Rachael Ray Dog Food Reviews – Best Products & Recalls 2020

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​With so many different dog food brands on the market, you would think that finding a healthy, natural, nutritious, and balanced diet for your dog won’t be hard, but it is! In reality, you are bombarded with so many options, and every brand claims to be superior and the best for your dog. In my quest to find the perfect food for my dog, I came across Rachael Ray dog food and decided to share my findings with you in these extensive Rachael Ray dog food reviews.

Created by the celebrity TV chef Rachael Ray, this dog food brand has been on the market for quite some time now. Marketed as being super-premium, all-natural dog food, the Nutrish line is a go-to choice for many dog parents due to its natural ingredients and simple recipes.

At this time, Rachael Ray Nutrish offers several different lines of dry and wet dog foods which are suitable for dogs of all life stages and are based on Ms. Ray’s recipes. And if you ever watched Rachael cook or have tried any of her recipes, you know that her type of food is worthy of your four-legged best friend.

In this article, I will take a closer look at different lines of Rachael Ray Nutrish dog food, ingredients, quality, recall history, and do in-depth reviews of the best options. Hopefully, you will have all the information you need to decide if Rachael Ray Nutrish is the perfect brand for your dog.

Quick Links To The Rachael Ray Dog Food Reviews:

1. Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Chicken & Veggies Recipe Dry Dog Food
2. Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Natural Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe
3. Rachael Ray Nutrish Peak Open Range Recipe Dry Dog Food
4. Rachael Ray Nutrish Dish Natural Beef & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

Rachael Ray Dog Food Rating

Rachael Ray Dog Food Review

Best known as a celebrity TV chef, Rachael Ray used her passion for healthy eating and started her line of pet foods – Rachael Ray Nutrish. This brand of dog food features products that are made of natural ingredients and based on Rachael’s recipes but designed to meet the dietary needs of dogs in all life stages.

Staying true to the brand’s “real recipes, real ingredients, real good” slogan, this brand features a variety of different and delicious dog food formulas. All products feature all-natural ingredients such as US raised chicken, beef, turkey, and wholesome fruits and vegetables. There are never any poultry by-product meals or artificial flavors, just tasty and quality nutrition.

The Rachael Ray Nutrish brand is widely available in stores and online and is fairly reasonably priced compared to dog foods of similar quality. So far the brand features five dry foods and three canned dog food lines, all of which feature multiple recipes and different ingredients to cater to the needs of different dogs.

​Pros

• ​Simple but high-quality ingredients
• ​Made without poultry by-product meals
• ​Affordable and widely available
• ​Five dry dog food product lines
• ​Three different wet food lines
• ​Meets the nutritional needs of dogs in all life stages

​Cons

• ​Some formulas use grains like corn and soy which are considered fillers

​Rachael Ray Nutrish History

After becoming a successful celebrity chef, Rachael Ray decided to venture into the pet food business and create Rachael Ray Nutrish dog food brand. Although the Nutrish product line carries Ms. Ray’s name, it is in fact manufactured by Ainsworth Pet Nutrition which is based in Meadville, Pennsylvania. 

A family-run and operated company, Ainsworth Pet Nutrition was originally founded in 1933 with the mission of making high-quality but affordable pet food. The company’s focus is to make the safest and healthiest foods and treats for cats and dogs and to meet the needs of pet parents.

While Rachael Ray Nutrish dry dog foods are made in the USA, the canned food is made at a manufacturing facility in Thailand. However, Ainsworth states that their wet dog food is made under the same standards as their US-made foods. 

Ainsworth Pet Nutrition is a well-known and respected manufacturer whose pet foods are made in compliance with USDA, FDA, and AAFCO standards. However, this company isn’t completely transparent when it comes to the sourcing of their ingredients. 

The brand’s website has a glossary of all the ingredients used in Rachael Ray Nutrish dog food. But if you click on the individual ingredients you will notice that some of them are sourced in the US but for many, there isn’t any information about sourcing. Since this is an American based company, it is safe to assume that the bulk of the ingredients are locally sourced, but there is a chance that some are sourced overseas.

The great thing about this brand is that a portion of the proceeds from Nutrish sales goes to Rachael’s Rescue, a shelter for at-risk dogs, and several other pet charities. So every time you buy this brand, you will be making a difference in the lives of less fortunate dogs.

As a quick side note, as of Spring of 2018, Ainsworth Pet Nutrition was bought by J.M. Smucker which is also a family-owned company, therefore transferring the ownership of Rachael Ray dog food to another manufacturer. J.M. Smucker also bought Ainsworth’s manufacturing facilities in Meadville, Pennsylvania. 

Check out this quick video, in which Rachael Ray explains the story behind Nutrish dog food.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Product Line

The Nutrish brand is being marketed as super-premium and all-natural dog food. At this time, there are five dry food lines, three wet food lines, and four different dog treat lines which are represented with different recipes. Overall, Rachael Ray Nutrish offers a variety of dog foods and you shouldn’t have any issues finding the recipe your dog loves.

To give you a better sense of what this brand has to offer, I will take a look at the different dog foods available.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Dry Dog Food

Nutrish dry dog food recipes are currently divided into five different product lines and each one of them is designed to meet the nutritional needs of dogs in all life stages. These lines are:

1. Rachael Ray Nutrish

Rachael Ray Nutrish is the brand’s leading dry dog food line which recipes feature meat as the main ingredient. All formulas are made without poultry by-product meal, fillers, wheat, artificial colors, or preservatives. Based on Rachael Ray Nutrish dog food reviews, this is the brand’s highest-rated line and features wholesome and healthy ingredients.

Recipes include:

• Real Chicken & Veggie
• Turkey, Brown Rice & Venison
• Real Beef, Pea & Brown Rice
• Bright Puppy – Real Chicken & Brown Rice
• Little Bites – Real Chicken & Veggies
• Large Breed – Real Chicken & Veggies

2. Nutrish Zero Grain

The Zero Grain line is a great option if your dog suffers from allergies, food sensitivities, or if you prefer feeding him a grain-free formula. This line is made without any grains, gluten, fillers, poultry by-product meal, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. The Zero Grain line features the following recipes:

• Zero Grain Turkey & Potato
• Zero Grain Beef, Potato & Bison
• Zero Grain Salmon, Sweet Potato & Pea
• Zero Grain Chicken & Sweet Potato

3. Nutrish Dish

The Nutrish Dish product line is made of easily identifiable ingredients and contains real pieces of meat, vegetables, and fruit that you can actually see. As the product lines listed above, the Nutrish Dish is made without poultry-by product meal, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Furthermore, it doesn’t contain wheat, soy, gluten, or other cheap fillers.

Recipes include:

• Chicken & Brown Rice with Veggies and Fruit
• Beef & Brown Rice with Veggies, Fruit & Chicken
• Grain-free Chicken & Potato with Veggies & Fruit

4. Just 6

The Just 6 product line is formulated as a limited ingredient diet for dogs who suffer from food allergies and sensitivities. While it features only a handful of ingredients, this line is complete, balanced, and reinforced with added vitamins and minerals to support your dog’s overall health. You can rest assured that your dog won’t ingest any soy, gluten, wheat, or other filler ingredients.

Recipes include:

• Lamb Meal & Brown Rice
• Grain-free Turkey Meal & Pea

5. Peak

The Nutrish Peak is the newest addition to Rachael Ray Nutrish dog food brand and features nutrient-dense recipes to fulfill your dog’s natural cravings. Peak is a high-protein line that provides 30% protein and is made without grains, gluten, or fillers.

Recipes include:

• Open Range Recipe with Beef, Venison & Lamb
• Northern Woodlands Recipe with Turkey, Duck & Quail
• Wetlands Recipe with Chicken, Duck & Pheasant
• Western Grasslands Recipe with Bison
• Open Range Recipe with Beef, Lamb & Freeze-dried Raw Bites
• Wetlands Recipe with Chicken, Duck & Freeze-dried Raw Bites

Rachael Ray Wet/Canned Dog Food

Until recently, Rachael Ray Nutrish was primarily a dry dog food brand with a rather limited variety of wet dog foods. However, this brand now has several different wet dog food lines which feature tasty and healthy recipes. These lines are:

1. Rachael Ray Nutrish

The Rachael Ray Nutrish wet dog food is the brand’s first canned line which is basically a canned version of Nutrish kibble. It is made without corn, wheat, soy, gluten, artificial flavors, or additives. 

Recipes include:

• Rustic Duck Stew
• Beef Stroganwoof
• Chicken Muttballs with Pasta
• Hearty Beef Stew
• Savory Lamb Stew
• Chicken Paw Pie

Note, these recipes are packed in elongated dishes with plastic lids, rather than metal cans which are common for wet dog food.

2. Nutrish Dish Stews

Featuring 100% human-grade ingredients, the Nutrish Dish wet dog food is made of whole ingredients that you can see and comes in the form of a delicious stew. Dish recipes are made without any grain, gluten, or filler ingredients and look like a real doggy feast. 

Recipes include:

• Real Chicken & Veggies
• Real Pork & Veggies
• Real Turkey & Veggies 
• Real Beef & Veggies

The chicken and beef recipes are also available in a Dish Stew variety pack, which can be a more convenient and cheaper option if your pooch is a fan of these flavors.

3. Peak

The Peak ultra-premium wet dog food line features high-quality ingredients which are simmered in a tasty gravy to satisfy your dog’s taste buds. This natural wet food for dogs is reinforced with vitamins and minerals and made without grain, gluten, or filler ingredients.

Recipes include:

• Open Range Recipe with Chicken & Beef in Hearty Gravy
• Wetlands Recipe with Chicken & Duck in Rustic Gravy
• Wild Ridge Recipe with Chicken & Lamb in Savory Gravy
• Red Range Recipe with Lamb & Beef in Hearty Gravy
• Woodland Ranch Recipe with Beef & Duck in Savory Gravy
• Wild Streams Recipe with Duck & Salmon in Rustic Gravy 

Note, the Peak recipes are packed in small cups instead of metal cans and are also available as a variety pack which contains nine Peak cups filled with different and delicious recipes. The bigger pack may be a better option if your dog is a huge fan of these recipes and can’t get enough of the delicious gravy.

Keep in mind that wet dog foods have more protein and fat compared to dry dog foods, and many dogs love them way more than dry kibble. On the downside, canned foods usually cost more, and can be very expensive if you have a very large dog who needs a lot of food. However, you can consider mixing your dog’s kibble with wet food or just offering wet food as an occasional treat to give him the best of both worlds while staying within your budget.

Nutrish Treats

Rachael Ray Nutrish also offers four different lines of dog treats which are expertly made using high-quality ingredients. Your pooch will certainly love any of the many deliciously flavored treats, with these as the most popular recipes:

• Chk’n Drumsticks
• Burger Bites Beef with Bison
• Meatloaf Morsels Homestyle Beef Recipe

Ingredients Found In Rachael Ray Dog Food

When it comes to finding the best food for my dog, everything boils down to the ingredient list! There are some mixed feelings about Nutrish brand and it is completely understandable if you are wondering if Rachael Ray dog food is good. 

To help you get a better picture of this brand as a whole, I will take a closer look at some of the most common ingredients found in Rachael Ray dog food recipes.

• Quality proteins: Chicken, turkey, beef, duck, bison, lamb, pheasant, salmon, and venison are just some of the animal proteins that go into Rachael Ray dog food. You will be pleased to know that every recipe features real meat as the main ingredient which is a trait of high-quality dog foods. In most cases, the main ingredient is followed by a named meat meal which is a great source of protein and a quality ingredient you shouldn’t shy away from.
• Carbs: Except for the grain-free recipes, all other Rachael Ray formulas feature wholesome grains as healthy sources of carbohydrates. For zero grain formulas those are sweet potatoes or potatoes, and barley, brewer’s rice, oatmeal, ground corn, and brown rice in grain inclusive formulas. While oatmeal and brown rice are healthy and wholesome grains that contain essential nutrients your dog needs, I can’t say the same for corn. Typically used in cheaper dog foods as a filler to add bulk and calories to dog food, corn doesn’t have any nutritional value and is best avoided.
• Fats and oils: These are important components of your dog’s diet since they are the main energy providers and also support healthy skin and a shiny coat. You will notice that most of Rachael Ray’s dog foods feature chicken fat. But there are recipes with pork fat, fish oil, olive oil, and flaxseed. While chicken fat is a decent option for dogs, it isn’t rich in omega-3 fatty acids as many fish oils are, so it won’t provide huge benefits to your dog’s skin and coat health. Another issue is that fats and oils are a lot further down the ingredient list which means they are present in lower amounts. While this isn’t a deal-breaker, it may be a problem in the long run if you have an energetic dog who needs more fat and calories to stay active and energized throughout the day.
• Fruits and veggies: Keeping in mind that Rachael Ray Nutrish is advertised as a super-premium dog food brand, it has fewer fresh fruits and vegetables compared to other premium dog foods. Peas, carrots, apples, cranberries, chickpeas, and lentils are some of the most commonly seen fruits and veggies which are sources of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. However, they aren’t present in huge amounts and are always reinforced with vitamin and mineral supplements which support a strong immune system and ensure that your dog stays healthy.

