Health Extension Dog Food Review 2023: Better Dog Food Option?

Meet Health Extension Dog Food

Health Extension may not be a household name, but it does have its fair share of devotees. It’s a small, family-owned company that creates food in small batches using only premium ingredients. If you’ve been looking to upgrade your food from your store bought, budget brand, this could be the one.

One significant advantage of this holistic brand over others is that the company focuses on taste. If you’ve got a picky companion who doesn’t seem to like the foods that should be good for him, this could be the one.

Let’s break it all down to see if Health Extension could be your newest love. Read on for our in-depth Health Extension Dog Food Review.

Brand Quick Look

• Parent Company: Health Extension (formerly Vet’s Choice)
• Founded in: 1963
• Made in: USA
• Made by: Dry – Deer Park Location; Wet – Simmons Foods
• Available at: Chewy, Amazon, Walmart
• Types of Food: Wet, dry
• Real Meat in First 5 Ingredients? : Yes
• Recalled in Past? : No

Behind the Brand

In 1963, a family decided that they wanted to create a better dog food for their own pets and set out to find a recipe that would fit that bill. Three generations later, the company is still going strong, and still family owned.

They pride themselves on creating a range of foods for breeds, life stages, and issues in both regular and gluten-free options. Their foods are manufactured in the United States and feature premium ingredients sourced only from the United States, never China. Each recipe is made in small batches in US facilities and rigorously tested.

Health Extension focuses a lot on the flavor of pet foods because that’s what’s going to encourage your dogs to eat food that’s good for them. Taste is a common complaint with higher quality, yet healthier, foods, and sometimes dogs just won’t eat the food you know is best for them. With Health Extension, you may have found your solution.

Health Extension Dog Food Reviews

All their recipes are quality sources of nutrition, but we do have our favorite recipes. Here are 10 formulas that we recommend you get so that your pet starts on a lifetime of excellent health.

1. Health Extension Original Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
2. Health Extension Grain-Free Little Bites Buffalo & Whitefish Recipe
3. Health Extension Grain-Free Salmon Recipe
4. Health Extension Large Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
5. Health Extension Super Bites Salmon Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food Mixer
6. Health Extension Grain-Free New York Style Beef Recipe
7. Health Extension Grain-Free Turkey Entree
8. Health Extension Tuscan Style Quail Recipe
9. Health Extension Bully Puffs Lamb & Peanut Butter Grain-Free Dog Treats
10. Health Extension Cheese Flavored Dental Dog Treats

 

1. Original Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe

Overall Dry Food Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First 5 Ingredients: Organic Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Chicken Fat

The Original Chicken and Rice Recipe uses whole proteins from chicken to provide your dog with the very best building blocks of life. It balances the right amount of carbohydrates to keep your dog full of energy throughout the day without adding extra calories or fillers.

The addition of holistic ingredients helps your dog with things like better digestion and healthy skin and coat. Omega fatty acids support skin health while probiotics and ginger help keep digestion on track. For many dogs, this is a sensitive issue, but Health Extension may be able to help keep your dog’s regular and improve the quality of stools.

Glucosamine and chondroitin help keep joints healthier and alleviate some of the effects of aging on joint cushioning. The chicken is organic and free range with no added growth hormones that can affect your dog’s digestion.

For fans of the classic Health Extension recipes, it doesn’t get much better than this one. It features whole proteins from chicken plus balanced carbohydrates to create a quality, nutrient dense food.

It uses supplements such as probiotics and omega fatty acids to help improve the skin and the immune system. Other holistic ingredients include ginger and ginkgo biloba for better immune system and digestion support, and primrose oil for a fabulous coat. The formula has been tested, and many dogs love the taste.

2. Grain Free Little Bites Buffalo and Whitefish

First 5 Ingredients: Buffalo, Deboned Whitefish, Buffalo Meal, Whitefish Meal, Chickpeas

Health Extension Grain-Free Little Bites Buffalo & Whitefish Recipe is a dry dog food formulated for the unique needs of small breed dogs including a smaller kibble size. This buffalo and whitefish grain-free recipe is excellent for dogs with grain or poultry sensitivities.

