You care about what goes on your plate, so what about your dog’s bowl? In 2025, more pet parents are waking up to a serious question: Am I giving ultra-processed dog food?

While colourful packaging and “complete and balanced” claims may sound convincing, many popular pet foods are hiding low-grade ingredients behind a long label.

At Puppy Tail, we believe real health starts with real food. Here’s how to spot ultra-processed dog food, and what to feed instead.

What Is Ultra-Processed Dog Food?

Ultra-processed foods are made from heavily refined ingredients, often stripped of their natural nutrients and reassembled with:

Artificial preservatives
Synthetic vitamins
Colourings and flavour enhancers
Fillers like cornmeal, wheat gluten, and meat by-products

Most commercial kibble and tinned foods fall into this category. They’re made to last on a shelf for years—not to nourish a living body.

Why It’s a Problem for Your Dog’s Health

While ultra-processed food may tick the “nutritional requirements” box, studies are showing growing links between ultra-processed diets and chronic health issues in both humans and animals.

In dogs, long-term consumption may contribute to:

Digestive issues like bloating or diarrhoea
Skin irritations and persistent itching
Weight gain and low energy
Inflammation, joint pain, and reduced immunity

Feeding the same dry pellets day in, day out, doesn’t just affect your dog’s body—it can impact their mood, behaviour, and long-term wellbeing.

How to Spot Ultra-Processed Pet Food on the Shelf

Reading labels can be tricky, but these are some warning signs to look out for:

🚩 Overly long ingredient lists

If you can’t pronounce it or wouldn’t cook with it, it likely doesn’t belong in your dog’s food.

🚩 Generic terms

“Meat meal,” “animal derivatives,” or “cereals” often mean the manufacturer is hiding poor-quality ingredients.

🚩 Artificial additives

Look out for chemical-sounding names—especially preservatives like BHA, BHT, or artificial colourings.

🚩 Long shelf life

If it can sit unopened for two years, ask yourself: Is that real food?

What to Feed Instead: Real, Fresh, Human-Grade Food

Dogs thrive on simple, gently cooked meals made with:

Fresh meat or fish
Whole vegetables and fruits
Natural oils, herbs, and supplements
Zero fillers, additives, or artificial preservatives

That’s exactly what we create at Puppy Tail: meals made with locally sourced, human-grade ingredients, portioned for your pup, and delivered frozen to lock in nutrients and flavour.

It’s food you’d feel good serving yourself. Just designed for dogs.

If You Wouldn’t Eat It, Don’t Feed It

Ultra-processed food may be cheap and convenient, but it often comes at the cost of your dog’s health. In 2025, feeding real food isn’t just a trend; it’s a responsibility.

At Puppy Tail, we make it easy to ditch the mystery meals and switch to something honest, nourishing, and full of tail wags.

Because fresh food shouldn’t just be for humans.

Is Your Dog’s Food Ultra-Processed? How to Spot & Avoid It