Overall, I really like the fact that all Rachael Ray dog foods have named meat as the main protein source, and that the main ingredient is reinforced with some type of named meat meal. 

However, I’m not a big fan of whole ground corn or corn gluten meal which are used in several different recipes. Furthermore, I would like to see more fish, fruits, and vegetables present in these recipes.

As a whole, ingredients found in Rachael Ray dog food are healthy and good, but they could be better. This doesn’t mean that they are bad for your dog, but I would suggest that you stick with recipes that don’t contain corn and have some type of fish or fish oil which contains omega fatty acids.

Rachael Ray Dog Food Ingredient Analysis

Now that you have a better picture of the ingredients used in Rachael Ray dog food, it is important that you know what they offer in terms of protein, fat, and carb content. I would like to point out that all formulas are complete and balanced and that they meet the minimal nutritional requirements for dogs set by the AAFCO.

Let’s see how Nutrish fares compared to other dog food brands:

Average To Below Average Protein Count

Based on four Rachael Ray dry dog foods which I will review later on, this dog food brand has a below-average protein count for its dry food products.

The average protein count for these formulas is 27% which is way lower compared to other dog food brands, especially those who are advertised as super-premium. Most of these brands have at least 30% protein with some reaching 40% or more. 

Keep in mind that while the protein count is below average compared to other dog food brands, it is still well above the minimum set by the AAFCO. Overall, your pooch shouldn’t experience any problems eating food with a moderate protein count, unless he is a working dog or overly active, in which case you should consider feeding him one of Rachael Ray’s Peak recipes which have a 30% protein count.

You should also consider that some of Rachael Ray dog foods contain pea protein that is cheaper than meat and will raise the protein count. While plant-based proteins aren’t bad, it is harder for dogs to extract valuable nutrients from plants than from meat.

Low To Below Average Fats

While it may seem like a bad thing at first, low to below-average fat level is, in fact, a good thing for your dog. Whereas other dog food brands have on average 20% fat content, Rachael Ray dog food comes at 14.25% which is ideal for dogs who are obese and need to lose weight.

However, while a chubby dog will definitely benefit from eating less fat, small breeds and very energetic dogs need more fat to remain active and healthy. Let’s not forget that very few recipes contain fish oil which is a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, and EPA which support healthy skin, brain, and eye development.

Average Carbs

Taking into account the protein and fat content of the four Rachael Ray formulas I will review in detail below, it is safe to say that they have an average carb count compared to other dog food brands. However, with a 44.25% carb content Rachael Ray dog food has fewer carbs than average dog foods which contain somewhere between 46% and 74% carbohydrates.

While this is in some sense good news, some of the recipes contain fillers such as corn, rice, and potatoes which don’t provide much if any nutritional value to your dog.

Micronutrients

The majority of premium dog food brands include micronutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin into their formulas since they support joint health and mobility. However, they aren’t considered to be essential nutrients by the AAFCO and NRC, so they aren’t present if necessary in Rachael Ray Nutrish dog food.

Furthermore, while most dog foods contain probiotics to improve digestion, they are generally not present in Rachael Ray dog food recipes, with a few exceptions. And when you look at vitamins and minerals as a whole, they are sometimes insufficient compared to other dog food brands.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Advantages

This brand is a go-to choice for many dog parents and based on countless Rachael Ray Nutrish reviews, most dogs thrive on this food and love its delicious flavor. When compared to other dog food brands, there are a lot of pros of feeding your dog with Rachael Ray food. 

