Nestlé has repeatedly been named one of the world’s largest plastic polluters year after year, as well as receiving criticism for its appalling human rights record across the globe, as has been the subject of boycott calls around the world since the 1970s, including for its irresponsible marketing of baby milk formula. Within the tins of dog food, pet owners can expect to only find servings made using fresh meat – never meat meal, bone meal or rendered meat. They’re also full of vegetables, fruits and herbs, many of which are organically grown.

Any commercially manufactured dog food in the UK that meets UK Pet Food guidelines will contain complete nutritional requirements for pets, says the British Veterinary Association (BVA). As well as toys, beds, medication, insurance, and many other things, our beloved companions need to eat. But while the furry ones in our homes are often members of the family, this can often come at the expense of other animals, workers, and the environment.

The animals in dog food

Lily's Kitchen pet food is lovingly prepared in small batches from the finest natural ingredients, so you can provide your dog with a healthy, balanced diet. Now you can buy Lily's Kitchen dry dog food and wet dog food in a huge range of varieties at zooplus! Some of the reasons owners prefer feeding relate to it being 'natural', coupled with perceived improvements in their dog's health.

Not only is this great for dogs that have shown signs of wheat allergies and intolerances, it means that all dogs that eat Lily’s Kitchen food are able to better digest what they’re eating! Although certifications are usually better than nothing, with no protections for human rights or for aquatic animal welfare in these certifications, MSC and ASC aren’t particularly ethical. Wild caught versus farmed aquatics Lily's Kitchen Dry Dog Food: wholesome kibble designed to reflect the natural diet of dogs and provide them with a complete meal

If you’re considering Lily’s Kitchen Grain Free Multipack wet dog food for your pet, be sure to take a look at our dedicated review

Costs are based on an average medium dog (10-25kg), such as a French bulldog, on a simple dry-food diet. Medium dog: monthly food costs Commercial options are a safer bet for nutrition. The PFMA says that commercially prepared raw dog food marked as ‘complete’ meets the guidelines to provide the nutritional balance a dog needs in their daily diet.

Companies on PETA’s non-animal tested companion animal food list or those with PETA certification included: Ami, Beco, MPM Products (Applaws, Encore), Pooch & Mutt, Power Pet Brands (Hownd), Scrumbles, Vegeco (Benevo, V-dog), Yarrah.

Does ethical dog food cost more?

Age. Make sure the dog food is right for your dog’s age. This is important because it will contain different nutrients, calories, and ingredients that cater to a specific age group. In 2022, the RSPCA reported a 25% increase in the number of pets being abandoned in the UK, with an average of 3,000 every month or four abandoned every hour. There are a variety of ways to fulfil nutritional requirements from different sources, and the nutritional guidelines for dog food nutrition from FEDIAF (the European Pet Food Industry) are seen as a gold standard. There are risks to handling fresh, frozen or freeze-dried raw food. The UK Pet Food recommends the following: