is go a good dog food brand

Go! Carnivore Dog Food Review (Dry)

The Go! Carnivore Dog Food product line includes the 5 dry dog foods listed below.

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

Recipe and Label Analysis

Go! Carnivore Adult Grain Free Chicken, Turkey + Duck Recipe 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 meal. Chicken meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken.

The second ingredient is turkey meal, another protein-rich meat concentrate.

The third ingredient is salmon meal, yet another protein-rich meat concentrate.

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

The next two ingredients are chicken and turkey. Although they are quality items, raw poultry 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, these items would probably account for a smaller part of the total content of the finished product.

The sixth ingredient is trout, a freshwater species closely related to salmon. Trout is rich in omega-3 fatty acids but also 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.

The seventh ingredient is potato. Potatoes can be considered a gluten-free source of digestible carbohydrates. Yet with the exception of perhaps their caloric content, potatoes are of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

Its important to note that the next three out of four ingredients included in this recipe are each a type of legume:

Although theyre a mixture of quality plant ingredients, theres an important issue to consider here. And thats the recipe design practice known as ingredient splitting.

If we were to combine all these individual items together and report them as one, that newer combination would likely occupy a significantly higher position on the list.

In addition, legumes contain about 25% protein, a factor that must also be considered when judging the meat content of this dog food.

The ninth ingredient is tapioca, a gluten-free, starchy carbohydrate extract made from the root of the cassava plant.

This recipe also includes 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 doesnt sound very appetizing, chicken fat is actually a quality ingredient.

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 Petcurean product.

With 6 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.

Next, this recipe contains salmon oil. Salmon oil is naturally rich in the prized EPA and DHA type of omega-3 fatty acids. These two high quality fats boast the highest bio-availability to dogs and humans.

Depending on its level of freshness and purity, salmon oil should be considered a commendable addition.

In addition, chicory root is rich in inulin, a starch-like compound made up of repeating units of carbohydrates and found in certain roots and tubers.

Not only is inulin a natural source of soluble dietary fiber, its also a prebiotic used to promote the growth of healthy bacteria in a dogs digestive tract.

Next, 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.

Additionally, we find selenium yeast in this product. Unlike the more common inorganic form of selenium (sodium selenite), this natural yeast supplement is considered a safer anti-cancer alternative.

And lastly, 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.

Nutrient Analysis

Based on its ingredients alone, Go! Carnivore Dog Food looks like an above-average dry product.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 38%, a fat level of 18% and estimated carbohydrates of about 36%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 37% and a mean fat level of 18%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 37% for the overall product line.

And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 48%.

Which means this Petcurean product line contains

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

Even when you consider the protein-boosting effect of the legumes and flaxseed, this looks like the profile of a kibble still containing a significant amount of meat.

Go! Dog Food Recall History

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

No recalls noted.

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

Our Rating of Go! Grain Free Dog Food

Go! Carnivore is a grain-free dry dog food using a significant amount of named meat meals as its dominant source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 5 stars.

Go! Dog Food Review 2024: Solutions For Your Dogs Unique Dietary Needs

If you are looking for a comprehensive Go! dog food review, then you are at the right page. Read on!

The Go! dog food is marketed as a premium pet food brand that offers nutritional solutions to your dogs unique dietary needs.

Whether your dog has skin allergies, a sensitive stomach, or he is simply a picky eater, they have a product that will suit his needs.

Their recipes are created especially for dogs who are picky about what they eat, for those who need a grain-free or high-protein diet, and for dogs that need a limited-ingredient diet.

As a whole, the brand offers complete, nutrient-packed food with zero growth hormones, by-products, or artificial preservatives.

Furthermore, Petcurean (the company that makes Go!) offers their customers a five-part promise called the Petcurean Difference.

This promise guarantees premium ingredients from trusted sources, recipes developed by licensed nutritionists, and tailor-made recipes for each and every pet. This company also promised to maintain their family-owned values.

Here at DogFood.Guide we have a dedicated mission to provide dog owners like you with well-researched information so they can provide the nutrition and health care towards their dogs.

Our readers rely upon our dog food articles, reviews and recall alerts that we took the time to research. We also routinely update and review our own reviews ensuring that any changes by manufacturers are brought to your attention.

DogFood.Guide is maintained by Mary Nielsen & her staff. Mary is an advocate and lover. She and her staff are passionate about animals and work hard to provide you with a wealth of information for you and your dog.

