Castor and Pollux Dog Food Review, Recalls & Coupons [Updated May 2023]

Castor and Pollux dog food is an all-natural brand of premium pet food compared to other dog food brands.

If you didn’t know anything about this brand, you might think that it was named after the founder’s pets but the names Castor and Pollux actually come from Greek mythology.

Twin brothers, Castor and Pollux appeared in several Greek myths but don’t worry – there is nothing mythological about the pet food. It is just wholesome and nutritious pet food, plain and simple.

The company was started by Shelley Gunton and Brian Connolly, loving parents of a lab/pointer mix named Joey. What started as a homemade dog food recipe has blossomed over the past twenty years into one of the top natural and organic pet food brands on the market.

Their pet foods are designed to nourish the bodies of pets from the inside out, providing them with all of the essential nutrients they need and nothing they don’t. It simply stands apart from other dog foods in the market today.

Manufacturer Information

The Castor and Pollux Natural PetWorks company was launched in 1999 with the release of the world’s first branded, premium-quality line of specialty pet food products.

The Organix line of organic pet foods and treats was released in 2003 and three years later, saw the debut of the Natural Ultramix line of products (now discontinued).

Though they began as a family-owned operation, the company was acquired by Merrick Pet Care, Inc. in 2012 in an effort to spread the brand across the country – Merrick is the only U.S. pet food manufacturer certified to product dry and canned organic pet food products.

In 2015, the Merrick Pet Care company was acquired by Nestle Purina PetCare, currently the second-largest pet food company in the world and the largest in the United States.

Because companies that set standards should always be ahead of the game, Castor & Pollux elevated Organix from simply being an organic line into a USDA-certified organic range in 2017.

They also introduced Pristine (a line dedicated to responsibly-sourced food) in that same year.

Castor and Pollux Dog Food Reviews

Castor and Pollux takes pet nutrition very seriously which is why they use only the freshest natural and organic ingredients in their pet food products.

This brand is the self-described “leader in organic and natural pet food” and one of the only pet food companies that offers certified-organic products.

This company makes some pretty lofty claims about the quality and nutrition of their products but these claims appear to be founded in truth.

A quick review of several their products reveals the use of organic meats and digestible carbohydrates, not to mention plenty of healthy fats and wholesome fruits and vegetables.

Their products are also free from corn, wheat, and soy ingredients as well as artificial additives.

Reviewed Castor and Pollux Dog Foods

1. Castor and Pollux Organix Organic Chicken & Sweet Potato
2. Castor and Pollux Organix Grain-Free Organic Chicken & Vegetable Recipe
3. Castor and Pollux Organix Organic Peanut Butter Flavor Cookies
4. Castor and Pollux Pristine Wild-Caught Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe with Raw Bites
5. Castor and Pollux Pristine Free-Range Turkey, Carrot & Apple Stew
6. Castor and Pollux Pristine Grain-Free Cage-Free Duck, Pea & Carrot Stew
7. Castor and Pollux Pristine Mixer Grain-Free Free-Range Chicken Recipe
8. Castor and Pollux Pristine Grain-Free Grass-Fed Lamb Recipe Sausages Dog Treats
9. Castor and Pollux Pristine Grass-Fed Beef Bone Broth Seasoned With Turmeric
10. Castor and Pollux Good Buddy Peanut Butter Flavor Cookies
11. Castor and Pollux Good Buddy Sausage Cuts Real Beef Recipe

 

Organix

The Organix line by Castor & Pollux debuted in 2013 as a range that specializes in organic pet food. Every Organix product is not just organic, but certified as USDA Organic. What does this mean for you?

You can rest assured that every ingredient in every Organix food is produced without using synthetic fertilizers, chemical pesticides, added growth hormones or antibiotics, or artificial preservatives. All recipes are non-GMO and contain no soy, corn, or wheat.

The products under the Organix line is composed of dry kibbles, canned food, and treats.

1. Organix Grain-Free Chicken and Sweet Potato

Rating: 5/5 stars

First 5 ingredients: Organic Chicken, Organic Chicken Meal, Organic Sweet Potatoes, Organic Potatoes, Organic Peas

A blend of superfoods, omega fatty acids, and premium quality meat make up this natural food. The main source of animal meat here (and the only one) is chicken. It takes up different forms: as fresh chicken, chicken meal, chicken liver, and chicken fat. Everything is, of course, organic as the range proudly boasts.

Why does being organic make a difference? Organic food is healthier, and in the case of the chicken here, it may contain much more omega fatty acids than your conventionally-raised poultry. Also, fewer than 6% organic chickens have been found to be infected with salmonella than non-organic ones.

We’re happy that this recipe chooses to keep it as simple as possible. It relies on only one animal to provide its food and nutrients. For example, the fresh chicken and the organic chicken meal provides most of the protein to reach the total crude protein content of 26%.

The chicken fat is for adding cushioning, insulation, and energy to canine bodies. (This is a very important ingredient in dog foods.) It also improves the taste of kibbles and gives them consistency. The organic chicken liver is for providing fat, protein, vitamin A, and added palatability to the food.

