Dry Dog Food Review and Rating List


*****UPDATE: I have created a page with information about dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and diet. It can be accessed here or through links from the foods that I have marked as potentially problematic.
In addition, I am doing a strikethrough of my star ratings for foods that are higher in legumes/potentially linked to DCM for the time-being as I do not feel comfortable rating those foods at this time until we understand more about what is causing this condition. This is not to say that you should not ever feed those foods. I just think everyone should use their best judgement and consult with their vet on whether to feed these foods right now.


This page is a work in progress but I have a good start on it so here is a list of some of the more popular (and some of the less popular) dry dog foods that are available for purchase. These ratings are my opinions of the food based on ingredients and guaranteed analyses and only include reasons for my star rating (if needed). In cases that the particular brand of food has multiple flavors, I have chosen one to represent the others (and most of the time, the other flavors/protein sources get the same rating). They are organized alphabetically. Dogs have different dietary needs than cats so the ratings represent that. Dogs are not obligate carnivores like cats but are instead omnivores with a carnivorous bias, hence the foods with more carbohydrates/starches getting higher ratings here than they would if they were cat food.
4Health Chicken and Rice Adult
Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Ground White Rice, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Oatmeal, Dried Beet Pulp, Natural Chicken Flavor, Flaxseed, Fish Meal, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Choline Chloride, Dried Chicory Root, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Reuteri Fermentation Product, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Copper Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Thiamine Mononitrate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Chondroitin Sulfate, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin, Vitamin D Supplement, Folic Acid.
What’s Good: chicken, chicken meal, barley, rice, chicken fat, oatmeal, flaxseed, fish meal, glucosamine and chondroitin, probiotics, chelated minerals
What’s Bad: not much
Rating: 4/5 stars
4Health Grain Free Chicken and Vegetables (DCM page link)
Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Lentils, Peas, Potatoes, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tapioca, Egg Product, Tomato Pomace, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Ocean Fish Meal, Salt, Choline Chloride, Dried Chicory Root, Tomatoes, Blueberries, Raspberries, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Chondroitin Sulfate, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Reuteri Fermentation Product, Vitamin E Supplement, Beta Carotene, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D Supplement, Folic Acid.
What’s Good: chicken, chicken meal, potatoes, chicken fat, tapioca, egg, tomato pomace, flaxseed, ocean fish meal, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, glucosamine and chondroitin, probiotics, chelated minerals
What’s Bad: legume heavy (see note above)
Rating: 4/5 stars (SEE LINK ABOUT DCM)
4Health Untamed Southern Bayou Recipe Wild Boar & Lentil Formula  (DCM page link)
Ingredients: Wild Boar, Beef Meal, Lentils, Chickpeas, Peas, Pea Flour, Sunflower Oil, Fava Beans, Pea Protein, Tomato Pomace, Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Salmon Oil (Source of DHA), Salt, Choline Chloride, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Reuteri Fermentation Product, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Thiamine Mononitrate (Source of Vitamin B1), Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Ascorbic Acid (Preservative), Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Source of Vitamin B6), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid.
What’s Good: Wild boar, beef meal, sunflower oil, flaxseed, salmon oil, probiotics, chelated minerals.
What’s Bad: legume heavy (see note above). This formula is newer but may have the same problem noted above.
Rating: 4/5 stars (SEE LINK ABOUT DCM)
Acana Heritage Free Run Poultry (DCM page link)
Ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken giblets (liver, heart, gizzard), chicken meal, whole green peas, red lentils, pinto beans, deboned turkey, catfish meal, chicken fat, chickpeas, green lentils, whole yellow peas, sun-cured alfalfa, chicken cartilage, whole egg, herring oil, natural chicken flavor, turkey cartilage, dried kelp, whole pumpkin, whole butternut squash, kale, spinach, mustard greens, collard greens, turnip greens, carrots, apples, pears, freeze-dried chicken liver, freeze-dried turkey liver, zinc proteinate, mixed tocopherols (preservative), chicory root, turmeric, sarsaparilla root, althea root, rose hips, juniper berries, dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, dried lactobacillus casei fermentation product.
What’s Good: chicken, chicken giblets (these are good ones because they are named organ meats), chicken meal, turkey, catfish meal, chicken fat, chickpeas, chicken and turkey cartilage (good for glucosamine/chondroitin), egg, herring oil, kelp, pumpkin, squash, kale, spinach, greens, carrots, apples, pears, freeze-dried meats, chelated minerals, probiotics, juniper berries
What’s Bad: legume heavy (see note above)
Rating: 4.5/5 stars (SEE LINK ABOUT DCM)
Acana Regionals Grasslands (DCM page link)
Ingredients: Deboned lamb, deboned duck, whole eggs, lamb meal, goat meal, catfish meal, whole green peas, red lentils, pinto beans, lamb fat, chickpeas, green lentils, whole yellow peas, rainbow trout, duck meal, herring oil, sun-cured alfalfa, quail (ground with bone), natural lamb flavor, lamb tripe, lamb liver, duck giblets (liver, heart, kidney), duck cartilage, dried kelp, whole pumpkin, whole butternut squash, kale, spinach, mustard greens, collard greens, turnip greens, carrots, Red Delicious apples, Bartlett pears, freeze-dried lamb liver, freeze-dried duck liver, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, zinc proteinate, mixed tocopherols (preservative), chicory root, turmeric, sarsaparilla root, althea root, rosehips, juniper berries, dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, dried lactobacillus casei fermentation product.
What’s Good: lamb, duck, eggs, lamb meal, goat meal, catfish meal, lamb fat, trout, duck meal, herring oil, quail, lamb tripe (sounds nasty but is actually very healthy), lamb liver, duck giblets (good because named organ meats), duck cartilage (good for glucosamine/chondroitin), kelp, pumpkin, squash, kale, spinach, greens, carrots, apples, pears, freeze-dried meats, chelated minerals, probiotics, juniper berries.
What’s Bad: legume heavy (see note above)
Rating: 4.5/5 stars (SEE LINK ABOUT DCM)
Acana Singles Wild Mackerel (DCM page link)--this particular singles formula has been discontinued but the notes below apply to the others (the Pork and Squash and Lamb and Apple ones are particularly affected, it seems).
Ingredients: Whole mackerel, mackerel meal, whole green peas, red lentils, sunflower oil, pinto beans, chickpeas, mackerel oil, green lentils, whole yellow peas, natural mackerel flavor, sun-cured alfalfa, mustard greens, collard greens, turnip greens, dried kelp, freeze-dried mackerel, whole pumpkin, whole butternut squash, kale, spinach, whole carrots, Red Delicious apples, Bartlett pears, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, mixed tocopherols (preservative), chicory root, turmeric, sarsaparilla root, althea root, rose hips, juniper berries, dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, dried lactobacillus casei fermentation product.
What’s Good: mackerel, mackerel meal, sunflower oil, mackerel oil, greens, kelp, freeze-dried mackerel, pumpkin, squash, kale, spinach, carrots, apples, pears, chelated minerals, juniper berries, probiotics.
What’s Bad: legume heavy (see note above)
Rating: 4.5/5 stars (SEE LINK ABOUT DCM)
Alpo Prime Cuts Savory Beef Flavor***
Ingredients: Ground yellow corn, meat and bone meal, soybean meal, beef tallow preserved with mixed-tocopherols (form of Vitamin E), corn gluten meal, egg and chicken flavor, animal digest, salt, potassium chloride, choline chloride, Red 40, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, Vitamin E supplement, Yellow 5, manganese sulfate, Blue 2, L-Lysine monohydrochloride, niacin, Vitamin A supplement, copper sulfate, calcium pantothenate, garlic oil, pyridoxine hydrochloride, Vitamin B-12 supplement, thiamine mononitrate, Vitamin D-3 supplement, riboflavin supplement, calcium iodate, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of Vitamin K activity), folic acid, biotin, sodium selenite.
What’s Good: nothing
What’s Bad: corn, meat and bone meal, soybean meal, beef tallow (not a very good source of fat), corn gluten, animal digest, artificial colors, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (controversial source of vitamin K, which is not required in dog food).
Rating: 1/5 stars
Authority Adult Dog Food Chicken and Rice
Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Brown Rice, Corn, Oat Groats, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Canola Oil, Dried Egg Product, Dicalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Minerals (Salt, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Inulin, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl -2-Polyphosphate, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Choline Chloride, Vegetable Oil, Lecithin, Rosemary Extract
What’s Good: chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oat groats, chicken fat, canola oil, egg, vegetable oil, rosemary
What’s Bad: corn, corn gluten
Rating: 2/5 stars
Authority Grain Free Adult Dog Food Chicken and Pea (DCM page link)
Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Dried Peas, Potato Starch, Flaxseed Meal, Dried Beet Pulp, Dried Potatoes, Natural Flavor, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Salt, Dicalcium Phosphate, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Inulin, Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Vegetable Oil, Lecithin, Rosemary Extract
What’s Good: chicken, chicken meal, flaxseed, potatoes, chicken fat, vegetable oil, rosemary.
What’s Bad: nothing much
Rating: 5/5 stars (SEE LINK ABOUT DCM)
AvoDerm Chicken Meal and Brown Rice Adult Dog Food
Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Ground Whole Brown Rice, Ground Whole White Rice, Oatmeal, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Rice Bran, Avocado, Natural Flavor, Tomato Pomace (Source of Lycopene), Flax Seed (Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acid), Alfalfa Meal, Herring Meal, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Kelp Meal, Vitamins (Choline Chloride, a-Tocopherol Acetate (Source of Vitamin E), Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Ascorbic Acid (Source of Vitamin C), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Source of Vitamin B6), Thiamine Mononitrate (Source of Vitamin B1), Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Folic Acid), Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Avocado Oil, Lecithin, Rosemary Extract, Sage Extract, Pineapple Stem (Source of Bromelain), Papain, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Oryzae Fermentation Product.
What’s Good: chicken meal, brown rice, rice, oatmeal, chicken fat, avocado, tomato pomace, flaxseed, herring meal, kelp, chelated minerals, avocado oil, rosemary, sage, probiotics.
What’s Bad: too much rice/rice bran and other grains
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
AvoDerm Grain Free Red Meat and Potato Formula (DCM page link)
Ingredients: Beef Meal, Peas, Potatoes, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato Pomace (Source of Lycopene), Pea Flour, Apple, Avocado, Flax Seed (Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acid), Alfalfa Meal, Natural Flavor, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins (Choline Chloride, a-Tocopherol Acetate (Source of Vitamin E), Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Ascorbic Acid (Source of Vitamin C), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Source of Vitamin B6), Thiamine Mononitrate (Source of Vitamin B1), Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Folic Acid), Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Kelp Meal, Avocado Oil, Lecithin, Rosemary Extract, Sage Extract, Pineapple Stem (Source of Bromelain), Papain, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Oryzae Fermentation Product.
What’s Good: beef meal, potatoes, chicken fat, tomato pomace, apple, avocado, flaxseed, chelated minerals, kelp, avocado oil, rosemary, sage, probiotics
What’s Bad: nothing really except beef meal being only source of meat
Rating: 4.5/5 stars (SEE LINK ABOUT DCM)

