Which Grain Free Dog Food Recipe Is Right for Your Dog? A Complete Guide to the Ultimate Pet Foods Range
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The Ultimate Pet Foods grain free range has 18 recipes spanning four lifestages, two breed sizes for puppies, a large breed adult, two light recipes for weight management, two senior recipes, and seven different protein sources. Every recipe is made with freshly prepared meat or fish, cooked gently at 82°C to protect protein quality and enhance digestibility — but each one is formulated differently depending on the dog it is designed for.
This guide breaks the full range down by lifestage and purpose, so you can find the right starting point for your dog quickly. Use the quick-pick table first if you already know what you need, or read through the sections for the full picture.
Quick Answer: Find Your Dog's Recipe
Match your dog's life stage and any specific needs to the right recipe. Full details on each follow below.
| My dog is… | Best recipe | Key reason |
|---|---|---|
| A small breed puppy (adult weight under 15 kg) | Turkey & Duck with Camomile Small Puppy | Smallest kibble, camomile for digestion, Joint Care Pack |
| A standard or medium breed puppy — prefers poultry | Chicken, Turkey & Salmon Puppy | Three freshly prepared proteins, highest calorie puppy recipe at 384 kcal |
| A standard or medium breed puppy — prefers fish | Salmon, Haddock & White Fish Puppy | Three freshly prepared fish proteins, highest omega-3 puppy recipe at 2.6% |
| A large breed puppy (adult weight over 25 kg) | Salmon with Vegetables Large Puppy | Double-dose glucosamine (355 mg/kg), L-carnitine, larger 13mm kibble |
| An adult standard breed — prefers chicken | Chicken with Herbs Adult | 55% total chicken, herb blend with antioxidants and antibacterials |
| An adult standard breed — novel protein / sensitivity | Duck with Orange Adult | Duck is a less common protein, useful for rotation or mild sensitvities |
| An adult standard breed — skin & coat focus | Haddock with Parsley Adult | Highest omega-3 in the standard adult range at 1.6% |
| An adult standard breed — prefers lamb | Lamb with Mint Adult | Lowest fat standard adult recipe at 13%, mint supports digestion |
| An adult standard breed — novel protein / lower calorie | Rabbit with Blackberry Adult | Rabbit is a true novel protein for most dogs, lowest adult kcal at 339 |
| An adult standard breed — lowest fat option | Tuna with Broccoli Adult | Lowest fat in the entire adult range at 10%, 2.6% omega-3 |
| An adult small breed — prefers chicken | Chicken with Herbs Small Breed | Higher protein 29%, smaller 8mm kibble |
| An adult small breed — prefers lamb | Lamb with Mint Small Breed | 8mm kibble, same recipe as adult lamb |
| An adult small breed — prefers fish / skin & coat | Salmon & Trout with Asparagus Small Breed | Highest omega-3 in the entire range at 3.5% |
| An adult large breed (over 25 kg) | Turkey with Cranberry Large Breed | Joint Care Pack, higher protein 29%, larger 20mm kibble |
| An adult dog that needs to lose weight — prefers poultry | Turkey with Cranberry Adult Light | Joint Care Pack, L-carnitine, 343 kcal, 9% fat |
| An adult dog that needs to lose weight — prefers fish | Trout with Asparagus Adult Light | Joint Care Pack, L-carnitine, 340 kcal, 8% fat, 4% omega-3 |
| A senior dog — prefers poultry | Turkey with Cranberry Senior | Joint Care Pack, L-carnitine, lower calorie 343 kcal, 9% fat |
| A senior dog — prefers fish / joint focus | Trout with Asparagus Senior | Joint Care Pack, L-carnitine, 340 kcal, 8% fat, highest omega-3 at 4% |
What Every Recipe Has in Common
- Freshly prepared meat or fish — cooked gently at 82°C to protect protein quality, increase digestibility, and enhance palatability. Every recipe contains at least 50% total meat or fish.
- Grain free — no wheat, corn, soya, or dairy. Sweet potato and potato are the carbohydrate base across the full range.
- Prebiotics MOS & FOS — included in every recipe to support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and aid digestion.