With free-range buffalo as the most plentiful ingredient followed by real deboned whitefish, your tiny pup gets only high quality protein with every meal. These sources of protein are highly nutritious and will help your pup keep a leaner muscle mass. This recipe also has chickpeas as an additional source of protein.

Whitefish is naturally rich in omega 3 fatty acids which help promote healthy skin and coats. Salmon oil is the main source of fat. It is high in both omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids that support the immune system, heart health, and cognitive function.

Health Extension Grain-Free Little Bites Buffalo & Whitefish Recipe has tapioca starch and whole sweet potatoes as the main sources of carbohydrates. It also has whole fruits and veggies for critical vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote cellular health..

This grain-free recipe for small pups has pumpkin which is a good source of soluble and insoluble fiber. These fibers help move food along the digestive tract. This recipe has natural probiotics that promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut. Having a healthy gut helps the body absorb more nutrients.

This Health Extension formula also uses holistic ingredients such as apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, ginger, and turmeric to support dogs’ overall health.

Like all Health Extension dog foods, this recipe is free from by-products and artificial enhancers such as flavors, colors, or preservatives. It contains no corn, wheat or soy that may trigger allergies in very sensitive dogs.

This dry food has received great feedback from owners of tiny dogs. The pups love the rich buffalo and fish flavors in this recipe. The tasty little kibbles have also passed the strict standard of some very picky pooches.

The kibble size is also just right for their little mouths to pick up and chew. Even little senior dogs enjoy this Health Extension recipe.

Overall, this is a great recipe for small breed dogs who prefer grain-free and poultry-free foods. Dogs love the taste of the crunchy kibbles, and it is packed with multiple health benefits for a truly holistic natural diet.

3. Grain-Free Salmon Recipe

First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Menhaden Fish meal, Chickpeas, Lentils, Deboned Whitefish

Health Extension Grain-Free Salmon Recipe is a highly palatable dry dog food formulated for the nutritional needs of adult dogs of all breeds and sizes. Canine fish fans are sure to enjoy the intense flavors of these kibbles.

Made with real deboned salmon, this dry dog food from Health Extension is not only packed with protein, but it is also easy to digest. Menhaden fish meal, chickpeas, lentils and deboned whitefish all contribute to the protein content of this grain-free recipe.

Salmon, Menhaden fish meal, and whitefish are all naturally rich in omega fatty acids. Dogs get more of these essential fatty acids from salmon oil. They help give dogs healthy hearts, skin, coat, and cognitive function.

Sources of carbs used in this recipe are whole foods such as tapioca starch, whole sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and whole carrots among others. These are highly nutritious complex carbs that are easy on the stomach.

Superfoods such as cranberries, blueberries, pomegranate, kale, turmeric, and coconut oil are included in this salmon recipe for their high antioxidant content. Antioxidants help support cellular health and strengthen the immune system.

This Health Extension dog food also has bovine colostrum. Colostrum has multiple health benefits for dogs. It helps with their gastrointestinal health, as well as their immune system.

It has natural probiotics that support the growth of good gut bacteria. It also has glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health.

This holistic dog food contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. The protein sources are all high quality and not by-product meals.

This dry dog food is quite popular among sensitive dogs. Not only do they love the rich fish flavors, but this dry food is also quite gentle on their stomachs. They are able to keep this down without issues such as vomiting or diarrhea.

Many dog owners have also reported a noticeable improvement in their pet’s skin and coat. This recipe from Health Extension does not trigger the dogs’ allergies. Their coats are also much glossier.

Based on ingredient quality, health benefits, palatability, and results delivered to numerous dogs, This Salmon Recipe is a highly recommended dry dog food that ticks all the boxes even for sensitive dogs. It is grain, gluten, and poultry free with multiple health benefits.

4. Large Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

First 5 Ingredients: Organic Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Chicken Fat

Health Extension Large Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe is a grain-inclusive dry dog food specially formulated for the nutritional needs of large breed adult dogs. Designed to help big pups keep their joints and weights healthy, this dry food has all the nutrients that large pups need.

The kibbles of this chicken and brown rice recipe are designed to be larger compared to the Health Extension’s other dry formulas.The larger kibbles encourage big dogs with voracious appetites to eat slower and chew their food well to prevent bloat.

Made with organic deboned chicken, you can be assured that your large pup gets only high quality, easy to digest protein with every meal. Chicken meal is the second most plentiful ingredient in this recipe. It is a highly concentrated source of protein that can help big pups keep a leaner muscle mass.

Some large breeds tend to put on more than the ideal weight, which leads to unnecessary strain on their joints. To help counter this, it has L-carnitine which helps support dogs’ metabolism. To give them stronger joints, this recipe is enriched with glucosamine and chondroitin.

Formulated to be low glycemic, this chicken recipe has easy to digest sources of carbs such as brown rice and oatmeal. They are high in fiber which also helps keep dogs feeling full until their next meal.

Like all recipes from the brand, this contains wholesome fruits and vegetables that are naturally full of nutrients. It also has superfoods rich in antioxidants such as turmeric, ginger, coconut oil, and green tea extract.

This grain-inclusive recipe for large breed dogs is also enriched with bovine colostrum. It helps support dogs’ gastrointestinal health, as well as their immune system.

The large kibbles of this tasty recipe are free from by-products and artificial enhancers such as flavors, colors, or preservatives. They contain no corn, wheat or soy that may trigger allergies in very sensitive dogs.

This dry food seems to be the kibble of choice for many picky dogs. They love the savory chicken flavor of this recipe that is made even tastier with chicken fat.

Many dog owners are quite happy with its positive effects on their dogs digestion. The pups are able to keep this food down, and their stool quality have also improved. The natural probiotics and colostrum in this recipe seem to be helping a lot with digestion.

However, a few comments from pet parents stated that the larger kibbles are not as large as they expected. Overall, this is still a highly recommended dry food for large breed adult dogs because of its many nutrients much-needed by large pups.

5. Super Bites Salmon Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food Mixer

First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Chicken, Lentils, Carrots, Sweet Potato

Health Extension Super Bites Salmon Recipe is a convenient way to introduce raw food to your dog’s diet. These grain-free freeze-dried raw mixers combine all the health benefits of a raw diet with the convenience of dry food.

To serve, simply pour the nutrient packed freeze-dried pieces on top of your dog’s kibble, or mix the pieces in. This gives your dog’s meal a boost of nutrients. According to the brand, these Super Bites are not meant to replace your dog’s daily meal.

At 36% protein, it can definitely help your dog build stronger and leaner muscles. Made of highly digestible real salmon, these freeze-dried raw pieces provide high quality protein that is naturally rich in omega fatty acids.

While it is called a salmon recipe, this meal topper also has chicken. If your dog is sensitive to chicken, this may not be the one for him.

Many stand by the raw food diet for their dogs. However, as it requires careful preparation and handling, busy pet parents still prefer dry food. With it, the short shelf life of raw food has been extended significantly.

Freeze drying the raw ingredients ensures that harmful bacteria are eliminated, while natural nutrients and flavors are retained.
This salmon recipe contains a special blend of antioxidant-rich superfoods like coconut oil, sweet potato, turmeric and organic apple cider vinegar. These ingredients help dogs’ digestive and immune systems’ health.

Super Bites have no corn, wheat, soy, or grains. It has no artificial enhancers like flavors, colors, or preservatives. The complete ingredient list has only a total of 14 ingredients. Dogs find the it quite tasty. Some owners have even used the pieces as training treats.

Pet owners purchase these meal toppers from Health Extension because of the recipe’s clean ingredient list. The freeze-dried bites contain only natural, wholesome ingredients. With all the nutrients naturally preserved by the freeze-drying process, dogs can reap the many health benefits provided by these Super Bites.

6. New York Style Beef Canned Food

First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Beef Broth, Beef Liver, Chickpeas, Navy Beans

Overall Canned Dog Food Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Inspired by the flavors of New York City, it contains everything your dog needs for a hearty and healthy meal. It uses only premium ingredients for densely nutritious food.