Beneful Grain Free Dog Food (DCM page link)***
Ingredients: Chicken, pea starch, cassava root flour, chicken by-product meal, soybean germ meal, soybean meal, canola meal, beef tallow preserved with mixed-tocopherols, dried beet pulp, poultry and pork digest, mono and dicalcium phosphate, soybean oil, salt, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, blueberries, dried pumpkin, dried spinach, MINERALS [zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, calcium iodate, sodium selenite], VITAMINS [Vitamin E supplement, niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A supplement, calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Vitamin B-12 supplement, thiamine mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin D-3 supplement, riboflavin supplement (Vitamin B-2), menadione sodium bisulfite complex (Vitamin K), folic acid (Vitamin B-9), biotin (Vitamin B-7)], choline chloride, iron oxide (color), garlic oil.
What’s Good: chicken, cassava (tapioca), blueberries, pumpkin, spinach
What’s Bad: chicken by-product meal, soybean germ meal, soybean meal, beef tallow (not a very high-quality source of fat), poultry and pork digest (only added to make the food taste better but is not a high-quality ingredient), soybean oil, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (controversial source of vitamin K which is not required in dog food), garlic oil is controversial (can be toxic in high amounts, likely not a problem here but still something to think about).
Rating: 2/5 stars (SEE LINK ABOUT DCM)
Beneful Originals With Real Chicken***
New Ingredients: Chicken, whole grain corn, barley, rice, chicken by-product meal, whole grain wheat, corn gluten meal, beef tallow preserved with mixed-tocopherols, soybean meal, oat meal, turkey by-product meal, glycerin, egg and chicken flavor, calcium carbonate, salt, mono and dicalcium phosphate, poultry and pork digest, potassium chloride, avocado, dried carrots, dried tomatoes, MINERALS [zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, calcium iodate, sodium selenite], VITAMINS [Vitamin E supplement, niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Vitamin B-12 supplement, thiamine mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin D-3 supplement, riboflavin supplement (Vitamin B-2), menadione sodium bisulfite (source of Vitamin K activity), folic acid, biotin] choline chloride, L-Lysine monohydrochloride, Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 2, garlic oil, Yellow 6. 
What’s Good: chicken, barley, rice, oatmeal, avocado, carrots, tomatoes

What’s Bad: corn, by-products (twice), wheat, corn gluten, beef tallow (not the best source of fat but not the worst either and certainly much better than the non-descript types), soybean meal, poultry and pork digest (low quality by-product made by “digesting” animal tissues), menadione sodium bisulfite (controversial source of vitamin K which is not required in dog food). Garlic oil is controversial (can be toxic in high amounts, likely not a problem here but still something to think about).

Rating: 1.5/5 stars
Blue Buffalo Basics Grain Free Turkey and Potato (DCM page link)
Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Potatoes, Pea Starch, Peas, Pea Fiber, Tomato Pomace (source of Lycopene), Flaxseed (source of Omega-3 and -6 Fatty Acids), Canola Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Turkey Flavor, Alfalfa Meal, Whole Carrots, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Dried Parsley, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, L-Carnitine, L-Lysine, Turmeric, Oil of Rosemary, Dried Chicory Root, Beta Carotene, Calcium Carbonate, Di-Calcium Phosphate, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Niacin (Vitamin B3), D-Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Biotin (Vitamin B7), Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Calcium Ascorbate (source of Vitamin C), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Choline Chloride, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Salt, Caramel, Potassium Chloride, Dried Yeast (source of Saccharomyces Cerevisiae), Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product and Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product
What’s Good: turkey, turkey meal, potatoes, tomato pomace, flaxseed, canola oil, carrots, blueberries, cranberries, parsley, kelp, probiotics, rosemary, chelated minerals
What’s Bad:  too many split up pea ingredients
Rating: 4.5/5 stars (SEE LINK ABOUT DCM)
Blue Buffalo Freedom Chicken Recipe (DCM page link)
Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine), Tapioca Starch, Potatoes, Peas, Tomato Pomace (source of Lycopene), Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Turkey Meal, Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids), Natural Flavor, Potato Starch, Alfalfa Meal, Canola Oil (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Potassium Chloride, DL-Methionine, Dried Chicory Root, Calcium Carbonate, Caramel, Choline Chloride, Salt, Mixed Tocopherols (a natural preservative), Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Garlic, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Parsley, Kelp, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Turmeric, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Oil of Rosemary, L-Carnitine, L-Lysine, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Copper Sulfate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Taurine, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite
What’s Good: chicken, chicken meal, tapioca, potatoes, tomato pomace, chicken fat, turkey meal, flaxseed, canola oil, sweet potatoes, carrots, parsley, kelp, blueberries, cranberries, chelated minerals, probiotics
What’s Bad: nothing much (lower meat and protein content than Wilderness). Garlic is controversial (can be toxic in high amounts, likely not a problem here but still something to think about).
Rating: 5/5 stars (SEE LINK ABOUT DCM)

