Brand-based dog food reviews

When it comes to finding the best food for your beloved pet, there are a lot of choices out there. So, how do you know which one to choose? A lot of people might turn to their veterinarian for advice, and for good reason – vets know more about animal nutrition than most pet owners. But what if you don’t trust your vet’s recommendation?

Some pet owners are surprised to learn that their veterinarian may recommend a food brand that has relatively poor ratings. For example, Royal Canin is a popular pet food brand, but it has been given low marks by some independent reviewers. So, why would your vet recommend this brand if there are other options out there with better ratings?

Why do vets recommend royal Canin?

Royal Canin is a renowned brand that is WSAVA and AAFCO-approved with kibble brands that meet different dietary requirements and vets recommend a number of their brands despite some having very low ratings.

Royal Canin has a range of nutritionists and has put a significant amount of money into R&D to formulate kibble for different dogs and puppies. This is one of the key reasons that Vets recommend this brand.

Some of the specific products have special shapes and added nutrients to help with dental care, joint support and other health conditions like obesity.

What’s more, Royal Canin offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee – so if you’re not happy with their products, you can get your money back.

At the end of the day, your vet is the best person to give you advice on which food is best for your pet. They know your individual animal’s health history and can make a personalized recommendation based on their specific needs.

Below are the key reasons vets recommend Royal Canin:

Formulated for different types of pets:

First of all, Royal Canin makes food specifically for different types of pets. This means that the company puts a lot of research into making sure that their food is nutritionally complete for each type of animal. As a result, vets can be confident that pets who eat Royal Canin food will be getting all the nutrients they need.

For health reasons:

Another reason why your vet might recommend Royal Canin is for health reasons. The company makes food that is specifically designed for pets with certain health conditions. For example, they have food for pets who are overweight, have allergies, or suffer from joint problems.

Available through veterinarians:

Finally, one of the main reasons why vets recommend Royal Canin is because it is only available through veterinarians. This means that your vet can be sure that you are getting the food from a reputable source. Royal Canin also offers a money-back guarantee, so if your pet doesn’t like the food or has any problems with it, you can get your money back.

Why Royal Canin is criticized:

Royal Canin uses the following controversial ingredients;

• Brewers rice: This is the small fragments of rice that are left over after the beer brewing process. It is a very cheap filler ingredient with no nutritional value for dogs.
• Wheat gluten: This is a protein that is derived from wheat and it is commonly used as a cheaper alternative to meat. It can be difficult to digest and some dogs are allergic to it.
• Animal by-products: These are parts of animals that are not meant for human consumption. They can include organs, bones, and blood. animal by-products are controversial because they are not regulated and we don’t know what kind of animals they come from or what conditions they were raised in.
• Vets still recommend Royal Canin because they trust the company’s research and development. However, if you are not comfortable feeding your pet food that contains these ingredients, there are other options available. Talk to your vet about what they recommend for your individual pet.

Ben W. Domb

Hi there! My name is Ben Domb, an owner of two pets and I am one of the co-founders of OurPets HQ. I have several years of experience as a pet care professional in the New England region having spent time in various roles including a stint at a veterinary hospital in Upstate New York, Syracuse area. I am a certified pet care professional and mostly spend my time researching pet nutrition and sharing my thoughts in various blogs and columns. With quarantine and COVID restrictions, I have been spending a lot of time a lot with my dogs and cat and loving it! I also run a small consulting business providing advice to parents on pet nutrition, and especially safe homemade options to try. You can reach me at ben@ourpetshq.com

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Purina’s Purina Pro Plan Sports product line consists of 13 different recipes that meet both AAFCO and WSAVA dog nutrition guidelines.

Purina Pro was first launched in 2008 but the subsequent release of products within the same line has been happening over the years with some more recent recipes being released as recently as this past year – 2021.

Purina Pro Plan Sports Recipe and Label Analysis

Purina Pro Plan Sports are dry Dog food varieties are grain-inclusive that have been formulated to meet the nutritional needs of all life stages of a dog’s life – from kitten to senior.

Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance/Purina Pro Plan Sport All Ages Performance 30/20 Salmon and Rice

Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance was formerly branded Purina Pro Plan Sport All Ages Performance 30/20 Salmon and Rice.

Purina Pro Plan Sport All Ages Performance 30/20 Salmon and Rice is a dry food that is grain-inclusive that optimizes oxygen metabolism for muscle function and recovery, as well as provides high-quality protein for energy and lean muscles.