Since this is a grain-free formulation, the sweet potatoes here provide the carbohydrates that dogs need for fuel. Not only do sweet potatoes provide carbs, they’re also high in vitamins A, B6, and C as well as fiber, iron, manganese, and copper.

There are plenty of other wholesome ingredients here including peas, chickpeas, sunflower seed meal, and three kinds of oil. The chickpeas and the peas are there to boost the protein content of the recipe. (Why protein? Proteins are essential in the development, growth, and maintenance of cells.)

Sunflower seed meal is not something you often see in recipes. So why is it there? Sunflower seed meal contains lots of fatty acids and Vitamin E that supports beautiful skin and coat, and promotes the production of good cholesterol. It also contains trace minerals that help reduce anxiety and enhance brain activity.

Oils are also an integral part of dog food diets. The omega fatty acids in them help relieve itchy skin, reduce scaling, support a strong heart, and keep the coat beautiful. To make sure dogs get enough, Castor & Pollux put in coconut oil, sunflower oil, and salmon oil.

This USDA Organic recipe is made with at least 95% organic ingredients. It is a truly healthy and balanced meal that pups of all ages and breeds will enjoy and benefit from.

2. Organix Organic Chicken & Vegetable Recipe

Rating: 4.5/5

First 5 ingredients: Organic Chicken, Water Sufficient for Processing, Organic Chicken Liver, Organic Pea Flour, Organic Peas

US Certified 95% organic, this wet food formulation contains minimally processed veggies and fruits, protein-rich chicken, digestive health supportive probiotics, and coat-enhancing omega fatty acids. It also has increased calories (42k kcal/12.oz can) that’s great for canines who are recovering from injury or illness, or for dogs who simply need to gain weight.

The first ingredient in premium pet foods is always a high-quality meat source, and in this recipe, it’s chicken. The chicken here provides most of the protein content pooches need to build and repair their tissues. But it is supported by the presence of peas, which help boost the protein content to a minimum of 7.5%.

Many pet owners aren’t fond of organs, particularly liver, but did you know these contain so much more nutrients than simple muscle meat? It’s not surprising that Castor & Pollux decided to add chicken liver into the mix.

Most dogs go wild over the taste of liver (try feeding a picky eater some and you’ll be amazed at how fast they’ll gobble it up), but it is its high protein, vitamin A, and fat content that makes it so prized.

The high fat content contributes to the increase in caloric content. This is good for dogs that need to gain or regain weight. However, if your dog is already at a healthy weight, you might want to alternate feed your dog with another recipe that has lower calories.

Apart from those mentioned above, there are also apples, blueberries, flaxseed, and coconut flour making up the key ingredients. We already know that blueberries and apples are superfoods loaded with antioxidants, but what are flaxseed and coconut flour doing here?

In grain-free foods, coconut flour offers plant-based nutrition that is calorie dense. They contain lauric acid, which some vets believe to improve digestion, brain energy, mental functions, and provide defense against viruses and bacterial infections.

Flaxseed, whether ground or used as an oil, is packed full of alpha linolenic acid or Omega-3 — a fatty acid that contributes to your dog’s cell membrane structure, immune function, growth, normal reproduction, and health of the skin and coat.

It’s also full of fiber that helps support a healthy digestive system. Lastly, flaxseed can help your pup find relief from minor joint issues and aid with their mobility.

This recipe has added vitamins and minerals to make every feeding a wholesome and healthy experience. It is handcrafted in small batches to ensure that quality is topmost with every product that comes out of Castor & Pollux’s certified organic kitchen.

3. Organix Organic Cookies Peanut Butter Flavor

Rating: 4.5/5

First 5 ingredients: Organic Chicken, Organic Peas, Organic Brown Rice, Organic Oats, Organic Barley

You know when your dog gives you that puppy-eyed look that you just can’t resist? It’s time to break out the treats! Castor & Pollux Organix Organic Cookies make the perfect snacks for cute pups who give you that begging look or as rewards for good behavior.

These cookies measure 1 ½ each long each and contain about 8 calories only per cookie. You can easily break them to feed little dogs, but they have that nice crunchy texture that makes chewing a treat.

Just because they’re treats don’t mean they have to be unhealthy. These cookies contain a good amount of protein (15%), fat (14%), and fiber (5%). They also contain just the right level of moisture for dry food (10%) to help keep canines hydrated.

The cookies start off with fresh chicken as the first ingredient. In recipes, whatever ingredient is listed first is the one that makes up the bulk of the meal.

Meats, of course, provide protein but the inclusion of peas in the formulation helps to bring the protein content even higher. (If you’ve noticed, the protein content in this bag of treats is more compared to an average full meal of wet canned dog food.)

These aren’t grain-free cookies, but that’s alright. Dogs are omnivores who do well with or without grains in their diet. In fact, there are three types of grains here — brown rice, oats, and barley.

Brown rice is far more nutritious than white. They give off digestible carbohydrates that can provide canines an additional source of energy and heat or used as building blocks for other types of nutrients. It also has B vitamins and minerals.