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe
Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato Pomace (source of Lycopene), Peas, Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids), Natural Flavor, Potatoes, Alfalfa Meal, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Potato Starch, Dried Chicory Root, DL-Methionine, Caramel, Mixed Tocopherols (a natural preservative), Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Garlic, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Oil of Rosemary, L-Lysine, Parsley, Kelp, Blueberries, Cranberries, Apples, Spinach, Blackberries, Pomegranate, Pumpkin, Barley Grass, Turmeric, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Copper Sulfate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Taurine, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, L-Carnitine, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Beta Carotene, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite
What’s Good: chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, oatmeal, chicken fat, tomato pomace, flaxseed, potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, chelated minerals, rosemary, parsley, kelp, blueberries, cranberries, apples, spinach, blackberries, pomegranate, pumpkin, glucosamine and chondroitin, probiotics
What’s Bad: too many grains. Garlic is controversial (can be toxic in high amounts, likely not a problem here but still something to think about.)
Rating: 4/5 stars
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe (DCM page link)
New Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine), Peas, Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch, Menhaden Fish Meal (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Dried Tomato Pomace, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Pea Starch, Natural Flavor, Dried Egg, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, DL-Methionine, Dried Chicory Root, Potatoes, Pea Fiber, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Caramel Color, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Kelp, Turmeric, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), L-Carnitine, L-Lysine, Copper Sulfate, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Oil of Rosemary, Manganese Sulfate, Taurine, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Sodium Selenite.
Old Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine), Turkey Meal, Tapioca Starch, Peas, Pea Protein, Tomato Pomace (source of Lycopene), Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids), Natural Flavor, Dried Egg, Potatoes, Alfalfa Meal, Potassium Chloride, DL-Methionine, Potato Starch,Dried Chicory Root, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Caramel, Choline Chloride, Dicalcium Phosphate, Mixed Tocopherols (a natural preservative), Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Oil of Rosemary, L-Lysine, Parsley, Kelp, Blueberries, Cranberries, Apples, Spinach, Blackberries, Pomegranate, Pumpkin, Barley Grass, Turmeric, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Copper Sulfate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3), Taurine, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Biotin (Vitamin B7), Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, L-Carnitine, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Beta Carotene, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite
What’s Good: Chicken, chicken meal, menhaden fish meal, chicken fat, flaxseed, dried egg, potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, blueberries, cranberries, parsley, kelp, probiotics, chelated minerals.
What’s Bad: nothing
Rating: 5/5 stars (SEE LINK ABOUT DCM)

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Denali Dinner (DCM page link) (applies to all the other "regional" foods in this line: Bayou Blend, Flatland Feast, Snake River Grill)
Ingredients: Deboned Wild Salmon (Source of DHA- Docosahexaenoic Acid and Ara-Arachidonic Acid), Menhaden Fish Meal (Source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Tapioca Starch, Peas, Pea Protein, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Chicken Meal (Source of Glucosamine), Dried Tomato Pomace (Source of Lycopene), Dried Egg, Potatoes, Flaxseed (Source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Deboned Venison, Deboned Halibut, Natural Flavor, Crab Meal, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Salt, Dl-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Dried Chicory Root, Potato Starch, Calcium Carbonate, Caramel Color, Mixed Tocopherols, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Potassium Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Oil of Rosemary, L-Lysine, Parsley, Dried Kelp, Blueberries, Cranberries, Apples, Spinach, Blackberries, Pomegranate, Pumpkin, Barley Grass, Turmeric, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Copper Sulfate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Taurine, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, L-Carnitine, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Beta Carotene, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Extract, Dried Trichoderma Longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite.
What’s Good: wild salmon, menhaden fish meal, chicken fat, chicken meal, dried egg, potatoes, flaxseed, venison, halibut, crab meal, sweet potatoes, carrots, parsley, kelp, blueberries, cranberries, apples, spinach, blackberries, pomegranate, pumpkin, probiotics, chelated minerals.
What’s Bad: nothing
Rating: 5/5 stars (SEE LINK ABOUT DCM)
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe Red Meat (DCM page link)
Ingreidents: Deboned Beef, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine), Tapioca Starch, Turkey Meal, Peas, Potatoes, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato Pomace (source of Lycopene), Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids), Natural Flavor, Pea Protein, Deboned Bison, Deboned Lamb, Deboned Venison, Alfalfa Meal, Potassium Chloride, Potato Starch, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Caramel, DL-Methionine, Salt, Dicalcium Phosphate, Mixed Tocopherols (a natural preservative), Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Oil of Rosemary, L-Lysine, Parsley, Kelp, Blueberries, Cranberries, Apples, Spinach, Blackberries, Pomegranate, Pumpkin, Barley Grass, Turmeric, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Copper Sulfate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3), Taurine, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Biotin (Vitamin B7), Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, L-Carnitine, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Beta Carotene, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite
What’s Good: beef, chicken meal, tapioca, turkey meal, potatoes, chicken fat, tomato pomace, bison, lamb, venison, sweet potatoes, carrots, chelated minerals, rosemary, parsley, kelp, blueberries, cranberries, apples, spinach, blackberries, pomegranate, pumpkin, probiotics
What’s Bad: nothing
Rating: 5/5 stars (SEE LINK ABOUT DCM)
Canidae Grain Free PURE Elements (DCM page link)
Ingredients: lamb, turkey meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, chickpeas, peas, chicken fat, menhaden fish meal, potatoes, suncured alfalfa, natural flavor, minerals (iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite), vitamins (vitamin E supplement, thiamine mononitrate, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin, niacin, calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid), choline chloride, dried enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dreid lactobacillus casei fermentation product, dried lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, dreid trichonderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, mixed tocopherols (a source of vitamin E)
What’s Good: lamb, turkey meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, chicken fat, menhaden fish meal, potatoes, chelated minerals, probiotics
What’s Bad: nothing
Rating: 5/5 stars (SEE LINK ABOUT DCM)
Canidae Life Stages Chicken, Turkey, Lamb and Fish Meals Recipe
Ingredients: Chicken meal, turkey meal, lamb meal, brown rice, white rice, rice bran, peas, potatoes, oatmeal, cracked pearled barley, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), millet, tomato pomace, natural flavor, flaxseed meal, ocean fish meal, choline chloride, suncured alfalfa meal, inulin (from chicory root), lecithin, sage extract, cranberries, beta-carotene, rosemary extract, sunflower oil, yucca schidigera extract, dried enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried lactobacillus casei fermentation product, dried lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, dried trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Vitamins (vitamin E supplement, thiamine mononitrate, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin, niacin, calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid), minerals (iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite), papaya, pineapple.
What’s Good: chicken meal, turkey meal, lamb meal, brown rice, rice, potatoes, oatmeal, barley, chicken fat, millet, tomato pomace, flaxseed, ocean fish meal, sage, cranberries, probiotics, chelated minerals, papaya, pineapple
What’s Bad: too many grains/rice
Rating: 4/5 stars
Chicken Soup for the Soul Adult Dog Food
Ingredients: Chicken, turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, cracked pearled barley, whole grain brown rice, peas, oatmeal, white rice, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), tomato pomace, potatoes, natural flavor, ocean fish meal, flaxseed, duck, salmon, egg product, salt, potassium chloride, choline chloride, dried chicory root, dried kelp, carrots, apples, tomatoes, blueberries, spinach, cranberries, rosemary extract, parsley flake, yucca schidigera extract, L-Carnitine, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, vitamin E supplement, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin, niacin, calcium pantothenate, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin D supplement, folic acid.
What’s Good: chicken, turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, barley, brown rice, oatmeal, rice, chicken fat, tomato pomace, potatoes, ocean fish meal, flaxseed, duck, salmon, egg, kelp, carrots, apples, tomatoes, blueberries, spinach, cranberries, rosemary, parsley, probiotics, chelated minerals
What’s Bad: too many grains
Rating: 4/5 stars
Chicken Soup for the Soul Grain Free Dog Food: Chicken, Turkey, Pea and Sweet Potato (DCM page link)
Ingredients: Chicken, turkey, duck meal, peas, garbanzo beans, lentils, potatoes, sweet potatoes, egg product, pea protein, tomato pomace, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), flaxseed, natural flavor, duck, salmon, ocean fish meal, salt, choline chloride, dried chicory root, yucca schidigera extract, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus reuteri fermentation product, vitamin E supplement, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin, niacin, calcium pantothenate, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin D supplement, folic acid.
What’s Good: chicken, turkey, duck meal, potatoes, sweet potatoes, egg, tomato pomace, chicken fat, flaxseed, duck, salmon, ocean fish meal, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, probiotics, chelated minerals
What’s Bad: legume heavy (see note above)
Rating: 4.5/5 stars (SEE LINK ABOUT DCM)
Drs Foster & Smith Signature Series Adult Dog Food Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe 
Ingredients: chicken, chicken meal, whole brown rice, barley, brewers rice, oat groats, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), dried plain beet pulp, natural flavor, dried egg product, flaxseed meal, dried carrots, dried sweet potatoes, dried apple pomace, dried kelp, fish oil, brewers dried yeast, potasssium chloride, dicalcium phosphate, salt, taurine, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), zinc proteinate, vitamin E supplement, iron sulfate, manganese proteinate, zinc oxide, citric acid and mixed tocopherols (preservatives), choline chloride, copper proteinate, manganous oxide, copper sulfate, niacin, calcium pantothenate, vitamin A supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin, biotin, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of vitamin K activity), cobalt carbonate, ethylenediamine dihydriodide, folic acid, sodium selenite, rosemary extract, dried bacillus coagulans fermentation product
What's Good: chicken, chicken meal, whole brown rice, barley, chicken fat, egg, flaxseed, carrots, sweet potatoes, kelp, fish oil, chelated minerals, rosemary, probiotics
What's Bad: brewers rice, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (controversial form of vitamin K, which is not required in dog food), too many/much grain and starch
Rating: 3/5 stars

