is nature s recipe a good brand of dog food

Natures Recipe Dog Food Review

Natures Recipe Dog Food Review

By Mike Sagman

Updated: March 28, 2024

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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

1. Is Natures Recipe made in the United States?
2. Has Natures Recipe been recalled?
3. 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.

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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

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.

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, 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.

More Natures Recipe Reviews

Here are more Natures Recipe dog food reviews published by The Dog Food Advisor on this website.

Compare Natures Recipe Dog Food

How does Natures Recipe compare with The Dog Food Advisors most recommended brands?

Compare This Dog Food

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

A Final Word

The Dog Food Advisor does not accept money, gifts, samples or other incentives in exchange for special consideration in preparing our reviews.

However, we do receive a referral fee from online retailers (like Chewy or Amazon) and from sellers of perishable pet food when readers click over to their websites from ours. This helps cover the cost of operation of our free blog. Thanks for your support.

For more information, please visit our Disclaimer and Disclosure page.

Natures Recipe Dog Food Review, Recalls & Coupons for 2024

With a name like Natures Recipe you would probably expect healthy dog food products made with fresh, natural ingredients and that is exactly what you get with this brand.

Natures Recipefollows the tagline, Every ingredient counts and they make it their goal to provide nutritionally vibrant recipes for every pet every day.

Simply put, Natures Recipe relies on quality ingredients and carefully developed formulas to provide high-quality nutrition for dogs in all life stages. Not only does Natures Recipe offer a good variety of products, but they offer a number of formulas designed for dogs with special dietary needs.

Whether you have a growing puppy on your hands, an active adult dog, or an aging senior dog, Natures Recipe has a dedicated formula that your dog is going to love. This company designs their products to ensure optimal nutrition for long-term health and wellness. Its as simple as that.

Read on for our comprehensive Nature's Recipe Dog Food Review below.

Who Makes Natures Recipe Dog Food?

The Natures Recipe brand of dog food is produced and manufactured by Big Heart Pet Brands. Natures Recipe was founded 35 years ago by Jeff Bennet who was also the founder of Earth Elements, another pet food brand.

There isnt a great deal of information available regarding the history of Natures Recipe, however. Big Heart Pet Brands is part of the J.M. Smucker Company which produces a variety of other pet food brands including Milk-Bone, Natural Balance, Kibbles n Bits, Pup-Peroni, Gravy Train, and Milos Kitchen.

Natures Recipe Dog Food Review

When it comes to their ingredients, Natures Recipe uses real meats, protein-rich meat meals, wholesome grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

All of Natures Recipes dog food products are designed to be easy to digest and balanced with healthy nutrients they will also support your dogs healthy skin and coat as well as a healthy body weight.

Each recipe starts with a quality animal protein as the main ingredient (with the exception of a vegetarian formula), supplemented with whole grains or grain-free carbohydrates.

Natures Recipe uses a careful blend of omega fatty acids for energy and healthy coat, plus plenty of digestible fiber for regular digestion.

1. Natures Recipe Salmon, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin

First 5 ingredients:

Salmon, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Tapioca Starch, Canola Meal

Protein: 25.0% min

Fat: 10.0% min

Fiber: 4.0% max

Moisture: 12.0% max

Food Type: Dry

Best for: All Lifestages, All Breeds

Why you should buy it

• Real salmon is the top ingredient
• With easy to digest carbohydrate sources
• Free from poultry by-product meal, artificial flavors and preservatives

Crafted for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes, it contains high-quality ingredients: a healthy mix of veggies, fruits, and one of the oceans prized bounties salmon.

This oily fish is excellent as a primary ingredient because its considered somewhat of a superfood with its nutrient-dense properties.

Rich in protective antioxidants, proteins, minerals, and vitamins, its easy to see why salmon is one of the most popular fish varieties.

It has got plenty of potassium, protein, vitamin B12, and selenium, but the most important and often most-praised nutrient it has is the Omega-3 fatty acid. Omega-3 fats are thought to reduce the risk of heart disease and are believed to contribute to healthy joints, brain function, and shiny skin and coat.

As the second ingredient in the recipe, garbanzos (or chickpeas) pack a nutritional punch. Theyre the perfect accompaniment to salmon because they provide a good share of nutrients themselves.

For example, garbanzos are rich in zinc, Vitamin K, phosphorus, copper, folate, choline, iron, and more. Because of this, garbanzos can help dogs through a lot of canine illnesses, though it does have the unfortunate side effect of making some dogs gassy.

There are peas here, which along with the sweet potatoes, offer dogs a much-needed carbohydrate boost. Though carbohydrates are often vilified in diets, dogs need a healthy serving of these because carbohydrates are one of the ways dogs get energy. They form one of the three essential macronutrients for proper body function, which are carbohydrates, fats, and protein.

Menhaden fish meal is there to provide more protein to the recipe. (Menhaden fish meal are small fish that are ground up and cooked until little to no moisture remains.) Fish meals are full of protein as well as amino and fatty acids.

One of the key ingredients in this formulation is pumpkin. Its a fiber-rich fruit that adds bulk to a dogs stool and helps produce fatty acids that supply energy to the cells of the colon. The fiber in pumpkin also acts as a prebiotic to help the growth of good bacteria in the gut while minimizing harmful ones.

Aside from being grain-free, the recipe is also free from wheat, corn, soy, and artificial ingredients. But there are plenty of added mineral and vitamins to build a strong immune system and provide your dog with everything he needs for a complete and balanced meal.

2. Natures Recipe Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe

First 5 ingredients:

Chicken, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Tapioca Starch, Canola Meal

Protein: 25.0% min

Fat: 10.0% min

Fiber: 4.5% max

Moisture: 10.0% max

Food Type: Dry

Best for: All Lifestages, All Breeds

Why you should buy it

• An easy-on-the-tummy recipe
• Enriched with vitamins, minerals and nutrients
• Contains natural sources of fiber

This nutritious dog food is a high-energy blend that is specially designed to be easy on your dogs stomach and digestive system. Made with high-quality chicken protein and grain-free carbohydrates, this formula is complete and balanced for all life stages.

Whether you have a growing puppy or an active adult dog, this formula will provide plenty of meat-rich protein, healthy fats, and digestible carbohydrates. It is also made with beneficial supplements to ensure nutritional balance.

The first ingredient in this formula is fresh chicken. One thing you should know is that fresh meats like chicken contain up to 80% moisture by volume. When the dog food is cooked and much of that moisture is lost, the final volume of protein contributed by that ingredient could be less.

That isnt a problem for this recipe, however, because chicken meal is the second ingredient. Chicken meal, and other meat meals, has already been cooked to remove moisture that makes it a highly-concentrated source of protein. In addition to these two proteins, this recipe also contains pea protein.

Unfortunately, this is a plan protein which means that it offers lower bioavailability for your dog. It is also unclear how much this ingredient contributes to the total protein content of the recipe.

For carbohydrates, this recipe relies primarily on garbanzo beans and peas both gluten-free and grain-free carbohydrates. In addition to carbohydrate energy, these ingredients contribute dietary fiber to boost your dogs digestion.

There are also some supplementary sources of fiber such as sweet potatoes, apples, pumpkin, tapioca starch, and tomato pomace. The main source of fat used here is poultry fat which, though it is an animal-based fat, doesnt come from a named source so it is difficult to judge the quality. The remaining ingredients in this formula consist of natural flavors and synthetic supplements, including chelated minerals.

Overall, this kibble is a quality source of balanced nutrition for dogs in all life stages. This recipe starts off strong with chicken and chicken meal as the top two ingredients and it continues to do well with two gluten-free and grain-free carbohydrates up next.

The fourth ingredient, however, is a little troubling pea protein is a plant-based ingredient and offers lower bioavailability than meat-based proteins. Some pet owners may also say that the tomato pomace used as a supplementary source of fiber is a questionable ingredient.

It is also a little concerning that the main source of fat comes from an unnamed source. All in all, however, this is still a decent recipe with a little room for improvement.

3. Natures Recipe Original Lamb Meal & Rice

First 5 ingredients:

Lamb, Chicken Meal, Brewers Rice, Barley, Oatmeal

Protein: 22.0% min

Fat: 13.0% min

Fiber: 4.0% max

Moisture: 10.0% max

Food Type: Dry

Best for: All Lifestages, All Breeds

Why you should buy it

• Real lamb is the key ingredient
• Rice provides a lean source of carbohydrates
• Formulated to meet the nutritional needs of an active adult dog

Adult dogs of all sizes will find their nutrition needs met and their meaty cravings satisfied in this Lamb Meal & Rice. Its a healthy meal that supports the development of lean muscles, alertness, and metabolism in canines. There are no artificial flavors or preservatives, poultry by-product meals, corn, or wheat.