Our site is supported by our readers. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may earn a referral fee. This helps cover the cost of operating our free blog. Thanks for your support!

Manufacturer Information

The Go! brand of pet food is made by the Petcurean Pet Nutrition company. Petcurean is a Canada-based company headquartered in British Columbia that is dedicated to providing top-notch products for pet owners at an affordable price.

They are just one of the several brands that falls under the Petcurean Pet Nutrition umbrella this company also makes the Now Fresh, Summit, and Spike brands of pet food and treats as well as the new Gather line of organic pet food products. Petcurean makes all of their own products they do not outsource production.

Made in the USA?

As a member of the Petcurean family of brands, Go! is a Canada-based brand rather than a U.S.-based brand. This is not a problem, however, because Petcurean is a high-quality brand that pays strict attention to the quality and safety of their products.

Founded in 1999, Petcurean was and is a family-owned business so they have greater control over the quality of their products. So, even though they are not a U.S. brand, it is still an excellent choice in premium foods.

According to the FAQ section of the Petcurean website, all of the companys dry foods are made in Ontario, Canada. Some of Petcureans canned foods are also made in Ontario, though some are produced at a secondary plant in New Jersey.

Go! Dog Food Review

If your dog suffers from food allergies or sensitivities, the Go! brand of pet food might be just what you need. This brand is designed specifically to address food sensitivities and other unique dietary needs in dogs of all life stages.

They divide their products into three categories based on certain dietary needs to make it each for you to select the best product for your dog.

Though each recipe is unique, they all start with a high-quality animal protein like chicken, turkey, or salmon as the main ingredient they also use some novel proteins like venison and duck in a few of their recipes.

If your dog is particularly sensitive, one of the Limited Ingredient recipes might be the right choice. The bottom line, however, is that you cant go wrong with Go! dog food no matter which recipe you choose.

Go! Products Reviewed

1. Go! Skin + Coat Care Salmon Recipe
2. Go! Sensitivities Limited Ingredient Duck Recipe
3. Go! Carnivore Chicken, Turkey + Duck Adult Recipe
4. Go! Sensitivity + Shine Duck Recipe
5. Go! Daily Defence Turkey Stew
6. Go! Fit + Free Chicken, Turkey & Duck Stew
7. Go! Carnivore Shredded Lamb & Wild Boar Recipe
8. Go! Skin + Coat Care Pollock Pate

1. Skin + Coat Care Salmon Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Salmon Meal, Oatmeal, Potatoes, Whole Oats, De-Boned Salmon

Rating: 4/5 stars

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

Formulated with protein packed salmon meal as the first ingredient, it provides your pup with essential amino and omega acids to support her healthy skin and a lustrous coat.

Go! Solutions Skin + Coat Care is crafted especially to bring about a healthy skin and lustrous coat in canines. Despite not being indicated on the label, the recipe is a limited ingredient diet. This means that the protein comes from only one type of animal.

This recipe is made with no corn, wheat, soy, or any type of by-products to make it even more suitable for dogs with food sensitivities. Its also completely free from artificial preservatives or growth hormones.

Salmon in the form of salmon meal is the only source of animal protein here. If youre wondering what the difference between salmon and salmon meal is, the difference lies in the moisture content. Salmon meal has undergone a process where most of the water has been removed (water usually makes up about 80% of fresh salmon).

The process mentioned above removes the moisture but leaves most of the nutrients intact. If you compare a pound of fresh salmon to a pound of salmon meal, the salmon meal will yield more nutrients than the fresh one.

Since salmon meal leads the ingredients and deboned salmon is only in fifth place, this means that the maximum amount of protein can be had. At 22%, the protein level is at a good enough level. Unique carbs in the form of potatoes and oatmeal also contribute a bit of protein content to the diet.

Salmon is an oily fish, meaning it contains a high amount of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. And omega-3 is the most crucial element when it comes to ensuring that a dogs skin and coat gets the proper amount of support. It also relieves allergies and reduces itchiness and flaking.

And its not just the fur or skin that benefits from a good amount of omega-3. The heart and immune system are also strengthened while joint pains are lessened.

Limited ingredients dont have to equal dull or bland flavor. Each mouthful of these kibbles will give your dog the hearty taste and nutrition of salmon, grains, apple, and herbs. Supplemental vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants provide a balanced nutrition for pups, while added probiotics and prebiotics aid in your poochs digestive health.

