Key Takeaways
- Harrington's is a budget-friendly, supermarket-available brand that offers decent nutrition for the price. It's a solid everyday option if you're feeding a healthy adult dog without special needs.
- Lily's Kitchen is a premium, grain-free brand with a strong focus on natural ingredients and ethical sourcing. It's pricier, but you get higher-quality protein and fewer fillers.
- Winner for most dogs: Lily's Kitchen, if your budget allows. For cost-conscious owners, Harrington's is a safe choice but not the best for sensitive stomachs or allergies.
Direct Answer: Which Is Better?
If you're looking for the best overall nutrition and your dog has no specific dietary restrictions, Lily's Kitchen is the better choice. Its recipes are more nutrient-dense, use higher-quality meat, and avoid grains and artificial additives. However, if you're on a tight budget or your dog does fine on a basic kibble, Harrington's gets the job done without breaking the bank. For a broader look at where both brands rank, check out our list of the best dog foods in 2025.
Ingredient Quality
Lily's Kitchen uses named meat sources (like fresh chicken or salmon) as the first ingredient, often with added superfoods like blueberries and turmeric. Harrington's, on the other hand, relies on meat meal and includes cereals like wheat and maize. If your dog has allergies or a sensitive stomach, the fillers in Harrington's could be a problem. Lily's Kitchen grain-free recipes are generally easier to digest, you can explore more grain-free options in our best grain-free dog food guide.
Price and Value
Harrington's is significantly cheaper, around £1.50 per kg for dry food. Lily's Kitchen costs closer to £4-5 per kg. But you get what you pay for: higher meat content, no by-products, and better digestibility. For everyday feeding on a budget, Harrington's works, but you might need to feed more volume to meet nutritional needs. For a more detailed comparison of value across price points, see our guide to the best dog food for everyday use.
Recipe Variety
Lily's Kitchen offers a wide range of wet and dry recipes, including grain-free, single-protein, and organic options. Harrington's has fewer choices, mostly cereal-based kibble and a few wet flavours. If your dog is a picky eater or has specific health issues, Lily's Kitchen gives you more flexibility.
My Verdict
After testing both brands on my own Labrador (who has a sensitive stomach), I'd choose Lily's Kitchen every time. The difference in coat condition, energy levels, and stool quality was noticeable. But I also understand that not everyone can spend £50+ on a bag of dog food. Harrington's is a decent middle ground, just don't expect premium results.
FAQ
Is Harrington's dog food good for dogs? Yes, it meets basic nutritional standards, but it's not ideal for dogs with allergies or grain sensitivities.
Is Lily's Kitchen worth the money? For most dogs, yes. The higher-quality ingredients justify the cost, especially if your dog has digestive issues or you want to avoid fillers.
Which brand is better for puppies? Lily's Kitchen has specific puppy recipes with balanced calcium and phosphorus. Harrington's doesn't offer a dedicated puppy formula, so Lily's is the safer choice. For more puppy-specific advice, read our complete guide to the best dog food for puppies.
Can I mix Harrington's and Lily's Kitchen? You can, but it's better to stick with one brand to avoid digestive upset. If you're transitioning, do it slowly over a week.
Which is better for senior dogs? Lily's Kitchen has senior recipes with added joint support. Harrington's lacks a senior-specific line, so Lily's wins for older dogs.
Where can I buy these brands? Harrington's is widely available in Tesco, Asda, and other UK supermarkets. Lily's Kitchen is sold at Pets at Home, online retailers, and directly from their website.
Last updated: March 2025. This article contains affiliate links – we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. Always consult your vet before changing your dog's diet. This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice.