This kibble is designed to optimize oxygen metabolism (VO2 max) and increase endurance, making it the perfect food for dogs who love to play fetch or go for long walks. It’s also packed with protein (30%) and fat (20%) to fuel your pet’s metabolic needs and maintain lean muscle mass, as well as glucosamine and EPA for joint health and mobility. 

Ingredients:

Salmon: The first ingredient in this recipe is salmon. Salmon is a highly-digestible protein source that provides amino acids for muscle support. It is also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. It is worth noting that raw salmon is 73% water/moisture, so the amount included in this recipe will vary based on how much moisture is cooked out during processing.

Corn gluten meal: Corn gluten meal is a byproduct of the corn milling process. It is used to provide extra protein and energy in dog food recipes. While most dogs can tolerate this ingredient well, some sensitive individuals may experience stomach upset or diarrhea from consuming large amounts of this ingredient.

Rice: Rice is the third ingredient and provides fiber and carbohydrates that are metabolized for energyRice is a grain-based ingredient that provides carbohydrates and fiber for energy and digestive health. It is also an excellent source of additional amino acids that support muscle function and recovery, as well as B vitamins to help your dog maintain energy levels.

Poultry-by-products meal: The 4th ingredient is poultry by-product meal. This ingredient is produced by cooking chicken or turkey parts ( organs and ground bone) in a pressure cooker to remove moisture. The resulting product is a concentrated source of protein that is typically used as an inexpensive way to boost the protein content of dog food recipes.

Corn: The 5th ingredient is corn. This is a common ingredient in dog food, with most dogs tolerating it well. However, if your dog has a sensitivity to corn or gluten products, this ingredient may exacerbate symptoms of intolerance such as gas and diarrhea.

Beef fat: A 6th ingredient is beef fat. Animal fat is an extremely common by-product of the processing of meat ingredients. It is used as a flavor enhancer and to help keep the food moist. While fats are an important source of energy for dogs, they should not make up more than 15% of the total calories in the recipe.

Corn germ meal: The 7th ingredient is corn germ meal meal. This by-product of corn processing is a concentrated source of protein that typically is used to boost the protein content of dog food recipes.

Dried egg: The 8th ingredient is dried egg. This is a dehydrated form of whole eggs and provides a high-quality source of protein and fat, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Fish meal: Fish meal is an ingredient that provides concentrated protein from a named source (in this case, fish). It is highly digestible and often used as a way to boost the protein content of dog food recipes.

Fish oil: Fish oil is a highly concentrated source of omega-3 fatty acids. It typically comes from small fish and is added to dog food recipes to boost the healthy fats in the recipe.

Sodium Selenite: Sodium selenite is a form of the essential trace mineral selenium. It is added to dog food recipes to help ensure that your dog is getting enough of this important nutrient.

Guaranteed Analysis:

Purina Pro Plan Performance guarantees 30% of crude protein, 20% of crude fat, 3% of crude fiber, and 12% of moisture.

On a Dry Matter-basis, it has 34$ protein, 23% fat and about 35% carbs.

Our Rating:

We give this recipe an average of 3.8/5.

Ingredients we like;

• Salmon: Salmon is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for skin and coat health.
• Fish meal: Fish meal is a high quality source of animal protein that helps to support muscle function and bone growth. It also provides essential nutrients like vitamin B12.
• Eggs: Eggs are a great source of protein and contain essential nutrients like choline and selenium.

Ingredients we don’t like:

• Corn gluten meal: This is a byproduct of the milling process and is used to add extra protein and energy to dog food recipes. While most dogs can tolerate this ingredient well, some sensitive individuals may experience stomach upset or diarrhea.

Amounts to Feed

Conclusion

Overall, if you’re looking for high-quality dog food that contains a variety of healthy ingredients and provides the nutrients your dog needs to stay active and healthy, Purina Pro Plan Sport Dog Food is a great option. However, if your dog has specific dietary needs or allergies, be sure to consult with your vet before

Ben W. Domb

Hi there! My name is Ben Domb, an owner of two pets and I am one of the co-founders of OurPets HQ. I have several years of experience as a pet care professional in the New England region having spent time in various roles including a stint at a veterinary hospital in Upstate New York, Syracuse area. I am a certified pet care professional and mostly spend my time researching pet nutrition and sharing my thoughts in various blogs and columns. With quarantine and COVID restrictions, I have been spending a lot of time a lot with my dogs and cat and loving it! I also run a small consulting business providing advice to parents on pet nutrition, and especially safe homemade options to try. You can reach me at ben@ourpetshq.com

ourpetshq.com

Canidae All Life Stages product line has 4 brands of canned dog food recipes. Canidae also has another line of canned wet dog food called Canidae Grain Free Pure Canned Dog Food. The second canned dog food recipe uses fish, mostly salmon while the All Life Stages product line uses chicken, chicken broth, and chicken liver as the main sources of proteins.

 Canidae All Life Stages Canned Dog Food Review

As mentioned above there are 4 different recipes under the All Life Stages brand by Canidae and as the name suggests, they are all formulated for adult dogs. However, all breeds can feed on these recipes from Small Breeds, Medium Breeds to Large Breeds.

DFA rated it 4.5/5 and we are giving it an above-average score of 85/100.

Canidae All Life Stages Chicken and Rice Review

Let’s look at Canidae All Life Stages Chicken and Rice ingredients in detail.

Primary Ingredients’ Analysis

The first ingredient is chicken which is AAFCO considers a clean combination of flesh and skin with or without accompanying bone. We rate Recipes with chicken meat very highly as they’re lower in fat than recipes with chicken by-products.

Chicken is rich in essential amino acids which are the building blocks of protein. It is also a source of linoleic acid which is an essential omega-6 fatty acid. Dogs need both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.

The second ingredient is chicken broth. Since it’s derived mostly from water, this is a rather unimportant ingredient and one which we generally prefer to see further down the list of ingredients since it makes up the bulk of the canned product.

The third ingredient is chicken liver. This is organ meat which provides high-quality protein and fat. It’s also a rich source of Vitamin A, iron, and folate.

The fourth ingredient is dried egg products. This is a dehydrated form of eggs that provides a concentrated source of protein and fat. It’s also a rich source of iron, phosphorus, and vitamin B12.

The fifth ingredient is brown rice. Rice is a complex carbohydrate that provides essential vitamins, minerals and fiber. It’s also a good source of energy for dogs and is quite easy to digest when cooked.

The sixth ingredient is barley. Barley is a complex carbohydrate that provides essential vitamins, minerals and fiber.

The seventh ingredient is salt and potassium chloride. Salt is needed by dogs for proper cell function but it should be used in moderation. Potassium chloride is an electrolyte that helps to maintain fluid balance in the body.

Secondary ingredients Analysis

Other minimal ingredients include;

• Salmon oil: A source of omega-3 fatty acids which are essential for a healthy skin and coat. They are rich in EPA and DHA.
• Canola oil: A source of omega-6 fatty acids which are essential for a healthy skin and coat.
• Agar-agar: A thickener and stabilizer.
• Sodium selenite: A source of selenium which is an important antioxidant mineral.
• Chelated minerals: Minerals that have been chemically bonded to protein molecules. This makes them easier to absorb.

Summary:

The first 3 ingredients in this food are all meat-based which is great. The next 3 ingredients are all complex carbohydrates that provide essential vitamins, minerals and fiber. And the last 3 ingredients are all either fats or supplements which are important for a dog’s overall health.

Nutritional Analysis

On a Dry matter basis, this recipe has 41% protein, 30% fat content and about 22% carbohydrates.

Does it meet AAFCO targets on nutritional analysis?

The AAFCO does not have a preferred percentage of either protein or fat but they do have minimum requirements. For adult dogs, the minimum protein requirement is 18% and the minimum fat content is 5.5%. This food meets or exceeds those requirements.

Ingredients We Would Like To See In A Better Quality Food

We would like to see more meat-based ingredients in this food. The first 3 ingredients are all meat-based but the next 3 are complex carbohydrates. We would also like to see more omega-3 fatty acids and less canola oil.

What We Don’t Like About This Food

The only thing we don’t like about this food is that it contains more complex carbohydrates than we would like to see. Other than that, it looks like good quality food.

Canidae Dog Food Recall

On May 4, 2012, Canidae announced a voluntary recall of four of its dry dog food products after being informed by Diamond Pet Foods about Salmonella at its Gaston, South Carolina plant. Read more about dog food recalls here.

Conclusion

Overall, we think this is good quality food. It contains mostly meat-based ingredients and provides plenty of protein and fat. It also has a moderate amount of carbohydrates and includes some important supplements. We would like to see more omega-3 fatty acids and less canola oil but overall, this is good food.

Other Canidae All Life Stages Canned Dog Food Reviews

• Canidae All Life Stages Multi Protein Formula
• Canidae All Life Stages Lamb and Rice Formula
• Canidae All Life Stages Less Active Formula

Ben W. Domb

Hi there! My name is Ben Domb, an owner of two pets and I am one of the co-founders of OurPets HQ. I have several years of experience as a pet care professional in the New England region having spent time in various roles including a stint at a veterinary hospital in Upstate New York, Syracuse area. I am a certified pet care professional and mostly spend my time researching pet nutrition and sharing my thoughts in various blogs and columns. With quarantine and COVID restrictions, I have been spending a lot of time a lot with my dogs and cat and loving it! I also run a small consulting business providing advice to parents on pet nutrition, and especially safe homemade options to try. You can reach me at ben@ourpetshq.com

ourpetshq.com

Merrick’s range of dog food includes both wet and dry food, as well as treats. Their 36 grain-free recipes use quality ingredients that are designed to provide your dog with all the nutrients they need for a healthy diet. Merrick also has 60 grain-inclusive recipes. In this blog, I’ll review Merrick Grain Free Dog Food 

About Merrick Dog Food

Merrick Pet Care, Inc. is a company that produces pet food and treats. The company was founded in 1988 by Garth Merrick. Merrick is headquartered in Amarillo, Texas, United States. The company’s products are available in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Merrick Real Rabbit + Sweet Potato

Merrick Real Rabbit + Sweet Potato is the perfect grain-free diet for your furry friend. Packed with high-quality protein, this food will help keep them going strong. The delicious combination of deboned rabbit and sweet potatoes is supplemented with wholesome fruits and vegetables like peas, apples and blueberries. Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids are included to support healthy skin and coat, while glucosamine and chondroitin help maintain hip and joint health. With no preservatives, fillers, corn, wheat, soy or gluten, this food is ideal for pets with food sensitivities.

Merrick Real Venison & Sweet Potato

Merrick believes that your dogs deserve the same quality of life as we want for ourselves. That’s why they only use real, fresh meat in their recipes-no rendered by-products, no fillers, and definitely no artificial colors or flavors. This Real Venison & Sweet Potato recipe is a great example: it contains 60% protein and healthy fat ingredients to help maintain optimal weight and increased energy, along with 40% produce, fiber, vitamins, minerals and other natural ingredients. It’s also grain-free and has glucosamine and chondroitin to help keep your pup’s hips and joints healthy. Plus, Omega fatty acids promote healthy skin and a lustrous coat.

Merrick Real Lamb & Sweet Potato

Merrick lamb and sweet potato food is the perfect way to fuel your pup’s energy. With 53% of protein from animal sources, this food provides the ideal combination of nutrients to help them maintain a healthy weight and keep their energy levels up. Merrick uses only whole foods sourced from trusted farmers, without any corn, wheat, soy, gluten or artificial preservatives. The food is cooked in the USA in Hereford, TX.

Merrick Grain-Free Real Duck + Sweet Potato

Merrick Grain-Free Real Duck + Sweet Potato is healthy and delicious food for your dog. Real deboned duck is the #1 ingredient, and the food contains 65% protein and healthy fat ingredients to help maintain optimal weight and increased energy. Additionally, there are 72% of the protein comes from animal sources, glucosamine and chondroitin to help maintain healthy hips and joints, and omega fatty acids to promote healthy skin and a lustrous coat.

Merrick Grain-Free Real Bison, Beef + Sweet Potato

Merrick Grain-Free Real Bison, Beef + Sweet Potato is the perfect food for your pup! With 65% protein and healthy fat ingredients, this food helps maintain optimal weight and increased energy. The 72% of protein that comes from animal sources helps keep your pup’s muscles healthy, while glucosamine and chondroitin help maintain healthy hips and joints. Omega fatty acids promote healthy skin and a lustrous coat.

Ben W. Domb

Hi there! My name is Ben Domb, an owner of two pets and I am one of the co-founders of OurPets HQ. I have several years of experience as a pet care professional in the New England region having spent time in various roles including a stint at a veterinary hospital in Upstate New York, Syracuse area. I am a certified pet care professional and mostly spend my time researching pet nutrition and sharing my thoughts in various blogs and columns. With quarantine and COVID restrictions, I have been spending a lot of time a lot with my dogs and cat and loving it! I also run a small consulting business providing advice to parents on pet nutrition, and especially safe homemade options to try. You can reach me at ben@ourpetshq.com

ourpetshq.com