Rachael Ray Nutrish Big Life Hearty Beef, Veggies & Brown Rice Recipe Review

Compare Prices To Find The Lowest Price
27.40 + Shipping ($4.95)
$17.81 First Auto-Ship Order
Free 1-3 Day Shipping Orders $49+
35% Off First Auto-Ship
46.49 + Shipping ($4.95)
$30.22 First Auto-Ship Order
Free 1-3 Day Shipping Orders $49+
35% Off First Auto-Ship
63.98 + Shipping (Free)
$41.59 First Auto-Ship Order
Free 1-3 Day Shipping Orders $49+
35% Off First Auto-Ship

PawDiet has been helping pet owners since 2015. To fund our efforts, articles may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission.


Review of Rachael Ray Nutrish Big Life Hearty Beef, Veggies & Brown Rice Recipe

According to our data, this Rachael Ray Nutrish recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult dogs. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Big Life Hearty Beef, Veggies & Brown Rice Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult dogs.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Rachael Ray Nutrish Big Life Hearty Beef, Veggies & Brown Rice Recipe, we'll examine all 51 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. Beef is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog's muscle development and overall health.

  2. 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.

  3. Soybean meal is a plant-based protein source that provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle growth and overall health, while also being highly digestible.

  4. Dried pea is a nutritious legume that provides an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like B vitamins, iron, and potassium for your dog's overall health.

  5. Ground whole grain corn is a good source of carbohydrates for energy, and also provides dietary fiber, which can help support your dog's digestive system.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. Rice bran is the outer layer of the rice grain and it's a good source of dietary fiber, helping to support your dog's digestive health. It also contains essential fatty acids and antioxidants.

  9. 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.

  10. Pea fiber is a natural source of dietary fiber for dogs that helps support digestive health and overall well-being. It also aids in weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness, making it a valuable addition to dog food formulas.

  11. Fish meal is a highly digestible protein source for dogs, providing essential amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients. It supports skin and coat health, cognitive function, and overall well-being.

  12. Pea starch is a carbohydrate source derived from peas, providing an alternative to grains for dogs with sensitivities. It serves as a source of energy, supports healthy digestion, and contributes to the overall balance of your dog's diet. Pea starch also has a low glycemic index, which can help manage blood sugar levels in dogs with diabetes or weight management needs.

  13. 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.

  14. Dried carrot is a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can support your dog's immune system, vision, and overall health. This ingredient is also high in dietary fiber, which can promote healthy digestion and help maintain a healthy weight.

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

  16. Malted barley flour provides carbohydrates for energy and fiber for digestive health.

  17. Menhaden fish oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin, a shiny coat, and overall heart health in dogs.

  18. Rice flour is a gluten-free carbohydrate source for dogs, providing energy and promoting healthy digestion. It is suitable for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies to common grains like wheat and corn.

  19. Soybean grits are a plant-based protein source that can provide essential amino acids for your dog's growth and maintenance. They are also an excellent source of fiber, promoting healthy digestion and contributing to weight management.

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

  21. Glycerin is a natural ingredient used as a humectant to help maintain the moisture content of dog food, keeping it fresh and palatable.

  22. While sugar can be found in small amounts in some dog food recipes, it is not considered an essential ingredient for dogs. Excessive sugar consumption can contribute to weight gain, dental issues, and other health problems in dogs. It is essential to provide a balanced diet with limited added sugars.

  23. Gelatin is a natural source of collagen, which helps maintain healthy joints and promotes a shiny, healthy coat for your dog.

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

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

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

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

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

  29. 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.

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

  31. 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.

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

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

  35. 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.

  36. 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.

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

  38. 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.

  39. 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.

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

  42. 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.

  43. 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.

  44. Lactic acid is used in pet foods as a preservative and to enhance flavor.

  45. Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.

  46. 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.

  47. Vinegar is a natural preservative that can help extend the shelf life of your dog's food. It also provides some health benefits, such as supporting a healthy digestive system and maintaining a balanced pH level in your dog's body.

  48. Celery extract is a natural source of antioxidants and essential nutrients, which can help support your dog's overall health and well-being.

  49. Annatto extract is a natural food coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree.

  50. 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.

  51. Natural smoke flavor adds a delicious, smoky taste to your dog's food, making it more enjoyable and enticing. This ingredient encourages a healthy appetite, ensuring that your dog receives the necessary nutrients for overall health and vitality.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 25.00%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this pet food are the beef and chicken meal, which are high in protein. The soybean meal also adds a significant amount of plant-based protein. The fish meal further contributes to the overall protein content, providing not only protein but also essential amino acids and other nutrients.

Crude Fat (min) of 12.00%: The crude fat content is likely coming from the beef, as it naturally contains fat. Chicken fat, which is preserved with mixed tocopherols, is another direct source of fat in the diet. Menhaden fish oil is also rich in fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to the total fat content.

Crude Fiber (max) of 5.00%: Fiber in this pet food is provided by several ingredients. Dried peas, pea fiber, and brown rice are good sources of dietary fiber. Ground whole corn and pearled barley also contribute to the fiber content, although they serve multiple nutritional purposes in the food. The rice bran is another ingredient high in fiber, which helps to keep the crude fiber content within the stated maximum.

Calories of 3505.00 per kg: The caloric content is a measure of the energy provided by the food. This is derived from the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates present in the ingredients. The beef and chicken meal provide calories from proteins, the chicken fat and fish oil provide calories from fats, and carbohydrates come from ingredients like ground whole corn, dried peas, pearled barley, and brown rice. The balance of these macronutrients contributes to the total caloric value of the food.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Rachael Ray Nutrish Big Life Hearty Beef, Veggies & Brown Rice Recipe costs approximately $1.68 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.