As a UK-based premium pet food brand, Barking Heads has carved out its own distinctive niche in the market with its quirky packaging, high-quality ingredients and nutrition-focused approach to canine health. Founded in 2008 by a team of passionate pet food specialists who previously worked at Nutro (before it was acquired by Mars), this brand emerged from a desire to create better food options for our four-legged companions.
The story behind Barking Heads
The founding philosophy of Barking Heads centers on providing natural, nutritious food using high-quality UK-sourced ingredients. Paul Hunter, Dave O’Regan and Jim Moloney launched the brand to offer an alternative to mass-produced pet foods, focusing on recipes free from artificial additives, preservatives and GMOs.
Their distinctive branding strategy utilizes humor and personality with product names like “Fat Dog Slim” and “Bowl Lickin’ Chicken” – a refreshing departure from the clinical approach taken by many competitors. This unique identity has helped Barking Heads stand out on shelves across the UK and beyond.
Nutritional profile and ingredients
What truly sets Barking Heads apart is its commitment to quality nutrition. Their recipes typically contain 25-50% meat content, significantly higher than many mainstream brands. The protein primarily comes from freshly prepared sources like chicken, lamb and salmon rather than meat meals or by-products.
The ingredient list prioritizes wholesome components that contribute to overall canine health. Most formulas contain:
- High-quality animal proteins (chicken, lamb or fish as the primary ingredient)
- Digestible carbohydrates like brown rice and oats
- Nutritional supplements including prebiotics, probiotics and omega fatty acids
- Natural herbs and botanicals that support various aspects of health
Notably absent are artificial colors, flavors, preservatives and fillers that commonly appear in lower-quality dog foods. If you’re considering other options in a similar price range, you might want to read our Winalot review to compare nutritional profiles and ingredient quality.
Product range and specialized formulas
Barking Heads offers an extensive range of products designed to meet the varied needs of different dogs. Their lineup includes:
Life stage formulas – Specially designed recipes for puppies, adults and senior dogs with adjusted protein levels, calorie content and supportive nutrients appropriate for each stage.
Weight management options – Their “Fat Dog Slim” formula provides lower calories with higher fiber content to promote satiety, making it ideal for overweight dogs or those prone to weight gain.
Sensitive digestion formulas – For dogs with food sensitivities, they offer limited-ingredient recipes like “Fusspot” that minimize potential allergens while maintaining nutritional completeness.
Specialized needs – Formulas targeting specific issues such as joint health (with added glucosamine and chondroitin) or skin and coat condition (enhanced with omega fatty acids).
Price point and value assessment
With prices ranging from £12.99 for smaller bags to around £58.69 for 12kg packages, Barking Heads positions itself in the premium segment of the market. This pricing reflects the quality of ingredients and nutritional profile offered.
When evaluating value, it’s important to consider potential long-term benefits such as improved coat condition, better digestion and overall health that may reduce veterinary costs over time. Many customers report feeding smaller portions than with lower-quality foods, which can offset the higher price per kilogram.
Manufacturing practices and quality control
Following their acquisition by Inspired Pet Nutrition (IPN) in 2021, Barking Heads now benefits from enhanced production capabilities while maintaining their original quality standards. Their manufacturing occurs in Yorkshire facilities, allowing for tight quality control and reduced carbon footprint.
The company implements rigorous testing protocols for both ingredients and finished products. Independent laboratory analyses confirm consistency in nutritional content across batches, with protein variations limited to approximately ±1.5%.
Customer feedback and real-world performance
Analysis of consumer reviews reveals predominantly positive experiences with Barking Heads products. Approximately 89% of dogs reportedly transition successfully from previous brands, with particularly high acceptance rates among traditionally fussy eaters.
The most commonly reported visible benefits include:
- Improved coat condition with increased shine and reduced shedding
- Better digestion, characterized by smaller, firmer stools
- Increased energy levels and general vitality
- Improved appetite in previously reluctant eaters
Critical feedback typically centers on price rather than quality issues, with some owners noting recent increases in cost. A small percentage of reviewers mention that the brand lacks specific therapeutic options for conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease.
Sustainability and ethical considerations
Following the IPN acquisition, Barking Heads has strengthened its environmental commitments, implementing 100% recyclable packaging as part of the “Positive Pawprint” initiative. The company also sources ingredients locally where possible, reducing transportation emissions.
The brand supports several charitable endeavors, including partnerships with Dogs On The Streets and Pets As Therapy, demonstrating their commitment to canine welfare beyond nutrition.
What kind of dogs is this food suitable for?
Barking Heads offers formulations appropriate for dogs at all life stages, though each product line targets specific needs:
For puppies, their “Puppy Days” formula provides higher protein content (28%) alongside DHA from salmon oil to support cognitive development and growth. The kibble size is appropriately scaled for developing teeth and jaws.
Adult dogs benefit from their standard range, which balances protein and fat content for maintenance while providing supplemental nutrients for ongoing health. Active dogs may particularly benefit from formulas like “Bowl Lickin’ Chicken” with higher protein levels.
Senior dogs are well-served by “Golden Years,” which offers reduced calories (approximately 320 kcal/100g) alongside joint-supporting glucosamine and chondroitin. The formula accounts for the typically slower metabolism of older dogs while addressing common age-related concerns.
Special needs are addressed through targeted formulas: “Fat Dog Slim” for weight management with its high-fiber (8.5%), low-fat (10%) composition, and “Fusspot” for sensitive dogs with its limited-ingredient approach.
Overall, Barking Heads caters to dogs of all sizes and breeds, with adaptations in kibble size between formulas to accommodate different jaw structures. The brand is particularly suitable for dogs with mild sensitivities or those transitioning from lower-quality foods to a more premium diet.
Is this dog food good? A specialist’s conclusion
As a dog food specialist, I consider Barking Heads to be a solidly above-average option in the premium segment. Its nutritional profile significantly exceeds minimum requirements, particularly regarding protein quality and quantity. The absence of artificial additives represents a meaningful advantage over many mainstream alternatives.
However, it does not quite reach the top tier occupied by brands offering ultra-premium formulations with 60%+ meat content or therapeutic diets addressing specific medical conditions. The recent price increases following acquisition have also slightly diminished its value proposition compared to competitors.
What Barking Heads does exceptionally well is balance nutritional quality with palatability – an important consideration for owners of fussy eaters. Their formulas demonstrate thoughtful ingredient selection rather than simply adding trendy components for marketing purposes.
For most healthy dogs without specialized medical needs, Barking Heads provides excellent nutrition at a justifiable price point. It represents a significant upgrade from grocery store brands while remaining more accessible than the most expensive boutique options. The brand’s specific formulations for different life stages and needs demonstrate a nuanced understanding of canine nutritional requirements.
In summary, I recommend Barking Heads for owners seeking premium nutrition without venturing into the highest price brackets. It offers tangible benefits over budget options while maintaining reasonable value for money.
If you’re looking for the absolute best nutrition for your dog, you should know that Butternut Box consistently ranks at the top in our comparison of the best dog food brands available in the UK. Their fresh, human-grade ingredients and personalized feeding plans have set a new standard in canine nutrition. For an in-depth analysis of what makes Butternut Box stand out from other premium options including Barking Heads, check out our comprehensive Butternut Box review where we explore whether the investment in this fresh food delivery service truly delivers results.
