nature s recipe salmon dog food

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last updated September 16, 2024

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Natures Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food Review (Dry)

Home Reviews Natures Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food Review (Dry)

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Review of Natures Recipe Grain Free Dog Food

Natures Recipe Grain Free Dog Food receives the Advisors second-highest tier rating of 4.5 stars.

The Natures Recipe Grain Free product line includes the 6 dry dog foods listed below.

Each recipe includes its related AAFCO nutrient profile when available on the products official webpage: Growth, Maintenance, All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.

Recipe and Label Analysis

Natures Recipe Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato and Pumpkin was selected to represent the other products in the line for detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.

Label and nutrient data below are calculated using dry matter basis.

Natures Recipe Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato and Pumpkin

Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content

Salmon, garbanzo beans, peas, menhaden fish meal, pea starch, poultry fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), sweet potatoes, pumpkin, natural flavor, dried tomato pomace, salt, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, dl-methionine, taurine, choline chloride, dicalcium phosphate, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, l-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), inositol, niacin, d-calcium pantothenate, vitamin A supplement, riboflavin supplement, thiamine mononitrate, beta-carotene, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin B12 supplement, menadione sodium bisulfite complex, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid, biotin), minerals (ferrous sulfate, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, zinc oxide, copper sulfate, manganese proteinate, copper proteinate, manganous oxide, calcium iodate), sodium selenite, lactic acid, citric acid (used as a preservative), Yucca schidigera extract, rosemary extract

Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 4%

Red denotes any controversial items

Guaranteed Analysis	27%	12%	NA
Dry Matter Basis	30%	13%	49%
Calorie Weighted Basis	27%	29%	44%

Ingredient Analysis

The first ingredient in this dog food is salmon. Although it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, raw salmon contains up to 73% water. After cooking, most of that moisture is lost, reducing the meat content to just a fraction of its original weight.

After processing, this item would probably account for a smaller part of the total content of the finished product.

The second ingredient lists garbanzo beans, also known as chickpeas. Like peas, beans and lentils, the chickpea is a nutritious member of the fiber-rich legume (pulse) family of vegetables.

Garbanzos contain about 22% protein, something which must be considered when evaluating the total protein reported in this food.

The third ingredient includes peas. Peas are a quality source of carbohydrates. And like all legumes, theyre rich in natural fiber.

However, peas contain about 25% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the meat content of this dog food.

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

Menhaden are small ocean fish related to herring. Theyre rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Whats more, in their mid-depth habitat, menhaden are not exposed to mercury contamination as can be typical with deep water species.

This item is typically obtained from the clean, dried, ground tissue of undecomposed whole fish and fish cuttings of commercial fish operations.¹

The next ingredient is pea starch, a paste-like, gluten-free carbohydrate extract probably used here as a binder for making kibble. Aside from its energy content (calories), pea starch is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

The sixth ingredient is poultry fat. This item is obtained from rendering, a process similar to making soup in which the fat itself is skimmed from the surface of the liquid.

Poultry fat is high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid essential for life.

However, poultry fat is a relatively generic ingredient and can be considered lower in quality than a similar item from a named source animal (like chicken fat).

The seventh ingredient is sweet potato. Sweet potatoes are a gluten-free source of complex carbohydrates in dog food. They are naturally rich in dietary fiber and beta carotene.

The next ingredient is pumpkin, which is a nutritious addition high in complex carbohydrates, beta-carotene and dietary fiber.

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

But realistically, items located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this Natures Recipe dog food.

With 6 notable exceptions

First, we find tomato pomace. Tomato pomace is a controversial ingredient, a by-product remaining after processing tomatoes into juice, soup and ketchup.

Many praise tomato pomace for its high fiber and nutrient content, while others scorn it as an inexpensive pet food filler.

Just the same, theres probably not enough tomato pomace here to make much of a difference.

Next, we note the use of taurine, an important amino acid associated with the healthy function of heart muscle. Although taurine is not typically considered essential in canines, some dogs have been shown to be deficient in this critical nutrient.

Since taurine deficiency appears to be more common in pets consuming grain-free diets, we view its presence in this recipe as a positive addition.

In addition, this product includes 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.

Next, we find no mention of probiotics, friendly bacteria applied to the surface of the kibble after processing to help with digestion.

Additionally, this product contains sodium selenite, a controversial form of the mineral selenium. Sodium selenite appears to be nutritionally inferior to the more natural source of selenium found in selenium yeast.

And lastly, this recipe contains menadione, a controversial form of vitamin K linked to liver toxicity, allergies and the abnormal break-down of red blood cells.

Since vitamin K isnt required by AAFCO in either of its dog food nutrient profiles, we question the use of this substance in any canine formulation.

Nutrient Analysis

Based on its ingredients alone, Natures Recipe Grain Free Dog Food looks like an above-average dry product.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 30%, a fat level of 13% and estimated carbohydrates of about 49%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 29% and a mean fat level of 15%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 48% for the overall product line.

