Pedigree: food for dogs and puppies of small and large breeds

One of the top sellers on the Russian dog food market is Pedigree food. This popular brand is owned by the American food corporation Mars, and the food is produced in its Masterfoods division.

The company began producing food products for dogs back in 1934 in the UK, and they began to be produced in Russia only in 1994. Among the main advantages of food that attract a wide range of consumers are low price, widespread availability and different packaging options for food.

Composition of Pedigri food

Dry and canned dog food Pedigree belongs to the economy class, so the quality of the prescription products is not at the highest level. According to Russian legislation, the predominant component of the product must be indicated in the composition of the feed in the first place. Depending on the option, the leading positions in the list of ingredients can be occupied by both meat components and cereals.

Pedigree is one of the leaders in sales on the Russian market.

Sources of animal protein include chicken meal, beef, lamb, rabbit, turkey and offal, of which there is a lot in the food.

IMPORTANT. By-products are secondary products of meat production (liver, heart, tail, tongue, ears, kidneys, stomach, etc.). They are divided into two groups according to the degree of tissue saturation with protein and the degree of nutritional value and digestibility.

For example, the stomach is more valuable and useful than the tail or ears. Therefore, the buyer should be concerned not with the presence of by-products in the feed, but with their quality. The manufacturer Pedigri does not specify which by-products saturate the recipe, which makes you think about the quality of the food.

Sources of carbohydrates include cheap fillers such as corn and wheat, as well as low-calorie rice. Products that saturate the pet’s body with fats are sunflower oil and animal fat without indicating its origin.

You can also find several useful ingredients in Pedigri food:

• beet pulp regulates blood sugar levels and improves digestion;
• brewer's yeast contains minerals important for health;
• a complex of antioxidants, including vitamin E, increases the body’s defenses and promotes longevity of the animal;
• the combination of vitamins, minerals, polyunsaturated fatty acids and linoleic acid makes the skin healthy, the coat shiny, and the joints strong.

The photo shows the composition of Pedigree food for adult dogs of all breeds.

A little history

In fact, such a popular Pedigree dog food appeared on the market relatively recently - in the 90s. It is produced by the American company Mars. However, before the Pedigree brand, this company was not famous for its particularly good product quality. Today it is a leader among dog food manufacturers. Pedigree food for puppies and adults is sold in many countries. This manufacturer is also loved in Russia.

In addition to Pedigree, everyone's favorite food is Chappy. Both brands are equally in demand among consumers. And they are often bundled on shelves in pet stores and in suppliers’ price lists. And there is nothing surprising in this. After all, Chappie mixtures are also produced by the Mars company. See also the article about Russian dog food Our brand.

Pros and cons of Pedigree food

The advantages of the Pedigree dog food brand include:

• low price of feed, justified by savings on composition;
• widespread availability of food - it can be found in any pet store and in almost all supermarkets and grocery stores;
• the presence of vitamins and minerals in the composition;
• a wide range of diets for dogs of all sizes and ages.

Among the main disadvantages of the food are:

• few real meat ingredients;
• presence of questionable by-products in large quantities;
• The basis of the feed is grain crops;
• poor composition overall.

Why is this food better than others?

Each brand of dog food has advantages over other manufacturers, and Pedigree food is no exception. One of the advantages of this brand is its wide range of dry and wet food, as well as treats.

One of the advantages of this brand is its rich assortment.

The Pedigree line includes 9 dry diets, 10 canned and 9 treats, among which are dental care products. There is no such abundance of menu either in the Stout brand or in the domestic Trapeza.

Another significant advantage of Pedigri food is the presence of gradation by breed and age. A dog breeder will be able to select food for adult dogs and puppies of various breeds, which best suits the needs and characteristics of their body. For example, the line of economy-class foods Trapeza and Chappie are not divided according to breed and age.

Another advantage of the Pedigree brand is the availability of a diet for puppies from 3 months, which allows you to gently transfer the baby from mother's milk to dry food. The line also includes standard menus for puppies from 2 and 6 months. For example, Our Brand puppy food is designed only for babies from 1.5 months.

Advantages and disadvantages of Pedigree

Small breed food for puppies as well as large and medium breeds

Among the main advantages are:

• affordable price;
• availability of purchase. The brand is popular in Russia. It can be found almost everywhere: from a supermarket to a pet store;
• the presence of vitamins and microelements in the composition;
• availability of several product lines.

