The Blue Seal dog food brand states that its products are “formulated for a lifetime of health and happiness.” This brand understands that pets hold a special place in the hearts of their parents and, as such, they should be treated not as pets but as members of the family.
In return for their undying love and dedication, dogs deserve to be fed a high-quality diet made from nutritious ingredients that nourish their bodies from the inside out.
This may not be the largest or the most popular brand on the market, but it is one worth considering if you have a limited budget but still want to offer your dog a decent quality product.
The Blue Seal brand of dog food is manufactured by the Kent Nutrition Group, Inc. This company has general offices located in Muscatine, Iowa, but the website doesn’t provide specific information about where the brand’s products are actually manufactured except to say that its plants are located in the USA.
According to a brochure offered on the brand’s website, this company is committed to the quality of its products and it holds them to the highest standards from start to finish.
Each product is formulated by animal nutritionists and tested in a rigorous process carried out in their award-winning, certified-safe pet food facilities.
This brand makes it its mission to provide high-quality pet food products that give pets the nutrients they need to live along, healthy and happy life.
Blue Seal says that its products “adhere to the highest standards of pet nutrition that not only match their stage of life, but the activities they enjoy”.
The pet food company offers a decent variety of products, though Blue Seal reviews are not always entirely complimentary.
Regardless, it is important for you to take the time to evaluate the quality of any dog food product before you buy it for your dog.
This dry dog food offers a poultry-flavored, protein-rich formula enriched with essential vitamins and minerals, designed for normally active adult dogs.
It avoids artificial colors, flavors, soy, and includes beneficial ingredients like chelated minerals for metabolic health and yeast culture for better nutrient absorption.
However, the primary ingredient is ground corn, which offers limited nutritional value and may trigger allergies. Corn gluten meal and wheat, also present, are less digestible and add to the low-quality plant protein content.
The recipe's only animal protein source is an unnamed poultry by-product meal, further lowering its quality. While chicken fat and chelated minerals are positive additions, the heavy reliance on low-grade grains and synthetic supplements makes this formula less desirable for optimal canine health.
2. Natural 26 Active
First 5 ingredients: Pork Meat and Bone Meal, Ground Corn, Ground Wheat, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken Fat
This recipe is designed for “normally active to hard-working dogs” of all life stages, meeting AAFCO nutritional standards without artificial colors or flavors.
The primary ingredient, pork meat and bone meal, provides protein and fat, making it suitable for active dogs. However, pork has lower protein content than other meats like chicken or beef.
The recipe includes multigrain ingredients like ground corn, wheat, corn gluten meal, and dried beet pulp, which provide quick energy but are often criticized for their limited nutritional value. Chicken fat, preserved with vitamin E, supports a healthy immune system, skin, and coat.
With a 26% crude protein content, this formula relies on both animal protein and grains to meet energy needs. However, it may not be suitable for dogs with grain sensitivities or intolerances.
Overall, it's a practical, low-cost option for providing protein and energy to active dogs, though it may lack higher-quality ingredients found in premium formulas.
3. EnTrust Lamb Meal, Rice & Pea Recipe
First 5 ingredients: Lamb Meal, Brown Rice, Ground Barley, Ground Oats, Chicken Fat
Made from real lamb protein which provides essential amino acids that dogs need for muscle development and energy. This recipe also contains supplementary fibers, fruits, veggies and Omegas to promote overall well-being.
This lamb & rice kibble offers a well-balanced formula featuring highly digestible lamb protein and moderate fat levels to maintain an ideal body condition.
It is free from corn, wheat, soy, and artificial additives, making it a suitable choice for many dogs. In addition to lamb meal as the primary ingredient, the formula includes digestible carbohydrates like brown rice, barley, and oats, and is fortified with Blue Seal’s NutriVantage supplement for overall wellness.
It also contains fish meal and pea protein, though the inclusion of plant proteins like pea protein concentrate is less biologically valuable for dogs.
The carbohydrates and fiber sources, such as peas, flaxseed, and beet pulp, are generally well-tolerated, though some dogs may have issues with grains. Chicken fat and fish oil provide beneficial omega fatty acids for coat and skin health.
While the formula includes fresh fruits and vegetables, it relies on synthetic supplements for complete nutrition. Chelated minerals improve nutrient absorption, but the recipe could benefit from more probiotics and additional chelated minerals.
Overall, this recipe offers solid nutrition but falls short in some areas, making it a mid-range option in terms of quality. It’s not the worst choice, but there are potentially better options in the same price range.
It’s packed with real chicken protein containing essential amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids to support brain development and antioxidants to develop a strong immune system.
