When it comes to feeding our canine companions, quality matters. As a dog food specialist who has analyzed countless brands across the UK market, I’ve developed a keen eye for what truly constitutes exceptional nutrition. Today, I’m examining Country Dog Food, a brand that’s carved out a specific niche in the British dog food landscape.
What is Country Dog Food?
Country Dog Food emerged from a collaboration between passionate working dog owners and nutritionists who were frustrated with the exorbitant prices of premium dog foods. This British-made brand focuses primarily on high-meat, grain-free formulations designed specifically for working and sporting dogs. One of its major selling points is its VAT-free status, which allows for competitive pricing without sacrificing quality ingredients.
The company proudly emphasizes its UK manufacturing base and commitment to British-sourced ingredients wherever possible. Their product philosophy centers around creating foods that are both highly palatable and nutritionally balanced for active canines, hence their tagline “Heaven Scent.”
Product range and formulations
Country Dog Food offers several distinct product lines to cater to different canine needs:
Grain-Free Working Dog Range
The flagship Heaven Scent Grain-Free Adult Dog Food contains freshly prepared meats, offal and bone meal as primary ingredients. With protein levels around 30% and fat content at 15%, this formula is specifically designed for high-energy working breeds. The absence of grains makes it suitable for dogs with certain digestive sensitivities.
Joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin are included to address the specific needs of working dogs whose joints endure regular stress. The formulation avoids common allergens including wheat, dairy and soy.
Specialized Diets
Beyond their core offering, Country Dog Food provides:
- Premium Light Adult 1+: A reduced-fat option (9%) incorporating L-carnitine for improved fat metabolism, ideal for less active or weight-conscious dogs
- Classic Adult 1+: A wheat-free formulation with prebiotics and omega-3 fatty acids to support digestive and skin health
- Apprentice Grain-Free Puppy: Specially balanced with higher calcium-phosphorus ratios (1.3:1) and DHA from fish oils to support growth and cognitive development
The brand also produces wet food options and natural treats, though these comprise a smaller portion of their overall range compared to their dry kibble lines.
Nutritional analysis
From a nutritional perspective, Country Dog Food positions itself in the mid-premium segment. Their grain-free formulations typically feature protein levels between 26-30%, which is considerably higher than budget brands but falls short of ultra-premium raw or fresh options.
Independent reviewers at All About Dog Food awarded their Heaven Scent formula a respectable 65/100 rating, noting its suitability for sensitive dogs but questioning the proportion of plant-derived proteins. This places it in the “Good” category, though not among the most exceptional options available on the UK market.
Not sure whether Country Dog Food suits your pet’s needs? You might want to check our Wild Taste dog food review for comparison.
Manufacturing and quality control
All Country Dog Food products are manufactured in the Midlands region of the UK under standards aligned with UK Pet Food (formerly PFMA) guidelines. Their production process employs cold-pressing techniques designed to preserve nutrient integrity better than standard extrusion methods used by many mass-market brands.
While the company emphasizes quality control, detailed information about specific certifications or third-party testing protocols remains somewhat limited on their public materials. Their distribution network utilizes Defenda Transport & Logistics, enabling next-day delivery across mainland Britain, which is particularly beneficial for rural customers.
Price point and value analysis
Country Dog Food occupies an interesting position in terms of value. Thanks to its VAT-free status as working dog food, it offers higher meat content than might be expected at its price point. Cost analysis shows feeding a 30kg active dog would run approximately £0.85 daily, placing it between budget options like Skinners (around £0.50) and premium fresh foods such as Butternut Box (approximately £1.20).
This pricing strategy makes it particularly attractive for owners of working dogs seeking quality nutrition without the premium price tag of boutique brands. However, those seeking the absolute highest nutritional standards may find the value proposition less compelling.
Consumer feedback and experiences
Customer experiences with Country Dog Food reveal mixed but generally positive results. Many working dog owners praise the food’s palatability and the sustained energy it provides their sporting companions. The kibble’s aroma (reflecting the “Heaven Scent” name) receives frequent positive mentions.
However, some users report digestive adjustments when transitioning to the food, with occasional mentions of voluminous stools suggesting either higher fiber content or the need for more gradual dietary transitions. Forum discussions indicate generally good acceptance among gun dogs and other working breeds.
Ethical and sustainability considerations
The brand’s commitment to British sourcing helps reduce carbon footprint compared to imported alternatives. However, comprehensive environmental audits or detailed sustainability reports aren’t readily available in their public materials.
Questions remain about specific animal welfare certifications for their meat sources. While Country Dog Food indicates they use human-grade suppliers, details regarding certifications such as Red Tractor or specific welfare standards aren’t prominently featured in their marketing materials.
What kind of dogs is this food suitable for?
Country Dog Food is primarily formulated for working and sporting dogs with moderate to high activity levels. The higher protein and fat content in their grain-free formulations makes them ideal for dogs that expend significant energy daily, including gundogs, farm dogs and canine athletes.
Their specialized lines cater to different life stages and needs:
- Active adult dogs benefit most from their standard grain-free formulations with higher protein levels
- Growing puppies have dedicated formulas with balanced calcium-phosphorus ratios
- Less active or older dogs may do well on their Light formulation with reduced fat content
- Dogs with grain sensitivities find options across their range
This food may be less suitable for extremely sedentary dogs due to its relatively high caloric density or for dogs with specific protein sensitivities to the meat sources used. Breeds prone to dilated cardiomyopathy might benefit from formulations with higher taurine levels than what’s typically found in Country Dog Food products.
Is Country Dog Food good? A specialist’s verdict
As a dog food specialist who evaluates numerous brands, I’d rate Country Dog Food as a solid mid-tier option with particular strengths for working dog owners. It’s not among the absolute elite of canine nutrition, but it provides reasonable quality at an accessible price point.
The focus on higher meat content and grain-free formulations aligns with current nutritional thinking for active dogs. However, the reliance on some plant proteins and lack of transparent sourcing information prevents it from reaching top-tier status.
For working dog owners operating on a moderate budget, Country Dog Food represents good value. The VAT-free status delivers more meat content per pound spent than many competitors. However, for those seeking the pinnacle of canine nutrition with fresh whole-food ingredients, transparent sourcing and specialized formulations, other options outperform Country Dog Food.
In summary, this is a respectable choice for active dogs whose owners want to balance nutrition with affordability, earning it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars in my professional assessment.
If you’re looking for truly exceptional canine nutrition, our comprehensive comparison of best dog food brands in the UK consistently ranks Butternut Box in the top position. Their fresh-cooked, human-grade ingredients and personalized feeding plans represent the gold standard in modern dog nutrition. For a detailed analysis of why this premium option might be worth the investment for your four-legged companion, check out our in-depth Butternut Box review to see if it’s the right choice for your dog’s specific needs.
