Featured image of rachael ray dog food review

We all want our pets to have the best nutrition available on the market, right? But, how do you know which food comes with high-quality ingredients?

Considering the variety of formulas nowadays, it’s tough to choose a premium recipe without breaking your bank account. Now, you might be wondering, how can I select the best recipe for my pooch?

Well, we have an answer for you! Today we will be digging into Rachael Ray dog food review.

As you probably know, Rachael Ray is a celebrity chef. She designed a pet food brand which is manufactured by an Ainsworth Pet Nutrition. This company has been in the pet care industry for 75 years and makes safe, high quality and budget-friendly animal food. Each recipe below complies with nutritional standards established by AAFCO. The nutrient profile is available on the manufacturer’s page and involves food for Maintenance, Growth, Supplemental, All Life Stages, or Unspecified.

We will check their claims and help you decide whether is rachel ray dog food healthy, as well as, worthy of your time and money.

Overview of 5 Rachael Ray Dog Food Recipes

IMAGEPRODUCTINGREDIENTS 
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Small Product image of Rachael Ray Nutrish
Zero Grain Turkey & Potato
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Turkey
Chicken Meal
Turkey Meal
Whole Dried Potatoes
Dried Peas
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Small Product image of Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Chicken & Veggies
Nutrish Chicken & Veggies
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Chicken
Dried Peas
Chicken Meal
Whole Ground Corn
Soybean Meal
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Small Product image of The Zero Grain Salmon and Sweet Potato
Zero Grain Salmon & Sweet Potato
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Salmon
Menhaden Fish Meal
Chicken Meal
Dried Peas
Sweet Potatoes
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Small Product image of Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Beef, Pea, & Brown Rice
Nutrish Beef, Pea & Brown Rice
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Beef
Dried Peas
Beef Meal
Whole Ground Corn
Soybean Meal
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Small Product image of Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 For Adult dogs
Nutrish Limited Ingredient
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Lamb Meal
Ground Rice
Brown Rice
Chicken Fat
Dried Plain Beet Pulp
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Nutrish Zero Grain - Hypoallergenic Formula

First Five Ingredients:

  • Turkey
  • Chicken Meal
  • Turkey Meal
  • Whole Dried Potatoes
  • Dried Peas

If you want to offer your pooch a premium meal that contains all-natural ingredients, then Zero Grain Recipe is the right choice for you. It provides plenty of proteins, fruits, and veggies, as well as vitamins and minerals, for complete and balanced nutrition.

Farm-raised turkey comes as the first ingredient which promotes healthy and lean muscles. On the other hand, fresh fruits and vegetables are added for digestion and nutrient absorption. This meal features omega fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat.

The best of all, Zero Grain doesn’t contain grains, and it’s ideal for canines with food allergies. There are no additives or artificial preservatives.

In summary, your pooch will enjoy eating this meal, while high-quality components fuel his body and maintain overall wellbeing.

For more details about other outstanding formulas, learn more in our top rated dog food guide.

Nutrish Chicken & Veggies - For Healthy Digestion

First Five Ingredients:

  • Chicken
  • Dried Peas
  • Chicken Meal
  • Whole Ground Corn
  • Soybean Meal

If grain corn, soybeans, and dried alfalfa don’t pose a threat to your pet, then Nutrish Natural Chicken and Veggies recipe is the right choice for him. The good news is that this meal doesn’t contain by-product meals, wheat, wheat gluten, or cheap fillers. The formula features farm-raised chicken as its first ingredient. It is rich in amino acids which ensure healthy and lean muscles. Additionally, it’s appropriate for dogs of all stages.

When it comes to vegetables, brown rice and beet pulp are packed with digestive fibers. They are natural prebiotics, which supports a healthy digestive system. On the other hand, carrots and peas are a great source of vitamins and minerals.

We should add that poultry fat is there to provide an optimal level of fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat.

To conclude, this Rachael Ray diet dog food is excellent for all canines who aren’t sensitive to grains.

Nutrish Salmon and Sweet Potato - Perfect for Sensitive Stomach

First Five Ingredients:

  • Salmon
  • Menhaden Fish Meal
  • Chicken Meal
  • Dried Peas
  • Sweet Potatoes

For dog owners who don’t want to give their dogs any grains, the Nutrish Zero Grain-Free nutrition is the right option. The primary protein source comes from real salmon meat, which is a savory and easily-digestible ingredient.

It will help your pooch build and maintain healthy and lean muscles. On the other hand, wholesome fruits and veggies provide plenty of fiber and antioxidants. Additionally, essential carbs are sourced from tapioca and peas.

Of course, this meal doesn’t contain any grains, glutes, by-products, artificial additives and colors. However, it does have the necessary minerals and vitamins for proper nutrient absorption. This product also features a menhaden fish meal and flaxseed rich in omega fatty acids. They promote healthy skin and shiny fur in your pooch.

To sum up, if your pet is dealing with food sensitivities, or you want to avoid grains in his nutrition, then this formula will meet his nutritional needs. However, some dogs aren’t fans of dry kibble; in that case, you should try feeding them with rachael ray canned dog food.

Nutrish Beef, Pea, & Brown Rice - Complete and Balanced Nutrition

First Five Ingredients:

  • Beef
  • Dried Peas
  • Beef Meal
  • Whole Ground Corn
  • Soybean Meal

The simple and natural ingredients make this recipe ideal for all dogs who are into meat. Farm-raised beef comes as the primary component combined with nutritious vegetables.

Peas and carrots are an excellent source of carbs, as well as natural fibers. Additionally, plenty of vitamins and minerals will ensure complete and balanced nutrition.

On top of that, the natural prebiotics comes from beet pulp and are included to stimulate proper digestion. Moreover, chicken fat is an excellent source of omega fatty acids which help your pooch have a healthy skin and shiny coat.

The diet doesn’t contain artificial flavors or additives which is a huge advantage. We often get asked: is Rachael Ray dog food good for puppies? Considering this is “all life stages” formula, it’s also safe for your pups.

Overall, if your pet likes beef and doesn’t have grain sensitivities, then Nutrish Natural Beef, Pea, and Brown Rice recipe will satisfy his dietary needs.

Nutrish Limited Ingredient – For Picky Eaters

First Five Ingredients:

  • Lamb Meal
  • Ground Rice
  • Brown Rice
  • Chicken Fat
  • Dried Plain Beet Pulp

The Nutrish Just 6 Natural Lamb Meal and Brown Rice kibble, as the name states, contains only six ingredients. It’s excellent for hounds with allergies and diet-related sensitivities. These components work together in preventing and eliminating diet sensitivities in dogs.

The lamb meal is the primary protein source, as well as the first ingredient. It is considered to be one of the healthiest meats in pet diet. Additionally, it contains zero corn, soy, wheat, artificial additives, and colors.

Instead Just 6 features ground and brown rice, and beet pulp, which supplies your pooch with energy, without triggering an allergic reaction. To ensure healthy joints and promote mobility, the recipe has supplements such as glucosamine.

In all, the Rachael Ray dog food ratings show excellent results with this formula. Pet parents are quite satisfied with the effect this recipe has on their canines.

What Buyers Say

Pros

Unless you are an expert for canine nutrition, then it’s hard to guess which ingredients works best with your pet. So, you must be wondering: how good is rachael ray dog food? Based on numerous reviews, we managed to draw the following conclusion:

  • The majority of products comes with real meat listed as the first ingredient
  • Dogs find these recipes to be delicious
  • The products are affordable
  • The nutrition is tailored for various breeds and life stages
  • The company has given a significant amount of its proceedings to charities

Cons

Even though companies hate negative reviews, they can help buyers determine the quality of the product. When it comes to this brand, we managed to find a couple of drawbacks, which should help you with the selection:

  • The majority of recipes feature grains, corn, ground rice, and low-quality carbs.
  • Some formulas were found to contain artificial colors.
  • Probiotics aren’t included, they are sourced from the ingredients.
  • The wet and canned meals are made in Thailand, which doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a drawback. Their representatives stated that food is made under the same U.S. standards.
  • Some owners reported stomach issues, vomiting, and weight loss in their canines.

Nutrient Content Information

Protein

For this review, we have chosen the Zero Grain Turkey and Potato recipe. When you are picking the recipes, you want to stick with the diet that features protein as its first ingredients. The estimated analysis showed this product contains 26% of protein sourced from turkey meat.

Fat

Fats make 16% of this meal, and they are essential for the proper development of every pooch. If you want your dog to have enough energy which will support his active lifestyle, then make sure to include fats in his nutrition.

This recipe features chicken fat, which may canines find delicious. Even though it has some omega fatty acids, it’s not overly packed.

Carbohydrates

Please note that dogs don’t require carbs in their diet. But, many pet food companies include them as a cheap source of calories. The Zero Grain Turkey and Potato formula contain 41% of carbs.

We would say this is far more than one dog nutrition should have.

Protein

26%

Fat

16%

Carbs

41%

Image of Rachael Ray Zero Grain Turkey and Potato Ingredients

The Zero Grain Turkey and Potato Ingredients

Turkey

The brand claims that it uses farm-raised turkey as its first ingredient. However, raw turkey has 73% of water, and the majority of the moisture evaporates due to a cooking process. This reduces the original weight, as well as the size.

You should make sure that other components support the protein level of diet you choose. On the other hand, pay attention to allergy issues in your pooch. Some owners may want a pure turkey protein source, without additional meats.

Or you may want to offer your pooch something new outside of usual chicken and beef meat.

Turkey Meal

Turkey meal is a concentrated form of meat, which comes with high levels of Niacin and vitamin B6. Considering the majority of moisture has been removed, it features more than 300% of protein than a raw ingredient.

However, pay attention to other components because the turkey meal should come with antioxidants. They prevent the meal from going bad, and the manufacturer doesn’t have to put them on the label.

Some other formulas, such as rachael ray large breed dog food contains turkey meal as well.

Beef Meal

Beef meal is another concentrated form of protein which is highly beneficial for canines. Same as turkey meal, the moisture has been removed and contains the same properties as beef meat, but only in higher amount.

Chicken Meal

Chicken meal is often found in a variety of dog recipe and similar to previously mentioned ingredients; this component is a condensed form of chicken meat. However, pet parents think the term meal is a substitute for a by-product, which is wrong. But, in reality, it has a higher protein content than a raw component.

Chicken Fat

This ingredient is obtained from the rendering process, which is similar to skimming the fat from the surface of the liquid. It has a significant nutritious value, even though it lacks significant amount of omega fatty acids.

For that reason, Zero Grain Turkey and Potato recipe as well as rachael ray peak wet dog food have chicken fat listed among the first ingredients.

Tapioca

Tapioca is a starchy vegetable and an additional source of carbs. In most cases, it’s used as a novel ingredient for pets with allergies or food sensitivities. For instance, tapioca is an excellent replacement for potatoes and peas.

Dried Peas

Members of the legume family, peas contain a high amount of plant-based protein as well as fiber, which is crucial for digestion. Pet food manufacturers often use legumes instead of grains.

Beet Pulp

Beet pulp is a frequent ingredient in canine nutrition, and it’s a residue of sugar beet, or what’s left after processing. This component is packed with fibers. They promote healthy digestion and regulate stool in your pooch.

On the other hand, many critics consider this to be a controversial nutrient in dog diet, due to a high level of sugar and carbs.

Dried Potato

The dehydrated potato is a by-product of potato. It is a common ingredient and in pet nutrition, with an average nutritional value. This ingredient features vitamins such as Potassium, Copper, and Vitamin B6.

Flaxseed

The next highly valuable component is the flaxseed. It’s one of the best sources of healthy omega fatty acids, as well as fibers. They will improve your pooch’s cognitive skills and stimulate digestion.

Chelated Minerals

The last component we would like to address are chelated minerals. They are attached to proteins chemically, which makes them easier to absorb. In most cases, premium canine nutrition features this ingredient.

If you feed your pet with a canned diet, then you should check rachael ray wet dog food reviews. Some of the recipes contain chelated minerals.

The Recall History

The recall history shows a lot about one brand and it can positively, or negatively affect its reputation. After we verified numerous reviews and checked the FDA database, we haven’t been able to find any recalls regarding this canine food manufacturer.

However, in 2015, Ainsworth Pet Nutrition voluntarily recalled cat meal due to a high amount of vitamin D. It is considered to be dangerous for these animals.

It’s evident that their experts are investing a lot of money and resources into production. You have to admit that it’s a rare occurrence nowadays for one brand to have none or a couple of recalls.

Conclusion

Overall, this is a decent brand, that has a couple of product lines, which are focused on various breeds, and ages. You must be wondering: is rachael ray dog food good for pitbulls?

Since our famous chef designed this nutrition to accommodate her pitbull pet, we can say it’s a good option. Another thing that has been bugging many dog owners: is rachael ray dog food made in china? The canine formulas are manufactured in the U.S. However, canned and wet recipes are made in Thailand. But, their representatives state that this doesn’t affect the manufacturing process.

If you are looking for highly affordable, but still nutritious recipes, then this brand can meet your requirements. However, pay attention to your pet’s dietary needs because not all dogs are the same. You can test some of the recipes we reviewed above to try to find the best match for your pooch.

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