Dr. Gary's Best Breed Holistic Dog Nutrition Retriever Dog Recipe Review

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Review of Dr. Gary's Best Breed Holistic Dog Nutrition Retriever Dog Recipe

According to our data, this Dr. Gary's Best Breed recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for all life stages. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Dr. Gary's Best Breed Holistic Dog Nutrition Field Dog Diet is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Dr. Gary's Best Breed Holistic Dog Nutrition Field Dog Diet, we'll examine all 46 ingredients and highlight the nutritional contribution of each ingredient.

While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.

  1. Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of protein made from dehydrated and ground chicken. It provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle development, tissue repair, and overall growth, making it a valuable ingredient for maintaining your dog's health and well-being.

  2. Brown rice is a whole grain that provides an excellent source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients for your dog. The fiber content can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight, while the carbohydrates provide energy for an active lifestyle.

  3. Oatmeal is a highly digestible and nutritious source of carbohydrates that provides your dog with energy, fiber, and essential nutrients for a healthy digestive system and overall well-being.

  4. Dried Beet Pulp is a source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestive health and provides energy for dogs.

  5. Chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a source of essential fatty acids like omega-6 which help to maintain a healthy skin and coat. The tocopherols act as natural preservatives.

  6. Dried egg is a high-quality protein source that contains all the essential amino acids a dog needs.

  7. Dried brewers yeast is a natural source of B vitamins and amino acids, which can help support your dog's skin, coat, and overall health.

  8. Natural chicken flavor is a dog food ingredient used to enhance the taste and aroma of the product, making it more appealing to your pet. It is derived from real chicken and does not contain any artificial additives or chemicals. This natural flavoring helps encourage your dog to eat and enjoy their meals.

  9. Menhaden meal is a high-quality, concentrated source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids for dogs. It supports healthy skin, a shiny coat, and overall well-being, as well as providing essential nutrients for growth and development.

  10. Lecithin is a naturally occurring fatty substance that can help support your dog's overall health. It plays a crucial role in maintaining cell membrane integrity and provides essential fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin. Additionally, lecithin aids in fat digestion and absorption, promoting optimal nutrient utilization.

  11. Menhaden fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, cognitive function, and joint health. It helps maintain overall health and well-being for your furry friend.

  12. Kelp meal is a natural source of essential vitamins, minerals, and trace elements that support overall health, skin and coat condition, and immune system function in dogs.

  13. While salt is a necessary component of a dog's diet, providing essential minerals such as sodium and chloride for proper cellular function, it should be provided in moderation to avoid health issues like hypertension or kidney damage.

  14. Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.

  15. Flaxseed is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients, which can support your dog's skin, coat, and digestive health.

  16. Canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a source of healthy fats that can help maintain a shiny coat and healthy skin. It's preserved with mixed tocopherols (forms of vitamin E) to maintain freshness.

  17. Calcium carbonate is a valuable source of calcium, an essential mineral for strong bones and teeth, and for supporting proper muscle function in your dog.

  18. L-lysine is an essential amino acid that helps support a healthy immune system and aids in the production of enzymes and antibodies.

  19. New Zealand mussel is a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin, which help to support your dog's joint health and mobility.

  20. DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that supports your dog's overall health by promoting proper protein synthesis, maintaining healthy skin and coat, and aiding in the detoxification process.

  21. Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system and helps reduce inflammation.

  22. Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.

  23. Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.

  24. Niacin supplement is an important source of vitamin B3, which plays a crucial role in supporting your dog's energy metabolism, nervous system function, and overall health. It also aids in maintaining healthy skin and coat, as well as promoting proper digestion.

  25. D-Calcium Pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid, a B-vitamin that helps in energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.

  26. Vitamin A acetate is a form of vitamin A, which is essential for your dog's overall health. It supports healthy vision, immune function, and proper growth and development. Vitamin A acetate also plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin and coat, ensuring your dog looks and feels its best.

  27. Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.

  28. Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.

  29. Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.

  30. Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a source of vitamin B6, which is essential for your dog's nervous system function, immune health, and red blood cell production.

