Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

ZiwiPeak canned dog food receives the Advisor’s top rating of five stars.

The ZiwiPeak Daily Dog product line lists four canned dog foods. With no AAFCO nutrient profiles for these products found on the ZiwiPeak website, we’re not certain for what life stage or lifestyle these products are best suited.

• ZiwiPeak Lamb
• ZiwiPeak Venison
• ZiwiPeak Venison and Fish
• ZiwiPeak Tripe, Lab and Venison

ZiwiPeak Tripe, Lamb and Venison canned dog food was selected to represent the others in the line for this review.

The first two items in this food are lamb tripe and venison tripe. Tripe typically consists of the first three chambers of a ruminant’s (cud-chewing animal’s) stomach. As repulsive as it may seem to us humans, tripe is nutritious and favored by dogs for its flavor.

Tripe frequently includes the contents of the stomach, too.

The third and fourth items list lamb and venison meat. Lamb and venison are considered “the clean flesh derived from slaughtered” the respective animals and associated with skeletal muscle or the muscle tissues of the tongue, diaphragm, heart or esophagus.¹

Both are naturally rich in all ten essential amino acids required by a dog to sustain life.

The fifth ingredient is green-lipped mussel. Mussels are clam-like animals notably rich in glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids… compounds claimed to support long-term joint health.

The sixth ingredient lists carrageenan… a gelatin-like thickening agent extracted from seaweed. Carrageenan has been safely used as a food additive for hundreds of years.

Guar gum is another gel-type thickener found in many canned pet foods. Refined from dehusked guar beans, guar gum can add a notable amount of dietary fiber to any product.

Flaxseed oil is one of nature’s best non-fish sources of omega-3 fatty acids… essential to a dog’s life.

The vitamins and minerals added to this product are not detailed sufficiently here to permit us to judge their quality.

ZiwiPeak Canned Dog Food
The Bottom Line

Judging by its ingredients alone, ZiwiPeak canned dog food appears to be a quality wet product.

But ingredient quality by itself cannot tell the whole story. We still need to estimate the product’s meat content before determining a final rating.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 53%, a fat level of 30% and an estimated carbohydrate content of 9%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 50% and an average fat level of 31%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate portion size of 11% for the overall product line.

High protein. Above-average fat. And low carbohydrates… when compared to a typical canned dog food.

With no evidence of any plant-based protein concentrates, this looks like the profile of a wet food containing an abundance of meat.

For those desiring to mimic a dog’s natural ancestral diet, ZiwiPeak canned dog food makes an excellent choice.

Bottom line?

ZiwiPeak canned dog food is a meat-based wet product using an abundant amount of venison and lamb as its main sources of animal protein… thus earning the brand five stars.

Enthusiastically recommended.

Those looking for a quality dry product from the same company may wish to visit our review of ZiwiPeak dehydrated dog food.

A Final Word

Remember, no dog food can possibly be appropriate for every life stage, lifestyle or health condition. So, choose wisely. And when in doubt consult a veterinarian for help.

Have an opinion about this dog food… or maybe the review itself? Please know… we welcome your comments.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

ZiwiPeak dehydrated dog food receives the Advisor’s top rating of five stars.

Currently, the ZiwiPeak product line includes three air-dried dog foods. With no AAFCO nutritional adequacy statements for these products noted on the ZiwiPeak website, we are not sure for what life stage or lifestyle these products are best suited.

• ZiwiPeak Lamb
• ZiwiPeak Venison
• ZiwiPeak Venison and Fish

ZiwiPeak Venison dry dog food was chosen to represent the others in the line for this review.

The first ingredient in this food is venison. Venison is considered “the clean flesh derived from slaughtered” venison and associated with skeletal muscle or the muscle tissues of the tongue, diaphragm, heart or esophagus.¹

Venison is naturally rich in all ten essential amino acids required by a dog to sustain life.

The next four ingredients are all organ meats…

• Liver
• Tripe
• Heart
• Kidney

Organ meats have a high biological value and are especially rich in natural vitamins and minerals. Although these items are probably sourced from venison, we would prefer to have seen their origin confirmed on the label.

In any case, organ meat can be considered a beneficial ingredient.

The sixth ingredient includes chicory inulin. Inulin is a starch-like compound made up of repeating units of carbohydrates and found in the root of the chicory plant. Chicory inulin is a natural source of soluble dietary fiber.

Chicory inulin supports digestive function and helps promote the absorption of other nutrients.

