If you’ve been looking to take the step into raw foods, this could be your answer. Let’s break it all down here in our comprehensive Dr. Harvey's dog food review.
Dr. Harvey's is a rare breed of natural food that’s been around since the 1980s. It all started when an eccentric doctor looked at what pet owners were forced to feed their pets food that only benefited the manufacturer’s bottom line.
Dr. Harvey created a range of foods that used holistic ingredients to become what true fans know as “the miracle food.”
Now, 30 years later, the brand still has a loyal following and creates freeze dried foods and premixes for those who want a more comfortable foundation for a raw food diet.
It was odd in the 1980s to claim that even pets should be fed organic, holistic diets because there was so much on the market that went against that advice.
Dr. Harvey was appalled by the ingredients found in almost all commercially available dog foods at the time and began to experiment with his own recipes that could help conquer the issues so frequent in dog digestion and allergies.
The result was his raw formula. Over the past 30 years, the recipes have undergone changes, but the underlying principle remains the same. Dogs need whole ingredients with no cheap fillers such as corn or soy and no artificial ingredients.
The foods are suitable for all life stages and include both complete formulas and premixes that can be mixed with a protein source for more customizability. It’s a holistic brand that began before holistic was popular and builds on Dr. Harvey’s knowledge and experience to create foods that can finally conquer allergies and digestion problems.
Dr. Harvey's Dog Food Review
1. Canine Health-The Miracle Dog Food Pre-Mix
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
First five ingredients: Organic Rolled Oats, Organic Barley, Organic Triticale, Organic Spelt, Organic Brown Rice
A natural, organic dog food pre-mix that, when mixed with protein and oil, makes a fresh, healthy, homemade meal. It is made from 6 certified organic grains, 9 vegetables and 14 herbs.
This is a base mix with a holistic blend of organic grains and vegetables. This base is designed to make homemade dog food preparation so much easier. Simply mix in your choice of protein, water, and oil for a complete and nutrient-rich meal for dogs.
Not all dogs can have high-meat meals on a daily basis. Some dogs, such as those with kidney problems require low-protein or low-phosphorus diets, it is perfect for such dogs. It is also quite beneficial to dogs who suffer from digestive issues.
The organic grains in this recipe are high in fiber and multiple health benefits. It has organic rolled oats, barley, and spelt among other nutritious grains. Fiber helps move food along the digestive tract.
This pre-mix has been known to help sensitive stomachs. As it does not contain corn, wheat, or soy that are common triggers of allergic reactions, it is safe to feed to very sensitive pups. As fiber also help dogs feel full, it is great for dogs who need weight management.
It is actually suitable for dogs who need to lose weight, and those who need to gain a few pounds. This highly nutritious pre-mix is naturally flavorful. It has no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
It has received rave reviews from dog parents. Pups with various health issues such as digestive and kidney issues, as well as allergies are doing quite well on meals that contain this base mix. Owners attributed the improvements in their dogs’ health to this grain-inclusive base mix.
If you wish to introduce your dog to a nutrient rich homemade meal, this is a great base to start on. It is quite convenient to prepare, and you can control the amount of protein and fat that goes into their meals.
2. Veg-To-Bowl Pre-Mix
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
First five ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Potatoes, Broccoli, Peas
A 100% grain free mixture of 9 super nutritious dehydrated vegetables and herbs. Uses only granulated ingredients making it a great choice for all dogs, but it is especially good for small and toy dogs, picky eaters or older dogs who needs a softer food.
This is another base mix for homemade meals for dogs. This grain-free base contains highly nutritious dehydrated vegetables.
The granulated vegetables in this pre-mix make it perfect for toy breeds, senior dogs or those who longer have all of their teeth.
It makes nutritious homemade meals convenient to prepare. Simply add water, and your choice of protein and fat to this veggie base mix.
This tasty, nutrient-dense base mix is made with nine different vegetables and herbs. Veggies such as sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, and beets are good sources of carbs, fiber, vitamins and minerals. They also add flavor to your dog’s meals. It also has crushed egg shells as a whole food source of calcium.
This grain and gluten free base mix contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. It is the perfect base for dogs with food sensitivities.
This pre-mix is one of the highest rated products from the brand. Dogs just love Veg-To-Bowl! The veggie granules make meals easy to chew even for tiny dogs and senior pups.
Numerous pet owners credit this grain-free base mix to the noticeable improvements in their dogs’ overall health. It also does not trigger allergies in many sensitive dogs.
Overall, it is a highly recommended base mix for sensitive dogs, toy breeds, or dogs who require softer, easy to chew meals. It's packed with nutrition, as well as flavors that numerous dogs enjoy.
3. Paradigm Green Superfood
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
First 5 ingredients: Green Beans, Broccoli, Bone Broth, Red and Green Bell Pepper, Cabbage
This is a nutrient-packed, low-carb base mix designed to support a healthy, balanced diet for dogs.
Developed with the guidance of holistic veterinarians, this pre-mix is specifically formulated to help dogs prevent, manage, and overcome various health challenges, particularly those linked to high-glycemic and carbohydrate-heavy diets.
Paradigm is an ideal choice for pet owners seeking a low-carb, ketogenic diet to promote overall well-being, including weight management, improved energy levels, and support for conditions like diabetes, cancer, and inflammation.
This green superfood blend features six dehydrated vegetables—broccoli, green beans, zucchini, celery, cabbage, and cauliflower—each chosen for its high nutrient content and health benefits.
These vegetables are combined with a selection of powerful herbs, such as turmeric and ginger, which offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to further enhance your dog’s health.
Importantly, it contains no artificial dyes, fillers, preservatives, or common allergens like wheat, corn, or soy, making it a safe option for dogs with food sensitivities.
Preparation is simple and convenient, allowing pet owners to provide fresh, homemade meals in just minutes. To serve, simply mix the base blend with hot water, and then add your choice of fresh protein and healthy fats, such as organic oils or fish oil, to create a complete, balanced meal.
This customization allows you to tailor the diet to your dog’s specific needs and preferences while ensuring they receive optimal nutrition from whole, natural ingredients.
4. Specialty Diet Allergy Turkey Recipe
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
First 5 ingredients: Turkey, Flaxseed, Carrots, Broccoli, Green Beans
This is a premium, limited-ingredient dog food designed specifically for dogs with food sensitivities and allergies. This thoughtfully crafted formula aims to provide balanced nutrition while minimizing the risk of triggering allergic reactions, making it ideal for dogs with common food allergies or digestive sensitivities.
The key protein source in this recipe is high-quality, human-grade turkey, which is both lean and easily digestible. Turkey is often recommended for dogs with food sensitivities as it is less likely to cause allergic reactions compared to more common proteins like chicken or beef. The turkey provides essential amino acids for muscle development, maintenance, and overall vitality.
In addition to turkey, this recipe features a careful selection of nutrient-dense, grain-free ingredients. These include wholesome vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and green beans, which offer essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber for digestive health.
It also incorporates beneficial herbs and natural ingredients that promote anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help soothe skin irritations and support overall immune health.
It is free from grains, gluten, dairy, soy, and other common allergens, making it a gentle option for dogs prone to food sensitivities. The recipe is also devoid of any artificial dyes, fillers, or preservatives, ensuring that your dog receives only clean, whole-food ingredients in every meal.
Overall, this is an excellent choice for dogs with allergies or sensitivities. Its focus on limited ingredients, clean nutrition, and allergen-friendly components ensures that your dog receives the essential nutrients they need without the risk of adverse reactions, helping to promote better health, digestion, and well-being.
These delicious treats are simple snacks made from just one ingredient: dehydrated sweet potatoes. These low-calorie snacks are safer to chew than rawhide and are great for teeth and gums, too! And don't forget sweet potatoes are high in Vitamin A and fiber!
These are grain-free, single-ingredient doggy treats. Made with only sweet potatoes, these treats are absolutely perfect for sensitive pups, even those with certain protein allergies.
These chewy treats are a great alternative to rawhide, as well as other treats that are full of artificial enhancers. These naturally tasty and nutritious treats will keep your pup happy and busy.
Grown and dried in the US, it is high in fiber that supports digestive health. It is also a good source of vitamin A which promotes healthy eyes, joints, skin and coat.
Sweet Potate'r Fries are also low in calories. You can feel good about treating your dog to a few more chewy treats without worrying about weight gain.
A lot of dogs are fans of this sweet potato treats. They love the flavor and its chewy texture. Depending on your dog, it may keep him busy for anywhere from 10 seconds to several minutes. While a few toy breed pups find these treats too hard, many small breed dogs including pugs are able to enjoy them.
It has also received feedback from a dog parent that it is made mostly of skin and very little potato. They would like to see more sweet potato on the chews.
Overall, this is a great and natural way to keep your dog busy and give their jaws some exercise. Aside from being naturally packed with flavor and nutrients, it is a safer alternative to rawhide and molded chews.
What types of dog food does they offer?
Freeze dried raw foods are an excellent way to get the benefits of natural foods without the hassle of storage or mixing. Owners who can’t feed fully raw can use this food to obtain the same type of benefit but with easier storage and serving options. They’re also great for sitters who may not be used to feeding dogs an entirely raw diet.
The premixes are also great for those who want to customize their meat options or who have picky dogs that only like a particular taste or texture. These formulas allow owners to rest easy knowing they’re giving dogs a balanced meal that leaves nothing out while still providing fresh meats vital to their dog’s systems.
The foods don’t have a lot of recipe options, and you may want to talk to your vet about using the food or premix with puppies. However, they’re all formulated to be suitable for all life stages and breed sizes and consider the unique dental needs of small breed dogs.
Food Recipes
Canine Health
Veg-to-Bowl
Veg-to-Bowl Fine Ground
Paradigm
Raw Vibrance
Allergy Line
Garden Veggies (grain-free)
Garden Veggis (grain-inclusive)
Dog Treats
Chicken Hearts
Sweet Potate'r Fries
Rabbit Bites
Wild Alaskan Salmon Bites
Recall History
Dr. Harvey’s has never issued a recall. They are very involved with their food processes, and in over 30 years of business, they’ve never had an issue that required pulling any of their foods off the shelves. Considering how long they’ve been in business, this is an exceptional record.
Customer Reviews
Dr. Harvey’s foods have some die-hard followers because they were the only option for a holistic diet for a long time. Although many other options have popped up over the years, most Dr. Harvey’s fans remain so even after trying different foods. People love that they can purchase whole meals or premixes that allow them to customize.
Dr. Harvey’s is highly rated across quite a few online platforms that sell dog foods. The recipes and premixes regularly rate four and a half out of five stars and the food is also highly reviewed with several very reliable and trusted online reviewers.
What customers like and dislike about them?
People love that the premixes allow them full customization of their dogs' meals and that the freeze-dried foods are so easy to use. They love the convenience of feeding their dogs a raw based diet without all the hassle and storage of entirely raw.
Those who like to make their own foods but worry they aren’t getting the right balance of nutrients also like the assurance that all the complicated steps are taken care of with the premixes. It takes the guesswork out of cooking foods for pets but still allows fresh proteins and oils.
It’s on the expensive side so those on a strict budget may have a difficult time justifying the cost, especially if there’s more than one dog in the house or a large breed dog. However, you could save money in the long run by not having to visit the vet for digestive or immune response issues.
Positive
“Thank you dr. Harvey. My puppies love it, and it's what they're supposed to have. Best part being I don't have to fuss with it.” Carol, chewy.com
Negative
“what a waste of good money, my four dogs would not touch this stuff and i prepared it right to the instructions, afraid to even bother cooking up the other packages, my dog judy is not fussy about food, she will eat most anything but she would not go near it after i cooked it,, not a good buy” Shirleyjh, chewy.com
Quality, Tailored Nutrition
Dr. Harvey's dog food brand is widely respected for its commitment to providing clean, natural, and holistic nutrition for dogs. The brand stands out with its use of high-quality, human-grade ingredients, avoiding artificial additives, fillers, and common allergens like wheat, corn, and soy.
Their range of products caters to dogs with various dietary needs, including those with allergies, sensitivities, and health conditions requiring special diets.
One of their key strengths is the focus on whole foods, with freeze-dried or dehydrated formulas that allow pet owners to prepare fresh, homemade meals tailored to their dogs.
However, this convenience can come at a higher price point compared to other brands, and the need to add your own protein may not appeal to everyone.
Despite this, their dedication to transparency and holistic health makes it a top choice for pet owners who prioritize nutrition and wellness in their dogs’ diets. Overall, it’s a trusted brand for those seeking natural, nutrient-rich food with a focus on simplicity and quality.
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For an impressive duration of four years, Elaine has been embarked on a voyage as a freelance writer within the domain of dog care. The profound fondness she nurtured for animals, ignited by the cherished companionship of her family's treasured pets during her developmental years, has flourished into a genuinely satisfying vocation focused on everything related to dogs.
