Health Extension Dog Food Review: Better Dog Food Option?

Health Extension brand 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 it 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.

This pet food brand focuses a lot on the flavor of their products because that’s what’s going to encourage your dogs to eat food that’s good for them even if it is a dog who is a picky eater. 

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 12 formulas that we recommend you get so that your pet starts on a lifetime of excellent health.

 

1. Original Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe

Overall Dry Food Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

This dry dog food formula uses whole proteins from chicken to provide your dog with the very best building blocks of life. 

It balances the right amount of complex 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 gut health 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 this may be able to help keep your pet’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 pup’s tummy health.

For fans of the classic 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 gut 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

This little bites is specifically designed for small dogs, featuring a smaller kibble size for their convenience.

Made with free-range buffalo and deboned whitefish, it's grain-free, making it suitable for dogs with grain or poultry sensitivities. The protein-rich formula helps maintain lean muscle mass, with chickpeas adding to the protein content.

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids from whitefish and salmon oil, it supports healthy skin, coats, immune system, heart health, and cognitive function.

The inclusion of tapioca starch, sweet potatoes, fruits, and veggies provides essential carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Pumpkin and natural probiotics aid digestion and promote gut health.

Holistic ingredients like apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, ginger, and turmeric further support overall health. Free from by-products and artificial additives, including flavors, colors, and preservatives, it's also free from common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy.

Owners praise its palatability, especially among picky eaters, and its ideal size for small mouths, even for senior dogs. Overall, it's a highly recommended grain-free, poultry-free option packed with health benefits for small breed dogs.

3. Grain-Free Salmon Recipe

This is a kibble tailored for dogs of all life stages and breed. Featuring real deboned salmon, it's protein-rich and easily digestible, with additional protein sources like menhaden fish meal, chickpeas, lentils, and deboned whitefish.

Rich in omega fatty acids from salmon oil, salmon, menhaden fish meal, and whitefish, it supports heart health, skin, coat, and cognitive function. 

Carbohydrates are sourced from whole foods such as tapioca starch, whole sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and whole carrots, providing nutritious complex carbs.

Superfoods like cranberries, blueberries, pomegranate, kale, turmeric, and coconut oil add antioxidants for cellular health and immune support.

Bovine colostrum aids gastrointestinal and immune health, while natural probiotics promote good gut bacteria growth. Glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health.

Free from artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, and made with high-quality protein sources, it's gentle on sensitive stomachs and has been praised for improving skin and coat health (shiny coat all the way!).

 Overall, it's a highly recommended dry dog food, suitable even for sensitive dogs, offering grain, gluten, and poultry-free nutrition with multiple health benefits.

4. Large Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

This is a grain-inclusive meal specifically crafted for the nutritional requirements of large breed adult dogs.

With larger kibbles to encourage slower eating and better tummy health, it contains organic deboned chicken and chicken meal for high-quality protein.

Designed to support joint health and weight management, it includes L-carnitine, glucosamine, and chondroitin. Low glycemic brown rice and oatmeal provide easily digestible carbohydrates, while beneficial fruits and vegetables offer natural nutrients. Antioxidant-rich superfoods like turmeric, ginger, coconut oil, and green tea extract are also included.

Enriched with bovine colostrum for gastrointestinal and immune support, it is free from by-products and artificial additives, and they're allergen-friendly.

Picky eaters are drawn to the savory chicken flavor, and many owners report improved digestion and stool quality due to the natural probiotics and colostrum.

While some owners noted the kibbles weren't as large as expected, overall, it's highly recommended for large breed dogs due to its nutrient-rich formula tailored to their needs.

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

This product offers the benefits of a raw diet in a convenient, freeze-dried form. Designed to be mixed with your dog's regular food, these grain-free mixers boast a high protein content of 36%, sourced from real salmon and chicken.

While primarily salmon-based, it's important to note the inclusion of chicken, which may not be suitable for dogs with sensitivities.

Many dogs enjoy the taste, with some owners even using them as training treats. With its nutrient-rich composition and natural preservation method, these Super Bites offer a convenient and wholesome addition to your dog's diet.

Freeze-drying ensures the elimination of harmful bacteria while retaining natural nutrients and flavors, extending the shelf life significantly.

Enriched with antioxidant-rich superfoods like coconut oil, sweet potato, turmeric, and organic apple cider vinegar, these bites support digestive and immune health.

Free from grains, corn, wheat, soy, and artificial additives, the simple ingredient list appeals to pet owners seeking clean, natural options.

6. New York Style Beef Canned Food

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 wet food offers a savory meal for dogs, with real beef as the primary ingredient, complemented by beef liver, chickpeas, lentils, and navy beans for added protein.

Whole carrots contribute texture and vitamins, while a variety of superfoods like pumpkin, flaxseed, cranberries, apples, blueberries, and papaya promote digestive health.

Enriched with natural probiotics, coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, and chia seeds, this canned food supports digestion and overall well-being.

It can be served as a complete meal or as a food topper for added hydration. Free from by-products, corn, wheat, soy, and carrageenan, it's a nutritious option for discerning pet owners.

Appreciated for its quality ingredients and balanced consistency, it's a favorite among dogs for its rich, meaty flavors.

