The Blackwood brand of dog food offers slow-cooked pet food products that are made in small batches to ensure quality and nutritional integrity.
This company has been family-operated for three generations and they have never wavered in their commitment to providing the highest-quality, natural pet food products on the market.
Not only does this brand use premium ingredients, but their recipes are carefully formulated and their products meticulously tested. They don’t use any artificial additives and their products are all hand-crafted and manufactured in the United States.
This pet food brand understands that quality nutrition is the key to a long, happy, and healthy life for pets, so that is exactly what they provide. Their pet foods belong on the top shelf at the pet store, and that is exactly where you are going to find them.
The Blackwood Pet Food company was founded more than twenty years ago by a father-son team, Robert Golladay and his son, Jim. The company continues to be family-owned and -operated to this day with their headquarters and manufacturing facility in Ohio.
This brand slow-cooks their products to preserve the nutritional integrity of the raw ingredients and they make everything in small batches to ensure safety.
This brand takes the quality of their products very seriously which is why they haven’t changed their cooking methods or made significant alterations to their formulas – they found something that works and they are sticking to it.
If you look online, you’ll find that most Blackwood dog food reviews are very positive. Not only does this brand made super-premium products, but they use premium-quality ingredients as well.
Every recipe is loaded with real meat and other wholesome ingredients to keep them all-natural and nutrient-rich for your dog.
They don’t use any corn, wheat, or soy ingredients and they offer a variety of grain-free options as well. Keep reading to view our Blackwood reviews for one dry food and one wet food recipe.
Dry Dog Food
Sensitive Skin & Stomach
Doggos with sensitivities need a little extra care for their skin and tummy. They need food that won’t trigger allergies or upset stomachs.
The Blackwood Sensitive Skin & Stomach range features carefully crafted meals that have these considerations in mind to deliver optimal nutrition in an easy-to-digest package.
First 5 ingredients: Salmon Meal, Brown Rice, Millet, Oat Groats, Ground Grain Sorghum
A quality source of omega fatty acids leads this recipe’s ingredient list: salmon. That’s a great sign for dogs with sensitive skin or stomachs. Salmon is naturally rich in healthy fats that help support the immune system, reduce inflammation, and keep coats shiny and healthy-looking.
It’s also an excellent protein source, which is why so many premium dog food brands use it. Dogs tend to love the rich flavor, too. In this formula, salmon helps bring the protein level up to 24.5%, comfortably above AAFCO standards for both puppies and adult dogs.
The grain blend here is another thing we liked. Brown rice, millet, oat groats and sorghum all provide fiber and important nutrients. Brown rice contains vitamins B and D along with minerals like iron and calcium, while oats supply linoleic acid and vitamin B. Despite the bad reputation grains sometimes get, they’re far from useless fillers. For many dogs—especially those with sensitive stomachs—they’re actually gentle and easy to digest.
This recipe also includes an impressive variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs. Ingredients like carrots, spinach, pumpkin, cranberries, apples, parsley and celery help provide natural antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Herbs such as rosemary, cumin and thyme add even more nutritional value.
Honestly, it’s refreshing to see a recipe go beyond the usual one or two vegetables tossed in for marketing. This formula genuinely focuses on whole-food nutrition, and we’re all for it.
For healthy fats and added flavor, the recipe also contains canola oil and chicken fat. While canola oil can be a little controversial because it’s processed, it still provides omega fatty acids along with vitamins E and K. Chicken fat adds both nutrition and taste, making the food even more appealing to picky eaters.
It delivers a strong balance of protein, wholesome grains, healthy fats and nutrient-rich produce. The added probiotics are another major plus, especially for dogs with sensitive digestion.
Grain-Free Diet
Some dogs thrive on grain-free diets, particularly if they are on weight loss maintenance or control diets, sensitive to grains, or on special diets prescribed by vets.
