Meet Dr. Tim’s Dog Food
Dr. Tim’s Dog Food is a premium, meat-based protein sources for all kinds of dogs, from active pups to couch potatoes. The creator, the real Dr. Tim, formulated the meals to be 87% meat protein derived and free of artificial ingredients that can cause poor reactions and digestion problems.
The foods are high quality and created by a veterinarian, but should one of the recipes be the one you choose for your special dog?
Let’s break down everything that goes into Dr. Tim’s foods to see if this is the one. Read on for our comprehensive Dr. Tim's Dog Food Review.
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Brand Quick Look
Parent Company: Dr. Tim’s Pets LLC
- Founded in: 2004
- Made in: USA
- Available at: Chewy, Amazon
- Types of Food: Freeze-dried raw, dehydrated raw
- Real Meat in First 5 Ingredients? : Yes
- Recalled in Past? : No
Behind the Brand
Dr. Tim is a veterinarian and accomplished musher who understood that his dog’s energy and stamina depended on quality food that contained all the ingredients to build health and well being. He used a cement mixer in his garage to create a food that deviated from standard kibble recipes by using only naturally sourced, premium ingredients.
Dr. Tim believed that while companies can achieve recommended protein levels using a variety of ingredients, only meat-based proteins were effective. The proteins in his food are predominately derived from meat based sources and use no antibiotics.
Omega fatty acids are another critical part of a dog’s diet, but many foods offer those sources from only plant-based sources as well. The recipes from Dr. Tim’s only use omega fatty acids from fish source, creating better bioavailability.
Dr. Tim is still practicing veterinary medicine at the same hospital that he opened two decades ago, and is a volunteer veterinarian for races across North American and Europe.
Dr. Tim's Dog Food Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
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Dr. Tim's All Life Stages Kinesis Formula
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Dr. Tim's Ultra Athletic Fusion Formula
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Dr. Tim's Weight Management Metabolite Formula
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Dr. Tim's Athletic Blend Glacier Formula
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Dr. Tim's Kinesis Senior Dog Formula
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Dr. Tim's Active Dog Pursuit Formula
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Dr. Tim's Salmon & Pork RPM Formula
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Dr. Tim's Grain-Free Kinesis Formula
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Dr. Tim's Beef Taurine Supplement Freeze-Dried Dog & Cat Food Topper
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Check Price on Chewy |
Reviewed Dr. Tim's Dog Foods
- Dr. Tim's All Life Stages Kinesis Formula
- Dr. Tim's Ultra Athletic Fusion Formula
- Dr. Tim's Weight Management Metabolite Formula
- Dr. Tim's Athletic Blend Glacier Formula
- Dr. Tim's Kinesis Senior Dog Formula
- Dr. Tim's Active Dog Pursuit Formula
- Dr. Tim's Salmon & Pork RPM Formula
- Dr. Tim's Grain-Free Kinesis Formula
- Dr. Tim's Beef Taurine Supplement Freeze-Dried Dog & Cat Food Topper
Continue reading below _______________________
1. All Life Stages Kinesis
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
First Five Ingredients:
- Chicken Meal
- Brown Rice
- Pearled Barley
- Whole Oat Groats
- Chicken Fat
Dr. Tim's All Life Stages Kinesis Formula is a grain-inclusive dry food formulated to meet the nutritional needs of dogs of all breeds, sizes, and life stages. This recipe begins with a dense protein style known as “meal.”
It’s concentrated and has more protein than standard whole animal ingredients. Their chickens never have antibiotics and come from sustainably sourced providers. The recipe offers balanced nutrition for dogs and provides more than enough energy throughout the day.
Brown rice and pearled barley offer good sources of fiber that can help with digestion and keep a dog feeling full with fewer cheap fillers. This recipe contains no cheap fillers, in fact, and uses chicken fat to provide energy sources.
It uses fruits and veggies to provide critical vitamin and mineral sources, but the formula contains no peas or potatoes which could lead to increased chances of developing an enlarged heart. If you’re concerned, this could be relieving news.
The formula uses Dr. Tim’s proprietary probiotic blend which gives the immune system a huge boost and helps ease digestion. The medically balanced kibble is excellent for house dogs and those who are moderately active, including your best friend who goes running with you. If your dog is a working dog, we recommend switching to one of the formulas meant for athletic dogs.
It can be on the expensive side, but if your dog is frequently in the vet’s office with weight and allergy issues, this food could save you a little in the long run. Also, densely nutritious foods have smaller serving sizes than standard cheap kibbles, so you may not have to feed as much as you do with your big box store food.
According to feedback from pet parents, this recipe is quite popular among dogs of all ages. They find the kibbles quite tasty, and are eager for more.
Their owners credit this formula for the overall good health of the pups. Aside from being able to put on healthy weights, the dogs have grown healthy and glossy coats.
We think it’s a great alternative to cheap kibbles and contains everything your dog needs to be healthy and happy. It can follow your dog from the early years to the golden years, providing balanced nutrition and a hassle-free commitment to health.
2. Ultra Athletic Fusion Formula
Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars
First Five Ingredients:
- Chicken Liver
- Chicken Meal
- Brown Rice
- Chicken Fat (Preserved With Natural Mixed Tocopherols; A Source Of Vitamin E)
- Menhaden Fish Meal
Dr. Tim's Ultra Athletic Fusion Formula is a grain-inclusive dry food formulated for the nutritional needs of highly active adult or senior dogs, but is also suitable for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and life stages except for large breed puppies.
It is designed to help very athletic dogs enhance their endurance and recovery. The use of raw meat in this recipe improves the digestibility of the kibbles, to help doggie athletes absorb all the calories that they need for maximum endurance.
This recipe is quite high in protein at 35%. The main source of protein in this recipe is raw chicken liver. It is packed with amino acids that extreme dog athletes need for strong and lean muscles. It is also rich in vitamin A. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble antioxidant, which helps promote healthy skin, coat, muscles, nerves, and eyes.
Chicken meal is the second most plentiful ingredient in this formula. This rendered protein source offers high-quality, concentrated protein that is packed with a lot of savory chicken flavors that dogs love. It is also a highly digestible protein source that can help pups with sensitive stomachs.
This food for extreme athletes is actually a multi-protein recipe. It also has menhaden fish meal as a supplementary source of protein. Fish is naturally rich in omega fatty acids that have multiple health benefits for dogs. It is also quite tasty and easy to digest.
Dried egg product and blood meal add even more protein to this formula. Blood meal is dried blood that has been ground up. It is usually made of cow’s blood but can also be from other animals’ blood. It is a by-product of slaughterhouses. When processed properly as is the case with most commercial pet food manufacturers, blood meal is safe for dogs in small amounts.
However, as it is still an unnamed animal ingredient, food with blood meal may not be the best for dogs sensitive to certain protein sources.
The main source of healthy fats in this recipe is chicken fat. It gives a boost of rich chicken goodness to the kibbles and enhances the flavor of the chicken liver and chicken meal in the recipe. It is also rich in omega 6 fatty acids that help promote healthy cellular function, as well as healthy skin, coat, and immune system.
Salmon oil is also included in this recipe for its high omega 3 fatty acid content. These essential fatty acids help improve dogs’ cognitive function, and reduce inflammation due to allergies, itching, dandruff, and hot spots.
Brown rice is the primary source of carbohydrates in this recipe. It is a fiber-rich, highly digestible grain that also has vitamins such as vitamins D and B, which promote healthy hearts.
It has calcium, iron, and riboflavin minerals as well. The fibers in brown rice aid digestion by helping food move along the digestive tract. Dr. Tim’s also has a unique fiber mixture that encourages a healthy gastrointestinal tract.
This Fusion recipe has the brand’s exclusive vitamin blend called OVN (Optimal Vitamin Nutrition). It has added biotin and zinc, and provides the nutrients required to maintain the normal structure and function of skin, coat and paw pad health under high-performance conditions.
According to feedback from owners of highly active dogs such as hunting dogs and other working or sporting dogs, it is doing wonders for their pets’ health. The pups are able to put on a healthy amount of weight even with their rigorous activities.
This food helped sustain the high energy levels required by these dogs as well. Those whose dogs frequently had loose stools are glad to have found this recipe. The dogs’ digestion and stool quality significantly improved with this food.
However, there are a few pups who simply did not find the kibbles tasty. By contrast, those who did like this recipe just can’t get enough of this multi-protein food. Overall, this Dr. Tim’s recipe is highly recommended for extreme athletes, and other hard-working pups.
