The Best Dog Food UK - 2026 Update
- We Walk Woofs
- Nov 4, 2025
- 13 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
We Take a Look At Some Of The Best Dog Foods Available in The UK For 2026
✅ Updated by Charlie & Dave | Saturday 10th January 2026 ✅
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As all owners will confirm, owning a dog is like having a child, which means a significant amount of responsibility! They require regular walks, play, affection, attention, and, of course, food. One question we are constantly asked is, "What is the best dog food for my dog?" Just like children, there is no one size fits all food suitable for every dog. It will depend on several factors, including your dog's personal preferences, their feeding schedule, dietary requirements, health issues, etc.
The beauty of today's dog food market is its exponential expansion over the last few years. There is now such a bewildering array of dog foods available that you can almost guarantee finding a suitable option for even the pickiest of dogs. Whether it be a raw diet, a combination of canned and kibble, one of the many custom-made foods available, or the growing market in insect-based dog food, you are sure to find a dog food that fits.
Gone are the days of picking up a can of branded or supermarket own-brand dog food, or a bag of sawdust-like dry dog food, to feed Fido. These days, the dog food market is packed to the rafters with handmade, high-quality, and even doorstep-delivered dog food that will keep even the fussiest dogs in dog food heaven!
In this article, we take a look at some of the best dog food brands currently available for your four legged friends.
🐶 If you are serious about your dogs health and nutrition and want to feed them the best quality food at the very best prices the why not take a look at our Dog Food Discount page where there are a range of codes and savings on some of the leading UK dog foods 🐶 |
Table Of Contents - The Best Dog Foods UK 2026
(Because the UK dog food market is so vast, this is a long article! We would love it if you read it all but, if you are stuck for time, use the links below to jump to the relevant sections)
How We Decided On Which Food To IncludeThe UK dog food market can be quite overwhelming for new pup parents and even for experienced owners like ourselves, the sheer choice on offer can be bewildering. When we set out, we wanted to find not just the most nutritionally complete foods in each category, but also options that were easy for most dog owners to buy (think local supermarkets, Pets at Home or Amazon). To begin our search, we carried out in-depth research on a huge range of UK dog foods, looking not only at the larger, more established companies but also at smaller independents that are shaking up the dog food scene. By reading labels, analysing nutritional breakdowns, and digging through online reviews and feedback, our aim was to pinpoint the top three in each food category that offered healthy and nutritious options for UK dog owners. Our dog, Charlie the Wheaten Terrier, was a willing and able chief taste tester, and most of the products were joyfully tested and tasted by him over the course of our research. (It took a while ,so while Charlie was happy to sample the foods, we tried not to alter his standard diet too frequently!) There was plenty of inspecting food, sniffing food, and even tasting food (that was us, not Charlie this time!) in order to narrow down the contenders in each category. It wasn’t cheap, and our house sometimes looked like a pet shop, but we hope the end result was worth it. What follows is our, well, Charlie’s, list of the best dog foods that are not only nutritionally excellent, but that are also easily available to UK dog owners. We hope you find it useful and informative, and that it helps you choose the ideal food for your dog! |
Best Dry Dog Food 2026
1) Forthglade Cold Pressed Dry Food - High-quality dry food with gentle processing and great value - ADF Nutritional Rating 73% |
Reasons to Buy:
✅ High Meat Content - Meat as the first ingredient and a 73% nutritional rating by All About Dog Food, higher than many other readily available popular dry brands.
✅ Gently Cooked - Forthglade is cold-pressed at low temperatures to preserve all of the nutrients, vitamins & minerals with lightly baked options available as well.
✅ Highly Convenient - Dry kibble has a long shelf life, is easy to store and does not require fridge or freezer space.
✅ Gently Cooked - Cold-pressed at low temperatures to preserve all of the nutrients, with lightly baked options available as well .
✅ Affordable Quality - Offers dog owners top end nutrition at a super friendly price point (it's one of the best value premium dry foods currently available in the UK).
The Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free range is expertly formulated to provide high end nutritional support, good gut health and to ease digestion. Their cold pressing process uses “a gentler and lower temperature” cooking method (around 40–50 °C) compared to other baked kibbles which allows many of the natural nutrients, flavours and goodness to remain unaltered and intact. When we tested the Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free range with Charlie, the first thing we noticed was how different the texture is compared to standard kibble. Because it’s cold-pressed at lower temperatures, the pieces are softer, more natural-smelling and break down easily, which is great for digestion. Their grain free recipe means no cereals such as wheat or maize are used in production. In their place, Forthglade includes complex carbohydrates like sweet potato, which can help dogs who may have sensitivities or just need a gentler diet.
Beyond the cooking method and grain-free formulation, the recipe is packed with real natural ingredients and added vitamins and minerals for a complete and balanced meal. The Chicken flavour highlights fresh chicken, sweet potato, peas and fruits (like apples, pears, blueberries and cranberries) plus salmon oil for omega-3 and omega-6. The food is also suitable for all life stages, from 2 months to senior, and is developed by veterinary nutritionists to meet FEDIAF guidelines which gives peace of mind for dog owners seeking quality. During our review, we liked the fact that the ingredients list reads like real food rather than fillers. Chicken, sweet potato, peas and fruits are all clearly listed, plus added vitamins and salmon oil for skin and coat health. Charlie’s coat seemed shinier and in better condition after a couple of weeks on it, and he didn’t have any upset stomachs or gassiness. It looked and smelt like a genuinely wholesome, gently cooked option for dogs who need something easier on the tummy without compromising on nutrition.
Behind the Brand: Forthglade is a British pet food company with well over 50 years of expertise in pet nutrition. They’re based in Devon and known for natural recipes.
Product Range: Grain-free cold-pressed dry foods (2kg trial bags up to 20kg value sacks) in Turkey, Duck, Chicken, or Salmon, plus a special small-pellet puppy formula. Forthglade also offers lightly baked kibble, a wide wet food range, treats and dental sticks.
Price: Very budget friendly considering the quality of the food. It costs approximately £1.30 day for a 15kg dog depending on the price paid for the food. Bulk orders and subscriptions get 10% off and free delivery over £30
.
Where to Buy: Available direct from Forthglade’s website (with subscription discounts) and through pet retailers and supermarkets including Waitrose, Tesco, Sainsbury's & Asda stores throughout the UK.
Best Dry Dog Food 2026 Runners Up2) Fish4Dogs “Finest” Complete Dry - A natural fish based kibble with natural and limited ingredients, making it ideal for sensitive dogs. Fish4Dogs uses fish as the sole animal protein, providing omega-3 for coat and joints. This UK brand was founded over 20 years ago by a fishmonger and his wife, and won Best Dry Complete Food in the 2024 Your Dog Awards. 3) Lily’s Kitchen Grain Free Dry - A premium natural kibble made with high fresh meat content and holistic ingredients. Lily’s Kitchen is a UK-founded B-Corp brand known for ethically sourced meats and no artificial additives and uses fruits, veggies, and herbs for added vitamins. |
Best Wet Dog Food 2026
1) Forthglade Grain Free Wet Dog Food Trays - Slow cooked, nutritional and natural meals that are gentle on stomachs - ADF Nutritional Rating 78% |
Reasons to Buy:
✅ Natural Ingredients - Meat-rich (75% meat in most recipes) with vegetables, vitamins and no artificial additives. Hypoallergenic and grain-free to suit sensitive tummies
✅ Variety of Recipes - Range includes delicious & nutritious recipes like chicken, lamb, beef, duck with veggies. Even a lighter 60% meat Senior range for older dogs.
✅ Steamed for Nutrition - Gently steam-cooked to lock in the natural flavours and nutrients. The fantastic aroma and taste is good for enticing picky eaters.
✅ Award-Winning Food - Voted Best Wet Food of 2025 by Your Dog Magazine readers and even named “Wet Dog Food of the Year” by retailers, reflecting widespread trust in this British-made wet dog food.
Reasons to Avoid:
❌ Short Fridge Life - Like most wet dog foods, once opened, trays must be refrigerated and used within 48 hours.
❌ Not As Budget-Friendly - The higher meat content and quality comes at a cost. Bulk buying or mixing with kibble can help save.
