UK Head-to-Head · Pets
Lily's Kitchen vs Forthglade Dog Food UK: Which Is Better in 2026?
The short answer
Forthglade wins on nutrition per pound spent — its 75–80% meat content is higher than Lily's Kitchen at a lower price per tray, making it the better choice for owners who prioritise meat-first feeding.
Best on features
Forthglade Complete Grain Free Wet Dog Food
Best on value
Forthglade Complete Grain Free Wet Dog Food
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This comparison contains Amazon affiliate links, and we may earn a commission — but it never changes our verdict.
Lily's Kitchen and Forthglade are the two most trusted premium natural dog food brands in the UK, and choosing between them is a genuine dilemma for health-conscious dog owners. Both brands are certified natural with no artificial preservatives, flavourings, or colours. Both are made in Britain. Both are significantly more expensive than mainstream supermarket dog food — and both have passionate owner communities who swear by them. The key differences lie in format and formulation: Lily's Kitchen specialises in cooked recipes with a broader dry food range, while Forthglade built its reputation on 85%+ meat content cold-pressed and gently-baked wet trays. UK prices sit at around £2.50–3.50 per day for an average 15kg dog eating either brand, versus around £0.80–1.20/day for mainstream brands like Pedigree or Winalot. This comparison covers their core wet food range — the most popular format for UK dog owners — and gives you a clear picture of which brand delivers better nutrition per pound spent.
Specs Comparison
| Spec | Lily's Kitchen Complete Wet Dog Food | Forthglade Complete Grain Free Wet Dog Food |
|---|---|---|
| Meat Content | 60–65% named meat | 75–80% named meat (winner) |
| Grain Free Options | Yes | Yes — core range is grain free |
| Certifications | Certified natural, FEDIAF guidelines compliant | Certified natural, made in Devon, UK |
| Formats Available | Tins, pouches, dry kibble, training treats (winner) | Trays, cold-pressed dry, hand-baked treats |
| Country of Origin | UK | UK (Devon) |
| Suitable For | Puppies, adults, seniors (separate ranges) | Puppies, adults, seniors, working dogs |
Pros & Cons
Lily's Kitchen Complete Wet Dog Food
Pros
- 60–65% named meat content with identifiable protein sources (no 'meat derivatives')
- Broader product range than Forthglade — dry food, training treats, and dental chews available in same brand
- Widely stocked in UK supermarkets (Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury's) making it easy to buy in emergencies
- Clear life-stage segmentation (puppy, adult, senior) with appropriately adjusted nutrition profiles
Cons
- More expensive per gram of meat content than Forthglade when comparing like-for-like wet food
- Some recipes contain vegetables as fillers — not ideal for dogs on strict elimination diets
Forthglade Complete Grain Free Wet Dog Food
Pros
- 75–80% named meat content per tray — among the highest of any mainstream UK wet dog food brand
- Made in Devon with British-sourced meat wherever possible — strong provenance credentials
- Grain free core range suits dogs with wheat or grain sensitivities without needing specialist vet food
- Typically 10–20% cheaper per tray than equivalent Lily's Kitchen tin for same-size dog
Cons
- Narrower retail availability — mainly online (Amazon, Zooplus) and Pets at Home; fewer supermarket stockists than Lily's Kitchen
- Tray format is less convenient than tins for camping or travel
Our Verdict
Forthglade wins on nutrition per pound spent — its 75–80% meat content is higher than Lily's Kitchen at a lower price per tray, making it the better choice for owners who prioritise meat-first feeding. Choose Lily's Kitchen if you want to buy dog food alongside your weekly supermarket shop, or if you need a complete single-brand solution covering dry food, wet food, and treats without switching brands.
Best for Budget
Forthglade Complete Grain Free Wet Dog Food
Best for Features
Forthglade Complete Grain Free Wet Dog Food
Our process
How we choose our picks
We don’t lab-test products ourselves. Instead we synthesise the strongest independent evidence — current Amazon UK listings, verified-buyer feedback, published specs and UK pricing — into clear, honest recommendations. We earn a commission if you buy through our links, but that never changes which products we rank.
Current UK availability
We only shortlist products actively listed and in stock on Amazon UK, checked against live catalogue data — not last year’s models.
Publicly visible buyer feedback
We look at how each product is received by UK shoppers — its overall rating standing and the praise or complaints that recur in public reviews — rather than relying on a single reviewer’s opinion.
Published specs & value
We compare manufacturer specifications, typical UK price bands, warranty and running costs so each pick is right for a real budget and use-case.
UK-specific fit
We factor in UK voltage, plug/fitting standards, CE/UKCA marking and Consumer Rights Act cover — details that generic global lists miss.
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Buying Guide
- 1Check the first ingredient on the label — it should be a named meat (e.g., 'chicken', 'lamb') not a vague term like 'meat derivatives' or 'animal by-products'
- 2Calculate cost per gram of protein, not per tin — a smaller 395g tray with 80% meat delivers more nutrition than a larger 400g tin with 60% meat at the same price
- 3Transition to any new food gradually over 7–10 days (25% new food, 75% old food, then 50/50, then 75/25) to avoid digestive upset — this applies to both Lily's Kitchen and Forthglade
- 4Buy in bulk from Amazon or Zooplus to reduce per-unit cost — both brands are significantly cheaper in 24-pack cases than individual trays
- 5Match the recipe to your dog's life stage — puppy formulas have higher protein and calcium ratios that are unsuitable for adult dogs long-term; always check the 'complete' vs 'complementary' label
Editor's Note
UK vets and nutritionists consistently note that wet food with 70%+ named meat content (where the species is identified, e.g., 'chicken' not 'poultry') is nutritionally superior to lower meat content alternatives for most dogs. Forthglade's Devon-made trays meet this threshold across the entire range. Lily's Kitchen competes strongly on variety and dry food quality — their Cold Pressed range is particularly well-regarded by UK dog trainers for use as high-value training rewards. Neither brand should be treated as interchangeable with vet prescription diets for dogs with diagnosed conditions — always consult your vet before switching a dog with a known health issue.
Our Take
Both are proper British brands with genuine commitment to UK-sourced ingredients, which is rare in a market dominated by multinational pet food conglomerates. Forthglade is the better value — their complete meals cost about 20-30% less per serving than Lily's Kitchen while using comparable ingredient quality. Lily's Kitchen has better supermarket availability; you'll find it at Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Waitrose, while Forthglade is better represented at Pets at Home and independent pet shops.
Honourable Mentions
Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions
Is Lily's Kitchen or Forthglade better for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
Where can I buy Forthglade dog food in the UK?
How much does it cost to feed a dog Lily's Kitchen per month in the UK?
Is premium dog food worth the extra cost in the UK?
Further Reading
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This comparison contains affiliate links. If you purchase via our links, UKPicks may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our rankings.