Rachael Ray Dog Food Review (2024): Prices, Quality, Nutrients

Here is our Rachael Ray dog food review.

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As a loving pet parent, you strive to provide the best for your furry baby. And there’s no better way to do this than giving your dog high-quality, nutritionally balanced food.

However, many foods are out there, with many brands competing for your attention. Worse, Marketers have perfected their skills with many untruthful gimmicks and product reviews. This, plus lots of conflicting information on the internet, complicates choosing the right food for your dog.

So how do you determine the best food amidst all this confusion?

Well, we are here to help.

We evaluate and analyze different dog food brands in terms of the quality of ingredients, any recalls, recipes available, and where the food is produced to help you make an informed choice.

This article gives you a detailed review of Rachael Ray’s dog food.

Have a look.

About Rachael Ray Dog Food 

This dog food brand provides high-quality, all-natural dog food for dogs of different ages, life stages, sizes, and breeds. The brand believes in using real ingredients to provide complete and balanced nutrition at affordable prices. Rachael Ray offers various products, including dry, wet, grain-free, and grain-inclusive dog foods and treats. It also has limited ingredient diets.

Who Owns Rachael Ray Dog Food 

Ainsworth Pet Nutrition, a division of J.M. Smucker company, a renowned pet food manufacturer, owns Rachael Ray dog food. All the brand’s dry food recipes are produced in the USA, while the wet foods are produced in Thailand.

Rachael Ray Dog Food Sub Brands

Rachael Ray’s dog food comes in dry and wet/canned food forms and dog treats. These are the different sub-brands of this dog food:

  • Rachael Ray Natural Nutrish features real meat as the first ingredient and has no poultry by-product meals. The recipes under this line include wholesome and easily digestible grains.
  • Nutrish Dish: This line is made up of recipes with real, easily identifiable ingredients that you can see. Only two recipes in this product line come in beef and chicken flavors.
  • Zero grain: The products under this line are formulated without any grains, gluten, or fillers to cater to the needs of dogs that are allergic or sensitive to grains. There are four recipes in this sub-brand.
  • Nutrish Peak: This high-protein, the nutrient-dense recipe is designed to provide 30% of its calories from proteins.
  • Just 6: This is the brand’s limited ingredients line consisting only of a single recipe that features only a few ingredients and does not include wheat, corn, or soy. This is formulated for pups with sensitivities.
  • Nutrish Treats: Rachael Ray also offers different varieties of dog treats that have the same quality as wet and dry foods.

What is the Nutritional Profile of Rachael Ray Dog Foods? 

The nutritional profile of dog food is important when looking for the right food for your canine. This is because the information will help determine if the food can meet your dog’s needs. The 3 most important components that give the nutritional profile of dog food are proteins, fats, and proteins.

This is what the nutritional profile of Rachael Ray’s dog food looks like: 

Carbohydrate Value of Rachael Ray Dog Food

Carbohydrates provide the necessary energy that dogs need to fuel their activities. When carbohydrates are broken down, they release energy which dogs need to remain active. Rachael Ray’s dog food has a near-average carbohydrate level of 48%.

Protein Value of Rachael Ray Dog Food

Proteins are essential for healthy muscles and tissues and for boosting dogs’ performance. Proteins supply dogs’ amino acids to build, repair, and maintain healthy cells, tissues, ligaments, and muscles. This dog food has an above-average protein level of 29%.

Fat Value of Rachael Ray Dog Food

Dogs need fats to keep their skins and coats healthy. Fats are also essential in lowering cholesterol levels, minimizing inflammations, building stronger cell membranes, and improving brain health.  Rachael Ray dog food has a near-average fat level of 15%.

What Are the Best Rachael Ray Recipes and Flavors? 

Rachael Ray has a wide range range of products to choose from. These come in both dry and wet dog food forms. The brand also offers grain-inclusive and grain-free formulations.

The following are the best recipes and flavors for this dog food brand.

  • Puppy formulas: These are crafted with the needs of growing puppies in mind. The formulas thus contain higher protein and fat amounts to support puppies’ optimal muscle growth and health during their first years.
  • Adult formulas: These are formulated to help adult dogs of different sizes maintain optimal health and performance. 
  • Senior recipes: These are formulated with the needs of aging dogs in mind. These formulas are added with chondroitin, glucosamine, EPA, DHA, and enhanced fiber to support joint health and promote healthy digestion. They also contain added omega fatty acids and antioxidants to help the weakening immune systems by neutralizing free radicals.
  • Limited ingredient diet: This is formulated with a handful of ingredients to cater to the needs of dogs with sensitivities.
  • Specialty recipes: These are formulated to address specific health issues such as weight management, sensitive digestion, and allergies.