The seventh ingredient lists green-lipped mussel. Mussels are a clam-like animal notably rich in glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids… compounds with the proven ability to support long-term joint health.

The eighth ingredient is fish oil. Fish oil is naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids… and (depending on the level of its purity) should be considered a healthy addition.

Lecithin is a waxy substance obtained from soybeans. Although it is commonly used to make fats more blendable, lecithin is believed to improve a dog’s skin and coat.

The vitamins and minerals added to this product are not detailed sufficiently here to permit us to judge their quality.

Yet we do note this food contains at least some chelated minerals… minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.

ZiwiPeak Daily Dog Dry Dog Food
The Bottom Line

Judging by its ingredients alone, ZiwiPeak Daily Dog appears to be a quality dehydrated dog food.

But ingredient quality by itself cannot tell the whole story. We still need to estimate the product’s meat content before determining a final rating.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 40%, a fat level of 31% and an estimated carbohydrate content of 21%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 40% and an average fat level of 31%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate portion size of 21% for the full product line.

Above-average protein. Above-average fat. And very low carbs… as compared to a typical dehydrated or dry dog food.

Containing no plant-based protein concentrates, this appears to be the profile of a dry dog food containing a significant amount of meat.

Bottom line?

ZiwiPeak Daily Dog is a grain-free meat-based dog food using an abundance of lamb, venison or fish as its main sources of animal protein… thus earning the brand five stars.

Enthusiastically recommended.

Those looking for a wet product from the same company may wish to check out our review of ZiwiPeak canned dog food.

A Final Word

Remember, no dog food can possibly be appropriate for every life stage, lifestyle or health condition. So, choose wisely. And when in doubt consult a veterinarian for help.

Have an opinion about this dog food… or maybe the review itself? Please know… we welcome your comments.

Rating: 1 out of 5 stars

Hill’s Prescription Diet J/D canned dog food receives the Advisor’s lowest rating of one star.

Hill’s Prescription Diet J/D Canine Mobility canned dog food meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance.

The first ingredient in this dog food is water… which (of course) adds nothing but moisture to this food. Water is a routine finding in most canned dog foods.

The second ingredient is lamb liver. This is an organ meat sourced from a named animal. So long as it’s not over-weighted in a dog food, lamb liver is a beneficial component.

The third ingredient is rice. Is this whole grain rice, brown rice or white rice? Since the word “rice” doesn’t tell us much, it’s difficult to judge the quality of this particular item.

The next item includes pork by-products… slaughterhouse waste. This is what’s left of a slaughtered pig after all the prime cuts have been removed.

Basically, pork by-products are the unsavory leftovers of slaughter operations deemed “unfit for human consumption”.

Though it does contain all ten essential amino acids a dog needs for life, we do not consider pork by-products a quality ingredient.

The fifth ingredient is corn. Now, contrary to what you may have heard, corn isn’t necessarily a bad ingredient.

On the other hand, although there’s no way to know for sure here, the corn used in making many pet foods can be similar to the kind used to make feed for livestock.

And that can sometimes be problematic.

What’s more, corn is commonly linked to canine food allergies¹.

For these reasons, we rarely consider corn a preferred component in any dog food.

The sixth ingredient is lamb. Lamb is considered “the clean flesh derived from slaughtered” lamb and associated with skeletal muscle or the muscle tissues of the tongue, diaphragm, heart or esophagus.²

Lamb is considered a quality meat.

The seventh ingredient is rice flour. Rice flour is made from milling broken rice kernels… a lower grade of rice more commonly known as brewers rice. Not a quality grain.

The eighth ingredient is dried egg product… a dehydrated form of shell-free eggs. Quality can vary significantly. Lower grade egg product can even come from commercial hatcheries… from eggs that have failed to hatch.

In any case, eggs are easy to digest and have an exceptionally high biological value.

The ninth ingredient is dried whey. Whey is a by-product of the cheese industry. This particular form of whey is high in the milk sugar, lactose (about 70%) but low in protein.

It’s used in canned dog foods as a gelling agent and is an item with little nutritional value to a dog.

From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.

But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to have much of an effect on the overall rating of this product.

With four notable exceptions…

First, powdered cellulose is a non-digestible plant fiber usually made from cotton or sawdust. It is used in dog food to add bulk.

Cellulose fiber is sometimes added to dilute the number of calories per serving and to give the feeling of fullness when it is eaten.

Except for the usual benefits of fiber, powdered cellulose provides no other nutrients to a dog.

Next, soybean meal. Soybean meal is actually a useful by-product. It’s what remains of soybeans after all the oil has been removed.

Soybean meal contains 48% protein. However, compared to meat, this is an inferior plant-based protein.

Soybean oil has been red flagged here only due to its controversial (yet unlikely) link to canine food allergies.

Finally, We also note this food contains chelated minerals… minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.

Hill’s Prescription Diet J/D Canned Dog Food
The Bottom Line

The veterinary product reviewed here may or may not be suitable for your particular pet. Moreover, it is not our intention to judge the appropriateness of any dog food to treat a specific condition.

Nor is it our aim to act as a substitute for sound medical advice.

Nevertheless…

Judging by its ingredients alone, Hill’s Prescription Diet J/D canned dog food appears to be a below-average wet product.

But ingredient quality by itself cannot tell the whole story. We still need to estimate the product’s meat content before determining a final rating.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 20%, a fat level of 19% and an estimated carbohydrate content of 53%.

Low protein. Below-average fat. And high carbohydrates… when compared to a typical canned dog food.

With no evidence of any plant-based protein concentrates, this appears to be the profile of a wet food containing only a limited amount of meat.

Bottom line?

Hill’s Prescription Diet J/D canned dog food is a grain-based wet product using only a modest amount of lamb liver as its main source of animal protein… thus earning the brand one star.

Not recommended.

A Final Word

Remember, no dog food can possibly be appropriate for every life stage, lifestyle or health condition. So, choose wisely. And when in doubt consult a veterinarian for help.

Have an opinion about this dog food… or maybe the review itself? Please know… we welcome your comments.

Rating: 1 out of 5 stars

Hill’s Prescription Diet B/D dry dog food gets the Advisor’s lowest rating of one star.

Hill’s Prescription Diet B/D Canine Aging and Alertness dry dog food is designed to support cognitive function in older dogs and to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance.

The first ingredient in this dog food is corn. Now, contrary to what you may have heard, corn isn’t necessarily a bad ingredient.

On the other hand, although there’s no way to know for sure here, the corn used in making many pet foods can be similar to the kind used to make feed for livestock.

And that can sometimes be problematic.

What’s more, corn is commonly linked to canine food allergies¹.

For these reasons, we rarely consider corn a preferred component in any dog food.

The second item lists chicken by-product meal… a dry rendered product of slaughterhouse waste. It’s made from what’s left of a slaughtered chicken after all the prime cuts have been removed.

In a nutshell, chicken by-products are the unsavory and inedible leftovers deemed “unfit for human consumption”.

This stuff can contain almost anything… feet, beaks, undeveloped eggs… you name it.

On the brighter side, by-product meals are meat concentrates and contain nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken.

The third ingredient is pork fat. Commonly known as lard, pork fat can add significant flavor to any dog food. Though it can be high in saturated oils, in reasonable amounts, pork fat can be considered an acceptable ingredient.

The fourth ingredient is brewers rice. Brewers rice represents the small grain fragments left over after milling whole rice.

This is an inexpensive cereal grain by-product and not considered a quality ingredient.

The fifth ingredient is soybean mill run. Mill run is a by-product… mostly the hulls of soybeans remaining after processing the beans into meal. This is nothing more than a cheap, low-quality filler more commonly found in cattle feeds.

The sixth ingredient is soybean meal. Soybean meal is actually a useful by-product. It’s what remains of soybeans after all the oil has been removed.

Soybean meal contains 48% protein. However, compared to meat, this is an inferior plant-based protein. So, we must allow for this boosting effect as we judge the meat content of this food.

The seventh ingredient is flaxseed… one of the best plant sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Flax seeds are rich in soluble fiber.

However, we find it unusual to see flaxseed here in its whole seed form. Whole flax seeds are almost impossible to digest (at least for us humans) unless they are first ground to a usable powder before they are consumed.

The eighth ingredient is fish meal. Because it is considered a meat concentrate, fish meal contains almost 300% more protein than fresh fish itself.

Unfortunately, this particular item is anonymous. The term “fish” does little to properly describe this ingredient. What species? What parts?

Fish meal is commonly made from the by-products of commercial fish operations.

What’s more, the controversial chemical ethoxyquin is frequently used as a preservative in fish meals.

But because it’s usually added to the raw fish before processing, the chemical does not have to be reported to consumers.

We find no public assurances from the company this product is ethoxyquin-free.

Without knowing more, and based upon this fish meal’s location on the list of ingredients, we would expect to find at least a trace of ethoxyquin in this product.

From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.

But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to have much of an effect on the overall rating of this product.