3. Weight Management Metabolite Formula
Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
First Five Ingredients:
- Chicken Meal
- Brown Rice
- Whole Oat Groats
- Dried Field Peas
- Powdered Cellulose
Dr. Tim's Weight Management Metabolite Formula is a grain-inclusive dry food suitable for adult and senior pups of all breeds and sizes. It is a high-protein food with moderate levels of fat to help overweight dogs lose excess pounds while still feeling full and sated.
According to the brand, fat is what keeps dogs feeling full, and restricting the amount of fat in their food can leave them feeling hungry and begging for more food.
The main source of protein in this weight management formula is chicken meal. Chicken meal is a high-quality, concentrated source of protein. It provides amino acids that dogs need to help them keep a leaner muscle mass.
This recipe also has supplementary sources of protein, such as salmon meal, dried egg product, chicken liver meal and porcine plasma. Porcine plasma is a nutritious component of pork blood.
It is high in vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. Salmon meal not just adds highly digestible protein to the recipe. It also gives the kibbles another layer of flavor that dogs love.
Palatability is very important in any special diet, such as weight management. No matter how good the quality of the food is, if the dog does not like it, the owner will be forced to feed other foods that may or may not be helpful to the health issue that they are trying to address.
Fat is not only essential in any dog’s diet, it also enhances the flavor of their food. Chicken fat is the main source of essential fatty acids in this recipe. Aside from being packed with the meaty taste of chicken, it is also rich in omega 6 fatty acids that are needed for healthy cellular and immune system function.
Menhaden fish oil is included as a supplementary source of fat. It is high in omega 3 fatty acids which supports dogs’ heart, joint, skin and coat health. Fish oil has DHA and EPA which promote healthy brain and immune system function, as well as improve dogs’ inflammatory response. Supplementing with fish oil is quite beneficial, especially to dogs prone to allergies.
Dr. Tim's Weight Management Metabolite Formula has brown rice and whole oat groats as the main sources of carbs. These high-fiber grains not only help dogs feel full for longer, but also improve their digestion. Dried field peas are also included, which is a complex carb source that is high in protein and other nutrients.
Powdered cellulose provides insoluble fiber that helps food move along the digestive tract and improves stool quality. Dried beet pulp has both soluble and insoluble fibers which help digestion by promoting moderate microbial fermentation in the large intestine.
Naturally nutritious fruits and vegetables are also included in this recipe. It has dried celery, carrots, kelp, and many others. Kelp alone has 60 different vitamins, minerals, and trace elements as well as 21 amino acids.
Feedback has been really good for this formula. According to buyer reviews, the dogs who liked the kibbles were able to lose weight in just a few weeks. Many of their pet parents opted to keep feeding this dry food mixed with other food after the pups have reached their ideal weights.
If you have an overweight dog, or want your pup to maintain his or her current weight, Dr. Tim's Weight Management Metabolite Formula Dry Dog Food is highly recommended.
Numerous dogs were able to achieve their healthy weight goals with this highly palatable kibble. However, if you are specifically looking for a low-calorie food, this may not be the one for your pup. Its high protein content means more calories per serving.
4. Athletic Blend Glacier Formula
Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
First Five Ingredients:
- Chicken Meal
- Brown Rice
- Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Natural Tocopherols, A Source Of Vitamin E)
- Dried Plain Beet Pulp (Sugar Removed)
- Dried Egg Product
Dr. Tim's Athletic Blend Glacier Formula is a grain-inclusive dry food formulated for the nutritional needs of active puppies, adult and senior dogs of all breeds and sizes.
Specially made for working dogs, 96% of this recipe’s protein content comes from animal sources. It is a high protein, high-fat dog food that can sustain hard-working pups throughout the day.
The most plentiful ingredient in this recipe is chicken meal. It is chicken meat (with or without bones) that has been rendered.
As it has been dried and ground up, it has a higher protein content than fresh chicken, as fresh chicken contains around 50%-70% moisture. It is highly digestible, palatable, and is packed with amino acids that help sporting or working pups build strong and lean muscles.
This multi-protein recipe has dried egg product, chicken liver meal, ocean herring meal, salmon meal, and catfish meal. All of these animal ingredients add high-quality protein, as well as meaty flavors to this dry food. Lots of dogs are chicken and fish fans, making them some of the most popular protein sources in dog foods.
