Choosing the right dog food is one of the most important decisions for dog owners in the UK. With so many brands and types in shops, it can get confusing to pick the best food for your dog’s health and energy. Arkwrights dog food is a popular choice for people looking for affordable and filling food for their dogs, especially working or farm dogs. Many owners buy it for its low price and large bags, but is it really good for your dog? In this article, you will learn what Arkwrights dog food is, what ingredients it has, its benefits and drawbacks, what other owners are saying, and whether it is the right choice for your dog’s daily meals.
1. What is Arkwrights Dog Food?
Arkwrights is a well-known dog food brand in the UK, owned by Inspired Pet Nutrition (IPN), the same company that makes brands like Wagg and Harringtons. Founded over 25 years ago, IPN’s mission is to provide affordable and filling pet food for working dogs and family pets across the UK. Arkwrights is known for its dry kibble dog food, designed mainly for working dogs like farm dogs, hunting dogs, and active pets needing extra energy. It comes in large 15kg bags, making it affordable for owners with multiple dogs. Many people buy Arkwrights dog food because it is cheap, easily available in farm stores, Amazon, and pet shops, and dogs seem to like its taste. The brand continues to grow in popularity among farmers, kennels, and dog owners who want budget-friendly food that keeps their dogs full and active.
2. Ingredients and Nutrition Analysis
Arkwrights dog food contains a mix of cereals, meat and animal derivatives, oils and fats, and added vitamins and minerals. The main ingredient is usually cereals (wheat and maize), providing carbohydrates for energy. It also contains meat meal and animal fats, giving protein and fat to keep dogs active and maintain healthy coats.
Nutritional Analysis Table
Nutrient | Percentage (%) |
---|---|
Protein | 18-20% |
Fat | 7-10% |
Fibre | ~3% |
Ash | ~8% |
Vitamin A | Added |
Vitamin D | Added |
The food includes minerals like calcium and phosphorus for strong bones, and vitamins like A and D for immunity and skin health. However, it uses general terms like “meat and animal derivatives” instead of named meat sources, which some owners prefer to avoid if their dog has allergies. Arkwrights dog food is not grain-free or hypoallergenic, so it suits dogs with no grain sensitivities.
3. Pros and Cons
Here are the clear positives and negatives of Arkwrights dog food:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Affordable price, especially for large breeds or multiple dogs | Uses general meat derivatives instead of named meat sources |
Provides energy for working dogs | Contains cereals, not suitable for grain-sensitive dogs |
Available in most UK farm stores and online | Lower protein content compared to premium brands |
Dogs seem to enjoy the taste | May cause loose stools in some dogs with sensitive digestion |
4. Arkwrights Dog Food Reviews UK & Reddit
Many dog owners across the UK have shared their reviews about Arkwrights dog food. On Amazon UK, Arkwrights Complete with Chicken has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, with owners praising its affordability and how it keeps their dogs full of energy. One review said, “My working collie loves it and stays active all day on the farm.”
On Trustpilot, reviews are mixed. Some owners say it is great for active dogs, while others mention it caused loose stools or skin itchiness if their dog had grain sensitivities. One user wrote, “Great price for my labrador, but my terrier needed grain-free food instead.”
On Reddit, users in forums like r/dogsUK discuss Arkwrights dog food, mainly for farm or working dogs. One Reddit user said, “It’s cheap and keeps my lurchers fed, but for my house dog, I prefer Harringtons as it lists better meat sources.”
Overall, Arkwrights dog food reviews in the UK show it is liked for its price and energy-giving formula, but it may not suit all dogs, especially those with sensitive digestion.
5. Is Arkwrights Dog Food Good for All Dogs?
Arkwrights dog food is made mainly for working dogs, farm dogs, and active breeds needing more daily energy. It is not designed for puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with sensitive digestion. If your dog is highly active and does not have allergies to cereals or general meat derivatives, Arkwrights dog food can be a good and affordable choice. However, for dogs with sensitive stomachs, skin problems, or grain allergies, it is better to choose hypoallergenic or grain-free foods like James Wellbeloved or Burns. Always check with your vet before switching your dog’s diet, especially if your dog has health issues or special dietary needs.
6. Feeding Guide
Here is the basic feeding guide for Arkwrights dog food:
-
Small dogs (5-10kg): 100-170g per day
-
Medium dogs (10-25kg): 170-340g per day
-
Large dogs (25-45kg): 340-510g per day
-
Extra-large dogs (45kg+): 510g+ per day
Always ensure your dog has fresh drinking water available at all times. When switching to Arkwrights from another food, do it gradually over 5-7 days by mixing small amounts with the old food to avoid digestive upset.
7. Where to Buy Arkwrights Dog Food in the UK
You can buy Arkwrights dog food in most farm supply stores, pet shops, and online retailers. Popular options include:
-
Amazon UK (often free delivery for Prime members)
-
Pets at Home
-
Farm and Pet Place
-
Jollyes
-
Local feed merchants and country stores
Buying in bulk (15kg bags) usually saves money and is convenient if you have multiple dogs to feed daily.
8. Alternatives to Arkwrights Dog Food
Here are a few alternatives to consider:
-
Harringtons Dog Food – clearer meat sources and some grain-free options.
-
Skinners Field & Trial – designed for working and active dogs with slightly higher protein levels.
-
Bakers Complete Dog Food – widely available, also uses cereals.
-
Chappie Dog Food – good for sensitive stomachs but lower protein for working dogs.
Compare prices, ingredients, and reviews to choose what suits your dog best.
9. Final Verdict Summary
Final Verdict |
---|
Best for active and working dogs without grain allergies. Not suitable for puppies or dogs with grain sensitivities. Average price: £12-£18 per 15kg bag. |
FAQs
Q: Is Arkwrights dog food hypoallergenic?
A: No, Arkwrights dog food is not hypoallergenic as it contains cereals and general meat derivatives.
Q: Who makes Arkwrights dog food?
A: It is made by Inspired Pet Nutrition (IPN), which also makes brands like Wagg and Harringtons.
Q: Does Arkwrights dog food suit working dogs?
A: Yes, it is designed mainly for working and active dogs needing daily energy.
Q: Is Arkwrights dog food good for puppies?
A: No, puppies need food with balanced nutrients for healthy growth.
Q: Is Arkwrights dog food grain-free?
A: No, it contains wheat and maize.
Q: What flavours does Arkwrights dog food come in?
A: It comes mainly in chicken, beef, and lamb flavours.
Q: Where is Arkwrights dog food made?
A: It is made in the UK by Inspired Pet Nutrition (IPN).
Q: Has Arkwrights dog food been recalled?
A: As of 2025, there have been no major public recalls, but always check the Food Standards Agency or brand website for updates.
Conclusion
Arkwrights dog food is a good choice for many dog owners in the UK, especially if you have working dogs or more than one dog to feed every day. It gives them energy and keeps them full, and most dogs seem to enjoy eating it. You can find it easily in local farm shops or online at places like Amazon. But it is important to know that this food is not the best for dogs who have grain allergies or need special diets. Before you start feeding it to your dog, always check the ingredients on the bag and talk to your vet if you are not sure it is right for them. If you feel Arkwrights is a good fit for your dog, you can buy it from your nearby farm store or order it online to save time.