The Original line promotes digestion by using natural fiber from barley and oatmeal. There are added nutrients, vitamins, minerals, to give your adult pet a holistic, balanced meal that will sustain his daily activities.

Lamb meal takes the first spot as the main ingredient in this recipe. The meal word usually confuses some pet owners who may think that its not as good quality as fresh meat.

However, lamb meal is just fresh lamb that was cooked to remove almost all or all moisture content, leaving a higher percentage of protein and calcium per volume. It can be extremely healthy depending on the quality of the lamb meat used.

Some consider lamb to be a novel protein, and it can be a very good alternative to other meats if your dog has food sensitivities to other types of meat. It certainly is a rich and savory red meat that comes packed with vitamins, minerals, dietary fats, and essential amino acids. Its also similar to beef in that it contains a lot of iron, more than chicken or fish.

Barley comes in as the second ingredient. Its a low cholesterol food that is high in fiber, nicely complementing a meat-based recipe. It has thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, protein, fiber, carbohydrates, and not a few calories.

The third and fourth ingredients in the formulation are oatmeal and brewers rice. Oatmeal is a superb source of fiber, and its safe to eat for canines with wheat allergies. Meanwhile, brewers rice is a carbohydrate source that serves as a quick energy boost for dogs.

Every active dog needs fat to make the energy their body needs for movement and to fuel their muscles. Poultry fat is the fourth ingredient, and it plays a part in keeping dogs active and able to perform at a higher level. Fat also gives dogs a feeling of fullness after meals, helps regulate inflammation, and keeps the epidermal water barrier maintained for healthy skin and coat.

There is dried brewers yeast in the list, and it aids the digestive system by controlling diarrhea. Its also notable for creating healthier skin and shinier coats and reducing the occurrence of itchy and dry skin. One thing to remember, however, is that brewers yeast may produce increased gassiness in pets.

While we love this recipe, it has to be noted that one of the key ingredients is barley. Its a problematic ingredient for gluten-sensitive dogs since the food is loaded with it. Theres also brewers rice. While not bad for your dogs, its mostly a filler.

We also think it shouldnt come as a fourth ingredient since it doesnt contain much nutrients. However, if your dog is not allergic to any of these ingredients, this meal can be a good choice because it provides a complete nutrition due to the added vitamin and mineral supplements.

4. Natures Recipe Grain-Free Chicken Recipe in Broth

First 5 ingredients:

Chicken, Chicken Broth, Sweet Potatoes, Pumpkin, Canola Oil

Protein: 11.0% min

Fat: 2.0% min

Fiber: 1.0% max

Moisture: 82.0% max

Food Type: Wet, Bits in Broth

Best for: All Lifestages, All Breeds

Special Diet: Grain-free

Why you should buy it

• Boasts real chicken in savory broth
• Kibble with zero grains
• Incorporated with vitamins and minerals

Designed to be easily digestible, the Grain-Free line by Natures Recipe will provide all the essential vitamins and minerals your dog needs without compromising on taste.

Each grain-free recipe promises no corn, wheat, artificial flavor or preservative, or poultry by-product meal in it. Its just natural food with added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.

This wet dog food starts with real nutritious chicken as the first ingredient to bring your pet a crude protein content of 11%. Chicken is a favorite dog food ingredient because of its flavorful taste and lean meat. As long as your dog is not allergic to poultry, chicken is quite a healthy meat option to feed on a regular basis.

Next to the chicken is chicken broth. This not only adds to the aroma and taste of the wet food, but the broth also ups the moisture content to 82%. Moisture is often overlooked as not important by pet owners, but its crucial for the body to function properly. Low fluid levels in pets can lead to health problems such as kidney stones and urinary tract infections.

The third and fourth ingredients are sweet potatoes and pumpkin. The sweet potatoes are excellent alternatives to grain for their carbohydrate content. And since theyre high in dietary fiber, they are superb at supporting a healthy digestive system. Meanwhile, pumpkin is great for indigestion, urinary health, and beautiful skin and fur.

Because fatty acids are important in a dogs diet, Natures Recipe added canola oil into the mixture. In a pets diet, canola oil contributes oleic (Omega-9), linoleic (Omega-6), and linolenic (Omega-3) acids to the food.