Advantages of Nutrish are:

• Most recipes contain named meat as the main ingredient and feature a named meat meal, which increases the protein count
• Dogs love the taste of the Rachael Ray Nutrish dog foods and chicken, chicken meal, and poultry fat are in general a real hit among dogs even if they are picky eaters
• Seafood based recipes from the Nutrish line contain a decent amount of omega-3 fatty acids which support healthy skin and coat
• Rachael Ray dog food is very affordable and widely available. Although it isn’t the best premium-quality dog food brand out there, it is way better than brands that are at a similar price point
• Nutrish is suitable for dogs of all life stages and consists of several product lines and various recipes that cater to the needs of individual dogs
• Having a lower fat count makes Nutrish ideal for less active seniors and chubby dogs who need to lose weight
• Most wet dog food recipes are made as a stew or feature real pieces of food in a gravy which dogs find extremely delicious

Rachael Ray Nutrish Disadvantages

Although there are so many different dog food brands, none of them is without at least one flaw. The same can be said for Rachael Ray Nutrish. 

Disadvantages of Nutrish are:

• There aren’t a lot of fruits and vegetables included in Nutrish recipes, but this shouldn’t be a huge problem since all essential vitamins and minerals are supplemented
• Some of the most popular Rachael Ray Nutrish recipes contain filler grains such as corn, ground rice, and other unnecessary carbs. However, the brand also offers grain-free recipes. And certain formulas contain wholesome carbs such as oatmeal, brown rice, and sweet potatoes
• A few Nutrish recipes contain artificial colors which don’t have any nutritional value and are best avoided
• Supplements such as probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin are rarely present in Nutrish recipes and you will have to buy them separately if your dog needs them

Four Best Rachael Ray Nutrish Formulas Reviews

In this section, you will find in-depth reviews of the four best foods Rachael Ray Nutrish has to offer. Let’s take a closer look at Rachael Ray’s food based on the quality of ingredients, nutritional value, and taste.

1. Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Chicken & Veggies Recipe Dry Dog Food

The Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Chicken & Veggies Recipe Dry Dog Food is one of the brand’s most popular formulas and has excellent ratings. It is made of simple but quality ingredients and formulated to meet the nutritional needs of adult dogs. Before I delve into the actual Nutrish dog food review let’s start with:

Key Features

• Real US raised chicken as the main ingredient
• Added vitamins & minerals
• Made without meat by-product meal

The main ingredient, US farm-raised chicken, is reinforced with chicken meal and together they create a minimum of 26% crude protein. Chicken meal is a concentrated form of chicken meat and contains high levels of protein which builds lean and strong muscles.

Soybean meal and whole ground corn are the main sources of carbs in this recipe. While soybean meal is mainly used to raise the protein count, ground corn doesn’t really have any nutritional value and is mainly used as a filler.

This formula comes at 14% crude fat which is derived from chicken fat that gives this food a delicious flavor. The lower fat count makes this formula suitable for dogs who need to lose some weight or need help with weight management.

When it comes to veggies, this recipe contains dried peas and carrots which give this food a good flavor and provide a small number of vitamins and minerals. Featuring only a few simple ingredients, this food has added vitamins and minerals which make it complete and balanced for everyday feeding.

Pros

• ​Chicken meal for higher protein count
• ​Lower fat levels and fewer calories
• ​All essential vitamins and minerals are supplemented
• ​Beet pulp as a natural source of fiber improves digestion

​Cons

• ​Contains ground corn which is a filler

Overall, the Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Chicken & Veggies Recipe Dry Dog Food is a good option if your pooch needs to lose some weight or if you are looking for affordable dog food. Most dogs love this chicken-flavored formula and thrive on it, and there is no reason why your dog wouldn’t do the same.

2. Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Natural Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe

Made without grains, gluten, or fillers the Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Natural Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe is a great choice if your dog has allergies or a sensitive stomach. Based on Rachael Ray grain-free dog food reviews, most dogs love the fishy flavor and their coats never looked better.

Key Features

• Real salmon as the main ingredient
• Added chelated minerals
• Whole flaxseed 

The main ingredient, real salmon, is reinforced with chicken meal and menhaden fish meal which brings this formula to 26% crude protein. Salmon is an easily digestible protein that helps build lean muscles and is a great choice for dogs with food allergies.