7. Digestive Support Turkey & Sweet Potato Entrée

This is another wet dog food presented in tender, meaty pate form, featuring real turkey, chicken and hearty veggies. The inclusion of chicken and turkey broth enhances flavor, ensuring high palatability for dogs.

Free from steroids and added hormones, the organically raised chicken and turkey provide high-quality protein. Wholesome vegetables like sweet potatoes and celery offer minerals and dietary fiber, while turmeric, coconut oil and ginger contribute antioxidants for cellular health.

Versatile and nutritionally complete, it can be served alone or mixed with kibble for added hydration. Free from questionable additives like carrageenan, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, it's a nutritious and flavorful option for dogs of all breeds.

While popular among adult dogs for its soft, meaty texture, some owners find it slightly soupy. Overall, it's favored for its natural, high-quality ingredients and enjoyed by many dogs.

8. Grain-Free Carolina Skillet Pork Recipe

This another zero grain wet food tailored for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes. Featuring a flavorful, unique blend of pork and beef, it's ideal for dogs preferring pate or loaf textures. Lean and low in calories, it helps maintain healthy weights.

Enriched with peas, whole red lentils, and wholesome fruits and vegetables like apples, pumpkin, pomegranate, broccoli, sage, chia seeds and kale, it provides protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients.

Superfoods like beets, green tea, turmeric, berries, spinach and apple cider vinegar offer antioxidants for cellular health.

Free from by-product meals, steroids, antibiotics, added hormones, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, it's trusted by pet parents for ingredient quality.

Dogs enjoy the soft, meaty texture, making it a highly recommended option for its flavor, ingredient quality, and positive feedback from owners.

9. Oven Baked Salmon with Kale Treats

Free from grains, these oven-baked snacks is composed of limited ingredients, ensuring a clean and allergen-free treat option. 

With a protein content of 18%, these low-carb treats are suitable even for dogs undergoing weight management. Crafted from real salmon, it contains no artificial additives, corn, wheat or soy, ensuring a wholesome snacking experience.

Renowned as one of the brand's top-rated products, these treats are highly appealing to dogs, serving as an irresistible and motivating reward during training sessions. Pet owners appreciate the simplicity and cleanliness of the ingredient list, minimizing the risk of triggering allergies in their pets.

In conclusion, these crunchy treats come highly recommended, particularly for dogs following a limited ingredient diet or in need of a flavorful and enticing snack option.

10. Probiotic Yogurt Dental Dog Treats

These dental treats are gluten- free designed to combat plaque buildup and freshen your pups breath. The mint flavor is a hit among pups, and their bone-shaped crunchiness appeals to dogs' gnawing instincts. 

Free from corn, wheat, soy and artificial additives, they're guilt-free snacks enriched with kelp and parsley for natural breath freshening. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and amino acids, they support overall health.

While some dogs may prefer more well-known brands, these natural dental chews come highly recommended for their quality ingredients and allergy-friendly formula.

Newly Released Products

1. Gently Air Dried Beef Recipe

This premium dog food offers meticulously crafted nutrition, serving as a convenient and healthy alternative to homemade or raw diets. 

Made with human-grade ingredients, including high-quality beef, it undergoes a gentle air-drying process to preserve natural nutrients and flavors.

With up to 85% animal protein content, it supports muscle development and energy needs. Nutrient-rich vegetables like pumpkin and sweet potatoes provide essential vitamins and minerals, while over 30 superfoods like organic colostrum, lion’s mane mushroom, goji berry, and coconut oil boost immunity and promote overall vitality.

2. Gently Cooked Lamb and Carrot Recipe

This carefully crafted dog food is designed to provide the highest quality ingredients in a convenient and gently cooked format, ensuring your dog receives a meal that is not only delicious but also brimming with essential nutrients.

This gourmet recipe features premium lamb as its core ingredient, delivering the savory taste dogs crave. Through a gentle cooking process, the natural flavors and nutritional levels of the lamb and bone broth are preserved, resulting in a palatable dish that delights your dog's taste buds. Carrots add sweetness and essential vitamins and antioxidants for overall health.

With a focus on human-grade ingredients, this recipe guarantees a well-rounded and nutritionally balanced meal for your dog. Meticulous preparation ensures the retention of essential nutrients, making it an ideal choice for pet owners seeking top-tier nutrition.

Suitable for all life stages, this recipe goes beyond providing protein, fortified with superfoods to support immune health, digestion, and overall vitality. Its convenient format simplifies mealtime for busy households, reflecting Health Extension's commitment to quality and convenience.

Is It AAFCO Approved? 

Yes, Health Extension Dog Food is approved by the AAFCO, ensuring its recipes are complete and balanced for both large and small breed dogs of all ages. Quality and safety is guaranteed.

What types of Dog Food Do They 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.

They use 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
• Gently Air Dried Beef
• Whole Foods in Broth
• 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
• Little Cups
• 95% Beef
• Duck
• 95% Chicken
• Turkey
• Savory Beef Stew
• Grain Free Tasty Turkey
• Chunky Chicken
• 95% Salmon

 

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.com, 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.

Top Positive Review

• “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. Also, it's rich in vitamins! Firm poop, energy, bright eyes and clear skin is the indicator that this food is 5 stars!” LorialAmHairlessTerriers, chewy.com

Top Critical Review

• “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 colors or flavors 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 the right product 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.