Chicken fat is the main source of essential fatty acids in this recipe. It is high in omega 6 fatty acids which are involved in cell membrane structure and cell function. They support growth in puppies, and boost dogs’ immune systems.
They also promote healthy skin and glossy coats in dogs. Chicken fat not only comes with multiple health benefits, but also gives the kibbles a rich chicken flavor. It also helps fuel working dogs’ energy requirements.
Aside from the omega 3 fatty acids naturally found in salmon meal, ocean herring meal, and catfish meal, this recipe also has menhaden fish oil as an additional source of essential fatty acids. Fish oil has DHA, which promotes healthy brain and eye development in puppies. It has DHA which improves the cognitive function of dogs. Omega 3 fatty acids can even help reduce canine arthritis and chronic kidney disease.
The main source of carbs in this recipe is brown rice. It is rich in fiber, which helps dogs feel fuller for longer, and improves their digestion. Whole oat groats and ground whole flaxseed meal are also included as supplementary fiber sources.
Flaxseeds have lignans, which help improve dogs’ cardiovascular health and boost their immune systems. It has properties that can help ease arthritis, lower blood pressure, and improve kidney function.
Formulated by a Ph.D. canine nutritionist and a practicing small animal veterinarian experienced in competitive dog sports, Dr. Tim's Athletic Blend Glacier Formula is enriched with antioxidants selenium, vitamin C and vitamin E to minimize oxidative stress, which may prevent damage to healthy cells during rigorous activities.
Compared to the Metabolite formula, this recipe has more high fiber produce like rice bran and psyllium seed husks instead of veggies and fruits such as carrots and celery.
This formula for active dogs is one of the highest-rated products from the brand. Dogs who enjoy the tasty kibbles have reaped multiple health benefits from this high-protein, high-fat dog food. Dogs who previously had digestive issues or were constantly hungry are thriving on this recipe. Their stool quality has improved, and they feel sated until their next meal.
A lot of the dogs were able to keep ideal weights with this recipe. Their coats have also grown noticeably softer and shinier.
While it is quite packed with chicken and fish flavors to the delight of the pups, this recipe may smell a bit too strong for the pet parents. An airtight container may be required for storage. It has also received feedback that the kibbles are a tiny bit too small for larger breeds.
Overall, this is highly recommended based on ingredient quality and results delivered to numerous hard-working dogs.
5. Kinesis Senior Formula
Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
First Five Ingredients:
- Chicken Meal
- Brown Rice
- Pearled Barley
- Whole Oat Groats
- Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)
Dr. Tim's Kinesis Senior Dog Formula is a grain-inclusive dry food formulated for the nutritional needs of senior pups of all breeds and sizes. This high-protein, moderate-fat food is metabolically balanced for older dogs with lower activity levels. It has reduced calories to help them maintain healthy weights.
The main source of protein in this recipe for seniors is chicken meal. It is a very palatable protein source that is easy to digest even for older pups with sensitive stomachs. At 28% protein, this formula helps dogs keep a lean muscle mass.
Other highly digestible sources of protein are also included in this recipe. It has salmon meal, dried egg product, ocean herring meal, dried chicken liver meal, and catfish meal. They all add richness and intense flavors to the food, making the kibbles very appealing to picky senior pups.
As dogs age, many of them start becoming pickier and prefer certain types of food over others. They would often prefer certain flavors and textures even over foods that they used to like.
To keep older dogs healthy and happy, it is important that they are fed nutritious food that they enjoy. Fish and chicken are two of the most popular protein sources among dogs. Both of them come with delectable flavors and easy to digest meat.
Chicken fat serves as the main source of healthy fats in this recipe. It is high in omega 6 fatty acids, as well as savory flavors. It gives the kibble a rich and meaty taste that dogs love.
Omega 6 fatty acids are very important in dogs’ diets. They support healthy cell membrane structure and cell function, as well as immune function, and skin and coat health.
Coconut oil and menhaden fish oil are also included in this recipe. According to Dr. Tim’s, coconut oil’s MCTs (medium chain triglycerides), B vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids may enhance dogs’ mental acuity and cognitive function into their golden years.
Fish oil is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids. It has DHA that helps improve cognitive function in senior pups, and can also aid in treating canine arthritis and chronic kidney disease.
This has high-fiber carb sources instead of corn, wheat, or soy, it has brown rice, pearled barley, and whole oat groats. They all provide the carbohydrate requirement of dogs, without being too heavy on calories. Their fiber content not only helps them feel full for longer, but also improves their digestion.