Oats provide fiber, an essential nutrient bulk up stools to make it easier for them to pass through. Fiber also makes waste elimination regular for pups and enhances the other nutrients that dogs get from their food.

Barley is like a mixture of the first two grain ingredients. It is a carbohydrate and high in fiber. It’s also low in cholesterol and is very digestible.

Since the list of ingredients in this cookie recipe is blissfully short, we’ll list the rest here and discuss a few. The other ingredients that make up these treats are: chicken fat, chicken flavor, peanut butter flavor, flaxseed, and rosemary extract.

Don’t worry about the flavoring. They’re all natural (Castor & Pollux does not believe in using artificial anything). Plus, they give an interesting taste to the meal.

So what about the rest? Well, chicken fat gives additional insulation, energy, and cushioning to pups. Not to mention, they bring the palatability level higher.

Flaxseed brings omega fatty acids into the food (to beautify the coat and skin). And rosemary extract is a natural preservative as well as antioxidant. It’s also thought of to be an anti-cancer agent.

Should we feed these to our dogs? Yes, definitely if you want to reward them with a tasty but healthy food.

Pristine

Responsibly-sourced ingredients is what the Castor & Pollux’s Pristine range is all about. The first ingredient in Pristine product line is always a meat or poultry that was responsibly-raised. For fish recipes, they are always wild caught.

Responsibly-raised means the animal the meat comes from has lots of access to natural light, fresh air, and space to roam. They’re also given a healthy diet that makes no use of hormones or antibiotics.

The fish in every Pristine recipe is most assuredly wild caught and MSC-certified (MSC stands for Marine Stewardship Council). Only fisheries with environmentally-sustainable practices are certified by the MSC.

Because Pristine recipes also contain fruits and vegetables, only those responsibly-grown are used. They’re all organic — no chemical pesticides, no synthetic fertilizers, and no GMO. Organic food = healthier pet.

4. PRISTINE Wild-Caught Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe with Raw Bites

Rating: 5/5 stars

First 5 ingredients: Salmon, Lamb Meal, Organic Pea Protein, Organic Peas, Organic Chickpeas

Pristine is the only complete range of pet food that is made entirely from ingredients that have been responsibly sourced by suppliers. This recipe, like all recipes from the Pristine line, features wholesome and delicious food that pups won’t get enough of.

Wild-caught salmon that has been caught by a sustainable-certified fishery starts off the list. While salmon may not contain as much protein as beef or chicken, it more than makes up for it with plenty of omega fatty acids, specifically Omega 3 and 6.

What exactly are Omega 3 and 6, and what do they do? These two are fatty acids that are essential to the body’s function. Pups and humans alike benefit from these.

In dogs, the acids act to make the skin and coat healthier, support brain and tissue development, manage inflammation, and more. Needless to say, but all canines from all life stages will gain much with these added to their diet.

To augment the protein content of salmon, Castor & Pollux added lamb meal and whitefish. Fresh lamb has much protein, but lamb that has been cooked to reduce moisture (meal) will have more protein content if you go by volume. (The moisture taken out usually makes up a high percentage of any meat.)

Whitefish, like salmon, also contains both omega fatty acids and protein. The term ‘whitefish’ does not refer to a specific fish, though. It may refer to haddock, halibut, cod, pollock, or more.

Thus, you can’t be sure which vitamins and minerals are present in this ingredient unless you know precisely what whitefish is used. But you can be assured that it’s a good thing to have in a pet food.

A plant protein in the form of peas and chickpeas also lend their support to the entirety of the meal by bringing the total minimum protein content to 28% — this is considered to be above average already.

You might ask, why is so much emphasis placed on protein in this and any other dog food recipe? This is because protein is considered to be one of the most crucial things in a dog’s diet. Protein is responsible for repairing, growing, and maintaining cells and muscles in your pet’s body.

As is usual with grain-free food, a suitable alternative for carbohydrate must be found. In this formulation, sweet potatoes and tapioca both play that role. They both also play a second role and that is to provide a healthy dietary fiber content to each meal.

One other thing that is always a part of any dog food recipe is fat. In this particular formulation, Pristine decided to go with pork fat. Don’t be concerned. Fat is not bad. Dogs need it for stamina, to keep them warmer in case of cold weather, and for their metabolic needs. Besides, pork fat (and anything pork) is less likely to cause an allergic reaction than other protein sources.

How do we rate this diet? A very high 5! It is a completely balanced meal with a nutrient-dense formulation. Plus, it doesn’t just contain dry kibbles, this recipe will also give your pet a taste of the nutrition of raw with the freeze-dried Raw Bites mixed in. Your dog will definitely enjoy the varying texture and taste with every bite.

5. PRISTINE Free-Range Turkey, Carrot & Apple Stew

Rating: 4.5/5

First 5 ingredients: Organic Turkey, Chicken Broth, Water Sufficient For Processing, Organic Chicken Liver, Organic Pea Protein

For Pristine’s wet canned food range, let’s explore this turkey, carrot, and apple recipe.