With three notable exceptions…

Grape and tomato pomace and citrus pulp are all controversial ingredients… by-products of fruit and vegetable processing.

Many praise pomaces and pulps for their high fiber content… while others scorn them as cheap pet food fillers.

Just the same (and this far down the list), there’s probably not enough of these items to make much of a difference.

Soybean oil is an inexpensive substitute for animal fat, which is “red flagged” due to its possible link to canine food allergies.

Finally, we note the minerals here do not appear to be chelated. And that can make them more difficult to absorb. Non-chelated minerals are usually associated with lower quality dog foods.

Hill’s Prescription Diet B/D Dry Dog Food
The Bottom Line

It’s important to note the veterinary dog food reviewed here may or may not be suitable for your particular pet. Moreover, it is not our intention to judge the appropriateness of any dog food to treat a specific condition.

Nor is it our aim to act as a substitute for sound medical advice.

Just the same…

Judging by its ingredients alone, Hill’s Prescription Diet B/D appears to be a below-average dog food.

But ingredient quality by itself cannot tell the whole story. We still need to estimate the product’s meat content before determining a final rating.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 19%, a fat level of 15% and an estimated carbohydrate content of 58%.

Low protein. Average fat. And high carbohydrates… when compared to a typical dry dog food.

Yet when you consider the protein-boosting effect of the soybean meal, this is the profile of a kibble containing only a limited amount of meat.

Bottom line?

Hill’s Prescription Diet B/D dry dog food is a grain-based kibble using only a modest amount of chicken by-product meal as its main source of animal protein… thus earning the brand one star.

Not recommended.

A Final Word

Remember, no dog food can possibly be appropriate for every life stage, lifestyle or health condition. So, choose wisely. And when in doubt consult a veterinarian for help.

Have an opinion about this dog food… or maybe the review itself? Please know… we welcome your comments.

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Hill’s Prescription Diet Z/D canned dog food receives the Advisor’s second-lowest rating of two stars.

Hill’s Prescription Diet Z/D Ultra Allergen-Free canned dog food has been designed to prevent adverse reactions to food and to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance.

The first ingredient in this dog food lists water… which (of course) adds nothing but moisture to this food. Water is a routine finding in most canned dog foods.

The second ingredient is hydrolyzed chicken liver… organ meat that has been chemically broken-down into its component amino acids. Hydrolyzed proteins are considered hypoallergenic.

The third ingredient lists corn starch… a starchy powder extracted from the endosperm found at the heart of a kernel of corn. Corn starch is most likely used here to thicken the broth into a gravy.

By the way, please forgive our software’s “red flag” treatment of this otherwise acceptable addition.

The fourth item lists powdered cellulose… a non-digestible plant fiber usually made from cotton or wood. It is used in dog food to add bulk.

Cellulose fiber is sometimes added to dilute the number of calories per serving and to give the feeling of fullness when it is eaten.

Except for the usual benefits of fiber, powdered cellulose provides no other nutrients to a dog.

The fifth ingredient is soybean oil… an inexpensive substitute for animal fat “red flagged” here due to its controversial link to canine food allergies.

The sixth ingredient is dicalcium phosphate… likely used here as a dietary calcium supplement.

From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.

But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to have much of an effect on the overall rating of this product.

With one notable exceptions…

We note the minerals here do not appear to be chelated. And that can make them more difficult to absorb. Non-chelated minerals are usually associated with lower quality dog foods.

Hill’s Prescription Diet Z/D Canned Dog Food
The Bottom Line

It is important to note the veterinary dog food reviewed here may or may not be suitable for your particular pet. Moreover, it is not our intention to judge the appropriateness of any dog food to treat a specific condition.

Nor is it our aim to act as a substitute for sound medical advice.

Just the same…

Judging by its ingredients alone, Hill’s Prescription Diet Z/D dry dog food appears to be a near-average kibble.

But ingredient quality by itself cannot tell the whole story. We still need to estimate the product’s meat content before determining a final rating.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 20%, a fat level of 14% and an estimated carbohydrate content of 59%.

Very low protein. Very low fat. And unusually high carbohydrates… when compared to a typical canned dog food.

With no evidence of any plant-based protein concentrates, this is the profile of a wet food containing only a very limited amount of meat.

Bottom line?

Hill’s Prescription Diet Z/D is a carb-based canned dog food using a limited amount of hydrolyzed chicken liver as its main source of animal protein… thus earning the brand two stars.

Not recommended.

