Arkwrights Dog Food has been feeding British dogs for generations, offering big bags at small prices. But how does this traditional working-dog food stack up against modern competitors? We explore its heritage, ingredients, pros and cons, and whether it’s really worth a place in your dog’s bowl.
Choosing the right dog food is one of the most important decisions you make as a pet owner. A good diet supports your dog’s energy, coat, digestion, and long-term health. In the UK, owners are faced with hundreds of options, from grain-free, premium brands to traditional working-dog foods sold in bulk.
One of the most widely available budget brands is Arkwrights Dog Food. It has been around for well over a century and is a familiar sight in country stores, farm supply shops, and online retailers. Its appeal is obvious: large 15kg bags at a very low price compared with premium competitors. It is especially popular among farmers, kennels, and those with multiple working dogs.
But does the low price mean cutting corners on quality? In this review, we take a detailed look at the ingredients, nutrition, heritage, additives, benefits, drawbacks, expert ratings, and owner feedback to help you decide whether Arkwrights is the right fit for your dog.
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Background: The Brand Behind Arkwrights
Arkwrights is a long-standing British dog food brand. Over the years, it has been associated with more than one manufacturer, which sometimes leads to confusion among dog owners. Today it is still produced in large volumes for the working-dog market.
The brand is primarily positioned for owners who need affordable, high-energy food for adult dogs. Rather than focusing on premium cuts of meat or grain-free recipes, it stays true to its roots: filling, calorie-dense, and budget-conscious.
Brand History and Heritage
The heritage of Arkwrights sets it apart from many other budget foods. It is manufactured by Gilbertson & Page Ltd, a family-owned company based in Hertfordshire that has been operating since 1873. The company has supplied dog food to generations of British owners and has held a Royal Warrant since 1884 as official suppliers to the royal household.
This pedigree places Arkwrights among the oldest pet food brands in the UK, giving it a unique claim to tradition and reliability. While many modern brands emphasise new marketing angles such as “grain-free” or “natural,” Arkwrights has remained consistent in providing affordable working-dog food that reflects older feeding practices.
Its longevity speaks to its ability to meet the needs of farmers, kennels, and households with active dogs. The brand’s traditional stance has helped it maintain a place in the market even as new competitors have emerged.
Ingredients and Nutrition Analysis
Arkwrights’ recipes are simple and reflect its budget positioning. The core range includes “Complete with Chicken” and “Complete with Beef.”
Typical Ingredients
- Chicken or beef meal as the main protein source
- Cereals such as maize, wheat, and barley as the carbohydrate base
- Oils and fats for energy and coat condition
- Added vitamins and minerals for overall health
Nutritional Breakdown
- Protein: 18%
- Fat: 7%
- Fibre: around 3%
- Ash: around 8%
- Carbohydrate content: roughly 56%
- Added vitamins A and D
This profile places Arkwrights in the moderate-protein category. It provides enough energy for moderately active working dogs, particularly those needing slow-release fuel throughout the day.
The high cereal content helps keep the cost low, but it also means the food may not suit dogs with grain sensitivities. Protein levels are lower than in some premium working-dog foods, which often reach 22–26%.
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Controversial Ingredients and Additives
One of the most debated aspects of Arkwrights is its use of additives. While the packaging highlights that it contains no artificial colours, flavours, or sugars, independent analysis has found the presence of preservatives such as BHA (E320) and BHT (E321).
These are antioxidants used to extend shelf life and are still permitted in pet foods across the UK and Europe. However, they have been controversial for years, with some nutritionists suggesting possible long-term health risks if consumed regularly.
For many owners, this may not be a concern, especially when balancing budget and practicality. For others who prefer to avoid controversial additives, this is a reason to look at more natural or preservative-free alternatives.
Pros and Cons
Every food has trade-offs, and Arkwrights is no exception.
Pros
- Extremely affordable (around £15 for 15kg, or £1 per kilo)
- Long heritage with a Royal Warrant background
- Provides slow-release energy from wholegrain cereals
- Readily available across the UK
- Dogs generally enjoy the taste
- Favoured by farmers, kennels, and owners with multiple dogs
Cons
- High cereal content (over 50%), which may not suit sensitive dogs
- Lower protein than many premium working-dog foods
- Uses generic meat meals rather than named whole meats
- Contains preservatives (BHA/BHT) that some owners avoid
- Not suitable for puppies, seniors, or dogs with allergies
Reviews from UK Dog Owners
Owner feedback is mixed but often positive, especially among those feeding working or outdoor dogs.
On Amazon, Arkwrights Complete with Chicken averages about 4.5 stars out of 5. Owners praise its value and effectiveness at keeping their dogs in condition.
A farmer writes: “My collies love it. They work all day and maintain weight and energy. At this price, I wouldn’t switch.”
On Trustpilot, reviews are more varied. Many Labrador and collie owners say the food works perfectly, while some owners of smaller or sensitive breeds complain of digestive upsets. One reviewer noted: “Great for my Lab, but my terrier needed something grain-free.”
