Dogswell and Nutrisca Dog Food Review: Wholesome Wellness and Balanced Nutrition

Dogswell is a mid-range priced dog food brand that offers dry and wet food, along with a variety of treats. The brand is designed to support specific health needs your pup may be dealing with, with recipes focused on areas like hip and joint support, immune health and skin and coat condition. In the past, Dogswell also produced quality kibble and canned dog foods, but these were unfortunately discontinued last year, leaving the brand to focus mainly on treats and functional supplements.

Arthur Dogswell LLC originally owned the company and built a strong reputation online for reliable, wellness-focused pet products. In 2017, the brand was acquired by Whitebridge Pet Brands, which now handles manufacturing and distribution.

In this dogswell and nutrisca dog food review, we take an in-depth look at the Dogswell brand to help you understand its history, product focus, and whether it’s still a good choice for your canine companion today.

Brand Quick Look

• Parent Company: Whitebridge Pet Brands
• Founded in: Approx. 2004
• Made in: California USA
• Available at:  Chewy and Amazon
• Types of Food: Dry, Canned and Treats
• Real Meat in First 5 Ingredients? : Yes
• Recalled in Past? : Yes

Behind the Brand

There is little information available online about the company Dogswell itself. What we do know is that Whitebridge Pet Brands has two lines of pet food. One being Dogswell and the other being Nutrisca; we’ll cover a bit about both in this article.

At first glance, it appears that Nutrisca is the higher-end brand of the two with the price being almost double. Both foods focus on specific canine health issues like allergies and food sensitivities.

After the buyout by Whitebridge, Dogswell began to focus more on healthy pet treats, and Nutrisca became the primary dry dog food line.

Both food brands have grain-free offerings and foods with variable protein and fat levels depending on your pup's activity.

 

Dogswell and Nutrisca Dog Food Review

In this section, we’re going to pick apart some of the recipes from the Dogswell food lines to give you a more in-depth look into the ingredients and reputation of the brand.

It’s important always to offer your pup the best, and we know that you care about what you're feeding your dog.

We’re going to do our best to give you everything you need to know.

1. Hip & Joint Beef Recipe Meatballs

First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Pea Flour, Vegetable Glycerin, Sweet Potatoes, Flaxseed Meal

When I tried these meatballs for my dog, the first thing I noticed was how meaty they smell — in a good way. These aren’t dry, crumbly treats. They’re soft, homestyle baked and clearly made with real beef as the first ingredient, which already made me feel better about giving them as a reward.

What really sold me is that each meatball isn’t just a treat, it’s functional. They’re supplemented with glucosamine and chondroitin, which help support hip and joint health — something I always look for, especially for active or aging dogs. Knowing my dog is getting support while enjoying a snack is a big plus for me.

The flavor is another win. My dog gets excited the moment the bag opens, and I like that the bites are perfectly sized for training or daily treating. With 14% protein, they help support lean muscle and energy without feeling like empty calories.

I also appreciate the clean ingredient list. There are no grains, no artificial colors or flavors, no corn, wheat, or soy, no molasses or cane syrup and no added gluten. They’re made in the USA, and that gives me extra peace of mind about quality and safety.

Overall, this product feel like one of those rare treats that actually do something good for your dog while still being something they truly enjoy. For me, it’s an easy yes for both taste and joint support.

2. Immunity & Defense Duck Recipe

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Duck, Vegetable Glycerin, Salt, Chicken Broth

I was looking for a treat that did more than just taste good — and this one really delivers. The first thing I noticed is the rich, meaty aroma and the soft-chewy texture that dogs instantly go crazy for. It’s made with high-quality duck and chicken proteins, so every piece feels like a real, satisfying reward instead of a filler snack.

What makes this jerky stand out for me is the functional side. It’s formulated with flaxseed oil, turmeric and vitamins E and A to help support immunity and healthy aging. I like knowing that while my dog is enjoying a treat, they’re also getting nutrients that help protect their immune system and overall wellness.

With an impressive 45% protein, these jerky strips help support lean muscle mass and give dogs an energy boost, which is great for both active pups and seniors who need quality nutrition. The pieces are easy to break apart too, so they work well for training or everyday treating.

Ingredient-wise, Dogswell keeps it clean. There are no grains, no artificial colors or flavors, no corn, wheat, or soy and no added gluten or corn syrup. That gives me confidence I’m not feeding unnecessary junk. Plus, the 20-ounce value-size bag lasts a long time, even in a multi-dog household.

3. Skin & Coat Lamb Jerky

First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, Vegetable Glycerin, Salt, Beef Broth, Vinegar

When I tried these treats, I immediately noticed how rich and satisfying the lamb aroma is — the kind that lets you know it’s made with real meat, not fillers. The texture is soft and chewy, making it easy to break into pieces, and my dog was hooked from the very first bite.