Those looking for a comparable kibble from the same company may wish to visit our review of Hill’s Prescription Diet Z/D dry dog food.

A Final Word

Remember, no dog food can possibly be appropriate for every life stage, lifestyle or health condition. So, choose wisely. And when in doubt consult a veterinarian for help.

Have an opinion about this dog food… or maybe the review itself? Please know… we welcome your comments.

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Hill’s Prescription Diet Z/D dry dog food gets the Advisor’s second-lowest rating of two stars.

Currently, the Hill’s Prescription Diet Z/D dry product line includes two kibbles… each designed to help prevent “adverse reactions to food” and to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance.

• Hill’s Prescription Diet Z/D Low Allergen
• Hill’s Prescription Diet Z/D Ultra Allergen-Free

Hill’s Prescription Diet Z/D Low Allergen dry dog food was selected to represent both products in the line for this review.

The first item in this dog food is potato product… a leftover of the potato processing industry containing about 71% carbohydrates.¹ Potato product is commonly associated with cattle feeds.

Potato product is equal to corn in energy value yet contains 50% more protein.²

The second ingredient is hydrolyzed chicken liver… organ meat that has been chemically broken-down into its component amino acids. Hydrolyzed proteins are considered hypoallergenic.

The third item lists potato starch. Potato starch is a gluten-free carbohydrate… both digestible and hypoallergenic.

The fourth item lists soybean oil… an inexpensive substitute for animal fat “red flagged” here due to its controversial link to canine food allergies.

What’s worse, this oil is preserved with butylated hydroxyanisole (a suspected cancer-causing agent) and propyl gallate (a potential reproductive toxin).

This particular oil should not be considered a quality component.

The fifth ingredient lists hydrolyzed chicken… another chemically processed meat item notable for its hypoallergenic qualities.

The sixth ingredient lists powdered cellulose… a non-digestible plant fiber usually made from cotton or wood and used in dog food to add bulk.

Cellulose fiber is sometimes added to dilute the number of calories per serving and to give the feeling of fullness when it is eaten.

Except for the usual benefits of fiber, powdered cellulose provides no significant nutrients to a dog.

From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.

But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to have much of an effect on the overall rating of this product.

With two notable exceptions…

We find no evidence of probiotics… friendly bacteria applied to the surface of the kibble after processing.

We also note the minerals here do not appear to be chelated. And that can make them more difficult to absorb. Non-chelated minerals are usually associated with lower quality dog foods.

Hill’s Prescription Diet Z/D Dry Dog Food
The Bottom Line

It is important to note the veterinary dog food reviewed here may or may not be suitable for your particular pet. Moreover, it is not our intention to judge the appropriateness of any dog food to treat a specific condition.

Nor is it our aim to act as a substitute for sound medical advice.

Just the same…

Judging by its ingredients alone, Hill’s Prescription Diet Z/D appears to be a below-average dry dog food.

But ingredient quality by itself cannot tell the whole story. We still need to estimate the product’s meat content before determining a final rating.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 20%, a fat level of 16% and an estimated carbohydrate content of 57%.

As a brand, the pair features an average protein content of 19% and an average fat level of 15%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate portion size of 58% for the Z/D product line.

Low protein. Average fat. And high carbohydrates… when compared to a typical dry dog food.

Yet when you consider the plant-based protein-boosting effect of the dried potato product, this is the profile of a kibble containing only a limited amount of meat.

Bottom line?

Hill’s Prescription Diet Z/D is essentially a potato-based dry kibble using only a modest amount of hydrolyzed chicken liver as its main source of animal protein… thus earning the brand two stars.

Not recommended.

Those looking for a wet product from the same company may wish to visit our review of Hill’s Prescription Diet Z/D canned dog food.

A Final Word

Remember, no dog food can possibly be appropriate for every life stage, lifestyle or health condition. So, choose wisely. And when in doubt consult a veterinarian for help.

Have an opinion about this dog food… or maybe the review itself? Please know… we welcome your comments.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

TimberWolf Organics Wild and Natural dog food earns the Advisor’s top rating of five stars.

TimberWolf Organics Wild and Natural is a grain-free kibble that meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages.

The first ingredient in this dog food is chicken meal. Chicken meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken.

The second ingredient lists chicken. Although it is a quality item, raw chicken contains about 80% water. After cooking, most of that moisture is lost… reducing the meat content to just 20% of its original weight.

After processing, this item would probably occupy a lower position on the list.

The third ingredient is herring meal. Like chicken meal, herring meal is another protein-rich meat concentrate.

