The PureVita dog food line is the result of more than 50 years of innovation in the pet food industry. This brand of dog food features pure, natural, and holistic recipes that are made with premium-quality proteins, wholesome carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, and beneficial supplements.
PureVita products are particularly beneficial for dogs with food allergies and sensitivities because they feature a single source of animal protein and many recipes are grain-free. The brand sets itself apart from the competition by going above and beyond with their product offerings.
In addition to a decent selection of traditional and grain-free dry foods and wet foods, this dog food brand also offers some moist and freeze-dried dog food products and an assortment of freeze-dried treats.
No matter which recipe you choose, you can feel good that their products are packed with whole ingredients and nutritionally balanced. PureVita products also include the Good 4 Life system which guarantees optimal palatability and digestibility.
The PureVita brand of dog food is a sister brand to NutriSource – that means that it falls under the KLN Family Brands umbrella. NutriSource was founded as the Pine Lakes Feed Company in 1947 by Darrell “Tuffy” Nelson – it eventually developed into Tuffy’s Dog Food Company when Darrell’s son joined the venture.
After spending nearly forty years in the economy pet food industry, Tuffy’s Dog Food entered the super-premium pet food industry with the release of NutriSource pet foods and then went on to further expand the brand with the PureVita line of holistic pet foods in 2007.
PureVita Dog Food Review
With Grains
Grains are excellent nutrient sources for canines. They are packed with fat, carbohydrates, and plenty of antioxidants that support a healthy skin, coat, and immune system.
Contrary to popular belief, canines have evolved to become omnivores, unlike their wolf ancestors who are purely carnivores. This means that your pet dog can digest grains as well as he can meat.
This dry dog food recipe features duck as its main protein, a novel ingredient that is beneficial for dogs with allergies to common meats like beef.
Fresh duck and duck meal are the primary ingredients, ensuring a high protein content. The recipe includes beneficial grains like oatmeal and barley for fiber and complex carbohydrates.
A variety of fruits and vegetables, led by peas, contribute to the overall protein level of 24% minimum, while carrots, cherries, cranberries, and apricots add additional nutrients.
Sunflower and salmon oils provide essential omega fatty acids for healthy skin, coat, immune system, heart, and cognitive functions.
Despite concerns about alfalfa meal, its small quantity in this recipe poses no risk. The food also contains beneficial microorganisms for digestive health and is supplemented with vitamins and minerals for a complete and nutritious diet.
Grain-Free
While dogs are omnivores, a grain-free diet can be beneficial to pets who are sensitive to grains, have difficulty maintaining their weight, or face problems with digestive issues.
They can be just as healthy as diets with grains because brands usually provide alternative nutrient sources to replace the grains.
2. Grain-Free Salmon and Peas Recipe
First 5 ingredients:
Salmon, Salmon Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Pea Flour
This grain free dog food is praised for its superior nutrition for dogs. It features protein-rich salmon, an excellent source of omega fatty acids, complemented by sweet potatoes, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
This salmon recipe is especially beneficial for dogs with food allergies and sensitivities, being highly digestible and suitable for all life stages.
The primary ingredient, fresh salmon, provides high-quality protein and omega fatty acids, though it contains significant moisture.
The second ingredient, salmon meal, offers concentrated protein. Carbohydrates come from peas and sweet potatoes, which are zero grain and highly digestible, also providing dietary fiber.
The recipe's crude fiber content is slightly high at 6%, but it uses digestible sources. The Good 4 Life system enhances digestion, and other ingredients include sunflower oil for fats, alfalfa meal, flaxseed, dried tomato pomace, and chicory extract for supplementary fibers. Beneficial supplements include vitamins, chelated minerals for nutrient absorption, and probiotics for digestive support.
While the recipe could benefit from lower crude fiber content and an additional animal-based fat source, it remains a high-quality formula, particularly advantageous for dogs with sensitive stomachs, allergies, or grain sensitivities.
Limited Ingredient
A limited ingredient diet is designed for pet parents who are concerned about their dogs’ allergies or sensitivity to food. The reduced number of ingredients may help pets combat itchy skin, diarrhea, weight loss or gain, infections, and more.
Usually a limited ingredient diet will contain only one type of animal protein source and perhaps one, two or a few vegetables.
Pork is not something you often see as the main animal protein source in a pet food. This recipe features pork as the main protein, making it a novel option for dogs bored with typical flavors like chicken, lamb, or beef.
The primary ingredients are fresh pork and pork meal, both providing high-quality protein and B12, essential for building skin, hair, muscles, tendons, and supporting brain, intestines, and nervous system functions.
The recipe includes a variety of vegetables, fruits, and veggie-based ingredients like peas, garbanzo beans, pea flour, alfalfa meal, flaxseed, dried tomato pomace, cranberries, blueberries, and apples.
These ingredients contribute to a minimum of 24% protein content, along with essential nutrients like iron, calcium, potassium, folate, magnesium, and omega fatty acids.
Peas and garbanzo beans add protein and fiber, aiding digestion and supporting heart health. Alfalfa meal helps balance urine acidity and supports joint health.
Flaxseed, a superfood, provides fiber, fat, protein, and omega fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin. Dried tomato pomace offers soluble fiber for regular bowel movements, stable blood sugar levels, and low cholesterol, along with vitamins and potassium.
The formulation avoids fillers, ensuring every ingredient has a purpose. It includes beneficial microorganisms, glucosamine, and chondroitin for bone health. This recipe is suitable for dogs of all life stages, providing essential nutrients for their daily activities.