This grain-free pate has real beef as the first ingredient. Beef is a highly palatable protein that lots of dogs enjoy. Beef liver adds a meaty richness to this savory dinner for dogs. Chickpeas, lentils, and navy beans add even more protein to this tasty pate.

Whole carrots not only add texture and flavor to this wet food, it is also a good source of vitamins and antioxidants. Among the multiple superfoods in this recipe are pumpkin, flaxseed, cranberries, apples, blueberries, and papaya among many others. These wholesome ingredients benefit the digestive system and overall health of dogs.

This Health Extension canned food also has natural probiotics to help support digestion and gut flora. Other holistic ingredients such as coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, and chia seeds keep your dog’s sensitive system running smoothly.

This beef recipe can be served to your pup in many ways. As it is nutritionally balanced and complete, it can be served on its own as a meal. It can also be given as a kibble topper to add more hydration to your dog’s diet.

This grain-free beef pate is free from by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy. It contains no additives such as carrageenan. Carrageenan is an additive commonly used in wet pet foods. Some experts claim that it may potentially contribute to certain conditions in dogs.

This canned food is purchased by many pet parents for the quality of its ingredients. The wholesome, natural ingredients give them the confidence that they are feeding their dogs only nutritious food.

Some dog owners like that the consistency of the pate is not too mushy compared to other brands. This New York style beef pate from the brand is another hit among dogs for its rich, meaty flavors.

7. Grain-Free Turkey Entree

First 5 Ingredients: Turkey, Chicken, Chicken Broth, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots

Health Extension Turkey Entrée is a grain-free wet dog food in tender, meaty pate form. Made with real turkey, chicken, and heart veggies, it’s like Thanksgiving in every can made just for dogs.

Turkey is a lean, highly digestible protein that many dogs love. While this Health Extension canned dog food is called a turkey recipe, it actually has chicken and chicken broth. The inclusion of these ingredients enhances the flavor of this recipe, making it highly palatable for dogs.

The turkey and chicken used in this recipe are free from steroids and added hormones. You can rest assured that you are feeding your pup only high quality protein with every can of this yummy entrée.

Hearty and wholesome vegetables such as sweet potatoes and carrots are included as the main sources of carbohydrates. They are rich in minerals and dietary fiber. This recipe also has blueberries and cranberries. Both are high in antioxidants that help support cellular health.

This is a versatile pate that is nutritionally complete and balanced. It can be served on its own as a meal, or mixed with kibble as a meal enhancer. This pate is a great way to add more hydration to your dog’s diet.

This canned dog food is free from questionable ingredients such as carrageenan. Carrageenan is an additive that some experts claim could potentially contribute to certain conditions in dogs. This additive is found in many other wet dog and cat foods.

Like all of Health Extension’s products, this turkey recipe has no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. The proteins used are all high quality with no by-product meals. Every meal served to your dog is highly nutritious and naturally flavorful.

This is quite popular among adult dogs of all breeds. The pups gobble up the soft and meaty pate in no time. Bowls are licked clean after every meal. However, a few dog owners find this pate a bit soupy.

Overall, it is purchased by a lot of dog owners because not only do their dogs enjoy it, but it is also made of natural, high quality ingredients.

8. Tuscan Style Quail Recipe

First 5 Ingredients: Quail, Quail Broth, Chicken, Pork Liver, Chickpeas

Health Extension Tuscan Style Quail Recipe is a grain-free wet dog food formulated for the nutritional needs of adult dogs of all breeds and sizes. This tasty meal is packed with a lot of flavors that are sure to make dinnertime enjoyable for dogs.

If your dog prefers pate or loaf types of wet food, you may want to give this quail recipe a try. Quail is a flavorful protein that is lean and low in calories. It is ideal for dogs who need to keep healthy weights.

While it is called a quail recipe, it also has pork liver. Pork liver makes this recipe even richer and tastier. Quail broth makes this pate extra flavorful and hydrating. As it is nutritionally balanced and complete, you can give this to your dog as meal on its own, or on top of kibble to stimulate his appetite.