The Forthglade Complete Grain Free Wet Dog Food range is made in Devon using natural ingredients, gently steamed to preserve flavour and nutrients. They come pre packaged in convenient trays and are available as either complete meals (with added vitamins and minerals) or complementary meals (which require a mixer). The food is designed for adult dogs, puppies, and seniors, and is often marketed as being suitable for dogs with sensitive tummies due to its gentle, grain-free composition. Their recipes are designed without grains (such as wheat, maize or barley) and are described as hypoallergenic and easier to digest for dogs with sensitive tummies. The range covers all life-stages, including puppies (from 2 months), adults and seniors, so it is ideal for owners with more than one dog.
On the nutritional side, the Complete Grain Free range boasts high levels of quality animal-protein (for example one recipe contains 75% beef plus sweet potato and vegetables) and is free from artificial colours, flavours, fillers and preservatives. The brand emphasises that each wet tray can be used as a standalone complete meal, or combined with dry food if preferred.
Behind the Brand: Forthglade is a British pet food company with well over 50 years of expertise in pet nutrition. They’re based in Devon and known for natural recipes.
Product Range: Grain-free cold-pressed dry foods (2kg trial bags up to 20kg value sacks) in Turkey, Duck, Chicken, or Salmon, plus a special small-pellet puppy formula. Forthglade also offers lightly baked kibble, a wide wet food range, treats and dental sticks.
Price: Very budget friendly considering the quality of the food. It costs approximately £1.30 day for a 15kg dog depending on the price paid for the food. Bulk orders and subscriptions get 10% off and free delivery over £30
.
Where to Buy: Available direct from Forthglade’s website (with subscription discounts) and through pet retailers and supermarkets including Waitrose, Tesco, Sainsbury's & Asda stores throughout the UK.
Best Dry Dog Food 2026 Runners UpFish4Dogs “Finest” Complete Dry - A natural fish based kibble with natural and limited ingredients, making it ideal for sensitive dogs. Fish4Dogs uses fish as the sole animal protein, providing omega-3 for coat and joints. This UK brand was founded over 20 years ago by a fishmonger and his wife, and won Best Dry Complete Food in the 2024 Your Dog Awards. Lily’s Kitchen Grain Free Dry - A premium natural kibble made with high fresh meat content and holistic ingredients. Lily’s Kitchen is a UK-founded B-Corp brand known for ethically sourced meats and no artificial additives and uses fruits, veggies, and herbs for added vitamins. |
Best Wet Dog Food
Forthglade Grain-Free Wet Trays – Slow-cooked natural meals, gentle on stomachs.
Lily’s Kitchen Natural Wet Food – Human-grade wet recipes (like Cottage Pie or Sunday Lunch) made with fresh meat (≥ 60%) and nutritious herbs/veggies.
Nature’s Menu “Country Hunter” Cans – Gently cooked, grain-free wet meals with 80% real meat (novel proteins like venison, duck, salmon) plus superfood fruits & veg.
Tuggs Freshly Prepared Dog Food - 100% Fresh Ingredients - With Insects!
Tuggs fresh dog food, a relatively new player in the pet food market, has made waves since its launch in 2022 by combining insect protein, meat, and vegetables into a mouth-watering, healthy, and sustainable range of dog food delivered directly to your door. Tuggs' selection of recipes is not only flavoursome and packed with high-quality ingredients and proteins, but they are also sure to appeal to even the pickiest of eaters.
Tuggs scores an excellent 90% rating on allaboutdogfood.co.uk, and all their recipes are packed full of protein and vegetables and are free of grains, fillers, and other additives—apart from the insects!
Read our full review of Tuggs dog food here and use our Tuggs discount code to receive 50% off your first box - WEWALKWOOFS
Butternut Box - A Fresh Take On Dog Food
Butternut Box is a premium dog food delivery service focused on providing fresh, healthy meals tailored to individual dogs' nutritional needs. Utilising human-grade ingredients, their recipes include high-quality meats, fish, vegetables, and beneficial additives like turmeric and flaxseed, all cooked gently to retain nutrients and vacuum-sealed to ensure freshness without preservatives. The service allows pet owners to create personalised meal plans, accommodating various dietary preferences and sensitivities, ensuring optimal health for their pets.