This is a good recipe for those who wish for premium proteins, digestible carbohydrates, and healthy fats in their pets food. And because of its emphasis on skin and coat, pets with skin issues often find relief in this diet that encourages hair growth and reduces itching.

This recipe is loaded with natural sources for key nutrients and it is supplemented with probiotics and chelated minerals. There may be some contention about one of the ingredients canola oil, which is highly processed but so far, there is no direct evidence to say that it is bad.

Although, to be on the safe side, wed prefer a recipe without it. Overall, we give this diet a thumbs up.

2. Sensitivities Limited Ingredient Duck Recipe

First 5 ingredients: De-Boned Duck, Duck Meal, Peas, Lentils, Tapioca

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

Formulated for pups who are highly sensitive, it features cage-free duck as a single source of poultry protein and is made with as few ingredients as possible.

Go! Sensitivities Limited Ingredient recipes are especially formulated for canines with specific dietary needs. All the recipes under this range take into account how easily allergies can be triggered in dogs, particularly by the ingredients in their diets.

Lets talk about the duck flavor of this range. With this recipe, dogs get their animal-based protein fix from a single source duck. Some recipes might say its venison flavored but it will come with other animal-based ingredients other than venison, all of which could be a trigger for your pets allergies. But with this recipe, you can rest assured that its just duck and nothing else.

The recipe starts with two types of duck meat, which are deboned duck and duck meal. The duck meal supports the fresh duck here to raise the protein content to a nice 24%. Since duck is a novel protein, its an excellent choice as the primary protein.

Although gluten allergies are rare in canines, there is still a small percentage that cannot tolerate grain products. For this reason, the formulation is crafted without any type of grain, gluten, or even potato. Unique carbohydrate sources like lentils, tapioca, peas, and chickpeas provide the carbs instead.

There are three kinds of oils here to provide your pet with the required fat and nutrition in his diet. These three are canola oil, coconut oil, and salmon oil. Fish oil allergies in dogs are extremely rare, and in most cases, it is usually an intolerance to the oil rather than an allergy itself. When dogs have allergies, it is mostly to the protein in meat that they are reacting to.

So why is oil often found in dog food? Oils provide your dog with vital nutrients, and the healthy kinds contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These arent naturally produced in a canines body, so its essential that any food you feed him contain these.

Salmon oil (fish oil) has lots of omega-3 fatty acids and contain EPA and DHA, both of which are crucial in cognitive function. Coconut oil contains lots of good fats that improve metabolism, digestion, and skin and coat health. Canola oil is a good source of vitamins E and K.

This food also supports dogs with sensitive stomachs through its use of prebiotic fiber, which comes from chicory root. As a prebiotic, chicory root feeds the good bacteria in your dogs gut to fight back against harmful bacteria, reduce inflammation, and increase mineral absorption. The rest of the limited ingredients are made up of added nutrients to support a healthy and balanced diet.

This Go! Solutions formulation offers dogs with a tasty and nutritionally complete meal that can help alleviate their allergies and sensitivities. Its a carefully crafted meal that is ideal for all life stages. It features easily digestible kibbles that contain just the right amount of fiber for proper waste movement.

At 439 kcal/cup of kibbles, its a little bit high on the calories. It might be more suited to active dogs, but pooches that live a mostly sedentary lifestyle may put on some pounds if youre not careful. Overall, this is a good recipe to give pups who seem to be allergic to most things.

3. Carnivore Grain-Free Chicken, Turkey + Duck Adult Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Salmon Meal, De-Boned Chicken, De-Boned Turkey

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

This food contains 100% fresh chicken, turkey, trout, duck and salmon, as well as premium quality chicken, turkey, salmon, duck and herring meals. A truly protein dense meal which satisfies the meaty cravings of dogs.

Go! Solutions Carnivore diets are protein-rich recipes for pups who love that meaty taste. Each Carnivore recipe is packed with several types of animal proteins to help active adult dogs develop lean muscles and increase their energy.

This particular recipe makes use of quality poultry and fish meats, such as chicken, turkey, salmon, herring, duck, and trout. The meats are either in deboned (fresh) or meal form. Because of the abundance of fish and animal meats, the protein levels in this food reaches a high 34%.

Because of this recipes emphasis on protein, the first six ingredients are animal ingredients. Chicken meal, turkey meal, salmon meal, deboned chicken, deboned turkey, and deboned trout lead the list. Its not until the 7th ingredient that we see some vegetables in the forms of potatoes, peas, tapioca, lentils, and chickpeas.