The disadvantages include:

• unknown origin of some components in the composition;
• the product is based on cereals, which can cause allergies in dogs;
• The composition is too poor for a fully balanced feeding.

Whether or not to feed your dog Pedigree is a controversial issue. On the one hand, this is a fairly budget option, and on the other, its composition is not entirely balanced and complete. As a result, the food is not suitable for regular use. It does not carry anything harmful, but you need to remember that there is little useful in it either.

Pedigree food line

The Pedigree brand assortment includes several types of dry and wet food, each of which is designed for its own target audience. Among the variety of diets you can find food for puppies, taking into account the characteristics of the growing body, a menu for small and large adult dogs, as well as food for aging animals. In addition, the Pedigree line includes treats that will not leave any pet indifferent.

Pedigree diets for puppies

Diets for puppies are developed taking into account the characteristics of the digestive system of babies, are easily digestible and contribute to the proper functioning of their gastrointestinal tract.

The Pedigree line has four age-specific menus for puppies:

• first complementary foods from three weeks of age;
• for all breeds from two months;
• for large breeds from six months;
• for small breeds from two months.

Puppy diets are easy to digest and promote proper functioning of the puppies' gastrointestinal tract.
Canned food is suitable for puppies from one month old. The dog owner can choose from different flavors: chicken, beef, lamb and turkey.

Pedigree food for adult dogs

Pedigree food for adult dogs is also distinguished by a variety of diets, graded into small and large breeds. The granules have a size and density adapted to the size of the dog's mouth and provide ease of eating. And high taste appeal is achieved due to the variety of meat products: chicken, beef, lamb, turkey and rabbit.

There are several food options available for adult dogs:

• for miniature breeds;
• for small breeds;
• for large breeds;
• for all breeds.

There is also a diet for older dogs, over 8 years old. It contains more vitamins and minerals, which the aging body so needs.

ATTENTION. In the variety of Pedigree diets, a special place is occupied by the category of dental care products – Denta Stix. They are a kind of edible sticks that reduce the risk of gum and dental diseases due to the action of active ingredients and mechanical effects on the oral cavity. Denta Stix treat is a preventative, but not a curative.

Reviews

In fact, reviews from veterinarians about Pedigree dog food are quite contradictory. Some argue that it is a good, complete source of protein. Others believe that the mixture consists mainly of by-products. There is an opinion that constant consumption of this brand of food causes a certain dependence in animals.

Some owners note that after eating food from this manufacturer for a long time, their dogs begin to have health problems. Although, in principle, no harmful substances are observed in the Pedigree diet. Perhaps this is due to the abundance of grains and offal. However, consumers continue to buy this brand in large numbers. Many people like the optimal ratio of quality and cost.

Veterinarian reviews of Pedigree dog food

Natalya, veterinarian, 37 years old. I can’t say with certainty that Pedigree dog food is harmful, but the quality of the by-products used and the completeness of the diet is questionable.

Some veterinarians doubt the complete nutritional value of Pedigri food, while others claim that vegetable protein is well absorbed by dogs.

The composition contains an ingredient such as animal fat, which may hide expired products from stores or spoiled meat. The manufacturer does not indicate the origin of the by-products, so one can only guess about their benefits for the dog’s body. The food has a generally poor composition - there are no vegetables, fruits or herbs. Sources of carbohydrates are corn and wheat, to which allergies are most common. If you value the health of your four-legged friend, do not skimp on his nutrition. Consult with a specialist and choose the best quality and most affordable option.

Lyudmila, veterinarian, 34 years old. Despite the fact that the meat components in Pedigree are far from being in first place, they are still present. The main part of the feed consists of cereals - corn and rice. Today, most economy class food contains predominantly vegetable protein, but this is not at all as bad as it might seem. Vegetable protein is properly prepared and is well absorbed by the dog's body. Although there is little meat component in Pedigree, the food has good protein content and energy value. There is an opinion among dog breeders that this food is unsafe, however, after analyzing its composition, no toxic ingredients were identified. Therefore, if you cannot afford more expensive food, then try Pedigree. It might be perfect for your dog.

Pedigree for dogs: brand history

The famous brand has been producing complete food for your pets for more than 50 years. Pedigree® products have become world famous due to their high quality and variety of lines, which allows you to choose a diet for each pet.

Many years of research by specialists from the WALTHAM™ scientific center, involved in the nutrition and well-being of pets, also helped the brand achieve recognition. Pedigree® food's innovative solutions help meet your dog's needs based on his age, size, health and personality.

