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Rachael Ray Dog Food Review

Is Rachael Ray a good dog food?

In this review The Dog Food Advisor takes a comprehensive look at Rachael Ray Nutrish Dog Food and its 6 most popular sub-brands.

Well also reveal

1. Is Rachael Ray Dog Food made in the United States?
2. Has Rachael Ray Dog Food been recalled?
3. Which flavors and recipes get our top ratings?

But first

Which Rachael Ray Sub-Brand Is Best for You?

In the section below, youll find Rachael Rays six most popular sub-brands. Well also share what makes each different. So you can choose the food that best suits your dog.

This is Rachael Rays originaldrykibble. Each recipe is madewith grainand ample amounts of animal protein derived from fresh meat and named meat meals.

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Nutrish Zero Grain is Rachael Rays populargrain-free drysub-brand.

• No corn, wheat, rice or barley
• Chicken, turkey, beef, fish, or salmon
• Weight control option available
• 6 recipes (ratings vary)

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Nutrish Limited Ingredient (former name: Nutrish Just 6) is adrykibble designed to help dogs suffering from suspectedfood sensitivities.

• Only 6 natural ingredients
• Lamb meal and brown rice
• 1 recipe only

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Nutrish Dish is Rachael Rays premiumdrykibble thats blended with pieces ofwhole ingredientsyou can see like fruits, vegetables and meat.

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Peak is Rachael Raysnutrient-denseproduct line. Thesegrain-free dryrecipes contain about 10%more proteinthat the companys basic sub-brands.

• 33% dry matter protein (above-average)
• Novel meat sources like venison, duck and pheasant
• 3 recipes (ratings vary)

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This sub-brand is for those who prefer agrain-free wetrecipe thats ideal forsmaller dogs.

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Individual Recipe Ratings

The Rachael Ray Nutrish product line includes 6 dry dog foods.

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

Use the following links to check prices and package sizes at an online retailer.

Recipe and Label Analysis

Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Chicken and Veggies was selected to represent the other products in the line for detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.

Ingredients Analysis

The first ingredient in this dog food is chicken. Although it is a quality item, raw chicken 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 is soybean meal, a by-product of soybean oil production more commonly found in farm animal feeds.

Although soybean meal contains 48% protein, this ingredient would be expected to have a lower biological value than meat.

And less costly plant-based products like this can 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 third ingredient is corn. Corn is an inexpensive and controversial cereal grain. And aside from its energy content, this grain is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

For this reason, we do not consider corn a preferred component in any dog food.

The fourth ingredient is whole grain wheat. Whole grain wheat contains all the essential parts and naturally-occurring nutrients of the entire grain seed in their original proportions. If the grain has been processed (e.g. cracked, crushed, rolled, extruded, and/or cooked), the food product should deliver the same rich balance of nutrients that are found in the original grain seed.

Whole grain wheat contains fibres, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Aside from its energy content, however, this whole grain cereal is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

The fifth ingredient is dried peas. Dried peas are a good source of carbohydrates. Plus theyre naturally rich in dietary fiber.

However, dried peas contain about 27% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the meat content of this dog food.

The sixth ingredient is grain sorghum is a starchy cereal grain with a nutrient profile similar corn.

Since it is gluten-free and boasts a smoother blood sugar behavior than other grains, sorghum may be considered an acceptable non-meat ingredient.

The seventh ingredient is chicken fat. This item 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 doesnt sound very appetizing, chicken fat is actually a quality ingredient.

The eighth ingredient is corn protein concentrate, a dried, starch-free powder made from the internal portion of a corn kernel.

A component rarely found in dog food, corn protein concentrate is more commonly used to make feeds for aquaculture (fish farming).

Containing about 80% protein, this inexpensive plant-based ingredient can significantly boost the total protein reported on the label a factor that must be considered when judging the meat content of this dog food.

Other Notable Ingredients

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 Nutrish product.

With 3 notable exceptions

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

Taurine is 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.

We view the presence of Taurine in this recipe as a positive addition.

In addition, this food includeschelated minerals,mineralsthat have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.

Nutrient Summary

Based on its ingredients alone, Rachael Ray Nutrish Dog Food appears to be an above-average dry dog food.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 26%, a fat level of 14% and estimated carbohydrates of about 52%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 28% and a mean fat level of 15%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 49% for the overall product line.

And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 53%.

Which means this Rachael Ray product line contains

Near-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 dried peas and soybean meal, this looks like the profile of a kibble still containing a notable amount of meat.

Rachael Ray Dog Food Recall History

The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls related to Rachael Ray through April 2024.

No recalls noted.

You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 here.

Our Rating of Rachael Ray Dog Food

The Dog Food Advisor finds Rachael Ray to be an above-average, grain-inclusive kibble. The recipe uses a notable amount of fresh meat and named meat meal as its main sources of animal protein thus earning the brand 4 stars. Nutrish Peak and Nutrish Dish each get 4.5 stars.

A Quick Guide to Rachael Rays Sub-Brands

Still not sure which Rachael Ray sub-brand is right for you? Thisshort videofrom Chewy canhelp.

Who Makes Rachael Ray Dog Food?

Rachael Ray Nutrish was purchased from Ainsworth Pet Nutrition in 2018 by Big Heart Pet Brands a division of The J. M. Smucker Company of Orville, Ohio.

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

What Do Others Say About Rachael Ray Dog Food?

As of the time of this update

Chewy customers rate Rachael Ray 4.5 out of 5 stars and 92% say they would recommend it to others.

Heres an actual user review

Sample buyer review When the food arrived we knew something was different than the other foods we have used because both dogs immediately followed me into the pantry and sniffed the bag from top to bottom. They actually were drooling when I was putting the food into their bowls. I have not had to enhance their meals and they dont leave until their bowls are empty. For us that is well worth the price for this brand.

Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

Rachael Ray Nutrish Dog Food Reviews: Is It Good For Dogs?

Rachael Ray Nutrish is a premium brand of dog food made by celebrity chef Rachael Ray. Ray and her team behind Nutrish have been serving tasty meals to pets since 2008. Recipes are based on real meals Ray prepared for her Pitbull Isaboo. There is much more to a brand than the name or face on the label, and many pet owners wonder if Rachael Ray dog food is a good pick for their pets.

Is Rachael Ray good for dogs? Is it healthy? And is it worth the price? Many answers depend on your pups taste preference, dietary needs, and budget. We look at recipe variety, ingredients, nutritional analysis, and more to help you decide if this brand is a good match for your fur baby.

View Rachael Ray on Amazon | View Rachael Ray on Chewy

Rachael Ray Dog Food Review

Product Name: Rachael Ray Nutrish Dog Food

Product Description: Rachael Ray Nutrish is a line of natural, premium wet and dry dog food.

Summary

Rachael Ray Nutrish makes premium dog food from all-natural ingredients. Food is crafted and developed by celebrity chef Rachael Ray and a team of veterinary nutritional experts. We think their recipes are well-formulated and nutritious, though the brand only makes traditional wet and dry foods.

Our team determines our overall rating of dog food based on several factors, including nutritional value, quality of ingredients, variety, pricing, customer service and reputation, customer reviews, and more.

Pros

• All-natural ingredients.
• No fillers.
• Named animal proteins.
• Easy to digest.
• Grain-free and grain-inclusive options.
• Small breed and puppy formulas.
• High protein options.
• Wet and dry food selections.
• Some products made in the USA.
• No recalls on dog food.
• The brand also makes cat food.

Cons

• Wet food is made in Thailand.
• No fresh meal options.
• Higher price than some other commercial options.
• Recipes include some controversial ingredients like corn.
• No veterinary diet options.

Key Features

• Dry foods are all made in the United States
• Whole ingredients
• Wet and dry varieties
• Good variety of recipes
• Widely available

Rachael Ray Dog Food Product Lines

The brand offers several varieties of wet and dry dog foods. Ray partnered with pet nutrition experts to develop all recipes based on meals she has made in her own kitchen. Selections include grain-inclusive and grain-free recipes. Rachael Ray also makes puppy-specific chow and formulas for smaller breeds, soft meat treats, and dog chews.

Dry Dog Food Lines

The brand offers three lines of dry food, with 14 different products.

