Feedwell has been making dog food for over 60 years, establishing itself as a trusted name in pet nutrition. This family-owned business from Northern Ireland combines traditional knowledge with modern nutritional science to create formulations that support dogs at every life stage and activity level.
The Feedwell story
Founded in 1962 by Jimmy Clegg, Feedwell Animal Foods Ltd began with a focus on nutrition for working dogs, particularly greyhounds. The company pioneered extruded pet food production in Ireland in 1975, investing in technology that would allow them to create kibble with precise nutrient preservation. Today, the third generation of the Clegg family continues to oversee operations from their base in Castlewellan, County Down.
Unlike many competitors who outsource manufacturing, Feedwell maintains complete control over production from ingredient sourcing to packaging. This vertical integration enables them to maintain strict quality standards while keeping prices competitive for dog owners across the UK and Ireland.
Product range and nutrition
Feedwell offers several product lines tailored to different canine needs:
Sport
The Sport formula contains 26% protein derived primarily from meat meal and is supplemented with soya oil. Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, this food supports joint health and coat condition for active dogs. With optimal calcium levels (1.2%) for bone strength and digestible fiber to prevent gastrointestinal issues during exercise, Sport is popular among owners of working gun dogs and competition canines.
Supreme
As their bestselling maintenance formula, Supreme provides 22% protein from chicken and lamb meal sources. It features wheat-gluten-free carbohydrates and flaxseed oil to promote healthy skin and digestion. Many owners report improvements in dogs with sensitive stomachs after switching to this formula.
Maintenance
Designed for less active and senior dogs, the Maintenance formula contains 18% protein and reduced fat content (8%) to help prevent obesity. It uses whole cereals for slow-release energy, making it suitable for dogs with lower activity levels.
Puppy
Enriched with egg and milk powders for developmental protein, the Puppy formula includes DHA for cognitive development and features smaller kibble sizes appropriate for young dogs. The nutritional profile supports growth without encouraging too-rapid development that could stress developing joints.
Mini
This gluten-free option for smaller breeds uses pea protein and lentils as primary carbohydrate sources, reducing allergy risks while providing appropriate nutrition for toy and small breed dogs.
Not sure whether Feedwell is right for your pet? You might want to read our Wolfheart dog food review for comparison with another popular British brand.
Ingredients and quality
Feedwell avoids artificial colors, flavors and preservatives across all product lines. Instead, they rely on natural antioxidants like rosemary extract to maintain freshness. The company sources over 60% of ingredients locally, supporting traceability and sustainability in their supply chain.
Each product clearly lists percentages of primary ingredients, exceeding EU labeling requirements. While some critics note the use of generic “meat meal” rather than named specific meats, Feedwell explains that these are DEFRA-approved chicken and lamb byproducts that provide concentrated protein.
Functional additions to their formulas include:
- Cold-pressed soya and flaxseed oils for anti-inflammatory benefits
- Prebiotics such as beet pulp to support gut health
- Chelated minerals for improved absorption and immune function
Affordability and accessibility
One of Feedwell’s standout characteristics is its value proposition. At approximately £18.99 for a 15kg bag of Maintenance formula, it significantly undercuts many veterinary and premium brands that offer comparable nutritional profiles.
The food is widely available through Tesco, BWG and independent retailers across the UK and Ireland. Many customers appreciate the combination of quality ingredients and reasonable pricing, especially when purchasing in bulk for multi-dog households or kennels.
Expert and consumer reception
Feedwell has garnered several industry accolades, including Tesco NI Packaged Supplier of the Year 2024 and “Local Pet Food Manufacturer of the Year” at the NI Pet Awards 2023. Professional handlers, particularly those with working and competition dogs, frequently endorse the Sport formula for its performance benefits.
Customer testimonials consistently mention improvements in coat quality, energy levels and digestion. A survey found that 92% of Feedwell users reported positive changes in their dogs after switching to the brand. The food appears to have particular appeal for owners of working breeds and dogs with minor digestive sensitivities.
What kind of dogs is this food suitable for?
Feedwell’s range caters to dogs across all life stages and activity levels, with specific formulations for different needs:
The Puppy formula is suitable for growing dogs from weaning up to 12-18 months, depending on breed size. Its balanced calcium and phosphorus levels support proper skeletal development without encouraging overly rapid growth that could lead to joint issues later in life.
Active and working dogs thrive on the Sport formula, which provides higher protein levels (26%) and energy density. This makes it ideal for hunting dogs, agility competitors, farm dogs and any canine with substantial daily energy expenditure.
For typical family pets with moderate activity levels, the Supreme formula offers balanced nutrition with slightly lower protein (22%) and fat content. This makes it appropriate for most adult dogs who get regular but not intense exercise.
Senior dogs and those with weight management needs benefit from the Maintenance formula, which has reduced fat content (8%) while still providing essential nutrients for muscle maintenance and overall health.
Small and toy breeds have specific requirements addressed by the Mini formula, which features appropriately sized kibble and a gluten-free formulation that many smaller dogs with sensitive digestion find easier to process.
Dogs with mild food sensitivities may do well on Feedwell due to the absence of artificial additives and the company’s focus on consistent ingredient quality. However, those with severe allergies or medical conditions requiring specialized diets might need veterinary-specific formulations that Feedwell doesn’t currently offer.
Is Feedwell dog food good?
As a dog food specialist, I consider Feedwell to be a solid mid-tier option with particular strengths for working and active dogs. The brand strikes an impressive balance between nutritional quality and affordability that many competitors struggle to achieve.
Feedwell’s strengths include their transparent manufacturing process, absence of artificial additives and demonstrated performance benefits for sporting dogs. Their family ownership allows for quality control and consistency that larger conglomerates sometimes lack. The price point delivers exceptional value compared to many premium brands with similar nutritional profiles.
However, there are limitations worth noting. The use of generic meat meals rather than named specific protein sources places Feedwell below the highest-tier foods for ingredient transparency. The brand also lacks specialized veterinary lines for dogs with medical conditions, and their limited options for novel proteins might not suit dogs with multiple food sensitivities.
When compared to budget supermarket brands, Feedwell offers significantly better nutrition and quality control. Against premium brands costing two or three times as much, the nutritional gap narrows considerably, making Feedwell an intelligent choice for cost-conscious owners who don’t want to compromise on quality.
For working dogs especially, Feedwell’s Sport formula represents excellent value and appropriate nutrition. For typical family pets, the Supreme formula provides balanced nutrition at a price point that makes quality feeding accessible to most households.
If you’re looking for the absolute best dog food regardless of price, you might want to explore options with more named meat content. However, for most dogs, Feedwell provides appropriate nutrition, good digestibility and noticeable benefits at a price that won’t strain your budget.
While Feedwell offers good quality nutrition at an excellent price point, it didn’t take the top spot in our comprehensive testing. If you want to know which brand earned first place in our comparison of the best dog food options available in the UK, take a look at our research. For owners who want nothing but the finest nutrition for their four-legged companions, our detailed Butternut Box review explains why this fresh food option has transformed mealtimes for countless dogs across Britain.