What Makes Rachael Ray Dog Food Unique? 

Various things make Rachael Ray dog food stand out from its competitors. These include:

  • Premium protein sources: This brand utilizes only high-quality proteins, including real meats and named meat meals, in all its recipes. It does not use any animal by-products or slaughterhouse wastes.
  • Limited ingredient diets: Rachael Ray has formulas that include only a short ingredient list making it perfect for dogs with allergies and sensitivities.
  • Grain-free and grain-inclusive options: This dog food brand has grain-free and grain-inclusive foods to cater to dogs with allergies and those who don’t mind grains.
  • High-quality ingredients: The brand utilizes several high-quality ingredients, including real meat protein and other wholesome ingredients. Meat is always the first ingredient in all recipes.
  • Wide range of products: This brand comes with a wide range of products to choose from. There are formulations for puppies, adults, and senior dogs and recipes for small and large breed dogs.
  • Nutritionally complete and balanced meals: All the recipes from this brand are crafted with wholesome ingredients, including proteins from real meats, minerals, and vitamins, to provide completely balanced nutrition with all the necessary dietary components that dogs need to thrive.
  • Adherence to AAFCO standards: This dog food is designed to meet or exceed all safety and quality standards set by AAFCO. All the recipes are formulated as per the set requirements for specific uses.
  • Optimal omega fatty acids: Rachael Ray dog food is formulated with generous amounts of essential fatty acids like omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to promote skin and coat health.

What Are the Individual Dog Food Recipes from Rachael Ray Dog Food Brand? 

The following are some of the best recipes that Rachael Ray offers.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural recipes

Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food 

Made with only wholesome, natural ingredients plus vitamins and minerals, this super premium food will give your dog everything it needs to thrive. The recipe features real chicken as the first ingredient for rich sources of lean proteins to support healthy muscles. Easily digestible and fiber-rich carbohydrates like peas and brown rice are included to support healthy digestion.

This meal is further enhanced with chicken fat for natural sources of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to help keep your pup’s skin nourished and its coat shiny and beautiful. 

  • First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Soybean Meal, Grain Sorghum, and Dried Peas.
  • Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 25% min, Crude Fat 14% min, Crude Fiber 4% Max.
  • Calories: 340 kcal/ cup
  • Suitable for which dogs: All dog breeds; small, medium, and large breeds
  • Feeding: Appropriate feeding amounts differ depending on the dog’s weight, age, health status, and activity level. 
  • Key Benefit: A natural and balanced diet formulated to meet the needs of all dog breeds.
  • Type of product: Dry food, With grain, Gluten-free
  •  Life Stage: Adult dogs
  • Best for Overall health, skin and coat health
  • Price: $53.28 for a 14-lb bag

Benefits

  • Made with real chicken as the first ingredient to support healthy organ health and lean muscle mass
  • Includes peas and brown rice for good amounts of energy and to promote healthy digestion
  • Packed with omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat
  • It contains minerals, vitamins, and taurine for a completely balanced meal that supports optimal health
  • Free from poultry by-product meal, wheat, gluten, or artificial ingredients hence easy on the stomach.

Nutrish Dish 

Rachael Ray Nutrish Dish Premium Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe with Veggies & Fruit

Formulated to deliver complete and balanced nutrition for dogs of all sizes, this recipe boasts a taste, texture, and ingredients that your furry pal will love. It features real chicken as the first ingredient for a good source of protein to support healthy muscles. It also includes brown rice and dried, highly digestible carbohydrates that are low in fat but packed with dietary fiber to provide a source of energy and promote healthy digestion.

What’s more, slow-roasted chicken bits are added for an irresistible flavor, plus carrots and apples for the fiber, vitamins, and minerals your dog needs to thrive.

