In Search of Healthful and Non-Toxic Dog Food – The Cocoa Ratings
Photo Credit: Seeley Photography (Dubuque, Iowa)
Note: This post contains affiliate links and I may receive a small amount of compensation if you make a purchase after clicking on some of these links.
This page is part of an article series looking at toxicity in dog foods. Here are links to the articles in the series that have been released so far.
October 18, 2021
By Lisa Petrison, Ph.D.
Over the past 18 months, I have been doing an experiment where I have given my dog Cocoa (an 18-pound Cockapoo born in April 2019) a variety of foods that I thought possibly would be appropriate for him and have let him choose for himself which ones he did and did not want to eat.
I have offered him a wide variety of “human foods” (primarily home-cooked foods made with very high-quality organic/pastured/local meats or other organic ingredients) as well as more than 300 foods intended for dogs.
I periodically have cooked special meals for Cocoa and also always offer him some of whatever I am eating as long as it does not contain ingredients that are poisonous for him.
Cocoa also has constant access to several different kinds of kibble, so that I can observe which ones he chooses to eat.
In addition, Cocoa has tried some raw foods, some frozen cooked foods, some canned foods and some dehydrated foods.
Premium air-dried and freeze-dried dog foods as well as dog treats are hand-fed to Cocoa in the form of a “treat mix,” as motivation for good behavior on our off-leash walks.
Before we started using the treat mix as a major part of his diet, Cocoa was choosing to eat about half kibble and half “human food.”
He currently is choosing to eat about 1/3 treat mix, 1/3 kibble and 1/3 “human food.”
In terms of the “human food,” Cocoa mostly chooses animal products (meat/fish/eggs/dairy) but also occasionally really enjoys carbohydrate-heavy organic homemade foods (e.g. white rice, pasta, pizza, oatmeal, sweet corn, lightly sweetened pumpkin pie or sourdough French toast).
He is very selective in terms of which “human foods” he will eat, virtually always rejecting conventional meats and non-organic grains.
His total overall diet consists of about 75% animal products and 25% other foods (mostly grains but with smaller amounts of produce such as sweet potatoes, pumpkin, blueberries, spinach and mushrooms).
Several factors made me suspect that Cocoa would be capable of choosing foods that are non-toxic and healthful for him and therefore that pursuing this experiment might be a fruitful thing to do.
* My own health seems to have improved substantially as a result of my becoming good at identifying and then avoiding foods that are contaminated with substances such as glyphosate or mycotoxins.
* I’ve frequently heard rumors that when farm animals were first switched from traditional feed to feed contaminated with glyphosate, many of them stopped eating entirely for a while.
* Dogs are natural scavengers and have a phenomenal sense of smell, and therefore seem especially well-suited to the task of identifying toxic contamination in their food.
* Research by Dr. Trevor Smith and colleagues of the University of Guelph in Canada demonstrated that when dogs were fed mycotoxin-contaminated food for two weeks, they basically just stopped eating rather than consume the toxic food. (Cats in the University of Guelph studies were more likely than dogs to eat mycotoxin-contaminated food – a finding that makes some sense to me since cats are naturally predators rather than scavengers and since their sense of smell is much less acute than that of dogs.)
I feel like our experiment has been a remarkable success and that Cocoa has become extremely skilled at choosing a foods that are low in toxicity and thus that are healthful rather than harmful for him.
In particular, it seems to me that Cocoa is consistently and effectively avoiding glyphosate contamination, mycotoxin contamination, and toxicity associated with factory-farmed meats in his food choices.
He also has chosen to scrupulously avoid potatoes (which contain a toxic substance called solanine that is said to be especially problematic for some dogs) and cassava/tapioca (which can contain small amounts of cyanide even when prepared properly and which only very recently has started being used much in dog foods).
(Note that I have worked to limit Cocoa’s exposures to toxicity in other ways as well, including not using internal flea/tick killers; giving vaccines only when it has seemed really necessary to do so; and only occasionally using parasite medications or other drugs. We also live in a home without a toxic mold problem in a reasonably clean rural location in northwest Illinois.)
The choices that Cocoa has made have been quite consistent with my own prior understanding about how problematic various foods are with regard to toxicity issues and seem to have helped him to become strong and healthy.
Cocoa now runs off-leash 6-8 miles a day; is very fit and coordinated; is slim but muscular; has a very strong and resilient digestive tract; gets along well with all humans (especially kids) and all dogs; is very loving and relaxed when at home; has no health problems except for separation anxiety and occasionally drippy eyes (both extremely common in Cockapoos); and seems to take his job as a dog food taste tester very seriously.
Our holistic vet says that Cocoa is in great physical condition and has been very approving of his dietary choices.
I have carefully observed Cocoa’s responses to all of the dog foods and treats that he has been offered and have rated each on a 1-5 scale (listed below).
He has been given at least three opportunities to eat each each food prior to its receiving a rating.
A summary of what I have observed about Cocoa’s choices in both dog foods and “human foods” follows.
While it certainly may be that not all dogs would have the same responses to these foods as Cocoa has, it is my hope that sharing this information will provide a starting point for others who are interested in giving their own dogs a diet that is relatively low in toxicity.
While it may be that many dogs would consume way too much food (at least at first) if they were allowed to eat as much as they wanted, I still think that offering a variety of food choices and then observing which ones are preferred may be an incredibly interesting and useful experiment regardless of the particular dog that is being fed.
I encourage those who try this kind of experiment with their dogs to share their observations in the comments section of this page, so that we all can learn from one another’s experiences.
Overview of Cocoa’s Choices
1. Cocoa prefers a diet that consists of about 75% animal products but also actively seeks out substantial amounts of clean grains.
2. Cocoa very strongly favors more ethically raised animal products (such as those that are stated as having been pastured or cage-free) and almost always rejects conventional factory-farmed meats. His favorite type of meat in dog food is pastured lamb from New Zealand.
3. If meats have been more ethically produced, Cocoa does not seem to have much of a preference with regard to whether they are listed on the dog food package as flesh (e.g. “chicken”) vs. meal (e.g. “chicken meal”) vs. by-product (e.g. “chicken by-product”).
4. Cocoa is extremely choosy with regard to fish and for the most part is only willing to eat lower-toxicity varieties of wild-caught fish sourced from the Pacific Northwest, New Zealand or specific parts of Europe.
5. Cocoa’s decisions to accept vs. reject particular foods seem largely related to the likelihood that the specific binders used may be contaminated with mycotoxins or glyphosate. Here is a summary:
* Pumpkin, sweet potatoes, beets, white rice, brewer’s rice, barley, spelt and quinoa are usually acceptable.
* Brown rice is often acceptable.
* Corn and wheat gluten are sometimes acceptable if especially stringent mycotoxin testing has been done.
* Legumes are sometimes acceptable if not from Canada.
* Oats and wheat are usually rejected unless organic or from Europe.
* Sorghum, millet, buckwheat are usually rejected
* Potatoes and tapioca/cassava are almost always rejected.
(Testing – such as that described in the Canadian government study used as the basis for the book Poison Foods of North America – suggests that crops that are treated with glyphosate as a pre-harvest desiccant usually retain measurable amounts of the chemical in the final product. Sorghum, millet, buckwheat and oats tend to be especially problematic with regard to glyphosate contamination. Wheat and legumes may be substantially contaminated as well, especially when sourced from Canada. On the other hand, corn tends to have little glyphosate contamination but may be especially likely to be highly contaminated with mycotoxins. The carbohydrate sources that Cocoa has found acceptable tend to be quite low in terms of glyphosate and usually are not too bad with regard to mycotoxins, on the other hand.)
6. The inclusion of even very small amounts of problematic binders (especially ones likely to be contaminated with glyphosate) usually is associated with Cocoa rejecting the foods entirely.
7. Although Cocoa will sometimes eat certain dog foods containing legumes, he prefers products with a very high meat content and is unwilling to have even those foods consist of anything more than about 10% of his total diet.
8. Cocoa likes only a very few fruits and vegetables (including pumpkin, sweet potatoes, sweet corn, blueberries, bananas, and leafy greens like wheatgrass and spinach) and is not very enthusiastic about dog foods that contain much other vegetable content.
9. Cocoa does not seem to like either peanuts or tree nuts, but he does like coconut (including coconut oil).
10. All things being equal, Cocoa prefers dog foods that have a relatively high protein and fat content and that are comprised mostly of high-quality animal products.
11. Cocoa prefers dog foods that are dried at relatively low temperatures but is perfectly willing to eat regular kibble if the ingredient quality is high enough.
12. With very few exceptions (specifically, the Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete and Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy formulas), Cocoa has mostly or totally rejected all dog kibbles priced at less than about $4/pound regardless of their ingredient lists.
