Earthborn Holistic Pea Free Large Breed Recipe Review

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Review of Earthborn Holistic Pea Free Large Breed Recipe

According to our data, this Earthborn Holistic recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for all life stages. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Earthborn Holistic Pea Free Large Breed Recipe 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 Earthborn Holistic Pea Free Large Breed Recipe, we'll examine all 52 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. Pearled barley is a wholesome, easily digestible grain that provides dogs with a source of dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals that support overall health.

  4. 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.

  5. Sweet potato is a highly nutritious and easily digestible source of complex carbohydrates for your dog. It provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, promoting a healthy digestive system and immune function.

  6. Pacific whiting meal is a high-quality, easily digestible source of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids that support your dog's muscle development, skin and coat health, and cognitive function.

  7. 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.

  8. Dried yeast is a nutrient-rich ingredient that provides essential B vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It supports a healthy immune system, promotes skin and coat health, and aids in maintaining overall well-being in your dog.

  9. 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.

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

  11. Natural flavor is added to dog food to enhance its taste and make it more appealing to your pet. This can help encourage your dog to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, supporting their overall health and well-being.

  12. Apple is a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support your dog's digestive health, immune system, and overall well-being.

  13. Blueberry is a nutrient-rich fruit that provides antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which can help support your dog's immune system and overall health.

  14. Cranberry is a fruit that can provide your dog with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, promoting urinary tract health and boosting their immune system.

  15. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for your dog. They're rich in vitamin A, which supports healthy vision and immune function, and also provide fiber to aid in digestion and maintain a healthy weight.

  16. Spinach is a nutrient-rich vegetable that offers vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your dog's overall health and wellbeing.

  17. Dicalcium phosphate is a calcium and phosphorus supplement that helps to support the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth in dogs.

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

  19. 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.

  20. Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.

  21. 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.

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

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

  24. Beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system and overall well-being. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin and vision, making it an essential ingredient for your dog's diet.

  25. L-carnitine is an essential nutrient that helps your dog's body convert fat into energy, promoting a healthy weight and supporting their overall well-being.

  26. Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.

  27. 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.

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

  29. Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential for a dog's metabolism and energy production, and supports healthy skin and coat.

  30. 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.

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

  32. Calcium pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that helps support your dog's energy metabolism and nervous system function.

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

  34. 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.

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

  36. L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate is a stable form of vitamin C, an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system, joint health, and overall wellness.

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

  38. 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.

  39. 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.

  40. 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.

  41. 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.

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

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

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

  45. 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.

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

  47. Cobalt carbonate is a trace mineral that plays a role in the synthesis of vitamin B12, supporting your dog's metabolism, energy production, and overall health.

  48. Yucca schidigera extract is a natural ingredient known for its ability to reduce unpleasant odors in your dog's waste. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help support joint health and overall well-being.

  49. Rosemary extract is a natural antioxidant that can help protect your dog's body from the harmful effects of free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can support your dog's overall health and well-being, particularly in regard to joint health.

  50. Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product is a beneficial probiotic ingredient used in dog food. It helps support a healthy digestive system by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This probiotic also aids in nutrient absorption and can improve your dog's overall immune system function.

  51. Dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product is a probiotic ingredient that helps maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria in your dog, promoting optimal digestion and immune system function.

  52. Dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product is a probiotic that can aid in maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in your dog's gut, supporting overall digestive health.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The crude protein minimum of 26.00% in the Earthborn Holistic Pea Free Large Breed Recipe is likely derived from the chicken meal and the Pacific Whiting meal. These are both high-quality sources of animal protein, which are essential for muscle development and tissue repair in dogs. The natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin found in these ingredients also contribute to joint health, which is particularly important for large breed dogs.

The crude fat minimum of 14.00% is likely contributed by the chicken fat and flaxseed. Chicken fat is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids, which are important for skin and coat health, as well as overall energy. Flaxseed is a plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can also contribute to skin and coat health, as well as heart health and inflammation reduction.

The crude fiber maximum of 4.00% is likely provided by the brown rice, pearled barley, oatmeal, sweet potato, and various fruits and vegetables such as apples, blueberries, cranberries, and carrots. These ingredients provide dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health.

The caloric content of 3600.00 per kg is derived from all the ingredients, but primarily from the protein and fat sources, as these are the most energy-dense nutrients. The chicken meal, Pacific Whiting meal, and chicken fat are likely the main contributors to the caloric content.

Lastly, the vitamins and minerals listed are likely added as supplements to ensure a balanced diet. Some of these may also naturally occur in the ingredients, such as the vitamin C in the apples and blueberries, and the iron in the meat meals. The dried fermentation products at the end of the ingredient list contribute to a healthy gut microbiome, supporting digestion and nutrient absorption.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Earthborn Holistic Pea Free Large Breed Recipe costs approximately $2.63 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppyAdult

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers have appreciated the pea-free formula of Earthborn Holistic Large Breed Recipe, especially those with picky eaters or dogs with special dietary needs. The food has been particularly beneficial for those with dogs prone to stomach bloat, as the lack of peas or lentils suits their needs well. Some customers have reported that their dogs have put on healthy weight and their coats have improved since switching to this food.

However, some customers have expressed disappointment with the recent change in the product's formula, which now includes grains. Some dogs have experienced digestive issues following the change, leading to a few customers deciding to switch brands. To address this, it's important to remember that dietary changes can sometimes cause temporary digestive problems, and it might be worth consulting a vet for advice.

The company's decision to reformulate the food in response to FDA recommendations has been appreciated by some customers. One customer even reported that one of their dogs, who had been diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat, benefited from the change. The quick response of Earthborn to the new guidelines was seen as a testament to the brand's commitment to the health of pets.

However, some customers have voiced concerns about the reduction in bag size, from 28 pounds to 25 pounds, while maintaining the same price. This has led to some dissatisfaction, with customers feeling they are getting less value for their money. In response to this, it's worth noting that price changes can often be due to a variety of factors, including changes in production costs. It might be beneficial for the company to provide more transparency around these changes to address customer concerns.

Overall, while there have been some issues with the recent changes to the product, many customers have found the Earthborn Holistic Large Breed Recipe to be beneficial for their dogs' health and wellbeing.