Simpsons Premium stands out in the crowded UK dog food market with its family-run approach and dedication to quality nutrition. Founded in 2009 by Craig and Lisa Simpson, this brand has grown from humble beginnings into a respected name among discerning pet owners seeking natural, hypoallergenic options for their canine companions.
The story behind Simpsons Premium
The journey began when the Simpson family, dissatisfied with commercially available pet foods, decided to collaborate with leading nutritionists to create superior formulations addressing common dietary sensitivities in dogs. This family venture has remained true to its founding principles, with children Lauren and Jamie later joining the business to maintain the personal touch that distinguishes their products from corporate competitors.
Their commitment to British manufacturing is evident in their production choices. All dry foods are made in Northwest England using locally sourced ingredients where possible, while their wet food range is produced in Germany to meet rigorous organic certification standards. This strategic approach balances domestic production with specialized European expertise for diverse product lines.
Product range and nutritional philosophy
Simpsons Premium offers an impressive array of dog food options with a focus on hypoallergenic and grain-free formulations. Their product philosophy centers on high meat content, natural ingredients and the exclusion of artificial additives that might trigger sensitivities.
Signature 80/20 range
The flagship 80/20 line represents one of the brand’s most innovative contributions to pet nutrition in the UK. As the name suggests, these recipes contain 80% meat or fish combined with 20% fruits and vegetables, creating a protein-rich diet that mimics what dogs might naturally consume. With variants like Mixed Meat & Fish offering 38% crude protein and 18% fat, these formulations support active lifestyles while providing essential fatty acids for coat and skin health.
A particular strength of this range is its generous inclusion of omega-3 (1.93%) and omega-6 (2.53%) fatty acids, alongside supportive supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin for joint function. These nutritional profiles make the 80/20 range suitable for both adult dogs and seniors requiring higher protein levels with minimal carbohydrate content.
Sensitive formulations
For dogs with food intolerances, the Sensitive range offers limited-ingredient recipes such as Salmon & Potato and Chicken & Potato. These formulations maintain similar nutritional profiles to the 80/20 line but utilize carefully selected protein sources to minimize allergic reactions. Customer testimonials frequently mention resolution of chronic digestive issues after switching to these recipes, with improved stool quality being a commonly reported benefit.
If your dog has been struggling with other brands, you might consider comparing Simpsons Premium with Honeys dog food review to determine which might better suit your pet’s specific needs.
Puppy-specific nutrition
The Sensitive Puppy formulations deliver 30% protein alongside enhanced calcium (2.01%) and phosphorus (1.62%) levels to support proper bone development during critical growth phases. Many owners report that puppies adapt quickly to the smaller kibble size, though some note that fish-based variants might cause occasional bad breath—a minor drawback compared to the nutritional benefits.
Wet food innovations
What truly sets Simpsons Premium apart in the wet food category is their incorporation of novel proteins like kangaroo, wild boar and ostrich. These exotic meat sources provide alternative options for dogs with sensitivities to conventional proteins. Adhering to organic certification standards, these wet recipes avoid grain-derived thickeners commonly found in mass-market alternatives.
Ingredient quality and sourcing
Transparency regarding ingredient provenance remains a cornerstone of the Simpsons Premium approach. Their recipes feature human-grade chicken, turkey and salmon, with meat content derived from both fresh and dried components to achieve optimal protein levels. The exclusion of common allergens such as wheat gluten, soy, dairy and artificial preservatives aligns with contemporary understanding of canine dietary sensitivities.
While generally maintaining high standards, the brand has faced occasional quality control challenges. Isolated incidents involving foreign materials in kibble highlight the difficulties of scaling artisanal production methods. However, responsive customer service and swift resolution of such issues demonstrate the company’s commitment to maintaining consumer trust.
Customer experiences and market position
Long-term users frequently report significant improvements in their dogs’ health after switching to Simpsons Premium. Testimonials mention resolved skin conditions, enhanced digestive function and increased energy levels. A particularly compelling aspect of these positive experiences is that many come from owners of dogs with previously intractable food sensitivities.