- Added omega-3 supplement — across the range to support skin and coat condition.
- No artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives — naturally preserved using rosemary extract.
- Made in the UK — at G.A. Pet Food Partners' BRC Grade A accredited facility.
Full Range Comparison
All 18 recipes across lifestages, with key nutritional figures for comparison.
| Recipe | Life stage | Protein | Fat | kcal/100g | Omega-3 | Joint Pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken, Turkey & Salmon | Puppy | 29% | 15% | 384 | 1.6% | ✓ |
| Salmon, Haddock & White Fish | Puppy | 28% | 13% | 359 | 2.6% | ✓ |
| Turkey & Duck with Camomile | Small Puppy | 30% | 18% | 389 | 1% | ✓ |
| Salmon with Vegetables | Large Puppy | 25% | 13% | 370 | 3.3% | ✓ double dose |
| Chicken with Herbs | Adult | 27% | 14% | 366 | 1.3% | — |
| Duck with Orange | Adult | 26% | 14% | 360 | 1% | — |
| Haddock with Parsley | Adult | 25% | 14% | 370 | 1.6% | — |
| Lamb with Mint | Adult | 26% | 13% | 360 | 1.4% | — |
| Rabbit with Blackberry | Adult | 26.5% | 11% | 339 | 1.7% | — |
| Tuna with Broccoli | Adult | 26% | 10% | 352 | 2.6% | — |
| Chicken with Herbs | Small Breed | 29% | 15% | 371 | 1.2% | — |
| Lamb with Mint | Small Breed | 26% | 14% | 364 | 1.4% | — |
| Salmon & Trout with Asparagus | Small Breed | 27% | 15% | 376 | 3.5% | — |
| Turkey with Cranberry | Large Breed | 29% | 13% | 367 | 0.5% | ✓ |
| Turkey with Cranberry | Adult Light | 27% | 9% | 343 | 1% | ✓ |
| Trout with Asparagus | Adult Light | 25% | 8% | 340 | 4% | ✓ |
| Turkey with Cranberry | Senior | 27% | 9% | 343 | 1% | ✓ |
| Trout with Asparagus | Senior | 25% | 8% | 340 | 4% | ✓ |
Joint Care Pack = glucosamine, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), and chondroitin sulphate. Standard dose: glucosamine 170 mg/kg, MSM 170 mg/kg, chondroitin 125 mg/kg. Large breed puppy (JGF) uses double dose: glucosamine 355 mg/kg, MSM 355 mg/kg, chondroitin 250 mg/kg.
All four puppy recipes share the same core puppy nutrition foundations: at least 60% total meat or fish, Joint Care Pack (glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin) to support developing joints, added omega-3 for cognitive and visual development, and nucleotides to support immune maturation. The differences are in protein source, kibble size, and which additional functional ingredients suit different puppies.
Turkey & Duck with Dill & Camomile
The calm choice — with a natural digestive soother for sensitive young stomachs
- Small breed puppies with expected adult weight up to 15 kg (Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Jack Russells, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih Tzus, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels)
- Puppies with sensitive or nervous stomachs — camomile is included for its natural calming and digestive-settling properties
- Puppies whose owners prefer a poultry-based protein
- Medium or large breed puppies — kibble size and calorie density are calibrated for small breeds
- Puppies with a confirmed poultry sensitivity — choose the fish-based puppy recipes instead
- 60% turkey & duck (32% freshly prepared turkey, 4% freshly prepared duck) — lean poultry proteins cooked at 82°C, high in essential amino acids for muscle development
- Joint Care Pack (glucosamine 170 mg/kg, MSM 170 mg/kg, chondroitin 125 mg/kg) — supports healthy joint development and cartilage formation during growth
- Camomile (0.3%) — thought to naturally calm and relax, and help settle an upset stomach — particularly useful during the stress of rehoming and early training
- Dill (0.3%) — a natural digestive herb
- Nucleotides — support immune system development in young dogs
- Omega-3 supplement — supports cognitive and visual development in growing puppies
Chicken with Turkey, Salmon, Sweet Potato & Carrot
Three protein sources, highest energy — ideal for active growing puppies
- Medium breed puppies with expected adult weight between 10 and 45 kg (Spaniels, Labradors, Retrievers, Border Collies, Dalmatians)
- Active, energetic puppies who need higher calorie density — at 384 kcal this is the highest calorie puppy recipe in the range
- Puppies who enjoy or tolerate chicken well, with the variety of three protein sources (chicken, turkey, salmon)