The food has also been approved by the Association of Veterinary Practitioners. This is another “quality seal” that makes Pedigree® so popular among owners and their healthy and active pets!

Reviews from dog breeders about Pedigri food

Anna. Our family has small Miniature Schnauzer dogs, which I have been feeding with Pedigri diets for several years now. I buy a special menu for small breed dogs. The food is completely balanced and does not require additional vitamins or any nutritional supplements. Previously, dogs were fed other brands, which caused allergies, coloration of the coat in unnecessary shades, loss of appetite, lethargy, and vomiting. After switching to Pedigree, all the problems disappeared. As for the smell, I can note the pleasant aroma of meat, vegetables and grains. The food granules are small in size, which is very convenient for chewing. Dogs eat Pedigree with pleasure and are completely healthy. I recommend this budget-friendly and good quality food.

The photo shows Pedigri food granules for dogs of all breeds.

Ivan. I will share with you the sad experience of feeding the Pedigree brand. From birth, we fed the dog expensive dry food, but when we noticed that the dog was greatly increasing in size, we decided to switch to cheaper food. We chose the Pedigree brand. They ate this food for about 1.5 years, it seemed to be ideal. But after a while, the dog began to refuse food, and then I noticed a sore on the inside of the tip of the ear. We went to the veterinary clinic, where we were diagnosed with dermatitis. And when the doctor heard that we fed the dog this food, everything immediately became clear to him. They prescribed long-term treatment and a bunch of vitamins. The dog was switched to natural food. A year has passed since our treatment, and the consequences of Pedigree still remain. From time to time this sore appears on the ear and takes a very long time to heal. In general, I do not recommend this food.

Price

The price of Pedigri dog food depends on the type of product and its volume.

For example, dry mixtures weighing 600 grams cost the owner from 80 to 105 rubles. And for a pack of 2.2 kilograms you will have to pay around 280-300 rubles. A package of 13 kilograms costs about 1,300 rubles. It is quite possible to purchase a pack of wet mixture weighing 100 grams for 15 rubles.

Thus, the Pedigree brand is known to absolutely all dog breeders today. Once upon a time this food seemed to be the pinnacle of quality, everyone talked about its usefulness. But a lot of time has passed since then. And today there are other brands that are superior to Pedigree in a number of ways.

Reviews of Pedigri brand food are quite contradictory. There are both positive and negative statements. Veterinarians consider this famous brand a good choice. Although this food cannot be called high-quality and complete. Some advise owners to switch their dogs to premium diets.

Portion volume

If your pet eats dry food, then there are usually no problems with determining the daily serving amount. Many manufacturers of dog food mixtures already indicate the required amount on the packaging - it is indicated in the form of a plate in which the feeding rate is indicated opposite the weight.

To determine the amount of dry food needed, the owner needs to know the weight of the animal. Then the specified amount must be divided by the number of feedings per day. The result is the volume of a single serving.

If the dog eats only natural food, then the calculation is performed completely differently. The daily intake for natural feeding should be about 2-4% of the pet’s total weight. For example, if a dog weighs 8 kilograms, then he should eat an average of 160-320 grams of food per day.

However, the numbers may depend on many factors - the animal’s physical activity, lifestyle, and living conditions. In addition, the nutritional value of prepared dishes can affect the size of portions; for example, porridge with vegetables will be much lower in calorie content than meat.

If a dog eats natural food, its diet should include the following types of food:

• meat. The indicator of this component should be 30-50% of the total volume of food consumed;
• cereals – 25-35%;
• dairy products – 20-30%;
• vegetables – 15-20%;
• fish;
• fruits.

Methods for calculating the amount of feed

Methods for calculating the amount of food for an adult dog depend on several facts. Key indicators are the calorie content of the food and the activity of the pet. For the calculations in the table, super-premium food is used as a basis:

All food packages, regardless of type, contain a table with recommendations for calculating the daily food intake. The table contains several calculation options that include the dog's weight and activity. Naturally, the above standards should be considered as recommendations, and not instructions for action.

The recommended daily feed intake must be adjusted based on the practical result.

Important! Immediately after eating dry food, the dog does not feel full for 10–15 minutes. When in contact with water, the granules actively absorb it, increase in volume and fill the stomach, which gives the dog a feeling of fullness.

If your dog looks hungry 15–20 minutes after eating the food, the portion you calculated is too small. If after a similar period of time the dog becomes inactive, tries to lie down, or suffers from excessive gas formation, the portion must be reduced.