Chickpeas, navy beans and lentils also add to the protein content of this grain-free recipe. Wholesome fruits and vegetables provide carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and nutrients. These include whole carrots, apples, pumpkin, chia seeds, and kale among others.

It also has superfoods like turmeric, green tea, coconut oil, berries, and apple cider vinegar. These foods are rich in antioxidants that help support cellular health.

This Health Extension canned dog food has no by-product meals. The proteins used are free from steroids, antibiotics or added hormones. It contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

According to feedback from dog owners, they purchase it for the high quality of the ingredients. This has earned the brand many pet parents’ trust. The dogs also love the soft and meaty quail pate. In terms of flavor, ingredient quality, and feedback from dog owners, this is definitely highly recommended.

9. Bully Puffs Lamb & Peanut Butter Grain-Free Dog Treats

Ingredients: Beef Lung, Lamb, Peanut Butter

Health Extension Bully Puffs Lamb & Peanut Butter Treats are grain-free freeze-dried treats made with only 3 ingredients. With a very clean ingredient list, there will be no worrying about harmful ingredients or common allergens with these tasty treats.

While it is called a lamb and peanut butter recipe, the most plentiful ingredient is actually beef lung. Beef lung is rich in nutrients and flavor. Real lamb adds more protein and meaty flavor to these freeze-dried treats. Peanut butter gives it a gooey, nutty flavor that dogs just love.

At 70% protein, you won’t have to worry about indulging your pup with a bit more of these treats. This low carb dog treat is perfect even for dogs who are under weight management.

Made with 100% natural ingredients, these freeze-dried treats are free from artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. It contains no corn, wheat, or soy.

One of the highest rated products from the brand, these treats are just too irresistible for dogs. They go crazy for them, and pet owners have taken advantage of this highly-motivating snack. Numerous dog parents found these freeze-dried treats quite effective as a training reward.

Customers also love the clean ingredients of these treats. With only three all-natural ingredients, it is less likely to trigger allergies in dogs.

Overall, these are highly recommended, especially if your dog is on a limited ingredient diet, or just needs a tasty and motivating snack.

10. Cheese Flavored Dental Dog Treats

First 5 Ingredients: Potato Flour, Rice Flour, Vegetable Glycerin, Potato Starch, Natural Flavor

Health Extension Cheese Flavored Dental Dog Treats are grain-inclusive dental treats designed to help prevent plaque buildup on your pup’s teeth, and also freshen their breaths. It is also very tasty, and is sure to make your dog ask for more.

Dental treats are one of the most popular types of treats that owners purchase for their dogs. Dogs enjoy gnawing on them and the texture helps scrub off plaque. Cheese is a flavor quite beloved among pups. These tasty snacks combine both in one cheesy bag of treats.

These are bone-shaped crunchy treats that are made without corn, wheat, or soy. These cheesy treats have no artificial enhancers like preservatives, flavors, or colors.

This is another guilt-free treat from Health Extension. It has kelp and parsley that help naturally freshen your dog’s breath. It also has antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and amino acids that help improve your pup’s overall health while he enjoys the treats and gets his teeth cleaned.

These are enjoyed by a lot of dogs. They love the cheesy flavor and its crunchy texture. However, a few dogs still prefer dental chews from more commercially known brands.

If you want to give your dog all natural dental chews, these are definitely recommended. It has no questionable ingredients, and none of the common allergy triggers.

What types of dog food does Health Extension offer?

The company produces premium kibble and canned dog foods that use only whole meats with balanced carbohydrates for all-day energy. They feature ingredients designed to mimic your dog’s ancestral canine diet and include supplements from superfoods to help digestion and skin health.

The company uses holistic superfoods to accomplish a variety of purposes including boosting the immune system for health, supporting joints, and improving the texture and tone of the skin (which also improves the coat. It uses a blend of omega fatty acids and probiotics, plus lesser known ingredients such as ginger, ginkgo biloba, and primrose oil.

Some foods are gluten-free, but all of their foods are free of cheap fillers that can harm your pet’s health. You’ll never find any soy or corn products that can cause inflammation and allergic response.

