Comparing the Cost per Serving of Grain-Free Dog Foods: A UK Pet Owner’s Guide

When selecting the best natural dog food, pet owners should prioritise high-quality ingredients, nutritional value, and affordability. In this blog, we'll compare the cost per serving of grain-free recipes from six popular dog food brands: James Wellbeloved, Canagan, our own Aflora, Arden Grange, Barking Heads, and Bakers. By the end, you'll have a detailed understanding of which brand offers the best value for your money.

Introduction to the Brands

James Wellbeloved

James Wellbeloved is known for its hypoallergenic dog food, using high-quality, natural ingredients without artificial additives. The brand offers grain-free options tailored to dogs with specific dietary needs.

Canagan

Canagan emphasises biologically appropriate recipes that mirror a dog's natural diet for optimum digestion. Their grain-free, hypoallergenic dog foods have a high meat content, aiming to support overall health and vitality.

Aflora

Aflora Grain Free promotes balanced nutrition at a competitive price. Although it’s newer in the market, its grain-free dog food is gaining popularity for offering quality nutrition affordably without compromising on quality.

Arden Grange

Arden Grange is a family-run business that provides hypoallergenic pet food. Their grain-free recipes are designed to cater to dogs with sensitive stomachs and allergies.

Barking Heads

Barking Heads offers natural dog food made with high-quality, grain-free ingredients. They focus on providing tasty and nutritious meals for dogs, with transparency about their ingredients.

Bakers

Bakers, a well-known brand, has recently expanded its range to include grain-free options. They aim to provide affordable dog food.

Understanding Cost Per Serving

To compare the cost per serving, we'll consider the following factors:

1. Package Size: Larger packages often provide a lower cost per serving.
2. Recommended Serving Size: Different dog foods have varying caloric densities, affecting the required amount per serving.
3. Nutritional Density: High-quality ingredients may mean less food is needed to meet nutritional needs.
4. Price: The retail price of the dog food package.
5. Meat Percentage: The percentage of meat content in the food, as a higher meat percentage often indicates a higher-quality product.

We'll look at specific grain-free products from each brand, calculate the cost per serving, and then compare them in a table.

Grain-Free Dog Food Analysis

James Wellbeloved: Grain-Free Turkey & Vegetables

• Package Size: 10 kg
• Price: £48.99
• Recommended Serving Size: 220 grams/day for a 15 kg dog
• Meat Percentage: 26%

Cost Per Serving Calculation:

1. Total Servings: 10,000 grams / 220 grams ≈ 45.45 servings
2. Cost Per Serving: £48.99 / 45.45 servings ≈ £1.08 per serving

Canagan: Grain-Free Chicken

• Package Size: 12 kg
• Price: £59.99
• Recommended Serving Size: 210 grams/day for a 15 kg dog
• Meat Percentage: 60%

Cost Per Serving Calculation:

1. Total Servings: 12,000 grams / 210 grams ≈ 57.14 servings
2. Cost Per Serving: £59.99 / 57.14 servings ≈ £1.05 per serving

Aflora: Grain-Free Lamb & Sweet Potato

• Package Size: 15 kg
• Price: £61.00
• Recommended Serving Size: 200 grams/day for a 15 kg dog
• Meat Percentage: 50%

Cost Per Serving Calculation:

1. Total Servings: 15,000 grams / 200 grams ≈ 75 servings
2. Cost Per Serving: £61.00 / 75 servings ≈ £0.81 per serving

Arden Grange: Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato

• Package Size: 12 kg
• Price: £53.99
• Recommended Serving Size: 225 grams/day for a 15 kg dog
• Meat Percentage: 30%

Cost Per Serving Calculation:

1. Total Servings: 12,000 grams / 225 grams ≈ 53.33 servings
2. Cost Per Serving: £53.99 / 53.33 servings ≈ £1.01 per serving

Barking Heads: Grain-Free Chicken & Sweet Potato

• Package Size: 10 kg
• Price: £46.99
• Recommended Serving Size: 220 grams/day for a 15 kg dog
• Meat Percentage: 50%

Cost Per Serving Calculation:

1. Total Servings: 10,000 grams / 220 grams ≈ 45.45 servings
2. Cost Per Serving: £46.99 / 45.45 servings ≈ £1.03 per serving

Bakers: Grain-Free Beef & Vegetables

• Package Size: 14 kg
• Price: £36.99
• Recommended Serving Size: 240 grams/day for a 15 kg dog
• Meat Percentage: 14%

Cost Per Serving Calculation:

1. Total Servings: 14,000 grams / 240 grams ≈ 58.33 servings
2. Cost Per Serving: £36.99 / 58.33 servings ≈ £0.63 per serving

Comparative Table

Comparative Analysis

Cost Per Serving

From a cost per serving perspective, Aflora offers the most economical option at £0.81 per serving with its higher proportion of meat contained, followed by Bakers at £0.63 per serving. James Wellbeloved and Canagan are the most expensive, at £1.08 and £1.05 per serving, respectively. However, Canagan's recipe contains over double the meat content than James Wellbeloved.

Meat Percentage

When considering meat content, Canagan leads with 60%, followed by Aflora and Barking Heads with 50%. James Wellbeloved and Bakers have the lowest meat percentages at 26% and 14%, respectively.

Nutritional Value and Ingredient Quality

While cost is crucial, nutritional value and ingredient quality are also important:

1. James Wellbeloved: Known for hypoallergenic, natural ingredients suitable for dogs with sensitivities.
2. Canagan: High meat content and grain-free formulation, closely matching a dog's natural diet.
3. Aflora: Balances affordability with quality, providing essential nutrients.
4. Arden Grange: Hypoallergenic with high-quality ingredients, ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
5. Barking Heads: Natural ingredients with a focus on taste and nutrition.
6. Bakers: Offers affordable options without compromising on essential nutrients.

Conclusion

Choosing the right dog food involves balancing cost with nutritional value and ingredient quality. Our analysis shows:

• Aflora: Most cost-effective at £0.81 per serving, great for budget-conscious pet owners.
• Bakers: Also affordable at £0.63 per serving, offering essential nutrition.
• James Wellbeloved: Suitable for dogs with sensitivities at £1.08 per serving.
• Canagan: Premium, high meat content at £1.05 per serving.
• Arden Grange: Hypoallergenic option at £1.01 per serving.
• Barking Heads: High-quality, natural ingredients at £1.03 per serving.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your dog's specific needs and your budget. By considering both the cost per serving and the nutritional benefits, you can make an informed decision to ensure your dog enjoys a healthy, balanced diet.

*Comparative research given as examples sourced on 23rd July 2024.