- Puppies whose owners want a multi-protein approach from the start
- Small breed puppies — kibble size is larger than the small breed puppy recipe
- Large breed puppies expected to exceed 25 kg — the large breed puppy recipe has double-dose joint support more appropriate for their growth rate
- Puppies with a known chicken sensitivity
- 60% chicken, turkey & salmon (20% freshly prepared chicken, 7% freshly prepared turkey, 7% freshly prepared salmon) — three freshly prepared protein sources providing a broad amino acid profile
- Carrot (0.2%) — a natural source of beta carotene (vitamin A precursor) to support eye health and vision during development
- Joint Care Pack (glucosamine 170 mg/kg, MSM 170 mg/kg, chondroitin 125 mg/kg) — supports cartilage formation during the rapid growth phase
- Nucleotides — support immune maturation
- Omega-3 supplement + salmon — combined omega-3 sources at 1.6% total for cognitive and visual development
Salmon with Haddock, White Fish, Sweet Potato & Asparagus
Three freshly prepared fish proteins — highest omega-3 puppy recipe
- Medium breed puppies whose owners prefer fish-based protein
- Puppies with a sensitivity or intolerance to poultry proteins — all three protein sources are fish
- Puppies where skin and coat health is a priority — at 2.6% omega-3 this is the highest omega-3 puppy recipe in the range
- Slightly lower calorie option at 359 kcal for puppies who are gaining weight faster than expected
- Large breed puppies — use the large breed recipe with double-dose joint support
- Small breed puppies — kibble size is calibrated for medium breeds
- 60% salmon, haddock & white fish (21% freshly prepared salmon, 11% freshly prepared haddock, 10% freshly prepared white fish) — three freshly prepared fish proteins at the highest combined freshly prepared percentage of any puppy recipe
- Asparagus (0.1%) — rich in vitamins A, C and K plus folic acid
- Joint Care Pack (glucosamine 170 mg/kg, MSM 170 mg/kg, chondroitin 125 mg/kg) — supports joint development during growth
- Nucleotides — support immune system development
- 2.6% omega-3 fatty acids — the highest omega-3 level of any puppy recipe in the range, from combined salmon, haddock, and linseed sources
Salmon with Sweet Potato & Vegetables
Double-dose joint support and L-carnitine — built for large breed growth rates
- Large and giant breed puppies with expected adult weight between 25 and 70 kg (German Shepherds, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Great Danes, Mastiffs)
- Large breed puppies where joint health during the growth phase is a priority — this recipe uses double the standard glucosamine and chondroitin dose used in all other puppy recipes
- Owners who want the caloric moderation appropriate for large breeds — slightly lower protein and fat than the standard puppy recipes to support steady rather than rapid growth
- Small or medium breed puppies — the double-dose joint support and caloric profile are calibrated for large breed growth rates
- 60% salmon (38% freshly prepared salmon) — the highest freshly prepared salmon percentage of any recipe in the entire grain-free range; salmon provides natural omega-3 fatty acids for skin, coat, and joint health
- Double-dose Joint Care Pack (glucosamine 355 mg/kg, MSM 355 mg/kg, chondroitin 250 mg/kg) — twice the standard dose, appropriate for the higher joint stress associated with rapid large breed growth
- L-carnitine 480 mg — supports efficient fat metabolism during growth, helping maintain lean body composition as the puppy develops
- Carrot and peas — natural sources of vitamin A (beta carotene) and vitamin K supporting eye health and bone density
- 3.3% omega-3 fatty acids — the highest omega-3 level of any puppy recipe except the fish puppy, from freshly prepared salmon and linseed
- Nucleotides — support immune maturation during development
The six standard adult recipes all use a 14mm × 5mm kibble optimised for adult dogs of any breed between approximately 1 and 40 kg. All share the same prebiotic, omega-3, and no-artificial-additives foundation. The differences are in protein source, the functional botanicals paired with each protein, calorie density, and fat content.
Chicken with Sweet Potato & Herbs
The everyday all-rounder — 55% chicken with a broad-spectrum herb blend
- Adult dogs of any standard breed who enjoy chicken and do well on it
- Dogs whose owners want a familiar, well-tolerated protein with added functional benefit from the herb blend
- Everyday all-round feeding where no specific health condition is present
- Dogs with a confirmed chicken sensitivity — choose duck, lamb, rabbit, haddock, or tuna instead
- 55% total chicken (31% freshly prepared chicken) — lean protein rich in B vitamins, iron, and essential amino acids; cooked at 82°C
- Herb blend (0.3% — marjoram, basil, oregano, sage, thyme, parsley) — herbs contain essential vitamins, beneficial plant compounds including antibacterials and antioxidants
- Sweet potato (26%) — complex carbohydrate high in B vitamins, a grain-free alternative to rice or wheat
- Linseed — natural source of additional omega-3 fatty acids
Duck with Sweet Potato & Orange
A less common protein with immune-supporting vitamin C from orange
- Dogs on a protein rotation who are currently eating chicken or turkey and benefit from variety
- Dogs with mild sensitivities to common proteins who have not been confirmed reactive to duck
- Dogs whose owners want an immune-supporting botanical addition — orange is a natural source of vitamins C, E, and K
- Dogs with confirmed duck sensitivity
- Dogs needing the highest omega-3 intake — haddock or tuna provide more omega-3 in the adult range
- 50% total duck (28% freshly prepared duck) — a lean, nutrient-dense protein providing iron, selenium, B vitamins, and zinc
- Orange (0.3%) — a natural source of vitamin C, an antioxidant supporting immune function
- Cranberry — included alongside orange for additional antioxidant activity
Haddock with Sweet Potato & Parsley
Fish-based with the highest omega-3 of any standard adult recipe — supports skin, coat, and joints
- Dogs with skin and coat concerns where dietary omega-3 makes a visible difference
- Dogs whose owners prefer fish protein over poultry or red meat
- Dogs with mild joint sensitivity where increased omega-3 intake provides anti-inflammatory support
- Dogs with a sensitivity or intolerance to chicken, turkey, duck, lamb, or red meat
- Dogs with a confirmed fish sensitivity
- Dogs needing the lowest calorie option — rabbit or tuna are lower in kcal
- 50% total fish (26% freshly prepared haddock, 17.5% dried salmon, 4.5% trout oil) — three fish species providing a complementary amino acid and fatty acid profile
- 1.6% omega-3 fatty acids — the highest omega-3 content of any standard adult recipe in the range
- Parsley (0.3%) — contains beneficial nutrients, essential oils, and antioxidants; has antibacterial and antifungal properties
- Olive oil and sunflower oil — additional healthy fat sources supporting skin barrier function
Lamb with Sweet Potato & Mint
Lowest fat in the standard adult range — a gentle red meat option with digestive mint
- Dogs that thrive on red meat protein rather than poultry or fish
- Dogs where a slightly lower fat content (13%) is appropriate within the standard adult range
- Protein rotation alongside chicken or fish recipes
- Dogs with sensitivities to poultry or fish proteins
- Dogs with a confirmed lamb sensitivity
- Dogs that need the lowest possible calorie or fat intake — the light recipes are more appropriate for weight management
- 50% total lamb (30% freshly prepared lamb) — a nutrient-dense protein source providing vitamin B12 and iron for nerve and blood cell health
- Mint (0.2%) — thought to aid digestion; a natural source of iron and vitamins A and C
- Pea protein — adds complementary plant-based amino acids alongside the lamb protein
Rabbit with Sweet Potato & Blackberry
Novel protein, lowest calorie adult recipe — ideal for sensitive dogs or protein rotation
- Dogs with sensitivities to common proteins (chicken, beef, lamb, salmon) who have not been exposed to rabbit
- Dogs on a protein rotation who need a truly novel protein option
- Adult dogs where a lower calorie density (339 kcal) is useful for weight management without switching to the dedicated light recipe
- Dogs where a lower fat content (11%) is appropriate
- Dogs that have already been regularly fed rabbit and have lost its novelty as a protein source
- 50% total rabbit & turkey (30% freshly prepared rabbit) — rabbit is considered a true novel protein for most UK dogs; provides zinc, iron, and essential minerals
- Blackberry (0.22%) — rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant supporting immune function
- 1.7% omega-3 fatty acids — higher omega-3 than chicken or duck recipes despite the lower fat overall
Tuna with Sweet Potato & Broccoli
Lowest fat in the entire adult range at 10% — fish-based with high omega-3
- Adult dogs where the lowest possible fat content within a standard recipe is appropriate — at 10% this is the lowest fat adult recipe outside the dedicated light range
- Dogs who need high omega-3 for skin and coat without switching to a dedicated skin formula
- Dogs with sensitivities to poultry or red meat who do well on fish protein
- Fish-based protein rotation alongside haddock or the salmon-based small breed recipe
- Highly active dogs with very high energy requirements — at 352 kcal this is one of the lower calorie standard adult recipes
- 50% total tuna & salmon (26% freshly prepared tuna, 19% dried salmon, 3% salmon oil) — two complementary fish proteins providing a strong omega-3 and amino acid profile
- 2.6% omega-3 fatty acids — second highest omega-3 in the standard adult range
- Broccoli (0.3%) — a natural source of fibre, vitamins, and minerals
- 10% crude fat — the lowest fat content of any standard adult recipe in the full grain-free range
Small breed adults have different nutritional requirements to standard breeds — they have faster metabolisms, benefit from smaller kibble sizes (8mm vs 14mm), and often have higher protein requirements relative to body weight. All three small breed adult recipes are formulated specifically for adult dogs up to approximately 15 kg.
Chicken with Sweet Potato & Herbs
Higher protein small breed formula — same herb blend, smaller kibble
- Small breed adult dogs (Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Pugs, Shih Tzus, French Bulldogs, Jack Russells) who enjoy chicken
- Dogs transitioning from the small breed puppy recipe — same smaller kibble format
- Small breeds where higher protein (29% vs 27% in the standard adult) matches their higher metabolic requirements
- Higher protein: 29% vs 27% — calibrated to the higher protein-to-bodyweight ratio needed by small breeds
- Smaller 8mm kibble — appropriate for smaller jaws and teeth
- Higher calcium: 1.6% vs 1.4% — adjusted mineral balance for small breed bone health
Lamb with Sweet Potato & Mint
Red meat protein for small breeds — protein rotation option alongside chicken
- Small breed dogs that do well on lamb or prefer red meat protein
- Protein rotation with the small breed chicken recipe — same kibble size makes alternating straightforward
- Small breeds with a mild chicken sensitivity who tolerate lamb well
- 50% total lamb (30% freshly prepared lamb) — same recipe as the standard adult lamb, in a smaller 8mm kibble
- Mint (0.2%) — digestive support, iron, and vitamins A and C
- Higher calcium: 2% vs 1.4% in standard adult chicken — adjusted for small breed bone maintenance
Salmon & Trout with Sweet Potato & Asparagus
Highest omega-3 in the entire grain-free range at 3.5% — skin, coat, and anti-inflammatory support
- Small breed dogs with skin and coat concerns — at 3.5% omega-3 this is the highest omega-3 recipe in the entire grain-free range
- Small breeds with mild joint sensitivity where dietary omega-3 provides anti-inflammatory support
- Dogs with sensitivities to poultry or red meat who tolerate fish well
- Skin and coat rotation alongside the chicken small breed recipe
- 53% total salmon & trout (27% freshly prepared salmon & trout, 4% salmon oil) — dual oily fish sources providing an exceptionally high omega-3 profile
- 3.5% omega-3 fatty acids — the highest in the full grain-free range; significantly higher than any standard adult recipe
- Asparagus (0.3%) — rich in vitamins A, C, and K plus folic acid
Turkey with Sweet Potato & Cranberry
Joint Care Pack, higher protein, and a large 20mm kibble — built for big dogs
- Adult dogs over 25 kg — Labradors, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Boxers, Rottweilers, Staffies, Weimaraners, and similar large breeds
- Large breed adults where joint health maintenance is a consideration — particularly dogs showing early signs of stiffness or those with a breed predisposition to joint problems
- Dogs transitioning from the large breed puppy recipe at maturity
- Large breed dogs that are overweight — the light recipes with lower calorie density and L-carnitine are more appropriate for active weight management
- Small or medium breed dogs — kibble size is significantly larger than the standard adult recipes
- 50% total turkey (28% freshly prepared turkey) — a lean, low-fat protein high in riboflavin, potassium, and selenium; cooked at 82°C
- Joint Care Pack (glucosamine 170 mg/kg, MSM 170 mg/kg, chondroitin 125 mg/kg) — supports cartilage maintenance in large breeds where joint stress is higher due to body weight
- Higher protein at 29% — appropriate for large breed muscle maintenance requirements
- Cranberry (0.2%) — a source of vitamins C, E, and K with antioxidant properties
- Pea protein and potato protein — additional plant protein sources supporting the high protein percentage
Both light recipes are formally declared as "Adult Dog — Light" under FEDIAF guidelines, which requires the metabolisable energy to be declared on the packaging. Both achieve lower calorie density (around 340–343 kcal vs 360–384 kcal in standard adult recipes) through lower fat content (8–9% vs 10–15%), and both include the Joint Care Pack because overweight dogs experience significantly more joint stress than dogs at a healthy weight.
Both also include L-carnitine, which supports the body's ability to convert stored fat into energy — making it a useful functional ingredient specifically for active weight reduction rather than just passive calorie restriction.
Turkey with Sweet Potato & Cranberry
Lean turkey protein for weight management — Joint Care Pack and L-carnitine
- Overweight adult dogs that prefer poultry protein
- Neutered dogs, less active breeds, or dogs who have gradually gained weight on a standard recipe
- Overweight dogs with joint stiffness — the Joint Care Pack addresses the joint stress that excess weight causes
- Dogs where a familiar poultry flavour makes the transition to a lower calorie food easier to accept
- 50% total turkey (27% freshly prepared turkey) — lean, low-fat protein maintaining high protein-to-calorie ratio during weight loss
- L-carnitine 500 mg — supports fat oxidation (the conversion of stored fat to energy), helping the body use fat reserves efficiently during calorie restriction
- Joint Care Pack (glucosamine 170 mg/kg, MSM 170 mg/kg, chondroitin 125 mg/kg) — addresses joint stress in overweight dogs; joint health typically improves as weight reduces
- 9% crude fat — significantly lower than the equivalent senior turkey recipe (same nutritional profile) while maintaining palatability
Trout with Salmon, Sweet Potato & Asparagus
The lowest fat light recipe at 8% — fish-based with the highest omega-3 outside the senior range
- Overweight dogs that prefer fish protein or who have a sensitivity to poultry
- Overweight dogs with both weight and skin or coat concerns — the 4% omega-3 from trout and salmon provides significant anti-inflammatory support
- Dogs where the lowest possible fat content is required — at 8% this is the lowest fat recipe in the entire grain-free range
- Overweight dogs with joint issues where both weight reduction and omega-3 anti-inflammatory support are beneficial simultaneously
- 50% total trout & salmon (30% freshly prepared trout, 4% freshly prepared salmon, 3% salmon oil) — oily fish providing the highest omega-3 of any non-senior recipe
- 4% omega-3 fatty acids — anti-inflammatory support for joints under stress from excess weight; also benefits skin and coat
- L-carnitine 480 mg — supports fat oxidation during active weight loss
- Joint Care Pack (glucosamine 170 mg/kg, MSM 170 mg/kg, chondroitin 125 mg/kg) — joint support for overweight dogs
- 8% crude fat — the absolute lowest fat content of any recipe in the full grain-free range
The two senior recipes share their nutritional profiles with the two light recipes — same calorie density, same fat levels, same L-carnitine, same Joint Care Pack. This is not a coincidence. Senior dogs benefit from the same nutritional priorities as overweight adults: lower calorie density to manage the weight gain that accompanies reduced activity, joint support for the natural joint deterioration that comes with age, and L-carnitine to support lean muscle maintenance as metabolism slows.
