Skipper’s Pet Products brings a breath of fresh sea air to the dog nutrition world with its exclusively fish-based offerings. What makes this British brand stand out is its commitment to sustainability, using fish by-products from Grimsby’s seafood industry that would otherwise go to waste. This circular approach not only supports environmental stewardship but also provides dogs with nutrition-packed treats and meals.
The story behind Skipper’s
Founded in 2013 by Steve Moore, a veteran of the seafood industry, Skipper’s emerged from a simple yet innovative idea: repurposing quality fish remnants into nutritious dog products. Based in Grimsby, the heart of Britain’s fishing industry, the company has direct access to fresh fish and traditional preservation knowledge.
The business has seen remarkable growth, with a reported 500% increase in turnover and expansion from 8 to 20 employees. This success led to investment from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, allowing Skipper’s to relocate to larger premises and increase production capacity.
Production methods that preserve nutrition
What truly distinguishes Skipper’s from competitors is their air-drying technique. Unlike conventional dog food that’s typically cooked at high temperatures, Skipper’s uses a traditional drying process that maintains the nutritional integrity of the fish.
This method preserves the valuable omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that are often damaged during cooking. The result is a product that retains more of the natural goodness found in fish, offering enhanced nutritional benefits compared to many conventional dog foods.
Product range overview
Skipper’s offers a diverse selection of fish-based products for dogs:
Treats and chews
The range includes Fish Skin Jerky, Twists and Cubes, made from 100% fish skin. These tough treats provide excellent dental benefits as the fibrous texture helps clean teeth while dogs chew. The Wolf Fish Chews are particularly durable, making them suitable for more vigorous chewers.
A 200g bag of Fish Skin Jerky retails at approximately £9.99, positioning it in the premium treat category. While the price point is higher than mass-market alternatives, the concentrated nutrition and dental benefits offer good value for conscientious pet owners.
Supplements
Skipper’s Salmon Oil comes in a convenient pump dispenser and provides essential fatty acids to support skin, coat and joint health. Their superfood mixes incorporate additional beneficial ingredients like seaweed and green-lipped mussel extracts for immune and anti-inflammatory support.
Complete meals
The air-dried fish formulas feature whole fish as the primary ingredient, achieving protein content exceeding 80% on a dry matter basis. These meals are free from artificial additives, grains and fillers, making them suitable for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.
If you’re considering other high-quality fish-based options, you might want to check out our Oscars dog food review for comparison.
Nutritional benefits of Skipper’s
The fish-centric approach of Skipper’s products delivers several key nutritional advantages:
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation, support brain function and maintain healthy skin and coat
- High protein content with low saturated fat levels, ideal for weight management and muscle maintenance
Independent analyses have highlighted Skipper’s formulations as nutritionally dense, outperforming many conventional kibbles in terms of protein quality and essential fatty acid content.
The minimal processing approach means that more of the natural nutrients found in fish are preserved, contrasting with highly processed pet foods where nutritional elements may be degraded or need supplementation.
Environmental and ethical commitments
Sustainability forms the cornerstone of Skipper’s business model. By utilizing by-products from the human seafood supply chain, the company reduces waste and resource extraction.
Their sourcing partnerships prioritize responsibly caught fish, though specific certifications like MSC are not explicitly detailed in their public materials. The company’s “Made in Grimsby” ethos supports local employment and economic development in a traditional fishing region.
Customer reception
Reviews consistently praise Skipper’s products for palatability and health benefits. Dog owners have reported improvements in coat quality and joint mobility, particularly in animals with dietary restrictions or sensitivities.
One common observation in customer feedback is the strong fish odor of the products. While this is attractive to most dogs, it may necessitate airtight storage to prevent the scent from permeating your home. This natural smell is actually evidence of the product’s authentic fish content without artificial deodorizers.
What kind of dogs is this food suitable for?
Skipper’s products cater to a wide range of dogs, though they particularly excel for specific canine populations. The high-protein, nutrient-dense nature of these fish-based foods makes them excellent for active adult dogs who need quality protein for muscle maintenance and recovery.
Senior dogs can benefit significantly from the omega-3 fatty acids that support joint health and cognitive function. The anti-inflammatory properties help ease the discomfort of arthritis and other age-related conditions, while the digestible protein supports muscle maintenance in aging pets.
For dogs with food sensitivities or allergies, especially to common protein sources like chicken or beef, Skipper’s offers a valuable alternative. The single-source protein and absence of fillers make these products suitable for elimination diets and dogs with digestive issues.
Puppies can also consume Skipper’s products, though the complete meals should be verified for appropriate calcium and phosphorus levels for growing dogs. The treats and supplements can be beneficial additions to a puppy’s diet, supporting development of the brain, eyes and immune system through omega-3 fatty acids.
Is this dog food good? A specialist’s conclusion
From a canine nutritional perspective, Skipper’s offers exceptional quality products that align with the biological needs of dogs. The high-protein, omega-rich profile mirrors what dogs would naturally consume in the wild, particularly those living near water sources.
The air-drying method preserves nutrients better than conventional processing, providing dogs with more bioavailable nutrition. The absence of artificial additives, fillers and common allergens is another significant advantage.
However, there are limitations to consider. The exclusively fish-based approach, while nutritionally sound, lacks variety compared to brands offering multiple protein sources. For dogs who don’t enjoy fish flavors or have rare fish allergies, Skipper’s would not be appropriate.
The premium pricing also places these products outside the budget range for many pet owners, though the concentrated nutrition means feeding amounts are typically lower than with less nutrient-dense foods.
In my professional assessment, Skipper’s ranks among the top tier of specialty dog foods available in the UK. It represents a thoughtful balance of nutritional science, sustainability and quality sourcing. While not the most affordable option, the health benefits potentially offset veterinary costs related to poor nutrition.
If you’re looking for the absolute best nutrition for your dog, it’s worth noting that Butternut Box came out as number 1 in our comparison of best dog food brands. Their fresh, gently cooked meals offer a different approach to premium dog nutrition. If you want to give your dog the ultimate in quality feeding, take a look at our comprehensive Butternut Box review to see how it compares to Skipper’s fish-based offerings.