This puppy recipe is a protein-rich formula designed for small and medium-breed puppies, as well as pregnant, lactating, and active dogs.
Its primary protein source is chicken meal, which is a concentrated form of chicken that undergoes a rendering process to remove water and fat while eliminating bacteria. Although this process reduces some of the chicken's natural nutrients, synthetic supplements are added to ensure balanced nutrition.
Ground corn serves as the main carbohydrate, which is a controversial ingredient among pet owners. While some believe it lacks nutritional value, veterinarians suggest it provides partial nutrition.
Combined with ground barley, this recipe has a high carbohydrate content, which could potentially cause allergies or digestive issues over time. Corn gluten meal adds to the protein value and supports muscle development and skin health.
Chicken fat, preserved with mixed tocopherols, is a standout ingredient, providing essential fatty acids, improving the taste, and offering a concentrated energy source for active and nursing dogs.
In summary, this is an affordable option for puppies, but its high carbohydrate content may be a drawback for some. While it provides practical nutrition with quality ingredients like chicken fat, pet owners looking for lower-carb options may want to consider alternatives.
This is a special formula that is tailored fit to the needs of highly active dogs. It is fortified with an exclusive blend of trace minerals, antioxidants, organic macromolecules and chelating agents.
Specially designed for canine athletes, providing nutrient-dense calories to support optimal nutrition and energy. It is also beneficial for pregnant and nursing dogs, as well as pups struggling with weight gain.
The main ingredient, chicken meal, offers concentrated protein, with 300% more protein than fresh chicken due to the removal of water during processing.
Fish meal and dried egg enhance the protein content, contributing to a 30% protein and 20% fat composition, and offer omega-3 fatty acids for brain, heart, and vision health.
The carbohydrates come primarily from brewer’s rice, considered a filler with limited nutritional value, and ground barley, which adds fiber and nutrients like vitamin B and manganese.
Chicken fat provides a rich source of omega-6 fatty acids, boosting heart health and palatability, making it useful for dogs that struggle to gain weight.
Other ingredients like ground flaxseed, rice bran, and beet pulp add fiber and support digestion and coat health. While some ingredients may seem of lower quality, the formula delivers a balanced diet for active dogs, supported by antioxidants, trace minerals, and synthetic nutrients.
Ultimately, the suitability of this food depends on individual dogs' nutritional needs, and it’s essential to consider ingredient quality when making dietary decisions for pets.
These are versatile, healthy snacks suitable for dogs of all ages. They can be used as treats, training rewards, or to help clean teeth through the abrasive action of chewing.
The biscuits contain grains like wheat flour, wheat middlings, and corn gluten meal. Whole-wheat flour offers nutritional value, while wheat middlings serve as a lower-quality filler, though they still provide energy.
Corn gluten meal adds plant-based protein, and poultry by-product meal delivers animal-based protein, though its quality is unclear due to the unspecified poultry source.
Chicken fat provides a healthy fat source, rounding out the macronutrient profile. The biscuits offer moderate protein, low fiber for digestive health, and are fortified with vitamins, minerals, and yeast culture for added digestive support.
Though some ingredients, like poultry by-product meal and wheat middlings, are not premium, the biscuits are nutritionally balanced, affordable, and popular with dogs due to their flavor.
7. Lobster Bisque-It Flavor Dog Biscuits
Rating: 4/5 Stars
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Blue Seal Lobster Bisque-It Flavor Dog Biscuits
A healthy, nutritious snack for dogs of all ages. Stuffed with lobster meal, this biscuit treat is ideal for training rewards while keeping your dog's teeth clean and white.
These biscuits are nutritious, medium-sized dog treats that can be broken into smaller pieces for all dogs, regardless of age.
With a unique lobster meal as the primary protein source, these treats are ideal for dogs with sensitivities to common proteins. Lobster meal is more nutrient-dense than fresh lobster due to its reduced water content.
The limited ingredient recipe includes wheat flour and brown rice for carbohydrates, providing antioxidants, fiber, and essential nutrients.
However, wheat middlings, a byproduct, are considered a lower-quality filler. Vegetable oil, though unspecified, offers essential fats likely containing omega fatty acids for skin and coat health.
With only seven ingredients, these treats offer a simple, nutritious option with 16% protein and 4% fiber for digestive health. Despite the good nutritional content, the use of byproducts and unspecified vegetable oil prevents it from ranking higher.
Made in the USA?
All Blue Seal dog foods are made in the USA in manufacturing facilities run by the Kent Nutrition Group, Inc. The brand speaks to the quality of its products in relation to safety of its manufacturing facilities, stating that those are certified-safe.