The practical difference is positioning — a healthy-weight senior dog feeding on the senior recipe gets appropriate age-stage nutrition; an overweight adult feeding on the equivalent light recipe is receiving the same nutritional profile with the explicit weight management framing.
Turkey with Sweet Potato & Cranberry
Lower calorie, joint support, and L-carnitine — everything an older dog needs from a familiar protein
- Senior dogs of any standard breed from approximately 7 years old (or 5–6 years for giant breeds)
- Older dogs experiencing natural weight gain due to reduced activity levels
- Senior dogs with mild to moderate joint stiffness or early arthritis
- Dogs transitioning off standard adult chicken or turkey recipes as they age — familiar poultry protein
- 50% total turkey (27% freshly prepared turkey) — lean, highly digestible protein supporting muscle mass maintenance in older dogs
- Joint Care Pack (glucosamine 170 mg/kg, MSM 170 mg/kg, chondroitin 125 mg/kg) — supports cartilage maintenance and reduces joint inflammation as dogs age
- L-carnitine 500 mg — supports lean muscle maintenance and efficient fat metabolism in less active senior dogs
- Lower calorie density at 343 kcal — appropriate for the naturally reduced activity levels of older dogs
- Cranberry — antioxidant support from vitamins C, E, and K
Trout with Salmon, Sweet Potato & Asparagus
The highest omega-3 senior recipe at 4% — maximum anti-inflammatory support for ageing joints
- Senior dogs who prefer fish protein or who have been on fish-based recipes throughout adulthood
- Older dogs with significant joint stiffness or diagnosed arthritis — the combination of Joint Care Pack and 4% omega-3 provides both structural and anti-inflammatory joint support
- Senior dogs with skin or coat changes — ageing dogs often experience drier skin and coat, and the 4% omega-3 directly addresses this
- The lowest calorie option in the senior range at 340 kcal — suitable for senior dogs prone to weight gain
- 50% total trout & salmon (30% freshly prepared trout, 4% freshly prepared salmon) — oily fish providing the highest omega-3 in the entire senior range
- 4% omega-3 fatty acids — the highest omega-3 in the full grain-free range; EPA and DHA from fish oil provide direct anti-inflammatory support for arthritic joints
- Joint Care Pack (glucosamine 170 mg/kg, MSM 170 mg/kg, chondroitin 125 mg/kg) — structural joint support working alongside the anti-inflammatory omega-3
- L-carnitine 480 mg — supports lean muscle maintenance in less active older dogs
- Asparagus (0.3%) — vitamins A, C, K, and folic acid for general health maintenance
What If My Dog Has Specific Needs Across Lifestages?
My puppy is transitioning to adult food
Small breed puppies (GPT) move to the small breed adult recipes — chicken or lamb for poultry, salmon & trout for fish. Standard breed puppies (GFP/GPU) move to the relevant standard adult recipe matching their preferred protein. Large breed puppies (JGF) transition to the large breed adult (GFZ) at around 18–24 months depending on breed.
My adult dog is getting older and starting to slow down
If your dog is around 7 years old (or 5–6 for large breeds), transitioning to a senior recipe is appropriate even before obvious signs of ageing. The lower calorie density prevents gradual weight gain as activity decreases, and the Joint Care Pack provides preventative rather than reactive joint support.
My adult dog needs to lose weight but isn't technically 'senior' yet
The adult light recipes are appropriate for any overweight adult dog regardless of age. Both include L-carnitine to support active fat burning rather than just passive calorie reduction, and both include the Joint Care Pack because overweight dogs put significantly more stress on their joints.
My dog has joint problems — which recipe is best?
All seven recipes with the Joint Care Pack (both puppy versions of the main recipes, large breed adult, both light recipes, and both senior recipes) include glucosamine 170 mg/kg, MSM 170 mg/kg, and chondroitin 125 mg/kg. The large breed puppy uses double this dose. If omega-3 anti-inflammatory support is also a priority, the trout-based senior or light recipe at 4% omega-3 provides the strongest combined joint support in the range.