What I really like about this jerky is that it’s more than just a tasty snack. Each piece is formulated with biotin and zinc to support healthy skin and a shiny coat, plus vitamin E for immune support and omega fatty acids to help nourish from the inside out. If your dog struggles with dry skin or dull fur, these treats feel like a smart and simple upgrade to their routine.

The first ingredient is high-quality lamb, and with 26% protein, these jerky treats help support lean muscle mass while providing steady energy for daily play and walks. They’re satisfying without being heavy, which makes them great for both training sessions and everyday rewards.

I also appreciate the brand's clean approach to ingredients. These treats focus on supplemental benefits without unnecessary extras, so you’re giving your dog something functional as well as delicious.

Overall, it feels like one of those treats you keep reaching for — not just because your dog loves the flavor, but because you can actually see and feel the difference in their coat over time. It’s an easy way to treat and care for your dog at the same time.

4. Dental Chicken Jerky

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Vegetable Glycerin, Salt, Coconut Oil, Parsley

Made with real and USA-sourced chicken as the first ingredient, these treats offer canines a sumptuous reward while freshening their breaths.

The seaweed, parsley and mint ingredients support your pup’s dental health while giving the food a delicious flavor twist.

There are only a few reviews as of this writing, but they’re all enthused about the product. A pet owner whose dog does not like dental treats at all took to these with enthusiasm. The most negative that was said about these is that sometimes their pet likes it, and sometimes not.

These dental treats are about as healthy as they come. They don’t contain fillers, hormones, or artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. There are only 12 ingredients total and it contains nothing that you wouldn’t want your pet to ingest.

The protein is at a high 35%, while the fat is 25%. These are excellent healthy snacks that we recommend you feed your pet. Although be careful in giving the snacks out as each treat is at 50kcal. Only feed the treats sparingly.

5. Mini Skin & Coat Salmon Jerky

First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Whitefish, Vegetable Glycerin, Salt, Vinegar

These healthy jerky minis are made with real meat so your pup can get that protein fix he’s craving for while the nutrients in the food give him that lustrous coat and healthy skin he needs. Since the jerky snacks are crafted in small sizes, even small breeds can enjoy the meaty rewards.

Consumers recommend these treats a hundred percent, and the only unfavorable review has something to do with the the fishy smell.

But one reviewer has an easy fix for the unwanted scent — just keep them in their sealed container until it’s time to take out for snack time. 

Most are happy that the treats can be easily broken off to feed small mouths or to use as training treats. One customer is also pleased that the salmon recipe does not irritate a normally sensitive canine’s stomach. Finicky pups are also reported to turn into eager doggies when the jerkiess are doled out. 

The treats satisfy more than the taste buds because each one is packed with a load of protein (the minimum crude protein level for the jerky treats is a very high 48%), a good helping of omega fatty acids, zinc, biotin, and vitamin E.

There’s no added sugar to worry you, no grains, no byproducts, and none of those artificial ingredients that may trigger a reaction in sensitive pups.

There’s only fresh Norwegian salmon as the main ingredient and a total of 9 other ingredients overall, including the supplements, natural flavor, and a natural preservative.

Would we recommend it? Yes, absolutely. Just look at the customer reviews and the quality of each ingredient. The limited number of ingredients also say a lot.

6. Gut Health Slices Chicken

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Pea Flour, Cane Sugar, Vegetable Glycerin, Sweet Potatoes

When I first gave my dog these treats, I could tell right away these were going to be a favorite. The slices smell like real chicken, not artificial flavoring and the soft, chewy texture makes them easy to tear into smaller pieces for training or quick rewards on the go.

What really makes these treats special for me is the digestive support. Each slice is packed with probiotics to help support gut health and healthy digestion, which is great if your dog has a sensitive stomach or just needs a little extra balance in their diet. I like knowing that every treat does more than satisfy cravings — it actually supports their wellness.

They’re made with high-quality, USA-sourced chicken raised without added hormones, and that shows in both quality and taste. The protein helps maintain lean muscle mass, while still being gentle enough for everyday treating. Whether we’re out for a walk, training at home, or just sharing a snack, these slices are easy to carry and never crumble in my pocket.

Overall, it's a smart upgrade from your ordinary treats: soft, drool-worthy, and functional in a way that actually benefits your dog’s digestion while keeping them excited for every bite.

7. Mini Soft Strip Senior Duck Jerky

First 5 Ingredients: Duck, Chicken, Salmon, Dried Egg, Vegetable Glycerin

When your dog starts getting older, treats need to be gentle, tasty, and actually supportive — and that’s exactly what I found with this product. The first thing I noticed is the texture: soft and easy-to-chew, which makes them perfect for senior dogs or pups with sensitive teeth. No hard crunching, just meaty, satisfying bites.