This recipe also has a unique fiber blend that includes rice bran, dried plain beet pulp, and psyllium husks among others to aid digestion and improve dogs’ stool quality.
Probiotics, prebiotics are also included to further improve dogs’ digestion by promoting the growth of good gut bacteria. Good gut flora allows dogs’ bodies to absorb more nutrients from their food.
Aside from naturally nutritious ingredients, this recipe is fortified with all the vitamins and minerals that mature dogs need. It also has taurine to promote better eye and heart function, and L-carnitine to help dogs burn fat more efficiently.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are also added to support joint health. Antioxidants are included to give their immune systems a boost against free radicals. This recipe is free from artificial enhancers such as flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Pet parents of senior pups are raving about this formula. According to them, their dogs are noticeably healthier after being switched to this recipe.
Their coats are shinier and they have shown improved activity levels. Not to mention that they just love the tasty kibbles. Some of them require less food servings, as the food seems to keep them satisfied till their next meal.
However, feedback has been received about the bag not being resealable. The brand has responded that this formula will be packaged in new resealable bags this year.
If you have a picky senior pooch, this is highly recommended. It is very tasty, has high-quality ingredients, and has given many older dogs a lot of health benefits.
6. Active Dog Pursuit Formula
Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars
First Five Ingredients:
- Chicken Meal
- Brown Rice
- Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Natural Tocopherols, A Source Of Vitamin E)
- Whole Oat Groats
- Dried Beet Pulp (Sugar Removed)
Dr. Tim's Active Dog Pursuit Formula is a grain-inclusive dry food suitable for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and life stages. It is specially formulated for working and athletic dogs who have highly active lifestyles.
This high-protein, high-fat formula is designed to sustain the high energy levels of the pups, as well as help their bodies recover from strenuous activities.
93% of the protein content of this recipe is derived from high-quality animal sources. The main source of protein is chicken meal. It is a rendered protein source that actually offers more amino acids than fresh chicken. It is highly palatable and easy to digest even from dogs with sensitive digestive systems.
Dried egg product, ocean herring meal, catfish meal, chicken liver meal, and salmon meal are included as additional sources of protein to help working pups build lean and strong muscles.
They added amino acids, as well as a lot of savory flavors that dogs enjoy. These high-quality animal protein sources are all easy to digest and are packed with nutrients.
This recipe has chicken fat high on the ingredient list at third place. It helps fuel the high energy levels that athlete pups and working dogs need.
It is also rich in omega 6 fatty acids needed for cell membrane structure and cell function. They are required by puppies for growth, and by all dogs for a healthy immune function, skin and coat quality.
Menhaden fish oil is included for its many health benefits. It is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids which promote good brain and eye function in dogs, and development in puppies. These essential fatty acids help improve cognitive function, as well as dogs’ inflammatory response and joint health.
Instead of carb sources that have very high starch content, brown rice and whole oat groats serve as the main carb sources of this recipe.
They are high in fiber which improves digestion by helping food move along the digestive tract. Other high-fiber ingredients such as dried beet pulp, rice bran, and ground whole flaxseed meal are added to this recipe.
Flaxseeds are high in omega fatty acids. It has lignans, which help dogs fight cancer and promote a healthy heart. Flaxseeds have anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease arthritis, lower blood pressure, and improve kidney function.
In addition to high-fiber ingredients, this formula has probiotics and prebiotics to naturally improve dogs’ digestion and gut microbiome.
Having a healthy digestive system helps dogs absorb more of the nutrients that are present in their food. This gives them a stronger immune system and good overall health.
To ensure a nutritionally balanced and complete diet in every meal, this recipe is fortified with all of the vitamins and minerals that dogs require. It also has taurine for healthy hearts and eyes, and L-carnitine for a healthy metabolism.
Most pet parents are quite impressed with this formula. Their dogs enjoyed the taste of the kibbles, and those who have been on this food for years have had good overall health. Their digestive systems and skin are healthy, and their coats are thick and glossy.
Some pet parents like that it is a high-protein recipe, but also has wholesome grains in it. High-protein recipes are typically grain-free, so it is not that easy to find grain-inclusive food with high protein and fat levels. This makes this recipe great for highly active dogs who don’t do well on grain-free diets.