The convenience of Butternut Box extends beyond quality ingredients, offering a user-friendly app for easy management of orders and delivery schedules. Customers receive regular deliveries of pre-portioned meals directly to their doors, simplifying the process of feeding their dogs a balanced diet. By focusing on tailored nutrition and convenience, Butternut Box aims to enhance the well-being and longevity of dogs, making it a popular choice for conscientious pet owners. For more information, read our full Butternut Box review visit or visit our LIVE Butternut Box discount page or use our Butternut Box discount code (WeWalkWoofs50) to receive 50% off your first two boxes.
Different Dog Fresh Dog Food
Different Dog are a fresh dog food company started by husband & wife team Charlie & Alex Thurstan and is located in Shrewsbury. They provide a range of tasty, healthy recipes delivered direct to your door and pride themselves on including at least 60% locally sourced meat & fish in all of their recipes.
Started back in 2017 by husband & wife team Charlie and Alex Thurstan, Different Dog now has a range of thirteen super tasty hand cooked doggy meals including Chicken Casserole, Pork Ragu & Shepherds Pie to name a few. All meals are slow cooked, packaged in fully compostable and recyclable containers and delivered direct to your door.
Read our in depth review of Different Dog here or visit the Different Dog website and receive 40% off your first two boxes with our Different Dog discount code WALKIESCC40
Best Dog Food Uk - FAQ's
Which type of food is best for my dog: dry kibble, tinned, or handmade?
The best type of food for your dog will depend on their individual dietary requirements and preferences. Many dogs thrive on good quality commercial dog food, which includes both dry kibble and tinned options. Handmade and homemade diets can work but require careful planning to ensure they meet your dog's nutritional requirements. Consult with your vet to determine the most suitable option for your specific dog.
How much food should I feed my dog?
The best type of food for your dog will depend on their individual dietary requirements and preferences. Many dogs thrive on good quality commercial dog food, which includes both dry kibble and tinned options. Handmade and homemade diets can work but require careful planning to ensure they meet your dog's nutritional requirements. Consult with your vet to determine the most suitable option for your specific dog.
Is it safe to switch my dog's food, and how should I do it?
It's safe to switch your dog's food, but it should be done gradually over about a week to prevent any upset stomachs as a result of the change. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food in with the old food and gradually increase the proportion of the new food while decreasing the old food over about a week. That way your dog is introduced to the new food slowly and carefully.
Are grain-free diets a good choice for dogs?
Grain-free diets have been associated with certain heart conditions in dogs in some studies, so they are not recommended for all dogs. It is important to consult with your vet before opting for a grain-free diet to ensure that it is a suitable choice, especially if your dog has specific dietary needs or health concerns.
Can I feed my dog human food as part of their diet?
Some human foods are safe for dogs in moderation, such as lean meats, plain vegetables, and fruits. However, many human foods like onions, garlic and nutmeg can be toxic to dogs, so it's crucial to be aware of what is safe and consult your vet before introducing new foods into your dog's diet.
Should I consider my dog's age when selecting their food?
Yes, your dog's age is an important factor when choosing their food. Dogs dietary requirements will change as they age and so puppies, adults, and seniors have different nutritional needs. Look for dog food labeled for your dog's specific life stage to ensure they receive the right nutrients.
What should I do if my dog has allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients in their food?
If your dog has allergies or sensitivities, work with your veterinarian to identify the specific allergens and select a suitable hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diet. Avoid feeding your dog any foods that trigger their allergies.
How do I store and handle dog food to maintain its freshness and safety?
Store dog food in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the food in its original packaging or an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent contamination. Wash your dog's food and water bowls regularly to prevent bacterial growth.
Can I mix wet and dry dog food together?
Yes, you can mix wet and dry dog food to create a more palatable meal for your dog. Just be mindful of portion sizes and adjust them accordingly to maintain a balanced diet.
How can I determine if a dog food brand is reputable and safe?
Look for dog food brands that meet the standards set by the Food Standards Agency. Read ingredient labels, choose products with high-quality ingredients, and consider consulting your vet for recommendations based on your dog's specific needs. Online review sites like All About Dog Food and online customer reviews can also provide valuable insights into a brand's reputation.
Related:
Different Dog discount code - 40% off