  • First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Dried Peas, Brown Rice, and Brewers Rice.
  • Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 26% min, Crude Fat 14% min, Crude Fiber 4% Max.
  • Calories: 364 kcal/ cup
  • Suitable for which dogs: All dog breeds; small, medium, and large breeds
  • Feeding: Appropriate feeding amounts differ depending on the dog’s weight, age, health status, and activity level. 
  • Key Benefit: A natural and balanced diet formulated to meet the needs of all dog breeds.
  • Type of product: Dry food, No soy, No corn, With grain.
  •  Life Stage: Adult dogs
  • Best for Overall health, skin and coat health, and Healthy digestion
  • Price: $47.78 for a 23-lb bag

Benefits

  • Has no corn, wheat, soy, or other gluten ingredients; hence gentle on your dog’s tummy
  • Packed with natural sources of dietary fiber to promote healthy digestion
  • Includes easily digestible sources of carbohydrates like peas and brown rice to provide energy while enhancing digestion
  • Made with real ingredients, you can see and add vitamins, minerals, and taurine for a complete and balanced diet that supports optimal health.

Nutrish beef, pea, and brown rice recipe from Rachael Ray dog food

This food is made with simple, natural ingredients and all the nutrients your dog needs to be at its best. The delicious meal features savory beef as the first ingredient for healthy protein sources to build and maintain lean muscle mass. It also adds fiber-packed peas and brown rice combined with wholesome vegetables, vitamins, and minerals for complete and balanced nutrition that supports your dog’s overall well-being.

This nutrient-dense recipe is fortified with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to keep the skin well-nourished and the coat beautiful and shiny.

  • First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Beef Meal, Soybean Meal, Whole Corn, and Grain Sorghum
  • Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 25% min, Crude Fat 14% min, Crude Fiber 4% Max.
  • Calories: 326 kcal/ cup
  • Suitable for which dogs: All dog breeds; small, medium, and large breeds
  • Feeding: Appropriate feeding amounts differ depending on the dog’s weight, age, health status, and activity level. 
  • Key Benefit: A natural and balanced diet formulated to meet the needs of all dog breeds.
  • Type of product: Dry food, Gluten-free, With grain.
  •  Life Stage: Adult dogs
  • Best for Overall health, skin and coat health, and Healthy digestion
  • Price: $53.28 for a 40-lb bag

Benefits

  • Packed with high-quality proteins from beef and beef meal to support organ health and lean muscles
  • Made with a blend of fiber-rich and gluten-free grains to help maintain balanced energy and promote healthy digestion
  • Loaded with omega fatty acids for healthy skin, coat, and brain
  • Contains a precise blend of antioxidants to boost immunity and overall body health.

Rachael Ray Nutrish savory lamb stew recipe 

Crafted with tender lamb morsels plus spinach, brown rice, and carrots, this wet food delivers a tasty but nutritionally balanced meal for dogs of all sizes. Chicken broth is the first ingredient for a great flavor and taste, followed by real lamb for good protein sources to help dogs maintain healthy muscles.

In addition to having balanced amounts of protein, carbohydrate, and fat, this recipe is also devoid of any artificial flavors and preservatives hence easy on your dog’s tummy.

  • First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Beef Meal, Soybean Meal, Whole Corn, and Grain Sorghum
  • Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 25% min, Crude Fat 14% min, Crude Fiber 4% Max.
  • Calories: 326 kcal/ cup
  • Suitable for which dogs: All dog breeds; small, medium, and large breeds
  • Feeding: Appropriate feeding amounts differ depending on the dog’s weight, age, health status, and activity level. 
  • Key Benefit: A natural and balanced diet formulated to meet the needs of all dog breeds.
  • Type of product: Dry food, Gluten-free, With grain.
  •  Life Stage: Adult dogs
  • Best for Overall health, skin and coat health, and Healthy digestion
  • Price: $53.28 for a 40-lb bag

Benefits

  • Has no corn, wheat, or soy, making it a great fit for dogs with allergies and digestive issues
  • Made with real ingredients, including lamb, brown rice, and vegetables like spinach and carrots to deliver optimal nutrition
  • Has added vitamins and minerals to provide complete and balanced nutrition necessary for keeping your dog in top condition
  • Features real lamb as the protein source packed with essential amino acids plus fatty acids to support healthy muscles and enhance skin and coat health.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Natural Dry Dog Food 

This grain-free recipe treats your furry pal to a wholesome and tasty meal. The food starts with real salmon as the key ingredient for a high-quality source of protein and adds other wholesome ingredients such as sweet potatoes, peas, and tapioca that support overall health.

What’s more, the recipe has added vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients, such as taurine, that contribute to overall health. And that’s not all; this food is crafted without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. You can thus rest knowing that you are giving your dog the best.

