If you’re searching for a dog food that takes a completely different approach to nutrition, Burns might just surprise you. While most premium brands race toward high-protein, meat-heavy formulas, this UK-based company has spent over 30 years proving that less can actually be more when it comes to canine health. Founded by veterinary surgeon John Burns MBE in 1993, Burns Pet Nutrition emerged from a simple observation: many dogs were suffering from diet-related health issues that could be solved through simpler, more natural ingredients.
What sets Burns apart isn’t just their philosophy—it’s their track record. This brand has consistently won Which? Magazine’s “Best Dog Food” awards from 2020 to 2024, and there’s a reason why veterinarians across the UK recommend it for dogs with sensitive stomachs and allergies. But is this gentle approach right for every dog? Let’s dig into what makes Burns tick.
The Burns Philosophy
Burns built their reputation on a philosophy that goes against the grain—literally and figuratively. Instead of loading their recipes with multiple meat proteins, they focus on single-protein formulas paired with easily digestible carbohydrates. Their flagship recipe contains 67% brown rice, which might sound unusual until you understand the science behind it.
The brand deliberately avoids common allergens like beef, wheat, soy, and dairy. They also skip artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives entirely. In my experience, this approach works particularly well for dogs that have struggled with other foods, though it can take some adjustment for owners used to seeing meat listed first on ingredient panels.
John Burns developed this approach after noticing that many of his veterinary patients improved dramatically when switched to simpler diets. The result is a range that prioritizes digestibility over protein percentages, which translates to better nutrient absorption and often smaller feeding amounts.
Product Range and Ingredients
Burns keeps their product line refreshingly straightforward. Their main ranges include Original, Sensitive, and specialized life-stage formulas, plus wet food options and treats. Each recipe follows the same basic principle: high-quality carbohydrates, single proteins, and functional ingredients.
The Original Chicken & Brown Rice—their most popular formula—contains brown rice (67%), chicken meal (20%), oats, peas, chicken oil, sunflower oil, seaweed, and minerals. That’s it. No long list of supplements or exotic ingredients, just carefully selected components that work together.
For dogs with sensitivities, the Sensitive range offers alternatives like Duck & Potato or Pork & Potato. These formulas won the Best Specialist Food award at the 2024 Your Dog Awards, and I’ve seen them work wonders for dogs that couldn’t tolerate other “limited ingredient” diets.
The nutritional profile is notably different from mainstream brands. You’ll find 18.5% crude protein, 7.5% crude fat, and 2.2% crude fiber in the Original formula. These numbers might seem low compared to high-protein alternatives, but Burns argues that moderate protein levels reduce kidney strain and improve overall health in most dogs.
Quality and Sourcing
Burns manufactures all their dry food in the UK using what they call “carbon-negative” facilities powered by renewable energy. Their lamb is sourced from British farms, though some ingredients like brown rice come from Pakistan and India, which raises minor sustainability questions despite their overall environmental commitment.
The brand uses chicken meal rather than fresh chicken, which actually provides more concentrated protein without the water content. Their seaweed addition isn’t just trendy—it provides natural iodine and trace minerals that support thyroid function.
Quality control appears solid, with very few recall issues in their 30-year history. The brand was acquired by Assisi Pet Care Group in 2025, but John Burns remains involved to ensure formulations stay true to his original vision.
User Experience and Reviews
Customer feedback on Burns is overwhelmingly positive, with a 92% satisfaction rate in Which? surveys. The most common praise centers on digestive improvements and allergy relief. One owner reported their Border Terrier’s transformation from “lethargic elderly dog into a lively puppyish animal” after switching to Burns.
Many users mention that their dogs need smaller portions compared to other foods, which often makes Burns more economical than it initially appears. The average feeding cost works out to about £0.35 per day for a 10kg dog, which is competitive with premium brands when you factor in the reduced feeding amounts.
The main criticisms I’ve encountered involve the transition period—some dogs experience temporary digestive upset when switching, which Burns attributes to detoxification. A small percentage of very active dogs seem to need supplemental protein, though this is relatively rare.
Palatability gets mixed reviews. While 78% of owners report immediate acceptance, some dogs initially reject the rice-heavy texture. I’ve found that gradual transitions work better than sudden switches, especially for dogs used to meat-heavy diets.
Pricing and Value
Burns sits in the premium price range, typically costing £45-60 for a 15kg bag depending on the formula. However, the feeding efficiency often makes it more economical than cheaper alternatives. Most dogs need 10g per kilogram of body weight daily, which is significantly less than many other brands recommend.
When you calculate cost per day rather than cost per bag, Burns often comes out ahead. A 15kg bag typically lasts 2-3 months for an average-sized dog, making the monthly cost quite reasonable for a premium food.
The brand occasionally offers multi-buy discounts, and many independent pet stores provide loyalty programs that can reduce costs further. If you’re considering the switch, Burns offers small trial bags to test palatability before committing to a full-size purchase.
Comparing Burns to Other Brands
Burns takes a fundamentally different approach compared to most premium brands. While companies like Orijen and Acana focus on high-protein, meat-rich formulas, Burns prioritizes digestibility and simplicity. This makes direct comparisons challenging, but each approach has its merits.
Against other UK brands, Burns consistently outperforms in customer satisfaction surveys. Their ingredient transparency and allergen avoidance give them an edge for sensitive dogs. However, working dogs or highly active breeds might benefit from higher-protein alternatives.
If you’re weighing Burns against other premium options, consider checking our Arden Grange review for comparison. Arden Grange offers a more traditional high-protein approach while maintaining similar quality standards.
Awards and Recognition
Burns has accumulated an impressive collection of awards over the years. Their consistent wins in Which? Magazine polls from 2020-2024 demonstrate sustained quality and customer satisfaction. The brand has also won “Eco Brand of the Year” multiple times, reflecting their environmental commitments.
The 2024 Your Dog Awards recognition for their Sensitive range validates their specialized approach to dietary sensitivities. These aren’t just marketing awards—they’re based on veterinary input and consumer feedback, which makes them particularly meaningful.
Industry recognition from veterinary publications also supports Burns’ scientific approach. The brand’s research into digestibility and allergen avoidance has influenced broader industry discussions about optimal canine nutrition.
What Kind of Dogs Is This Food Suitable For?
Burns works exceptionally well for adult dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies. The simple ingredient lists and single-protein formulas make it easier to identify and avoid problematic ingredients. I’ve seen remarkable improvements in dogs with chronic digestive issues or skin problems when switched to Burns.
Senior dogs particularly benefit from Burns’ approach. The moderate protein levels reduce kidney strain while still providing adequate nutrition for aging bodies. The high digestibility means senior dogs can absorb nutrients more efficiently, which becomes increasingly important as digestive function declines with age.
For puppies, Burns offers specialized formulas, though I generally recommend their adult maintenance foods only after the rapid growth phase. The moderate protein content supports steady development without the growth spurts that can stress developing joints.
Working dogs and extremely active breeds might need supplemental protein, though many active pet dogs do perfectly fine on Burns. The key is monitoring your dog’s energy levels and body condition rather than assuming higher protein is always better.
Burns is particularly suitable for dogs with beef, wheat, or soy allergies, as these ingredients are completely avoided. It’s also excellent for dogs that have struggled with highly processed foods or those with sensitive digestive systems.
Is This Dog Food Good?
As a dog food specialist, I believe Burns is an excellent choice for the right dogs, but it’s not universally perfect. The brand’s strength lies in its consistent quality, scientific approach, and proven track record with sensitive dogs. Their philosophy of “less is more” actually works better than many high-protein alternatives for a significant portion of the dog population.
The consistent Which? Awards and customer satisfaction ratings aren’t accidental—they reflect genuine quality and effectiveness. Burns has maintained their formulations and philosophy for 30 years, which demonstrates both confidence in their approach and resistance to market trends that might not benefit dogs.
However, I wouldn’t recommend Burns as a one-size-fits-all solution. Very active dogs, working breeds, or dogs with specific health conditions might need different nutritional profiles. The brand’s strength is also its limitation—the simplified approach works brilliantly for many dogs but might not meet the needs of every canine.
Overall, I’d rate Burns as a very good dog food that excels in its intended niche. It’s particularly valuable for dogs with digestive sensitivities, allergies, or those that haven’t thrived on other premium foods. The price point is justified by the feeding efficiency and consistent quality, making it a solid investment in your dog’s health.
Find the Perfect Food for Your Dog
While Burns works wonderfully for many dogs, every dog is unique, and so are their nutritional needs. What works perfectly for one dog might not be ideal for another, depending on factors like age, activity level, health conditions, and individual sensitivities.
That’s why choosing the right dog food shouldn’t be guesswork. We’ve created a comprehensive questionnaire that considers your dog’s specific characteristics and needs. By answering a few quick questions about your dog’s age, size, activity level, and any health concerns, you’ll receive personalized recommendations for the three best dog food brands specifically selected for your furry friend.
The questionnaire takes less than a minute to complete and is entirely free. Whether your dog needs a gentle formula like Burns or something completely different, our recommendations will help you make the best choice for your specific situation. You can access our questionnaire via this link and get personalized recommendations tailored exactly to your dog’s needs.