What role do these vegetables play? These vegetables are also rich in protein, and they act as sources of carbohydrates in place of grains. Some voices are against adding carbohydrates to dog foods, but plenty of animal nutritionists and veterinarians will say otherwise. Dogs are omnivores and will need carbohydrates for quick boosts of energy.

Whats more, sources of carbohydrates are often food filled with fiber and this fiber plays a role in helping the digestive system properly function.

A balanced diet naturally contains fruits or vegetables for added flavor or nutrition. In this formulation, there are plenty and not just as carb sources. Some of these are even superfoods (nutrient-dense foods), including broccoli, cranberries, blueberries, and sweet potatoes.

Along with these fruits and greens, you can also find several herbs further down the list. Herbs can be good sources of antioxidants and vitamins, and they can provide a few medical benefits for dogs. For example, turmeric is included in the recipe and its recognized as an anti-inflammatory and arthritis reliever.

Go! Solutions Carnivore is a complete meal that 96% of reviewers recommend. It has everything a well-balanced dog food should have animal protein, carbohydrates, fat (chicken fat), and a variety of greens and fruits. It even contains prebiotics for a healthy digestive system.

The recipe is pure, clean food with no artificial preservatives, added growth hormones, or by-product meals. Its a more affordable alternative to other higher-end products with the same protein levels and high-quality meat content.

4. Sensitivity + Shine Duck Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Duck Meal, Oatmeal, Potatoes, Whole Oats, De-Boned Duck

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

Made especially for the highly sensitive pupss. This Duck Recipe is thoroughly prepared using high quality duck, unique carbs and healthy fats.

Dogs with specific dietary needs can be hard to feed. This Go! Solutions Sensitivity + Shine in Duck flavor offers a more hypoallergenic approach to feeding your pet. Its a single protein food that doesnt contain common triggers, such as soy, corn, or wheat. There is also no presence of by-product meals or artificial preservatives.

This recipe is great for all adult dogs, but is most suited for sensitive ones. Its focus is on providing your pet with enough omega oils to promote a healthy, itch-free skin and a lustrous coat.

There are no growth hormones, by-product meals, or artificial preservatives included. And to make sure it doesnt trigger allergies, common allergens such as corn, soy, and wheat have been excluded.

Duck meal is the first ingredient, which is an excellent choice. Because duck is still considered a novel protein and because duck meal contains more proteins than fresh duck, although theres fresh duck meat in the recipe too.

Unlike the other Go! Solutions dog food range (Sensitivities Limited Ingredient) which also caters to sensitive dogs, the Sensitivity + Shine line is grain-inclusive. There is oatmeal, whole oats, and quinoa in this recipe. If your pet is not sensitive to grains, a grain-inclusive diet is one of the best to give your dog.

Most grains are healthy, full of fiber, and contain many minerals and antioxidants. Oatmeal, in particular, has linoleic acid (a type of omega-6 fatty acid), vitamin B, and plenty of soluble fiber that can regulate blood sugar levels and bowel movements.

Quinoa (classified as a whole grain), on the other hand, is an ingredient that is often found in high-quality dog foods because of its strong nutritional profile.

Aside from the grains and meat, this formulation also includes apples (for vitamins A & C and fiber), flaxseed (has anti-inflammatory properties), potatoes (carbohydrate content), dried kelp (60 vitamins and minerals plus amino acids), chicory root (has inulin, which is a prebiotic), yucca schidigera (to remove waste odor), and rosemary antioxidant and preservative).

There are also plenty of supplemental vitamins and minerals in the diet as well as probiotics for a healthy gut. This recipe provides sensitive dogs with a palatable, tasty, and balanced meal that contains all of the nutrition he needs to treat his skin and tummy issues, and for a healthy lifestyle. Among reviewers of this product, one common thing that they say about it is that it has made their pets coats look healthy again.

There are no fillers in this food, which can be allergy triggers for some. It will give dogs enough energy for everyday play, and will help resolve those stubborn skin and stomach issues.

5. Daily Defence Turkey Stew Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Broth, Salmon Broth, Turkey Liver, Brown Rice

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

Recommended by nutritionists, this protein rich, savory wet food is mouthwatering and full of nutrients from organic veggies and fruits.

This Daily Defence Turkey Stew Recipe is part of the Daily Defence category of products which means that it is designed to offer your dog preventive care support to help him live a long and healthy life.