However, the kibbles of this formula may smell a bit stronger than what some pet parents expected. This could be due to the fish content of this recipe. The kibble size can also be a bit large for toy or small breed dogs.
If you have a sporting, herding, police, or farming dog with very high activity levels, this is highly recommended. Its protein and fat levels are optimized to meet the needs of such hard-working pups.
7. Salmon & Pork Grain-Free RPM Formula
Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars
First Five Ingredients:
- Salmon Meal
- Pork Meal
- Dried White Potatoes
- Dried Field Peas
- Tapioca
Dr. Tim's Salmon & Pork RPM Formula is a grain-free dry food suitable for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and life stages except for large breed puppies.
It is formulated for the nutritional needs of dogs with low to moderate activity levels. It is ideal for dogs sensitive to grains, chicken and beef proteins.
The main source of protein in this recipe is salmon meal. It is a very nutritious protein source that is not only easy to digest, but is also naturally tasty and packed with omega 3 fatty acids.
Salmon offers an intense fish flavor that dogs love. It is followed by pork meal, which is also quite flavorful. Both protein sources are usually higher in fat than others, but this recipe is actually not as high in fat as other Dr. Tim’s dry foods.
Pork is high in thiamine which is essential to cellular function. It helps convert food into energy, which dogs need to sustain their activity levels.
This protein source is highly digestible, which makes it gentle on sensitive tummies. Dried pork and dried egg product are also included as additional sources of protein.
Instead of grains, corn, wheat, or soy, the main sources of carbohydrates in this formula are dried white potatoes, dried field peas, and tapioca. These are highly digestible complex carbs that are rich in other nutrients as well.
This formula also has other nutritious vegetables such as garbanzo beans, dried celery, carrots, spinach, beets, watercress, kelp and many others. Carrots are a good source of fiber, vitamin A, and potassium.
Spinach is rich in vitamins A, B, C, and K. It has iron, antioxidants, and roughage which stimulate the digestive tract. Kelp has 60 different vitamins, and minerals, and amino acids. All of these healthy plant-based ingredients are carefully selected for their high nutritional value.
The main source of healthy fats in this recipe is chicken fat. Dogs allergic to chicken can safely enjoy kibbles with chicken fat, as long as it is free from chicken meat and organs. It is actually the protein that triggers the allergic reaction.
Chicken fat is full of rich and meaty flavors. It gives the kibbles a boost of flavor. It is also high in omega 6 fatty acids that support growth, immune function, and skin and coat health.
Menhaden fish oil gives these kibbles much-needed omega 3 fatty acids. It has DHA and EPA which promote healthy brain function in dogs.
These fatty acids help slow down cognitive dysfunction in aging pups. Fish oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help support joint, skin, and coat health in dogs. It helps reduce symptoms of arthritis, and may even help dogs fight cancer.
Many holistic nutrition experts believe that the way to good overall health starts in the gut. Having healthy digestion not just improves dogs’ wellbeing, but also their bodies’ ability to absorb the nutrients in their food. For this reason, Dr. Tim’s included prebiotics and probiotics to promote a natural gut microbiome.
This dry dog food contains no artificial enhancers such as colors, flavors, or preservatives. It does not have any unnamed animal ingredients.
These salmon and pork kibbles have been proven to be quite tasty. Numerous picky pups seem to love having this recipe for meals. They get excited about mealtimes, and dive into their bowls.
While most are quite happy with the quality of ingredients, a few pet parents prefer recipes without peas. Peas are a common ingredient in many grain-free recipes such as this one.
Overall, this is still a good quality food for dogs with moderate energy levels. It scores high marks in palatability as well, having passed the strict standard of some very picky pups. It is high in animal protein, and comes with multiple health benefits.
8. Grain-Free Kinesis Formula
Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars
First Five Ingredients:
- Chicken Meal
- Dried White Potatoes
- Dried Field Peas
- Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Natural Tocopherols, A Source Of Vitamin E)
- Tapioca
Dr. Tim's Grain-Free Kinesis Formula is a grain-free variant of the brand’s Kinesis recipe for dogs with sedentary to moderate levels of activity. It is suitable for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and life stages except for large breed puppies. According to the brand, it supports a casual lifestyle by working in conjunction with your dog’s natural metabolism.