  • First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potato, Turkey Meal, and Pea Starch 
  • Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 26% min, Crude Fat 14% min, Crude Fiber 5% Max.
  • Calories: 355 kcal/ cup
  • Suitable for which dogs: All dog breeds; small, medium, and large breeds
  • Feeding: Appropriate feeding amounts differ depending on the dog’s weight, age, health status, and activity level. 
  • Key Benefit: A natural and balanced diet formulated to meet the needs of all dog breeds.
  • Type of product: Dry food, Gluten-free, Grain-free
  •  Life Stage: Adult dogs
  • Best for Overall health, skin and coat health, and Healthy digestion
  • Price: $88.98 for a 23-lb bag

Benefits

  • Loaded with fiber plus naturally occurring prebiotics to support healthy digestion
  • Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients that contribute to overall health
  • Contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to support healthy skin and a shiny coat
  • Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives hence easy on dogs’ stomachs

Rachael Ray Nutrish SuperMedleys Wellness Blend Premium Dry Dog Food 

This delicious super-premium recipe is formulated with all the best wholesome superfoods to support your pup’s total wellness. The formula features chicken as the first ingredient and adds other superfoods, including salmon, chia seeds, sweet potatoes, and barley.

Better still, this natural wellness formula has added vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and live probiotics for a completely balanced nutrition that supports overall body health.

This diet is also completely free from poultry by-product meal, corn, wheat, gluten, artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or other fillers, making it perfect for pups with sensitivities.

  • First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Barley, Soybean Meal, and Dried Peas 
  • Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 26% min, Crude Fat 14% min, Crude Fiber 4% Max.
  • Calories: 335 kcal/ cup
  • Suitable for which dogs: All dog breeds; small, medium, and large breeds
  • Feeding: Appropriate feeding amounts differ depending on the dog’s weight, age, health status, and activity level. 
  • Key Benefit: A natural and balanced diet formulated to meet the needs of all dog breeds.
  • Type of product: Dry food, Gluten-free
  •  Life Stage: Adult dogs
  • Best for Overall health, skin and coat health, and Healthy digestion
  • Price: $88.98 for a 23-lb bag

Benefits

  • Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients that contribute to overall health
  • Made with chicken as the first ingredient for high-quality proteins to support healthy organs and muscles
  • Includes live probiotics to aid digestion.
  • Contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to support healthy skin and a shiny coat
  • Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives hence easy on dogs’ stomachs.

Nutrish PEAK 

Rachael Ray Nutrish PEAK Natural Dry Dog Food 

Crafted with US farm-raised turkey as the first ingredient, plus real duck and quail, this nutrient-dense recipe is designed to satisfy your dog’s instinctual cravings. 

Besides the hearty meats, this protein-rich food is chock full of other nutritious ingredients like potatoes, cranberries, and peas for a balanced meal that supports optimal health.

With added minerals, vitamins, and taurine and devoid of grains, gluten, artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or other fillers, you can be sure your dog is getting really good with this recipe.

  • First 5 Ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Whole Dried Potato, and Dried Peas.
  • Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 30% min, Crude Fat 15% min, Crude Fiber 5% Max.
  • Calories: 335 kcal/ cup
  • Suitable for which dogs: All dog breeds; small, medium, and large breeds
  • Feeding: Appropriate feeding amounts differ depending on the dog’s weight, age, health status, and activity level. 
  • Key Benefit: A natural and balanced diet formulated with high protein amounts to meet the needs of all dog breeds.
  • Type of product: Dry food, Gluten-free, Grain-free
  •  Life Stage: Adult dogs
  • Best for Overall health, Healthy muscles, skin and coat health, and Healthy digestion
  • Price: $47.79 for a 23-lb bag

Benefits

  • Loaded with high-quality protein from real turkey, duck, and quail to promote healthy muscle growth and maintenance
  • Has added vitamins, minerals, taurine, and other essential nutrients to support overall body wellness
  • Free from troublesome ingredients like grains, gluten, or artificial ingredients, making it a great choice for sensitive pups.

Rachael Ray Nutrish PEAK Natural Dry Dog Food 

Featuring a whopping 30% protein content, this natural dry dog food is made with real beef as the first ingredient, venison, and flavor-packed lamb for a delicious and nutritious meal that satisfies your pal’s instinctual cravings.

And that’s not all; the recipe also adds vitamins, minerals, and taurine for nutrient-dense and balanced nutrition that keeps your dog at its best. Additionally, this food has no grains, gluten, fillers, or artificial ingredients but only includes wholesome ingredients that are useful to dogs.