You know you are feeding your dog with premium, organic food when the main ingredient is organically-fed and raised responsibly. Turkey is the first, making up the bulk of this yummy stew.

It’s a nice protein source because it’s lean and contains less fat — ideal for canines that are maintaining their weight.

Second in the list is broth made from chicken. Not only does this add enhanced palatability to the food, but the broth is also a delicious way you can get pups to stay hydrated. In this formulation, chicken broth together with water bring the moisture content up to a maximum of 81%.

There’s another meat ingredient here, but it’s from another animal source. The meat is chicken liver, and it’s chock full of good things for your dog. There’s protein, but there’s also iron, vitamin A, vitamin B12, folic acid, zinc, and so much more!

In fact, if you compare the same weight of muscle meat to liver, you’d find out that the liver has 2 or more times the amount of nutrients.

While plant protein is not a good thing when used as the main protein source in food, it’s a great addition if it only acts as a support. For this reason, we welcome the inclusion of pea protein and dried peas.

They help the turkey and liver to bring up the minimum crude protein content of the food up to 8%. (This might look low to you, but wet food contains less protein than kibbles. This is average.)

There are a few other ingredients in the list, although it is made up mostly of healthy veggies, natural preservatives, and added vitamins and minerals. Three are a bit more interesting. These are salmon oil, sunflower oil, and yucca schidigera.

The two oils help hydrate a pup’s fur and keep it soft and looking rich. This is from the Omega 3 and 6 that they contain. But that’s not all omega fatty acids do. They are also important for cognitive function and a healthy heart, skin, and immune system.

Yucca schidigera sounds exotic and a mouthful, but what is it? It’s a plant that has a high number of polyphenolics and saponins that may help reduce arthritic pains and inflammations. It also has that side benefit of reducing waste odor by as much as 26%.

Do we recommend this recipe? Yes, although we would wish for a higher protein content than 8%. Overall, however, we find no fault in the formulation and are impressed about the quality of ingredients.

6. PRISTINE Cage-Free Duck, Pea & Carrot Stew

Rating: 4.5/5

First 5 ingredients: Duck, Chicken Broth, Water Sufficient For Processing, Organic Chicken Liver, Organic Pea Protein

This PRISTINE Duck, Pea & Carrot Stew recipe is made with “hearty portions of natural duck, chicken liver, green beans, carrots and organic tapioca” to provide your dog with a meat-rich diet that is complete and balanced.

As part of the Pristine lineup, this formula is loaded with fresh, natural ingredients like real meat, fresh veggies, and whole grains. It provides a balance of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat as well as natural sources for key nutrients. It is also highly digestible and full of natural flavor.

As promised, the first ingredient in this formula is fresh duck. This ingredient is supplemented with organic chicken liver as a supplementary source of animal protein. These two protein-rich ingredients are separated by chicken broth and water.

While these ingredients don’t provide much in the way of nutrition, they help to maintain the moisture level of this formula and the chicken broth contributes some natural flavor as well.

What is somewhat troubling to see is the addition of pea protein later on in the list – this is a plant protein and therefore less biologically valuable for your dog than any animal protein.

The main sources of carbohydrate in this recipe are carrots, dried peas, green beans, tapioca starch and dried egg. All of these are gluten-free and grain-free carbohydrates that offer good digestibility for dogs – they also contribute some dietary fiber to support his digestive system.

The fats in this recipe don’t appear until the end of the list which is a little strange – it is also worth noting that they are all plant-based fats. This recipe is supplemented with vitamins and minerals and it does contain several thickeners.

The only problem with the synthetic supplements is they offer limited bio-availability for your dog – chelated minerals would be more biologically valuable.

Overall, this stew is a quality source of balanced nutrition for dogs in all life stages. This recipe starts off strong with duck and chicken as the primary ingredients with chicken broth thrown in for moisture and flavor.

All of the carbohydrates used in this recipe are gluten-free, though there is one grain – rice. As long as your dog doesn’t have a grain sensitivity, however, he should be fine.

This recipe could be improved with the replacement of the pea protein with another meat-based ingredient as well as the inclusion of an animal-based fat. It also wouldn’t hurt to add some chelated minerals and probiotics.

7. PRISTINE Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Raw Meal or Mixer (Chicken)

Rating: 5/5 stars

First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Broth, Organic Dried Peas, Organic Dried Potatoes

Mixers were created to take away a pup’s food boredom. Say you’ve found the perfect healthy balanced meal for your pet, but it only comes in one or two flavors.

After weeks of eating the same thing over and over, your dog is going to want some change. Adding mixers, or food toppers, to their regular food will bring the variety that they crave.

Just because you need to alleviate your dog’s food boredom does not mean you can just get any old food topper. Don’t forget to think healthy! For this reason, Pristine created a line of wholesome recipes that will keep pups interested in their regular diet.

