Newman’s Own Dog Food Review [Updated June 2023]: Best High Quality Diet?

You are probably already familiar with the Newman’s Own company (especially their line of homemade salad dressings), but did you know that they also offer a selection of pet food products?

The Newman’s Own company offers a very limited selection of dry dog foods but a decent offering of wet food options, many of which are made with organic ingredients.

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The products this brand has to offer are all centered around quality proteins like chicken, turkey, and beef with wholesome carbohydrates like brown rice and pearled barley.

When you feed your dog Newman’s Own dog food, you can feel good that you are offering him a high-quality diet made with natural ingredients.

It might also please you to know that the Newman’s Own company is dedicated to giving back – a full 100% of the profits from the sale of Newman’s Own products go to the Newman’s Own Foundation.

Who Makes Newman’s Own Dog Food?

The Newman’s Own brand of dog food is made by Newman’s Own, Inc. The Newman’s Own company was founded by Paul Newman in 1982 as a food and beverage company.

It all started with a homemade salad dressing that eventually led to pasta sauce, frozen pizzas, fruit juices, and other recipes.

In 1993, Newman’s daughter, Nell Newman, started an organic division of the company called Newman’s Own Organics which later became a separate company. Newman’s Own Organics includes a line of organic pet foods in addition to other food products.

Newman’s Own Dog Food Reviews

Though Newman’s Own may not offer the largest selection of dog food products, you can count on the fact that each recipe is made with high-quality ingredients.

Newman’s Own dry dog food only comes in two formulas, but both are made with protein-rich chicken and whole-grain carbohydrates as well as fresh fruits and veggies.

In terms of canned food, Newman’s Own offers a decent selection of organic wet food formulas made with premium proteins like chicken, turkey, and beef. These recipes also include digestible carbohydrates and healthy fats, as well as beneficial supplements.

Overall, the Newman’s Own brand offers a modest selection of high-quality products.

Reviewed Newman’s Own Dog Foods

1. Newman's Own Adult Formula
2. Newman's Own Dinner For Dogs Turkey & Brown Rice Recipe
3. Newman's Own Organics Chicken & Liver Dinner
4. Newman's Own Dinner For Dogs Turkey & Chicken Recipe
5. Newman's Own Organics 95% Chicken Dinner
6. Newman's Own Beef Jerky Original Recipe Dog Treats
7. Newman's Own Peanut Butter Flavor Dog Treats
8. Newman's Own Chicken Hip & Joint Snack Sticks

1. Newman’s Own Adult Dog Dry Food Formula

First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Organic Barley, Organic Oats, Organic Peas and Chicken Meal

Rating: 4/5

This Newman’s Own Adult Formula is a grain-inclusive formula specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of adult dogs. It is formulated with an ideal protein-fat ratio that will not only provide the energy your dog needs but will also help to support his lean muscle mass.

This recipe is marketed as a premium pet food formula and, because it is made with quality proteins and a number of organic ingredients, that seems to be the case.

It features wholesome grains, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables and beneficial supplements to ensure complete and balanced nutrition. It even contains probiotics to help support your dog’s healthy and regular digestion.

The first ingredient in this recipe is fresh chicken, a high-quality source of animal protein. While fresh chicken is a nutrient-rich ingredient, you should be aware that fresh meats like this contain up to 80% moisture by volume.

All this means is that when the product is cooked during manufacturing that much of that moisture will cook out – this may mean that the final volume of protein from that ingredient might end up being much lower.

For this reason, it is a good thing to see that chicken meal is also included in this product – it comes in at number five. Chicken meal is simply fresh chicken that has been cooked to remove moisture. That makes it a high-quality source of concentrated protein for your dog.

After the fresh chicken come several sources of whole-grain and organic carbohydrates. The main carbohydrates here are organic barley, organic oats, and organic peas – there is also organic sorghum and organic soybean meal.

Whole grains like barley, oats, and sorghum are considered highly digestible for most dogs. However, if your dog suffers from food allergies or grain sensitivities, these ingredients may cause a problem. The organic peas are gluten-free and grain-free as well as being a valuable source of carbohydrate energy and dietary fiber.

You should also be aware that peas contain a significant amount of plant protein – as does soybean meal. It is possible that these two ingredients make a significant contribution to the total protein content of this recipe, though it is hard to tell whether that is the case.

The main source of fat in this recipe is chicken fat which, while it may not sound appetizing to you, is a highly nutritious and flavorful ingredient for dogs. Fat is the most highly concentrated source of energy available to dogs as well.

The chicken fat is supplemented to some degree by the natural omega-3 fatty acids in the organic flaxseed. The remaining ingredients in this formula consist primarily of supplemental carbohydrates, fresh herbs and veggies, and beneficial supplements.

This recipe contains a number of vitamin and mineral supplements which help to ensure complete and balanced nutrition. It is good to see that many of the minerals are chelated – this simply means that they have been chemically bonded to protein molecules which makes them easier for your dog’s body to digest and absorb. There are also probiotics for digestive support.

Overall, this product is a high-quality source of balanced nutrition for dogs in all life stages. Though this recipe is marketed as an adult dog formula, it has plenty of fat and protein which means that it could be good for puppies as well as senior dogs.

This recipe starts off strong with chicken as the main ingredient but the second protein (chicken meal) doesn’t appear until the fifth slot. In between there are several carbohydrates (including protein-rich peas) which could contribute a significant amount of plant protein to the total protein content of the recipe.

This formula does contain plenty of healthy fats and beneficial supplements, however, so overall it is still a high-quality product.

2. Newman's Own Dinner For Dogs Turkey & Brown Rice Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Organic Turkey, Organic Chicken, Water Sufficient for Processing, Poultry Liver and Organic Chicken Broth

Rating: 4/5

Newman's Own Dinner For Dogs Turkey & Brown Rice Recipe is a grain-inclusive wet dog food formulated for the nutritional needs of adult dogs of all breeds and sizes. This pate is soft and easy to chew, which makes it ideal for senior pups or dogs who have lost some of their teeth.

This 95% organic wet dog food is made with real turkey and chicken, so you can be assured that it has all of the protein that dogs need to help them maintain lean and strong muscles. Poultry liver is added to give this pate a rich flavor and texture.

However, it is not specified from which animal the poultry liver is sourced. It is highly likely that they come from chicken and turkey as well. While we do prefer specifically named animal ingredients, especially for the sake of sensitive dogs, this recipe is a dual protein food with both turkey and chicken meat in it.

This meat-rich pate is made even tastier with organic chicken broth. It gives more flavor and moisture to this recipe, making it great for adding more hydration to your dog’s diet. It can be served on its own as a complete meal, or as kibble topper.

The main source of carbs in wet formula is organic brown rice. Brown rice is also high in fiber, which improves digestion by helping food move along the digestive tract. This recipe also has sweet potatoes and oat bran as additional sources of carbs and fiber. It has no corn, wheat, or soy.

This tasty dinner for dogs has cranberries and dried kelp. Cranberries are known for their antioxidants, which helps support cellular health and strengthen the immune system. Dried kelp is highly nutritious, with protein, and multiple vitamins and minerals that promote overall health in dogs.

While it has no artificial enhancers such as flavors, colors, or preservatives, it does contain carrageenan. Carrageenan is an additive that some experts claim may potentially contribute to certain conditions in dogs. This additive is commonly found in wet pet foods as a thickening agent.

This is one of the brand’s highest rated products. Dogs of all shapes and sizes seem to enjoy this turkey and chicken dinner. Even picky pups love this meaty pate.

According to some pet parents of dogs with sensitive tummies, this recipe from Newman’s Own is easy on their pups’ stomachs. It does not cause them to have any digestive issues.

Overall, this canned formula is a good pate for dogs who love chicken and turkey. If you are looking for a grain-inclusive pate that is meaty and has only wholesome grains, this could be the one. However, it does contain carrageenan, which is something that some pet parents would like to avoid.

3. Newman's Own Organics Chicken & Liver Dinner

First 5 ingredients: Organic Chicken, Organic Chicken Broth, Organic Chicken Liver, Organic Pea Flour and Tricalcium Phosphate

Rating: 4.2/5

Newman's Own Organics Chicken & Liver Dinner is a grain-free wet food formulated for the nutritional needs of adult pups of all breeds and sizes. This high-protein pate is ideal for dogs allergic to grains, gluten, and proteins other than chicken.