And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 51%.

Which means this Natures Recipe product line contains

Above-average protein. Near-average fat. And near-average carbs when compared to a typical dry dog food.

When you consider the protein-boosting effect of the garbanzo beans and peas, this looks like the profile of a kibble containing a notable amount of meat.

Our Rating of Natures Recipe Grain Free Dog Food

Natures Recipe Grain Free is a dry dog food using a notable amount of named meat meals as its dominant source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 4.5 stars.

Highly recommended.

However, its unfortunate the company chose to include menadione in its recipes. Without this controversial ingredient, we may have been compelled to award this line a higher rating.

Natures Recipe Dog Food Recall History

The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls since 2009 related to Natures Recipe.

More Natures Recipe Brand Dog Food Reviews

The following Natures Recipe product reviews are also posted on this website:

Compare This Dog Food

How does this brand compare with The Dog Food Advisor's most recommended brands?

A Final Word

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Natures Recipe Dog Food Review

By Mike Sagman

Updated: March 28, 2024

DogFoodAdvisor is reader supported See how

All reviews are 100% impartial but if you buy using links on this page, we may earn a referral fee.

Is Natures Recipe a good dog food?

In this review The Dog Food Advisor takes a critical look at Natures Recipe Dog Food and its most popular sub-brands.

Well also reveal

Is Natures Recipe made in the United States?
Has Natures Recipe been recalled?
Which flavors and recipes get our top ratings?

But first

Which Sub-Brand Is Right for You?

Here are Natures Recipes most popular sub-brands. In the section below, well share what makes each one different. So, you can choose the one thats best for your dog.

This Natures Recipe sub-brand is best for those who prefer a dry kibble thats grain free.

Most popular sub-brand
Contains no corn, wheat or rice
6 recipes (ratings vary)

View Recipe Ratings

Natures Recipe is for those seeking a dry dog food thats made with grain.

Grain-inclusive design
Fully balanced formula
6 recipes (ratings vary)

View Recipe Ratings

This option is ideal for those needing a wet food made with grain.

Contains rice, barley or other grains
Stews or finely chopped pates
4 recipes (ratings vary)

View Recipe Ratings

Best for those who prefer a pre-measured, wet dog food that contains no cereal grains.

No corn, wheat, rice or barley
Nutrient rich, balanced formula
6 recipes (ratings vary)

View Recipe Ratings

Who Makes Natures Recipe Dog Food?

Natures Recipe is owned by Big Heart Pet Brands a division of The J. M. Smucker Company of Orville, Ohio.

All dry foods are made in the United States. Wet recipes are made in Thailand.¹

Has Natures Recipe Dog Food Been Recalled?

Heres a list of all recalls since 2009 related to Natures Recipe dog products. Updates are added as soon as new recalls are posted.

You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls here.

Get Free Recall Alerts

Get lifesaving dog food recall alerts sent to you by email. Subscribe to The Advisors emergency recall notification list.

Is Natures Recipe a Good Dog Food?

Natures Recipe Dog Food earns The Advisors mid-tier rating of 3.5 stars.

Which Natures Recipe Original Recipes Get Our Best Ratings?

The Natures Recipe Original product line includes the 6dry dog foods listed below.

Each recipe includes its AAFCO nutrient profile when available Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.

Recipe and Label Analysis

Natures Recipe Lamb, Barley and Brown Rice Recipe was selected to represent the other products in the line for detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.

Label and nutrient data below are calculated using dry matter basis.

Natures Recipe Lamb, Barley and Brown Rice Recipe

Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content

Lamb, chicken meal, brewers rice, barley, oatmeal, canola meal, rice bran, poultry fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), brown rice, turkey meal, natural flavor, salt, flaxseed, potassium chloride, taurine, DL-methionine, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, niacin, ascorbic acid (source of vitamin C), thiamine mononitrate, pantothenic acid, vitamin A supplement, riboflavin supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement), minerals (ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, sodium selenite, manganese sulfate, calcium iodate), choline chloride, brewers dried yeast, lactic acid, citric acid (used as a preservative), yucca schidigera extract, rosemary extract

Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 4%

Red denotes any controversial items

Guaranteed Analysis	22%	13%	NA
Dry Matter Basis	24%	14%	53%
Calorie Weighted Basis	22%	31%	47%

Ingredient Analysis

The first ingredient in this dog food 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 naturally rich in all ten essential amino acids required by a dog to sustain life.

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

The next ingredient is brewers rice. Brewers rice is a cereal grain by-product consisting of the small fragments left over after milling whole rice. Aside from the caloric energy it contains, this item is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

The fourth ingredient is barley. Barley is a starchy carbohydrate supplying fiber and other healthy nutrients. However, aside from its energy content, this cereal grain is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

The fifth ingredient is oatmeal, a whole-grain product made from coarsely ground oats. Oatmeal is naturally rich in B-vitamins, dietary fiber and can be (depending upon its level of purity) gluten-free.

