If you’re a dog owner seeking quality nutrition for your furry companion, understanding what sets premium brands apart is essential. Applaws has gained recognition in the pet food market with promises of natural ingredients and high meat content. But does this brand truly deliver on its claims? Let’s dig deeper into what Applaws offers and whether it might be the right choice for your canine friend.
What is Applaws dog food?
Applaws is a premium dog food brand that originated in the UK, focusing on natural ingredients and high-quality meat sources. Their product range includes dry kibble and complementary wet food options known as Taste Toppers. The brand operates under the philosophy of “Adding More Happy” to pets’ lives through nutritionally sound, appetizing meals.
Founded as part of MPM (Making Pet Food Matters), Applaws has expanded into over 40 countries and generates approximately £135 million in annual sales. Their recent rebranding in 2024 emphasizes their commitment to premium quality and sustainable practices, reflected in their B Corp certification.
Key features of Applaws dog food
Applaws distinguishes itself in several notable ways that health-conscious pet owners should consider:
High meat content
One of Applaws’ most significant selling points is the exceptional meat content in their recipes. Their dry food formulations contain up to 75% free-run chicken or lamb, substantially higher than many competing brands. This protein-forward approach aims to align with dogs’ natural dietary needs as primarily carnivorous animals.
Natural ingredients
The brand commits to using natural ingredients without artificial additives, colors or preservatives. Their recipes are grain-free, avoiding common fillers like corn, wheat and soy that may cause sensitivities in some dogs. This clean ingredient philosophy makes Applaws an attractive option for owners concerned about allergens and digestive issues.
Nutritional enhancements include beneficial oils (sunflower, flaxseed and fish oils) that support skin, coat and cognitive health. The formulations also incorporate functional ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support, particularly valuable for certain breeds and aging dogs.
Innovative Taste Toppers
Perhaps Applaws’ most unique offering is their range of Taste Toppers – complementary wet foods designed to enhance dry kibble with additional flavor and texture. These broths, terrines and gravies contain premium meat cuts (up to 40% chicken breast in some variants) alongside vegetables and superfoods.
Products like their “Chicken Breast with White Beans, Pumpkin & Peas in Gravy” exemplify this approach, providing both palatability and nutritional benefits. Many customers report these toppers successfully address picky eating habits while increasing hydration, an often overlooked aspect of canine nutrition.
Nutritional analysis
Examining the nutritional profile of Applaws reveals values that generally exceed industry averages:
Macronutrient balance
Typical Applaws dry formulas contain approximately 24% protein and 14% fat, positioning them above standard commercial offerings but not as extreme as some ultra-premium raw-inspired brands. Their fiber content remains modest, typically under 4%, which helps maintain digestive regularity without excessive bulk.
This macronutrient distribution suits most active adult dogs, providing sufficient energy from quality protein sources while avoiding excessive carbohydrates that might contribute to weight management issues. Not sure whether to choose Arkwrights or Applaws? Read our Arkwrights review to compare these brands properly.
Micronutrients and functional ingredients
Beyond basic nutrition, Applaws incorporates various functional components that support overall health. Their formulations include omega fatty acids from multiple sources (fish oil, flaxseed oil) to promote skin and coat health while supporting anti-inflammatory processes.
The inclusion of antioxidant-rich ingredients like spinach, blackberries and kelp contributes to immune system support and cellular health. Joint-supporting compounds such as glucosamine appear in appropriate quantities, particularly in formulas designed for larger breeds or senior dogs.
Product range
Applaws offers a diverse selection catering to different life stages, sizes and specific needs:
Dry food varieties
The dry food line includes formulations for puppies, adult dogs and seniors, with further differentiation by breed size (small/medium and large). Each recipe features tailored kibble sizes and nutritional profiles to address specific requirements.
Popular options include “Adult Small & Medium Breed – Chicken with Lamb” and various single-protein formulas for dogs with sensitivities. The senior recipes incorporate easier-to-digest proteins and adjusted calorie levels to accommodate aging metabolisms.
Taste Toppers range
As previously mentioned, the Taste Toppers line represents Applaws’ innovative approach to enhancing mealtime engagement. These complementary wet foods come in various formats including broths, gravies and chunky terrines.