  • First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Chicken Meal, whole-dried potato, Natural Pork, and Tapioca.
  • Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 30% min, Crude Fat 15% min, Crude Fiber 5% Max.
  • Calories: 335 kcal/ cup
  • Suitable for which dogs: All dog breeds; small, medium, and large breeds
  • Feeding: Appropriate feeding amounts differ depending on the dog’s weight, age, health status, and activity level. 
  • Key Benefit: A natural and balanced diet formulated with high protein amounts to meet the needs of all dog breeds.
  • Type of product: Dry food, Gluten-free, Grain-free
  •  Life Stage: Adult dogs
  • Best for Overall health, Healthy muscles, skin and coat health, and Healthy digestion
  • Price: $47.79 for a 23-lb bag

Benefits

  • Made with real turkey as the first ingredient, plus duck and quail for a protein-rich diet that promotes healthy muscle growth and maintenance
  • Has added vitamins, minerals, taurine, and other essential nutrients to support overall body wellness
  • Free from troublesome ingredients like grains, gluten, or artificial ingredients, making it a great choice for sensitive pups.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Canned Food 

Rustic Duck Stew: 

Crafted with hearty pieces of real duck, this is a wholesome and satisfying meal that offers 100% complete and balanced nutrition for dogs. The duck provides a source of easily digestible proteins that are packed with iron and amino acids to support healthy muscle development. The meal also adds tasty vegetables for good sources of fiber that promote healthy digestion.

Besides added vitamins and minerals, this meal is also completely free from soy, wheat, corn, artificial colors, flavors, and vitamins, thus delivering wholesome nutrition to support overall health. The first five ingredients are chicken broth, duck, dried egg product, chicken, and egg white. 

Beef Stroganoff: 

This is a 100% complete and balanced food made with tasty, tender beef morsels and wholesome ingredients like tomatoes, pasta, and green beans that are simmered in a tasty, hearty beef gravy. Vitamins and minerals are added for complete nutrition that keeps your furry pal at its best.

This recipe delivers wholesome goodness to dogs with no corn, soy, wheat, poultry by-products, fillers, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. The food’s first five ingredients are chicken broth, beef, chicken, dried egg product, and pea protein, which has a caloric content of 246 kcal/ 8-oz tub. 

Chicken Muttballs with Pasta:

This natural wet dog food is formulated with delectable chicken meatballs, tender carrots, spinach, and pasta cooked in flavorful chicken broth. To make it nutritionally complete and balanced, this meal is added with essential vitamins and minerals that support overall body wellness.

And suppose your furry pal is prone to allergies and sensitivities. In that case, you don’t need to worry as this recipe has no corn, wheat, soy, meat by-products, artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, or any other filler ingredients with no nutritional benefits. The food’s first five ingredients are chicken broth, chicken, dried egg product, ground tapioca, and pea protein.

Hearty Beef Stew:

Show love to your furry pal with this tasty beef dog stew. The delicacy is formulated with generous chunks of beef and added with wholesome vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and peas in a rich, delicious, homestyle beef gravy, providing a nutritionally complete and balanced diet for dogs.

The beef supplies the protein to support lean muscle mass, while vegetables provide the fiber to promote healthy digestion.

The recipe also includes added vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall health. Additionally, it has no corn, wheat, soy, gluten, poultry by-products, fillers, artificial flavors, or preservatives. 

Savory Lamb Stew: 

This is made with tender lamb morsels and complemented with wholesome vegetables like carrots and spinach, as well as brown rice for a good source of easily digestible carbohydrates. This natural food has added vitamins and minerals, providing your dog with complete and balanced nutrition.

Like other Rachael Ray recipes, this formula has no corn, wheat, soy, or gluten, making it great for dogs with allergies, obesity, or digestive issues. The first five ingredients for this wet food are chicken broth, lamb, dried egg product, chicken, and egg white.

Chicken Paw Pie

Treat your fur baby to a delicious meal with this wet dog food recipe, and keep it healthy and happy. The food is made with juicy bites of chicken and a combination of green beans and sweet potatoes cooked in savory chicken gravy.

This recipe will deliver optimal nutrition without arousing allergies or sensitivities, without any fillers or meat by-products, plus other troublesome ingredients like corn, soy, wheat, or gluten. To make it whole, vitamins and minerals are added. The first five ingredients in this food are chicken broth, chicken, dried egg product, egg white, and pea protein.

