Nature’s Recipe Dog Food Review: A Healthy Choice for Your Canine Companion

If you're searching for an honest Nature's Recipe dog food review, you're probably wondering whether this popular “natural” dog food brand is actually worth feeding to your dog. As a pet parent who spends countless hours researching ingredients, nutritional quality, manufacturing practices, and real-world customer experiences, I wanted to take a closer look at what Nature's Recipe has to offer.

Nature's Recipe has been around for decades and has built its reputation around using real meat as the first ingredient, along with recipes that avoid artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. The brand also offers a wide range of grain-inclusive and grain-free formulas featuring ingredients like chicken, lamb, salmon, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and brown rice. According to the brand, every ingredient is chosen with a specific nutritional purpose in mind.

In this comprehensive review, I'll break down the brand's ingredient quality, nutritional value, product variety, recall history, ingredient sourcing, pros & cons and whether I believe it offers good value for money. I'll also discuss some of the concerns and feedback shared by dog owners, including recent discussions about formula changes and overall brand quality.

My goal is to provide a balanced, research-based assessment that helps you decide whether Nature's Recipe is the right choice for your dog's specific needs. Every dog is different, and what works well for one may not work for another, so it's important to look beyond marketing claims and examine what's actually inside the bag.

Disclosure: Some of the photos featured in this article are my original images, while others may be provided by the manufacturer or used for informational purposes.

Who Makes the Brand?

This brand of dog food is produced and manufactured by Big Heart Pet Brands. Nature’s Recipe was founded 35 years ago by Jeff Bennet who was also the founder of Earth Elements, another pet food brand.

There isn’t a great deal of information available regarding the history of Nature’s Recipe, however. Big Heart Pet Brands is part of the J.M. Smucker Company which produces a variety of other food options including Milk-Bone, Natural Balance, Kibbles ‘n Bits, Pup-Peroni, Gravy Train, and Milo’s Kitchen.

 

Nature’s Recipe Dog Food Review

1. Salmon, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin

Crafted for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes, this dry food features high-quality ingredients like salmon, garbanzo beans, peas, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin. 

Salmon, a nutrient-dense superfood, is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health, joints, brain function, and a shiny coat.

Garbanzos add essential nutrients like zinc, vitamin K, and iron, though they may cause some dogs to be gassy. Peas and sweet potatoes provide necessary carbohydrates for energy.

Menhaden fish meal offers additional protein and amino acids, while pumpkin supports digestive health and prebiotic growth.

This grain-free dog food is also free from wheat, corn, soy, and artificial flavors, but includes added vitamins and minerals for a balanced meal.

2. Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe

This nutritious dry dog food is a high-energy blend designed to be gentle on your dog’s stomach and digestive system. 

It features high-quality chicken protein and grain-free carbohydrates, making it suitable for all life stages. Fresh chicken is the primary ingredient, though its protein volume decreases when cooked, but this is balanced by chicken meal as the second ingredient, providing concentrated protein.

This food comes with pea protein, which has lower bioavailability, and gluten-free, grain free carbohydrates like garbanzo beans and peas for energy and fiber. 

Additional fiber sources include sweet potatoes, apples, pumpkin, tapioca starch, and tomato pomace. Poultry fat is the main fat source, though its unnamed origin raises quality concerns. Despite minor drawbacks, this kibble offers balanced nutrition with room for improvement.

3. Original Lamb Meal & Rice

Adult dogs of all sizes will find their nutrition needs met with this kibble, which supports lean muscle development, alertness, and metabolism without artificial flavors, preservatives, poultry by-products, corn, or wheat.

This lamb & rice recipe features lamb meal as the main ingredient, providing a high percentage of protein and calcium.

Barley, the second ingredient, adds fiber and nutrients, while oatmeal and brewer’s rice offer additional fiber and quick energy.

Poultry fat provides essential fats for energy and healthy skin, and dried brewer’s yeast aids digestion and enhances skin and coat health.

Although barley and brewer’s rice may be problematic for some dogs, the recipe offers complete nutrition with added vitamins and minerals.

4. Grain-Free Chicken Recipe in Broth

Nature's Recipe grain free dog food line is designed for easy digestion and provides essential vitamins and minerals without compromising taste. A meal that is highly recommended for pets suffering from food allergies

Each recipe excludes corn, wheat, artificial flavors, preservatives, and poultry by-products. The wet dog food features real chicken as the main ingredient, offering a crude protein content of 11%.