We are pleased to note that, unlike most fish meals, this particular item¹ appears to be ethoxyquin-free.

The fourth item is potato. Assuming they’re whole, potatoes are a good source of digestible carbohydrates and other healthy nutrients.

The fifth ingredient lists chicken fat. Chicken fat is obtained from rendering chicken… a process similar to making soup in which the fat itself is skimmed from the surface of the liquid.

Chicken fat is high in linoleic acid… an omega-6 fatty acid essential for life. Although it doesn’t sound very appetizing, chicken fat is actually a quality ingredient.

The sixth ingredient is dried chicken liver… a nutritious addition containing more than fifty percent organ-based animal protein.

The seventh ingredient lists sweet potato. Sweet potatoes are a good source of complex carbohydrates in a dog food. They are naturally rich in fiber, beta carotene and other healthy nutrients.

The eighth ingredient is herring oil. Herring oil is naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids… essential nutrients needed by every dog to sustain life. A healthy addition.

The ninth ingredient lists eggs. Eggs are easy to digest and have an exceptionally high biological value.

From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.

But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to have much of an effect on the overall rating of this product.

With two notable exceptions…

The manufacturer appears to have applied friendly bacteria to the surface of the kibble after cooking. These special probiotics are used to enhance a dog’s digestive and immune functions.

This dog food also contains chelated minerals… minerals that have been chemically attached to amino acids. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are generally found in better dog foods.

TimberWolf Organics Wild and Natural Dog Food
The Bottom Line

Judging by its ingredients alone, TimberWolf Organics Wild and Natural appears to be a quality dog food.

But ingredient quality by itself cannot tell the whole story. We still need to estimate the product’s meat content before determining a final rating.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 40%, a fat level of 20% and an estimated carbohydrate content of 33%.

High protein. Above-average fat. And low carbohydrates… when compared to a typical dry dog food.

With no evidence of any plant-based protein concentrates, this is the profile of a kibble containing a significant amount of meat.

For those looking to mimic a dog’s natural ancestral diet, TimberWolf Organics Wild and Natural makes an excellent choice.

Bottom line?

TimberWolf Organics Wild and Natural is a meat-based kibble using a generous amount of chicken and herring as its main sources of animal protein… thus earning the brand five stars.

Enthusiastically recommended.

Those looking for other quality kibbles from the same company may wish to check out our review of TimberWolf Organics Dog Food.

A Final Word

Remember, no dog food can possibly be appropriate for every life stage, lifestyle or health condition. So, choose wisely. And when in doubt consult a veterinarian for help.

Have an opinion about this dog food… or maybe the review itself? Please know… we welcome your comments.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Horizon Legacy Dog Food receives the Advisor’s highest rating of five stars.

Currently, the Horizon Legacy product line includes two kibbles… both designed to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages.

• Horizon Legacy Adult Dog Food
• Horizon Legacy Puppy Dog Food

Horizon Legacy Adult Dog Food was selected to represent both products in the line for this review.

The first ingredient in this dog food lists chicken. Although it is a quality item, raw chicken contains about 80% water. After cooking, most of that moisture is lost… reducing the meat content to just 20% of its original weight.

To reflect its lighter mass, this item should more accurately occupy a lower position on the list.

Which brings us to chicken meal… the second and (more likely) the dominant meat ingredient in this dog food.

Chicken meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken.

The third ingredient lists peas. Peas are considered a quality source of carbohydrates. Plus (like all legumes) they’re loaded with fiber.

What’s more, peas contain about 25% protein… protein that must be counted as a contributor to the total protein in this food.

The fourth item is pea starch… a paste-like carbohydrate extract probably used here as a gel-like binder for making kibble.

The fifth ingredient lists turkey meal… another high-protein meat concentrate.

The sixth ingredient lists chicken fat. Chicken fat is obtained from rendering chicken… a process similar to making soup in which the fat itself is skimmed from the surface of the liquid.

Chicken fat is high in linoleic acid… an omega-6 fatty acid essential for life. Although it doesn’t sound very appetizing, chicken fat is actually a quality ingredient.

The seventh ingredient includes salmon meal. Like the chicken and turkey meals previously detailed, this is another protein-rich compnent.

Unlike many fish meals, this item appears¹ to be ethoxyquin-free.

The eighth ingredient is pea fiber… a mix of soluble and insoluble plant fiber derived from pea hulls. It is probably used here to add bulk.

In addition to the usual benefits of fiber, pea fiber can account for a trace of extra protein in this food.