The sixth ingredient is canola meal,a by-product of canola oil production more typically used to make feed for farm animals and to produce biodiesel.

Unfortunately, canola can be a controversial item. Thats because it can sometimes (but not always) be derived from genetically modified rapeseed.

In any case, because canola meal also contains about 37% dry matter protein, this ingredient would be expected to notably boost the total protein reported on the label a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

The seventh ingredient isrice bran, a healthy by-product of milling whole grain rice. The bran is the outer layer of the grain containing starch, protein, fat as well as vitamins and minerals.

The eighth ingredient is poultry fat. This item is obtained from rendering, a process similar to making soup in which the fat itself is skimmed from the surface of the liquid.

Poultry fat is high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid essential for life.

However, poultry fat is a relatively generic ingredient and can be considered lower in quality than a similar item from a named source animal (like chicken fat).

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 affect the overall rating of this Natures Recipe product.

With 5 notable exceptions

First, we find flaxseed, one of the best plant sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Provided theyve first been ground into a meal, flax seeds are also rich in soluble fiber.

However, flaxseed contains about 19% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

Since taurine deficiency appears to be more common in pets consuming grain-free diets, we view its presence in this recipe as a positive addition.

In addition, we find no mention of probiotics, friendly bacteria applied to the surface of the kibble after processing to help with digestion.

Next, this recipe lists 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.

We also note the inclusion of sodium selenite, a controversial form of the mineral selenium. Sodium selenite appears to be nutritionally inferior to the more natural source of selenium found in selenium yeast.

Nutrient Summary

Based on its ingredients alone, Natures Recipe looks like an above-average dry kibble.

The nutrient dashboard above displays a dry matter protein reading of 24%, a fat level of 14% and estimated carbohydrates of about 53%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 25% and a mean fat level of 13%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 54% for the overall product line.

And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.

Which means this Natures Recipe product contains

Below-average protein. Below-average fat. And above-average carbs when compared to a typical dry dog food.

Our Rating of Natures Recipe Dog Food

The Dog Food Advisor finds Natures Recipe to be an above-average dry kibble. The Original grain-inclusive recipe includes a moderate amount of lamb or poultry meal as its main source of animal protein thus earning the brand 3.5 stars. The Grain-Free recipe gets 4.5 stars.

Recommended.

What Do Others Say About Natures Recipe?

As of the time of this update

Chewy customers rate Natures Recipe 4.7 out of 5 stars and 99% say they would recommend it to others.

Heres an actual user review

Sample buyer review Both of my dogs absolutely love this brand and these ingredients. Daisy, a mix breed would throw up every once in a while and have stomach issues. But ever since I switched to this brand we have never had an issue. I read in the comments that a lot of people were complaining about the smell, it is salmon flavor. so it will smell fishy ahaha also I did read that some dogs did have diarrhea. Its probably because it contains pumpkin and sweet potato which help your dogs digestive System in the long run. Zoey, the Chihuahua would have trouble using the bathroom before switching to this brand. Both of my dogs have long hair and theyve never had skin issues. 100% recommend. Ive never read or experienced anything bad while using this brand. Ive used it for more than 2 years.
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

What Are Natures Recipes Best Flavors?

Based on the weighted average of their popularity and ratings, here are our 5 most recommended Natures Recipe flavors and recipes.

Is Natures Recipe a healthy dog food?

All Natures Recipe products meet dog food nutrient requirements established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Each is designed to be nutritionally complete and balanced for the specific life stage of a dog printed on the package.

Is Natures Recipe Dog Food good for puppies?

Natures Recipe offers 2 nutritionally balanced puppy foods. The Grain-Free Puppy recipe features chicken, sweet potato and pumpkin as its primary ingredients. The Original Puppy formula is a grain-inclusive thats based on lamb meal, rice and barley. Each recipe meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages and is safe for large breed puppies.

Is Natures Recipe dog food good for small dogs?

Natures Recipe produces a number of dog foods that are safe for smaller dogs. In fact, the company also offers 2 recipes specifically designed for small and toy dogs Natures Recipe Small Breed Grain-Free and Natures Recipe Original Small Bites. Small Bites is grain-inclusive and contains rice, barley and oatmeal. Each meets AAFCO nutrient guidelines for adult maintenance. However, they are not suitable for puppies. View The Advisors best dog foods for small dogs here.

Is Natures Recipe dog food safe for seniors?

Many Natures Recipe formulas that contain quality protein levels and are below average in calorie and fat content can be considered safe for seniors provided they meet AAFCO nutrient standards for adult maintenance. Natures Recipe Senior Lamb Meal and Rice Recipe can make a healthy option for older animals. View The Advisors best senior dog foods here.