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Best Dog Food UK 2026 : 9 Brands Tested on Real Dogs (Costs + Pros/Cons)

Updated: 5 days ago

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The most asked question by dog lovers everywhere - Which is the best dog food?


A person in a red shirt feeds a golden retriever from a metal bowl
photograph : depositphotos

Clearly there isn't a simple answer. With so many factors to consider, it's impossible to pick the No.1 dog food that would be the best choice for all dogs.


Our guide compares the best dog foods available in the UK for 2026, based on long term feeding trials, ingredient analysis and real world testing with dogs of different breeds, ages and sensitivities.


We focus on dry, wet, fresh and raw dog foods that are nutritionally complete (formulated to provide all the essential nutrients your dog needs) and are widely available in the UK.

⚡ QUICK ANSWER ⚡

Best UK Dog Foods 2026

After testing 9 brands on real UK dogs for 30+ days each:


🥇 Best Value Premium Dry: Forthglade Cold Pressed (77% AADF rating, £1.02p a day)

🥈 Best Subscription: Butternut Box ( 87% rating, £2.69 a day)

🥉 Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Pure Pet Food (80% rating, £1.40 a day)

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




Dog in a hallway beside Pooch & Mutt dog food bag. Text offers 30% off. Colourful bowls and rain boots in background.


Dog food has traditionally been dominated by global brands (Royal Canin, Purina, Pedigree), but there's a whole range of brands revolutionising the face of UK dog food, and we've included the best of canine cuisine in our roundup including some familiar and not so familiar brands.


We've not only compared nutritional rating (all the brands we feature list specific meat sources rather than vague terms like "meat and animal derivatives), price, convenience and palatability to help you decide which is the best dog food, every brand in our review has been fully tested.


We also regularly check the British Veterinary Association for the latest information and advice on choosing a dog food.


Jump to specific sections using the links below, or settle in for a deep dive – the choice is yours!

  

⏰ UPDATED : JANUARY 2026  For transparency, we've added links to our dog food testing process, updated the AADF nutritional ratings and pricing.

  


Best Tailored Dry Food

TABLE OF CONTENTS



Best Insect Dog Food


How to Choose a Dog Food?


The most important thing to consider is your dog's eating habits. Do they have allergies? Are they a picky eater? How much do they eat? Are you looking for grain free ?


The second thing you need to decide is what type of food would YOU prefer to serve ? Do you want it on subscription, delivered ? When you know this, it becomes easier to decide which brand will fit best.


The nutritional value, the size of your pocket and your storage will also play a part in ultimately determining which food will suit your dog and you best.


Bear in mind all these answers as you look through our recommended dog food brands.


Best Wet Dog Food
photograph : shutterstock

We've done all the groundwork for you. We've tested and reviewed their products with the help of a whole variety of dogs from easy-to-please Labradors to fussy & downright difficult Cockapoos and their patient, dog loving owners.


It's worth noting, as non-scientists, we've used the ratings from All About Dog Food for our nutritional comparisons. We've also given a rating on the clarity of the label, so you can identify ingredient percentages.


With money saving subscriptions, excellent customer service, intuitive websites and great offers exclusive to Smart Bark - what's not to love ?


Only the best of the best made it to our list.



Best Insect Dog Food


Real UK Costs: What You'll Actually Pay

(Feb 2026)


Brand Name

Food Type

Small (10kg) Daily

Small Monthly

Medium (20kg) Daily

Medium Monthly

Large (30kg) Daily

Large Monthly

AADF

Rating

Best

For

Tails

Dry - tailored

£0.87

£26.19

£1.27

£38.19

£1.62

£48.82

68%

Customised Dry 

Forthglade Dry

Cold Pressed

£1.02

£30.06

£1.20

£36.00

£2.30

£69.00

77%

Best Value Premium Dry

Edgard & Cooper

Dry

£1.04

£31.20

£1.79

£53.70

£2.38

£71.40

64%

Eco-friendly

Grub Club Dry

Insect Dry

£1.06

£31.80

£1.77

£53.10

£3.04

£91.20

66%

Eco-friendly

Pure Pet Food

Air-Dried

£1.40

£42.00

£2.15

£64.50

£2.37

£71.10

80%

Sensitive Stomachs

Forthglade 

Wet

£2.10

£63.00

£2.50

£75.00

£3.33

£99.90

85%

Picky Pups

Bella + Duke

Raw

£2.42

£72.60

£3.20

£96.00

£4.20

£126.00

82%

Raw Feeding

Butternut Box

Fresh

£2.69

£80.70

£3.54

£106.20

£4.88

£146.40

87%

Fussy Eaters

Years

Fresh (Pantry)

£3.15

£94.50

£3.98

£119.40

£4.96

£148.80

96%

Highest Nutrition


IMPORTANT NOTES:

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

• Prices include delivery where applicable (most brands offer free delivery over £30-40)

• May vary based on your dog's activity level, metabolism, spayed/neutered status