The ninth ingredient is flaxseed… one of the best plant sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Flax seeds are rich in soluble fiber.

However, we find it unusual to see flaxseed here in its whole seed form. Whole flax seeds are almost impossible to digest (at least for us humans) unless they are first ground to a usable powder before they are consumed.

The tenth item lists egg product… a dehydrated form of shell-free eggs. Quality can vary significantly. Lower grade egg product can even come from commercial hatcheries… from eggs that have failed to hatch.

In any case, eggs are easy to digest and have an exceptionally high biological value.

From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.

But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to have much of an effect on the overall rating of this product.

With two notable exceptions…

The manufacturer appears to have applied friendly bacteria to the surface of the kibble after cooking. These special probiotics are used to enhance a dog’s digestive and immune functions.

This dog food also contains chelated minerals… minerals that have been chemically attached to amino acids. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are generally found in better dog foods.

Horizon Legacy Dog Food… the Bottom Line

Judging by its ingredients alone, Horizon Legacy appears to be an excellent grain-free dog food.

But ingredient quality by itself cannot tell the whole story. We still need to estimate the product’s meat content before determining a final rating.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 38%, a fat level of 17% and an estimated carbohydrate content of 38%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 39% and an average fat level of 18%. Together, these figures suggest an overall carbohydrate content of 35% for the full product line.

High protein. Moderate fat. And low carbohydrates when compared to a typical dry dog food.

With no evidence of any plant-based protein concentrates, this is the profile of a kibble containing a notable amount of meat.

Bottom line?

Horizon Legacy is primarily a grain-free kibble using a significant amount of poultry and poultry meals as its main source of animal protein… thus earning the brand five stars.

Highly recommended.

Those looking for a similar kibble with slightly less meat may wish to check out our review of Horizon Complete Dog Food.

A Final Word

Remember, no dog food can possibly be appropriate for every life stage, lifestyle or health condition. So, choose wisely. And when in doubt consult a veterinarian for help.

Have an opinion about this dog food brand… or maybe the review itself? Please know… we welcome your comments.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Horizon Complete Dog Food receives the Advisor’s second-highest rating of four stars.

Currently, the Horizon Complete product line includes five kibbles… four meeting AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance and one for growth (Complete Puppy).

• Horizon Complete Adult
• Horizon Complete Puppy
• Horizon Complete Senior
• Horizon Complete Large Breed Adult
• Horizon Complete Large Breed Puppy

Horizon Complete Large Breed Puppy was selected to represent the others in the line for this review.

The first ingredient in this dog food is chicken meal. Chicken meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken.

The second ingredient is barley. Barley is a starchy carbohydrate supplying fiber and other healthy nutrients. Unlike grains with a higher glycemic index (like rice), barley can help support stable blood sugar levels in dogs.

The third ingredient lists whole oats. Oats are rich in B-vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber.

The fourth item lists chicken. Although it is a quality item, raw chicken contains about 80% water. After cooking, most of that moisture is lost… reducing the meat content to just 20% of its original weight.

To reflect its lighter mass, this item should more accurately occupy a lower position on the list.

The fifth ingredient is rye. Rye is a cereal grain nutritionally similar to barley.

The sixth ingredient lists chicken fat. Chicken fat is obtained from rendering chicken… a process similar to making soup in which the fat itself is skimmed from the surface of the liquid.

Chicken fat is high in linoleic acid… an omega-6 fatty acid essential for life. Although it doesn’t sound very appetizing, chicken fat is actually a quality ingredient.

The seventh ingredient is pea fiber… a mix of soluble and insoluble plant fiber derived from pea hulls. It is probably used here to add bulk.

In addition to the usual benefits of fiber, pea fiber can account for a trace of extra protein in this food.

The eighth ingredient is flaxseed… one of the best plant sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Flax seeds are rich in soluble fiber.

However, we find it unusual to see flaxseed here in its whole seed form. Whole flax seeds are almost impossible to digest (at least for us humans) unless they are first ground to a usable powder before they are consumed.

The salmon oil listed here is naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids… essential oils needed by every dog to sustain life.

From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.

But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to have much of an effect on the overall rating of this product.

With two notable exceptions…

The manufacturer appears to have applied friendly bacteria to the surface of the kibble after cooking. These special probiotics are used to enhance a dog’s digestive and immune functions.

This dog food also contains chelated minerals… minerals that have been chemically attached to amino acids. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are generally found in better dog foods.

Horizon Complete Dog Food
The Bottom Line

Judging by its ingredients alone, Horizon Complete appears to be a very good dog food.