My dog has a protein sensitivity — where do I start?
For dogs with sensitivities to chicken — the most common dietary protein in UK dog food — duck, lamb, rabbit, haddock, tuna, or salmon-based recipes provide alternatives. Rabbit is considered a true novel protein for most dogs. If your dog has a broad sensitivity to multiple proteins, contact us before choosing — we can help identify the most appropriate starting point.
I want to rotate proteins — how do I do it?
Protein rotation within the same lifestage is straightforward. All recipes in the same life stage category share the same kibble size and similar nutritional profiles, so transitions within the range are typically shorter than switching from a completely different food. Transition over 5–7 days rather than two weeks when rotating within the grain-free range.
How to Transition to Any Ultimate Pet Foods Recipe
Introduce any new recipe gradually over two weeks to give your dog's gut microbiome time to adjust:
When rotating between recipes within the grain-free range, transition over 5–7 days rather than two weeks. Some temporary softening of stools during any transition is normal and usually settles within a week of full feeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Match the recipe to your puppy's expected adult weight and your protein preference. Small breed puppies (under 15 kg adult weight) — Turkey & Duck with Camomile. Medium breed puppies — Chicken, Turkey & Salmon (poultry preference) or Salmon, Haddock & White Fish (fish preference). Large breed puppies (over 25 kg adult weight) — Salmon with Vegetables, which has double-dose joint support appropriate for rapid large breed growth.
Small breeds: around 10–12 months. Medium breeds: 12–15 months. Large breeds: 18–24 months. The feeding guides on each puppy product page include the crossover point where the guide reads "Adult" — this indicates your puppy is ready to transition to the equivalent adult recipe.
The Joint Care Pack is a combination of glucosamine (170 mg/kg), methylsulfonylmethane or MSM (170 mg/kg), and chondroitin sulphate (125 mg/kg). These three ingredients work together to support cartilage health and joint function. It is included in all four puppy recipes, the large breed adult, both light recipes, and both senior recipes. The large breed puppy uses double the standard dose. It is not included in the standard adult or small breed adult recipes.
Nutritionally, yes — the Turkey Light and Turkey Senior share the same composition, and the Trout Light and Trout Senior share the same composition. The distinction is in lifestage positioning: the light recipes are for overweight adult dogs of any age, while the senior recipes are positioned for healthy-weight older dogs. The nutritional needs of both groups are similar: lower calorie density, joint support, and lean muscle maintenance.
The highest omega-3 in the full range is the Trout Senior and Trout Light recipes, both at 4% omega-3. The small breed Salmon & Trout recipe is next at 3.5%. Among puppy recipes, the Salmon, Haddock & White Fish puppy leads at 2.6%. Among standard adult recipes, Haddock with Parsley leads at 1.6%.
The standard adult recipes use a 14mm kibble, which is larger than the 8mm small breed kibble. Small dogs can eat the standard size but the smaller kibble is more appropriate for smaller jaws and teeth. If your small breed dog refuses the standard kibble or struggles with it, switch to the small breed adult recipes. Nutritionally, the main difference is higher protein in the small breed versions.
There is no single right answer — it depends on your dog's activity level, weight, and joint health rather than just chronological age. A very active 8-year-old Labrador may do better staying on the adult recipe; a less active 6-year-old who has gained weight may benefit from moving to the senior or light recipe earlier. If you are unsure, contact us and we can advise based on your dog's specific situation.
All grain free recipes exclude wheat, corn, soya, and dairy — the most common dietary triggers in standard dog food. If your dog has a confirmed protein sensitivity, the rabbit recipe offers a true novel protein option. For dogs with more complex food allergies or intolerances that don't respond to grain-free alone, our hydrolysed range may be more appropriate — hydrolysed protein is broken down to a level too small for the immune system to react to. You can read more about our hydrolysed range here, or contact us to discuss which approach suits your dog.
Not sure which recipe is right?
If your dog's situation doesn't fit neatly into one of the categories above, or if you want to discuss a specific health concern before choosing, contact us directly. Glenn and the team are happy to help.