Flavor-wise, they’re packed with real duck, and my dog absolutely loves the rich taste. These mini soft strips deliver 33% protein, which helps support lean muscle mass and provides the energy senior dogs still need for daily walks and playtime.

What really impressed me is how functional they are. They’re specially formulated with glucosamine, chondroitin and vitamin E to support hip and joint health as dogs age. There’s also DHA from salmon to help maintain cognitive function, which is something a lot of people forget to look for in senior treats.

On top of that, they’re rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, helping keep skin healthy and coats shiny instead of dry or dull. It feels good knowing every treat supports mobility, brain health and overall comfort — not just taste.

What Types of Dog Food Do They Offer?

Dogswell used to offer a full line of dry kibble and wet canned dog foods made with premium ingredients and functional benefits designed to support overall health, digestion, and specific concerns like joint or skin health. These recipes were well‑regarded by many pet owners for using quality proteins and targeted nutrition in everyday meals. Unfortunately, that dry and wet food line was discontinued, leaving Dogswell to shift its focus elsewhere.

Another brand once associated with Dogswell is Nutrisca who also produced grain‑free dog foods with high‑quality ingredient profiles. However, Nutrisca’s dog food products are no longer available on the market as the brand ceased operations around 2021, and its products have since been discontinued.

Today, Dogswell has pivoted away from complete meals and now concentrates on producing functional, healthy dog treats with purpose. Rather than replacing your dog’s main food, the current lineup consists of treats formulated to support things like hip & joint health, gut health, immunity, skin & coat, and healthy aging — all packed with high‑quality proteins and supplemental benefits. These treats serve as nutrient‑boosting rewards that enhance your dog’s routine without filling in as their primary nutrition source.

Recall History

There are a few recalls of the Dogswell and Nutrisca brand. Here they are in reverse chronological order.

• November 2018 – Nutrisca recalls Chicken and Chickpea dry food for containing elevated levels of Vitamin D.
• February 2015 – Nutrisca recalls Chicken and Chickpea dry food for possible salmonella contamination.
• July 2013 – Dogswell recalls certain lines of duck and chicken jerky treats for containing trace amounts of antibiotic residue. According to Dogswell, these treats were made in China.

Customer Feedback

The best way to learn more about a company and their food lines is to read reviews from real customers who have already made the purchase. If you’re unsure if this dog food is right for you and your pup, seeing what other customers are experiencing is a great way to make that final decision.

Many of the positive reviews state that this food has given their dog energy that they never had before. Some customers say that their pups enjoy eating the food and they never fight at mealtime.

Most of the negative reviews center around the smell of the food. As we look into multiple formulas, we find that many customers say all their foods have a strong chemical smell that concerns pet owners.

In this section, we’re taking a look like some of the best and worst reviews of the Dogswell and Nutrisca brand.

Positive

My dogs are doing well with this product. (Dogswell Vitality Chicken and Chickpeas)

• My dogs were constantly itching, and we narrowed it down to the brand of food they were eating. We tried various brands, well-known brands at that, and they still itched or seemed to be constantly hungry or refused to eat. Found your food at a supermarket branch and read the ingredients. So I thought I'd have them give it a try. They have stopped itching and eat it up, and they don't constantly act hungry. The only problem now is finding it locally. The supermarket has stopped carrying it; pet stores don't have it, so I have to order it online. Worth it. – Chewy Customer

Dog is bouncy again (Dogswell Happy Hips Chicken and Chickpeas)

• I love what this food has done for my dog. She is active and much happier. She didn't like the taste at first, but she's been on same food for years, I just vamped up adding gravy and juices. And a hint my neighbor gave me was to add parmesan cheese. So I felt like best dog owner ever as I'm grating fresh parm cheese on her food.  – Chewy Customer

Negative

Chemical smell in dog food (Dogswell Happy Hips Chicken and Chickpeas)

• We have purchased this product for a while with great success with our dogs. In the past couple of months, the dog food has had a weird smell. It has some chemical or plastic smell. The dogs will. It eats the product. We are very dissatisfied. I hope they fix the problem because it helped our dog’s hips. – Chewy Customer

Smells Terrible (Dogswell Vitality Chicken and Chickpeas)

• I don't know why, but this is the worst smelling kibble I've encountered in the last 55 yrs of having dogs. I will not buy it again. – Chewy Customer

 

Let Your Pup Decide

The verdict is still somewhat open on Dogswell because a lot of the negative reviews are somewhat new and it appears that their recent buyout may have had an impact on the quality of the food.

Overall, their ratings are fantastic, and there is nothing wrong with the ingredients, but the problem may lie in the new manufacturing plant.

With real meats, fruits, and vegetables taking center stage in this formula we would recommend giving this food a try. The best thing we could say is if you’re looking for dog food to help your pup gain more energy grab a small bag and see if they like it.