But ingredient quality by itself cannot tell the whole story. We still need to estimate the product’s meat content before determining a final rating.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 31%, a fat level of 16% and an estimated carbohydrate content of 45%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 30% and an average fat level of 15%. Together, these figures suggest an overall carbohydrate content of 47% for the full product line.

Average protein. Average fat. And average carbohydrates… when compared to a typical dry dog food.

With no evidence of any plant-based protein concentrates, this is the profile of a kibble containing a moderate amount of meat.

But boasting human-grade components and virtually no Red Flag ingredients, Horizon Complete is entitled to a higher rating.

Bottom line?

Horizon Complete is essentially a grain-based dry kibble using a moderate amount of chicken meal as its main source of animal protein… thus earning the brand four stars.

Highly recommended.

Those looking for a higher-rated grain-free kibble from the same company may wish to visit our review of Horizon Legacy Dog Food.

A Final Word

Remember, no dog food can possibly be appropriate for every life stage, lifestyle or health condition. So, choose wisely. And when in doubt consult a veterinarian for help.

Have an opinion about this dog food brand… or maybe the review itself? Please know… we welcome your comments.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Party Animal Canned Dog Food earns the Advisor’s second-highest rating of four stars.

Currently, the Party Animal product line lists ten organic canned dog foods… each designed to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages.

• Party Animal Ducked Up Recipe
• Party Animal Blazin’ Beef Recipe
• Party Animal Chillin’ Chicken Recipe
• Party Animal Kickin’ Chicken Recipe
• Party Animal Luscious Lamb Recipe
• Party Animal Jammin’ Salmon Recipe
• Party Animal California Turkey Recipe
• Party Animal Heavenly Venison Recipe
• Party Animal California Chicken Recipe
• Party Animal Turn Up Da’ Turkey Recipe

All except California Chicken and California Turkey are grain free.

Party Animal Chillin’ Chicken Recipe was selected to represent the others in the line for this review.

The first ingredient in this dog food is organic chicken. Chicken is considered “the clean combination of flesh and skin… derived from the parts or whole carcasses of chicken”.¹

Chicken is naturally rich in the ten essential amino acids required by a dog to sustain life.

The second item is organic chicken broth. Broths are nutritionally worthless. But because they add moisture to a dog food they are a common finding in many canned products.

The third ingredient is organic sweet potato. Sweet potatoes are a good source of complex carbohydrates in a dog food. They are naturally rich in fiber, beta carotene and other healthy nutrients.

The fourth ingredient lists organic blueberries. Blueberries are a good source of vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber.

The fifth ingredient is organic egg… a desirable addition. Eggs are easy to digest and have an exceptionally high biological value.

The next two ingredients include organic broccoli and peas… both healthy vegetables rich in natural fiber.

The eighth ingredient is organic guar gum… a gelling or thickening agent found in many wet pet foods. Refined from dehusked guar beans, guar gum can add a notable amount of dietary fiber to any product.

We note the minerals here do not appear to be chelated. And that can make them more difficult to absorb. Non-chelated minerals are usually associated with lower quality dog foods.

Party Animal Canned Dog Food
The Bottom Line

Since Party Animal Dog Food contains an abundance of top quality organic ingredients, we feel compelled to accord this line favored status as we consider its final rating.

That’s because organic ingredients are produced under remarkably strict government standards… standards which greatly restrict the use of any synthetic pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, hormones or antibiotics.

But ingredient quality by itself cannot tell the whole story. We still need to estimate the product’s meat content before determining a final rating.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 36%, a fat level of 23% and an estimated carbohydrate content of 33%.

As a group, all ten foods report the same nutrient readings.

Below-average protein. Average fat. And above-average carbs… as compared to a typical canned dog food.

Yet with no evidence of any plant-based protein concentrates, this is the profile of a wet food containing only a moderate amount of meat.

Just the same, it’s important to note the complete absence of any critical Red Flag items.

Bottom line?

Party Animal is primarily a meat-based organic canned dog food using a moderate amount of assorted animal species as its main source of protein… thus earning the brand four stars.

Highly recommended.

Those looking for a another organic wet food with which to make a comparison may wish to check out our review of Castor and Pollux Organix Canned Dog Food.

A Final Word

Remember, no dog food can possibly be appropriate for every life stage, lifestyle or health condition. So, choose wisely. And when in doubt consult a veterinarian for help.

Have an opinion about this dog food brand… or maybe the review itself? Please know… we welcome your comments.