This formula features premium-quality turkey as the main ingredient which is supplemented by fresh fruits and veggie for nutritional balance. This recipe also contains plenty of omega oils to keep your dogs coat looking shiny and smooth.

This formula is free from corn, wheat, and soy ingredients as well as by-products and artificial additives. It is also loaded with natural flavor!

As promised, the first ingredient in this formula is turkey. Fresh meats like turkey contain up to 80% moisture by volume which is a good thing for this recipe because it helps keep the product moist.

The natural moisture in the turkey works with the turkey broth and salmon broth that come after it to preserve moisture and to offer some natural flavor. Turkey liver is the next ingredient which, in addition to being a supplemental protein, contributes some healthy fats and essential nutrients. There are also dried egg whites to add a little extra protein.

The remaining ingredients in this canned food consist of carbohydrate, fats, thickeners, and supplements. Brown rice is the main source of carbohydrate in this recipe which means that it is not a grain-free formula but, unless your dog has food allergies or grain sensitivities, brown rice is highly digestible for dogs.

This ingredient is supported by a handful of fresh fruits and vegetables which provide carbohydrate energy and dietary fiber they also act as natural sources for key nutrients. The guar gum and xanthan gum that are used as thickeners contribute a little bit of fiber as well.

Sunflower oil is the main fat which is a plant-based oil, though your dog will get some animal fat from the turkey and turkey liver. Many of the mineral supplements in this recipe are chelated which helps to ensure maximum absorption and there are plenty of vitamin supplements to fill in the nutritional gaps left by other ingredients.

Overall, this wet food is an excellent source of quality nutrition for puppies as well as adult dogs. Loaded with nutrient-rich ingredients, this formula is designed to give your dog some preventive care to help him live a long and happy life.

Many of those nutrient-rich ingredients including high-quality proteins, digestible carbohydrates, and healthy fats not to mention chelated minerals for nutritional balance. All in all, this formula is loaded with meat, nutrients, and natural flavor what more could you ask for?

6. Fit + Free Chicken, Turkey & Duck Stew

First 5 ingredients: De-boned Chicken, Chicken Broth, Turkey Broth, Chicken Liver

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

Designed to be protein-dense and low on the carbohydrates. This wet food aims to help your pooch stay fit while giving him enough fuel to remain strong for his day to day shenanigans.

Go! Solutions Fit + Free is a range of dog food that is designed to be rich in protein and low on the carbs. It has the most amount of meat than any other Go! recipes. The recipes in this line help your dog to stay fit while giving him enough energy to remain strong for his daily activities.

As stated in the recipes name, there are three types of leading animal proteins in this food. Chicken, turkey, and duck products (broth, liver, muscle meat, and eggs) make up the bulk of the recipe, although there is also salmon somewhere in the list.

The poultry ingredients together raise the protein level to 8%, and while the salmon helps, its main purpose is to enrich the meal with omega fatty acids.

Salmon is considered a fatty fish, because it is oily and rich in omega-3 fatty acids. And unlike the bad kind of fat you get in many meats, salmon is full of unsaturated fat that is good for the heart. The omega-3s also support your dogs immune system, decreases his itching and inflammation (if any), and keeps his coat looking shiny.

Every diet needs carbohydrates in it. And if its a grain-free one, there must be alternatives. In this recipe, potatoes and sweet potatoes provide the required carbohydrates, plus a host of other nutrients. The two contain magnesium, fiber, potassium, and plenty of vitamins for quick bursts of energy.

Among the ingredients, there is a curious one included red peppers. So we researched what they do. Red peppers (bell peppers) are full of the vitamins A, C, and E. Theyre also good for the immune system and reducing inflammation.

The rest of the ingredients in this wet food are made up of mostly vitamins and chelated minerals that were added to supplement your dogs nutrition needs.

For dogs who need to be at their most optimum weight and energy level, this stew provides that and more. Not only will it keep your dog fit, it will also help your dog stay strong and healthy.

Because of the abundance of meat ingredients, even finicky pups are enticed to eat and eat a lot (according to reviews). Its excellent for adult dogs of all kinds, not only because it can fulfill all of the different nutrition requirements of each breed size, but also because it has smaller pieces that are easy for little-sized dogs to chew.

7. Carnivore Shredded Lamb & Wild Boar Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Lamb, Chicken, Chicken Broth, Turkey Broth, Chicken Liver

Rating: 4/5 stars

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

This hearty meal is loaded with proteins plus rich in antioxidants vegetables and fruits! Made from real lamb and other premium animal sources, this is also fortified with omega fatty acids.