It does not, however, provide specific information about where these manufacturing facilities are located.
All we know is that these products are made in the USA somewhere.
Not only does Blue Seal fail to mention exactly where it manufactures its products, but the brand also doesn’t provide any specific information about where it gets its ingredients.
The brand itself began as a grist mill in 1868 in Lawrence, Massachusetts and grew into one of the largest feed manufacturing companies in the Northeast United States.
As a feed supplier, you can expect this brand to use a number of different grains in its products, though it does have some grain-free options. This brand uses some corn and wheat products as well as barley, rice and other digestible carbohydrates.
Most recipes include some fresh fruits and vegetables for nutritional balance, but there are also a lot of synthetic supplements on the list for most products.
Recall History
The Blue Seal brand states that it, “strives to be the most trusted and preeminent regionally focused animal nutrition brand in the East” and it speaks to the quality and safety of its products on the brand’s website. Every product is rigorously tested for safety before release and the brand offers a complete satisfaction guarantee.
These dog foods are manufactured in U.S. facilities, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that it is a high-quality brand. It bodes well, however, that there aren’t any Blue Seal recalls in recent history.
It does look like some of its products were being made by Menu Foods at the time of the 2007 recall, but none of Blue Seal’s products were taken off pet store shelves.
How Expensive Are Their Products?
This brand is sold primarily at feed stores, so it is one of the more affordable pet foods on the shelf. The average cost for a 30-pound bag of dry food is between $35 and $55, depending on the recipe. You might be able to save a little money with Blue Seal coupons, if you can find them.
List of Current Products Available
The Blue Seal brand of dog food has a more limited assortment of product choices than many brands, but its products are formulated for dogs in different life stages so you can choose the one that is right for your dog.
Most of the products belong to the EnTrust line of kibbles, which are precisely balanced with quality ingredients including concentrated meat proteins and the NutriVantage nutrition optimizer, a proprietary supplement designed to ensure complete and balanced nutrition.
Currently, the brand does not offer any wet food varieties and is solely focused on providing kibbles and biscuits.
Dry Products
This brand offers three product lines of dry dog food – Classics, EnTrust, and Native. The Classics line only includes two recipes – Krunchies and Natural 26. The EnTrust line, on the other hand, includes ten recipes for dogs in all life stages and with different activity levels.
The newest Blue Seal dog food range is Native. It is dedicated specially for performance athletes and features five levels of recipes to support different canine activities.
Each formula usually begins with a concentrated source of meat protein, and they are all supplemented for nutritional balance. Here is a list of their dry recipes:
Classics:
Classics Kruniches Recipe
Classics Natural 26 Recipe
EnTrust:
EnTrust Puppy Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe
EnTrust Large Breed Puppy Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe
EnTrust Active Dog Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe
EnTrust Adult Dog Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe
EnTrust Adult Dog Lamb Meal & Rice Recipe
EnTrust Adult Dog Lamb Meal, Rice & Pea Recipe
EnTrust Adult Dog Pork & Barley Recipe
EnTrust Senior Dog Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe
EnTrust Weight Control Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe
EnTrust Grain-Free Chicken Meal, Pea & Sweet Potato Recipe
Native:
Native Level 1 (24 Protein 14 Fat)
Native Level 2 (26 Protein 16 Fat)
Native Level 3 (30 Protein 20 Fat)
Native Level 4 (35 Protein 25 Fat)
Native Puppy (28 Protein 15 Fat)
Treats
In addition to their complete and balanced dog food products, this brand also offers an assortment of dog treats in the form of biscuits.
These biscuits previously came in different sizes but are now limited to medium ones. Here is a list of their dog treat recipes:
Original Flavor Dog Biscuits
Peanut Butter Flavor Dog Biscuits
Lobster Bisque-It Flavor
Assorted Flavors Dog Biscuits
Our Verdict
Blue Seal is a well-established brand offering a variety of formulas that cater to different canine needs, including active dogs, puppies, and those with specific dietary requirements.
The brand incorporates both animal-based proteins, like chicken meal and fish meal, as well as plant-based carbohydrates such as wheat and corn.
While some of the recipes use high-quality ingredients like chelated minerals, omega fatty acids, and natural preservatives, they also include lower-quality fillers like wheat middlings and byproducts in certain formulations.
Blue Seal provides cost-effective options for pet owners looking for practical nourishment for their dogs. However, the use of fillers and unspecified ingredients, like generic vegetable oil or by-products, may raise concerns for those seeking premium dog food.
Overall, Blue Seal offers balanced nutrition at an affordable price, but discerning pet owners might prefer brands with more transparent ingredient sourcing and higher-quality proteins.
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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.
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