The Complete Vet's Kitchen Product Range Guide for Dogs and Cats in 2026

Here's a question that lands in my inbox surprisingly often: is there actually a difference between "vet-developed" pet food and the standard stuff that's been on supermarket shelves for decades? After spending the last three weeks with my spare room converted into what my partner has started calling "the pet food testing facility," I can tell you the answer isn't straightforward. But with Vet's Kitchen, there's genuinely more substance behind the marketing than you might expect.

The brand was founded in 2010 by Dr. Joe Inglis BVSc MRCVS—a television veterinarian you might recognise from various programmes over the years—operating alongside a sister practice called Vet's Klinic in Swindon. What makes this relevant? The formulations aren't just slapped together by a marketing team. They're developed with input from practising vets who actually see the digestive disasters that poor nutrition creates. I've spoken to owners who've switched, and the stories are consistent enough to be credible.

But let's be clear about something from the start: this isn't the cheapest option on the shelf. Not by a long stretch. The question is whether the premium is justified, and that depends entirely on what your pet actually needs.

What Makes Vet's Kitchen Different From Standard Pet Food?

The core proposition is simple: every Vet's Kitchen recipe is hypoallergenic. That means no wheat, no beef, no dairy—the three ingredients most commonly linked to digestive issues and skin problems in dogs and cats. If your pet has never had a problem, this might seem unnecessary. If you've ever dealt with a dog scratching itself raw at 3am or cleaned up the aftermath of a sensitive stomach episode, you'll understand why this matters.

All their dry food uses a single protein source. This isn't just a marketing gimmick. When you're trying to identify what's causing your pet's issues, eliminating variables is everything. A food with chicken meal, beef fat, and fish oil gives you three potential culprits. A food with just chicken? One variable. Much easier to diagnose.

The ingredient lists include additions you won't find in budget brands: nucleotides for immune support, prebiotics (FOS and MOS) for gut health, glucosamine and chondroitin for joints. Are these necessary for every pet? Honestly, no. A healthy young dog will probably do fine on something cheaper. But for pets with specific needs—and that's a lot of them—these additions can make a measurable difference.

One thing worth noting: some critics have pointed out that if you combined the rice varieties in certain recipes, rice would technically be the first ingredient rather than meat. It's a fair observation about label presentation. The meat content is still reasonable (around 36% chicken meal in the Everyday Health range), but it's worth understanding what you're actually getting.

The Complete Dog Food Range: What's Actually Available

Let me walk you through what Vet's Kitchen offers for dogs. I've tested or examined most of these, and I'll tell you straight which ones seem worth the premium.

Everyday Health Chicken & Brown Rice

This is their flagship product, and honestly, it's solid. 45% chicken content, brown rice for sustained energy release, and the full complement of added nutrients. Available in 1.5kg, 3kg, and 7.5kg bags. For a healthy adult dog with no specific issues, this does exactly what it claims.

The verdict? Good quality, reasonably priced within the premium segment. If I were recommending a starting point for someone curious about the brand, this would be it.

Sensitive Care Range

This is where Vet's Kitchen really earns its reputation. The Sensitive Care formulas are designed for dogs with delicate digestion—something that affects more pets than people realise. My neighbour's spaniel went through four different brands before settling on this one. Three years later, no more middle-of-the-night emergencies. Anecdotal? Sure. But I've heard similar stories often enough to take them seriously.

The Sensitive range includes:

• Sensitive Chicken & Rice - Single protein, gentle on stomachs
• Salmon & Potato - Alternative protein for chicken-sensitive dogs
• Pork & Potato - Another novel protein option

The salmon and potato version deserves special mention. For dogs who react to poultry—and some do, despite chicken being considered a "safe" protein—this provides a genuine alternative. It's not the cheapest at around £50 for 7.5kg, but for a dog that's been struggling, the relief is worth it.

Senior Dog Food

Dogs over seven have different nutritional requirements. Lower calories (because activity levels drop), joint support (because wear and tear accumulates), and easily digestible proteins (because efficiency declines). Vet's Kitchen Senior ticks all these boxes.

The formula includes elevated levels of glucosamine and MSM—both linked to joint health maintenance. I spoke with a customer who switched her 12-year-old Labrador to this formula and noticed improved mobility within six weeks. Now, correlation isn't causation, and placebo effect absolutely exists in pet owners. But the formulation logic is sound.

Puppy Food

Puppies need more calories per kilogram of body weight than adults, plus specific nutrients for development. The Vet's Kitchen Puppy formula provides DHA for brain development—something that's actually supported by research—alongside appropriate calcium and phosphorus ratios for healthy bone growth.

A note of caution: some owners transition to adult food too early to save money. This is false economy. The first year of nutrition shapes your dog's health for life. If you're going to invest in premium food, the puppy stage is arguably the most important time to do it.

Dog Treats: Little Stars and Beyond

The treat range is often overlooked, but it matters. What's the point of feeding hypoallergenic food if your treats contain everything you're trying to avoid?

Vet's Kitchen Little Stars dog treats maintain the same hypoallergenic principles as the main food range. Low calorie (which matters—treat calories add up faster than people realise), single protein source, no artificial additives. They're small enough for training use without overfeeding.

The downside? Limited flavour variety compared to mainstream brands. But if your dog has sensitivities, that limitation is actually a feature.

Supplements: Targeted Support

Beyond complete foods, Vet's Kitchen offers supplements for specific concerns:

• Joint supplements with glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM
• Skin supplements with omega fatty acids
• Digestive supplements with prebiotics and probiotics

Are supplements necessary if you're already feeding their complete food? Usually not—the formulas already include these ingredients. But for dogs with acute issues, the concentrated supplements can provide additional support. I'd recommend consulting your actual vet before adding supplements to an already-complete diet.

The Cat Food Range: Less Extensive, Still Solid

Let's be honest: the cat range is smaller than the dog range. Vet's Kitchen clearly built their reputation on canine nutrition first. But what they offer for cats follows the same principles.

Cat Food Options

The cat food maintains the hypoallergenic approach—no wheat, beef, or dairy. The protein content is appropriate for obligate carnivores (cats need more protein than dogs, a detail budget brands sometimes overlook).

Currently available:

• Chicken & Rice dry food
• Wet food options in various flavours

The texture and palatability seem good based on feedback—cats are famously fussy, and the acceptance rate reported by owners is encouraging.

Little Hearts Cat Treats

The cat treat range includes Little Hearts—small, low-calorie treats maintaining the hypoallergenic standard. Perfect for cats with sensitive digestion who still deserve occasional rewards.

Where to Buy Vet's Kitchen in the UK

One significant advantage of Vet's Kitchen over many premium pet food brands: actual availability. You don't need to order from specialist retailers or wait for subscription deliveries.

Supermarket Stockists

Vet's Kitchen is available in major UK supermarkets:

• Tesco - Both in-store and online
• Sainsbury's - Selected stores and online
• Pets at Home - The specialist retailer stocks the full range
• Various independent pet shops

This accessibility matters. When you run out of pet food unexpectedly—and we've all been there—being able to pop to Tesco rather than waiting three days for delivery makes a real difference.

Online Options

The brand's own website (vetskitchen.co.uk) offers the full range with subscription options. Various online pet retailers also stock the brand. For regular purchasers, the subscription model can offer modest savings plus the convenience of automatic delivery.

Price Comparison Reality

Prices vary between retailers. For the 7.5kg Everyday Health bag, expect to pay roughly £45-55 depending on retailer and any current promotions. That's premium pricing—significantly more than supermarket own-brands, roughly comparable to other specialist brands like Arden Grange or James Wellbeloved.

Is it worth the premium? For pets without issues, arguably not. For pets with sensitivities, digestive problems, or skin conditions, the investment often pays off in reduced vet bills and improved quality of life. I've done the maths on this more than once—chronic skin treatment for one month can cost more than a year's price difference in food.

How Does Vet's Kitchen Compare to Competitors?

The UK hypoallergenic dog food market has more options than ever. Here's how Vet's Kitchen stacks up against the alternatives.

Versus James Wellbeloved

James Wellbeloved is probably the most direct competitor—similar price point, similar hypoallergenic positioning, similar supermarket availability. The main differences:

• James Wellbeloved offers more flavour variety
• Vet's Kitchen has slightly higher meat content in some formulas
• Both maintain consistent quality

My verdict: choose based on your pet's preferences. Neither is objectively superior.

Versus Arden Grange

Arden Grange Sensitive is an excellent alternative, often slightly cheaper. The ocean white fish version provides a completely novel protein for pets reactive to common meats. If your dog doesn't respond well to Vet's Kitchen, Arden Grange is worth trying.

Versus Budget Options

Look, I'm not going to pretend that expensive food is always better. It isn't. Many dogs thrive perfectly well on supermarket own-brands. But—and this is a significant but—if your pet has sensitivities, the ingredient quality and formulation consistency of premium brands genuinely matters. Budget brands can vary between batches. Premium brands, including Vet's Kitchen, maintain tighter quality control.

The Honest Downsides: What Vet's Kitchen Gets Wrong

No product is perfect, and Vet's Kitchen has its limitations.

Price Point

There's no getting around it: this is expensive pet food. For a large dog, you're looking at significant monthly costs. Not everyone can justify this, and that's completely valid.