Go! Solutions Carnivore is for dogs who cant get enough of hearty, meaty meals. This particular recipe is made up of 96% animal ingredients, including muscle meat and organs.

Shredded lamb is the number one ingredient in this food, but its not the only red meat. Wild boar provides an interesting twist, and surprisingly, chicken makes an entrance too. In fact, the second ingredient here is not wild boar as you might suppose but chicken.

Go! Made sure to pack as much nutrition into this little box by including liver and pork plasma. While those may not sound appetizing for humans, its the exact opposite for dogs. And theyre not just tasty for canines, these two contain a lot of nutrients.

For example, pork plasma has protein, essential amino acids, calcium, vitamin B12, chloride, potassium, and magnesium. Chicken liver has lots of fat, protein, and Vitamin A. Ever wonder how dogs in the wild survive and even thrive? Thats because they eat all parts of their prey to get the maximum possible nutrients that they can.

Sweet potatoes, potatoes, and tapioca provide nutrients as well, although the main reason they are there is because of the carbohydrates and fiber they contain.

Carbohydrates are one of the three macronutrients (along with fat and protein) that help the body function. It offers a quick boost of energy (protein takes longer to break down) that your dog can use for shorter periods.

Fat (one of the three main components of a good diet) comes from the chicken liver, flaxseed, and salmon oil. These are loaded with good fats like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that are responsible for skin and coat health and a strong immune system.

The rest of the ingredients in the formulation are made up of supplemental vitamins and minerals, herbs, and natural preservatives.

While we cant argue that this recipe makes use of only premium ingredients, the recipe name is misleading. There is more chicken (as the second ingredient) than there is wild boar.

In fact, wild boar doesnt make an appearance until the 8th slot. This might be problematic for pet owners who are not able to check the label thoroughly, especially if their pups are sensitive to chicken.

Aside from the inclusion of chicken, we cant find anything else wrong with the recipe. Its strong in protein content, rich in omega oils, and packed with antioxidants to support your dogs overall health.

8. Skin + Coat CarePollock Pate

First 5 ingredients: De-Boned Alaskan Pollock, Turkey, Salmon Broth, Turkey Broth, Tapioca

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

Crafted with MSC-certified wild Alaskan pollock as the primary ingredient. It also features antioxidant-rich ingredients and natural fibers to boost your pet's immune system.

Dogs that need a little bit of care and attention for their hair and skin will find their ideal recipe in this pate. While it strives to give dogs a complete and balanced nutrition for a healthy body overall, its main focus is to impart shine and beauty to your pets skin and coat.

This dog food is crafted for all adult dogs, from small and toy breeds to giant ones. It contains no common allergens, such as wheat, soy, corn, or chicken.

The main ingredient in this wet dog food is an MSC-certified wild Alaskan pollock. (MSC stands for Marine Steward Council. An MSC certification is a guarantee that the fish was caught using sustainable fishing practices.)

Pollock is a mild-flavored fatty fish, which means that its rich in omega fatty acids. In this case, the fatty acids are omega-3s those polyunsaturated fats responsible for keeping skin and hair beautiful. Omega-3s are also helpful in supporting the heart, joints, and immune system.

Aside from deboned pollock, also present in this pate are fresh turkey, salmon broth, and turkey broth. All of them contribute to the protein content of the meal (although just a little amount in the broths case), but the two broths mainly provide moisture and enhanced palatability to the food.

This isnt a grain-free food. While tapioca has a more significant presence in the ingredients list, brown rice (next only to tapioca in volume) also contributes carbohydrates.

Since dogs are omnivores, the presence of grains should not be a cause for concern. Grains, especially brown rice, are easily digestible forms of carbs that are also loaded with vitamins and minerals.

Flaxseed offers more omega-3 support, while sunflower oil takes care of the omega-6 fatty acid requirement. Carrots, peas, and pumpkin boost the natural vitamin and mineral content of the food.

Since a healthy immune system is essential to a working body and lustrous fur, plenty of added antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals make their appearance in this dog food. Its a complete meal that targets everything from your dogs nose to his tail.

Were fans of grains in dog food, and we highly approve of their inclusion here. These grains will provide your pup with all the energy he needs everyday, even with hours of rambunctious play.

And since there are no by-products, artificial preservatives, or growth hormones only pure, premium ingredients we believe that its an excellent recipe overall.

Where do they get their ingredients?

The ingredients used in Petcurean products vary from one product line to another but the Go! line of products uses only fresh, high-quality ingredients. According to the FAQ section of the website, all of the meats, grains, fruits and vegetables used in the Go! and Now Fresh product lines are sourced from North America.

The only exception is their pasture-raised lamb and grass-fed venison which is sourced from Australia and New Zealand. Petcurean offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee on their foods and all of their fresh meats and meat meals come from animals that have been deemed fit for human consumption.

This company does not claim to use human-grade ingredients but this is only the case because once a human-grade product enters a pet food processing facility it loses that human-grade distinction. Petcurean does not use any ingredients from China.

Go! Dog Food Recall History List

In addition to making a commitment to use only high-quality ingredients, Petcurean is also dedicated to ensuring the safety of their products. Because Petcurean owns and operates their own manufacturing facilities, they have greater control over quality assurance.

According to the Petcurean website, this brand uses a team of qualified and passionate nutritionists to design their recipes and the company holds themselves to the highest quality and safety standards these same standards apply to all of Petcureans partners and suppliers.

Even so, the Petcurean company has been affected by one recall in brand history, though it was more than a decade ago. Here are the details of that recall:

• In November 2003, the FDA issued a recall for all their products manufactured in the companys Texas plant due to reports of liver failure and disease.

How expensive are their products?

Their brand of dog food is a high-quality brand, but it is not the most expensive food on the market. Prices vary from one recipe to another, but generally a 25-pound bag of their dry food will cost you between $58 and $90, though the Limited Ingredient Venison recipe from the Sensitivity + Shine line costs upwards of $100 retail.

You can purchase 13.2-ounce cans of their wet food in cases of 12 for $38 to $60 which gives you an average price of around $4.00 per can.

Here is a look at their product line

The Go! brand offers both dry food and wet food products for dogs. What makes this brand unique is that they offer a variety of products that are divided among three product lines or categories. The Fit + Free line features protein-rich recipes made with zero gluten or grains to help your dog maintain lean muscle mass and a healthy weight.

The Sensitivity + Shine line includes limited-ingredient recipes made with select meat proteins, unique carbs, and essential fatty acids for dogs that have food allergies or specific dietary needs. Finally, the Daily Defence line includes nutrient-packed formulas designed to give your dog the preventive care he needs for a long and healthy life.

Dry Products

As you already know, all Go! dog foods are divided amongst three categories this goes for their dry foods as well as their wet foods. Each category contains several recipes so you can choose the one that suits your dogs tastes and preferences. Every recipe starts with a premium-quality protein and is supplemented with digestible carbohydrates. Here is a list of dry recipes:

Go Dry Products:

• Fit + Free Grain-Free Puppy
• Fit + Free Grain-Free Adult
• Fit + Free Grain-Free Senor Dog
• Sensitivity + Shine Limited Ingredient Duck
• Sensitivity + Shine Limited Ingredient Salmon
• Sensitivity + Shine Limited Ingredient Venison
• Sensitivity + Shine Limited Ingredient Turkey
• Sensitivity + Shine Duck
• Sensitivity + Shine Salmon
• Daily Defence Chicken
• Daily Defence Lamb Meal

Wet Products

Though Go! offers a wider selection of dry food options, there are still plenty of canned foods to choose from. Each of the three product categories includes at least two recipes for canned food.

Here is a list of their wet recipes:

• Fit + Free Grain-Free Chicken, Turkey & Trout Stew
• Fit + Free Grain-Free Chicken, Turkey & Duck Stew
• Sensitivity + Shine Grain-Free Duck Pat Recipe
• Sensitivity + Shine Grain-Free Freshwater Trout & Salmon Pat
• Daily Defence Chicken Stew
• Daily Defence Turkey Stew
• Daily Defence Salmon Pat

Meal Mixers

Whether we admit it or not, there are times that our pets need a little pick me up or just being plain picky. The meal mixers from Go! can offer you a help with this area.

Go! Meal Mixers help provide specialized solutions with freeze-dried, functional ingredients that you can see, including single source primary proteins and whole fruits and veggies.

Here is a list of their meal mixer recipes:

• Skin + Coat Care Salmon Meal Mixer
• Hip + Joint Support Pork Meal Mixer
• Digestive Health Turkey Meal Mixer
• Weight Control Turkey Meal Mixer