1. Nutrish The original Nutrish line offers nutritious selections formulated from natural food ingredients. Nutrish traditional kibble uses real animal proteins, vegetables, and healthy grains. This line includes nutrition formulated for puppies, small breed, zero-grain, limited ingredient, and high protein recipes.
2. Nutrish Big Life The Big Life product line formula is for breeds over 30 pounds. The Big Life line includes chicken or beef kibble, veggies, healthy grains, and the brands Nourish Bites. Nourish Bites are tender meaty pieces mixed in with crunchy kibble.
3. Nutrish Dish This line of crunchy kibble is made from fresh protein and includes real fruits and veggies owners can see. These kibbles contain no fillers or added corn, wheat, soy, or grain.

Wet Dog Food Lines

Nutrish offers three lines of wet food with 12 products to select from.

1. Premium Pate Smooth pates with real meat and vegetables and no fillers.
2. Wet Food Tubs Tasty, premium wet food recipes using animal proteins, veggies, and, in some cases, grains.
3. Chunks and Gravy Premium wet food formulas in savory gravy. This line features the brands Whole Health blend, which supports body, mind, and energy.

Dog Treats

Nutrish offers three doggy treat options. Soft meat treats come in Chicken, Bison, and Turkey favorites. Hard chews come in Beef and Chicken varieties, including peanut butter and bacon. Soup Bones are long-lasting chews that come in several varieties.

Is Rachael Ray Good?

Overall, Rachael Ray makes good quality pet food, but this depends on your pups needs, personal experience, and who you ask. Dogs in different stages of life have varying nutritional needs, so what is best for one pup may not be suitable for another. The brand gets consistently high reviews among customers. That said, some pet owners have had bad experiences, and owners may be concerned about some ingredients in specific product varieties.

Meat meals, for example, are often cast in a bad light but are not necessarily a lower quality ingredient. Other pet owners may worry about grains and wheat gluten. We explain more about the specific ingredients Rachael Ray uses below.

Ingredient Analysis

Below, we discuss the ingredients used in Rachael Rays dog food products. Many contain chicken, and some contain eggs, soy, wheat flour, or gluten, which may not be a good fit for pups with specific dietary allergies. However, not all recipes contain these, and limited ingredient options are available.

Whole Ingredients

The brand uses various whole-food ingredients, starting with animal proteins. These include beef, chicken, bison, lamb, salmon, turkey, and venison. Produce contains apples, blueberries, carrots, green beans, spinach, tomatoes, peas, and pumpkins. Fats include chia seeds, chicken fat, fish oil, poultry fat, sunflower oil, and whole flaxseed. Recipes use high-quality, recognizable, and named ingredients with no unnecessary additives like artificial colors or preservatives.

Meat Meal

Meat meals are often described as lower quality or lesser than fresh or whole meats. This reasoning is somewhat due to the push for human-grade pet nutrition options entering the market. However, a meat meal is not always, or even usually, a bad ingredient.

Many meat meals use high-quality meats and are a nutritious, concentrated protein source. Meat meals are easier to digest than whole proteins. This preparation makes the protein easier to incorporate into dry kibbles. On the other hand, meat by-product meals are only sometimes high quality. They can include lower-quality animal parts like feathers and cartilage that offer little to no nutritional value. Other meat meals use bones, organ meats, and tissues. These meals are high in protein and nutrients, even more so than fresh muscle meats.

Nutrish only uses named meat and fish meals in their recipes, no by-product meals.

Grains

Some dogs need grain-free diets, but not all. Grains are often touted as fillers, but this is not the case in higher-quality foods. Grains like rice and barley add fiber to a canines diet to aid in digestive function and bowel regularity.

Other Controversial Ingredients

• Corn: Corn has a reputation as a pet food filler but is not always used that way. Corn offers fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, linoleic acid, and fiber to a dogs diet. High corn content can affect digestibility, but corn is not a bad ingredient in moderation. Its, however, an ingredient some dogs may be allergic to.
• Corn Protein Concentrate: Corn protein is a good source of essential amino acids and dietary fiber. It is easy to digest and can boost healthy skin and coat.
• Soybean Meal, Flour, and Grits: Soy is often described as a filler or lower-quality ingredient in pet foods. However, soy offers essential amino acids, high in protein, and low in fat. It is, however, another top culprit for dietary allergies.
• Wheat and Wheat Gluten: Some pups are allergic or sensitive to wheat. However, for those who are not, its a healthy source of protein and carbohydrates as long it is not used as a filler.
• Canola Meal: Canola meal is a vegetable protein. It boosts protein content and adds essential amino acids.