Made for dogs of all ages, this grain-free recipe delivers balanced nutrition without relying on common allergy triggers. The main ingredient is chicken meal, backed up by duck meal and catfish meal for an extra boost of protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Menhaden fish oil and chicken fat add even more omega support, which is great for skin, coat, heart, and joint health. Plus, let’s be honest—chicken fat makes dog food taste way better, and picky eaters usually appreciate that.
Instead of grains, this formula uses peas, chickpeas, and tapioca starch for fiber and carbohydrates. Despite the anti-carb hype, dogs actually benefit from healthy carbs because they help provide steady energy throughout the day.
Like many of Blackwood’s recipes, this one is packed with fruits, vegetables, and herbs. We’re big fans of that approach. Natural nutrients from whole foods just feel better than relying heavily on synthetic supplements.
Overall, this recipe brings together quality proteins, healthy fats, and nutrient-rich produce in a way that feels thoughtfully balanced. There’s a ton of flavor here too, which never hurts.
Complete & Balanced Diet
Food with wholesome ingredients and superior nutrition should be a part of your dog’s regular routine. That is what Blackwood’s Complete & Balanced Diet is about. The range delivers flavorful meals that contain all the nutrients dogs need for their day-to-day activities.
This meal feels like a solid, no-nonsense option for dogs. It packs in 24% protein with moderate fat and fiber levels, using chicken as the main ingredient alongside wholesome grains for steady energy.
One thing we liked right away? No corn, wheat, soy or artificial additives. That’s always a plus.
The recipe also includes prebiotics and probiotics to help support digestion, plus a healthy balance of omega fatty acids for skin and coat health. For dogs with sensitive stomachs or dry skin, those extras can make a noticeable difference.
Chicken meal leads the ingredient list, and despite the scary-sounding word “meal,” it’s actually a concentrated protein source. Fresh chicken contains a ton of water, so once it’s cooked down, there’s far less actual meat left behind. Chicken meal has already had most of the moisture removed, which means more protein packed into every bite. It also provides all the essential amino acids dogs need.
That protein gets backed up with menhaden fish meal and egg product, giving the recipe a nice variety of animal-based nutrition.
For carbohydrates, this formula uses brown rice, millet, and oat groats. They’re not grain-free, but they are gluten-free and generally easier for many dogs to digest. These grains provide energy, fiber, and important nutrients without feeling overly heavy.
There are also extra fiber sources like sorghum, beet pulp, and flaxseed, along with a mix of fruits and vegetables. Thankfully, the fiber level stays reasonable at 3%. Too much fiber can upset digestion just as easily as too little, so this feels pretty balanced.
Chicken fat serves as the main fat source here, supported by flaxseed and menhaden fish oil for omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Together, they help support healthy skin, coat, joints, and overall energy levels.
The fruits and vegetables add some natural nutrition too, which we always prefer over relying entirely on synthetic supplements. That said, the recipe still uses added vitamins and minerals for balance, and several of them are chelated for better absorption. Nice touch.
There are a couple of ingredients some owners might question, like beet pulp and brewer’s dried yeast. Still, compared to everything this formula gets right, those feel like pretty minor complaints. This recipe delivers strong protein sources, digestible carbs, healthy fats, and good digestive support in one well-rounded package.
Puppy Performance Diet
Puppies are all about play and being on the move. They have faster metabolism and require lots of fuel for energy. Blackwood’s Puppy range has enough protein and fat to help your active little buddy. It is also complete with all the nutrition pups need for their developing bodies and brains.
4. Chicken Meal with Ancient Grain Recipe
First 5 ingredients:
Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Beet Pulp, Sorghum
Puppies have specific dietary needs because their developing bodies consume so much more energy and nutrients than adult dogs. They need food that is able to provide all of their daily requirements so that they grow up healthy and smart.
Blackwood’s Puppy Food raises up the level of nutrients to support growing pups. For example, the protein content is much higher than what you can usually find in their adult range.
The protein comes from chicken meal, the main source of animal protein here. As the first ingredient, it makes up the most volume in the kibbles. To make sure that the protein level is high, chicken meal is further supported by the addition of pea protein and egg product.
There are a few kinds of grains here namely: sorghum, brown rice, sorghum and barley. Grains are not fillers. They are excellent for balancing a meat-based diet, and they contain valuable nutrients such as fiber, minerals, essential fatty acids and vitamins. It’s also a proven fact that grains can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases in pets.
Contrary to popular misconception that grains are the main cause of allergies in dogs, it’s actually the animal protein that is the main culprit. Grain allergy is very uncommon, and even then, your dog is likely to be allergic only to one kind and not all.
You might wonder about the inclusion of fish oil and chicken fat. What are these for, precisely? Well, fish oil is considered an important dietary supplement for dogs because it supports heart health.
The fish oil also contains Omega 3 fatty acids that help balance out the Omega 6 fatty acids in the grains. (Too much of either is not good. The body needs balance to function properly.) The fish oil and chicken fat offers Omega 3 fatty acids as well as a good dose of Omega 6.
These two fatty acids are especially crucial in a puppy’s diet because one of their benefits is supporting brain development. The Omega 3 can also aid in reducing hyperactivity in pups and improve their immune system.
Lean/Senior Diet
Seniors have slower metabolism compared to younger pups. And overweight dogs tend to be less active. With the Lean/Senior Diet, these canines will have yummy easy-to-digest meals that take their inactive lifestyles into consideration. There is less fat content but more fiber and probiotics to aid in digestion and waste movement.
The emphasis in this recipe is on a lean and wholesome diet for not-so-energetic pups. Chicken meal starts the recipe off to a good start with its suitable amount of proteins.
Sometimes, the main animal protein will need some support to reach the ideal levels. In this case, the grain millet, the egg product, and the menhaden fish meal offer up their own protein content to help the mixture reach 20.5%, which is more than enough for adult dogs (18% is the standard).
If you read the content label, you’ll see plenty of grains. Brown rice, millet, sorghum, oats, pearled barley and rice bran. Don’t be alarmed.
The trend about grain-free diets is really just that — a trend. Many pet owners mistakenly believe that grain-free is better, but that is rarely the case. There are situations where grain-free food is suitable for dogs but most of the time, it’s the vets that determine this.
A common misconception about grains is that they cause allergies. While some dogs may truly be allergic to grains, grain sensitivity is highly uncommon. And if your pet is allergic to one kind, it doesn’t mean that he can’t eat any other grain at all.
Surprisingly, in many instances that pooches are allergic to food, it’s not the grain that’s the culprit. It’s usually the animal protein. So before you steer away from grains, do remember that these are highly nutritious food that are excellent at balancing a diet. In fact, food that is rich in whole grains is excellent at managing bowel diseases and upset stomachs in dogs.
Now let’s go on to the herbs. You may have noticed that this Blackwood recipe carries rosemary, thyme, cumin, mustard and chili pepper. Can dogs consume these? Yes, they can and should!
Many herbs and spices contain vitamins and antioxidants, and they can aid the body in fighting against some diseases. For example, thyme can reduce symptoms of irritable bowels; rosemary is high in calcium and iron; cumin can give senior pups a boost of energy; mustard contains a significant amount of manganese and zinc; and chili pepper contains vitamins C and A.
*Just remember, in crafted dog food such as these, the herbs and spices are strictly measured. If you’re going to make dog food by yourself, please keep in mind that too much herbs/spices may cause digestive problems.
We’re happy about the Lean/Senior formulation. The brand pulled out all the stops to make sure our beloved seniors get the proper amount of support and nutrition that they need. Overweight dogs will have enough energy for their activities but without too much fat or calories to make them pile on more weight.
There are no filler ingredients, and it’s well-packed with omega fatty acids. As you know, the older dogs get, the more luster they lose from their coats. The fatty acids keep the shine in hair and the health in skin. Overall, we find this recipe highly recommendable.
Large Breed
Large breed dogs have heavier frames than regular or small-breed dogs. Their heavy weight puts more strain on their bones and joints, which can lead to pain and less mobility if not given the proper attention. Blackwood’s recipes intended for Large Breed dogs contain a suitable amount of glucosamine and chondroitin to support bone health.
