Annamaet dog food products are manufactured and produced by Annamaet Petfoods, Inc. based in Sellersville, Pennsylvania. It was created by Robert Downey, an experienced breeder and racer of Alaskan Husky sled dogs. Their dog food formulas are a product of studying and observing the relationship between the diet and good health of 40 sled dogs—from puppies to retired geriatric huskies. The company was named after Robert Downey’s mother, Anna Mae.

All of Annamaet’s products are formulated to meet the AAFCO profiles for all life’s stages. The company’s processing plant has been EU-certified and has undergone inspection by USDA and APHIS.

Annamaet claims the use of only human-grade meat-based ingredients and whole grains and a variety of natural ingredients. They also claim that their products are free from chemical preservatives, glutens, soy products, animal by-products, artificial colors and flavors.

There are five Annamaet dry premium dog food products and three grain-free formulas which are available in the market.

We highly recommend Annamaet dog food brand, especially it’s grain-free formulas which are among the best that we have reviewed. Annamaet dog food’s contain very high quality ingredients and significant meat content.

The first ingredient of Annamaet’s dog food rations is a protein-rich animal source which is considered a meat concentrate. These primary ingredients include chicken meal and catfish meal. Compared to raw meat ingredients, these meat meals contain 300% more protein thus these meat concentrates are more viable protein components of dog food products.

Other meat-based protein ingredients of Annamaet dog food products include venison meal, menhaden fish meal, chicken and catfish meal. Except for chicken, all the other ingredients are meat concentrates. Although chicken is an excellent protein source, it is a raw ingredient which means that its water content is quite high. Processing causes evaporation and loss of moisture from fresh ingredients thus leaving only a fraction of the original weight of the ingredient.

Brown rice is also called “hulled rice”, “unmilled” or “partly milled” rice.  It is a whole grain ingredient where only the husk or the outermost layer of the germ has been removed leaving only the bran layer and germ intact. Brown rice has a better nutritional content compared to white rice which has been polished and stripped of important nutrients. Brown rice has a low glycemic index which can help support the stability of blood sugar levels. It is also rich in B-vitamins, iron, some fatty acids and fiber.

Millet is a grain cereal which is considered a source of plant-based protein.  Its protein content is similar to that of wheat. Millet also contains B-vitamins, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and magnesium. It is gluten-free thus it is not viewed as an allergen in dog food.

Rolled Oats are oat groats which have been rolled into flat flakes, steamed, and toasted. It is a good source of dietary fiber, thiamine and iron.

Pearled barley is barley where the hull and bran has been removed. It is a good source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Pearled barley contains high amounts of starch. It has lesser nutrients than barley because the nutritious bran layer has been removed. It is often used as a binder for dog kibble.

Flax seed meal provides high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, considered to be essential fatty acids which can reduce inflammation and help preserve the integrity of cell membranes. Flax seed meal is also rich in magnesium and vitamin B6.  With its good fiber content, it is important in gastrointestinal health and stabilizing blood sugar levels.

Canola oil is rich in healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It possesses an anti-inflammatory effect on injuries and is an essential nutrient in maintaining your dog’s healthy skin and coat.

Dried tomato pomace is made from tomato skin, pulp, and seeds. It is an excellent source of the antioxidant, lycopene, and fiber. Tomato pomace is a by-product when tomato is processed into juice, sauce, etc. Many dog owners view tomato pomace as a controversial ingredient because of the possibility that the tomato skin may contain high amounts of pesticide residues that can be introduced into the dog food.

There has been no indication that probiotics or beneficial bacteria have been added after processing.

Chelated minerals have been added to ensure easier absorption and utilization.

Many dog owners have positive feedbacks on the use of Annamaet dog food products for their dogs. They are especially pleased with the absence of potential allergens.

On the other hand, there are some dog owners who have expressed misgivings on the presence of corn in some Annamaet rations.

Overall, we very highly recommend Annamaet dog food formulas. We believe that their grain-free formulas are among the best formulas that we have reviewed to date and contain excellent quality ingredients.

Please visit the links listed below for Annamaet dog food reviews by formula.

Have a comment or question about our Annamaet dog food review? Want to share your experiences with others? We welcome your comments!

Annamaet Choice Food Formulas:

Annamaet ENCORE Dog Food
Annamaet OPTION Dog Food
Annamaet EXTRA Dog Food
Annamaet ADULT Dog Food
Annamaet ULTRA Dog Food
Annamaet Grain-Free SALCHA Dog Food
Annamaet Grain-Free AQUALUK Dog Food
Annamaet Grain-Free MANITOK Dog Food

Annamaet Dog Food Consumer Ratings

Halo dog food products are manufactured and marketed by Halo, Purely for Pets based in Tampa, Florida. Aside from being a maker of premium dog food products, the company’s popularity can also be attributed to its famous co-owner and celebrity endorser, Ellen DeGeneres.