There are no artificial colors or flavors that can encourage pets to overeat. There are no by-product meals from unnamed meats that offer low-quality proteins. Nothing but dense nutrition.

Foods are available in a variety of life stages and sizes in both gluten-free and regular options as well as both canned and kibble versions.

Dry Food:

• Original Chicken and Brown Rice
• Lite Chicken and Brown Rice
• Lamb and Brown Rice
• Large Bites Chicken and Brown Rice (Large breed)
• Little Bites Chicken and Brown Rice (Small Breed)
• Little Bites Buffalo and White Fish (Small Breed)

Grain Free Dry Food:

• Venison
• Buffalo and White Fish
• Chicken and Turkey
• Duck
• Salmon

Wet Foods:

• Montana Grill Buffalo and White Fish
• Mediterranean Roast Lamb
• French Bistro Rabbit
• Carolina Skillet Pork
• Lamb
• Vegetarian

Grain Free Wet Food:

• Tuscan Style
• Italian Feast
• New York Style
• Northern Catch
• 95% Beef
• Duck
• 95% Chicken
• Turkey
• Savory Beef Stew
• Grain Free Tasty Turkey
• Chunky Chicken
• 95% Salmon

 

Health Extension Recall History

Health Extension has had no recalls in the history of the company. That’s over 50 years of safe, clean foods coming from quality sources.

If the thought of recalls has scared you away from certain foods in the past, this one could be your solution. It’s a truly impressive record and a testament to what a small, family-owned company can accomplish.

Customer Reviews

Customers really appreciate the premium ingredients of the food and the long history of healthful recipes. They consistently rate the food above four stars on Chewy, Amazon, and Walmart. Many of the recipes have as many as four and a half stars.

A few of the recipes have five stars, but with hundreds of ratings at four and above, we think this could be a great food to try if you’re looking to get into the world of premium dog foods.

What do people like and dislike about Health Extension dog food?

Many people love the healthy ingredients and the use of more holistic supplements to help tackle common problems like digestion or the immune system. Lots of customers noticed a considerable difference in their dog’s skin and coat health, and a few noted that their dogs seemed to have an easier time getting around when previously they had joint issues.

Lots of customers also talked about how their dogs are super picky but seemed to like the taste of Health Extension different recipes. A few even praised the fact that Health Extension makes a vegetarian option for households who need an ultra-sensitive formula for dogs with severe digestive issues.

Some complaints as always were that not every food can satisfy every picky dog. There will still be dogs who don't like the taste of the food regardless of what you do. Some people noticed the food tended to give their specific dogs gas, but that wasn’t as common as the benefits people talked about.

Positive

• “This food is loaded with real meat protein, no peas or legumes in here to up the protein content. Rice is the carb which my dogs do well on. Firm poop, energy, brite eyes and clear skin is the indicator that this food is 5 stars!” LorialAmHairlessTerriers, chewy.com

Negative

• “I was hopeful in this product given all the great reviews, but unfortunately my dogs refused to eat it even if I sprinkle it with treats. They spit it out, and now I have a whole bag of dog food wasted.” Dogs4Life, chewy.com

The Bottom Line

The recipe uses no corn or soy fillers that can cause inflammation or digestive issues. There are no artificial ingredients like flavors or colors that often encourage dogs to way overeat. Grain-free recipe keeps inflammation down and may help alleviate itchy skin due to food allergies.

This recipe is good for dogs that have frequent trouble with difficult digestion and skin irritations. If you’ve had trouble in the past with some commercial dog foods, this recipe may be a good one to try to help alleviate those digestive issues and food allergies.

One possible downside is the kibble size may not be appropriate for all sizes or ages. If your dog is a senior, the kibble could be too difficult to chew properly. Small breeds may also have the same type of trouble. However, the company does make small bites options so that could be more appropriate.

If you notice your dog has more gas than usual, it could be that you didn’t transition your dog as slowly as it needed. Some dogs may also have trouble with the chicken because this is a common, though less well known, allergy. Make sure you transition your dog slowly to this food if it’s new and give its digestive system time to adjust.