Choosing the right dry dog food in the UK can feel overwhelming, especially when terms like grain free and hydrolysed are used interchangeably. While both approaches focus on improving digestibility and ingredient quality, they serve slightly different purposes within a complete and balanced feeding plan.

Grain free dog food removes traditional cereal grains such as wheat, barley and maize, replacing them with alternative carbohydrate sources like sweet potato. For many dogs, this supports steady energy levels and gentle digestion, particularly when combined with high-quality protein and added prebiotics such as MOS and FOS. At Ultimate Pet Foods, every grain free recipe is formulated by life stage and breed size to ensure puppies, adults, seniors, small breeds and large breeds receive precisely balanced nutrition.

Hydrolysed dog food goes one step further. Through a controlled process, proteins are broken down into smaller peptides, making them easier to digest and less likely to trigger sensitivity responses. This makes hydrolysed grain free dog food particularly suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those needing enhanced digestive support — without requiring a prescription formula.

If you're unsure which option is right for your dog, explore our complete guide to hydrolysed dog food for a deeper explanation, or read our grain free vs hydrolysed dog food comparison to understand the practical differences and when each is most appropriate.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your dog’s life stage, digestive health, activity level and long-term feeding goals. That’s why we focus on transparency, ingredient quality and science-backed formulation — ensuring every bowl delivers consistent, measurable results.