Our big buddies need special care too, and this recipe gives them just that.
It starts with whitefish meal, a type of fish that’s low in saturated fat and empty calories. It’s not as oily as salmon, but whitefish still contains an abundance of Omega 3 fatty acids, phosphorus, niacin, and selenium.
And let’s not forget that whitefish is an excellent source of digestible protein, which reaches a total of 24% minimum in this recipe. But what is whitefish, exactly?
It’s not a specific name for a fish, rather it refers to many bottom-dwelling fish that have white flesh. Examples of whitefish are hake, halibut, whiting, haddock, and Atlantic cod.
Dogs with allergies to common animal proteins (like beef, for example) may do well with whitefish-based recipes. Because this recipe’s supporting protein ingredient is duck meal (another novel protein), there is little chance it could trigger an allergic response to food-sensitive canines.
Then there’s the requisite grains. This formulation, like many of Blackwood’s recipes, are chock full of healthy and wholesome grains, such as oatmeal, pearled barley, brown rice, sorghum, millet, and rice bran.
Dogs are not carnivores. They are omnivores, and thrive with starches, vegetables, and fruits in their diet alongside meat. Don’t believe the hype that dogs can’t digest grains easily. They can, and grains balance out a meat-based dish very well.
The benefits of grains to canines are long, but let’s highlight a few of the really good ones. Grains contain a lot of fiber, which are crucial to a healthy digestive system. They also offer up a lot of protein (and minerals and vitamins), and they’re an important part of a diet for dogs who are prone to chronic illnesses.
Since grains aren’t the only natural sources of nutrients, there’s also a long list of vegetables, fruits, and herbs here to add more nutrition to this diet. And while naturally-sourced nutrients are best, a plethora of supplemental ones certainly can’t hurt, which is exactly what this formulation is offering your pooches.
You have premium novel animal proteins, an abundance of nutrients (naturally-derived and supplemental), a long list of wholesome grains, and a nice blend of flavors and tastes. We definitely think this formulation for adult big breeds is worth recommending.
Made for a large dog’s everyday diet, you can be confident that all of your pet’s needs, from skin to bone and digestive health, are being taken care of.
While dry food has its advantages (texture, crunch, long life even when opened, and so on), wet food has a distinct lead on dry food when it comes to giving dogs food ingredients that are as close as possible to their natural state.
This recipe keeps it simple by sticking to one main animal protein — chicken. There is just one other type of meat here, which are mussels, but their inclusion mostly has to do with their chondroitin and glucosamine content. But let’s talk about that later.
Chicken is one of the most popular meats in dog foods, and it’s no wonder. This poultry meat has a distinctive and flavorful taste that both humans and dogs go wild over. But it’s not all about taste. Chicken is an excellent source of protein, zinc, copper, choline, iron, and Vitamin B12.
So we’re talking about nutrients, minerals, and vitamins, but what exactly do the above mentioned do?
Zinc, for one, is crucial to the functions of the thyroid and the immune system. Copper is responsible for the pigment in your dog’s hair and the absorption of iron, to name a few.
Choline restores normal brain function, Vit. B12 is involved in the formation of blood cells, and iron is essential in carrying oxygen in the blood cells throughout your pet’s body.
Protein, of course, is what most dog foods focus on because it is important in almost all bodily functions. It is crucial in repairing cells, supporting the immune system, and manufacturing antibodies, enzymes, and hormones.
Now back to the ingredients. After chicken comes chicken broth and chicken liver. Chicken liver isn’t that popular among humans, but dogs? They simply love it. In fact, chicken liver is sometimes prescribed by vets for picky eaters because the liver enhances a food’s palatability. It’s also high in protein, vitamin A (for eyesight), and fat.
You can also find a good amount of veggies here, such as pumpkin, peas, and carrots to provide a strong showing of fiber and antioxidant content.
Lastly, as mentioned above, this recipe includes dried New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussels. These provide a ton of omegas for a healthy skin and coat. The mussels also have significant levels of chondroitin and glucosamine, a compound and amino sugar respectively. These two keep your dog’s joints flexible and his bones strong.