Designed to be mixed with dry food, these products add moisture, palatability and nutritional variety. They’re particularly valuable for increasing water intake in dogs that don’t drink sufficiently from their water bowls.
Customer experiences
Reviews from Applaws customers reveal generally positive experiences, though with some limitations worth noting:
Positive feedback
Many owners report increased enthusiasm at mealtime after introducing Applaws, particularly when using the Taste Toppers to enhance regular kibble. Dogs with previously picky eating habits often show renewed interest in their food.
The natural ingredient profile appears to suit many sensitive dogs well, with testimonials highlighting improvements in digestive health, coat condition and overall vitality. The company’s ethical stance and B Corp certification also appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
Limitations and considerations
Some forum discussions indicate that recipe changes in 2024 may have affected certain dogs with sensitive stomachs. The high protein content (24%) could potentially be excessive for dogs with specific kidney issues, highlighting the importance of veterinary consultation for those with medical concerns.
The premium pricing positions Applaws in the upper market segment, making it less accessible for budget-conscious pet owners. Some users also note the absence of probiotics in certain formulas, which competitors sometimes include.
What kind of dogs is this food suitable for?
Applaws caters to a wide range of dogs, but shows particular strengths for certain canine categories:
For puppies, Applaws offers specialized formulas with appropriate calcium-phosphorus ratios and DHA for cognitive development. The high-quality protein supports healthy growth without excessive calories that might lead to too-rapid development in larger breeds.
Active adult dogs benefit most from Applaws’ protein-rich recipes. The substantial meat content provides amino acids necessary for muscle maintenance and repair, making it suitable for working dogs, sport participants and generally active pets. The grain-free formulations may benefit dogs with certain sensitivities, though not all dogs require grain-free diets.
Senior dogs can thrive on Applaws’ specialized older dog formulas, which maintain protein quality while adjusting fat and calorie content. The addition of joint supplements (glucosamine/chondroitin) supports mobility in aging pets, while the Taste Toppers can stimulate appetite in seniors with diminishing interest in food.
However, Applaws may not be ideal for dogs with severe protein restrictions due to kidney disease or certain specific medical conditions. As always, veterinary guidance should take precedence for dogs with health concerns.
Is this dog food good? A specialist’s conclusion
As a dog food specialist evaluating Applaws objectively, I would categorize it as a high-quality option in the premium segment, though not without considerations.
The exceptional meat content, clean ingredient list and absence of artificial additives position Applaws well above mass-market brands. Their nutritional philosophy aligns with current understanding of canine dietary needs, emphasizing quality protein sources and functional ingredients. The innovation evident in their Taste Toppers line addresses real challenges many dog owners face with palatability and hydration.
However, it falls short of perfect in several aspects. The lack of probiotics in some formulas represents a missed opportunity for digestive support. Recent recipe changes have reportedly affected some sensitive dogs, indicating potential consistency issues. Additionally, while the protein levels are appropriate for most dogs, they may be excessive for certain medical conditions.
From a value perspective, Applaws commands premium pricing that reflects its quality ingredients but may present barriers for some pet owners. This places it as an excellent choice for those who can accommodate its cost, but not necessarily accessible to all.
In conclusion, I would rate Applaws as very good overall, with particular strengths for active dogs and those requiring grain-free options. It represents a substantial step up from standard commercial foods without venturing into the extreme protein levels of some boutique brands.
Looking for the absolute best option for your dog?
While Applaws certainly offers quality nutrition, it’s worth noting that in our comprehensive analysis of UK dog food brands, Butternut Box consistently earned the top position. Their fresh, human-grade recipes prepared in small batches represent the gold standard in canine nutrition. If you’re interested in exploring the best dog food options available today, our detailed comparison provides valuable insights.
For those seeking truly exceptional nutrition that prioritizes both quality and palatability, we recommend checking our in-depth Butternut Box review. Their personalized feeding plans and gently cooked recipes have transformed many dogs’ health and enthusiasm for mealtime, making them worth consideration for owners who want to provide optimal nutrition for their four-legged family members.
