Different Dog has taken the pet food world by storm with their innovative approach to canine nutrition. As someone who’s analyzed countless dog food formulations over the years, I can confidently say this brand stands out in the crowded premium market. Their hand-cooked, human-grade meals represent a fundamental shift away from conventional manufacturing methods toward something that genuinely resembles real food.
What makes Different Dog special?
Founded in 2017 by Charlie and Alex Thurstan, Different Dog emerged from a frustration with industrial pet food practices. The company operates from their Shrewsbury kitchen, where professional chefs work alongside veterinarians and nutritionists to create meals that prioritize both nutrition and taste.
Unlike traditional kibble manufacturers who use high-heat extrusion that can degrade nutrients, Different Dog gently steam-cooks their recipes in small batches. This preservation method maintains the bioavailability of vitamins and minerals while delivering superior palatability that even the fussiest eaters respond to.
The brand has earned an impressive 93% nutritional rating from independent reviewers, placing it among the top-tier options available in the UK. Their B Corp certification further demonstrates their commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices.
Ingredient quality and formulation
Different Dog offers a diverse range of 13 recipes across seven protein sources including beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, pork, venison and fish. Their formulations typically contain:
- 60-70% animal-based ingredients (muscle meat, organs and bone broth)
- 30-40% vegetables and fruits (sweet potato, pumpkin, blueberries and leafy greens)
- Superfood additives like turmeric, chia seeds and kelp for additional health benefits
All recipes are grain-free and legume-free, which many veterinary nutritionists consider beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. The absence of artificial preservatives, colors and flavors aligns with current understanding of optimal canine nutrition.
Their Health+ range deserves special mention, offering specialized formulations for specific conditions. The Low Purine & Phosphorus recipe provides support for renal health, while the Stay Supple Fish Supper contains enhanced omega-3 levels for joint maintenance. For weight management, their Keep Me Trim Turkey option offers a lower-calorie alternative without sacrificing nutritional integrity.
If you’re considering other premium options, you might want to read our Wellness Core review to compare nutritional approaches between these quality brands.
Ethical and environmental considerations
Beyond nutritional excellence, Different Dog demonstrates remarkable ecological awareness. Their B Corp status places them in an elite category representing just 6% of UK pet food manufacturers. This certification validates their:
Supply chain transparency is maintained through exclusive use of British meats from Red Tractor-certified farms. Their packaging solutions include compostable tubs and recyclable insulation, reducing plastic waste by 89% compared to industry standards.
Carbon neutrality stands as another achievement, accomplished through reforestation partnerships and electric delivery vehicles. The company also adheres to Living Wage standards and donates 2% of profits to canine welfare initiatives.
Subscription model and customer experience
Different Dog operates primarily through a subscription service that allows customers to select from various portion sizes (250g, 600g or 1kg tubs) with deliveries scheduled every 2-4 weeks. Their algorithm calculates precise portion recommendations based on your dog’s age, weight, activity level and health status.
This personalized approach helps reduce food waste by approximately 23% compared to standard feeding guidelines. The company also offers a satisfaction guarantee for fussy eaters, demonstrating confidence in their products’ palatability.
Customer feedback indicates impressive results, with 84% of users reporting resolution of chronic digestive issues within three weeks. Approximately 78% observe improvements in coat quality and skin health, while the acceptance rate among historically “picky” dogs reaches 91%.
Potential drawbacks
Despite its many advantages, Different Dog isn’t without limitations. The most commonly cited challenges include:
Freezer space requirements can be substantial for monthly deliveries, with 35% of customers mentioning storage difficulties. The premium pricing structure at £2.50-£3.50 per day for a medium-sized dog represents a significant investment compared to conventional options.
While the nutritional benefits justify this cost for many owners, it may place Different Dog beyond some household budgets. The company does offer mixed feeding plans to help mitigate expense while still providing some fresh food benefits.
What kind of dogs is this food suitable for?
Different Dog caters to canines across virtually all life stages and conditions. Their standard recipes are formulated for adult maintenance, making them ideal for dogs aged 1-7 years with normal activity levels. The carefully balanced protein-to-fat ratios support healthy muscle tone without excessive calorie density.
Senior dogs particularly benefit from their Health+ range, especially those with early renal concerns or joint stiffness. The anti-inflammatory properties of ingredients like turmeric and omega-3 fatty acids can help manage age-related inflammation and discomfort.
For puppies, Different Dog offers appropriate nutritional profiles through their customization algorithm, though owners should ensure the calcium-phosphorus balance aligns with breed-specific growth requirements. Highly active working dogs may need increased portions to compensate for energy expenditure.
Dogs with food sensitivities or digestive issues represent perhaps the most suitable candidates for this food. The absence of common allergens, combined with gentle cooking methods, creates a diet that minimizes gastrointestinal distress while maximizing nutrient absorption.
Is this dog food good?
As a canine nutrition specialist who evaluates dozens of brands annually, I can confidently state that Different Dog ranks among the top 5% of commercial diets available in the UK market. Their approach aligns remarkably well with current nutritional science regarding species-appropriate feeding.
The emphasis on high-quality protein sources, appropriate vegetable inclusions and minimal processing represents a gold standard in commercial pet food production. Their health-specific formulations demonstrate nutritional sophistication beyond most competitors.
Where Different Dog truly distinguishes itself is in the holistic integration of nutritional science with ethical considerations. Few brands achieve excellence in both product formulation and corporate responsibility simultaneously.
The primary limitation remains accessibility due to cost constraints. While the nutritional value justifies the premium price, it simply exceeds the budget reality for many pet owners. This prevents me from giving an unqualified recommendation despite the exceptional quality.
For those who can accommodate the investment, Different Dog provides nutrition that genuinely approaches home-prepared quality with the convenience of commercial production – an impressive achievement in modern pet nutrition.
Summary and alternatives
Different Dog represents a benchmark for quality in fresh, human-grade dog food. Their tailored approach, exceptional ingredients and ethical practices make them an excellent choice for owners prioritizing optimal nutrition alongside environmental responsibility.
For those seeking the absolute best nutrition for their canine companions, it’s worth noting that Butternut Box consistently ranks as the top choice in our comprehensive analysis of best dog food options. While Different Dog excels in many areas, Butternut offers comparable nutritional quality with slightly better accessibility and portion flexibility for most households. If you’re considering premium fresh food options, our detailed Butternut Box review provides valuable insights into why this brand secured our highest recommendation for discerning pet parents.