  31. Citric acid is a natural preservative that helps maintain the freshness and quality of dog food. It also acts as an antioxidant, which can help protect your dog's cells from damage caused by free radicals.

  32. Vitamin D3 supplement is an essential vitamin that supports bone health, immune function, and overall well-being in dogs. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus balance in the body, promoting strong and healthy bones.

  33. Folic acid is a crucial B-vitamin that aids in the synthesis of DNA and supports healthy cell growth. It's essential for maintaining your dog's overall health, particularly during periods of rapid growth.

  34. Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.

  35. Ferrous sulfate is an important source of iron for dogs, a mineral essential for red blood cell production, oxygen transportation, and overall vitality. Adequate iron intake supports your dog's immune system and energy levels.

  36. Zinc sulfate is a source of the essential mineral zinc, which supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall growth and development.

  37. Zinc proteinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc. It helps support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat in dogs.

  38. Iron proteinate is a chelated form of iron that is more easily absorbed by your dog's body, supporting their red blood cell production and overall health.

  39. Zinc Oxide is a source of zinc, an essential mineral that supports immune function and skin health in dogs.

  40. Copper sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports various bodily functions in dogs, including immune system health, skin and coat maintenance, and red blood cell production.

  41. Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy bones, joints, and metabolism in dogs. It also supports the production of collagen, which is vital for healthy skin, coat, and connective tissues.

  42. Manganese Proteinate is a chelated form of manganese, a mineral that supports bone health, metabolism and enzymatic reactions.

  43. Copper Proteinate is a chelated form of copper that's easier for dogs to absorb, aiding in red blood cell formation and iron absorption.

  44. Manganous oxide is an important trace mineral that helps support your dog's metabolism, bone formation, and nerve function.

  45. Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.

  46. Calcium iodate is a source of iodine, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's thyroid function and overall metabolism. It helps maintain proper hormone production and is crucial for overall health and well-being.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The Crude Protein minimum of 28.00% is likely largely contributed by the chicken meal and menhaden fish meal listed as the primary and a later ingredient, respectively. Chicken meal is a concentrated form of protein because it is rendered from chicken parts and contains less water than whole chicken. Menhaden fish meal is also a dense protein source, adding to the overall protein content. The dried eggs present in the ingredients also contribute to the protein content, as eggs are known for their high-quality protein.

The Crude Fat minimum of 13.00% can be attributed to the chicken fat, menhaden fish oil, and canola oil, all of which are significant sources of dietary fats. Chicken fat is a common ingredient in pet foods as a source of energy and essential fatty acids. Menhaden fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for a dog's coat and skin health. Canola oil also provides essential fatty acids and helps in maintaining the fat content of the diet.

The Crude Fiber maximum of 3.00% may be influenced by the inclusion of ingredients such as brown rice, oatmeal, and dried beet pulp. These are sources of dietary fiber that aid in digestive health. Brown rice and oatmeal are whole grains that provide fiber, while dried beet pulp is commonly used in pet foods as a fiber source that helps support healthy digestion. The fiber content is kept at a maximum of 3.00%, which is suitable for a dog's dietary needs without being excessively high, ensuring the food is digestible and does not lead to unnecessary bulk in the diet.

The caloric content of 3869.00 per kg provides an estimate of the energy the food will give. This value is influenced by the combined macronutrients in the food – proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The high protein and fat levels, as well as the carbohydrates from brown rice and oatmeal, contribute to the overall caloric content. The energy density of this food makes it suitable for active dogs that require more calories to support their energy expenditure.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Dr. Gary's Best Breed Holistic Dog Nutrition Field Dog Diet costs approximately $2.91 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppyAdult
5 lbs $10.32$16.12
10 lbs $17.35$27.11
15 lbs $23.52$36.75
20 lbs $29.18$45.60
30 lbs $39.56$61.81
40 lbs $49.08$76.69
50 lbs $58.02$90.66
60 lbs $66.52$103.94
70 lbs $74.68$116.68
80 lbs $82.54$128.98
90 lbs $90.17$140.89
100 lbs $97.58$152.47

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.