Nutrish Treats 

Burger Bites Beef with Bison

Want to treat your dog healthily? These treats give you a chance to do exactly that. Featuring beef as the first ingredient, these bites will help your pup build and maintain healthy muscles.

With the soft texture that makes them easy to break, these goodies are perfect for dogs of different sizes, including small dogs. These delights are free from grains and completely devoid of artificial ingredients and meat by-products.

Chk’n Drumsticks

Made with the world’s best ingredients, these mouth-watering delights feature chicken as the first ingredient for lean protein sources that help build and maintain a lean muscle mass.

The treats come in a soft texture, making them suitable for dogs of all sizes as they can easily be broken into smaller pieces suitable for tiny dogs.

And just in case your beloved pal is prone to allergies or sensitivities, you can be at peace knowing this recipe does not contain any grains or other troublesome ingredients.

Meatloaf Morsels Homestyle Beef Recipe

These treats are made with real US farm-raised beef as the key ingredient and do not contain corn or wheat ingredients, making them delicious and great for pups with sensitivities. The tasty real meat treats are safely cooked in the USA and do not include any ingredients from China.

These delights are perfect for dogs of all sizes as they come in a soft texture easily breakable into tiny pieces. This recipe has no corn, wheat, artificial colors, or meat by-products, making it easy on your dog’s tummy.

Customer Reviews 

Rachael Ray has positive and negative customer reviews like any other brand. Some of the brand’s customers had to say about the food.

Positive

‘’Our picky dogs love this food! Finally, we have found food they will eat without disguising. Dinner time is so easy now; no more mixing! It is kind of on their stomachs as well. Thank you, Rachael Ray’’

Customer review

‘’My fur babies love the Rachel Ray dog foods. I started them on it as puppies and am very happy with her products’’.

Customer review

Negative 

‘’I have an eight-month-old Pit/Dogo. I bought this brand twice, and so did a friend of mine. The dogs only eat it because they are puppies and will eat just about anything. This food gives the dogs explosive, continuously very bad-smelling gas. I thought that since it was Rachel Ray that it would be good. Please don’t give your dog this food’’.

Customer review

Rachael Ray Recalls 

For the decades it has been in existence, this brand has not had many recalls. In 2019, the FDA recalled several grain-free dog foods, including Rachael Ray’s Nutrish dog food line. The most well-known recall, however, for this dog food brand happened in 2015 and was in relation to its cat food and not dog food.

This short recall list, despite the company’s existence for a long time, shows the brand’s commitment to maintaining the quality of its products. 

What is the quality of ingredients in Rachael Ray dog food? 

Rachael Ray only uses natural, high-quality ingredients, including real animal meat proteins, gluten-free carbohydrates, and wholesome fruits and vegetables.

All the brand’s recipes start with real meat as the first ingredient. It uses only ingredients that have nutritional benefits and does not include fillers or artificial colors, or preservatives.

Does Rachael Ray dog food products include chicken? 

Yes, Rachael Ray dog food includes real farm-raised chicken as the primary ingredient in some recipes. It also uses chicken meals as a concentrated protein source to boost the protein content in its formulas.

Chicken is a good source of easily digestible proteins that help to build lean muscle mass in dogs. However, chicken is also a major cause of allergies in dogs.

Are Rachael Ray dog foods produced from slaughterhouse waste? 

No, Rachael Ray dog food is completely free of any slaughterhouse waste. The brand includes only real, human-grade, and non-GMO animal meats and named meat meals from sources such as chicken, turkey, 

 and salmon. 

Discussion of Most Important Ingredients – Good and Bad 

These are some of the good ingredients used in Rachael Ray dog food:

  • Chicken: Chicken is a good source of easily digestible proteins packed with essential amino acids to help build healthy muscle mass.
  • Beef: Some Rachael Ray recipes include real beef as an ingredient. This is a good source of high-quality proteins that support healthy muscles.
  • Chicken and turkey meals: Meat meals provide a concentrated source of protein with up to 300% more protein than fresh meat. This is useful in upping the protein content of dog food.
  • Salmon and Salmon meal: Besides being an excellent source of high-quality protein, this is also a great source of omega-3 fats that help in improving skin health, boosting immunity, and reducing inflammation. Salmon is especially great for dogs allergic to beef or chicken meat.
  • Dried Peas: Besides providing additional plant proteins, these legumes are also good sources of easily digestible carbohydrates and dietary fiber that aids digestion.
  • Potatoes: These make excellent alternative carbohydrate sources in grain-free food. Potatoes contain minerals and vitamins like vitamins B6 & C, potassium, manganese, and copper.
  • Sweet potatoes are good sources of complex carbohydrates that supply energy to keep dogs moving. Sweet potatoes are also rich in beta-carotene, which promotes vision and dietary fiber, which keeps the digestive system flowing smoothly.
  • Chicken fat: This is high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid necessary for healthy skin and the general wellness of dogs.
  • Corn gluten meal: This is used to boost the protein level of dog food. However, plant protein is less biologically available for dogs.