Dr. Tim's Pursuit
Ingredients: Chicken meal, brown rice, chicken fat (preserved with mixed natural tocopherols, a source of vitamin E), whole oat groats, dried beet pulp (sugar removed), dried egg product, rice bran, menhaden fish oil (preserved with mixed natural tocopherols, a source of vitamin E), ocean herring meal, ground whole flaxseed meal, catfish meal, chicken liver meal, salmon meal, dried porcine plasma, lecithin (sunflower derived), dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product, DL-Methionine, L-Lysine, kelp meal, dried chicory root (source of inulin), yucca schidigera extract, psyllium seed husk, choline chloride, salt, taurine, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), vitamin E supplement, zinc sulfate, zinc proteinate, beta carotene, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, inositol, niacin supplement, iron proteinate, manganese proteinate, zinc oxide, biotin, thiamine mononitrate (source of vitamin B1), copper sulfate, pyridoxine hydrochloride (source of vitamin B6), copper proteinate, vitamin A supplement, riboflavin supplement (source of vitamin B2), d-calcium pantothenate, potassium iodide (source of iodine), manganous oxide, vitamin B12 supplement, sodium selenite, vitamin D3 supplement, L-carnitine, folic acid
What's Good: Chicken meal, brown rice, chicken fat, oats, egg, fish oil, fish meals (multiple), flaxseed, chicken liver meal, porcine plasma, probiotics, chelated minerals
What's Bad: nothing
Rating: 5/5 stars


Earthborn Holistic Grain Free Primitive Natural (this variety does NOT have multiple legume ingredients but most of the line does)
Ingredients: Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Whitefish Meal, Dried Egg Product, Tomato Pomace, Peas, Blueberries, Cranberries, Apples, Carrots, Spinach, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, L-Lysine, Taurine, Beta-Carotene, L-Carnitine, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3  Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin, Folic Aid, Biotin, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Salt, Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochlorie, Riboflavin Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Cobalt Carbonate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Rosemary Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product.
What’s Good: turkey meal, chicken meal, potatoes, chicken fat, whitefish meal, egg, tomato pomace, blueberries, cranberries, apples, carrots, spinach, rosemary, probiotics
What’s Bad: legume heavy (see note above)
Rating: 5/5 stars


Earthborn Holistic Venture Pork Meal & Butternut Squash Grain Free Formula (DCM page link)
Ingredients: Pork meal, butternut squash, peas, pea protein, flaxseed, sunflower oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), natural flavors, potassium chloride, salt, choline chloride, DL-methionine, L-lysine, taurine, vitamin A supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E supplement, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, niacin, folic acid, biotin, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, calcium pantothenate, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin supplement, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), zinc proteinate, manganese proteinate, copper proteinate, calcium iodate, sodium selenite, vitamin B12 supplement, yucca schidigera extract, rosemary extract, green tea extract, dried enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried lactobacillus casei fermentation product, dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product
What’s Good: pork meal, butternut squash, flaxseed, sunflower oil, chelated minerals, rosemary, probiotics
What’s Bad:
legume heavy (see note above) except for the Alaska Pollock Meal and Pumpkin variety.
Rating: 5/5 stars
(SEE LINK ABOUT DCM)
Eukanuba Lifestage Formulas Adult
Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Meal, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Brewers Rice, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols, a source of Vitamin E), Dried Beet Pulp, Ground Whole Grain Barley, Chicken Flavor, Dried Egg Product, Fish Oil (preserved with mixed Tocopherols, a source of Vitamin E), Potassium Chloride, Salt, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Fructooligosaccharides, Flax Meal, DL-Methionine, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Carbonate), Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Acetate, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (source of vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement (source of vitamin B2), Inositol, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin E Supplement, Brewers Dried Yeast, Beta-Carotene, Rosemary Extract
What’s Good: chicken, chicken fat, barley, egg, fish oil, flaxseed
What’s Bad: by-products, corn, sorghum, brewers rice, too many grains
Rating: 2/5 stars
Halo Holistic Chicken and Chicken Live Recipe for Adult Dogs (DCM page link)
Ingredients: Chicken, chicken liver, dried egg product, oatmeal, pearled barley, dried peas, dried chickpeas, soy protein concentrate, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), flaxseed, pea fiber, natural flavor, dicalcium phosphate, calcium sulfate, dried bacillus coagulans fermentation product, dried blueberry, dried cranberries, dried carrot, dried sweet potatoes, calcium carbonate, salt, dried golden algae, inulin, vitamin E supplement, niacin supplement, thiamine mononitrate, d-calcium pantothenate, vitamin A supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, folic acid, biotin, potassium chloride, zinc methionine complex, zinc sulfate, iron proteinate, ferrous sulfate, copper proteinate, copper sulfate, manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, sodium selenite, calcium iodate, ethylenediamine dihydroiodide, taurine, mixed tocopherols
What’s Good: chicken, chicken liver, egg product, oatmeal, barley, chicken fat, flaxseed, probiotics, blueberries, cranberries, carrots, sweet potatoes, chelated minerals
What’s Bad: soy protein concentrate, lots of pea ingredients (peas, chickpeas, pea fiber)
Rating: 3.5/5 stars (SEE LINK ABOUT DCM)
Halo Spot’s Stew Grain Free Surf N’ Turf (DCM page link)
Ingredients: Whitefish, dried egg product, dried chickpeas, dried lentil, dried peas, turkey, dried sweet potato, chicken fat, turkey liver, duck, soy protein concentrate, pea protein, whole flaxseed, pea fiber, natural flavor, dicalcium phosphate, calcium sulphate, dried bacillus coagulans fermentation product, dried blueberry, dried cranberry, dried carrot, calcium carbonate, salt, inulin, potassium chloride, dried golden algae, taurine, mixed tocopherols, vitamin E supplement, niacin supplement, thiamine mononitrate, d-calcium pantothenate, vitamin A supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, folic acid, biotin, zinc methionine complex, zinc sulfate, iron proteinate, ferrous sulfate, copper proteinate, copper sulfate, manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, sodium selenite, calcium iodate, ethylenediamine dihydroiodide,
What’s Good: whitefish, egg product, turkey, sweet potato, chicken fat, turkey liver, duck, flaxseed, probiotics, blueberies, cranberries, carrots, chelated minerals
What’s Bad: soy protein concentrate, too many legumes/legume ingredients (chickpeas, lentils, peas, pea protein, pea fiber) means legumes are likely the primary ingredients in the food
Rating: 3.5/5 stars (SEE LINK ABOUT DCM)
Hills Science Diet Adult Light
Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Pea Fiber, Whole Grain Sorghum, Whole Grain Wheat, Corn Gluten Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Whole Grain Corn, Powdered Cellulose, Chicken Liver Flavor, Dried Beet Pulp, Soybean Oil, Lactic Acid, Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Pork Fat, Iodized Salt, L-Lysine, Choline Chloride, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Taurine, Oat Fiber, L-Carnitine, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Natural Flavors, Beta-Carotene, Apples, Broccoli, Carrots, Cranberries, Green Peas.
What’s Good: chicken meal, barley, pork fat, apples, broccoli, carrots, cranberries
What’s Bad: sorghum, wheat, corn gluten, corn, soybean oil
Rating: 1.5/5 stars
Iams Healthy Naturals Chicken and Barley Adult Recipe
Ingredients: Chicken, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Ground Whole Grain Barley, Chicken Meal, Brewers Rice, Fish Meal (source of fish oil), Dried Egg Product, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Flavor, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols, a source of Vitamin E), Potassium Chloride, Salt, Carrots, Tomatoes, Monosodium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Spinach, Peas, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Carbonate), Vitamins (Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Acetate, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (source of vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement (source of vitamin B2), Inositol, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), DL-Methionine, Dried Apple Pomace, Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin E Supplement, Rosemary Extract.
What’s Good: chicken, barley, chicken meal, fish meal, egg, chicken fat, carrots, tomatoes, spinach, rosemary
What’s Bad: sorghum, brewers rice, too many grains before meat meal
Rating: 2/5 stars
Iams Proactive Health Adult Lamb Meal and Rice Formula
Ingredients: Lamb Meal, Brewers Rice, Corn Meal, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Corn Grits, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Whole Grain Barley, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols, a source of Vitamin E), Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Flavor, Dried Egg Product, Potassium Chloride, Brewers Dried Yeast, Salt, Dicalcium Phosphate, Monosodium Phosphate, Caramel, Choline Chloride, Fructooligosaccharides, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Carbonate), DL-Methionine, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Acetate, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (source of vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement (source of vitamin B2), Inositol, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Calcium Carbonate, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, Citric Acid, Rosemary Extract.
What’s Good: lamb meal, barley, chicken fat, egg, rosemary
What’s Bad: brewers rice (not a good type of rice), corn, sorghum, corn grits, by-products
Rating: 1.5/5 stars
Kibbles N’ Bits Original Savory Beef & Chicken Flavors
Ingredients: Corn, Soybean Meal, Beef & Bone Meal, Ground Wheat, Animal Fat (BHA Used As Preservative), Corn Syrup, Wheat Middlings, Water Sufficient For Processing, Animal Digest (Source Of Chicken Flavor), Propylene Glycol, Salt, Hydrochloric Acid, Potassium Chloride, Caramel Color, Peas, Sorbic Acid (Used As a Preservative), Sodium Carbonate, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Choline Chloride, Calcium Sulfate, Wheat Flour, Carrots, Green Beans, Titanium Dioxide (Color), Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 40, BHA (Used As a Preservative), Blue 1, DL-Methionine.
What’s Good: carrots, green beans
What’s Bad: corn, soy, beef & bone meal (not high quality meat), wheat, non-descript animal fat, BHA (TWICE on ingredient list), corn syrup (sugar), animal digest, propylene glycol (controversial ingredient), artificial colors
Rating: 1/5 stars
Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Raw Infused Game Bird Recipe (DCM page link)***
Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas, Salmon Meal, Natural Flavor, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Potato Protein, Duck, Quail, Chicken, Pea Protein, Chicken Liver, Apples, Gelatin, Blueberries, Organic Alfalfa, Salmon Oil (source of Omega 3 fatty acids), Salt, Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Amino Acid Complex, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Thiamine Mononitrate), Choline Chloride, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract
What’s Good: turkey, turkey meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, salmon meal, chicken fat, duck, quail, chicken, chicken liver, apples, blueberries, salmon oil, chelated minerals, probiotics, rosemary
What’s Bad: nothing
Rating: 5/5 stars (SEE LINK ABOUT DCM)
Merrick Grain Free Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe (DCM page link)***
Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Natural Flavor, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Salmon Meal (source of Omega 3 fatty acids), Apples, Flaxseed Oil, Blueberries, Organic Alfalfa, Salmon Oil, Salt, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Amino Acid Complex, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Thiamine Mononitrate), Choline Chloride, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract
What’s Good: chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, potatoes, sweet potatoes, chicken fat, salmon meal, apples, flaxseed oil, blueberries, salmon oil, chelated minerals, probiotics, rosemary
What’s Bad: nothing
Rating: 5/5 stars (SEE LINK ABOUT DCM)
Merrick Real Lamb, Brown Rice & Apples Adult Classic Recipe (DCM page link)***
Ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Lamb Meal, Brown Rice, Peas, Sweet Potato, Barley, Chicken Fat(preserved with natural mixed tocopherols), Pea Protein, Oats, Natural Flavor, Flax Seed, Carrots, Apples, Blueberries, Organic Alfalfa, Salmon Oil, Minerals (Salt, Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Zinc sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Amino Acid Complex, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins (Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement,  d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin D3, Niacin,  Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Thiamine Mononitrate), Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Rosemary Extract
What’s Good: lamb, lamb meal, brown rice, sweet potato, barley, chicken fat, oats, flaxseed, carrots, apples, blueberries, salmon oil, chelated minerals, probiotics, rosemary
What’s Bad: nothing much but a lot of grains/starches
Rating: 4.5/5 stars (SEE LINK ABOUT DCM)
Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health Chicken, Chicken Meal and Duck Meal
Ingredients: Chicken, Brown Rice, Oats, Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Brewers Rice, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Dried Carrots, Duck Meal, Salmon Meal, Pea Fiber, Oat Fiber, Natural Flavor, Tomato Pomace, Flaxseeds, Brewers Dried Yeast, Menhaden Oil, Salt, Potassium Chloride, DL-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Dicalcium Phosphate, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Calcium Iodate), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), L-Tryptophan, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid (preservatives), Taurine, Dried Cranberries, Dried Blueberries, Dried Spinach, L-Lysine, Dried Kelp, Dried Yucca Schidigera Extract, Rosemary Extract.
What’s Good: chicken, brown rice, oats, chicken meal, potatoes, chicken fat, carrots, duck meal, salmon meal, tomato pomace, flaxseed, menhaden oil, chelated minerals, cranberries, blueberries, spinach, kelp, rosemary
What’s Bad: too many grains high up on ingredients, brewers rice (not high quality)
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Natural Balance Wild Pursuit Lamb, Chicken Meal and Guinea Fowl Formula (DCM page link)
Ingredients: Lamb, Chicken Meal, Dried Peas, Dried Garbanzo Beans, Pea Protein, Dried Egg, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Chicken, Guinea Fowl, Brewers Dried Yeast, Natural Flavor, Menhaden Oil, Chicken Liver, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Cranberries, Blueberries, Apples, Zucchini, Dried Kelp, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Calcium Iodate), Taurine, Inulin, Choline Chloride, DL- Methionine, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), L-Lysine, Montmorillonite Clay, Mixed Tocopherols And Citric Acid (Preservatives), Dried Yucca Schidigera Extract, Rosemary Extract.
What’s Good: lamb, chicken meal, egg, chicken fat, chicken, guinea fowl, menhaden oil, chicken liver, cranberries, blueberries, apples, zucchini, kelp, chelated minerals, rosemary
What’s Bad: legume heavy (see note above)
Rating: 5/5 stars (SEE LINK ABOUT DCM)
Nature’s Variety Instinct Chicken Meal Formula (DCM page link)
Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Chicken, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Chicken Eggs, Chickpeas, Peas, Tapioca, Tomato Pomace, Montmorillonite Clay, Natural Flavor, Salmon Oil, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Carrots, Apples, Cranberries, Vitamins (Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Sodium Selenite), Choline Chloride, Freeze Dried Turkey, Freeze Dried Chicken (including Freeze Dried Ground Chicken Bone), Rosemary Extract, Freeze Dried Turkey Liver, Pumpkinseeds, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Butternut Squash, Ground Flaxseed, Dried Kelp, Broccoli, Apple Cider Vinegar, Dried Chicory Root, Blueberries
What’s Good: chicken meal, chicken, chicken fat, eggs, tapioca, tomato pomace, salmon oil, carrots, apples, cranberries, chelated minerals, freeze-dried meats, rosemary, probiotics, squash, flaxseed, kelp, broccoli, blueberries
What’s Bad: legume heavy (see note above)
Rating: 5/5 stars (SEE LINK ABOUT DCM)
Nature’s Variety Prairie Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe
Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Barley, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Suncured Alfalfa Meal, Peas, Turkey Meal, Ground Flaxseed, Natural Chicken Flavor, Menhaden Fish Meal, Montmorillonite Clay, Carrots, Salt, Sweet Potatoes, Apples, Blueberries, Cranberries, Vitamins (Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Sodium Selenite), Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Yeast Culture, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus niger Fermentation Extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Extract, Freeze Dried Turkey, Freeze Dried Chicken (including Freeze Dried Ground Chicken Bone), Freeze Dried Turkey Liver, Pumpkinseeds, Rosemary Extract, Butternut Squash, Dried Kelp, Broccoli, Salmon Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, Dried Chicory Root
What’s Good: chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal, brown rice, barley, chicken fat, turkey meal, flaxseed, menhaden fish meal, carrots, sweet potatoes, apples, blueberries, cranberries, chelated minerals, probiotics, freeze-dried meats, rosemary, squash, kelp, broccoli, salmon oil
What’s Bad: a lot of grains but after meat ingredients
Rating: 4/5 stars
Newman’s Own Adult Dog Formula
Ingredients: Chicken, Organic Barley, Organic Oats, Organic Peas, Chicken Meal, Organic Sorghum, Organic Soybean Meal, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Organic Brown Rice, Organic Millet, Organic Rice, Organic Flax Seed, Dicalcium Phosphate, Organic Carrots, Natural Flavors, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Dried Kelp, Parsley, Zinc Proteinate, Choline Chloride, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Rosemary Extract, Manganese Proteinate, Lecithin, Copper Proteinate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Ascorbic Acid (Source of Vitamin C), Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamin Hydrochloride, Biotin, Cobalt Proteinate (Source of Chelated Cobalt), Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide (Source of Iodine), Sodium Selenite, Dehydrated Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dehydrated Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dehydrated Bifidobacterium Thermophilum Fermentation Product, Dehydrated Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product.
What’s Good: chicken, barley, oats, chicken meal, chicken fat, brown rice, millet, rice, flaxseed, carrots, kelp, parsley, chelated minerals, probiotics
What’s Bad: sorghum, soy, too many grains (barley is LIKELY the real first ingredient because chicken is weighed before the water is cooked out)
Rating: 3/5 stars
Nutro Natural Choice Wholesome Essentials Chicken, Brown Rice and Oatmeal
Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran, Whole Grain Oatmeal, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Pea Protein, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Sunflower Oil (preserved with mixed Tocopherols),Soybean Oil (preserved with mixed Tocopherols), Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Salt, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Niacin Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride(Vitamin B6), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Selenium Yeast, Biotin, Manganese Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract, Decaffeinated Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
What’s Good: chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, chicken fat, sunflower oil, chelated minerals, rosemary
What’s Bad: soy
Rating: 4/5 stars
Ol’ Roy Complete Nutrition--this is a Walmart brand
Ingredients: Ground Yellow Corn, Meat And Bone Meal, Soybean Meal, Poultry By-Product Meal, Animal Fat (Preserved With BHA And Citric Acid), Corn Gluten Meal, Natural Flavor, Brewers Rice, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Color Added (Titanium Dioxide, Yellow #5, Yellow #6, Red #40, Blue #2), Choline Chloride, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Niacin, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source of Vitamin K), Riboflavin Supplement, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Cobalt Carbonate.
What’s Good: nothing
What’s Bad: corn, meat and bone meal, soy, by-products, non-descript animal fat, BHA, corn gluten, brewers rice, artificial colors, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (controversial form of vitamin K which is not required for dogs)
Rating: 0/5 stars (I cannot bring myself to even give this one star!)
Orijen Tundra (DCM page link)
Ingredients: Goat, venison, mutton, bison, whole arctic char, rabbit, duck, whole steelhead trout, whole pilchard, whole alaskan cod, goat meal, venison meal, alaskan cod meal, mutton meal, blue whiting meal, red lentils, green peas, duck fat, herring meal, pollock meal, garbanzo beans, yellow peas, alfalfa, dried kelp, pumpkin, squash, cod liver, goat tripe, goat liver, mutton liver, mutton tripe, venison liver, venison tripe, carrots, spinach, apples, pears, cranberries, freeze-dried elk liver, freeze-dried venison liver, freeze-dried bison liver, freeze-dried goat liver, zinc proteinate, mixed tocopherols (preservative), juniper berries, rose fruit, dandelion root, elder flowers, marigold, dried chicory root, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product.
What’s Good: goat, venison, mutton, bison, arctic char, rabbit, duck, trout, pilchard, cod, goat meal, venison meal, cod meal, mutton meal, blue whiting meal, duck fat, herring meal, polluck meal, kelp, pumpkin, squash, cod liver, goat tripe, goat liver, mutton liver, mutton tripe, venison liver, venison tripe, carrots, spinach, apples, pears, cranberries, freeze-dried meats, chelated minerals, juniper berries, probiotics
What’s Bad: legume heavy (see note above)
Rating: 4.5/5 stars (SEE LINK ABOUT DCM)
Pedigree Adult Nutrition Beef Flavor Dog Food
Ingredients: Ground Whole Corn, Meat and Bone Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Animal Fat (preserved with BHA/BHT), Wheat Mill Run, Ground Wheat, Natural Poultry Flavor, Wheat Flour, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Carmel Color, Vegetable Oil (Source of Linoleic Acid), Rice, Wheat Gluten, Vitamins (Choline Chloride, dl-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate [Source of Vitamin E], L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate [Source of Vitamin C*], Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate [Vitamin B1], Biotin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement [Vitamin B2], Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide), Added FD&C and Lake Colors (Yellow 6, Blue 2, Red 40, Yellow 5).
What’s Good: rice
What’s Bad: corn, meat and bone meal, corn gluten, non-descript animal fat, BHA, BHT, wheat, wheat gluten, artificial colors
Rating: 1/5 stars
Pure Balance Dog Food, Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe--this is a Walmart brand
Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Pea Protein, Poultry Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, a source of Vitamin E), Rice Bran, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Dried Egg Product, Natural Flavor, Oatmeal, Sunflower Oil, Dried Peas, Dried Carrots, Whole Flaxseed, Dried Cranberry, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Proteinate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Choline Chloride, Manganese Proteinate, L-Carnitine, Copper Proteinate, Niacin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of Vitamin B6), Folic Acid.
What’s Good: chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, egg, oatmeal, sunflower oil, peas, carrots, flaxseed, cranberry, chelated minerals
What’s Bad: brewers rice, non-specific poultry fat (not as bad as “animal fat” but would prefer it to be a named one instead), too much rice/rice bran.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Pure Balance Grain Free Formula, Salmon and Pea Recipe (DCM page link)--this is a Walmart brand
Ingredients: Salmon, Salmon Meal, Dried Ground Peas, Tapioca, Pea Protein, Fish Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Poultry Fat (Preserved with mixed tocopherols), Dried Carrots, Sunflower Oil, Natural Flavor, Whole Potato, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Proteinate, Choline Chloride, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Niacin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, L-Carnitine, Biotin, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid
What’s Good: salmon, salmon meal, peas, tapioca, fish meal, carrots, sunflower oil, potato, flaxseed, chelated minerals
What’s Bad: non-specific poultry fat (not as bad as “animal fat” but would prefer it to be a named one instead)

