value for money, including subscription savings, introductory offers, and cost per day for small, medium and large dogs.

We don't accept freebies we didn't ask for

Brands featured here are chosen on merit. Where we have affiliate relationships, these are fully disclosed. Our recommendations are driven by what performed best in testing, not by who pays the most commission.

We update regularly

AADF ratings, pricing, and formulations change. We revisit our recommendations throughout the year so what you read reflects the current product, not a version from three years ago. We also regularly check the British Veterinary Association for the latest information and advice on choosing a dog food.

The result is a shortlist you can actually trust, ten brands that earned their place by being genuinely good food for UK dogs.

→ Read our full testing methodology: How We Test Dog Food

More Dog Food Help

If you're looking for more information, browse our wide range of other Dog Food Guides -

BY FOOD TYPE:

• Best Puppy Foods UK 2026 (30-day trials)

• Best Raw Dog Foods Review (5 brands tested & compared)

• Best Fresh Dog Food (UK delivery, cost comparisons)

• Best Delivered Dog Foods (subscription services compared)

• Best Dry Dog Foods (cold-pressed vs kibble)

• Best Insect Dog Food (eco-friendly, hypoallergenic)

BY BRAND DEEP-DIVES:

• Butternut Box Review (full 60-day trial)

• Pure Pet Food Review (air-dried pros & cons)

• Different Dog Review (vs competitors)

• Years.com Review (fresh food, no freezer)

• Edgard & Cooper Review (sustainability focus)

GENERAL GUIDES:

• How to Choose the Best Dog Food (decision framework)

• How to Read Dog Food Labels (ingredient analysis)

• How We Test Dog Food (our transparent process)

• How to Switch to Raw Dog Food Safely (transition protocol)

• Toxic Foods for Dogs (avoid these ingredients)

• Grain Free vs Grain Inclusive (what should you choose)

• How to Settle Your Dog's Stomach (what a UK vet suggests)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dry dog food or wet dog food better for dogs?

Neither is universally better, each has genuine advantages. Dry food is convenient, budget-friendly, and great for dental health. Wet food tends to be more palatable for fussy dogs, has higher moisture content (which is good for hydration), and often contains more meat relative to its volume. Many owners find a combination works well, dry food as the base with a wet food topper to boost taste and nutrition. If you're going dry, aim for cold-pressed or lightly baked rather than heavily extruded kibble for better nutrient retention.

How much should I feed my dog each day?

Daily feeding amounts depend on your dog's weight, age, activity level, and the calorie density of the food. Every brand we recommend provides feeding guidelines on pack or via their website, and most subscription brands like Butternut Box and Tails calculate portions automatically based on your dog's profile. As a general rule, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake.

Here’s a link to a handy guide on the Dog's Trust website to help you keep your best friend in tip-top condition.

What dog food do vets recommend in the UK?

Many UK vets recommend brands backed by nutritional science, such as Hill's Science Plan and Royal Canin, particularly for dogs with specific health conditions. However, vet recommendations are increasingly broadening to include high-quality fresh and raw foods. We always recommend checking AADF ratings and discussing any significant diet changes with your vet, particularly for dogs with health conditions, allergies, or who are pregnant or nursing.

Is grain-free dog food better for dogs?

Not necessarily for all dogs. Grain-free food can be beneficial for dogs with specific grain sensitivities or allergies, but most dogs digest wholegrains perfectly well and can benefit nutritionally from them.

What is the best dog food for sensitive stomachs in the UK?

In our testing, Pure Pet Food consistently performed best for dogs with sensitive digestion, its air-dried format is gentle on the gut, highly digestible, and can be fully tailored around your dog's specific intolerances and health conditions. Forthglade wet food (85% AADF) is also a strong option, as is Butternut Box for dogs who need a fresh, limited-ingredient diet. If your dog has persistent digestive issues, it's always worth ruling out food allergies with your vet before switching brands.

What are novel proteins in dog food?

Novel proteins are less common meat sources like wild boar, venison, duck, horse and insect. They're a brilliant option for dogs with allergies or intolerances to mainstream proteins like chicken and beef, because your dog's immune system hasn't built up a sensitivity to them. In 2026, they've also become a marker of premium, ancestral-style nutrition, with brands moving away from generic "meat derivatives" toward specific, named, high-quality cuts.

What is hydrolysed protein dog food?

Hydrolysed protein is regular protein that's been broken down into tiny molecules, small enough that your dog's immune system doesn't recognise them as a threat. That makes hydrolysed diets a strong choice for dogs with severe food allergies, persistent itching or unexplained digestive issues. They're often recommended by vets as part of an elimination diet to identify a sensitivity.

Is insect-based dog food really better for the planet?

Yes, dramatically. Insect protein generates around 97% less greenhouse gas than traditional meat, uses a fraction of the land and water, and is highly digestible for most dogs. With our pets accounting for around 20% of the world's meat consumption, switching even some meals to insect-based food adds up to a real environmental impact. Grub Club is currently our top UK pick for this category.

What are functional ingredients in dog food and are they worth paying for?

Functional ingredients are added to a recipe specifically to support a health outcome rather than just provide calories. Think probiotics for gut health, glucosamine and green-lipped mussel for joints, collagen for skin and coat, and turmeric for its antioxidant kick. In 2026 they're increasingly standard in premium foods, so if you're paying premium prices, your dog should be getting them. Always cross-check the ingredient list rather than relying on front-of-bag claims.

Is raw dog food safe for UK dogs?

Yes, when handled correctly. Raw food should be stored frozen, defrosted safely in the fridge, and served fresh. Cross-contamination risks in the kitchen are real but manageable with good hygiene, treat it the same way you would raw meat for your own meals. Look for brands with RawSAFE or UK Pet Food certification, like Bella+Duke, for additional peace of mind. Raw feeding isn't ideal for households with young children, immunocompromised individuals, or dogs with certain health conditions, discuss with your vet if you're unsure.

How do I switch my dog to a new food?

Always transition gradually to avoid digestive upset. A standard switch takes around 7 days. Start with roughly 25% new food mixed with 75% existing food, and increase the proportion of new food every couple of days until you've fully switched over. For dogs with sensitive stomachs, extend the transition to 10–14 days. Most subscription brands like Butternut Box and Pure Pet Food include transition guidance with your first delivery.

Happy Feeding from the Team at Smart Bark