Halo’s dog food formulas are tailored based on a holistic approach to pet nutrition. The company’s guiding principles – “balance,  nature, and love”— form the base of a pet product development program which is geared towards optimum health, wellness, and vitality of your pets.

Halo claims the use of only real meat sources like chicken, turkey, lamb, beef or wild salmon. Farm-raised fruits, vegetable and whole grains have also been added with no flavors, artificial colors, or preservatives.

All of these dog food rations have been designed to meet the AAFCO nutrient profiles—two for growth and four for adult maintenance.

Ingredients

Halo’s protein component is mainly composed of fresh meat sources— like chicken, salmon, and lamb.  Although these are all viable sources of high quality protein, raw meat contains high amounts of water (about 80%).  Processing results in the loss of moisture which can leave only a fraction of the ingredient’s original weight as the main source of protein.

Chicken includes the flesh and meat without accompanying bone and devoid of feathers, feet, entrails, and heads.

Salmon is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids which are essential in maintaining your dog’s healthy skin and coat. This type of fatty acids also helps boost immune system functions and preserve the integrity of body cells. Studies have also shown that dogs with food-based allergies do well with Halo rations containing salmon.

Many dog owners might wonder why eggs are listed right after the meat-based protein source in most Halo dog food products. Eggs are considered one of the best sources of digestible protein, selenium and riboflavin. Eggs is known for having a complete amino acid profile thus it is suffice to say that eggs have the highest biological protein value.

One thing to remember about eggs includes the factors that can affect the ingredient’s quality. Eggs from commercial hatcheries usually have lower quality. Eggs have also been implicated in outbreaks of salmonellosis and other food-borne infections.

Pea protein is produced when the starchy component of peas has been extracted. It contains amino acids which can contribute to the total protein content of the dog food.

Oats is a grain cereal which is commonly used in livestock and pet foods.  It is a good source of soluble dietary fiber and it is the only cereal which contains the globulin protein, avenalin. The protein content of oats is comparable to that present in soy, meat, milk, and eggs. It also contains essential B-vitamins, and minerals.

Vegetable broth is present in all Halo dog food products. Although it is almost devoid of essential nutrients, it lends an appetizing flavor and aroma to the dog food.

Pearled barley is an excellent energy-source for dogs. It is a form of barley wherein the hull and bran has been removed. It is a cholesterol-free ingredient with low fat content. It contains high amounts of soluble and insoluble fiber. With a low glycemic index, it can help maintain your dog’s stable blood sugar levels.

Chicken fat is a product of rendering. Its linoleic acid is viewed as the highest among all animal sources. Linoleic acid helps your dog maintain healthy skin and coat.

Flaxseed is considered as one of the best sources of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids. It is also rich in soluble dietary fiber.

Probiotics or beneficial microorganisms have been added to the surface of the kibble after processing. These friendly bacteria have been proven to boost a dog’s digestive and immune health.

Chelated minerals, where essential minerals have been chemically attached to proteins, have also been added. Chelated minerals have the advantage of being better absorbed and consequently utilized in the body.

Customer Reviews

Many owners are happy with Halo dog food formulas. They reported lesser digestive problems including vomiting and diarrhea in dogs given Halo dog food products. There are also lesser hypersensitivity reactions which have been observed. However, there are many dog owners who point out that Halo’s prices are quite higher compared to other dog food products in the market.

Overall, we believe that Halo produces good quality formulas and we highly recommend this brand. While it is a very pricey alternative, those that can afford it, should be more than happy with the quality of ingredients, meat content and digestibility.

Please visit the links listed below for Halo Spots Stew dog food reviews by formula.

Have a comment or question about our Halo dog food review? Want to share your experiences with others? We welcome your comments!

Halo Spot Stew Dog Food Formulas:

1. Halo Spots Stew Puppy Wholesome Chicken Dog Food
2. Halo Spots Stew Puppy Wild Salmon Dog Food
3. Halo Spots Stew Adult Wild Salmon Dog Food
4. Halo Spots Stew Adult Wholesome Chicken Dog Food

Halo Spots Stew Dog Food Consumer Ratings

Flint River Ranch pet food company was founded in 1993 by Jim Flint, a passionate pet owner who set out to formulate a dog food ration for his pet because he was complete dissatisfied with the commercial dog food products. He was able to create a dog food formula which incorporated the essential nutrients that he thinks his dog needs without chemical preservatives and potentially harmful additives. What started out as a personal undertaking became a thriving family business based in Georgia. They offer 7 dry dog food formulas, dog treats, and a line of dog supplements.

Overall, we believe that Flint River Ranch is a good dog food brand and would place it in our mid-tier of brands in terms of quality and meat content.

There has been no Flint River Ranch dog food formula which has been included in the FDA dog food recall list however it is advisable to check with the FDA website before selecting the best dog food for your pet.

The company’s website does not state any AAFCO nutritional adequacy statements however they claim to exceed the nutrient guidelines established by AAFCO.

Flint River Ranch dog food formulas have specific meat-based ingredients which are listed as the first ingredient which may mean that it constitutes a considerable percentage of the entire formula. These protein-rich ingredients include chicken meal, duck meal, and lamb meal. These meat meals are considered meat concentrates which means these ingredients contain 300% more protein than raw meat sources.

The Flint River Fish & Chips Trout and Potato Formula has Trout as its main source of meat-based protein. Trout is also rich in healthy omega 3 and omega-6 fatty acids which are essential in maintaining healthy skin and hair.

Whole wheat flour and ground whole wheat is a common ingredient in almost half of all Flint River dog food formulas. A good dog food formula should never have whole wheat flour listed down as one of the first five ingredients. It is recognized as a potential food allergen in dog food and has been linked to many cases of hypersensitivity reactions in dogs.

Ground rice is listed as the main energy source however it is not specified whether it’s brown rice or white rice. Each of these types possess varying nutritional contents with the brown rice containing more valuable nutrients compared to the polished white rice.

Ground whole millet is considered a source of plant-based protein. It is also rich in B-vitamins, zinc, iron, calcium, and magnesium. Although it contains the same protein value as wheat, ground whole millet is gluten-free thus it is not considered a potential dog food allergen.

Chicken fat is a good source of essential fatty acids particularly linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, which is necessary in promoting healthy skin and shiny hair coat as well as protecting body cells from harmful effects of free radicals.

Flax seed is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids however it should be incorporated in the dog food formula as flax seed oil or ground flax seeds. Aside from providing essential fatty acids, flax seed is also important in boosting the functions of the immune system and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is also a good source of soluble and insoluble fibers.

Flint River Ranch dog food products are not without a number of controversial ingredients. Aside from those which have already been mentioned, other controversial ingredients include brewer’s dried yeast and wheat germ meal.

Wheat germ meal is a by-product of the wheat milling process. It is recognized as one of the most common allergens in dog food products.

Brewer’s dried yeast adds to the total protein content of the dog food product however it has been used as an inexpensive dog food filler. There are dog owners who believe that yeast has anti-flea properties but there are also those who think that it can increase the incidence of bloat in dogs.

Review

There are many positive reviews from dog owners who are satisfied with the quality ingredients which have been incorporated in Flint River Ranch dog food products. They observed that their dogs were more energetic and had not suffered any digestive problems. However, there are some dog owners that reported allergy reactions after switching to Flint River Ranch. Some deplore the presence of wheat in some of their formulas.

Overall, we believe that Flint River Ranch is a good dog food brand and would place it in our mid-tier of brands in terms of quality and meat content. We would recommend it as the formulas have been careful to avoid any harmful ingredients – we would recommend you add more meat to your dogs diet if you do decide to feed Flint River Ranch.

Please visit the links listed below for Flint River Ranch dog food reviews by formula.

Have a comment or question about our Flint River Ranch dog food review? Want to share your experiences with others? We welcome your comments!

Flint River Ranch Dog Food Formulas

1. Flint River Ranch Dry Water Kibble Dog Food
2. Flint River Ranch Lamb, Millet, and Rice Kibble Dog Food
3. Flint River Ranch Original Puppy and Adult Kibble Dog Food
4. Flint River Ranch Original Puppy and Adult Nugget Dog food
5. Flint River Ranch Senior Kibble Dog Food
6. Flint River Ranch Senior Plus Kibble Dog Food
7. Flint River Ranch Trout & Potato (Fish & Chips) Nugget Dog Food

Flint River Ranch Dog Food Consumer Ratings

	Dog Food	Votes	Consumer Rating
1	Flint River Ranch Dry Water Dog Food	5
2	Flint River Ranch Dog Food	29
3	Flint River Ranch Lamb Meal, Millet & Rice Dog Food	10
4	Flint River Ranch Original Puppy & Adult Kibble Canine Formula	11
5	Flint River Ranch Trout & Potato (Fish & Chips) Formula	20

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Go! dog food dog food products are manufactured by Petcurean Pet Nutrition. The company also produces Now! Grain-Free and Summit dog food formulas.

Go! Natural is marketed as a wholesome formulation wherein the company introduces a “revolutionary way to feed your pet—One Diet for One Life.” The company claims the use of only the best wholesome ingredients to meet the standards of Holistic veterinarians and many pet owners. Each of these dog food formulas has been formulated to meet the AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages.

Other well-known features which are associated with Go! Natural dog food products include—feeding up to 40% less; the use wholesome ingredients which have passed through government evaluation and assessment; strict quality assurance standards; and solution formulas which have been tailored to address common health problems in dogs.

Among the four Go! Natural dog food formulas, only one is a grain-free formula.

The different dog food formulas contain meat-based protein sources including chicken meal, deboned chicken, turkey meal, salmon meal, salmon, and duck meal.

Chicken and salmon are fresh meat sources which are excellent sources of meat-based protein. However, since they are still in the raw form, these ingredients contain about 80% water that can be lost during processing leaving only a fraction of the original weight of the protein source.

When a fresh meat source is the first ingredient in a dog food product, it is usually followed by a meat meal like chicken meal, turkey meal, salmon meal, or duck meal. These are considered meat concentrates that contain more than 300% protein compared to fresh meat sources.

The carbohydrate fraction of Go! Natural dog food formulas is composed of brown rice, white rice, oatmeal, rice bran, and potato.
Between brown rice and white rice, the former is the better ingredient. Brown rice is considered a whole grain ingredient because the nutrient-filled outer layer of the grain is still intact. It is a good source of dietary fiber, and B-vitamins.

White rice is produced when the bran and the germ layer is removed. The process subsequently gets rid of the nutrients which are present in the bran.

Oatmeal is well-known for its nutritional and health benefits. It is considered as one of the best grains which are incorporated in many pet food formulas today. Compared to other grains, oatmeal can contribute to the total protein content of the dog food because it contains fair amounts of plant-based protein which is equivalent in amount to soy protein or egg. It is also a good source of digestible fiber, B-vitamins, iron, antioxidants and essential fatty acids. Oatmeal is a hypoallergenic ingredient and is ideal for dogs which are prone to dog food allergies. Because of its fiber content, oatmeal is also a desirable ingredient in weight loss dog food formulas and reduction of incidents of digestive problems.

Rice bran is a by-product in the production of white rice. It is a part of the grain which is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, soluble and insoluble fibers which are important in the health of the gastrointestinal tract.

Potatoes are good sources of carbohydrates, fiber, B-complex, calcium, vitamin C and iron. They are also rich in beta-carotene which is a well-known antioxidant.

Sunflower oil is rich in the omega-6 fatty acid, linolenic acid. It is also good for the skin’s health and acts as an antioxidant that can protect the body cells from free radicals.

Go! Natural dog food products contain a prebiotic in the form of inulin which is derived from chicory. Together with special probiotics, these ingredients can help boost digestive and immune functions.

Chelated minerals are also present which allows easier absorption and utilization of important minerals in the body.

Some of Go! Natural dog food ingredients which are deemed controversial include tomato pomace and garlic.

Tomato pomace is a by-product of tomato processing. Although it is a rich source of dietary fiber, B-vitamins, lycopene and vitamin A, tomato pomace is primarily made up of tomato skin that has the potential of containing pesticide residues.

Garlic powder has been linked to a blood problem, Heinz body anemia, in dogs.

Dog owners like the fact that their dogs can easily adapt to Go! Natural dog food formulas when they switch from another dog food brand.  Aside from increased energy, their dogs also have better skin and coat appearance. However, there are also some dogs that experience digestive problems after having been fed Go! Natural dog food formulas.

Overall, we believe that GO! produces very high quality dog food and would recommend this brand to our readers.

Please visit the links listed below for GO! dog food reviews by formula.

Have a comment or question about our GO! dog food review? Want to share your experiences with others? We welcome your comments!

GO! Dog Food Formulas:

1. Go Canine Chicken Formula
2. Go Canine Duck Formula
3. Go Natural Salmon & Oatmeal Formula
4. Go Grain Free Endurance Formula

GO! Dog Food Consumer Ratings

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California Natural brand dog food is produced by the Natura Pet Products company. Natura Pet Products is also the maker of the following foods:

• Evo
• HelathWise
• Karma
• Mother Nature
• Innova

California Natural’s line of dog foods contain only one source of each macronutrient, with none of their formulas including any artificial ingredients, fillers or by-products.  In addition, they are also corn, wheat and soy free.

This line of dog food formula’s is excellent for dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies.

California Natural dog food products are formulated based on the philosophy– “less is more”.  The manufacturers designed individual food formulas to meet the nutritional requirements of different life ages of dogs including those with special diets and hypersensitive issues with particular food ingredients.

California Natural has 13 dry dog food formulas which are designed for dogs with allergies thus they are using various ingredients to reduce, if not prevent, any incidence of digestive problems and food allergies.

The main ingredient of California natural dog food formulas is meat. The type of meat for each formula depends on the specific nutritional needs with which the formula has been formulated. The various dog food formulas for adult dogs use either of the following rich protein sources—lamb, chicken, venison, herring, and salmon. For puppies, the major meat sources include lamb and chicken.

Compared to other dog food brands, California Natural lives by its philosophy. It has a limited ingredient list in an effort to keep off common allergens in the dog’s diet.

One interesting aspect of the protein component of California Natural dog food formulas is the fact that meat sources are incorporated as meat meals such as chicken meal, lamb meal, or venison meal. Meat meals are considered meat concentrates which contain almost 300% more animal-based protein compared to raw or fresh meat sources. Almost eighty-percent of raw meat is made up of water which disperses upon processing.

Brown rice is a nutrient-rich grain with on the rice hull removed. It is a rich source of nutrients including B-vitamins, fatty acids and magnesium.

California Natural dog food also has grain-free formulas that incorporate peas or potatoes. Peas are an excellent source of digestible carbohydrates and of vegetable protein. It also contains substantial amounts of Vitamin A.  Potatoes are good sources of complex carbohydrates, B-vitamins, magnesium, copper, iron, potassium, zinc, and niacin.

Sunflower oil is one of the highest sources of linoleic acid which is rich in essential omega-6 fatty acids responsible for healthy skin and coat.

Pea fiber comes from pea hulls and is considered both an insoluble and soluble fiber which is very important in promoting normal bowel health.

All of California Natural dog food formulas have met AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages and adult maintenance.

However, there is no mention of probiotics or beneficial microorganisms in the dog food formulas. The current trend in dog food formulas is to apply a coat of probiotics on kibbles to further boost digestive health and performance.

Customer Reviews

There are many positive reviews from dog owners who switched their pet’s food to California Natural. Dogs which have been previously besieged with intestinal and bowel issues have improved significantly.

However, many dog owners question the absence of probiotics. There are also those who doubt if California Natural can still maintain the original quality now that it’s under the P&G formula.

Please visit the links listed below for California Natural dog food reviews by formula.

Have a comment or question about our California Natural dog food review? Want to share your experiences with others? We welcome your comments!

California Natural Dog Food Formulas:

1. California Natural Grain Free Chicken Meal Adult Dog Food
2. California Natural Grain Free Lamb Meal Adult Dog Food
3. California Natural Grain Free Venison Meal Adult Dog Food
4. California Natural Lamb Meal & Rice Adult Large Bites
5. California Natural Lamb Meal & Rice Adult Small Bites
6. California Natural Lamb & Brown Rice Adult
7. California Natural Low Fat Rice & Lamb meal Adult
8. California Natural Herring & Sweet Potato Adult Dog Food
9. California Natural Salmon & Sweet Potato Adult
10. California Natural Lamb Meal & Rice Dog Food
11. California Natural Chicken Meal & Rice Dog Food

California Natural Dog Food Consumer Ratings

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Evanger dog food formulas are produced and marketed by Evangers Dog and Cat Food Company. The pet food company has been producing various lines of dog and cat food formulas and treats since it was founded in 1935 by Fred Evanger.

Each of these dog food formulas has been tailored to meet the AAFCO nutrient standards for all life’s stages.

There has been no Evanger dog food formula which has been subjected to recall by the FDA however the company’s attention has been called on adulteration and misbranding of its Lamb and Rice Dog Food formula and Grain-free Duck Pet Food.

The primary protein component of Evanger’s dog food formulas is chicken, pheasant, or whitefish. This gives dog owners better choices when it comes to selecting the best formula for their dogs.

Chicken, pheasant and whitefish are fresh meat-based protein sources. Being raw ingredients, about 80% of their composition is made up of water that can be lost during processing and leaving only a fraction of the original weight.

Pheasant meat is often a good choice for dogs which are hypersensitive to chicken.

In Evanger’s Chicken with Brown Rice Formula, the second ingredient is brown rice. It is unmilled or partly milled rice which is considered more nutritious than white rice. Brown rice still possesses the nutrient-rich outer covering of the grain. It is loaded with B-vitamins, magnesium and iron.

To boost the total protein content of Evanger’s dog food formulas, the fresh meat protein sources are paired with a meat meal like chicken meal, duck meal, salmon meal, or venison meal.

Meat meals are meat concentrates that contain more than 300% more protein than fresh meat sources.

Aside from being a rich protein source, salmon meal contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which serve an important role in protecting body cells against harmful free radicals.

Potatoes are complex carbohydrates that also contain B-vitamis, carbohydrates, vitamin C, zinc, iron, copper, magnesium, potassium, and niacin.

Pearled barley contains soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. It is also loaded with antioxidants and other essential nutrients like selenium, thiamine, niacin, iron, phosphorus, zinc, and copper. Pearled barley is produced when the outer covering of the barley is removed and the grain is “pearled” or polished.

Chicken fat is a valuable source of linoleic acid in the diet. It is a type of healthy omega-6 fatty acids that helps protect the body cells from harmful free radicals and helps preserve the integrity of the body cells.

Flaxseed is recognized as one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids from plants. It is also a good source of dietary fiber which is easily digestible when ground into a meal.

Canola oil contains high amounts of healthy omega-3 fatty acids however there are dog owners who view it as an unhealthy fat. This stems from a misconception that Canola Oil is extracted from rapeseed, a plant which contains high levels of the toxic substance, erucic acid. However, Canola oil is extracted from the Canola plant.

Tomato pomace is a by-product which is produced when tomatoes are processed into catsup, juice, or sauce. Tomato pomace is made up chiefly of tomato skin which can contain pesticide residues. For some dog owners, tomato pomace is viewed as an inexpensive filler of pet food formulas. However, tomato pomace contains high amounts of lycopene, B-vitamins, and dietary fiber.

Brewer’s dried yeast is another controversial item present in Evanger’s dog food formulas. It is a by-product of the beer making industry. Some dog owners shy away from dog food formulas with Brewer’s dried yeast because it has been linked to incidence of allergies in dogs. However, the ingredient contains 45% protein which can help boost the total protein of the dog food formula.

Probiotics have been added as a coating for kibbles. These are mainly beneficial microorganisms that support and boost digestive and immune system functions.

Chelated minerals have also been added for better absorption and utilization of essential minerals in the diet.

Many dog owners love the fact that Evanger’s dog food formulas are tailored to meet specific needs of dogs. The absence of corn and soya, which are known dog food allergens, is another plus factor for Evanger dog formulas. However, these positive reviews are shadowed by the fact that the company’s license had been suspended by FDA and that there has been recent FDA findings of adulteration and misbranding of some formulas.

Overall, we believe that Evanger’s is a quality dog food and highly recommend this brand. Evanger’s contains quality ingredients, good meat content and comes at a reasonable value.

Evangers Dog Food Formulas

Evangers dog food comes in three different formulas. They include:

1. Evangers Chicken with Brown Rice Dry Dog Food
2. Evangers Pheasant & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food
3. Evangers Whitefish and Sweet Potato

Evangers Dog Food Consumer Rating

Now! Dog food products are manufactured and marketed by Petcurean, a company based in British Columbia, Canada. The company’s dog food formulas are characterized by the utilization of concentrated forms of meat and farm-fresh ingredients which are subjected to minimized processing methods to retain the flavor and essential nutrients which are needed by your dogs.

We believe this is a very good quality dog food and would recommend it to our readers.

Now! Dog food formulas undergo a slow-cooking method at low temperatures to preserve the wholesomeness of the ingredients. The company takes pride in their dog food formulas which possess a rich and distinctive oil aroma which can stimulate a dog’s appetite and craving.

Two of these products meet the AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance while one is formulated for growth (Now! Grain Free Puppy) and one for all life stages (Now! Grain Free Small Breed).

Now! Grain Free dog food formulas claim to be free from rendered meats, rendered fats, grains, and common preservatives (ethoxyquin, BHA or BHT).

The main meat-based protein source of Now! dog food products is deboned-boned turkey. Turkey meat is a good protein source however since it is still incorporated in its raw form, about 80% of its composition is composed of water. Upon processing, the water content is lost thereby reducing the meat’s initial weight into a fraction of its original weight.

Potato flour is made from a whole potato. It is a distinct ingredient from potato starch which is made from starch derived from potato. It is a valuable source of starch in the diet. Since it is a complex carbohydrate, it has a low glycemic index which is ideal in maintaining the stability of blood sugar levels.

Peas can be a good source of plant-based protein. Peas provide high quantities of soluble and insoluble plant fiber which are essential for digestive health. Peas are also rich in B-vitamins, vitamins C, vitamin K, and beta carotenes. Peas also contribute essential minerals to the diet including magnesium, iron, manganese, potassium, and phosphorus.

There are dog owners who view Canola Oil as a source of unhealthy fat however it has a desirable omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid profile while being low in saturated fat and high in monounsaturated fat.

Whole dried egg is an excellent source of protein. It is also rich in essential fatty acids which are important for your dog’s skin and coat.  The protein content of egg can boost the total protein content of the dog food product.

Flaxseed is an important source of antioxidants and both soluble and insoluble fiber. Aside from being essential components in maintaining the health of your dog’s skin and coat, the alpha-linoleic acid (a type of omega-3 fatty acid) present in flax seed also prevents shedding and helps reduce the need for anti-allergy treatments in dogs suffering from allergies and hypersensitivity reactions. The insoluble fiber is important in preventing constipation, ensures firmer stools, and prevents anal sac impaction.
Now! dog food products also contain a variety of fruits and vegetables like apple, tomato, alfalfa, carrots, pumpkins, bananas, cranberries, blackberries, blueberries, pineapple, grapefruit, papaya, broccoli, spinach, and lentil beans. Although these are minor ingredients, their antioxidant properties and abundant fiber content ensure proper function of the body cells and the digestive health.

Another controversial ingredient is garlic. Although it is often regarded as a natural flea and tick-repellent, garlic has been linked to digestive and blood clotting abnormalities. In rare cases it has also been linked to severe hemolytic anemia. With this information, it is important to be aware of how much garlic is incorporated in the formula.

Yeast extract is incorporated to enhance flavor and boost the functions of the immune system however there are those who believe that yeast can increase the chances of developing bloat.

Chelated minerals have been added to enhance absorption and utilization of essential minerals.

Now! Grain Free dog food formulas have been receiving many positive reviews from satisfied dog owners who are happy with the fact that the rations do not include ingredients which have undergone rendering. But there are some dog owners who want more meat in the dog food rations that they give to their pets.

Overall, we believe this is a very good quality dog food and would recommend it to our readers.

Please visit the links listed below for Now dog food reviews by formula.

Have a comment or question about our Now dog food review? Want to share your experiences with others? We welcome your comments!

Now! Dog Food Formulas:

1. Now Puppy Dog Food Formula
2. Now Adult Dog Food Formula
3. Now Senior/Weight Management Dog Food Formula

Now! Dog Food Consumer Ratings

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Avoderm dog food formulas are known for incorporating an unconventional ingredient in dog food—California avocados.  The dog food brand is formulated and produced by Breeder’s Choice Pet Foods. The company started out as a producer of frozen pet meals in 1947 which later expanded to include kibble and biscuits which have been oven-baked and packed with nutrients that exceeded the minimum nutritional requirement for pet foods. Today, Breeder’s Choice continues to produce their “all-natural oven-baked pet foods and treats” in their Irwindale facility.

In 1982, AvoDerm pet foods came into being as a result of an excess supply of avocados at a local farm. The company capitalized on the skin and coat-restoring properties of nutrients present in avocados to come up with their flagship product that has become one of their best-selling dog food line.

Avoderm dog food products have been tailored to meet specific AAFCO nutrient profiles for different life stages.

Not all AvoDerm dog food formulas have a meat-based protein source as its first ingredient. While some AvoDerm dog food formulas have chicken meal, there are those which have peas or ground whole rice as their first ingredient.

Chicken meal is a valuable source of meat-based protein. It is a meat concentrate which means it contains 300% more protein than fresh meat sources.  However, chicken has been linked to cases of canine food allergies thus dog owners whose dogs are hypersensitive to chicken shy away from any AvoDerm formula that contains any form of chicken.

Another meat-based protein which is a common ingredient in AvoDerm dog food formulas is salmon meal. Although it does not follow chicken meal as the next major ingredient, salmon meal is usually included among the first five ingredients. Aside from being a good source of protein, salmon meal is also rich in omega-6 fatty acids which are essential components in important body processes and safeguard the integrity of body cells.  Salmon meal is also considered a meat concentrate.

There is one AvoDerm formula with Peas as the first ingredient. Peas are good sources of plant-based proteins and fibers.  Putting it as a first ingredient may not be a good idea since dogs are primarily meat eaters and compared to meat sources, protein from peas is relatively of inferior quality.

Whole rice is a complex carbohydrate which is a good source of energy.  Brown rice is of better quality than white rice because the layer which contains the essential vitamins and minerals are still intact. With white rice, the outer layer has been removed thus stripping rice of valuable nutrients.

Oatmeal is a gluten-free whole grain cereal from ground oats. It is a natural source of B-vitamins and digestible fiber.

Rice bran is an inferior protein source that can, however, boost the protein level of a dog food formula. A by-product of the rice milling process, rice bran is also a rich source of natural vitamins and minerals.

Flaxseeds provide good sources of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids and digestible fiber particularly when they are ground into a meal.

Chicken fat is a rich source of linoleic acid, a type of omega-6 fatty acid which plays an important role in physiological processes of the body. It is a product of rendering.

There are several controversial ingredients in certain AvoDerm dog food formulas which have been consistently pointed out by concerned dog owners.

Avocado is not a common ingredient in dog food products. However, many AvoDerm dog food formulas incorporate California avocado because it possesses nutrients which are excellent for maintaining a dog’s shiny hair coat and healthy skin. But there are others who view the inclusion of avocado in a negative light because of concerns regarding the potential toxicity which, for the most part, lack sufficient evidence to be of much cause for apprehension.

Tomato pomace is another controversial ingredient because it is often viewed as an inexpensive filler of pet food products. It is a by-product when tomatoes are processed into catsup, soup, or juice.

Many dog owners are happy with the fact that using AvoDerm formulas on their dogs resulted in shinier hair coats and healthy skin. There are also fewer reports of hypersensitivity reactions with AvoDerm dog food products.

Please visit the links listed below for Avoderm dog food reviews by formula.

Have a comment or question about our Avoderm dog food review? Want to share your experiences with others? We welcome your comments!

Avoderm Dog Food Formulas:

1. AvoDerm Natural Chicken Meal and Brown Rice Puppy Food
2. AvoDerm Natural Chicken Meal and Brown Rice Adult Dog Food
3. AvoDerm Natural Lamb Meal and Brown Rice Adult Dog Food
4. AvoDerm Natural Vegetarian Adult Dog Food
5. AvoDerm Natural Brown Rice, Oatmeal and Chicken Meal Formula Lite Dog Food
6. AvoDerm Natural Chicken Meal, Brown Rice and Oatmeal Formula Senior Dog Food
7. AvoDerm Natural Chicken Meal and Brown Rice Large Breed Adult Dog Food
8. AvoDerm Natural Chicken Meal and Brown Rice Large Breed Puppy Food

Avoderm Dog Food Consumer Rating:

	Dog Food	Votes	Consumer Rating
1	AvoDerm Natural Lamb Meal and Brown Rice Adult Dog Food	45
2	AvoDerm Natural Brown Rice, Oatmeal and Chicken Meal Formula Lite Dog Food	11
3	AvoDerm Natural Chicken Meal and Brown Rice Large Breed Adult Dog Food	58
4	AvoDerm Natural Chicken Meal and Brown Rice Puppy and Adult Food	50
5	AvoDerm Natural Vegetarian Adult Dog Food	17
6	AvoDerm Natural Chicken Meal, Brown Rice and Oatmeal Formula Senior Dog Food	13
7	AvoDerm Natural Chicken Meal and Brown Rice Large Breed Puppy Dog Food	48

Natural Ultramix Adult Dog Food Ingredient Analysis

1. Chicken
2. Chicken meal
3. Turkey meal
4. Milo
5. Ground whole oats

Chicken is a great meat for dogs.

Chicken meal is a very good meat for dogs.

Turkey meal is a outstanding meat for dogs.

Pearled barley is a low grade grain.

Oat meal and other oat products are high in nutrition and have been linked to helping control heart disease in humans. It is a very good grain.

Natural Ultramix Adult Dog Food Ingredient List

Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Milo, Ground Whole Oats, Ground Whole Barley, Chicken Fat (Naturally preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Brown Rice, Dried Bananas, Dried Peas, Natural Chicken Flavor, Tomato Pomace, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Dried Carrots, Salmon Meal, Brewers Dried Yeast, Dried Egg Product, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Freeze Dried Peas, Dried Cranberries, Ground Whole Flaxseed, Fructooligosaccharide, Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Choline Chloride, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Sodium Selenite, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.

Annamaet Option Guaranteed Analysis

Guaranteed Analysis describes the nutrient content required by AAFCO labeling standards to be identified on every product package. Since these are guarantees, pet food manufacturers work to formulate diets that meet or exceed the minimum requirements.

*Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles.

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Annamaet Option Ingredient Analysis

1. Catfish meal
2. Brown rice
3. Venison meal
4. Pearled barley
5. Rolled oats

Catfish meal is a outstanding meat for dogs.

Brown rice is one of the 2 best grains in dog food and contains vitamin B3, B1, B6, manganese, phosphorus and iron.  It also has been linked to helping control heart disease in humans.

Venison meal is a outstanding meat for dogs.

Pearled barley is a low grade grain.

Oat meal and other oat products are high in nutrition and have been linked to helping control heart disease in humans. It is a very good grain.

Annamaet Option Ingredient List

Catfish Meal, Brown Rice, Venison Meal, Pearled Barley, Rolled Oats, Canola Oil, Millet, Dried Tomato Pomace, Flax Seed Meal, Lecithin, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, DL Methionine, L-Lysine, Potassium Chloride, Ascorbic Acid, Propionic Acid, Vitamin E Supplement, Biotin, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Citric Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Potassium Chloride, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate.

Annamaet Option Guaranteed Analysis

Guaranteed Analysis describes the nutrient content required by AAFCO labeling standards to be identified on every product package. Since these are guarantees, pet food manufacturers work to formulate diets that meet or exceed the minimum requirements.

Crude Protein, not less than………24.00%
Crude Fat, not less than…………..13.00%
Crude Fiber, not more than…………4.00%
Moisture, not more than…………..10.00%

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