Below, you will be reading our comprehensive Dogswell and Nutrisca Dog Food Review.
Dogswell is a mid-range priced dog food brand that offers dry and wet food plus treats. The brand gears its food towards a specific issue your pup may be dealing with. The line has specific foods meant to cater to hip and joint health, immunity health, and skin and coat.
Arthur Dogswell LLC previously owned the company, and it has always had a solid reputation online. In 2017, the company experienced a buyout by Whitebridge Pet Brands, which now manufactures the food.
In this article, we’re taking an in-depth look into the Dogswell dog food brand to try and understand more about whether this would be a good food to feed to your canine companion.
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.
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.
Made with cage-free chickens that are farm raised without any steroids. This formula is rich in chondroitin and glucosamine as it supports hip and joint wellness.
This line is the most popular brand of Dogswell food on Chewy. The food had 93 reviews (as of this writing) for a total rating of 4.3 out of 5 with 86% of buyers recommending the food.
When we dive into the reviews, we find that it’s great for picky eaters and the blend has given many pups a new level of energy that is noticeable by their owners.
One thing we cannot get past is the number of negative reviews centered around concerns over the smell. Many reviewers say the food smells like wet paint or plastic, so it not only bothers the pet parent, but the pup smells it as well, so they refuse to eat the food.
Either way, even with the negative reviews the response is overwhelmingly positive about this specific food line.
According to the manufacturer they use cage-free chicken free from growth hormones or added steroids in the food. For healthy hips and joints, they include Glucosamine and Chondroitin in this formula which is known to repair and maintain connective tissue.
This is an excellent list of first ingredients, and we also noticed further down the line that the food contains flaxseed and sweet potatoes which are also excellent ingredients to include in your pup's diet.
The food also contains real fruit like apples and blueberries for antioxidants and added vitamins.
Based on their ratings and ingredients it appears that Dogswell Happy Hips is worth a try for you and your pup.
Made with real salmon as its topmost ingredient along with antioxidant-rich ingredients such as blueberries, carrots, cranberries and apricots with zero soy, corn or wheat.
Nutrisca is a high-protein dog food that does not contain any grains. Instead of using grains, the recipe relies on legumes instead.
The list of ingredients are shorter when compared to Dogswell recipes, but the protein is more concentrated here (30%).
This recipe has a lot of reviews and most of them are favorable. Out of 172 reviewers, 95% recommend the formulation. Many of the reviewers are happy pet parents who have seen their dogs’ skin issues clear up when switched to this diet.
As for the negative reviews, a few buyers claim that their picky eaters won’t touch the food. But so far, there are less than 10 reviews that offer unfavorable views of the product.
First 5 Ingredients:
Salmon
Menhaden Fish Meal
Peas
Chickpeas
Salmon Meal
Some pet owners are concerned about the inclusion of peas here, but if you look closely at the ingredients, there is now way the volume of legumes can overwhelm the meat.
Legumes are only risky when they are the main ingredients in the food, but in this case, three quality meat ingredients are in the first five slots. The legumes only provide support.
The peas and chickpeas are not merely fillers nor just carbohydrate sources. They’re excellent sources of folic acid, fiber, and protein too.
And salmon is a great choice as the main ingredient because it’s loaded with DHA, an important nutrient for brain health.
This formulation offers quite a nice helping of vitamin A and E (guaranteed levels), omega fatty acids, and chelated minerals. Quality-wise and based on reviews, it’s worth a place in your regular dog food rotation.
The Vitality line offers a complete and balanced meal that targets the overall wellness of a canine’s health. It combines fruits and veggies with quality meat to give your dog a nose-to-tail food nutrition, keeping eyes bright and coats gleaming.
There are only 20 reviews on the food so far, but 100% of consumers give this an impressive 100% recommended rating. It’s an excellent meal choice for pups, according to purchasers, because the quality is high, even finicky eaters can’t resist, and it doesn’t upset sensitive stomachs. Plus, the food is recognizable and meaty, “not just ground up mush,” as one consumer said.
The lowest rating for the food are two 3-stars. One is about a pet that does not seem as enthusiastic about the food, while the other has to do with a sensitive pet pooch that has not been able to adjust to the food.
First 5 Ingredients:
Chicken
Chicken Broth
Water Sufficient for Processing
Chicken Liver
Dried Egg Product
We like the premise of the line that it’s crafted for the total wellness of dogs. It has all the good stuff that dog foods should have, like plenty of fiber and prebiotics for superior digestive health, botanicals for metabolism and toxin cleansing, and antioxidant-rich produce for nutrition.
As for protein, it lives up to expectations. There are a lot of meat ingredients before you even encounter peas and potatoes.
There should be no risk of your pet developing DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopathy) since the potatoes and peas are not the main ingredients and do not make up a significant portion of the formulation.
There are guaranteed levels of omega fatty acids here so your pup’s heart, immune system, and skin and coat are properly supported. Because we can’t find anything bad about the food, we’re giving it a recommended rating too.