This delicious food topper keeps it simple by sticking to one animal —chicken — for its meat and protein offering. There’s chicken, chicken liver, and chicken broth to give the mixer an overwhelmingly rich savory taste.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a truly balanced meal if there aren’t any veggies or fruits to round it off. There is a good amount here, including a few superfoods like blueberries and apples.

The peas boost up the protein content of the mixers; potatoes give much-needed carbohydrates; flaxseed contains omega fatty acids; and the apples, blueberries, and carrots contain a lot of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

And before we forget, this recipe also contains some other pretty remarkable ingredients that you may want to know about. Such as salmon oil, dried kelp, and chicory root.

Oil is an essential part of any dog food diet because this is where dogs get their fatty acids from. There are many different types of oil, and salmon oil is one type that is considered as high-quality.

Salmon oil contains long-chain Omega-3 acids EPA, DHA, and DPA that are responsible for keeping cell membranes healthy. It also has plentiful Omega 6 acids.

You’ve probably seen dried kelp before. Some brands add it to their dog food products, but why? It’s because kelp is nutrient-dense. It contains a combined 60 minerals and vitamins and it has 21 amino acids! One of its nutrients is iodine, which helps balance glandular and thyroid functions that may benefit dogs who have hypothyroidism.

Lastly, there is chicory root, a source of inulin. Chicory root (a prebiotic fiber) is often added to dog food to improve mineral absorption (especially for calcium) and feed the good bacteria in the gut, thus leading to an excellent working digestive system and overall good health.

Because the ingredients are raw and freeze-dried, all the nutrients of each are locked in and the food stays fresh longer. You can choose to give them as is or add water to hydrate them before you feed the meal to your canine.

We’ve always been fans of organic food and raw nutrition because these present dogs with ingredients that are as close to their natural state as possible (minimized processing). And because all of the freshness and nutrients are locked in, your pet gets more nutrition. For example, the crude protein for this topper is at a high 44% minimum.

Raw diets also give fewer calories, so those canines who need to lose weight or need to maintain their current one won’t gain too much when these are added on top of their usual meal.

8. PRISTINE Grass-Fed Lamb Recipe Sausages

Rating: 5/5 stars

All ingredients: Lamb, Dry Cultured Skim Milk, Mixed Tocopherols, Rosemary Extract

A purposeful reward for your pet will benefit both of you. Your pet will get that tasty treat he deserves, while you get to be content knowing that you’re giving him nothing but healthy food.

Castor & Pollux’s Pristine range contains wholesome recipes that are best for giving to that behaved pooch of yours. One of these recipes is the Grass-Fed Lamb Sausage Cut treats that are based on free-range and responsibly-grown lamb.

Now for those pet owners who have canines allergic to beef, lamb is an excellent alternative. It has lots of that savory and rich taste of red meat that dogs go crazy over. While the meat contains about the same amount of calories as beef, lamb has far more omega fatty acids.

These sausage cuts have been crafted to be as simple but as tasty as possible. There is no need to worry about a long list of ingredients to read through (in case you have a food sensitive pet) because there are only four here.

The main ingredient is, of course, lamb. It provides all the protein that dogs need for their tissue repair, growth, and maintenance. Since these sausages contain lots of it (pegged at 30% minimum), these can be given to augment a dog’s diet from time to time.

The second is dried cultured skim milk. It is just dehydrated milk so deemed quite safe for pets. This food ingredient is full of calcium, protein, and vitamin D. However, be warned that skim milk still contains lactose. If your pet has a known lactose or dairy allergy, it is best to stay away from this.

Fourth are mixed tocopherols. Whenever you read this, know that it’s simply talking about the different sources for vitamin E. The tocopherols vary slightly from one another and are usually found in seeds, oils, nuts, and veggies.

But why make an exception for vitamin E? Well, it’s a very powerful antioxidant that protects from free radicals, supports the immune system, and maintains healthy muscles.

But it’s not because of Vitamin E’s nutrients that mixed tocopherols are commonly found in dog food. It’s vitamin E’s oxidation-reducing capability that makes them so desirable. Tocopherols naturally preserve food and give it a longer shelf life.

The fourth and last ingredient of these sausage treats is rosemary extract. It also acts as a natural preservative, but has the added benefit of being known as an anti-cancer agent.

With so few ingredients, this recipe still manages to bring pups a good amount of nutrition. (Example, crude protein is pegged at 30% minimum.) It’s an uncomplicated recipe that will help your dog feel full in between meals. Careful not to feed too much, though. Give your pooch just one or two because each treat contains 29kcal.

9. PRISTINE Grass-Fed Beef Bone Broth Seasoned with Turmeric

Rating: 4.5/5

All ingredients: Beef Broth, Beef Fat, Salt, Natural Flavor, Organic Turmeric

Lately, a new trend has been emerging in dog food. More and more pet owners are using bone broths in their pups’ meals. What is it and why is it important?

Bone broth is a superfood stock liquid that’s made from simmering bones for a long time. It’s a relatively inexpensive way to augment a dog’s diet with lots of nutrition.

Bone broth is loaded with glucosamine and collagen that are vital for bone and joint health. It’s great for convalescing dogs that don’t have much appetite, and it’s an excellent way to detoxify the liver with its glycine content.