Being completely grain-free, this recipe contains sweet potatoes, dried peas, and tapioca as easily digestible carbs that won’t cause an upset stomach. Dried beet pulp is added to increase the fiber count and to serve as a natural probiotic that supports a healthy GI tract and proper digestion.

Whole flaxseed and chicken fat create 14% crude fat and also contain omega-3 & -6 fatty acids which support healthy skin and a shiny coat. This formula doesn’t contain fresh fruits but is reinforced with added vitamins and minerals which support a strong immune system.

Pros

• ​Made without filler grains
• ​Contains natural sources of omega-3 & -6 fatty acids
• ​Easy to digest
• ​Fortified with added vitamins and minerals

​Cons

• ​Fresh fruit isn’t included in the formula

​Based on Rachael Ray Zero Grain dog food reviews and my dog’s review, this food is a great option if your pooch has skin allergies or a sensitive stomach. It contains omega fatty acids which support skin and coat health and it is very affordable compared to other grain-free recipes.

3. Rachael Ray Nutrish Peak Open Range Recipe Dry Dog Food

The Rachael Ray Nutrish Peak Open Range Recipe Dry Dog Food is one of the most popular formulas in the Peak line. Made of high-quality and nutritious ingredients, this food is formulated to fulfill your dog’s instinctual cravings for meat.

Key Features

• High protein count
• Several quality protein sources
• Contains glucosamine and chondroitin

Let’s start this Rachael Ray Peak dog food review with its main ingredient, beef, which is combined with chicken meal, lamb meal, venison, and menhaden fish meal. Together, these ingredients create 30% crude protein which supports strong muscles and will help your dog to stay active all day long.

Dried peas and whole dried potatoes are the easily digestible carbohydrates used in this food. And since this formula doesn’t contain grains or gluten, it may be a good choice if you are looking for a high-protein food for a dog who has allergies and a sensitive stomach.

Chicken fat and whole flaxseed create 15% crude fat and support healthy skin and coat. Besides added vitamins and minerals, the Open Range Recipe also contains glucosamine and chondroitin which support joint health.

Pros

• ​Higher protein count compared to other Nutrish recipes
• ​Contains glucosamine and chondroitin which support mobility
• ​Grain and gluten-free
• ​Omega-3 & -6 fatty acids support healthy skin and coat

​Cons

• ​May not be the best choice if your dog is an extremely picky eater

The Rachael Ray Nutrish Peak Open Range Recipe Dry Dog Food is one of the best formulas this brand has to offer. It has several meat sources, it is high in protein, and is overall a great option if you want to avoid allergies and digestive issues.

4. Rachael Ray Nutrish Dish Natural Beef & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

Last but not least, the Rachael Ray Dish dog food review features one of this line’s most popular formulas. The Rachael Ray Nutrish Dish Natural Beef & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food is made of natural ingredients that you can see and which your dog is going to love.

Key Features

• Contains chelated minerals
• US farm-raised beef is the main ingredient
• Made without corn, wheat, or soy

The main ingredient, real beef, gives this food a tasty flavor and is combined with chicken meal. Together they create 26% crude protein which will keep your dog’s muscles lean and strong.

Dried peas, brown rice, and brewers rice are wholesome and easily digestible carbs that will keep your dog’s GI tract working properly and improve the quality of his stool. And while this isn’t a grain-free formula, these ingredients contain valuable nutrients which will support your dog’s overall health.

Chicken fat and flaxseed are sources of omega-3 & -6 fatty acids which support healthy skin and coat, and at the same time create 14% crude fat. This recipe also contains cranberries, dried apples, and dried carrots as natural sources of vitamins which are also fortified with supplements for a strong immune system.

Pros

• ​Features real bites of carrots, apples, and peas
• ​Chelated minerals improve nutrient absorption
• ​Lower fat count encourages weight loss
• ​Fortified with all essential vitamins and minerals

​Cons

• ​A few dogs weren’t impressed with dried peas and refused to eat them

Overall, I love that you can actually see the pieces of fruits and veggies in the Rachael Ray Nutrish Dish Natural Beef & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food. Although my dog leaves the peas, he is thrilled with the rest of the food and cleans his bowl every time.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Dog Food Recall History

I’ve spent a lot of time trying to find out if Rachel Ray Nutrish dog products have been recalled. After an extensive search, I’m pleased to inform you that none of Rachael Ray dog products have ever been recalled. 