On Reddit’s r/dogsUK forum, Arkwrights is a frequent recommendation for those seeking affordable bulk food. Rural owners often describe it as a practical choice for lurchers and collies, though house-dog owners sometimes prefer Harringtons or Skinners.
Independent Ratings vs Owner Experience
Professional reviewers tend to be far more critical than everyday owners. The website All About Dog Food, which evaluates products on ingredient quality and transparency, gives Arkwrights a score of just 19.12 out of 100, placing it in their lowest category.
This low rating reflects the heavy reliance on cereals, the use of generic protein meals, and the inclusion of controversial preservatives. By modern nutritional standards, it falls short of what experts recommend for optimal health.
Yet many owners report their dogs thrive on it. They note improved stool quality, consistent energy, and excellent value for money. This contrast shows that while Arkwrights may not be perfect on paper, it can be functional in practice for the right dogs.
Is Arkwrights Suitable for All Dogs?
Arkwrights is intended for adult working dogs with moderate energy needs. The wholegrain carbohydrates provide steady energy throughout the day, which suits farm dogs, gundogs, and outdoor companions that engage in regular activity.
It is not recommended for:
- Puppies, due to insufficient protein for growth
- Highly athletic or competition dogs, which may require higher protein and fat
- Senior dogs, due to lack of joint or age-specific supplements
- Dogs with grain sensitivities or food allergies
For healthy adult dogs without sensitivities, it is an affordable and practical option. For more demanding or sensitive cases, other foods will be more suitable.
Feeding Guidelines
The recommended daily amounts vary by size:
- Small (5–10kg): 100–170g
- Medium (10–25kg): 170–340g
- Large (25–45kg): 340–510g
- Extra-large (45kg+): 510g+
Always provide fresh water. Adjust portions for activity levels. Working collies in lambing season may need more, while indoor dogs may need less.
When switching to Arkwrights from another food, transition gradually over five to seven days.
Price and Availability
Price is Arkwrights’ strongest advantage. At £12–18 for a 15kg bag, it is among the cheapest complete dog foods available in the UK. That works out to around 80p–£1.20 per kilo.
By comparison, Harringtons is around £2 per kilo, and grain-free or fresh-prepared foods can cost £4–£6 per kilo or more.
You can find Arkwrights in:
- Amazon UK
- Pets at Home
- Jollyes
- Farm & Pet Place
- Local feed and country stores
Bulk purchases often provide even better value.
Alternatives to Arkwrights Dog Food
If Arkwrights doesn’t suit your dog, alternatives include:
- Harringtons: mid-range, clearer meat sources, some grain-free lines
- Skinners Field & Trial: higher protein, still aimed at working dogs
- Chappie: very digestible, though lower in protein, often used for sensitive stomachs
- James Wellbeloved: hypoallergenic, grain-free, premium option
- Butternut Box: fresh, human-grade food with personalised plans, though at a far higher price
Each alternative trades cost against quality.
Expert Perspective: Working Dog Diets
Working dogs burn more calories than companion pets. Their diets traditionally relied on cereal-based feeds, supplemented with meat scraps. Foods like Arkwrights follow this model, providing bulk calories at a low price.
Nutritionists, however, often argue that higher protein and fresher ingredients would benefit long-term health. For budget-conscious owners, Arkwrights is serviceable. For those willing to spend more, premium brands may deliver better digestibility and coat condition.
Practical Feeding Tips
- Store 15kg bags in airtight bins to prevent staleness.
- Buy in bulk only if you can use it before expiry.
- Label bowls when feeding multiple dogs to avoid over- or under-feeding.
- Monitor body weight and adjust portions accordingly.
- Supplement with small amounts of wet food or meat if desired, but be mindful of calorie balance.
Conclusion
Arkwrights Dog Food is one of the UK’s most established and affordable working-dog diets. Its heritage dating back to the 19th century, Royal Warrant history, and continued popularity all speak to its reputation as a functional feed.
Nutritionally, it delivers the basics: moderate protein, moderate fat, and slow-release carbohydrates from cereals. For healthy adult working dogs without sensitivities, this can be more than adequate.
However, it remains firmly a budget food. The reliance on cereals, generic protein sources, and controversial preservatives means it falls short of modern premium standards. It is not suitable for puppies, senior dogs, or those with allergies.
For owners needing to feed multiple working dogs on a budget, Arkwrights represents good value and steady results. For those prioritising optimal nutrition, other options should be considered.
Final rating: 7 out of 10.
FAQs
Is Arkwrights hypoallergenic?
No, it contains wheat and maize.
Who makes it?
Gilbertson & Page Ltd., established in 1873, holders of a Royal Warrant since 1884.
Is it grain-free?
No, it contains cereals such as maize, wheat, and barley.
Is it suitable for puppies?
No, it is formulated for adult dogs.
Has it ever been recalled?
As of 2025, no major recalls have been reported.