You can also feed this to your dog on cold days when a warm liquidy treat is in order or whenever you feel that your dog needs extra nourishment.

The ingredients list for this beef bone broth recipe is relatively straightforward. There are only five ingredients, namely beef broth, beef fat, salt, natural flavor, and turmeric (in that order).

Because this is merely broth and does not have solid chunks of meat, the protein content is only .5%. The moisture level, though, is at a high 98%. If you feel your dog needs more hydration but he’s not so keen on water, you can entice him with this instead to make sure he stays hydrated.

Beef fat adds an additional tasty flavor, and during cold weather, it adds an extra layer of warmth for canines. And because beef fat makes this broth highly palatable, you can try adding the beef bone broth to regular meals as a way to entice finicky eaters or to add variety.

Don’t be concerned about the salt content. It’s pretty low. Sometimes salt is necessary for preserving food, improving palatability, making the food stable, and helping balance the electrolytes. Salt is good as long as it’s not used in excess.

Lastly, let’s look at the turmeric seasoning. It’s touted as anti-inflammatory for humans, but there isn't enough evidence to suggest it does the same for dogs. It’s safe in small amounts, but it’s there mostly to act as a flavoring ingredient and color enhancer.

We love the idea of bone broths, and this one from Pristine is absolutely nutritious. It’s a fairly uncomplicated recipe that can help warm up your pup on a chilly day or speed him up on his way to recovery.

Good Buddy

Castor & Pollux’s Good Buddy is a line of delicious snacks crafted for all occasions. They’re healthy, low in calories, and a great accompaniment to full meals.

10. Good Buddy Peanut Butter Flavor Cookies

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

First 5 ingredients: Whole Wheat Flour, Rolled Oats, Canola Oil Naturally Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Peanut Butter, Whey Powder

Good Buddy cookies are oven-baked to perfection so they’re a beautiful golden color with a crunchy texture that pups adore. These dog cookies have no added sugar or salt and are all natural.

The recipe starts with whole wheat flour. Wheat can be healthy for your pet as long as it’s not the number ingredient in their regular meals. Since these are just cookies, wheat is absolutely fine.

Wheat contains fiber that is helpful in keeping a dog’s bowel movements regular. Fiber is essential in puppies and adult dogs, but in seniors who often have to deal with constipation, it is especially crucial.

Wheat also packs plenty of carbohydrates that help fuel metabolic and muscular activities. As long as your pup is not allergic to wheat or gluten (and very few are), these cookies will do just fine as snacks.

Following the wheat flour are rolled oats — ingredients that support the fiber and carbohydrate content of wheat flour. Aside from the two nutrients rolled oats contain, these also have linoleic acid (a type of Omega-6). The linoleic acid is responsible for keeping the skin healthy and free from itch.

The rest of the short list of ingredients are canola oil, peanut butter, whey powder, garlic powder, eggs, and dried kelp. Let’s take a quick review of each.

Canola oil has been mistakenly believed by a few to be toxic to animals. However, years of studies have shown that that is not true. This type of oil is rich in oleic acid (Omega 9), linoleic acid (Omega 6), and has significant amounts of linolenic acid (Omega 3). It also has measurable levels of vitamins E and K. It has also been reported to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

We all know how much canines love peanut butter. It’s a perfectly safe and healthy treat, particularly when it doesn’t contain xylitol — an ingredient commonly found in human peanut butter products. The peanuts here are pure and unadulterated so there’s no cause for worry.

You might be wondering why whey powder is included, or garlic powder for that matter. Whey powder acts as a protein supplement, while garlic powder is known to boost the immune system while making your pet’s body undesirable to fleas.

In powder form, garlic contains extremely miniscule traces of thiosulphate (that compound that can be harmful to dogs) and so shouldn’t be a cause for concern.

Eggs in the treats simply add more protein to the product, while the dried kelp gives the cookies a chock full of minerals, vitamins, and amino acids.

We love to give our dogs yummy treats from time to time and it helps to know that what we’re giving is not only tail-wagging but healthy too. There are no unnecessary ingredients here because everything included has a purpose. We give these a high recommendation.

There are also Cheddar Cheese and Pumpkin & Apple flavor cookies.

11. Good Buddy Sausage Cuts Real Beef Recipe

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

All ingredients: Beef, Sweet Potatoes, Dried Cultured Skim Milk, Salt, Mixed Tocopherols 

Good Buddy Sausage Cuts are bite-sized treats that are made of either beef or chicken. The Good Buddy recipes have a wood-smoked taste that dogs go wild over. All are grain-free and contain no gluten.

There are only five wholesome ingredients in this beef recipe. They are (in order) beef, sweet potatoes, dried cultured skim milk, salt, and mixed tocopherols.

Beef provides most of the flavor as well as the protein content. There’s probably a whole lot of beef included here to get the snacks’ protein content up to 32% because there are no other protein support that we can see aside from the milk.