Controversial ingredients 

While Rachael Ray uses many great ingredients, it also includes others considered less desirable. These include:

  • Potatoes: While this has significant protein amounts, it is less biologically available for dogs and has lower nutritional value than animal protein.
  • Pea starch: Besides the energy content, this ingredient is low in nutritional value for dogs.
  • Beet pulp: Although it’s rich in fiber, this is considered a cheap filler that’s low in nutritional value
  • Corn meal: Corn is a cheap grain that’s not only low in nutritional value but also associated with allergies in dogs.
  • Iron oxide: This is basically rust used as a food dye. Food dyes and colors are unnecessary additives as they only improve a food’s look without adding any nutritional value to it.

Rachael Ray Dog Food Advantages: What We Like About It

There is so much to like about Rachael Ray dog food. The following are some of the desirable things about this dog food brand:

  • Real meat is always the first ingredient: Rachael Ray includes high-quality proteins from real animal meat as the first ingredient in all its recipes. This is then fortified with an identified, specifically named, single-source meat meal.
  • Natural ingredients: Rachael Ray uses only premium quality, including meat meals from real animal and fish meat sources, as well as organic fruits and vegetables. All the ingredients are non-GMO and free from antibiotics and hormones.
  • Completely balanced meals: This dog food contains all the necessary nutrients to thrive. It has the right amounts of proteins, fats, carbs, minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients that support overall health.
  • No fillers: This dog brand avoids filler ingredients like soy, corn, wheat, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives which are low in nutritional value.
  • Loaded with essential fatty acids: All Rachael Ray recipes include omega-3-rich ingredients like chicken fat which promotes skin/coat health, boosts joint health, and improves cognitive health.
  • Wide range of products: Rachael Ray offers a diverse range of foods to meet the needs of dogs of different sizes, ages, breeds, and lifestyles. The brand has different product lines suited for different dogs’ needs. It also has recipes and formulas that address specific health issues.
  • Dry and wet food options: This brand offers wet and dry food products to cater to the tastes and preferences of different dogs.
  • Reasonably priced: Rachael Ray offers affordable prices for its quality. While this doesn’t fall in the upper-tier dog food category, it is superior to many others with the same price range.

Rachael Ray Dog Food Disadvantages: What We Don’t Like About It 

While this is a good dog food brand, there are a few things that we don’t like about it. These include:

  • Includes low-value carbohydrates: Many Rachael Ray recipes contain ingredients like corn, ground rice, and others that are low in nutritive value and considered fillers.
  • Contains artificial coloring ingredients: Some of the brand’s recipes include ingredients like iron oxide, which is used as a food dye to make the food look better but has no nutritional benefit.
  • Past recall: The brand has had some of its products recalled in the past, which puts a question on the quality of the food.
  • Limited fruits and vegetables: The brand does not include many fruits and vegetables in its recipes.

Is Rachael Ray good food dog brand? 

Yes, Rachael Ray is a good food brand that provides nutritionally complete and fully balanced meals for dogs of different ages, sizes, breeds, and health conditions. The brand offers a wide variety of formulas to choose from.

Is Rachael Ray dog food good for dog skin? 

Yes, Rachael Ray dog food recipes and formulas are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA and EPA, from sources like chicken fat which are essential for nourishing the skin and coat of dogs.

Is Rachael Ray dog food good for itchy skin? 

No, Rachel Ray may not be the best choice for dogs with itchy skin as it includes common allergy triggers like corn and wheat, which contribute significantly to itchy skin. However, it has some formulas formulated without grains for dogs with sensitivities or allergies.

Is Rachael Ray dog food good for puppies? 

Yes, Rachael Ray dog food is good for puppies. The brand offers puppy-specific recipes designed to cater to puppies of different sizes and breeds. These recipes contain all the necessary nutrients to support optimal growth in puppies.

Is Rachael Ray dog food good for older dogs? 