Rachael Ray Nutrish provides a breakdown of every ingredient on its website and explains its role in the recipes. We appreciate this feature as it offers some explanation and transparency into what goes into the food and why.

Nutritional Analysis & Pricing

All of Rachael Rays dog food recipes offer complete and balanced nutrition according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines. Recipes are balanced for the life stage and age listed on the packaging. Recipes include healthy ingredients such as:

• Easy to digest protein and fiber
• Named animal meats
• Omega fatty acids from fish oil and flaxseed to support skin and coat health
• Essential amino acids like L-carnitine (to support healthy weight and metabolism), taurine (for the immune system and heart health), and glycine to support cellular health
• Nutrient and vitamin blends to support overall health, growth, and development

Below is a brief nutritional analysis of some of Rachael Ray Nutrishs most popular dry food recipes. Dry products are made in the U.S., though it is not specified where.

The following chart shows the nutritional analysis of several popular wet meal formulas. Nutrish wet food is produced in Thailand.

Rachael Ray Dog Food Recalls

Nutrish dog food has not had any recalls since its start in 2008. The cat food line was recalled in 2015 due to high levels of Vitamin D, affecting several cat food varieties.

Rachael Ray Worth The Money?

Nutrishs prices are very reasonable. Though more costly than some other brands, the high-quality ingredients and variety stand out. Prices fluctuate based on the retailer and recipe, but they are very affordable overall. They are much lower than many human-grade, raw, and fresh options, offering top taste and nutrition. You get a lot of nutrition for the price, and the Nutrish recipes are superior to many budget grocery store options.

Another thing that stands out as a big positive is the companys dedication to helping needy animals. A portion of every sale goes to the Rachael Ray Foundation, which donates that money to help provide medical care, supplies, and other necessities to needy dogs and cats. We would like to see a large breed and senior formula to better suit the needs of all ages and breed sizes.

My Personal Experience With Rachael Ray Dog Food

As a huge cooking show enthusiast, I wanted to try the Nutrish brand for my pets, mainly due to being a Rachael Ray fan. Upon researching the recipes, I found that the Little Bites recipe was a great option to give to my smaller breed dogs. I am very concerned about kibble that is too large or hard as it can cause injury to her much tinier teeth and gums.

My Chihuahua, Cookie, a five-pounder at full growth, needed small breed formulas due to her delicate teeth. The size and texture were perfect for her. I appreciated the brown rice and fiber, which helped keep her bowel movements regular. She also really liked the taste.

My other pup, Falkor, is a Poodle Beagle mix under 20 pounds and a slightly picky eater. He enjoys this small-breed kibble and has no trouble fitting it in his more petite mouth or chewing through it. We have tried the wet foods, too, and he enjoys the wet food tub recipes, particularly the Chicken Paw Pie. They give him plenty of meat taste, flavorful broth, and real veggies. He also loves the Soup Bones treats but eats them quickly, so I can only give him a small piece at a time.

Healthy Dog Treat Options

Dog treats are just as important as healthy food. Most dogs like meaty treat options, but there are many more varieties to consider. If you are looking for meat-free options, check out our review of the top vegan dog treats.

Ultimately, Rachael Rays is worth considering due to its ingredient quality, recipe selection, and brand values. All in all, the choice comes down to your pups dietary preferences and needs. If you are considering adding fresh foods to your dogs bowl, learn more in our reviews of the best human-grade dog foods. These include fresh, dry, canned, and treat options.

Why Trust Canine Journal?

Danielle is a pet owner with over 30 years of experience. She has worked as a professional researcher for many years and is dedicated to providing the best research and information to help pet owners. Danielle spends countless hours researching the latest pet care, health, nutrition, and training developments. Danielle has tested and researched over 100 brands of dog food and counting. She works alongside a professional and experienced team to bring the best, most accurate, and up-to-date information to our readers.