The brand occupies a unique market position between ultra-premium labels and mass-market options. With 12kg bags typically retailing between £40-£50, Simpsons Premium offers quality nutrition at a more accessible price point than competitors like Orijen, which often exceed £70 for equivalent quantities. This value proposition appeals to discerning pet owners seeking quality without extreme premium pricing.
What kind of dogs is this food suitable for?
Simpsons Premium offers tailored nutrition for virtually all life stages and activity levels, though its formulations particularly excel for specific dog populations:
For dogs with food sensitivities, the Sensitive range provides hypoallergenic options with limited ingredients, making it ideal for pets with dermatological or gastrointestinal reactions to common proteins or grains. The clear labeling and focused formulations help owners identify suitable options for elimination diets.
Active adult dogs benefit tremendously from the high-protein 80/20 range, which supports muscle maintenance and provides sustained energy for working breeds, sporting companions or simply energetic family pets. The enhanced omega fatty acid profile promotes recovery and reduces inflammation after physical exertion.
Growing puppies receive appropriate developmental support from the Sensitive Puppy formulations, which balance protein content with optimal calcium-phosphorus ratios for skeletal growth. These recipes avoid excessive calories while providing nutrients essential for immune system development.
Senior dogs with joint concerns may find relief through the supplemented formulations containing glucosamine and chondroitin, though the protein levels might need monitoring for those with renal considerations. The focus on digestibility becomes particularly valuable as dogs age and develop more sensitive digestive systems.
The primary group for whom Simpsons Premium might not be ideal would be dogs requiring highly specialized therapeutic diets for medical conditions like advanced renal disease, severe hepatic impairment or specific metabolic disorders that require prescription formulations.
Is this dog food good? An honest assessment
As a dog food specialist evaluating Simpsons Premium holistically, I consider it a genuinely high-quality option in the UK market that justifies its premium positioning without reaching exorbitant price points. Its strengths substantively outweigh its limitations.
The nutritional philosophy emphasizing high meat content, grain-free formulations and natural ingredients aligns with current understanding of canine dietary requirements. The 80/20 protein-to-plant ratio exceeds industry averages and approaches biologically appropriate feeding models. Protein quality derives from named meat sources rather than ambiguous meat meals or by-products.
Particularly impressive is their commitment to hypoallergenic formulations across product lines rather than as isolated specialty items. The absence of common allergens and artificial additives demonstrates a genuine understanding of increasing food sensitivities in modern dog populations.
The family-run business model enables responsiveness to customer feedback and market trends without corporate constraints. This agility has allowed Simpsons Premium to pioneer innovations like exotic protein options before larger competitors.
However, limitations exist. Manufacturing consistency warrants ongoing monitoring based on isolated quality control incidents. The wet food’s German production might concern consumers specifically seeking fully UK-manufactured products. Additionally, the limited life-stage granularity beyond puppy/adult/senior categories leaves room for more specialized formulations.
When balanced against competitive options in its price range, Simpsons Premium delivers superior ingredient quality and nutritional profiles than mass-market premium brands while remaining more affordable than ultra-premium alternatives like Orijen or Acana. For dogs without highly specialized medical requirements, it represents excellent nutritional value and a trustworthy feeding option.
Looking for the absolute best?
While Simpsons Premium offers excellent nutrition for many dogs, our comprehensive research shows that Butternut Box consistently ranks as number one in our comparison of best dog food options available in the UK. This fresh, human-grade dog food service has revolutionized canine nutrition with its personalized approach and exceptional ingredient quality.
If you’re considering giving your dog truly optimal nutrition, we recommend reading our detailed Butternut Box review to understand why so many veterinarians and canine nutritionists endorse this innovative feeding approach. The customized portion control and gently cooked recipes offer benefits that even premium kibble options cannot match.