Rating: 4.5/5 stars (SEE LINK ABOUT DCM)
Purina Beyond Simply 9 White Meat Chicken and Whole Barley Recipe***
Ingredients: Chicken, brewers rice, whole barley, canola meal, chicken meal (natural source of glucosamine), beef fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols, natural liver flavor, dried egg product, dried carrots, salt, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, Vitamin E supplement, choline chloride, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, niacin, Vitamin A supplement, calcium pantothenate, thiamine mononitrate, copper sulfate, riboflavin supplement, Vitamin B-12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, Vitamin D-3 supplement, calcium iodate, biotin, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of Vitamin K activity), sodium selenite.
What’s Good: chicken, barley, canola meal, chicken meal, egg, carrots
What’s Bad: brewers rice, beef fat (not a good source of fat), menadione sodium bisulfite complex (controversial source of vitamin K which is not required for dogs)
Rating:3.5/5 stars
Purina Dog Chow***
Ingredients: Whole grain corn, poultry by-product meal, animal fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols (form of Vitamin E), corn gluten meal, meat and bone meal, brewers rice, soybean meal, barley, whole grain wheat, animal digest, calcium carbonate, salt, calcium phosphate, potassium chloride, L-Lysine monohydrochloride, choline chloride, zinc sulfate, Vitamin E supplement, zinc proteinate, ferrous sulfate, added color (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 2, Yellow 6), DL-Methionine, manganese sulfate, manganese proteinate, niacin, Vitamin A supplement, copper sulfate, calcium pantothenate, copper proteinate, garlic oil, pyridoxine hydrochloride, Vitamin B-12 supplement, thiamine mononitrate, Vitamin D-3 supplement, riboflavin supplement, calcium iodate, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of Vitamin K activity), folic acid, biotin, sodium selenite
What’s Good: barley, chelated minerals
What’s Bad: corn, by-products, non-descript animal fat, corn gluten, meat and bone meal, brewers rice, soy, wheat, animal digest, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (controversial form of vitamin K which is not required for dogs)