We’re happy with this wet food recipe from Blackwood. It has a nice protein level of 9.5% (This is a good amount for wet food), a suitable fat content of 9%, and an average fiber level at 1.5%. It’s a straightforward recipe that’s mostly made up of chicken, veggies, and lots of supplemental vitamins and minerals.
It’s a holistic and all-natural formula that will serve and support adult dogs of all breeds well.
Dog Treats Reviews
Oven Baked
Baked treats are always welcome and these oven-baked ones for dogs will have them making puppy eyes at you for. The Oven-Baked range by Blackwood features two canine favorite flavors in one. They contain real protein as the first ingredient but no wheat, soy, or corn.
While pups enjoy a sweet treat every now and then, what really gets them excited are the savory ones. These oven-baked nuggets offer them the perfect rich-tasting reward that’s healthy too.
There are just a few ingredients in this recipe. Just eight to be exact, and they are all natural ones — even the preservative!
The formula starts with beef liver. If you’re new to dog ownership, canines go wild over liver. Even more so than they do over muscle meat. And if you have a finicky eater, livers can entice them to chow down.
There are three grains in this mixture. Barley, rye, and oats. Barley is a wholesome grain that’s low in cholesterol but abundant in fiber.
One of the main things that most dog foods promote aside from the protein content is the fiber level. It’s because a healthy digestion is crucial to a pup’s overall wellbeing, and fiber helps a lot with that. Fiber also aids the colon in recovering from injuries and speeds the elimination of wastes.
Rye and oats are somewhat similar in profile to barley when it comes to fiber content. Oatmeal is especially good when it comes to soluble fiber, which can help aging dogs deal with bowel irregularities.
Although not a grain, sweet potatoes (third ingredient) also contribute to the fiber content. And carbs as well, which serve as fuel for energetic bodies.
The rest of the ingredients are made up of sunflower oil, salmon, and pumpkin.
These treats contain 20% protein, 8% crude fat, and 4.5% crude fiber. Not bad for food that is meant only to be given as a reward or snack. The ingredients are all wholesome, and we can’t complain about the preservative used (sunflower oil). More than a preservative, it is also a superb source of omega 6s. Plus, it improves the palatability of the treats even more.
Overall, we give these treats a recommended rating.
Grain-Free
Pups with sensitivities need treats too! Blackwood’s Grain-Free range offers protein-packed and antioxidant-rich treats that dogs of all ages will love.
These treats offer a simple yet highly nutritious snack for your canine companion. Made from a single ingredient—pure chicken breast—these treats provide a natural, protein-rich reward that supports muscle development, energy levels and overall well-being.
The freeze-drying process helps preserve the essential nutrients, locking in the rich flavor and aroma that dogs love without the need for artificial additives or preservatives.
As a grain-free option, these treats are an excellent choice for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies, ensuring a wholesome and easily digestible snack.
With high levels of essential amino acids and vitamins like iron and B12, this lamb liver treats promote a healthy immune system, strong muscles and optimal organ function.
Lightweight and easy to break into smaller pieces, they are perfect for training sessions or as a nutritious reward anytime. Whether you’re reinforcing good behavior or simply treating your pup to a delicious, healthy snack, these single-ingredient treats provide the best in quality and taste.
Made in the USA?
All of Blackwood’s products are handcrafted in small batches in the family-operated facility located in Ohio. That means that this brand is indeed made in the USA. The company’s headquarters are located in Lisbon, OH and has been since the very beginning.
One thing you should note about this brand is that some of their canned foods may be imported from New Zealand – there is a note at the bottom of the page for each individual canned food recipe stating this fact. This shouldn’t be cause for concern, however, since New Zealand is one of the safest places for manufacturing pet foods outside the U.S.
The Blackwood company uses only the highest quality ingredients available including premium proteins, wholesome carbohydrates, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Their recipes are also supplemented with ideal levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, plus beneficial supplements for nutritional balance.
This brand produces all of their goods in company-owned facilities located in Ohio, but they don’t provide specific information about where their ingredients come from. Because this is a U.S.-based company, however, you can assume that most (if not all) of their ingredients come from the United States as well.
Recall History
The Blackwood brand is dedicated to the care and keeping of pets which is why they are so meticulous when it comes to the development, testing, and manufacturing of their products.
They hold themselves and their products to the highest standards and they deviate from the tradition held by many pet food manufacturers to slow-cook their products in small batches in a company-owned facility.
Because this brand is so careful with their products, you shouldn’t be surprised to learn that there aren’t any Blackwood recalls in recent history. This is not always a guarantee of quality for a pet food brand but, in this case, it support’s the brand’s claims regarding the quality and safety of their products.
How Expensive Are Their Products?
As one of the higher quality brands on the market, Blackwood pet foods are a little pricey. This brand uses fresh, premium-quality ingredients and their recipes are hand-crafted and made in small batches in U.S.-based kitchens.
Though this brand may be a little expensive, keep in mind that, with their recipes, you are paying for quality. For a 30-pound bag of kibble from the Grain-Free and Sensitive Diet line you’ll pay between $60 and $100 while a 30-pound bag of one of their original dry food recipes will cost closer to $50 to $60.
For a 12-count pack of canned food (13-ounce cans), you’ll pay between $35 and $42 which averages to about $3.20 per can.
List of Current Products Available
Blackwood dog food products can be divided into three different product lines – Everyday Recipes, Original Recipes, and Grain-Free or Sensitive Diet Recipes. The Everyday Recipes lineup includes five products for dogs in different life stages, including puppy, adult, and senior recipes as well as a large-breed adult formula.
The Original Recipes product line includes three dry food and four wet food recipes, including Blackwood’s 1000 Everyday Diet and their 2000 Active Diet. The final product line includes six dry food recipes that are grain-free and ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Every recipe that this brand offers is made with premium proteins, wholesome carbohydrates, and other healthy ingredients without the use of artificial additives.
Dry Products
Most of the products that this brand has to offer are dry foods, with many developed from the brand’s original products (named according to numbers starting with 1000).
Not only does this brand continue to offer their original recipes, but they also have an assortment of products that were developed from those products.
They now also have a number of grain-free options as well as formulas for dogs in specific life stages from puppy to senior dog. Here is a list of their dry recipes:
Everyday Recipes:
Complete and Balanced Diet (3 flavors)
Puppy & Performance Growing / Working Dogs
Lean/Senior Adult Dog Diet
Large Breed Adult Dog
Grain-Free & Sensitive Diet Recipes:
Lamb Meal & Brown Rice with Ancient Grains
Salmon Meal & Brown Rice with Ancient Grains
Catfish Meal with Ancient Grains Recipe
Turkey & Lentils Recipe (Small Breed)
Salmon & Field Pea Recipe
Chicken & Field Pea Recipe
Wet Products
The Blackwood pet food company offers a fairly limited selection of products when compared to many other top-shelf pet food brands. They currently offer only four wet food formulas.
These recipes come in large 13-ounce cans and they are made with the same premium ingredients as the brand’s dry food formulas. Here is a list of their wet recipes:
Wet Products:
Turkey & Turkey Liver With Pumpkin and New Zealand Green Mussels
Chicken & Salmon with Pumpkin and New Zealand Green Mussels
Chicken & Chicken Liver with Pumpkin and New Zealand Mussels
Final Take
Blackwood Dog Food stands out for its commitment to quality and care, crafting slow-cooked pet food designed to deliver optimal nutrition and exceptional taste.
Made in small batches at their family-operated facilities, each recipe reflects their dedication to wholesome, handcrafted nutrition that supports pets’ overall health and happiness.
With a philosophy that healthy, happy pets bring joy to their families, Blackwood extends this same care to their cat food line—ensuring every bowl is filled with goodness, flavor and love.
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Noreen possesses a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree from Informatics International College. While this credential might not elucidate her passion for pets, it does demonstrate her technical expertise and diverse character.