13. While Cocoa has been initially very enthusiastic about some “science-based” dog kibbles (including Purina Pro Plan, Hill’s, Royal Canin, Iams and Eukanuba) sold by conventional veterinarians, he has almost always given up on them permanently after eating only a handful or two of the food. (A few varieties of Royal Canin containing only rice, corn and wheat gluten as the binders have remained among Cocoa’s very favorite kibbles, however.)
14. Cocoa does not seem to be bothered much by GRAS (“generally recognized as safe”) food preservatives in dog foods if the quality is otherwise high.
15. Although Cocoa will eat home-cooked stew-type food and Wild Planet canned fish/chicken, he has demonstrated very little interest in canned or frozen dog foods.
16. Cocoa prefers a diet that is very highly varied and becomes much less interested in most foods if he is fed them repeatedly.
17. If Cocoa refuses to eat a food when first introduced to it, he virtually never will eat it at any point in the future regardless of how many times I offer it to him.
18. Cocoa has shown no interest in eating any foods known to be toxic to dogs except for choke cherries (which he finds outdoors in the fall and supposedly may have cyanide in the pits) and very small amounts of garlic (which many experts in dog nutrition say are fine).
19. Cocoa is intrigued by bones but does not seem to have any interest in eating raw food unless it is dried.
20. Cocoa really likes small amounts of liver but does not want to eat very much of it.
21. Cocoa enjoys occasionally eating mildly sweetened foods but never wants very much of them.
22. Even when Cocoa is offered very high-quality organic “human foods,” he often will pass them up to eat dog food instead.
23. Cocoa is naturally inclined toward intermittent fasting, restricting all of his eating to a short window of time (about four hours) per day.
24. If Cocoa is not hungry, he will not eat even his favorite foods.
25. Cocoa always is willing to consume Agatha’s Elixir, which is a liver tonic containing milk thistle and other ingredients. He also seems to enjoy Nature’s Logic Sardine Oil (a source of Omega-3 fatty acids that also contains anchovy and mackerel oil) and EcoNugenics Modified Citrus Pectin (a supplement that helps to reduce heavy metals throughout the body). Otherwise, he has shown little interest in any nutritional supplements offered to him so far.
26. Allowing Cocoa to eat whatever he wants in whatever quantities he wants has resulted in his choosing what seems to me to be an excellent diet without ever overeating.
Cocoa Ratings Scale
5 – Ate enthusiastically
4 – Ate reliably
3 – Ate reluctantly or sporadically
2 – Ate once or twice, then refused
1 – Refused after sniffing or tasting
Information on the second line for each listing consists of animal protein sources; binder sources; protein/fat/fiber/moisture percentages; and cost per day to feed a moderately active 18-pound dog if he or she ate nothing else but this food.
In some cases, only the protein/fat/moisture percentages are listed.
For treat foods, the price listed is per ounce rather than per day.
5 Stars – Grain-Inclusive Kibble
Bil-Jac Picky No More Small Breed Chicken
Local cage-free chicken; corn/oatmeal; 26/15/4/10; $1.00/day
Buy From Chewy
Bil-Jac Puppy Select Chicken
Local cage-free chicken, fish meal; corn/oatmeal; 28/18/4/10; $1.00/day
Buy From Chewy
Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Chicken
Cage-free chicken, egg; white rice/barley; 32/25/4/10; $0.30/day (40 lb. bags)
Buy From Chewy
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Lamb – Old Version
Pastured lamb, egg, fish meal; brown rice/barley/white rice; 27/15/10; $0.50/day
Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Chicken
Cage-free chicken, egg, fish meal; white rice/barley; 32/22/4/10; $0.50/day
Buy From Chewy
Farmina Ancestral Grain Puppy Mini Lamb
Pastured NZ lamb, wild-caught herring; spelt/oats; 35/20/2/9; $1.00/day
Buy From Chewy Buy From Farmina
Farmina Ocean Cod, Spelt & Oats Mini
Wild-caught cod; spelt/oats; 30/18/3/9; $1.50/day
Buy From Chewy Buy From Farmina
Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance 30/20
Chicken, egg, fish meal; corn gluten/rice/corn; 30/20/3/12; $0.67/day
Buy From Chewy
Purina Pro Plan Toy Breed Puppy
Chicken, fish meal, egg; corn gluten/rice/corn; 34/20/3/12; $0.75/day
Buy From Chewy
Royal Canin Poodle Puppy
Chicken; brewers rice/corn/wheat gluten/corn gluten/wheat; 31/17/10; $2.30/day
Buy From Chewy
Royal Canin Small Breed Puppy
Chicken; brewers rice/wheat gluten/corn gluten/corn; 29/18/3/10; $1.80/day
Buy From Chewy Buy From Petco
Royal Canin Small Breed Starter
Chicken; brewers rice/corn/wheat gluten; 28/20/4/10; $2.50/day
Buy From Chewy
5 Stars – Grain-Free Kibble
Bil-Jac Grain-Free Adult Chicken
Local cage-free chicken, fish meal; pea starch/pea flour/pea fiber; 30/15/5/10; $1.00/day
Buy From Chewy
Farmina Prime Grain-Free Adult Mini Boar
Wild Italian boar, cage-free chicken, wild-caught herring; sweet potatoes, peas; 34/18/3/9; $1.50/day
Buy From Farmina
Farmina Prime Grain-Free Adult Mini Lamb
Pastured NZ lamb, wild-caught herring; sweet potatoes/pea fiber; 34/18/3/9; $1.50/day
Buy From Chewy Buy From Farmina
5 Stars – Premium Dried Foods
Bixbi Rawbble Freeze-Dried Lamb
NZ pastured lamb; pumpkin; 46/38/4/7; $7.00/day
Buy From Chewy
Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend
Turkey, beef, salmon, duck; sweet potato; 37/27/4/6; $6.00/day
Buy From Dr. Marty
K9 Natural Lamb Feast
NZ pastured lamb, egg, NZ green mussels; pumpkin; 35/37/3/8; $7.00/day
Buy From Chewy Buy From Only Natural
Only Natural MaxMeat Beef
NZ pastured beef; pumpkin; 35/20/2/15; $4.00/day
Buy From Chewy Buy From Only Natural
Only Natural MaxMeat Lamb
NZ cage-free lamb, NZ wild-caught whitefish; pumpkin; 30/15/2/18; $4.00/day
Buy From Chewy Buy From Only Natural
Only Natural RawNibs Beef & Tripe
Pasture-raised beef; sweet potatoes/veggies; 55/14/3/7; $7.00/day
Buy From Only Natural
Only Natural RawNibs Chicken & Liver
Cage-free chicken; sweet potatoes/veggies; 45/22/3/7; $7.00/day
Buy From Only Natural
Primal Freeze-Dried Lamb
Pastured lamb; veggies; 34/30/4/7; $7.00/day
Buy From Chewy Buy From Only Natural
SmallBatch Freeze-Dried Turkey Bites
Cage-free turkey; veggies; 63/25/2/2; $7.00/day
Visit The SmallBatch Site