Yes, the brand offers some formulas specially designed to cater to the needs of aging dogs. These formulas include supplements like chondroitin and glucosamine to support joint health and lots of fiber and probiotics to aid digestion.

Is Rachael Ray dog food healthy for dog growth? 

Yes, this dog food includes high-quality proteins, including real animal meat meals and meat meals to supply the amino acids that dogs need to build healthy muscles and support healthy growth

Is Rachael Ray dog food expensive? 

No, Rachael Ray dog food is not expensive for its quality. It provides quality but affordable dog food. This brand offers cheaper recipes compared to other brands of similar quality.

Is Rachael Ray dog food AAFCO approved? 

Yes, all of Rachael Ray’s dog food recipes are formulated to meet or exceed all AAFCO set standards regarding the quality and safety of dog food.

Is Rachael Ray dog food grain free? 

Rachael Ray has grain-free recipes that cater to the needs of dogs with grain sensitivities. However, it also has grain-inclusive formulas for dogs that tolerate grains with no issues.

Is Rachael Ray dog food high-energy? 

No, Rachael Ray dog food is not considered a high-energy food as it has an average protein content of about 29%  and a near-average fat level of 15%. It may thus not be appropriate for highly energetic dogs.

Is Rachael Ray dog food produced in the USA? 

Yes, Rachael Ray dog food is produced in the USA by Ainsworth Pet Nutrition. However, the brand’s wet food products are manufactured in Thailand, like many other wet dog food brands.

Where to buy Rachael Ray dog food products in the USA?

Rachael Ray dog food is widely available online, including on Amazon, Chewy, Target, Petco, and PetSmart.

How is the Rachael Ray dog food shipment speed? 

While shipping terms and conditions differ from retailer to retailer, you can expect delivery within 1-3 days after making your order.

Comparable Brands 

Rachael Ray dog food is definitely a good food brand. However, it may not be suitable for all dogs for different reasons. In this case, you can check out the following brands comparable to this dog food.

Diamond

Founded in 1970, Diamond dog food is a family-owned pet food company that provides high-quality, nutrient-rich food designed to meet the nutritional needs of dogs at all life stages. The brand offers recipes for dogs of different sizes, breeds, and activity levels.

Diamond dog food offers wet foods, dry foods, and grain-inclusive and grain-free alternatives, all made from state-of-the-art facilities across the US. Additionally, the brand conducts regular onsite quality product testing to ensure the safety of its products.

Pro

  • Uses only high-quality ingredients in all recipes
  • No fillers, soy, corn, wheat, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
  • Offers a wide range of products to choose from.
  • Adherence to AAFCO standards

Cons

  • It has a past recall history
  • Uses some undesirable ingredients

Under The Sun

Under the Sun is a grain-free product line of a well-known dog food brand, Canidae dog food. This food is crafted specifically for dogs prone to allergies and sensitivities. It uses premium ingredients to provide complete, well-balanced, nutrient-dense dog food without including cheap fillers or artificial ingredients.

Pro

  • Offers nutrient-dense and completely balanced dog food.
  • Utilizes only premium ingredients
  • Free from fillers and artificial ingredients
  • Great for allergies and sensitivities

Cons

  • Does not contain a lot of meat
  • It’s more of a pea-based kibble.

Cesar 

This pet food brand is renowned for its small-breed meals that can also be served to other breeds, sizes, and ages. The brand offers a variety of food lines, including dry formulas, wet foods, and treats to suit the needs of different dogs. Cesar dog food is owned by Mars Petcare, a division of Mars Inc, a US-based company located in Virginia. All the brand’s foods are manufactured in the US.

Pro

  • It’s nutrient-dense dog food.
  • Offers limited ingredient formulas for sensitive dogs
  • Meets and exceeds all AAFCO guidelines
  • Real animal meat is always the first ingredient

Cons

  • Includes controversial ingredients
  • Does not offer specific diets

Is Rachael Ray Dog Food Worth It? Our Verdict 

If you are looking for high-quality nutrition that’s relatively well-priced, then Rachael Ray dog food is a good choice.

The brand uses premium quality ingredients, including real meat products, premium-named meat meals,  fruits, and vegetables, for a nutritionally complete diet that supports overall health. None of its formulas contain troublesome ingredients like artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Rachael Ray also offers a wide variety of formulas, including wet and dry foods. It also has both grain-free and grain-inclusive options. With only a single recall under its name, this brand seems to take the quality and safety of its food quite seriously.

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