Made with chicken meal, this recipe is high in protein at 32%. Chicken meal is a high-quality concentrated source of protein. It has amino acids that dogs need to build and maintain lean, strong muscles. It is a flavorful protein source that is quite easy to digest.
Like other multi-protein formulas from the brand, this grain-free recipe also has dried egg product, catfish meal, ocean herring meal, chicken liver meal, and salmon meal as nutrient-dense supplementary sources of protein.
These animal protein sources are very palatable and give the kibbles multiple layers of tastes that dogs crave. Both chicken and fish are highly digestible, making this recipe gentle on sensitive tummies.
The main source of healthy fats in this recipe is chicken fat. It enhances the flavor of the chicken liver and chicken meal in this grain-free formula. It is also rich in omega 6 fatty acids that help promote healthy cellular function, as well as healthy skin, coat, and immune system.
Menhaden fish oil is also included in this recipe for its high omega 3 fatty acid content. These healthy fats help improve dogs’ cognitive function, and reduce inflammation due to allergies, itching, dandruff, and hot spots.
This recipe has a balanced blend of carbohydrates and fiber from naturally healthy complex carbs such as dried white potatoes and dried field peas. They are highly digestible carbs that provide other nutrients as well. It also has a unique blend of fiber rich ingredients such as dried beet pulp and ground whole flaxseeds.
Flaxseeds are high in lignans, and can improve cardiovascular health and help fight cancer. It is rich in omega fatty acids that help ease symptoms of arthritis, lower blood pressure, improve kidney function, and support skin and coat health.
Wholesome produce such as dried celery, carrots, spinach, lettuce, watercress, kelp, and many others are included in this recipe. These superfoods are rich in antioxidants that help support cellular health, boost the immune system, and fight free radicals.
Prebiotics and probiotics are added to this recipe to promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut. A healthy gut flora improves digestion and enhances the body’s ability to absorb more nutrients. This Kinesis recipe is free from corn, wheat, soy, gluten, and grains. It has no artificial colors, flavors, or enhancers.
One of the company’s highest-rated products, it seems to have helped numerous dogs with various health issues. According to buyer feedback, this formula has helped a lot of dogs with anal gland issues.
Their pet parents stated that this is the only dog food that has helped resolve the dogs’ problems. It saved them from spending more on vet bills. Their dogs have not shown symptoms of anal gland issues since it cleared up after switching to this brand.
Other pet parents have reported significant improvement in the skin and coat quality of their dogs. They are no longer scratching and their coats are much shinier. However, a couple of pet owners stated that their dogs started licking their paws regularly after they were fed this recipe.
Overall, we think that it is still worth a try. Aside from the high-quality ingredients, it has helped a lot of dogs who were previously suffering from various health issues. Always remember to follow the feeding guides and transition properly, especially if you have a sensitive dog.
9. Beef Taurine Supplement
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
First Five Ingredients:
- Beef
- Beef Heart
- Beef Liver
- Beef Tripe
- Taurine
Dr. Tim's Beef Taurine Supplement is a grain-free meal enhancer suitable for both dogs and cats. This highly palatable topper can be sprinkled on top of kibble or wet dog food. It can also be given as healthy treats to your pets. However, as it is quite high in fat, these are not meant to be served in large amounts or as a standalone meal.
This taurine supplement has a total of only 6 items in its ingredient list. It has a very clean ingredient list that is made up mostly of just freeze-dried beef and beef organs.
The freeze-drying process kills all the harmful bacteria and extends the topper’s shelf life without cooking off most of the nutrients. The minimal processing helps the beef retain most of its nutritional value.
Aside from the very tasty beef, it has beef heart, liver, and tripe as well. They are all packed with protein that helps dogs keep a lean muscle mass. Beef tripe is considered a superfood for dogs. It helps strengthen the immune system and promotes healthy skin and coat. Tripe also helps soothe gastrointestinal upsets, as well as maintain a healthy digestive system.
Enriched with taurine, this meal topper promotes good heart and eye function, and boosts the immune system of dogs and kitties. Salmon oil is also included as a source of omega fatty acids. Aside from supporting pets’ heart health, salmon oil promotes a lustrous coat, reduces itchy and flaky skin, and can help relieve inflammation and joint pain.
These tasty meal toppers are free from fillers with low nutritional value. It is also free from sugary ingredients that are often added to pet treats. It contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Feedback has been great for this product. Pet owners are delighted that their dogs love this beefy, nutrient-packed topper.