Stella & Chewy’s Meal Mixers Beef
Grass-fed beef; pumpkin seed/veggies; 44/35/5/5; $7.00/day
Buy From Chewy Buy From Only Natural
Stella & Chewy’s Meal Mixers Chicken
Cage-free chicken; pumpkin seed/veggies; 48/28/5/5; $7.00/day
Buy From Chewy Buy From Only Natural
Stella & Chewy’s Meal Mixers Lamb
Grass-fed lamb; pumpkin seed/veggies; 38/38/5/5; $7.00/day
Buy From Chewy Buy From Only Natural
TruDog Feed Me Beef
Ranched beef; no binders; 44/33/5; $9.00/day
Buy From Chewy
Ziwi Peak East Cape
NZ pastured mutton/goat, NZ wild-caught kahawai/trevally/mackerel, NZ green mussels; inulin; 38/32/3/14; $6.00/day
Buy From Chewy Buy From Only Natural
Ziwi Peak Lamb
NZ pastured lamb, NZ green mussels; inulin; 35/33/2/14; $6.00/day
Buy From Chewy Buy From Only Natural
Ziwi Peak Mackerel & Lamb
NZ wild-caught mackerel, NZ lamb, NZ green mussels; inulin; 43/25/2/14; $6.50/day
Buy From Chewy Buy From Only Natural
Ziwi Peak Otago Valley
NZ pastured beef/venison/lamb, NZ wild blue whiting, NZ green mussels; inulin; 38/32/3/14; $6.00/day
Buy From Chewy Buy From Only Natural
Ziwi Peak Tripe/Lamb
NZ pastured lamb, NZ green mussels; inulin; 36/32/2/14; $6.00/day
Buy From Chewy Buy From Only Natural
5 Stars – Canned Foods
Cesar Classic Loaf in Sauce Porterhouse Steak
Beef, chicken liver, pork; carrageenan/xanthan gum; 9/4/1/82; $5.33/day
Buy From Chewy
5 Stars – Treats
Castor & Pollux Pristine Chicken Sausages
Free-range/organic chicken, skim milk; no binders; 45/20/20; $2.00/oz
Buy From Chewy
Cocotherapy Coco Carnival Meatballs Beef
Antibiotic-free beef; coconut; 40/25/4/8; $6.18/oz
Buy From Cocotherapy
Cocotherapy Maggie’s Macaroons Vanilla
No meat; coconut/flax; 5/42/4/7; $3.44/oz
Buy From Cocotherapy
Cocotherapy Organic Coconut Chips
No meat; coconut; 21/9/11/8; $2.29/oz
Buy From Cocotherapy
Full Moon Beef Jerky
Pastured family-farmed beef; no binders; 37/19/2/23; $1.55/oz
Buy From Chewy
Full Moon Chicken Jerky
Family-farmed chicken; no binders; 55/3/1/28; $1.25/oz
Buy From Chewy
Full Moon Pork Jerky
Family-farmed pork; no binders; 50/1/2/28; $1.80/oz
Buy From Chewy
Grandma Lucy’s Organic Coconut Treats
No meat; organic oats/coconut; 7/22/4/6; $0.90/oz
Buy From Chewy
Only Natural RawNibs Tripe Treats
Pasture-raised beef tripe; no binders; 49/36/1/8; $3.00/oz
Buy From Chewy Buy From Only Natural
Riley’s Organics Pumpkin Coconut Bone Treats
No meat; organic pumpkin/oats/rye/peanut/coconut; 13/10/5/10; $1.40/oz
Buy From Chewy
SmallBatch Beef Hearts
Pasture-raised beef; no binders; 65/5/4/7; $3.40/oz
Buy From Only Natural
SmallBatch Lamb Hearts
Pasture-raised lamb; no binders; 54/39/4/7; $3.40/oz
Buy From Only Natural
The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Company Woof Lamb Treats
NZ grass-fed/free-range lamb; veggies; 41/42/1/3; $7.95/oz
Buy From Chewy
TruDog Boost Me Beef
Beef; no binders; 49/24/8/8; $4.30/oz
Buy From Chewy
TruDog Turkey Gobbler
Turkey; no binders; 46/15/2/7; $5.60/oz
Buy From Chewy
True Acre Farmhouse Grillers Beef
Beef; sweet potatoes/coconut glycerin/brown rice; 21/19/4/16; $1.00/oz
Buy From Chewy
Vital Essentials Beef Tripe
Green beef tripe; no binders; 49/36/2/8; $3.90/oz
Buy From Chewy
Vital Essentials Duck Nibs
Duck; no binders; 47/15/3/8; $4.50/oz
Buy From Chewy
5 Stars – Chews
Bones & Chews Himalayan Cheese Large Dog Treat
Yak milk, cow milk; no binders; 60/12/1/18; $1.50/oz
Buy From Chewy
Bones & Chews USA Braided Bully Stick 12″
Beef; no binders; $10.00/piece
Buy From Chewy
Bones & Chews USA Pig Ear
Pork; no binders; $2.00/piece
Buy From Chewy
Earth Animal No-Hide Beef
Grass-fed beef, organic eggs; brown rice/agar-agar/banana; 65/3/2/15; $4.50/oz
Buy From Only Natural
Earth Animal No-Hide Chicken
Humanely raised chicken, organic eggs; brown rice/agar-agar/banana; 51/2/2/14; $4.50/oz
Buy From Only Natural
Earth Animal No-Hide Pork
Humanely raised pork, organic eggs; brown rice/agar-agar/banana; 70/6/2/15; $4.50/oz
Buy From Only Natural
Earth Animal No-Hide Salmon
Wild-caught salmon, organic eggs; brown rice/agar-agar/banana; 55/5/2/17; $4.50/oz
Buy From Only Natural
Earth Animal No-Hide The Feast
Organic turkey, organic eggs; pumpkin/organic cranberries/brown rice/agar-agar/banana; 35/4/2/16; $4.50/oz
Buy From Only Natural
Earth Animal No-Hide Venison
Grass-fed/free-range venison, organic eggs; brown rice/agar-agar/banana; 75/2/2/16; $4.50/oz
Buy From Only Natural
True Acre Dental Chew Sticks
Pork gelatin, chicken, milk; rice/wheat/glycerin; 15/1/2/18; $0.40/oz
Buy From Chewy
Yak9 Chews Honey
Yak milk, cow milk; honey; 66/8/0/0; $3.00/oz
Buy From Chewy
5 Stars – Supplements
Agatha’s Elixir
Barley malt, organic apple cider vinegar, green tea extract, milk thistle, alfalfa, ginger root, CoQ10, Vitamin E, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin A, natural herbs and vitamins.
Buy From Agatha’s Pet Wellness
Nature’s Logic Sardine Oil
Sardine oil, anchovy oil, herring oil, mackerel oil.
Buy From Chewy
4 Stars – Grain-Inclusive Kibble
Farmina Ancestral Grain Puppy Mini Chicken
Cage-free chicken, egg, wild-caught herring; spelt/oats; 35/20/2/8; $1.00/day
Buy From Chewy Buy From Farmina
Royal Canin Cavalier King Charles Puppy
Chicken; corn/brewers rice/wheat gluten/beet/corn gluten; 28/16/4/10; $1.92/day
Buy From Chewy
4 Stars – Grain-Free Kibble
Farmina Pumpkin Grain-Free Puppy Mini Lamb
Pastured NZ lamb, wild-caught herring; peas/pumpkin; 35/20/2/9; $1.00/day
Buy From Farmina
Orijen Grain-Free Original
Cage-free chicken/turkey, wild-caught flounder/mackerel/herring, egg; legumes; 38/18/4/12; $1.50/day
Buy From Chewy Buy From Only Natural
Orijen Grain-Free Puppy
Cage-free chicken/turkey, wild-caught flounder/mackerel/herring, egg; legumes; 38/20/6/12; $1.50/day
Buy From Chewy Buy From Only Natural
Orijen Grain-Free Six Fish
Wild-caught mackerel/herring/monkfish/redfish/flounder/silver hake; legumes; 38/18/4/12; $1.50/day
Buy From Chewy Buy From Only Natural
Orijen Grain-Free Regional Red
Pastured beef/boar/goat, grass-fed lamb, wild-caught mackerel/herring; legumes; 38/18/4/12; $1.50/day
Buy From Chewy Buy From Only Natural
Orijen Grain-Free Tundra
Pastured goat/venison/mutton/lamb, wild boar, wild-caught arctic char/steelhead trout/pilchard/cod/blue whiting/herring/mackerel; lentils/pintos/peas/chickpeas/navy beans; 40/18/5/12; $1.50/day
Buy From Chewy Buy From Only Natural
Stella & Chewy’s Grain-Free Raw-Coated Puppy Chicken
Cage-free chicken; peas/lentils; 36/16/5/12; $1.50/day
Buy From Only Natural
4 Stars – Premium Dried Foods
Bixbi Rawbble Freeze-Dried Beef
Pastured beef; pumpkin; 50/34/7; $7.00/day
Buy From Chewy
Bixbi Rawbble Freeze-Dried Duck
Cage-free duck: pumpkin; 50/30/7; $7.00/day
Buy From Chewy
Bixbi Rawbble Freeze-Dried Pork
Antibiotic-free pork; pumpkin; 58/25/7; $7.00/day
Buy From Chewy
Only Natural MaxMeat Chicken
NZ cage-free chicken; pumpkin; 36/18/15; $4.00/day
Buy From Chewy Buy From Only Natural
Open Farm Freeze-Dried Beef
Grass-fed beef; veggies/clay; 41/33; $7.00/day
Buy From Amazon
Steve’s Real Food Freeze-Dried Beef
Pastured beef: veggies; 51/33/4; $5.50/day
Buy From Only Natural
Stewart Pro-Treat Raw Naturals Beef
Beef; veggies/inulin; 30/20/5; $6.00/day
Buy From Chewy
Sundays
Local farm-raised beef; pumpkin/quinoa; 35/20/2/15; $6.00/day
Buy From Sundays
Ziwi Peak Chicken
NZ cage-free chicken, NZ green mussels; inulin; 38/30/14; $5.00/day
Buy From Chewy Buy From Only Natural
Ziwi Peak Venison
Grass-fed NZ venison, NZ green mussels; inulin; 45/25/14; $9.00/day
Buy From Chewy Buy From Only Natural
4 Stars – Base Mix Foods
Sojos Mix-A-Meal Fruit & Veggie Pre-Mix
Egg + add your own meat; sweet potatoes/carrots/apples/cranberry/flax; 10/6/10; $2.25/day
Buy From Chewy
The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Base Mix
Add your own meat; organic oats/flax/barley/quinoa, pumpkin, veggies; 10/5/11; $3.00/day (before added meat)
Buy From Chewy Buy From Only Natural
4 Stars – Treats
Bil-Jac Breakfast Jacs
Cage-free chicken, egg, cheese; wheat; 20/10/30; $1.00/oz
Buy From Chewy
Bil-Jac Grain-Free Training Treats Chicken & Sweet Potato
Cage-free chicken; pea flour/glycerin/pea starch/sweet potato; 24/10/3/30; $0.70/oz
Buy From Chewy
Bil-Jac Little Jacs
Cage-free chicken; wheat; 25/10/30; $1.00/oz
Buy From Chewy
Buddy Biscuits Oven Baked Teeny Treats Bacon & Cheese
Cheese/bacon; wheat; 15/7/10; $0.75/oz
Buy From Chewy
Buddy Biscuits Oven Baked Teeny Treats Chicken
Chicken; wheat; 12/4/11; $0.75/oz
Buy From Chewy
Full Moon Organic Beef Jerky
Organic beef/chicken/turkey; organic rice/flax; 30/18/25; $1.00/oz
Buy From Chewy
Full Moon Organic Chicken Jerky
Organic chicken; organic rice/flax; 30/18/25; $0.90/oz
Buy From Chewy
Full Moon Organic Chicken Training Treats
Organic chicken; flaxseed; 22/25/30; $1.25/oz
Buy From Chewy
Full Moon Training Treats Duck
Duck; flaxseed/dextrose; 22/25/30; $1.40/oz
Buy From Chewy
Grandma Lucy’s Organic Pumpkin Treats
No animal products; organic wheat/pumpkin; 6/17/1/8; $0.71/oz
Buy From Chewy
Greenies Feline SmartBites Healthy Skin & Fur Chicken
Chicken; rice/wheat/flax; 29/19/10; $1.30/oz
Buy From Chewy
K9 Granola Factory Banana Chips
No meat: bananas; 4/52/10; $0.80/oz
Buy From Only Natural
K9 Granola Factory Coconut Chips
No animal products; coconut; 4/28/10; $0.50/oz
Buy From Only Natural
Newman’s Own Beef Jerky
Grass-fed beef; no binders; 32/4/20; $1.00/oz
Buy From Chewy
Newman’s Own Beef Jerky with Sweet Potato
Grass-fed beef; sweet potato; 32/4/2/20; $1.00/oz
Buy From Chewy
Newman’s Own Chicken Jerky
Farm-raised chicken; no binders; 35/14/3/24; $1.00/oz
Buy From Chewy
Newman’s Own Organics Snack Bites Beef
Organic beef; organic chickpeas, glycerin; 25/14/3/24; $1.00/oz
Buy From Chewy
Pup-Peronis Minis Original Beef
Beef, liver; soy grits; 24/12/2/24; $0.40/oz
Buy From Chewy
Spot Farms Chicken Apple Sausage
Family-farmed chicken; brown rice; 16/12/25; $1.50/oz
Buy From Chewy
Spot Farms Organic Chicken Training Treats
Organic chicken; flaxseed; 22/25/30; $2.00/oz
Buy From PetCo
True Acre Farmhouse Grillers Lamb
Lamb; coconut glycerin/cranberries/brown rice; 18/12/22; $1.00/oz
Buy From Chewy
4 Stars – Chews
Bones & Chews Braided Bully Stick 6″
Argentinian beef; no binders; $5.00/piece
Buy From Chewy
Bones & Chews USA Beef Trachea 6″
Beef trachea; no binders; 45/18/4/13; $2.50/each
Buy From Chewy
Castor & Pollux Good Buddy Rawhide Braids
Rawhide, chicken; no binders; $1.50/oz
Buy From Chewy
Greenies Bursting Blueberry
Gelatin, poultry flavor; wheat/glycerin/cellulose; 30/8/15; $1.50/oz
Buy From Chewy
Greenies Gingerbread
Gelatin, poultry flavor; wheat/glycerin/cellulose; 30/6/15; $1.50/oz
Greenies Originals
Gelatin, poultry flavor; wheat/glycerin/cellulose; 30/6/6/15; $1.50/oz
Buy From Chewy
Greenies Pumpkin Spice
Gelatin, poultry flavor; wheat/glycerin/cellulose; 30/6/15; $1.50/oz
Sancho & Lola’s Closet Premium Bully Stick
Grass-fed beef; no binders; 80/1/20; $4.00/piece
Buy From Chewy
4 Stars – Supplements
EcoNugenics Pectasol-C Modified Citrus Pectin
Pectasol-C modified citrus pectin
Buy From Vitacost
Vet’s Best Enzymatic Toothpaste
Glycerin, aloe, pectin, neem oil, grapefruit seed extract, baking soda, glucose, oxidase, natural flavors
Buy From Chewy
3 Stars – Grain-Inclusive Kibble
Acana Wholesome Grains Red Meat
Pastured beef/lamb, pork; oats/sorghum/millet; 27/17/12; $1.00/day
Buy From Chewy Buy From Amazon Buy From Only Natural
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Chicken
Chicken, fish meal; brown rice/oatmeal/barley/peas; 27/16/10; $1.00/day
Buy From Chewy Buy From Amazon
Castor & Pollux Organix Healthy Grain Small Breed
Organic free-range chicken; organic oatmeal/barley/brown rice/peas/sunflower seed/sweet potato/flax; 26/15/5/11; $1.50/day
Buy From Chewy
Castor & Pollux Pristine with Grains Beef
100% grass-fed beef, chicken meal, egg; organic oats/brown rice/barley; 30/16/11; $1.50/day
Buy From Chewy
Instinct Be Natural Lamb
Pastured lamb, fish meal, turkey meal; oats/barley/millet/alfalfa/flaxseed/clay; 25/14/10; $1.00/day
Buy From Chewy
Merrick Lil’ Plates Healthy Grains Lamb & Brown Rice
Lamb, chicken meal, egg; brown rice/oatmeal/barley; 27/16/10; $1.25/day
Buy From Chewy
Nature’s Logic Original Lamb
Pastured lamb; millet; 32/15/9; $1.10/day
Buy From Chewy
Nulo Challenger Alpine Ranch
Beef, lamb, salmon, turkey, pork, chicken; organic oats/barley/millet, pumpkin; 35/18/10; $1.33/day
Visit The Nulo Site
Party Animal
Organic chicken, chicken meal; organic oats/organic barley/organic peas; 23/14/10; $0.90/day
Buy From Chewy Buy From Amazon
Royal Canin Poodle
Chicken; corn/brewers rice/wheat gluten/corn gluten; 28/17/4/10; $2.10
Buy From Chewy
Spot & Tango Unkibble Chicken
Local farm-raised chicken; brown rice/veggies; 27/16/4; $3.00/day.
Buy From Spot & Tango
3 Stars – Grain-Free Kibble
Bixbi Liberty Grain-Free Fisherman’s Catch
Trout, egg; lentils/peas; 29/16/6/12; $1.00/day
Buy From Chewy
Bixbi Liberty Grain-Free Original
Cage-free turkey, egg, cage-free chicken, trout; lentils/yellow peas; 26/16/6/12; $1.00/day
Buy From Chewy
Bixbi Liberty Grain-Free Small Breed Chicken
Cage-free chicken, egg; lentils/peas; 26/17/6/12; $1.00/day
Buy From Chewy
Bixbi Rawbble Grain-Free Chicken
Cage-free chicken, egg; peas/lentils/coconut; 30/15/6/12; $1.19/day
Buy From Chewy
Bixbi Rawbble Grain-Free Lamb
Pastured New Zealand lamb, egg; yellow peas/red lentils/coconut; 27/15/7/12; $1.31/day
Buy From Chewy
Blue Wilderness Grain-Free Salmon
Wild-caught or farmed salmon, chicken, fish meal; peas/tapioca/flax; 34/15/10; $1.00/day
Buy From Chewy Buy From Amazon
Farmina Ocean Herring & Orange Medium/Maxi
Wild-caught herring, eggs; sweet potatoes/pea fiber/carrots/alfalfa/inulin; 34/18/3/9; $1.36/day
Buy From Chewy
Farmina Quinoa Skin & Coat Quail
Cage-free quail; pea starch/quinoa/coconut/inulin; 23/12/3/9; $1.32/day
Buy From Farmina
I And Love And You Naked Essentials Grain-Free Chicken & Duck
Antibiotic-free chicken/turkey/duck, fish meal; chickpeas/peas/lentils/flax; 30/15/5/12; $0.80/day
Buy From Chewy Buy From Only Natural
Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Turkey & Sweet Potato Puppy
Cage-free turkey, wild-caught salmon, deboned trout; chickpeas/sweet potato/pea fiber/yellow peas; 33/18/4/10; $1.11/day
Buy From Chewy
Zignature Grain-Free Duck
Cage-free French duck; chickpeas/peas/alfalfa; 30/15/5/10; $0.88/day
Buy From Chewy
Zignature Grain-Free Lamb
Pastured New Zealand lamb; chickpeas/peas; 28/15/4/10; $0.80/day
Buy From Chewy
Zignature Grain-Free Venison
Pastured New Zealand venison; chickpeas/peas; 27/16/5/10; $1.13/day
Buy From Chewy
3 Stars – Premium Dried Foods
Bixbi Rawbble Freeze-Dried Chicken
Cage-free chicken: pumpkin; 48/30/7; $7.00/day
Buy From Chewy
Dr. Mercola Healthy Pet Essentials
Grass-fed beef; organic veggies; 38/39/6; $5.00/day
Buy From Amazon
Nulo Freestyle Freeze-Dried Lamb
Lamb, egg; squash/veggies; 40/29/5; $7.00/day
Buy From Chewy
3 Stars – Canned Foods
Acana Premium Chunks Beef in Bone Broth
Beef, lamb, bison; sweet potatoes/carrots/guar gum; 8/3/2/82; $4.61/day
Buy From Petco
Royal Canin Puppy Appetite Stimulation
Chicken, pork; brewers rice/wheat gluten/beet pulp/cellulose/carrageenan; 8/5/2/79; $6.41/day
Buy From Chewy
Royal Canin Small Puppy Wet
Chicken, pork; cornstarch/cellulose/brewers rice/beet pulp/carob bean gum; 7/5/2/81; $11.11/day
Buy From Chewy
3 Stars – Treats
Acana Singles Beef & Pumpkin
Pastured beef; pumpkin; 55/20/2; $6.00/oz
Buy From Only Natural
Bil-Jac Dessert Jacs
Cage-free chicken; wheat/glycerin; 24/10/2/30; $0.70/oz
Buy From Chewy
Bixbi Pocket Trainers Salmon
Wild-caught salmon; chickpea/glycerin/tapioca/gelatin; 13/7/28; $1.30/oz
Buy From Chewy
Buddy Biscuits Mini Jerky Chicken & Sweet Potato
Chicken; sweet potatoes; 32/25/1/30; $1.25/oz
Buy From Amazon
Callie’s Kitchen Organic Turkey & Sweet Potato Treats
Organic turkey/chicken/milk; organic barley/oat/glycerin; 31/14/3/21; $1.25/oz
Buy From Chewy
Grandma Lucy’s Pollock
Line-caught pollock; no binders; 84/1/2
Buy From Grandma Lucy’s
Milk-Bone Small MaroSnacks
Meat/bone meal; wheat; 15/5/12; $0.35/oz
Buy From Chewy
Newman’s Own Organics Snack Bites Chicken Recipe
Organic farm-raised chicken; organic chickpeas; 29/14/3/24; $0.90/oz
Buy From Chewy
Newman’s Own Organics Snack Bites Turkey Recipe
Organic farm-raised turkey; organic chickpeas; 33/14/3/24; $0.90/oz
Buy From Chewy
Open Farm Pork Treats
Humanely raised pork; chickpeas; 37/34/1/15; $2.50/oz
Buy From Amazon
Pure Bites Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese; no binders; 45/30/5; $2.50/oz
Buy From Chewy
Pure Bites Beef Liver
Beef liver; no binders; 64/5/1/5; $2.50/oz
Buy From Chewy
Pure Snacks Beef Liver
Beef liver; no binders; 64/5/1/5; $2.50/oz
Buy From Chewy
Pure Bites Lamb Liver
New Zealand lamb; no binders; 65/13/1/5; $3.24/oz
Buy From Chewy
Smart Cookie Rabbit Jerky Training Treats
Rabbit; no binders; 55/3/15; $5.00/oz
Buy From Amazon
True Acre Farmhouse Grillers Pork
Pork; apples/glycerin/brown rice; 20/11/22; $1.00/oz.
Buy From Chewy
True Acre Jerky Burgers Beef
Beef, skim milk; sweet potato/glycerin; 30/20/22; $1.00/oz
Buy From Chewy
Vital Essentials Minnows
Minnows; no binders; 60/5/8; $9/oz
Buy From Chewy
Zuke’s Mini Naturals Pumpkin
Turkey; pumpkin/barley/rice/glycerin/tapioca/gelatin; 7/8/28; $1.00/oz
3 Stars – Chews
Greenies Fresh
Gelatin, poultry flavor; wheat/glycerin/cellulose; 30/8/15; $1.50/oz
Buy From Chewy
Earth Animal No-Hide Peanut Butter
Organic eggs; brown rice/agar-agar/banana; 45/2/5/13; $4.50/oz
Buy From Only Natural
3 Stars – Supplements
Glandex Anal Gland Supplement Pork Liver
Pumpkin Seed Powder, Granulated Pumpkin Seed, Apple Pectin Cellulose Powder, Quercetin Dihydrate, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, D-Alpha Tocopherol (Vit E), Bromelain, Ascorbic Acid (Vit C), Canola Oil, Desiccated Pork Liver Powder, Flaxseed Oil, Glycerin, Potato Starch, Rice Bran, Sorbic Acid, Sucrose, Sunflower Lecithin, Water; $0.57/day
Buy From Chewy
2 Stars – Grain-Inclusive Kibble
Diamond Naturals Beef Meal & Rice
Beef, egg; sorghum/white rice/rice bran/barley/beet pulp/flaxseed; 25/15/10; $0.23/day (40-lb bags)
Buy From Chewy
Dr. Tim’s Momentum
Antibiotic-free chicken, wild-caught ocean herring, egg, porcine plasma; brown rice/beet pulp/flaxseed; 35/25/3/10; $0.71/day
Buy From Chewy
Eukanuba Puppy Medium Breed Chicken
Chicken, egg; corn/sorghum/brewers rice; 29/18/10; $0.50/day
Buy From Chewy
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Barley
Chicken; wheat/barley/sorghum/corn; 25/15/10; $1.00/day
Buy From Chewy
Iams Adult Large Breed Lamb & Rice
Lamb, chicken, egg; barley/corn/sorghum/brewer’s rice; 23/13/10; $0.50/day
Buy From Chewy
Purina Pro Plan Puppy Large Breed Chicken & Rice
Chicken, poultry, egg, fish meal; rice/corn gluten/corn/wheat/pea fiber; 28/13/12; $0.58/day
Buy From Chewy
Purina Pro Plan Puppy Shredded Blend Chicken
Chicken, egg, fish meal; rice/corn gluten/soybean meal/wheat/corn/corn germ meal; 28/18/12; $0.60/day
Buy From Chewy
Purina Pro Plan Sport 30/20 Salmon
Salmon, poultry, egg, fish meal; corn gluten/rice/corn; 30/20/3/12; $0.63/day
Buy From Chewy
Royal Canin Cocker Spaniel
Chicken; brewers rice/brown rice/oat groats/corn gluten/wheat gluten/psyllium; 23/12/10; $1.25/day
Buy From Chewy
Royal Canin Medium Breed Puppy
Chicken; brewers rice/corn/wheat/corn gluten/beet pulp/wheat gluten; 30/18/4/10; $1.04/day
Buy From Chewy
2 Stars – Grain-Free Kibble
American Journey Landmark Grain-Free Puppy Chicken
Cage-free chicken/turkey, pork gelatin, egg; tapioca/lentils/peas; 40/15/10; $0.60/day
Buy From Chewy
Diamond Naturals Grain-Free Chicken
Cage-free chicken, fish meal: sweet potatoes/peas/lentils/pea flour; 24/14/10; $0.50/day
Buy From Chewy
Fromm Grain-Free Chicken Au Frommage
Chicken, egg, cheese; chickpeas/lentils/peas/potatoes/sweet potatoes/flaxseed; 26/16/7/10; $0.81/day
