When it comes to feeding our canine companions, finding the right balance between quality and affordability can be challenging. Enter Arkwrights Dog Food, a long-standing British brand with a history dating back to the late 19th century. This traditional dog food has maintained its presence in the market for generations, but does it hold up against more modern competitors? Let’s dive deep into what makes this budget-friendly option tick.
The heritage behind Arkwrights
Arkwrights is manufactured by Gilbertson & Page Ltd, a family-owned company based in Hertfordshire that has been operating since 1873. What adds credibility to their reputation is the Royal Warrant they’ve held since 1884, signifying their status as suppliers to the British royal household. This historical pedigree places them among the UK’s oldest pet food manufacturers, suggesting a formula that has stood the test of time.
The brand’s longevity speaks to its consistent market position as a practical choice for working dog owners who need reliable nutrition without premium pricing. While many newer brands focus on trendy ingredients or marketing approaches, Arkwrights maintains its traditional stance in the dog food landscape.
Product range and nutritional profile
Arkwrights offers two primary dry kibble varieties in their core range: Complete with Chicken and Complete with Beef. Both formulations share identical macronutrient profiles with 18% protein and 7% fat, positioning them in the moderate protein category compared to other brands on the market.
The recipes emphasize wholegrain cereals for “slow energy release,” which aligns with their target market of working and sporting dogs. If your dog needs sustained energy throughout the day rather than quick bursts, this formulation approach makes sense. Not sure how this compares to other working dog formulas? Read our Chudleys review for another popular option in this category.
Key ingredients and concerns
Looking at the ingredient list reveals that Arkwrights relies on:
- Chicken or beef meal as the primary protein source
- Maize, wheat and barley as carbohydrate sources
- Limited added supplements compared to premium brands
While the brand claims “no artificial colours, flavours or sugars,” independent analysis has identified certain additives including preservatives like BHA/BHT (E320, E321) that have raised eyebrows among nutritionists. These compounds, while extending shelf life, have been subject to controversy regarding their long-term health effects.
The carbohydrate content is substantial, comprising approximately 56% of the kibble. This high cereal content helps keep costs down but may not be ideal for all dogs, particularly those with grain sensitivities or those requiring higher protein diets.
Price point and value proposition
Perhaps Arkwrights’ most compelling feature is its affordability. At roughly £15 for a 15kg bag, it represents one of the most budget-friendly options in the UK market. This price point is less than half that of mid-range competitors like Skinners, making it particularly attractive for multi-dog households or kennels.
The cost-effectiveness extends to feeding efficiency as well. Many owners report that despite the lower price, the food provides good satiety, resulting in appropriate portion sizes and less waste. This economic advantage cannot be overlooked in today’s financial climate, where pet care costs continue to rise.
Owner feedback and real-world performance
Consumer reviews present a somewhat divided picture. On one hand, there’s a loyal customer base that praises Arkwrights for its:
- Consistent palatability, even among fussy eaters
- Digestibility, with many noting improved stool quality
- Value for money without compromising basic nutritional needs
Conversely, criticisms typically center around the limited ingredient quality, lack of variety in the product line and concerns about nutritional adequacy for high-performance animals. The All About Dog Food rating system scores Arkwrights at just 19.12/100, placing it in their lowest category, largely due to questioned ingredients and additive concerns.
This stark contrast between professional assessment and everyday user satisfaction highlights an important consideration: theoretical nutritional ideals don’t always translate directly to how dogs actually thrive on a food in real-world conditions.
What kind of dogs is this food suitable for?
Arkwrights is specifically formulated for adult dogs with moderate activity levels. The 18% protein and 7% fat content, combined with the wholegrain carbohydrate base, creates a nutrition profile best suited for:
Adult working dogs with moderate energy requirements benefit most from this formulation. The slow-release energy from grains supports sustained activity throughout the day rather than intense bursts, making it appropriate for farm dogs, gundogs or everyday companions who enjoy regular exercise.
This food is not suitable for puppies due to insufficient protein levels for growth. Similarly, highly athletic competition dogs may require higher protein and fat percentages than Arkwrights provides. Senior dogs with reduced kidney function might find the moderate protein level appropriate, but the lack of joint supplements or specialized senior nutrition makes it a suboptimal choice for aging canines.
Dogs with grain allergies or sensitivities should avoid this brand entirely due to its wheat and maize content. The presence of potential allergens makes Arkwrights inappropriate for dogs with known food intolerances or digestive issues related to cereals.
Is this dog food good? A specialist’s conclusion
As a dog food specialist, I must provide an honest assessment: Arkwrights is an average product that meets basic nutritional requirements but falls short of what I would consider optimal canine nutrition.
The food succeeds as an economical option that provides adequate calories and basic nutrients. Many dogs appear to maintain reasonable condition on it, especially those with modest activity levels and no specific health concerns. Its long market presence suggests it fulfills a genuine need for budget-conscious owners.
However, several factors prevent me from giving it a higher recommendation. The reliance on lower-quality protein sources (meat meals rather than whole meats), high cereal content and inclusion of controversial preservatives place Arkwrights firmly in the budget category from a nutritional perspective. The limited protein content (18%) falls below what I typically recommend for truly active working dogs.
In essence, Arkwrights represents a compromise between cost and quality. It’s not harmful for most healthy adult dogs, but it’s also not providing optimal nutrition by contemporary standards. For dogs without specific health concerns or performance needs, it remains a functional though unexceptional choice.
If you’re seeking truly superior nutrition for your dog, you might want to explore other options. Our comparison of the best dog food brands found that Butternut Box came out as the number one choice, offering human-grade ingredients and personalized nutrition plans. Their fresh-prepared approach represents a significant step up in quality, albeit at a higher price point. For those considering an upgrade to premium nutrition, check out our detailed Butternut Box review to see if it might be the right fit for your four-legged friend.