Sweet potatoes are a healthy treat by itself that you can give your pet. It’s even better when mixed with other wholesome food ingredients so you can get the full range of nutrition benefits.

Sweet potatoes contain beta-carotene (protects against heart diseases and some cancers), fiber (for alleviating constipation and diarrhea and promoting regular bowel movement), calcium (for bones), iron, and more.

The third ingredient is dried cultured skim milk, which is a dehydrated form of milk. It’s full of protein, calcium, and vitamin D. While milk is okay for dogs, do remember that it contains lactose. So if your pet has any dairy-related sensitivity, it might be better to pass on these treats entirely.

Don’t be afraid of salt. Dogs need it too for some cell functions like nerve signal transmission and fluid balance. It can also aid in digestion.

As long as they don’t take too much of it ( and in this recipe, there’s only a small amount), it can be beneficial. Salt also has another function in these treats, and that is to act as a natural preservative.

Lastly, mixed tocopherols are different forms of vitamin E. You can find these in most kinds of dog foods, from kibbles and wet food to treats. They act as antioxidants, immune system maintenance helpers, and as effective preservatives for food.

Each treat has a caloric content of 24 kcal. Make sure to give your pup just one or two because he may easily gain weight with these.

The smoky flavor, meaty formulation, and overall good nutrition make these sausage treats one of our favorites to give our pets and one of their favorites too. They’re not hard to chew and can be fine for older pets.

 

Made in the USA?

Though the Nestle Purina PetCare has a global reach, the Castor and Pollux brand is produced and manufactured exclusively in the United States. Though the company has changed hands, their products are still developed by a team of experts in the field of animal nutrition and organic ingredients.

This company does more than just provide premium-quality organic foods for pets – they are also dedicated to giving back to the community, especially for pets in need.

The PetWorks Partner Program was created to provide pet rescue groups and organizations around the company with high-quality natural and organic foods. Since the program began, they donated more than 4 million bowls of food to pets in need.

Where do they Get Their Ingredients?

The Organix line of pet food and treats from Castor and Pollux was the first and most complete line of organic-certified pet food products in the United States. They continue to be a leader in the field of organic and natural pet food. This company believes in the power of quality nutrition which is why they use only the freshest natural ingredients in all of their products.

They believe in the power of organic ingredients to reduce allergies, to improve digestion, and to boost overall health in pets – that is why all of their ingredients are sourced right here in the United States.

Castor and Pollux Recall List

Not only are they dedicated to using the highest quality ingredients in each of their products, but they also take quality control and safety measures very seriously in the manufacture of those products.

In 2018, the brand voluntarily recalled two products under the Good Buddy range (Prime Patties Real Beef Recipe and Sausage Cuts Real Beef Recipe) after one of the products were found to contain elevated levels of a naturally-occurring beef thyroid hormone. (High levels of the hormone may cause increased urination, thirst, and heart rate; weight loss; and restlessness.

Only those with best before dates occurring between May 19, 2017 to September 1, 2019 were affected. Since then, no other recalls have been issued.

How expensive are their products?

Pristine and Organix have mostly the same price range. An 18-lb bag of dry kibbles may set you back $70 and up, while a case of 12.7 oz (12 cans inside) canned wet food may cost you $35 and up depending on the recipe.

Meanwhile, Good Buddy treats can cost around $6 upwards, depending on flavor.

Apart from the food mentioned above, Castor & Pollux also sells rawhide treats for pups that are determined to chew. These are sold under the Good Buddy line.

Here is their Product List

Though Castor and Pollux had a modest start, they now offer a wide range of products for both dogs and cats. Their pet foods can be divided into several product lines – Organix, Natural Ultramix, and Good Buddy.

The Organix line of products was released in 2003 and it contains both classic and grain-free recipes featuring certified-organic ingredients. The Natural Ultramix brand joined the lineup in 2004 and it features high-quality, natural ingredients like real meat and grain-free carbohydrates.

The Good Buddy line of products consists of nutritious and flavorful dog treats. Though each product line is different, they are all made with natural, wholesome ingredients in recipes that are complete and balanced. You couldn’t ask for more.

Dry Products

They offer a wide variety of dry products which are divided into two main product lines. The Organix line of dry foods features both classic and grain-free recipes made with certified-organic ingredients as well as a limited selection of kibbles infused with freeze-dried raw bites.