Buy From Fromm
Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red Grain-Free Puppy Prairie
Cage-free chicken/turkey/quail/guinea/goose/duck; sweet potato/tapioca/pumpkin; 36/17/5/12; $1.50/day
Buy From Chewy
2 Stars – Premium Dried Foods
Orijen Freeze-Dried Regional Red
Pastured beef/lamb/boar/pork/bison, wild-caught flounder/herring; peas/pumpkin/veggies; 36/35/4; $7.00/day
Buy From Only Natural
2 Stars – Frozen Food
The Farmer’s Dog Pork
Pork; sweet potato/potato/vegetables; 9/7/2/75; $5.00/day
Buy From The Farmer’s Dog
2 Stars – Canned Food
Hound & Gatos Grain-Free Chicken & Liver
Cage-free chicken; agar-agar; 10/9/2/78; $5.00/day
Buy From Chewy
K-9 Natural New Zealand Beef Green Tripe Booster
Beef green tripe; no binders; 10/7/2/82; $7.18/day
Buy From Chewy
Royal Canin Toy & Miniature Poodle Adult Loaf
Pork, chicken, salmon; corn/cellulose/carrageenan/carob bean gum; 8/4/2/81; $12.65/day
Buy From Chewy
2 Stars – Treats
Buddy Biscuits Oven Baked Teeny Treats Peanut Butter
No animal products; wheat/peanut butter; 12/6/4/11; $0.75/oz
Buy From Chewy
Fruitables Crispy Bacon & Apple
Bacon; pumpkin/oats/barley/potato; 7/6/10; $0.75/oz
Buy From Chewy
High Hopes Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Cookies
Milk, whey protein, eggs; wheat/peanut butter/pumpkin; 18/16/2/10; $0.64/oz
Buy From High Hopes
Milk-Bone Small Original
Meat/bone meal; wheat; 15/5/4/12; $0.15/oz
Buy From Chewy
Pedigree Mini Marrobones
Meat/bone meal; wheat; 12/9/12; $0.20/oz
Buy From Chewy
Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken
Chicken; rice/barley/glycerin/tapioca/potato; 8/6/30; $1.00/oz
Buy From Chewy
Zuke’s Mini Naturals Rabbit
Rabbit; rice/barley/glycerin/tapioca/potato; 8/4/30; $1.00/oz
Buy From Chewy
2 Stars – Chews
Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste
Gelatin, cultured whey; rice/glycerin; 5/5/20; $1.30/oz
Buy From Chewy
Pedigree Dentastix Large Original
Gelatin, poultry flavor; rice/wheat/glycerin/gum arabic/cellulose; 8/1/18; $0.66/oz
Buy From Chewy
1 Star – Grain-Inclusive Kibble
American Journey Active Life Beef, Brown Rice & Vegetables
Beef, chicken, turkey; brown rice/barley/rice bran/peas/flaxseed; 25/15/10; $0.66/day
Buy From Chewy
Annamaet Ultra
Cage-free chicken, egg, herring meal; brown rice/millet; 32/20/10; $1.00
Buy From Chewy
Bixbi Rawbble Turkey
Cage-free turkey, egg; sorghum/millet/quinoa; 27/18/12; $1.50/day
Buy From Chewy
Bixbi Rawbble Wingatarian
Cage-free turkey, duck, quail; sorghum/millet/quinoa; 27/18/12; $1.50/day
Buy From Chewy
Carna4 Original Chicken
Organic chicken, wild-caught salmon; sprouted/organic barley/lentils/peas, sweet potatoes, brown rice, potato starch, carrots; 29/15; $2.50/day
Visit The Carna4 Site
Carna4 Easy-Chew Fish
Wild-caught herring/perch/salmon; sprouted/organic barley/flax/lentils/peas, fava beans, sweet potato, potato starch; 29/15; $2.50/day
Visit The Carna4 Site
Diamond Naturals Active Cat (Cat Food)
Chicken; white rice/flaxseed; 40/20/3/10; $0.54/day
Buy From Chewy
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Lamb
Pastured lamb, egg, fish meal; brown rice/barley/sorghum/white rice; 27/15/4/10; $0.50/day
Buy From Chewy
Diamond Naturals Senior Chicken
Cage-free chicken, egg; brown rice/white rice/oatmeal/rice bran; 25/11/10; $0.50/day
Buy From Chewy
Diamond Naturals Small Breed Adult Chicken
Cage-free chicken, egg; cracked barley/white rice/sorghum; 27/16/3/10; $0.50/day
Buy From Chewy
Diamond Pro89
Beef, pork, fish meal: sorghum/brown rice/millet/quinoa/flaxseed; 30/20/10; $0.35/day
Buy From Chewy
Diamond Puppy Formula
Chicken, egg, fish meal; corn/wheat/flaxseed; 31/20/10; $0.31/day
Buy From Chewy
Dr. Tim’s Active Dog Pursuit
Chicken, egg, ocean herring meal, catfish meal; brown rice/oats/oat bran; 30/20/10; $0.75/day
Buy From Chewy
Earthborn Holistic Unrefined Lamb
Lamb; quinoa/butternut squash/oatmeal/barley; 24/14; $1.00/day
Visit The Earthborn Holistic Site
Earthborn Holistic Unrefined Rabbit
Rabbit, lamb, salmon; quinoa/butternut squash/oatmeal/barley; 23/15; $1.00/day
Visit The Earthborn Holistic Site
Earthborn Holistic Unrefined Salmon
Salmon; quinoa/pumpkin/buckwheat/oatmeal; 24/17; $1.00/day
Visit The Earthborn Holistic Site
Earthborn Holistic Unrefined Turkey
Turkey, salmon, egg; quinoa/pumpkin/buckwheat/oatmeal; 24/17/10; $1.00/day
Buy From Chewy
Fromm Classic Adult Chicken
Chicken, fish meal; brown rice/barley/oats/white rice; 23/15; $0.75/day
Buy From Fromm
Fromm Four-Star Chicken Veg
Chicken, fish meal; oats/barley/sweet potatoes/brown rice/white rice; 24/15; $0.75/day
Buy From Fromm
Fromm Gold Adult
Chicken, fish meal, egg; oat groats/barley/brown rice/potatoes; 25/16/6/10; $0.65/day
Buy From Fromm
Fromm Gold Ancient Chicken
Chicken; sorghum/barley/oats/spelt/millet; 26/16; $0.75/day
Buy From Fromm
Fromm Gold Puppy Chicken
Chicken; oats/barley/brown rice/potatoes; 27/18; $0.75/day
Buy From Fromm
Fromm Four-Star Highlander
Beef, lamb, haddock, chicken; oats/barley/potato/pumpkin/sweet potatoes; 27/16; $0.75/day
Buy From Fromm
Fromm Four-Star Whitefish
Whitefish, menhaden fish meal; sweet potatoes/potatoes/brown rice/barley/oats/white rice/millet; 23/11; $0.75/day
Buy From Fromm
Halo Chicken & Chicken Liver Small Breed
Cage-free chicken, egg; peas/oatmeal/barley/pea protein/soy protein concentrate/pea fiber; 27/17/10; $1.38/day
Buy From Chewy
Hill’s Bioactive Fit + Radiant Chicken & Barley Adult Small Breed
Chicken; barley/pea protein/brown rice/pea fiber/cellulose/brewers rice/flaxseed; 24/8/10; $1.14/day
Buy From PetCo
Hound & Gatos Ancient Grain Lamb
Pastured lamb, egg; sweet potato/spelt/quinoa/tapioca/oats; 27/19/10; $1.81/day
Buy From Chewy
Natural Balance LID Puppy Lamb
Lamb; brown rice/brewer’s rice/potato protein/flaxseed; 24/13/10; $1.00/day
Buy From Chewy
Nulo Challenger Game Bird Quarry
Duck, turkey, salmon, chicken, guinea fowl; organic oats/millet/barley; 35/18/5/10; $1.50/day
Visit the Nulo Site
NutriSource Small & Medium Breed Puppy
Chicken, fish meal; brown rice/oatmeal/barley/flaxseed; 33/22/10; $1.33/day
Visit The NutriSource Site
Nutro Ultra Toy Breed
Chicken, lamb, salmon, egg; brown rice/brewer’s rice/rice bran/oatmeal; 27/16/10; $1.00/day
Buy From Chewy
Open Farm Ancient Grains Lamb
Pastured lamb, ocean whitefish; oats/millet/brown rice/quinoa/pumpkin; 26/15; $1.25/day
Buy From Amazon
Purina Beneful Healthy Puppy Chicken
Chicken; corn/soybean/barley/rice/wheat; 28/14/14; $0.50/day
Buy From Chewy
Purina Beyond Simply Lamb
Ranch-raised lamb, chicken; rice/barley/canola/oats; 24/14/12; $0.50/day
Buy From Chewy
Purina Puppy Chow
Chicken; corn/corn gluten/soybean/barley/rice; 28/12/12; $0.34/day
Buy From Chewy
Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy Chicken
Chicken, fish meal; brown rice/peas/soybean/corn; 28/16/10; $0.40/day
Buy From Chewy
Royal Canin Pomeranian Adult
Chicken; brewers rice/corn/oat groats/wheat gluten/corn gluten/brown rice/chicory root/psyllium seed husk; 24/14/10; $2.10/day
Buy From Chewy
Spot & Tango Unkibble Beef
Local farm-raised beef; barley/flax/veggies; 27/16/4; $3.00/day.
Buy From Spot & Tango
Stella & Chewy’s Wholesome Grains Small Breed Beef
Grass-fed beef, lamb/pork meal; oats/barley/pumpkin/quinoa; 27/17; $1.50/day
Buy From Only Natural
Taste of the Wild Ancient Prairie Ancient Grains
Pastured buffalo, pork, cage-free chicken, pastured venison/beef; sorghum/millet/barley/quinoa; 32/18/10; $0.65/day
Buy From Chewy
Tender & True Chicken & Brown Rice
Chicken, whitefish; brown rice/tapioca/potato; 26/16/10; $1.00/day
Buy From Chewy
The Honest Kitchen Clusters Small Breed Chicken
Cage-free chicken; oats/barley/carrots/flaxseed; 24/16/12; $1.25/day
Buy From Chewy Buy From Only Natural
Wellness Core RawRev Wholesome Grains Original
Turkey, chicken; oatmeal/barley/flaxseed; 36/16/10; $1.25/day
Buy From Chewy
Zignature Select Cuts Lamb
Pastured lamb; oats/millet/sunflower seeds/flaxseed/alfalfa; 25/17/6/10; $0.88/day
Buy From Chewy
1 Star – Grain-Free Kibble
Acana Grain-Free Meadowland
Cage-free chicken/turkey, catfish, wild-caught pollock, rainbow trout, eggs; lentils/pinto beans/peas/chickpeas/pumpkin/veggies; 33/17/12; $1.22/day
Buy From Chewy Buy From Only Natural
American Journey Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Lamb & Sweet Potato
Lamb; peas/sweet potatoes/chickpeas; pea starch/flaxseed; 22/12/10; $1.00/day
Buy From Chewy
Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Grain-Free Healthy Growth Puppy
Chicken, fish meal, egg; peas/tapioca/flax; 36/16/10; $1.19/day
Buy From Petco
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain-Free Puppy Chicken
Chicken, fish meal; pea protein/peas/tapioca/pea starch; 36/16/5/10; $1.22/day
Buy From Chewy
Canidae Grain-Free Pure Petite Lamb Small Breed
Lamb; peas/lentils/tapioca; 23/14/10; $1.25/day
Buy From Chewy
Carna4 Grain-Free Duck
Duck/pork; sprouted/organic barley/flax/lentils/peas, fava beans, sweet potato, potato; 29/15; $2.50/day
Visit The Carna4 Site
Diamond Naturals Grain-Free Beef
Pastured beef/lamb, fish meal; sweet potatoes/peas/lentils/pea flour/flaxseed; 24/14/10; $0.55/day
Buy From Chewy
Diamond Naturals Grain-Free Whitefish
Wild-caught whitefish, fish meal; sweet potatoes/peas/lentils/flaxseed; 24/14/10; $0.55/day
Buy From Chewy
Earthborn Holistic Venture Grain-Free Rabbit – Old Version
Rabbit; pumpkin/peas; 31/14; $1.00/day
Farmina Prime Grain-Free Adult Mini Chicken – Old Version
Cage-free chicken; potatoes/pea fiber; 34/18; $1.50/day
Fromm Grain-Free Lamb & Lentil
Lamb, egg, pork; lentils/chickpeas/peas/pea flour/flaxseed; 29/18/7/10; $0.92/day
Buy From Fromm
Fromm Grain-Free Salmon Tunalini
Salmon, tuna, egg, chicken liver, sardine, cheese; peas/lentils/pinto beans/potatoes/flaxseed; 28/16/7/10; $0.94/day
Buy From Fromm
Halo Holistic Small Breed Grain-Free Game Bird Medley
Cage-free turkey/duck/goose, egg; chickpeas/lentils/peas/soy protein/sweet potatoes/pea protein; 27/17/5/10; $1.38/day
Buy From Chewy
Hound & Gatos Grain-Free Chicken
Cage-free chicken, egg; sweet potato/tapioca/flaxseed; 27/16/10; $1.70/day
Buy From Chewy
Natural Balance LID Grain-Free Chicken & Sweet Potato
Chicken; sweet potatoes/cassava/potatoes/flaxseed; 24/10/10; $0.81/day
Buy From Chewy
Nature’s Logic Grain-Free Beef
Pastured beef, fish meal; Thai tapioca/pumpkin seed/clay; 33/15/9; $1.30/day
Buy From Chewy
Only Natural Grain-Free Small Breed PowerFusion
Turkey, chicken; peas/garbanzo beans/lentils; 38/17/11; $1.00/day
Buy From Chewy
Open Farm Grain-Free Grass-Fed Beef
Humanely raised grass-fed beef, ocean whitefish meal, herring meal; field peas/sweet potatoes/pumpkin/chickpeas/red lentils/green lentils/flaxseed/chicory; 30/14/10; $1.55/day
Buy From Amazon
Purina Beyond Organic Grain-Free Small Dog Chicken
Organic free-range chicken, organic egg; organic cassava/peas/canola; 27/17/12; $1.10/day
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Stella & Chewy’s Grain-Free Grassfed Beef
Grassfed beef/lamb, wild-caught salmon; chickpeas/peas/lentils/pea protein/flax/coconut; 32/15/5/12; $1.43/day
Buy From Stella & Chewy’s
Taste of the Wild Prey Grain-Free Angus Beef
Pasture-raised Angus beef; lentils; 27/15/10; $0.70/day
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Taste of the Wild Prey Grain-Free Trout
Spring-fed trout; lentils; 27/15/10; $0.70/day
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Taste of the Wild Prey Grain-Free Turkey
Cage-free turkey; lentils; 30/15/10; $0.70/day
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Tender & True Organic Grain-Free Chicken
Organic chicken; organic tapioca/peas/chickpeas/flaxseed/potato/peas; 26/16/10; $1.00/day
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Victor Purpose Ultra Pro Grain-Free
Chicken, beef, pork, fish meal; peas/alfalfa meal/sweet potato; 42/22/9; $0.75/day
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Wellness Core Six Grain-Free Lamb
Pastured lamb; peas/chickpeas; 32/15/10; $1.00/day
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Zignature Grain-Free Goat
Wild-caught goat; chickpeas/peas; 30/15/10; $1.00/day
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Zignature Grain-Free Guinea Fowl
Cage-free guinea fowl; peas/chickpeas/pea flour; 29/14/4/10; $1.00/day
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Zignature Grain-Free Pork
Antibiotic-free pork; peas/pea flour/chickpeas/flaxseed; 31/18/4/10; $0.75/day
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1 Star – Premium Dried Foods
Bixbi Rawbble Freeze-Dried Turkey
Cage-free turkey; pumpkin; 48/36/7; $7.00/day
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Dogs for the Earth Chicken
Organic chicken; organic pumpkin/veggies; 26/9/9; $6.00/day
Visit The Dogs For The Earth Site
Earth Animal Wisdom Chicken
Cage-free chicken; oats, flax, sweet potatoes, veggies; 33/20/18; $2.50/day
Buy From Earth Animal
Earth Animal Wisdom Turkey
Cage-free turkey; oats, flax, sweet potatoes, veggies; 30/21/18; $2.50/day
Buy From Earth Animal
Grandma Lucy’s Moxie Chicken
Chicken; sunflower seeds/squash/pumpkin; 52/32/3; $7.00/day
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Only Natural Easy RawBeef
Free-range beef, eggs; sweet potatoes/veggies/flax; 32/8/10; $2.50/day
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Sojos Complete Turkey
Turkey, egg; sweet potatoes/veggies/fruits/flaxseed; 28/12/10; $3.00/day
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Tender & True Farmers’ Market
Cage-free/organic chicken/turkey, organic egg; organic flaxseed, organic veggies; 38/37/10; $5.00/day
Buy From Chewy
1 Star – Frozen Foods
Answers Raw Chicken Complete
Organic chicken, organic duck eggs, whey, butter, kefir; cod liver; organic carrots/squash/green beans; 13/13/2/68; $2.25/day
Visit Answers
Primal Feline Rabbit (Cat Version)
Cage-free rabbit; organic vegetables/pumpkin seeds/sunflower seeds/quinoa; 16/15/1/72; $4.50/day
Visit Primal
Primal Pronto Beef
Grass-fed beef; organic vegetables/quinoa/alfalfa; 11/10/3/71; $4.50/day
Visit Primal
Spot & Tango Beef
Beef, eggs; millet/vegetables; 12/6/1/70; $5.50/day
Buy From Spot & Tango
Spot & Tango Lamb
Lamb, eggs; brown rice/vegetables; 12/7/3/70; $5.50/day
Buy From Spot & Tango
Spot & Tango Turkey
Turkey, eggs; quinoa/vegetables; 14/7/1/69; $5.50/day
Buy From Spot & Tango
1 Star – Canned Foods
Bixbi Liberty Lamb
Pastured lamb; peas/carrots/sweet potatoes/agar-agar; 9/8/2/78
Buy From Bixbi
Diamond Naturals Chicken
Cage-free chicken, egg; rice/carrots/guar/agar-agar/pumpkin/quinoa; 10/7/1/78; $2.42/day
Visit Diamond Naturals
Farmina Prime Lamb & Blueberry
Pastured lamb, wild-caught herring, free-range eggs; sweet potatoes/fructoligosaccharide; 11/7/1/78; $7.20/day
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I And Love And You Cluckin’ Good Stew
Chicken, egg whites; carrots/sweet potatoes/guar gum; 8/3/1/82; $2.97/day
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Instinct Original Grain-Free Small Breed Chicken
Chicken, cod, eggs; peas/pea fiber/Montmorillonite clay/guar gum/cassia gum/xanthan gum; 9/5/3/78; $8.49/day
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Tiki Dog Petites Chicken & Chicken Liver
Chicken; chickpea/sweet potato/carrot/locust bean gum/xanthan gum; 8/2/2/84
1 Star – Treats
Acana High-Protein Biscuits Beef Liver
Pastured beef; sweet potato; 35/10/10; $0.83/oz
Buy From Amazon
Annamaet Salcha Treats
Chicken, duck, salmon; chickpeas/tapioca/flaxseed; 30/16/10
Visit The Annamaet Site
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Turkey Biscuits
Turkey, chicken; potatoes/flaxseed; 30/15/11; $0.60/oz
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Blue Dog Bakery Marrow Bakes
Beef, bone marrow, eggs; whole wheat flour; 7/7/25; $0.45/oz
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Bocce’s Bakery Crispies Banana & Bacon
Natural bacon flavor; oats/rice/bananas; 12/6/10/10; $0.80/oz
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Bocce’s Bakery Soft & Chewy Cheese
Cheese; oats/glycerin/flaxseed; 13/4/2/18; $1.10/oz
Buy From Chewy
Bones & Chews Lamb Lung Training Bites
Lamb lung; no binders; 70/8/4/10; $1.33/oz
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Castor & Pollux Organix Cheddar Cheese Cookies
Organic chicken/cheese; organic peas/brown rice/oats/barley; 15/14/10; $0.60/oz
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Cookie Pal Pumpkin & Chia
No animal products; organic lentils/buckwheat/pumpkin/chia; 11/16/3/12; $0.80/oz
Buy From Chewy
Danford Organic Sweet Potato Treat
Organic chicken; organic barley/veggies/sweet potatoes/oats; 10/7/6/11; $0.79/oz
Buy From Chewy
Diamond Naturals Adult Biscuits with Lamb
Pastured lamb; barley/wild rice/oats; 15/5/12; $0.60/oz
Diamond Naturals
4 Legz Pumpkin Dog Treats
No animal products; organic rye flour/pumpkin, non-organic oat flour; 4/2/4/9; $1.25/oz
Buy From Chewy
Fruitables Pumpkin & Cranberry Crunchy
No meat; pumpkin/oats/barley/potatoes; 7/6/10; $0.75/oz
Buy From Chewy
Instinct Freeze-Dried Raw Boost Mixers Gut Health
Chicken; pumpkin/sweet potato/chicory; 35/30/6; $2.20/oz
Buy From Chewy
K-9 Natural Beef Lung Protein Bites
New Zealand grass-fed/free-range beef; no other ingredients; 66/14/1/15; $5.00/oz
Buy From Chewy
Nature’s Logic Beef Lung Dog Treat
Midwestern USA beef; no other ingredients; 78/3/1/10; $1.50/oz
Buy From Chewy
Newman’s Own Dog Biscuits Chicken
Chicken; organic barley/veggies, non-organic oats; 10/7/6/10; $0.90/oz
Buy From Chewy
Newman’s Own Turkey Jerky
Farm-raised turkey; no binders; 35/14/3/24; $1.00/oz
Buy From Chewy
Old Mother Hubbard Liv’r’ Crunch
Chicken liver, eggs; wheat flour/oatmeal/wheat bran/veggies; 12/7/11; $0.30/oz
Buy From Chewy
Portland Pet Food Company Pumpkin Biscuits
No animal products; garbanzo bean flour/pumpkin; 10/14/6/6; $2.00/oz
Buy From Chewy
Riley’s Sweet Potato Biscuits
No animal products; organic sweet potato/oats/rye/peanut; 13/10/5/10; $1.80/oz
Buy From Riley’s
Stella & Chewy’s Raw Coated Biscuits Grassfed Beef
Grassfed beef, lamb fat, pork meal; chickpeas/sweet potato, organic pumpkinseed/veggies; 15/12/2/68; $0.78/oz
Buy From Chewy
Scott Pet Pork Chomps Sweet Potato
Pigskin; sweet potato; 75/2/2/13; $1.40/oz
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Tender & True Organic Chicken Jerky Treats
Organic chicken; organic pea flour, organic molasses, non-GMO coconut glycerin; 25/16/24; $2.50/oz
Tender & True Site
Tender & True Organic Pork Jerky Treats
Humanely raised organic pork; organic sweet potato, non-GMO coconut glycerin; 30/15/21; $2.50/oz
Tender & True Site
Tender & True Organic Smoked Salmon Treats
Organic salmon, organic milk; organic chickpea/glycerin; 18/20/25; $2.50/oz
Tender & True Site
The Honest Kitchen Meal Boosters
Beef or chicken or turkey/duck; agar-agar; 12/10/78; $0.55/oz
Buy From Chewy
Wet Noses Organic Pumpkin Big Bone Treat
No animal products; organic rye/pumpkin/peanuts; 8/9/2/9; $1.50/oz
Buy From Chewy
1 Star – Chews
Merrick Fresh Kisses Coconut & Botanical Oils
Gelatin; pea starch/tapioca/glycerin; 14/13/13; $1.70/oz
Buy From Chewy
Whimzees
No meat; potato/glycerin/cellulose; 1/2/12; $1.30/oz
Buy From Chewy
1 Stars – Supplements
Bernie’s Perfect Poop
Miscanthus grass, dried pumpkin, potato starch, flaxseed, cane molasses, chicken fat, microorganisms (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus coagulans), enzymes (amylase, cellulase, hemicellulase, lipase, papain, bromelain), natural cheddar cheese flavor, inulin, mixed tocopherols, citric acid, rosemary extract
Buy From Chewy Buy From Amazon
Everroot Vision + Marigold Oil
Active Ingredients: Fish Oil Blend 200 mg, Vitamin A 350 mcg, Vitamin E 320 mg, Vitamin C90 mg, Lutein 15 mg, Zeaxanthin 4 mg, Astaxanthin 1.2 mg. Inactive Ingredients: Haematococcus Pluvialis, Organic Acerola Fruit Powder, Organic Marigold Flower Extract, Organic Peanut Butter, Rapeseed Oil, Organic Rosemary Extract, Organic Sunflower Oil.
Buy From Chewy
Side By Side Wag Not Drag Anal Support
Pumpkin Powder, Pumpkin Seed Powder, Psyllium Husk, Lentil Powder, Diatomaceous Earth, Cinnamon; Inactive Ingredients: Vegetable Glycerin, Sunflower Lecithin, Gelatin, Fruit Juice, Natural Grain Dextrin, Vegetable Oil, Sorbic Acid
Buy From Chewy
Currently Testing
Bixbi Liberty Rancher’s Red
Pastured beef/lamb/goat, egg; oats/sorghum; 24/18/6/12; $1.13/day
Buy From Chewy
Cocotherapy Coco-Charms Pumpkin
No meat; organic coconut/buckwheat/pumpkin; 8/35/7/4; $2.35/oz
Buy From Cocotherapy
Diamond Naturals Small Breed Lamb & Rice
Lamb, egg product; white rice/barley/sorghum/oatmeal/beet/flaxseed; 25/15/10; $0.54/day
Buy From Chewy
Photo Credit: Seeley Photography
About the Authors
Lisa Petrison is the founder of Paradigm Change and Mold Avoiders.
Her Ph.D. is in marketing and social psychology from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
Her cockapoo Cocoa (born in April 2019) is her first dog as an adult.
This article is part of a forthcoming series on choosing healthful and non-toxic dog foods.
Please sign up to receive Living Clean in a Dirty World email notifications of future articles in the series as well as other information on pursuing a toxicity-free life.
This article series contains affiliate links for several online retailers (including Chewy, Only Natural, Vitacost, Amazon and Walmart). Clicking on these links may result in a small percentage of subsequent sales being directed to Paradigm Change and used to subsidize the costs of running the Paradigm Change and Mold Avoiders websites.
Links on this page are in orange (no underlining).