A tasty treat made from real duck and is also free from any grains making it suitable for sensitive pups. It contains 2000mg/kg of glucosamine to promote healthy joint function.
Rewards don’t have to be just tasty, sometimes they can be healthy too. These jerky treats focus on promoting a healthy joint function and lean muscle mass while giving your pup a flavorful mouthful of meaty goodness.
Consumers love the treats. All reviewers of this snack give it a 100% recommended rating. There are no unfavorable opinions yet. Some who purchased it say that the treats work better than pills in helping their pups get improved mobility functions.
Dogs also go crazy about the taste. Even older dogs without a complete set of teeth attack the snacks with gusto. The flavor makes these great as training treats, especially since canines seem to want to obey more when presented with these as rewards.
First 5 Ingredients:
Duck
Chicken Breast
Vegetable Glycerin
Salt
Chicken Broth
There are so many things we like about the treats. These contain no sugar, by-products, fillers, or potential allergens like wheat, soy, or gluten. What these do have are guaranteed levels of glucosamine and chondroitin for your pup’s joint health.
The protein levels are quite high too at 40%. This is because the food is mostly meat and there are only 10 ingredients overall, including the supplemental nutrients.
Each treat is about 56 kcal, so be careful in doling out the treats or your pup might gain too much weight. Always refer to the feeding instructions that’s based on weight.
Going by the reviews, the ingredients, and the nutrition levels involved, we’d have to give these snacks a highly recommended rating.
Made with real Norwegian salmon, these mini jerky treats are suitable for small dogs. Brimming with omega fatty acids, it certainly maintains and boosts coat and skin health.
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.
First 5 Ingredients:
Salmon
Vegetable Glycerin
Salt
Vinegar
Natural Smoke Flavor
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.
These meaty treats are made with real chicken plus it contains breath-freshening ingredients – seaweed, parsley and mint which also adds additional flavor.
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.
First 5 Ingredients:
Chicken,
Vegetable Glycerin
Salt
Coconut Oil
Parsley
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.
Chicken is the topmost ingredient in this scrumptious treat and it is enhanced with vitamins. This contains flaxseeds which is known to be rich in Omegas for better coat & skin health.
This is another functional recipe from Dogswell that keeps pets healthy while they munch happily. The snack recipe is crafted to support your canine’s immune system. It’s created for pups of all sizes.
One of the most popular Dogswell treats, this formulation enjoys 192 reviews with a 93% recommended rating. For many, the treats are simple, clean, and works.
One customer called them the “gold standard of treats” while another has reported that the jerkies help heal small wounds and scratches faster when given daily.
The non-favorable reviews point out that the treats are kinda hard, and there are a few concerns that dogs might choke on them. Older dogs also struggle while chewing on these.
First 5 Ingredients:
Chicken Breast
Vegetable Glycerin
Salt
Chicken Broth
Vinegar
So first, the good stuff. These are perfect for dogs of all sizes and ages. The snacks are filled with ingredients that support the immune system. There are no added sugar, nothing artificial, and it’s made in the USA.
The protein is also the highest of Dogswell treats. At 60% minimum crude protein content, it’s a great way to supplement your pup’s protein intake.
There are also guaranteed levels of vitamin E and A to protect the body from free radicals and to support a dog’s vision, skin, and coat. And the inclusion of flaxseed oil as a source of omega fatty acids can’t be faulted.
There really is only one point against the treats, and that is that they can be too hard to chew for older dogs. Other than that, we can’t see anything else which is negative to point out. (It can be a little pricey but price and premium quality/value go hand-in-hand most times.)
Dogswell and Nutrisca have an extensive range of offerings available for purchase on Chewy. Some of the products are also on Amazon.com.
Let’s start with the direct offerings from Dogswell.
The company has two primary choices like the Vitality blend, which is supposed to contain more vitamins and minerals than the traditional formula to provide a more “holistic” balance of ingredients.
The other line of food Dogswell offers is the Happy Hips brand, which contains ingredients that help support hip and joint wellness.
However, the brand is now focusing on its treats line more and does not have new dog food offerings.
All of these foods contain real meat as the first ingredient and the list of components in all of the brand’s foods is excellent. Nothing stood out to us as a “bad” ingredient, and we would recommend trying any of these foods for your pup.
Here are some of the offerings from Nutrisca.
Nutrisca takes a more catered approach offering only grain-free options with real meat as the first ingredient. This food has an excellent reputation with almost all of their formulas receiving 4.5 stars or higher on Chewy. (A more detailed Nutrisca dog food review can be found here.)
Energy Extended Activity Fuel Chicken & Coconut Oil
Nutrisca
Foods
Grain Free Salmon and Chickpea Formula
Grain Free Lamb and Chickpea Formula
Grain Free Chicken and Chickpea Formula
Grain-Free Chicken and Chickpea Stew
Grain Free Duck and Chickpea Stew
Grain Free Lamb and Chickpea Stew
Grain Free Turkey and Chickpea Stew
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
Dogswell Food; 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.
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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.
