What's in our dog food? The ingredients in every Dog's Life recipe, explained

Our dogs rely on us to look after them, and what goes in their bowl is a big part of that. We think you should know exactly what's in your dog's food and why. Here's a guide to the ingredients you'll find in Dog's Life recipes.

Meat and fish first

Every Dog's Life recipe starts with at least 50% meat or fish, including freshly prepared meat or fish. You'll see it written on the label in full, for example: Lamb 50% (including Freshly Prepared Lamb 30%, Dried Lamb 18% & Lamb Stock 2%). Animal proteins are complete proteins, containing all the essential amino acids a dog needs.

Why are vegetables important in dog food?

A long and healthy life is what we all want for our dogs, and a well-balanced, high-quality diet is a key part of that. Vegetables are a fantastic source of fibre, vitamins and minerals. Vitamins help keep skin and coat healthy, strengthen bones and teeth, and support the body's natural defences.

Dogs can make vitamin A from carotenoids, the pigments that give many fruits and vegetables their bright yellow, orange and red colours. B vitamins help dogs convert food into energy.

Sweet potato: in every recipe

Sweet potato is a key ingredient in every Dog's Life recipe, and our grain-free alternative to cereals.

• A complex carbohydrate, high in B vitamins, for steady energy.

• A source of fibre, which helps support digestion and good stool formation.

• Rich in beta-carotene, which dogs convert into vitamin A, important for eyesight, skin and coat.

• Naturally gluten free.

• A lower glycaemic index than many starchy foods, so it releases energy more steadily.

Pea protein: why only some recipes?

Pea protein is a concentrated, highly digestible vegetable protein. Different meats contribute different amounts of protein, so in a few recipes (such as our Lamb, Small Breed Lamb, Large Breed Turkey, Light Trout and Senior Trout) a little pea protein helps reach the right protein level. Meat and fish remain the main protein source in every recipe; pea protein simply complements them. Most of our recipes also contain peas themselves, as a source of carbohydrate and fibre.

Beet pulp: not a "cheap filler"

Beet pulp is sometimes criticised as a filler, but that isn't fair. It's the fibrous part of the sugar beet, with the sugar removed. It provides both soluble and insoluble fibre, helps food move through the gut, encourages small, firm stools and supports the "good" bacteria in the intestine.

Why fibre matters

Fibre helps the digestive system process food and absorb nutrients steadily.

• Insoluble fibre gives stools structure and helps keep things moving.

• Soluble fibre feeds the beneficial bacteria that aid digestion; too much can loosen stools, so balance matters.

Prebiotics: MOS and FOS

Every recipe includes MOS (mannan-oligosaccharides) and FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides). These prebiotics may help to promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria and aid digestion.

Omega 3 and healthy fats

Fats are the most concentrated source of energy in a dog's diet, and they help make food tasty. They also supply essential fatty acids, omega 3 and omega 6, which the body can't make on its own. Every Dog's Life recipe includes added omega 3, a source of EPA and DHA to support skin, coat, joints and brain and eye development.

We keep fat at moderate levels. Our recipes range from around 8% fat in our Light recipes to 18% in our Small Breed Puppy recipe, with most adult recipes between 13% and 16%. Our Light and Senior recipes are lower in fat for less active or overweight dogs.

Where to find the fat level: it's listed as "Crude Fat" under Analytical Constituents on every product page and bag.

The fruit, vegetables and herbs in our recipes

Each recipe has its own named fruit, vegetable or herb:

• Carrot (Angus Beef, Puppy Chicken, Large Breed Puppy/Junior): a source of beta-carotene, which supports eye health.

• Mint (Lamb): thought to help aid digestion, and a source of iron and vitamins A and C.

• Apple (Pork): a source of soluble fibre, which supports healthy gut bacteria and helps dogs feel full.

• Cranberry (Turkey, Light, Senior and Large Breed Turkey): a good source of vitamins C, E and K and dietary fibre.

• Asparagus (Salmon & Trout recipes): rich in vitamins A, C and K and folic acid, and a source of fibre.

• Orange (Duck): rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant which can help support the immune system.

• Mulberry (Venison): rich in iron and vitamin C.

• Blackberry (Rabbit), Broccoli (Tuna) and Parsley (Haddock)

• Herbs (Chicken): a blend including marjoram, basil, oregano, sage, thyme and parsley.

What we leave out

• No added grain. Every recipe is designed to be suitable for dogs with grain intolerance or sensitivity.

• No added artificial colours or preservatives. We naturally preserve our food with rosemary extract.

Extra support where it's needed

Some recipes include extra ingredients for particular dogs:

• Glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate and MSM for joint support in our Puppy, Large Breed, Light and Senior recipes.

• L-Carnitine in our Light, Senior and Large Breed Puppy/Junior recipes, to help maintain a healthy weight and lean muscle.

Frequently asked questions

Is Dog's Life hypoallergenic? No food can be guaranteed not to cause a reaction. Our recipes contain no added grain, list every ingredient, and offer a wide choice of proteins, so you can choose one that avoids your dog's triggers. If your dog is allergic to fish, please contact us before switching: some recipes contain fish, and we can help you choose.

Why is sweet potato in all your recipes? It's our grain-free carbohydrate: a source of steady energy, fibre, B vitamins and beta-carotene.

Is beet pulp bad for dogs? No. It's a valuable source of fibre that supports digestion and firm stools.

Where can I see the full ingredients? Every product page lists the full composition, analytical constituents, additives and feeding guide.

As the saying goes, you are what you eat, so feed them the best diet you can.