While it is made without grains, it boasts chicken broth which enhances aroma, taste, and moisture content. Sweet potatoes and pumpkin provide carbohydrates and dietary fiber, supporting digestion and dog's overall health. 

Canola oil adds essential fatty acids, while dried tomato puree contributes vitamins and minerals. Though carrageenan, a thickener that can cause inflammation, is included, it appears in minimal amounts, making the recipe a nutritious option for dogs.

5. Small Breed Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin

Small breed dogs with grain sensitivities need specially formulated food, and this grain-free recipe is perfect for them.

Designed for small mouths, it uses sweet potato and pumpkin for fiber and carbohydrates, aiding digestion and providing energy. Chicken is the first ingredient, supported by chicken meal for muscle development and tissue repair.

Garbanzo beans, peas, and pea starch add plant-based protein and essential nutrients. Poultry fat provides energy, enhances taste, and maintains coat health.

Dried tomato pomace offers antioxidants and fiber. The recipe is free from wheat, corn, and artificial flavors, focusing on natural ingredients with added vitamins and minerals.

6. Chicken, Wild Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe in Savory Broth 

Crafted to satisfy both taste and nutrition, this savory wet dog food features real chicken as the first ingredient, paired with wild salmon and wholesome brown rice for a protein-rich meal your dog will look forward to every day. The recipe is made with natural ingredients plus added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to help support overall health and well-being.

Nutritious ingredients like pumpkin and brown rice provide gentle fiber to support healthy digestion, while salmon delivers additional protein and naturally occurring omega fatty acids that help maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat. Each serving is prepared in a flavorful broth for added moisture and irresistible taste, making it a great option for picky eaters or dogs who need extra hydration in their diet.

Designed for adult dogs, this recipe contains no corn, wheat, soy, poultry by-products, artificial flavors or preservatives. It also includes essential vitamins and chelated minerals to support immune health, energy metabolism, and everyday vitality. With a guaranteed analysis of 11% minimum protein and 83% maximum moisture, it offers a balanced blend of nourishment and hydration in every cup.

Made by a brand that has focused on thoughtfully crafted pet nutrition for over 40 years, this recipe delivers wholesome, premium-quality nutrition inspired by nature and made for wag-worthy mealtimes.

 

Is It Made in the United States?

The brand was only acquired by Big Heart Pet Brands, part of the J.M. Smucker Company, in 2015. According to a spokesperson for the Nature’s Variety brand, all of their dry dog food and dog treats are produced in U.S. facilities. While most of their wet dog food products are also made in the United States, some of their grain free foods (canned) are made in Thailand.

Where Do They Get Their Ingredients?

Though this dog food brand is a U.S.-based company, the brand’s manufacturer (J.M. Smucker Company) has operations around the world. Most of their dog food products are made in the United States, so it seems likely that most of their ingredients are sourced from the U.S. as well.

Their website provides some detailed information about the quality and nutritional benefits for some of their main ingredients (like real salmon, wholesome grains, and garden quality vegetables) but they do not provide specific information about where any of these ingredients come from.

As someone who reviews dog food ingredients regularly, I always start by looking at the first five ingredients because they make up the majority of the recipe.

Protein Sources

Most Nature's Recipe formulas begin with a named animal protein such as:

• Chicken
• Salmon
• Lamb
• Turkey

I consider this a positive because named meat ingredients provide a clear source of animal protein.

Many recipes also include meat meal, which often sounds concerning to pet owners but can actually be a concentrated source of protein when sourced from quality ingredients.

Carbohydrates

Depending on the recipe, Nature's Recipe uses carbohydrates such as:

• Brown rice
• Barley
• Sweet potatoes
• Pumpkin
• Peas

These ingredients provide energy, fiber, and additional nutrients.

Fruits and Vegetables

Many formulas contain ingredients like:

• Pumpkin
• Sweet potatoes
• Carrots
• Apples

While these ingredients appear further down the ingredient list, they contribute beneficial vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Ingredients I Like

• Real meat as the first ingredient
• No artificial preservatives
• No artificial colors
• No artificial flavors
• Multiple recipes for different dietary needs

Ingredients That May Concern Some Owners

• Peas and pea protein in certain recipes
• Plant-based ingredients that may contribute protein
• Some formulas contain multiple starch sources

While these ingredients are common in modern dog foods, some pet owners prefer diets with a higher percentage of animal-based protein.

Nutritional Analysis

When evaluating a dog food, ingredients only tell part of the story. Nutritional composition is equally important.