Limited Flavour Range

Compared to mainstream brands, the variety is restricted. Some dogs get bored eating the same thing daily (though honestly, most don't care as much as we assume).

Availability Gaps

While major supermarkets stock the range, specific products can be out of stock. The 7.5kg bags particularly seem to suffer from availability issues—I've seen complaints about this repeatedly in reviews.

Not a Magic Solution

Switching to Vet's Kitchen won't fix every problem. Some digestive issues need veterinary investigation. Some skin conditions have causes unrelated to food. If your pet's issues persist after a proper transition period (8-12 weeks), consult an actual vet rather than trying yet another food brand.

Making the Switch: Practical Transition Advice

If you're considering Vet's Kitchen, here's how to do it properly.

Sudden diet changes upset digestion. Even when switching to a "gentler" food, introduce it gradually over 7-10 days:

• Days 1-3: 75% old food, 25% new food
• Days 4-6: 50% each
• Days 7-9: 25% old food, 75% new food
• Day 10+: 100% new food

For pets with particularly sensitive stomachs, extend this timeline to two weeks. Yes, it's inconvenient running two foods simultaneously. It's more inconvenient dealing with the digestive upset from rushing.

Watch for improvement signs over 8-12 weeks. Stomach issues often resolve faster—you might see improvement within 2-3 weeks. Skin conditions take longer. Don't expect instant transformation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vet's Kitchen dog food actually good quality?

Vet's Kitchen maintains solid quality standards with genuine veterinary input into formulations. The ingredient lists are transparent, meat content is reasonable (36-45% depending on product), and the hypoallergenic approach is consistent across the range. Independent reviews rate it around 65% on All About Dog Food—respectable for a supermarket-available brand, though not the highest-rated premium option.

What makes dog food hypoallergenic?

Hypoallergenic dog food avoids common allergens—typically wheat, beef, dairy, and sometimes chicken, eggs, and soy. It usually contains limited ingredients with a single protein source, making it easier to identify and avoid triggers. The term isn't regulated, so always check ingredients rather than trusting labels alone. Truly hypoallergenic foods use either novel proteins (venison, duck, fish) or hydrolysed proteins broken down to avoid triggering immune responses.

How long does it take for hypoallergenic dog food to work?

Digestive improvements often appear within 2-3 weeks of switching. Skin conditions take longer—expect 4-6 weeks minimum, with 10-12 weeks needed to properly evaluate effectiveness. Maintain a strict diet during this period; even small amounts of allergenic treats can reset the clock.

Where can I buy Vet's Kitchen in UK supermarkets?

Vet's Kitchen is stocked in Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Pets at Home, both in-store and online. Availability varies by store—larger branches typically carry more of the range. The brand's website offers the complete range with subscription options.

Is Vet's Kitchen worth the price?

For healthy pets without specific issues, standard quality food is probably sufficient—Vet's Kitchen represents a premium you may not need. For pets with sensitive digestion, skin conditions, or allergies, the investment often proves worthwhile through reduced symptoms and potentially lower vet bills over time. Consider it health insurance for vulnerable pets rather than a luxury upgrade for healthy ones.

Can I feed Vet's Kitchen to puppies?

Yes, Vet's Kitchen offers a specific puppy formula with appropriate nutrient ratios for growing dogs. The DHA content supports brain development, while balanced calcium and phosphorus support bone growth. Continue puppy food until your dog reaches adult size—around 12 months for most breeds, up to 18 months for large breeds.

Does Vet's Kitchen make grain-free dog food?

The core range uses brown rice as a carbohydrate source rather than being grain-free. However, Vet's Kitchen does offer grain-free options for dogs with specific grain sensitivities. Note that "grain-free" and "hypoallergenic" aren't the same thing—a food can be one, both, or neither.

The Final Verdict

After extensive examination of the Vet's Kitchen range, here's my straightforward assessment.

Best for: Dogs and cats with sensitive digestion, skin conditions, or food intolerances. Owners who want vet-developed formulations with transparent ingredients. People willing to pay premium prices for consistent quality.

Skip if: Your pet thrives on standard food with no issues. Budget is your primary concern. You want maximum variety in flavours and formats.

The brand occupies a sensible middle ground—more sophisticated than supermarket basics, more accessible than prescription diets. For the right pet, it's an excellent choice. For others, it's an unnecessary expense.

My recommendation? If your pet has digestive or skin issues, give it a proper 10-12 week trial. The transition hassle is worth it if it works. If your pet is healthy and happy on current food, don't fix what isn't broken.

And if you're comparing prices across supermarkets—as you should be—tools like Grocefully's price comparison can help you find the best deals on whichever brand you choose. Because whether you're spending £15 or £55 on pet food, there's no reason to pay more than necessary.