Harringtons Dog Food vs Ultimate Pet Foods: A Simple, Honest Comparison
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Try our functional superfood range — made with freshly prepared meat and visible health results.
Both are trusted British dog-food brands. Harringtons focuses on affordability, while Ultimate Pet Foods focuses on freshly prepared proteins, functional health benefits, and science-led recipes. Here’s how they compare.
Quick Take
- More Fresh Protein: Ultimate uses high levels of freshly prepared meat and fish, gently cooked with our Freshlock™ process for maximum nutrition and flavour.
- Functional Nutrition: Targeted extras like prebiotics, omega-3, collagen, or joint care support long-term wellbeing.
- Clean Recipes: No artificial colours; grain-free options throughout the range.
- Real Results: Healthier digestion, shinier coats, and better mobility reported by owners.
Who Each Brand Suits
Harringtons Dog Food: Great for owners wanting a reliable, supermarket-available dog food at a friendly price point.
Ultimate Pet Foods: Ideal for owners who want fresher, functional, and science-led recipes with visible health benefits.
Tip: For sensitivities or goals like weight control, joint care, or skin support, Ultimate’s targeted formulas can help.
Harringtons Dog Food at a glance: budget-friendly and widely available, but typically lower fresh-meat inclusion and fewer functional extras than Ultimate (varies by recipe).
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Ultimate Pet Foods | Harringtons Dog Food |
|---|---|---|
| Freshly Prepared Meat/Fish | High inclusion, gently cooked (Freshlock™) | Lower, more reliance on meat meals |
| Total Animal Ingredients | Often around 65% (recipe dependent) | Commonly around 26% (recipe dependent) |
| Functional Extras | Prebiotics (MOS/FOS), collagen, omega-3, joint care | Limited or none |
| Artificial Colours/Additives | None | May include natural flavourings |
| Grain-Free Options | Yes – across ranges | Some grain-free lines available |
| Formulation Approach | Vet-informed, targeted health recipes | General everyday nutrition |
| Made In | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| Subscription Available | Yes — save 10% | Shop only |
Note: Always compare like-for-like recipes (e.g., Adult Chicken vs Adult Chicken). Figures vary by recipe; check the label for exact values.
Switching from Harringtons Dog Food to Ultimate Pet Foods: a 7–10 Day Guide
- Days 1–3: 25% Ultimate + 75% current food
- Days 4–6: 50% Ultimate + 50% current food
- Days 7–9: 75% Ultimate + 25% current food
- Day 10: 100% Ultimate
Tip: Keep fresh water available, feed measured portions, and monitor stools/energy. If your dog has a sensitive tummy, extend each step by 2–3 days.
Real-World Results
“We switched from Harringtons Dog Food to Ultimate Pet Foods and within two weeks Luna’s coat was glossier and her stools were firmer. She’s more settled after meals too.”
Nick & Luna — Cardiff
Add your own Trustpilot or Google review snippets here — verified reviews increase Google’s trust signals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harringtons dog food good?
It’s a solid budget-friendly option with simple recipes. If your dog needs targeted support (digestion, joint care, skin/coat), Ultimate’s functional formulas can be a better fit.
Is Ultimate Pet Foods more expensive than Harringtons?
Typically yes, due to higher fresh-meat inclusion and functional extras. Many owners find the visible health improvements worth the difference.
Can sensitive-stomach dogs switch from Harringtons to Ultimate?
Often yes. Transition slowly over 7–10 days (see guide above). Our Digestive Care recipe is a popular starting point.
Do you offer samples?
Yes — try a FREE Sample Pack so your dog can taste before you commit.
About the Author
Glenn Bell — Founder & Digital Marketing Specialist at Ultimate Pet Foods.
Glenn founded Ultimate Pet Foods to create healthier, more transparent dog nutrition after his own Labrador, Kirk, struggled with sensitive digestion. With a background in digital marketing and canine nutrition, Glenn leads the science-backed approach behind every recipe.
👉 Read Why I Started Ultimate Pet Foods to learn the full story.
Questions? Contact our nutrition team.
Why Pick Ultimate Pet Foods?
Our recipes prioritise freshly prepared protein and add science-backed extras to support gut health, joint comfort, skin & coat care, and overall vitality.
References
- Swanson KS, et al. Effects of Supplemental Fructooligosaccharides and Mannanoligosaccharides on Immune Function and Microbial Populations in Dogs. Journal of Nutrition, 2002. Read study
- Xia J, et al. The Function of Probiotics and Prebiotics on Canine Intestinal Health. 2024 review. Open review
- Combarros D, et al. n-3 (EPA/DHA) supplementation improves haircoat quality in dogs. 2020. PubMed
- Bauer JE. Responses of dogs to dietary omega-3 fatty acids. JAVMA, 2007. JAVMA
- McCarthy G, et al. Glucosamine/chondroitin in canine osteoarthritis: randomized trial. 2007. PubMed
- Martello E, et al. Multi-ingredient supplement for canine OA: RCT. PLOS ONE, 2022. PLOS ONE
- WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee. Guidelines on Selecting Pet Foods. 2021. PDF
These independent sources discuss prebiotics (MOS/FOS) and gut health, omega-3s for skin/coat, evidence around joint supplements, and how to evaluate pet foods objectively.