Overall, Nature's Recipe recipes typically provide:

• Moderate to high protein levels
• Moderate fat content
• Balanced carbohydrate levels
• Essential vitamins and minerals

Most healthy adult dogs should be able to maintain good body condition on these recipes when fed appropriately.

However, highly active dogs may benefit from foods with higher protein and fat levels than some Nature's Recipe formulas provide.

Where to Buy?

It is widely available for purchase at various retail locations, including major pet supply stores like Petco, PetSmart and Pet Supplies Plus.

Additionally, it can often be found at large retailers such as Walmart, Target, Chewy or Amazon (just click the links on this page). Many grocery stores with pet care sections also stock their products, providing convenience for pet owners during their regular shopping trips.

Furthermore, they offer the option for online purchase through its official website and various e-commerce platforms, offering the convenience of home delivery. With its widespread availability both in-store and online, pet owners can easily find them to meet their furry friend's nutritional needs.

Recall History

The company follows the tagline, “Every ingredient counts” and they talk about promoting the health and wellness of pets with their products. They do not, however, provide much in the way of detailed information about their ingredients or their manufacturing processes.

It is worth noting that Big Heart Pet Brands, the company that manufactures Nature’s Recipe products, also makes some low-quality pet food brands – maybe even in the same facilities as Nature’s Recipe products. All that we know for sure is that Nature’s Recipe has only been recalled once. Here are the details of that recall:

• In October 2012, the Nature’s Recipe company issued a voluntary recall for 19-ounce pouches of Nature’s Recipe Oven Baked Biscuits with Real Chicken due to potential salmonella contamination.

What Kind of Products Do They Offer?

One thing I like about Nature's Recipe is that it offers a diverse range of formulas. Some of the most popular product lines include:

Grain-Free Recipes

These recipes replace traditional grains with ingredients such as sweet potatoes and pumpkin. Popular formulas include:

• Salmon, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe
• Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe
• Lamb, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe

Original Recipes

These grain-inclusive formulas feature ingredients like brown rice and barley.

Popular options include:

• Chicken, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe
• Lamb, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe

Easy-to-Digest Recipes

Designed for dogs with sensitive stomachs, these recipes feature highly digestible ingredients and added fiber sources.

Wet Dog Food

Nature's Recipe also produces wet foods in convenient tubs and pouches that can be fed alone or used as meal toppers.

What Customers Like

After reading hundreds of customer reviews, several themes consistently appear.

• Dogs enjoy the taste
• Good value for the price
• Easy availability in stores
• Suitable for many dogs with food sensitivities
• Noticeable improvements in coat quality

Many owners report that their dogs transition easily to Nature's Recipe without digestive issues.

Common Complaints

No dog food is perfect, and Nature's Recipe is no exception.

Some recurring complaints include:

• Formula changes over the years
• Dogs refusing newer recipes
• Occasional digestive upset during transitions
• Some owners prefer higher meat content

It's important to remember that every dog responds differently to food, and individual experiences can vary significantly.

Is Nature's Recipe Good for Dogs?

Based on my research and ingredient analysis, I would consider Nature's Recipe a solid mid-range dog food brand.

It offers:

✔ Quality named protein sources

✔ No artificial colors or preservatives

✔ Multiple recipe options

✔ Reasonable pricing

✔ Good availability

While it may not compete with premium brands that feature exceptionally high meat content or extensive sourcing transparency, it performs well for its price category.

For many pet parents, it strikes a practical balance between quality and affordability.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Pros

• Real meat listed as the first ingredient
• Wide variety of recipes
• Grain-free and grain-inclusive options
• No artificial flavors or preservatives
• Budget-friendly pricing
• Generally positive customer feedback

Cons

• Some formulas rely heavily on plant ingredients
• Protein levels vary between recipes
• Not all recipes are ideal for highly active dogs
• Formula changes may not suit every dog

Final Verdict

After taking a close look at the ingredients, nutrition, product variety and customer feedback, I believe Nature's Recipe is a good choice for many dogs, particularly pet parents seeking an affordable food made with recognizable ingredients and no artificial additives.

Is it the highest-quality dog food on the market? No.

Is it a reliable option that offers decent nutrition for the price? Absolutely.

For most healthy adult dogs, Nature's Recipe provides balanced nutrition and a variety of recipes that can fit different preferences and sensitivities.

Overall Rating

Ingredient Quality: 4/5

Nutritional Value: 4/5

Product Variety: 4.5/5

Value for Money: 4.5/5

Recall History: 4/5

Final Score: 4.2/5

Nature's Recipe earns its place as a dependable mid-range dog food brand that delivers good value without sacrificing ingredient quality.