However, I managed to find recalls for some of the brand’s cat products. In 2015 the brand had to recall five variations of its wet cat food recipes because the FDA established that these products contained higher levels of vitamin D.

It is interesting to note that a customer filed a lawsuit against Rachael Ray Nutrish alleging that the Nutrish line contains “glyphosate”, a dangerous herbicide which is present in many dog products. However, a federal judge tossed the class action lawsuit due to the lack of specificity. 

Where To Buy Rachael Ray Nutrish Dog Food

While you can easily find Rachael Ray Nutrish dog food formulas at Target, PetSmart, or Walmart, I always recommend ordering it through Chewy.com for the best price and discounts. And since carrying a bag of dog food is never easy, it is always nice and convenient to have free-shipping included with your purchase. 

And if by any chance the bag or cans are damaged during delivery, you can always ask for a refund or change the product free of charge.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Dog Food Verdict

The Rachael Ray Nutrish dog food brand is advertised as being super-premium and all-natural, but you can’t always believe everything you read from the brand’s website. There is no doubt that Nutrish contains quality ingredients like real meat and veggies, but I wouldn’t go so far as to label it super-premium. 

While it is true that Nutrish uses natural ingredients, the quality of those ingredients is questionable, at least, when it comes to certain recipes. For example, ground corn is a common ingredient in several formulas although it doesn’t provide any nutritional value to dogs. And it is still included even though almost all pet owners know that pet food manufacturers use corn as a filler to bulk up the calorie count.

The fact that Rachael Ray Nutrish dog food always has a high-quality named meat protein as the main ingredient improves the brand’s entire standing. Also, a wide variety of different meats present is the feature that sets Nutrish apart from the brands of similar quality.

On the other hand, I’m not really impressed with the fats and oils which are used in Nutrish recipes. Almost all recipes feature chicken fat as the main source, with some other fat or oil further down the list to bulk up the fat levels and make the food more appealing. Compared to other premium brands and the types of fat they use, Nutrish is a bit disappointing. 

Things that give a brand the right to label its dog food super-premium are added micronutrients such as probiotics, prebiotics, vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids, just to name a few. Except for a few recipes, Rachael Ray Nutrish dog food lacks the majority of these micronutrients. While dog food brands aren’t required to add them to their recipes, going the extra mile is what counts in my book. 

Overall, Rachael Ray Nutrish is a quality dog food brand which offers way more in terms of ingredients, variety, and meat sources compared to other similarly priced dog foods. In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with Nutrish Peak recipes, since they contain a higher protein count, more meats, fruits, veggies, and micronutrients. 

But when it comes to other lines, things can be a bit hit-or-miss. I would advise that you read the labels carefully and avoid recipes that contain corn, wheat, or other filler grains. 

With so many different and nutritious options you will definitely manage to find the food you approve of and your dog likes. 

Final Thoughts

Ever since celebrity chef Rachael Ray decided to venture into the pet food manufacturing business, her Rachael Ray Nutrish brand has been a go-to choice for countless pet owners and their dogs. This brand is known for its simple but nutritious recipes which use all-natural ingredients. 

Rachael Ray offers five product lines including Nutrish, Dish, Zero Grain, Peak, and Just 6 which are designed to meet the nutritional needs of dogs in all life stages. However, although Nutrish is a quality dog food brand, some of the ingredients used in its recipes may not be the best option for your dog.

So, if you want to avoid grains at all cost, your best bet is to go with the Zero Grain product line, and if your pooch suffers from food sensitivities, one of Just 6 recipes will soothe an upset stomach and skin allergies. On the other hand, if you are looking for natural and quality food, Dish and Nutrish lines have plenty of recipes which will give your dog all the nutrients he needs.

Last but not least is the Nutrish Peak line, which is my personal favorite, and overall a great option for any dog regardless of his age, food sensitivities, or allergies. Order any of Rachael Ray Nutrsih dog foods today, and have it sent to you right away! 

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   We Like: Crazy Dog Train Me Treats - One of our favorite treats for training our service dog puppies.
4. BEST FRESH DOG FOOD
   We Like: The Farmer's Dog - A couple months ago we started feeding Raven fresh dog food and she loves it! Get 50% off your first order of The Farmer's Dog.

For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining.com blog.