• Hidden costs: Fresh/raw require freezer space (10-20L per 2-week delivery for medium dog)

• First-time discounts: Most brands offer 30-50% off first orders (not reflected above)


MONEY-SAVING TIPS:

💡 Mix fresh with dry: 50:50 blend cuts fresh food costs in half while boosting nutrition

💡 Subscribe & save: Most brands offer 10-25% off subscriptions vs one-off purchases

💡 Bulk buy dry food: 12kg bags typically 30-40% cheaper per kg than 2kg bags

💡 Use introductory offers: We've added any exclusive offers we have with brands

💡 Use wet as topper: Small amount of wet mixed into dry boosts palatability without doubling cost


 

Best Insect Dog Food


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 ⭐️

New customers save 40% with code SBFG40

Existing customers save 15% with code SBFG15


Dry dog food is a top pick for many dog owners, and it's easy to see why, it's incredibly convenient.


We recommend aim for the highest quality you can afford, and consider getting it delivered right to your door.


Freddie the cockapoo testing Forthglade cold pressed dog food UK review
photograph : smartbark

You could choose traditional vet-recommended brands like Hill’s Science Plan or Royal Canin, but dry dog food has come a long way in the last five years, with far more nutritious options now available.


Cold-pressed dry dog food is a rising star. It delivers all the benefits of traditional kibble but avoids high-temperature processing, preserving more nutrients.


At Smart Bark, we recommend taking a look at Forthglade's Cold Pressed range.


For ingredient-savvy dog owners, the first and main ingredient is meat. All About Dog Food gives it a 77% rating, which is exceptionally high for dry food.


This compares to around the 70% mark for popular dry brands such as Wainwrights, James Wellbeloved, Harringtons and Lily's Kitchen. Which makes it nutritionally one of the best and affordable dry dog foods in the UK.


Otis the Labrador, testing Forthglade cold pressed dog food UK review
photograph : smartbark

Our Labrador 'Taste Tester' Otis (nose & paw pictured), definitely preferred Forthglade to his existing brand when offered both.


We know it's a small point nevertheless it's worth mentioning, of all the dry foods we've tested, we found the Forthglade bags the easiest to reseal and keep the dry food fresh. Each bag has a super-durable velcro strip which our testers loved.


Cold Pressed dry dog food
photograph : forthglade

We love Forthglade's dry food for its quality and variety. Whilst their cold-pressed range offers the ultimate nutritional punch, we understand that budget is a factor for many pet parents.


Forthglade's Lightly Baked Range provides a slightly cheaper alternative. These recipes boast an impressive 50% single-source protein and have earned a very respectable 70% rating from AADF.


Schedule regular deliveries of your dog's favourite Forthglade dry food straight to your door, and enjoy the benefits of:


  • 10% Savings on Every Order:  Stock up on your pup's essentials and save!

  • Free Delivery (over £30):  Enjoy the convenience of home delivery without any additional shipping costs.


While mixing in a wet food topper can slightly increase the cost per serving, the boost in taste and aroma can be well worth it for some of your more picky pups (and their happy tummies). We feature the Forthglade wet food range later in this review.

Our Verdict - If you're looking for a high quality dry dog food which is easy on the pocket, we would recommend Forthglade's Cold Pressed and their cheaper Lightly Baked range.


⭐️ Stock Up ⭐️

New customers save 40% with code SBFG40

Existing customers save 15% with code SBFG15

How much you feed your dog really depends on how active they are and their metabolism - 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.




2

Best Eco-Friendly Dry Dog Food


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 %


Use discount code SMART20

for 20% OFF the entire range


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 ?


Edgard & Cooper selection of dog food and treats - meat versus plant-based kibble size comparison
photograph : smartbark

Edgard & Cooper's dry food receives a solid nutritional rating of 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


We love the addition of two plant-based recipes. These hypoallergenic options are packed with fresh veg and a blend of fruit, herbs and pulses.


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 !


Edgard & Cooper kibble size comparison photo
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.

  

Use discount code SMART20

for 20% OFF the entire range



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



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


Butternut fresh dog food test - food in bowl
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 87% 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.


Freddie the Cockapoo testing Butternut Box subscription dog food UK review
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

Want to know more?

Check out our Butternut Box in-depth review



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 ⭐️

New customers save 40% with code SBFG40

Existing customers save 15% with code SBFG15


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.


Forthglade wet dog food range
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 and glucosamine and salmon oil for joints and bones.


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


Forthglade wet dog food range in testing
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.


Forthglade gourmet wet dog food range
photograph : forthglade

What's more, Forthglade offer a range of Gourmet meals in partnership with the National Trust. They include 75% good quality meats like turkey, goose, beef, wild boar, duck & venison.


These more novel proteins are ideal for dogs with food allergies to the more traditional proteins such as chicken and beef.


It also means that you have an extensive range of Forthglade recipes to choose from, which will certainly benefit dog lovers with 'Goldilocks level' picky pups.

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.

⭐️ Stock Up ⭐️

New customers save 40% with code SBFG40

Existing customers save 15% with code SBFG15



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


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.


Freddie the Cockapoo testing Bella & Duke raw dog food UK review
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

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.


Bella & Duke full range
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.


Freddie the Cockapoo palatability taste test Bella + Duke
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


Learn more about the other raw dog foods we recommend



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 %



Click for 40% OFF your first box

& 15% OFF your next two


Pure Pet Food packaging and leaflets
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 recipes rank at the top of their nutritional scale with an All About Dog Food rating of 80%.


Testing the water content in Pure Pet Food air-dried food
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.


Click for 40% OFF your first box

& 15% OFF your next two


Want to know more?

Check out our Pure Pet Food review



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


Years.com - best fresh dog food
photograph : years

Of course, the first thing to say about Years.com is that they have achieved an exceptionally high nutritional rating of 96% 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!


Years Chef's Collection meals for dogs
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 also contains a unique blend of probiotics and prebiotics to support healthy gut flora.

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

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



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)


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.


Tails kibble size comparison
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.


Otis the Labrador palatability test with Tails dog food for UK review
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)


Want to know more?

Check out our Tails dog food review



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 %



Grub Club kibble size comparison in testing
photograph : grub club

If you're looking to reduce your carbon paw-print then we'd recommend taking a closer look at Grub Club.


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.


testing palatability Grub Club insect food for dogs
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 66% rating on AADF, while their wet food range achieves a very impressive 86%.


Testing Grub Club wet and dry dog food UK review
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.




Best Insect Dog Food


Quick Brand Comparison : Find Your Match


If your top priority is......


💰 BEST VALUE FOR MONEY

→ Forthglade Cold Pressed: £1.20/day for medium dog, 77% AADF rating

→ Edgard & Cooper: £1.79/day, eco-friendly, 64% rating


🥇 HIGHEST NUTRITION

→ Years: 96% AADF rating (highest in our test)

→ Butternut Box: 87% rating, human-grade ingredients


🏆 MOST CONVENIENT

→ Butternut Box: Zero prep, delivered, pre-portioned

→ Tails: Dry food, tailored, delivered monthly


🌱 ECO-FRIENDLY

→ Edgard & Cooper: Zero Pawprint Plan, sustainable packaging

→ Grub Club: 97% less greenhouse gas than meat


😋 FUSSY EATERS

→ Butternut Box: Highest palatability in our tests

→ Forthglade Wet: 6 years "Best Wet Food" award


🩺 SENSITIVE STOMACHS

→ Pure Pet Food: Limited ingredients, air-dried


🍖 RAW FEEDING

→ Bella+Duke: RawSAFE certified, extensive range


📦 NO FREEZER NEEDED

→ Pure Pet Food: Air-dried, cupboard storage

→ Forthglade Dry: Ambient storage, long shelf life

→ Years: Pantry storage until opened


🐕 LIFE STAGE SPECIFIC

→ Forthglade: Separate puppy, adult, senior ranges

→ Butternut Box: 11 recipes + puppy-specific



Best Insect Dog Food


How We Choose


We kicked off our search for the UK’s best dog food by digging into top brands and game-changers, always with your pup’s health and happiness in mind.


Our picks had to be nutritious, come in a wide range, deliver to your door, offer custom options, and be priced right.


At Smart Bark, we’ve tried it all: raw, fresh, tailored, dried, insect, and wet. With so many choices, we handpicked the standouts in each category.


All dog foods reviewed are tested in real home feeding conditions across multiple breeds and life stages. Nutrition, digestibility, and acceptance are documented.


Recommendations are updated regularly, and affiliate links are fully disclosed.


Every product is tested by us and our team of canine critics before making the cut. No freebies we didn’t ask for; no reviews of stuff we wouldn’t use ourselves.


The majority of photos are ours, taken in real homes with real dogs. When we review a product, you get honest, first-hand feedback from genuine dog lovers who know what matters.


Best Insect 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:


BY BRAND DEEP-DIVES:


GENERAL GUIDES:



Best Insect Dog Food


Happy Feeding from the Team at Smart Bark



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Why Trust Smart Bark ?

Claire is the founder of Smart Bark and a lifelong dog lover.

 

With a 10 year background in retail buying for one of the UK’s major retailers, she brings a keen eye for quality and value to every dog product review.

 

Claire personally tests every item featured on Smart Bark with her own family dog and her team of dog testers—so you get honest, expert advice (not recycled marketing blurb) from someone who truly understands what works in real life (and what doesn’t).

 

No gimmicks. Just trusted recommendations backed by experience.

 

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Smart Bark is a dog product review and recommendation destination for dog lovers. Discover the best UK dog brands, healthy dog treats and food, trending dog accessories and in-depth buying guides. 

You may have noticed the lack of ads and other clutter. Smart Bark is supported by readers and when you buy something we recommend, we may get a small affiliate commission but this never affects your price or what we pick.

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