What's Really Going On with UK Pet Food Regulations?

March 27, 2025 | By Ashleigh Tosh

If you've ever found yourself scanning dog food labels and trying to figure out what "animal derivatives" or "with beef flavour" means, you're certainly not alone.

Many UK dog owners are becoming increasingly conscious of what they're feeding their pets - and rightly so.

But what do UK regulations actually say about pet food, and indeed dog food? Is there an "approved" list? And who's making the rules?

Let's break it down...

No, There's No Official "Approved" Pet Food List

First things first, there isn't a government-endorsed list of approved pet foods, or dog foods, in the UK.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) both have roles in overseeing animal feed safety and hygiene - but they don't go around rubber-stamping individual dog food brands or recipes.

In other words, if you thought there was a gold-standard list from the government saying "these dog food brands are safe and healthy for your dog," think again.

So, Who Does Approve Pet Food in the UK?

Well, this is where it gets a bit murky...

You see, there are some organisations that have their own membership or endorsement systems.

Take UK Pet Food, for example, formerly known as the Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA).

They represent a number of pet food companies, including many dog food brands, and to become a member, brands need to meet certain criteria. These include compliance with UK and EU legislation, as well as adherence to the group's own code of practice.

But, it's important to note, paying to be a member is part of the deal. So, while membership might show a level of professionalism, it's not a stamp of quality or nutritional superiority.

On the other hand, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) maintains a list of pet foods that align with their animal welfare standards, like avoiding animal testing or using vegan ingredients.

Again, this is based on their values and isn't tied to legislation or nutritional benchmarks.

Ultimately, any "approval" depends on what you personally value in a pet food - whether it's welfare, sustainability, ingredient transparency, or nutritional science.

The Trouble with Pet Food Legislation

The UK does have a lot of legislation covering how pet food is produced, labelled, and sold. But quantity doesn't always mean quality.

One of the biggest criticisms from within the industry is how vague and loophole-filled the rules are, especially around labelling and ingredients.

For example, a label might say "with chicken" but legally, that only requires 4% of the product to be chicken. What's the other 96%? Well, that's where things can get fuzzy.

Manufacturers are allowed to use incredibly broad terms like "meat and animal derivatives" without specifying exactly what that includes. It could be muscle meat, or it could be beaks and feet, it's really quite impossible to know!

Then there's the issue of additives.

Some preservatives, colourings, or palatants (flavour enhancers) can be added to your dog's food without being listed on the label. That means your pup could be eating artificial additives that you, the buyer, know nothing about.

Misleading Imagery and Marketing

Packaging is another area in need of reform.

Ever seen a tin with a picture of a juicy steak or a roast chicken breast on it? It gives the impression of a fresh, high-meat product, but the reality inside the tin might be a very different story.

Because of the current labelling laws, these images aren't necessarily misleading in the legal sense, but they certainly can be in practice.

What Needs to Change?

Many advocates (and concerned dog owners) argue it's time for UK legislation to catch up with modern expectations. Calls for:

• Clearer ingredient definitions
• Stricter rules on what can appear on packaging
• Mandatory declaration of all additives
• Independent regulation, not just industry-led codes

...are getting louder.

After all, we now scrutinise human food labels down to the last calorie, so it's only fair that we expect the same transparency for our dogs and other pets, especially when they can't tell us what's making them feel unwell.

In Conclusion

At the end of the day, UK pet food regulation is a mixed bag - there's oversight, yes, but not always the kind that empowers pet owners just like you to make informed choices.

Whether you're feeding kibble, raw, wet food or home-cooked meals, staying educated and asking the right questions is key.

Because when it comes to our dogs (in fact, all our pets!), "good enough" just isn't good enough anymore.

About the author

Ashleigh Tosh - Content Writer at All About Dog Food

Ashleigh's a professional writer with over a decade’s experience, including several years focused on human nutrition as Lead Copywriter at MuscleFood. That extensive understanding of ingredients and health translated naturally into her passion for dog nutrition, sparked when her late Dogue De Bordeaux developed digestive issues. Now a Content Writer for All About Dog Food, she's delighted to help dog owners all over the UK make informed choices for their pups. She lives with Frank, her lively Rottweiler, and credits his energy and very shiny coat to a great diet, and plenty of play (he's a big fan of tug-o-war).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there official approval or regulation for pet food in the UK?

There isn’t a government-approved list of pet foods in the UK. While organisations like DEFRA and the FSA oversee general safety and hygiene in pet food production, they don’t endorse or certify specific brands. Most approval schemes come from industry bodies or animal welfare organisations, each with their own criteria.

What does “meat and animal derivatives” mean on pet food labels?

This term is a legally allowed catch-all that can include anything from high-quality muscle meat to less desirable parts like connective tissue, feathers or feet. Unfortunately, the current laws don’t require manufacturers to be more specific..

Are there any trustworthy approvals or certifications for pet food?

Some organisations, like UK Pet Food and PETA, offer their own membership or approval schemes based on specific criteria. However, these are not official government endorsements and may reflect differing values or priorities, such as welfare or industry compliance.