Dogs of all ages seem to enjoy the toppers and look forward to eating them. This makes these toppers a great way to stimulate picky dogs’ appetites.
If you have a finicky pet who is quite sensitive, this taurine topper is highly recommended. It has a high-quality, clean ingredient list, and is loaded with taurine and omega 3 fatty acids that give dogs so many health benefits.
What types of dog food does Dr. Tim’s offer?
Dr. Tim’s offers kibbles in a range of protein sources. He has all-purpose and situation specific blends, mainly concentrated around the needs of active and working dogs although that isn’t the only type of dog that could benefit.
The formulas are free of artificial ingredients including colors and flavors. It uses no cheap fillers such as corn or soy because these offer only empty calories and no nutritional benefit. Together, these ingredients form a lot of the allergies and discomfort dogs experience with poorly formulated, cheap foods.
They’re best suited for an adult dog, but could potentially be suitable for older puppies. Check with your veterinarian before you use it for your puppy’s meals.
Dr. Tim’s Recipes
- Kinesis
- Kinesis Senior
- Kinesis Grain-Free
- Heirloom Ancient Grains – Fish
- Heirloom Ancient Grains – Chicken
- Pursuit
- Metabolite
- Metabolite Grain-Free
- Momentum
- Fusion
- Glacier
- RPM Salmon and Pork Grain-Free
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Dr. Tim’s Recall History
Dr. Tim’s has never been recalled over 20 years and counting. The attention to detail, premium ingredients, and the right recipes ensure that all Dr. Tim’s foods are safe for your dog and never compromised. It’s an excellent and impressive record.
Customer Reviews
Dr. Tim’s has a dedicated following. His foods have transformed more than their fair share of dog’s lives, and customers are frequently pleased with the way their dog’s health and weight improved after switching. The food isn’t cheap, but for many, that’s a good trade.
It’s well rated on Chewy and Amazon with many recipes receiving the highest ratings of five stars. It’s also reviewed highly favorably from trusted reviewers.
What Customers Like and Dislike about Dr. Tim’s?
Customers appreciate the care and detail that goes into the ingredients for the meals. Dr. Tim’s uses ingredients made from wholesome sources and primarily animal-based proteins and fats, so many dogs saw a reduction in allergy symptoms.
Some pet owners noted that Dr. Tim’s weight management recipe was the only food their dogs would eat. It’s a healthy recipe that could help your dog lose weight without feeling hungry or listless. Since all their recipes are made without cheap fillers or artificial ingredients anyway, it’s an excellent way to help dogs with sensitive tummies too.Customers liked that the formulas seemed to give their dogs all day energy and didn’t aggravate any allergies or sensitivities like commercial kibbles. Most dogs had no trouble eating the recipes, and the kibble seemed manageable for most sized dogs.
Complaints included that it was more expensive than standard kibbles. Also, customers noted that some dogs didn’t like the taste of specific recipes and some had more gas than usual after eating some of the athletic formulas. It could help to transition your dog to the new food slowly so there are fewer digestive upsets.
Positive
“We have been on a quest to find a good quality dog food that our male English Setterr would eat . . . this one met with his approval with no GI issues!” Peggy, chewy.com
Negative
“I really wanted this to work out well for my dog due to the low ash level and purported quality of ingredients but I just could not get a solid stool, even if the quantity was reduced… One dog wound up with soft stools and the other with stools that will have to be hosed down because I can't pick them all the way up.” NancyJ, chewy.com
Is Dr Tim's a good dog food?
When it comes to the quality of ingredients and the formulation of their recipes, however, Dr. Tim's is an excellent food brand that any dog would be lucky to receive.
Is Dr Tim's dog food grain free?
Dr. Tim's Kinesis Grain Free Dog Food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages except for growth of large size dogs (70 lbs. or more as an adult).
Is Dr. Tim's dog food AAFCO approved?
This food is for active dogs and it's AAFCO-approved as a maintenance diet. It has a high protein, low ash formula – 30 percent protein and 6.5 percent ash. The average ash content in dry dog food is about 7 percent, though some foods have exceptionally high levels up to 9 percent or more.
Is Grain Free bad for dogs?
According to a warning from the Food and Drug Administration released last 2019, grain-free food might be giving dogs a life-threatening heart problem called dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM.