Iron
mineral · base score 1 · also listed as ferrous, ferric, iron
What is it?
We haven't written a full explanation for this one yet. It's in the mineral category and currently graded good.
At a glance
- Category
- mineral
- Grade
- good
- Base score
- 1 (from −1 to 1; higher is better)
- Found in
- 3 products
- Also listed as
- ferrous, ferric, iron
Common questions about iron
Is Iron good for dogs?
Yes, we grade it as a good ingredient: recognisable and nutritionally useful, so it lifts a product’s score. Bear in mind that no single ingredient decides quality; the whole recipe and its balance matter more.
How many UK dog foods contain iron?
3 UK products list iron as an ingredient in our database. The full list is shown below, sorted by rating.
What else is iron called on labels?
Manufacturers list it under several names: ferrous, ferric, iron. We match all of these to the same glossary entry when we read a label.
How does Open Dog Food grade iron?
We grade it good, our highest grade, reserved for recognisable ingredients that add real nutritional value. Every ingredient is converted to its dry-matter share and scored from our glossary before a recipe gets its 1-100 rating; the full method is on our methodology page.
Why is iron added to dog food?
Iron is an essential mineral that has a role in oxygen transport in the blood and in normal cell function. Pet food manufacturers add it to ensure complete and balanced nutrition, often as ferrous sulphate or ferrous carbonate. A properly formulated dog food will contain iron at safe levels.
Can a dog have too much iron?
Iron is necessary in the right amount, but excessive iron can be harmful. Commercial dog foods in the UK are formulated to keep iron within safe nutritional limits. If you are concerned about your dog's iron intake, speak to your vet.