The Omega-9 fatty acid is good for increasing good cholesterol while decreasing bad ones; Omega-6 fatty acids maintain bone health, regulate the metabolism, and stimulate hair growth; and Omega-3 helps in lowering the risk of heart diseases and stroke.

Theres also dried tomato puree in the formula. Tomatoes arent bad for animals per se as long as the leaves or unripe fruits are not eaten. The dried puree is made from the meat of the tomato, which is a good source of soluble fiber, potassium, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K.

The rest of the ingredients are composed mostly of supplemental vitamins and minerals to give every dog the proper nutrition he needs for his daily activities. If not for carrageenan being included, this would almost be a perfect list of ingredients.

Carrageenan is often used as a thickener and emulsifier, but it can cause inflammation and ulcerations. Thankfully, carrageenan is so far down the list, which means there is only a little amount of it mixed in.

5. Natures Recipe Small Breed Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin

First 5 ingredients:

Chicken, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Tapioca Starch, Canola Meal

Protein: 24.0% min

Fat: 14% min

Fiber: 4.0% max

Moisture: 10.0% max

Food Type: Wet, Bits in Broth

Best for: All Lifestages, Extra Small Breeds

Special Diet: Grain-free

Why you should buy it

• Specially made for small breed dogs
• A meal rich in protein and nutrients
• With antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables

Small breed dogs with sensitivity to grains need a special kind of food to help them meet their nutrition needs. Little mouths have a hard time chewing big kibbles, so this food is made specifically for small dogs will be just the thing they need.

This is a grain free recipe. Instead of grains, this recipe contains sweet potato & pumpkin to give the food a fiber and carbohydrate boost. Fiber, of course, keeps the digestive system healthy by speeding up elimination and bulking up stools to make it easier for them to pass. Carbohydrates, on the other hand, are converted by the body into glucose which acts as the brains fuel.

The star of this recipe is chicken. It heads the list of ingredients and acts as the primary source of protein. Fresh chicken is supported by chicken meal to ensure that dogs get enough nutrients to build and repair tissues, develop lean muscle mass, and make crucial body chemicals like hormones and enzymes

Next to the chicken ingredients come the garbanzo beans (chickpeas), peas, and pea starch. The trio act as plant sources of protein, but thats not all they provide. Garbanzo beans aid in weight management, improve digestion, and lessen the risk of several canine diseases from occurring. Peas provide carbohydrates as well as several vitamins and minerals, while pea starch holds the kibble together.

Maybe youre wondering why theres poultry fat in the recipe. Poultry fat is actually an important ingredient in pet foods. It acts as an energy source for dogs, keeps their coats shiny and healthy, enhances the taste and aroma of the food, and shields dry kibbles to help increase their shelf lives.

As for the last key ingredient, its dried tomato pomace. Its a healthy ingredient as it contains Lycopene (an antioxidant) and it is a soluble fiber. While tomatoes may be considered by some as toxic to pets, its really only the leaves and stems of the plant that are problematic. The ripe fruit is okay to eat.

The rest of the recipe is given over to minerals, vitamins, and a few natural preservatives. It doesnt contain any wheat, corn, or artificial flavors.

6. Natures Recipe Easy-to-Digest Original Ground Chicken, Rice & Barley

First 5 ingredients:

Water Sufficient for Processing, Chicken, Soybean Meal, Chicken Liver, Canola Oil

Protein: 8.0% min

Fat: 5.0% min

Fiber: 1.0% max

Moisture: 76.0% max

Food Type: Wet, Minced

Best for: All Lifestages, All Breeds

Why you should buy it

• Scrumptious homestyle blend
• Made to satisfy all breeds
• No allergy-causing ingredients

A tasty wet food for adult dogs, it is designed to be gentle on a canines stomach. Its crafted with all the savory taste your dog could possibly want and the nutrition that he definitely needs.

The recipe is crafted to be easy on the tummy, making it ideal for every dog especially those who may be ill or are recovering from illness. The gentle formula focuses on a dogs digestive health and delivering his every energy need.

The first ingredient is water, surprisingly. Ordinarily, this would cause some concern for pet owners who would prefer a meat-first recipe. However, since its crafted to support sensitive stomachs, the water is actually there to aid in processing the food.

Next to water is chicken. Chicken is an excellent source of protein and lean meat. It can be a problematic ingredient for food-sensitive dogs, but a welcome treat for those without allergies to poultry. Adding more nutrients into the mixture is soybean meal, which comes at third.

It is a pure form of plant protein and extremely helpful for canines with digestive problems because of its high fiber content. Just make sure to check first if your dog is allergic to these two ingredients.

Although it may not sound good to many, chicken liver (the fourth ingredient) is a healthy source of nutrients. It contains 10 to a hundred times the nutrients of muscle meat. For example, it has large amounts of Vitamin A as well as iron, B vitamins, trace minerals, protein, and coQ10.

There are also nutritious veggies in each meal, including carrots, potatoes, peas, and barley. Barley is a food thats high in fiber and low in cholesterol. It is also a carbohydrate, which may make your dog feel fuller and provide him a source of energy.

Carrots give off Vitamin A, fiber, and potassium. Peas contain vitamins and minerals that are good for a dogs immune system and vision, while potatoes have iron, calcium, and Vitamin B6.

To make sure that the daily nutrition requirements of canines are met, there are added supplemental vitamins and minerals in the feed. The calorie content for each cup of this food is at a high 445 kcal/cup, supporting weight gain for dogs who may be ill or recovering.

Its also an ideal feed for super energetic canines who may blast through a lot of calories due to their active lifestyle.

Is Natures Recipe Made in the United States?

The brand was only acquired by Big Heart Pet Brands, part of the J.M. Smucker Company, in 2015. According to a spokesperson for the Natures Variety brand, all of their dry dog food and dog treats are produced in U.S. facilities. While most of their wet food products are also made in the United States, some of their grain-free canned foods are made in Thailand.

Where Do They Get Their Ingredients?

Though Natures Recipe is a U.S.-based company, the brands manufacturer (J.M. Smucker Company) has operations around the world. Most of Natures Recipes dog food products are made in the United States, so it seems likely that most of their ingredients are sourced from the U.S. as well.

The Natures Recipe website provides some detailed information about the quality and nutritional benefits for some of their main ingredients (like real salmon, wholesome grains, and garden quality vegetables) but they do not provide specific information about where any of these ingredients come from.

Where to Buy?

It is widely available for purchase at various retail locations, including major pet supply stores like Petco, PetSmart, and Pet Supplies Plus.

Additionally, it can often be found at large retailers such as Walmart, Target, Chewy and Amazon (just click the links on this page). Many grocery stores with pet care sections also stock their products, providing convenience for pet owners during their regular shopping trips.

Furthermore, they offer the option for online purchase through its official website and various e-commerce platforms, offering the convenience of home delivery. With its widespread availability both in-store and online, pet owners can easily find them to meet their furry friend's nutritional needs.

Food Recall History

The company follows the tagline, Every ingredient counts and they talk about promoting the health and wellness of pets with their products. They do not, however, provide much in the way of detailed information about their ingredients or their manufacturing processes.

It is worth noting that Big Heart Pet Brands, the company that manufactures Natures Recipe products, also makes some low-quality pet food brands maybe even in the same facilities as Natures Recipe products. All that we know for sure is that Natures Recipe has only been recalled once. Here are the details of that recall:

• InOctober 2012, the Natures Recipe company issued a voluntary recall for 19-ounce pouches of Natures Recipe Oven Baked Biscuits with Real Chicken due to potential salmonella contamination.

What Kind of Products Do They Offer?

When it comes to their dog food products, Natures Recipe offers a decent variety. They offer various dog foods (both wet and dry) and can be divided into three categories: Life Stages, Special Needs, and Premium.

Life Stages formulas include classic recipes for puppies, adults and senior dogs as well as some size-specific formula for large- and small-breed dogs.

The Special Needs category includes recipes that are specially designed to meet unique nutritional needs there are formulas for healthy skin, easy digestion, healthy weight, and joint health as well as some breed-specific recipes.

The Premium category includes an assortment of grain-free and limited ingredient recipes. All three of these categories include both dry food and wet food products, plus there are several kinds of Natures Recipe dog treats.

Dry Products

The Natures Recipe brand of dog food offers a wide variety of different product choices for dry dog food. There are two product lines for Natures Recipe dry food, though their products can really be divided into numerous categories.

The classic lineup includes life stages, special needs, and grain-free formulas. The Pure Essentials product line includes limited ingredient recipes that are grain-free. Here is a list of their dry dog food recipes:

Life Stages Dry Food Recipes:

• Puppy Lamb Meal & Rice Recipe
• Puppy Chicken Meal & Rice Recipe
• Small Bites Chicken Meal & Rice Recipe
• Large Breed Puppy Recipe
• Adult Chicken Meal & Rice Recipe
• Adult Lamb Meal & Rice Recipe
• Small Bites Chicken Meal & Rice Recipe
• Large Breed Chicken & Oatmeal Recipe
• Senior Lamb Meal & Rice Recipe

Special Needs Dry Food Recipes:

• Healthy Skin Venison Meal & Rice Recipe
• Healthy Skin Vegetarian Recipe
• Easy to Digest Chicken Meal, Rice & Barley Recipe
• Easy to Digest Fish Meal & Potato Recipe
• Terrier Breed Chicken, Rice & Barley Recipe
• Toy Breed Chicken, Barley & Rice Recipe
• Healthy Weight Chicken Meal, Rice & Barley Recipe
• High Protein Chicken Meal & Lamb Meal Recipe
• Joint Health Fish Meal & Chicken Meal Recipe

Grain-Free Dry Food Recipes:

• Grain-Free Puppy Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe
• Small Breed Grain-Free Easy to Digest Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe
• Large Breed Grain-Free Easy to Digest Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe

Pure Essentials Dry Food Recipes:

• Adult Duck & Brown Rice Recipe
• Adult Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe
• Adult Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe
• Grain-Free Adult Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe

Natures Recipe Canned Products

Many of the same recipes that are available in dry food form also come in canned food. Natures Recipe offers an assortment of life stages, special needs, and grain-free options for wet food including several limited-ingredient recipes. Here is a list of Natures Recipe canned dog food recipes:

Life Stages Dry Food Recipes:

• Chicken Recipe in Broth
• Chicken & Wild Salmon Recipe in Broth
• Chicken & Turkey Recipe in Broth
• Adult Lamb & Rice Recipe Cuts in Gravy
• Senior Lamb & Rice Recipe Cuts in Gravy

Special Needs Dry Food Recipes:

• Easy to Digest Chicken, Rice & Barley Cuts in Gravy
• Easy to Digest Chicken, Rice & Barley Homestyle Ground
• Easy to Digest Lamb, Rice & Barley Cuts in Gravy
• Easy to Digest Lamb, Rice & Barley Homestyle Ground
• Grain-Free Easy to Digest Chicken & Duck Recipe in Broth
• Grain-Free Easy to Digest Chicken & Venison Recipe in Broth
• Healthy Skin Vegetarian Recipe Cuts in Gravy

Grain-Free Dry Food Recipes:

• Grain-Free Chicken & Turkey Stew
• Grain-Free Chicken & Venison Stew
• Grain-Free Chicken Recipe in Broth
• Grain-Free Ocean Fish & Tuna Recipe in Broth

Pure Essentials Dry Food Recipes:

• Grain-Free Lamb Recipe in Broth
• Grain-Free Salmon Recipe in Broth
• Grain-Free Chicken Recipe in Broth
• Venison Recipe in Broth
• Duck Recipe in Broth

Natures Recipe Dog Treats

In addition to an assortment of dry food and wet food options, Natures Recipe also offers a collection of dog treats. Here is a list of Natures Recipe dog treats:

Treats:

• Soft Bites Made with Real Beef & Cheese
• Soft Bites Made with Real Chicken & Cheese
• Soft Minis Made with Real Bacon
• Soft Minis Made with Real Chicken
• Soft Minis Made with Real Beef
• Soft Sticks Made with Real Bacon & Cheese
• Soft Sticks Made with Real Peanut Butter
• Grain-Free Biscuits Salmon & Potato Recipe
• Grain-Free Biscuits Turkey & Sweet Potato Recipe

Final Verdict

Nature's Recipe stands as a commendable choice for pet owners seeking a nourishing and trustworthy option for their furry companions.

With a commitment to quality ingredients and adherence to AAFCO standards, they ensure that every formulation meets essential nutritional requirements, making it a good dog food option for dogs of all ages, including puppies. Moreover, its meticulous production process minimizes the risk of recalls, instilling confidence in its reliability and safety.

Notably, the company recognizes the unique needs of dogs with sensitive stomachs, offering specialized formulas designed to promote digestive health and overall well-being.

Through its dedication to providing balanced nutrition and catering to specific dietary concerns, it establishes itself as a brand that prioritizes the health and happiness of our beloved canine friends.