Rating: 1/5 stars
Purina Dog Chow Naturals***
Ingredients: Whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal, corn gluten meal, animal fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols, soybean meal, whole grain wheat, chicken, brewers rice, natural flavor, mono and dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, salt, potassium chloride, L-Lysine monohydrochloride, choline chloride, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, Vitamin E supplement, manganese sulfate, niacin, Vitamin A supplement, copper sulfate, calcium pantothenate, garlic oil, pyridoxine hydrochloride, Vitamin B-12 supplement, thiamine mononitrate, Vitamin D-3 supplement, riboflavin supplement, calcium iodate, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of Vitamin K activity), folic acid, biotin, sodium selenite
What’s Good: chicken present (low on ingredients)
What’s Bad: corn, by-products, corn gluten, non-descript animal fat, soy, wheat, brewers rice, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (controversial form of vitamin K which is not required in dog food)
Rating: 1/5 stars (this food is a rip-off because it costs more but really is NO better than the regular stuff. They removed artificial colors and put a TINY amount of chicken in the food and called it "natural")
Purina ONE Lamb and Rice Adult Formula***
Ingredients: Lamb (natural source of glucosamine), brewers rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, poultry by-product meal (natural source of glucosamine), oat meal, animal fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols (form of Vitamin E), soy flakes, soybean meal, glycerin, animal digest, calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, salt, potassium chloride, caramel color, Vitamin E supplement, choline chloride, zinc sulfate, L-Lysine monohydrochloride, ferrous sulfate, sulfur, manganese sulfate, niacin, Vitamin A supplement, calcium pantothenate, thiamine mononitrate, copper sulfate, riboflavin supplement, Vitamin B-12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, garlic oil, folic acid, Vitamin D-3 supplement, calcium iodate, biotin, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of Vitamin K activity), sodium selenite.
What’s Good: lamb, oatmeal
What’s Bad: brewers rice, corn gluten, corn, by-products, non-descript animal fat, soy, animal digest, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (controversial form of vitamin K which is not required for dogs)
Rating: 1.5/5 stars
Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct Grain Free Formula with Real Chicken & Sweet Potato (DCM page link) ***
Ingredients: Chicken (source of glucosamine), poultry by-product meal (source of glucosamine), cassava root flour, canola meal, pea starch, animal fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols, pea protein, dried egg product, brewer’s dried yeast, dried beet pulp, sweet potatoes, animal digest, mono and dicalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, salt, calcium carbonate, Vitamin E supplement, choline chloride, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, niacin, Vitamin A supplement, copper sulfate, calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, Vitamin B-12 supplement, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin supplement, Vitamin D-3 supplement, calcium iodate, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of Vitamin K activity), folic acid, biotin, sodium selenite
What's Good: chicken, cassava root flour (tapioca), egg, sweet potato 
What's Bad: by-products, non-discript animal fat, animal digest, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (controversial source of vitamin K which is not required for dogs)
Rating: 2/5 stars (SEE LINK ABOUT DCM)
Purina ProPlan Savor Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice Formula***
Ingredients: Chicken, brewers rice, whole grain wheat, poultry by-product meal (natural source of glucosamine), corn gluten meal, animal fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols (form of Vitamin E), whole grain corn, soy flour, corn bran, soybean meal, fish meal (natural source of glucosamine), animal digest, glycerin, salt, dried egg product, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, potassium chloride, Vitamin E supplement, choline chloride, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, sulfur, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), zinc proteinate, manganese sulfate, niacin, manganese proteinate, Vitamin A supplement, calcium pantothenate, thiamine mononitrate, copper sulfate, riboflavin supplement, Vitamin B-12 supplement, copper proteinate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, garlic oil, folic acid, Vitamin D-3 supplement, calcium iodate, biotin, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of Vitamin K activity), sodium selenite
What’s Good: chicken, fish meal, egg, chelated minerals,
What’s Bad: brewers rice, wheat, by-products, corn gluten, non-descript animal fat, corn, soy, animal digest, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (controversial source of vitamin K which is not required for dogs)
Rating: 1.5/5 stars