The Natural Ultramix line of products features natural ingredients as well as added vitamins and minerals – there are also a few recipes infused with freeze-dried raw bites. Here is a list of dry recipes:

Organix Dry Food Recipes:

• ORGANIX Organic Puppy Recipe With Healthy Grains
• ORGANIX Organic Small Breed Recipe With Healthy Grains
• ORGANIX Grain Free Organic Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe
• ORGANIX Grain Free Organic Senior Recipe
• ORGANIX Grain Free Organic Small Breed Recipe
• ORGANIX Organic Chicken & Oatmeal Recipe

PRISTINE Dry Food Recipes:

• PRISTINE Grain Free Small Breed Grass-Fed Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe
• PRISTINE Grass-Fed Beef & Oatmeal Recipe
• PRISTINE Wild-Caught Salmon & Oatmeal Recipe With Raw Bites
• PRISTINE Grain Free Free-Range Chicken, Turkey & Lentil Recipe
• PRISTINE Grain Free Grass-Fed Beef & Chickpea Recipe
• PRISTINE Grain Free Grass-Fed Lamb & Lentil Recipe
• PRISTINE Grain Free Puppy Wild-Caught Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe
• PRISTINE Grain Free Small Breed Grass-Fed Beef & Chickpea Recipe
• PRISTINE Grain Free Wild-Caught Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe
• PRISTINE Grain Free Free-Range Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe With Raw Bites
• PRISTINE Grain Free Grass-Fed Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe With Raw Bites
• PRISTINE Grain Free Wild-Caught Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe With Raw Bites

Wet Products

Organix Canned Food Recipes:

• ORGANIX Tiny Feasts Grain Free Organic Chicken & Potato Stew
• ORGANIX Tiny Feasts Grain Free Organic Chicken Recipe
• ORGANIX Tiny Feasts Grain Free Organic Turkey & Potato Stew
• ORGANIX Tiny Feasts Grain Free Organic Turkey Recipe
• ORGANIX Tiny Feasts Organic Chicken, Quinoa & Carrot Stew
• ORGANIX Tiny Feasts Organic Turkey, Quinoa & Carrot Stew
• ORGANIX Grain Free Organic Chicken & Potato Recipe
• ORGANIX Grain Free Organic Chicken & Vegetable Recipe
• ORGANIX Grain Free Organic Turkey & Vegetable Recipe
• ORGANIX Grain Free Organic Turkey, Carrot & Potato Recipe
• ORGANIX Organic Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
• ORGANIX Organic Chicken & Potato Recipe
• ORGANIX Organic Turkey, Carrot & Potato Recipe
• Butcher & Bushel Grain Free Organic Carved Turkey Dinner
• Butcher & Bushel Grain Free Organic Chicken Wing & Thigh Dinner
• Butcher & Bushel Grain Free Organic Chopped Turkey & Chicken Dinner
• Butcher & Bushel Grain Free Organic Shredded Chicken Dinner
• Butcher & Bushel Grain Free Organic Tender Chicken Dinner

PRISTINE Canned Food Recipes:

• PRISTINE Grain Free Cage-Free Duck, Pea & Carrot Stew
• PRISTINE Grain Free Free-Range Chicken, Pea & Carrot Stew
• PRISTINE Grain Free Free-Range Turkey, Carrot & Apple Stew
• PRISTINE Grain Free Grass-Fed Beef, Pea & Carrot Stew
• PRISTINE Grain Free Grass-Fed Lamb, Carrot & Apple Stew
• PRISTINE Grain Free Small Breed Cage-Free Duck Stew
• PRISTINE Grain Free Small Breed Free-Range Chicken Stew
• PRISTINE Grain Free Small Breed Grass-Fed Beef Stew
• PRISTINE Grain Free Small Breed Grass-Fed Lamb Stew
• PRISTINE Grain Free Free-Range Chicken Bone Broth
• PRISTINE Grain Free Free-Range Turkey Bone Broth
• PRISTINE Grain Free Grass-Fed Beef Bone Broth
• PRISTINE Grain Free Grass-Fed Beef Bone Broth Seasoned With Turmeric

Treats

In addition to an assortment of dry food and wet food products, Castor and Pollux also offers a dedicated line of dog treats called Good Buddy.

These treats come in the form of dental chews, jerky strips, sausage cuts, and an assortment of rawhide bones and treats, good new for pet owners who wants variety. Here is a list of Good Buddy dog treat recipes:

Treats:

• ORGANIX Organic Cookies Cheddar Cheese Flavor
• ORGANIX Organic Cookies Chicken Recipe
• ORGANIX Organic Cookies Peanut Butter Flavor
• PRISTINE Grain Free Free-Range Chicken Recipe Sausages
• PRISTINE Grain Free Grass-Fed Beef Recipe Jerky
• PRISTINE Grain Free Grass-Fed Lamb Recipe Sausages
• Good Buddy Grain Free Dental Chews Mini Bones
• Good Buddy Jerky Strips Real Chicken Recipe
• Good Buddy Jerky Strips Real Salmon Recipe
• Good Buddy Sausage Cuts Real Beef Recipe
• Good Buddy Sausage Cuts Real Chicken Recipe
• Good Buddy All Natural Wheat Free Beef Jerky
• Good Buddy USA Rawhide Bone With Natural Chicken Flavor
• Good Buddy USA Rawhide Braided Stick
• Good Buddy USA Rawhide Chips
• Good Buddy USA Rawhide Curls
• Good Buddy USA Rawhide Mini Rolls
• Good Buddy USA Rawhide Pretzel
• Good Buddy USA Rawhide Sticks
• Good Buddy Cookies Cheese Flavor
• Good Buddy Cookies Peanut Butter Flavor
• Good Buddy Cookies Pumpkin & Apple Flavor