This single source protein canned food has organic chicken as its most plentiful ingredient. Made with chicken liver, this pate is rich and full of flavor. These two ingredients are one of the most popular among dogs. Chicken is also a highly digestible protein that is easy on dogs’ tummies. This Newman’s Own dinner for pups has no ingredients sourced from any other animal than chicken.

Organic chicken broth makes this chicken and liver recipe a hydrating meal that is nutritionally balanced and complete. It can also be served as kibble topper to incorporate more moisture into your pup’s diet. Instead of grains, the main source of carbohydrates in this recipe is organic pea flour. Peas are complex carbs that are rich in protein and other nutrients.

While this chicken and liver dinner is free from corn, wheat, soy; and artificial enhancers such as flavors, colors or preservatives, it contains carrageenan. Carrageenan is an additive that some experts claim may contribute to certain conditions in pets. Commonly found in wet pet foods, many pet parents prefer to feed their pets foods without it.

This is another hit among dogs! They love the rich chicken goodness of this pate. Even picky senior pups get excited for mealtimes with this wet food on the menu. They can easily chew and digest this soft pate, too.

This is overall a simple and highly palatable dog food. It is meat-rich and has no other ingredients from animals other than chicken. Many sensitive dogs thrive on this chicken and liver dinner.

While we like that it is 95% organic, and does not have too many plant-based ingredients, this canned food from Paul Newman would rate higher if it did not have additives such as carrageenan.

4. Newman's Own Dinner For Dogs Turkey & Chicken Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Organic Turkey, Water Sufficient for Processing, Poultry Liver, Organic Chicken and Ocean Whitefish

Rating: 4/5

Newman's Own Dinner For Dogs Turkey & Chicken Recipe is a grain-inclusive wet dog food for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes. This multi-protein pate actually has ocean whitefish aside from chicken and turkey. This flavor-packed dinner is highly palatable and easy to digest.

With organic turkey as the main source of protein, this Newman’s Own Dinner has all the protein that dogs need to help them keep a leaner muscle mass. Organic chicken, poultry liver, and ocean whitefish add even more flavor and protein to this tasty dinner.

Whitefish is naturally rich in omega fatty acids that help promote skin and coat health. While poultry liver is likely made of chicken and turkey liver, we feel that named animal ingredients are always better.

It has wholesome grains instead of fillers such corn, soy, or wheat. The main source of carbohydrates is organic brown rice. Brown rice is high in fiber that aids digestion by helping food move along the digestive tract.

Many experts in holistic health believe that the key to good overall health is having good digestion. It promotes overall wellbeing, and allows the body to absorb more nutrients instead of turning them into waste.

This chicken and turkey recipe also has oat bran, carrots, and flaxseed. Carrots are rich beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant that helps improve eyesight and helps fight free radicals. Flaxseed is rich in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids that help promote healthy skin and lustrous coats.

It is fortified with all of the vitamins and minerals required by dogs for a nutritionally complete and balanced meal. This means that it can be served on its own, or as a hydrating kibble topper.

Like other canned recipes from the brand, this turkey and chicken dinner has no artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors. However, it does contain a common pet food ingredient called carrageenan. Some experts claim that it may contribute to certain conditions in pets.

Like other recipes from the brand, it delivers a super tasty dinner that dogs can’t resist. According to feedback from pet parents, their finicky furballs just love this recipe. They also like the quality of the ingredients.

This is recommended for really picky pups. Numerous dogs love this poultry plus ocean fish recipe. Like the previously reviewed wet dog food from the brand, we think this could be improved by using specifically named animal ingredients instead of the likes of poultry liver, and by omitting carrageenan altogether.

5. Newman’s Own Organic 95% Chicken Dinner

First 5 ingredients: Organic Chicken, Organic Chicken Broth, Organic Pea Flour, Dicalcium Phosphate and Calcium Carbonate

Rating: 4.2/5

This Newman’s Own Organic 95% Chicken Grain-Free Dinner is one of nearly a dozen wet food recipes that Newman’s Own has to offer, but is one of only 7 that are listed as organic. Because this formula is made with organic ingredients, it offers excellent nutritional value you can rest assured that the quality of that nutrition will be high.

This formula features organic chicken as the primary ingredient and is supplemented by organic and grain-free carbohydrates. All in all, this formula is a healthy choice for dogs in all life stages.

As it has already been mentioned, the primary ingredient in this canned food is chicken. While fresh chicken contains 80% moisture by volume, you don’t have to worry about the volume of that ingredient changing much during processing.

This is because chicken broth is the second ingredient and because the moisture content of this recipe remains high at 78%. Not only does the organic chicken broth help to keep the moisture content of this formula high, but it also contributes some natural chicken flavor.

The main sources of carbohydrate in this formula are organic pea flour and organic dried alfalfa. Pea flour is considered a digestible carbohydrate for dogs as well as a valuable source of dietary fiber. One thing you should be aware of with this ingredient (and with the organic dried alfalfa), however, is that these ingredients contain a significant amount of protein.

This protein is plant-based, however, which makes it less biologically valuable for your dog than an animal-based protein. It is unclear how much these ingredients contribute to the total protein content of the recipe, but it could be significant.

The remaining ingredients of this product consist of thickeners, flavors, and supplements. Guar gum is primarily used as a thickener in wet dog food recipes, though it may also contribute some supplemental fiber.

Carrageenan is another ingredient used as a thickener, which is fine, but this ingredient has been linked to some negative health effects in both dogs and cats – some research suggests that it has a carcinogenic effect on animals.

The remaining ingredients, however, are fine – they include vitamin supplements and chelated minerals, for the most part, to ensure complete and balanced nutrition.

Overall, this is a protein-rich and flavorful wet food formula for dogs in all life stages. This recipe starts off strong with chicken and chicken broth as the top two ingredients, but there is some room for improvement with the rest of the recipe.

Pea flour and alfalfa both contain plant protein which may contribute significantly to the total protein content of the recipe – it is hard to tell. It is also troubling to see carrageenan, a potentially carcinogenic ingredient, on the list. Though this formula does leave some room for improvement, it is still a decent product.

6. Newman's Own Beef Jerky Original Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Beef, Brown Sugar, Garlic Powder, Salt and Natural Flavor

Rating: 4.1/5

Newman's Own Beef Jerky Original Recipe Dog Treats are grain-free treats for dogs of all breeds and sizes. These jerky treats are made of grass-fed beef from New Zealand.

At 32% protein, these Newman’s Own beef jerkies packs a lot of protein. As these are treats and are not meant to be given in meal sizes or large amounts, it has no vitamin or mineral supplements. The nutrients in these treats are the ones naturally present in the ingredients.

They are naturally preserved and contain no grains, wheat, corn, artificial colors or flavor enhancers. It does have brown sugar and garlic powder. Sugar is not toxic to dogs, but if consumed in large amounts or too often, it can have the same effect on them as in humans. It can lead to obesity, diabetes, and dental problems.

Garlic powder in treats are usually in small amounts as well, which is perfectly safe. Harmful amounts would be if the dog had access to a jar of garlic powder or a handful of raw garlic. This is why it is very important to keep in mind that dog treats are not meant to be given as meal replacements.

They are bite-sized, making it suitable treats for small and large breed pups alike. It is also a great chewy treat that can be used as a training reward.

According to feedback from pet parents, their picky dogs are crazy for these goodies. One buyer did say that the jerky treats are too hard, while another said that she can easily break them into smaller pieces to give as training rewards.

Many of the dog owners seem to be satisfied with the quality of ingredients. They like that it is made of high quality beef, and does not have any fillers.

It is ideal for dogs who are sensitive to proteins from animals other than beef, as well as those who have grain and gluten allergies. However, the strips of naturally preserved meat may be a bit too rich for some dogs’ tummies.

7. Newman's Own Peanut Butter Flavor Biscuits

First 5 ingredients: Organic Barley Flour, Peanut Butter, Organic Carrots, Organic Apples and Chicken

Rating: 4.5/5

Newman's Own Peanut Butter Flavor Medium Size Dog Treats are grain-inclusive crunchy biscuits that are packed with yummy flavors that dogs enjoy. While it is called peanut butter treats, it actually has some chicken in it too.

The savory and meaty flavor of chicken is further enhanced by chicken fat. Chicken fat is not only tasty, it also has essential fatty acids beneficial to dogs.

Instead of wheat, corn, or soy, these biscuits from Newman’s Own are made of organic barley flour. The second most plentiful ingredient is peanut butter, making these biscuits super flavorful.

The biscuits also contain highly nutritious superfoods such as organic carrots, apples, and turmeric. These ingredients are rich in antioxidants that promote cellular health and strengthen the immune system.

They are crunchy, heart-shaped biscuits that can be easily broken into smaller pieces. They can be given as snacks or even as training rewards. The biscuits come in a resealable pouch to keep them fresh and crunchy.

Another hit from the brand, these treats are enjoyed by pups of all ages. They can’t resist the peanut butter and chicken combination. Dog owners love that the treats are easy to break into little pieces for tiny pups or to be given as training rewards.

As with every Newman’s Own product, buyers especially love that 100% of the profits go to charity. Profits from these biscuits go to Fidelco. Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation is committed to partnering men and women who are blind with lead bred German Shepherd Guide Dogs.

8. Newman's Own Chicken Hip & Joint Snack Sticks

First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chickpeas, Cane Molasses, Glycerin and Dextrose

Rating: 4.1/5

Newman's Own Chicken Hip & Joint Snack Sticks Dog Treats are easy to break grain-free sticks enriched with the nutrients that help promote healthy joints in dogs of all sizes and breeds.

Chicken is the most plentiful ingredient in these tasty sticks. Chicken is a highly digestible protein that numerous dogs enjoy. Instead of wheat, corn, or soy, it has chickpeas which are packed with protein, carbohydrates, and other nutrients.

According to Chewy.com, Glycerin is a three-carbon molecule that is found in fats and oils. It is considered GRAS or generally recognized as safe in animal foods. It can be found as a component of many human foods and beverages.

Dextrose is a common sugar that enhances the flavor of the treats. It is perfectly safe in small amounts such as in these treats. Any dog treat is not meant to be given as meal replacements, and should always be given in appropriate amounts.

It has green lipped mussels sourced from New Zealand. They are included for their anti-inflammatory properties, as well as their natural glucosamine and chondroitin.

Glucosamine and chondroitin help repair joint tissue and cartilage. These easy to chew sticks also have turmeric, which has anti inflammatory properties and antioxidants to support cellular health.

The grain and gluten-free treats are perfect for senior pups and large breed ones who are prone to hip and joint issues, as well as dogs with sensitive tummies. The sticks are quite easy to chew, and can be easily broken into smaller pieces making them perfect as both snacks and training rewards.

This is really popular among senior dogs. The soft, chewy sticks are another testament to Newman’s Own’s commitment to palatable food that dogs greatly enjoy.

These joint and hip support sticks are enjoyed by dogs of all ages and sizes. They love the rich chicken flavor, as well as its chewy texture.

Is Newman’s Own Made in the United States?

The Newman’s Own company is headquartered in Westport, Connecticut. Research suggests that the brand makes all of their products in the United States, though no specific information is available. While the Newman’s Own company is fairly large, their pet food offerings are very limited.

Where Does Newman’s Own Get Their Ingredients?

Unfortunately, Newman’s Own does not provide any specific information regarding where their ingredients come from. A customer service representative from Newman’s Own has been quoted saying that the ingredients used in Newman’s Own Organics pet food are human-grade and largely sourced from the United States but, again, no specific information has been made available.

Newman’s Own Dog Food Recall History

According to the FAQ section of the Newman’s Own website, all of Newman’s Own pet products are manufactured to the highest quality standards and each production run is thoroughly tested for safety.

While the company provides little information about where they get their ingredients or where their products are made, it is good to see that the brand has yet to be affected by a single recall.

Is Newman’s Own Dog Food Expensive?

The Newman’s Own brand of dog food is not the most expensive dog food on the market but it will cost you a little more than you’d pay for an average kibble. Prices vary from one recipe to another, but generally a 25-pound bag of Newman’s Own dry dog food will cost you between $50 and $75.

You can purchase Newman’s Own wet food in 5.5-ounce and 13.2-ounce cans which are typically sold in 24-packs or 12-packs. For a 12-pack of 13.2-ounce cans of Newman’s Own Organics wet dog food you will pay between $25 and $50 which gives you an average price of around $3.10 per can.

For a 24-pack of 5.5-ounce cans, you’ll pay $35 to $68 which is an average of $2.15 per can.

What Kind of Dog Food Does Newman’s Own Offer?

Though Newman’s Own offers a wide variety of products for people, their pet food offerings are much more limited. This time, they only have one variant of dry dog food, which is an adult formula.

They have a larger selection of canned food products. Depending where you purchase the products from, the label may carry the Newman’s Own name or the Newman’s Own Organics name.

Newman’s Own has a wide selection of dog treats that come in different flavors, textures, and even targeted nutrition such as joint and skin support treats.

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Newman’s Own Dry Products

The Newman’s Own brand of dog food only offers two recipes for dry dog food – Adult Dog Formula and Advanced Dog Formula.

The first of these offers an ideal protein-fat ratio to support the nutritional needs of adult dogs and it features protein-rich chicken as well as digestible whole-grain carbohydrates.

The second recipe is a high-protein recipe designed for active dogs as well as puppies and senior dogs. Here is a list of Newman’s Own dry dog food recipes:

Dry Recipes:

• Adult Dog Formula
• Advanced Dog Formula

Newman’s Own Canned Products

Although Newman’s Own only offers only one kind of dry dog food, they offer a decent number of grain-free and grain-inclusive wet food options.

Newman’s own canned recipes are poultry based, with chicken and turkey options, as well as multi-protein ones that include ocean whitefish. Their canned dog food recipes are as follows:

Canned Recipes:

• Organic Chicken & Liver Dinner for Dogs (grain-free)
• Organic Chicken Dinner for Dogs (grain-free)
• Organic Turkey & Liver Dinner for Dogs (grain-free)
• Organic Turkey Dinner for Dogs (grain-free)
• Chicken & Brown Rice Dinner for Dogs
• Chicken Dinner for Dogs
• Turkey & Brown Rice Dinner for Dogs
• Turkey & Chicken Dinner for Dogs

Newman’s Own Dog Treats

While Newman’s Own brand of dog food offers a very limited selection of dry foods, they have a larger selection of dog treats to choose from. Newman’s Own offers dog treats in various flavors.

Whether your dog prefers crunchy biscuits, meaty jerky treats, or soft, easy to chew ones, Newman’s Own has one for him.

Treats:

• Beef Jerky Beef & Sweet Potato
• Snack Sticks Chicken Recipe Grain-
• Turkey & Sweet Potato Flavor
• Grain-Free Chicken Hip & Joint Snack Sticks Dog Treats
• Snack Sticks Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dog Treats
• Dog Biscuits Bacon Flavor Dog Treats
• Turkey Jerky Original Recipe Dog
• Grain-Free Salmon Skin & Coat Snack Sticks Dog Treats
• Chicken Jerky Original Recipe Dog Treats
• Organics Snack Bites Beef Recipe Grain-Free Dog Treats
• Organics Snack Bites Turkey Recipe Grain-Free Dog Treats
• Organics Snack Bites Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dog Treats
• Chicken Flavor Medium Size Dog Treats

Is Newman's Own dog food good?

Newman's Own is a grain-inclusive dry dog food using a moderate amount of named meat meal as its main source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 3 stars.

Does it really matter what kind of dog food you feed your dog?

There is, however, ample evidence that, despite claims to the contrary, both dogs and cats are perfectly able to digest grains if they are cooked, Dr. Nestle said. None of this should imply that different pet food products make no difference to individual animals.

Is premium dog food really better?

Compared to less expensive brands that you might find at a grocery or big box store, some premium brands may have higher digestibility and higher amounts of more expensive ingredients such as animal fat, protein, and fish oil, or different amounts or ratios of other essential nutrients well above the required minimums.

Is homemade dog food cheaper than store bought?

Homemade meals may even make it possible to feed your dog well for less. A 15- pound bag of high-end dry dog food costs approximately $42, and a 5.5 oz. Add the cost of a vitamin/ mineral supplement and calcium, and it is still less than the cost of feeding high-end commercial food.