Purina ProPlan Focus Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon and Rice Formula***
Ingredients: Salmon, barley, ground rice, canola meal, oat meal, fish meal (source of glucosamine), animal fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols, brewers dried yeast, salmon meal (source of glucosamine), natural flavor, sunflower oil, chicory root inulin, salt, fish oil, VITAMINS [Vitamin E supplement, niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A supplement, calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), folic acid (Vitamin B-9), Vitamin B-12 supplement, thiamine mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin D-3 supplement, riboflavin supplement (Vitamin B-2), menadione sodium bisulfite complex (Vitamin K), biotin (Vitamin B-7)], potassium chloride, MINERALS [zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, calcium iodate, sodium selenite], L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (Vitamin C), choline chloride.
What’s Good: Salmon, barley, rice, oats, fish meal, salmon meal, fish oil
What’s Bad: Animal fat (non-descript), menadione sodium bisulfite complex (controversial source of vitamin K which is not required for dogs),
Rating: 4/5 stars

Taste of the Wild Prey Angus Beef Limited Ingredient Formula (DCM page link)
Ingredients: beef, lentils, tomato pomace, sunflower oil, natural flavor, dicalcium phospahte, salmon oil (source of DHA), salt, choline chloride, dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, dried lactobacillus reuteri fermentation product, vitamin E supplement, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, thiamine mononitrate, manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin, niacin, calcium pantothenate, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid
What’s Good: beef, lentils, tomato pomace, sunflower oil, salmon oil, probiotics, chelated minerals
What’s Bad: would like to see a "meal" in addition to beef. Legume heavy.
Rating: 4/5 stars (SEE LINK ABOUT DCM)
Taste of the Wild Wetlands (DCM page link)
Ingredients: Duck, duck meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), egg product, natural flavor, ocean fish meal, potato protein, roasted quail, roasted duck, smoked turkey, tomato pomace, salt, choline chloride, dried chicory root, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, yucca schidigera extract, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus reuteri fermentation product, vitamin E supplement, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin, niacin, calcium pantothenate, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin D supplement, folic acid.
What’s Good: duck, duck meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, chicken fat, egg, ocean fish meal, roasted quail, roasted duck, smoked turkey, tomato pomace, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, probiotics, chelated minerals,
What’s Bad: some varieties (Pine Forest, Pacific Stream, etc.) are legume heavy (see note above)
Rating: 4.5/5 stars (SEE LINK ABOUT DCM)
Wellness Complete Health Whitefish and Sweet Potato Adult Recipe (DCM page link)
Ingredients: Whitefish, Ground Barley, Rye Flour, Menhaden Fish Meal, Ground Pearled Barley, Sweet Potatoes, Canola Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato Pomace, Natural Fish Flavor, Ground Flaxseed, Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Beta-Carotene, Niacin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Biotin, Folic Acid], Minerals [Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate], Choline Chloride, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Taurine, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract.
What’s Good: whitefish, barley, rye, menhaden fish meal, sweet potatoes, canola oil, tomato pomace, flaxseed, chelated minerals, rosemary
What’s Bad: lots of grains (barley is LIKELY the real first ingredient because whitefish is weighed before water is cooked out)
Rating: 3.5/5 stars (SEE LINK ABOUT DCM)
Wellness CORE Grain Free Original (DCM page link)
Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Peas, Potatoes, Dried Ground Potatoes, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato Pomace, Chicken Liver, Natural Chicken Flavor, Ground Flaxseed, Salmon Oil, Spinach, Vitamin E Supplement, Broccoli, Carrots, Choline Chloride, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries, Kale, Sweet Potatoes, Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
What’s Good: turkey, turkey meal, chicken meal, potatoes, chicken fat, tomato pomace, chicken liver, flaxseed, salmon oil, spinach, broccoli, carrots, parsley, apples, blueberries, kale, sweet potatoes, probiotics, chelated minerals, rosemary.
What’s Bad: nothing
Rating: 5/5 stars (SEE LINK ABOUT DCM)

(DCM page link) = links to my DCM information page and is included for food brands with lots of legume (pea, lentil, chickpea) ingredients (see above).
***Purina owned foods. Merrick was bought by Purina in 2015 with the idea that Purina would not affect any manufacturing of the product. Use your own judgement about Merrick now.

2 comments:

  1. My top picks of grain free foods are as follows (they are alphabetized):
    1. 4Health Grain Free
    2. Acana (all lines of food)
    3. Authority Grain Free Adult Dog Food (PetSmart brand)
    4. AvoDerm Grain Free
    5. Blue Buffalo Basics Grain Free
    6. Blue Buffalo Freedom
    7. Blue Buffalo Wilderness (all types including Rocky Mountain Recipe, Denali Dinner, and Bayou Blend)
    8. California Naturals Grain Free
    9. Cainidae Grain Free PURE Elements
    10. Chicken Soup for the Soul Grain Free Dog Food
    11. Drs Foster and Smith Everyday Wellness Recipe (Drs. Foster and Smith brand)
    12. Earthborn Holistic Grain Free
    13. Evo Turkey and Chicken Formula
    14. Merrick Backcountry Grain Free***
    15. Merrick Grain Free***
    16. Natural Balance Wild Pursuit
    17. Nature’s Variety Instinct
    18. Orijen (all types)
    19. Pure Balance Grain Free Formula (Walmart brand)
    20. Taste of the Wild
    21. Wellness CORE Grain Free
    22. Wellness TruFood Baked Blends
    23. Wild Calling! (all lines)
    My top picks of the grain-inclusive foods are as follows (the foods are alphabetized, not in order of how good they are):
    1. 4Health
    2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
    3. California Naturals
    4. Canidae Life Stages
    5. Chicken Soup for the Soul Adult Dog Food
    6. Halo Adult Dog
    7. Halo Vigor Dog
    8. Merrick Real Lamb, Brown Rice & Apples Adult Classic Recipe***
    9. Nature’s Variety Prairie
    10. Wellness Complete Health Whitefish and Sweet Potato Adult Recipe
    ***Merrick was bought by Purina in 2015 with the idea that Purina would not affect any manufacturing of the product. Use your best judgement about Merrick now.

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  2. Thanks for such a nice content. Apppreciate it :)
    Cheers
    If anyone interested similar one's have a look here . thanks

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