Wet foods typically have fewer ingredients because they need fewer preservatives, thanks to the natural preservation from canning.
These foods use more meat than carbs and generally avoid artificial flavors or colors. This grain-inclusive lamb stew uses a simple ingredient list, focusing on one animal protein and one vegetable for most of its nutrition.
The main animal protein is lamb, presented as fresh lamb and lamb broth. Lamb is a leaner meat compared to beef and pork, while lamb broth adds moisture and flavor.
The wet dog food also includes wholesome vegetables like spinach, pumpkin puree, green beans, and carrots. Carrots are particularly notable for their low calorie content, high fiber, and beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A.
Ancient grains such as pearled barley and quinoa enhance the stew's nutritional profile. Quinoa is rich in iron, magnesium, fiber, and all nine essential amino acids, while pearled barley provides fiber for digestion and bowel regularity and helps regulate blood sugar levels due to its low glycemic index.
Additional ingredients include brewers dried yeast and yucca schidigera, which contribute to the overall nutritional value and health benefits of the food.
Aside from size, little dogs also differ from regular and large-sized breed when it comes to nutritional requirements. Smaller dogs require much more energy so a high-calorie food is needed to meet their daily requirements.
Aside from this, little pooches also need smaller-sized kibbles to make it easier for little mouths to chew and eat. The Small Bites range is designed specifically for this reason.
5. Small Bites Turkey & Sweet Potato Entrée
First 5 ingredients:
Turkey, Turkey Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Pea Flour
This dog food recipe combines white turkey meat and sweet potatoes, creating a nourishing and tasty meal for small dogs.
It includes premium turkey and turkey meal as the primary protein sources, ideal for weight maintenance and dogs with food sensitivities to chicken or beef. The fat content, also derived from turkey, provides essential insulation, cushioning, and energy for bodily functions.
The recipe features three forms of peas (fresh peas, pea flour, and pea starch) for added vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein. Other significant ingredients include alfalfa meal, flaxseed, dried tomato pomace, sunflower oil, salmon oil, dried brewer's yeast, yucca schidigera extract, and beneficial microorganisms, along with various fruits, herbs, vitamins, and minerals.
Flaxseed, sunflower oil, and salmon oil provide essential omega fatty acids for skin and coat health, reducing inflammation, supporting the reproductive system, and promoting heart health.
Alfalfa meal, though controversial, offers proteins, vitamins, and trace minerals, aiding in arthritis relief. Dried tomato pomace, another debated ingredient, provides soluble fiber for regular waste elimination, stable blood sugar levels, and reduced cholesterol.
Dried brewer's yeast promotes overall health, controls ticks and fleas, reduces anxiety, and improves skin and coat texture. Yucca schidigera, though not adding health benefits, helps reduce pet waste odor.
Overall, this recipe is a wholesome, safe food option suitable for small dogs, providing essential nutrients and health benefits.
Dog Treats
Hip & Joint
Some dogs, particularly aging ones and larger breeds, need a little more nutrient help when it comes to their bones and joints. These canines are prone to aches, stiffness, and pains in their joints, which can then lead to immobility.
The Hip & Joint range of treats are packed with chondroitin and glucosamine — two nutrients responsible for lessening joint pains and maintaining their healthy function.
Treats are meant to reward pets, and the number one factor is taste. But what if you can have both taste and nutrition?
These soft, chewy treats offer both taste and nutrition, suitable for dogs of all life stages. Fresh chicken is the main protein source, providing a lean, protein-rich, and tasty meat. Chicken cartilage adds high protein, low fat, and chondroitin and glucosamine for joint health.
It includes fresh peas and pea fiber, enhancing the protein content to 15% and aiding digestion. Three grains—barley, white rice, and oat flour—provide digestible carbohydrates and essential nutrients. Barley is high in fiber and vitamins, white rice is gentle on the stomach, and oat flour is rich in biotin, magnesium, and fiber.
Additional ingredients include salmon oil and dried brewer's yeast, which support skin, coat, and cognitive health. Pomegranate, acai berries, and vitamin C add antioxidants and tannins, promoting overall well-being and reducing the risk of heart diseases. These treats combine flavor and health benefits, making them a great reward for dogs.
One good sign of health in dogs is a beautiful coat and a healthy skin. These Skin & Coat dog treats supply Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids in a tasty way. The two fatty acids are responsible for reducing itchy skin, promoting healthy coats and fur, and supporting brain and immune system functions.
Skin & Coat
One good sign of health in dogs is a beautiful coat and a healthy skin. These treats supply Omega 6 and Omega-3 fatty acids in a tasty way.
The two fatty acids are responsible for reducing itchy skin, promoting healthy coats and fur, and supporting brain and immune system functions.
The skin and coat of a doggy is his pride. So even if you’re giving him treats as a reward for good behavior or just because he’s too cute, it helps to know that you’re still feeding him healthy food.
These are designed to promote healthy skin and coats for dogs. They feature salmon as the primary ingredient, providing a flavorful and powerful protein source.
Protein is essential for maintaining and repairing cell tissues, supporting the immune system, and producing hormones, antibodies, and enzymes.
The treats also include three grains: barley, white rice, and oats. Barley and oats are rich in fiber and essential vitamins and minerals, while white rice is a digestible carbohydrate that is gentle on the stomach. Grain allergies are rare in dogs, making these grains a safe and healthy addition.
To enhance omega fatty acid content, salmon oil is included. Peas and pea fiber boost the protein content, with the overall crude protein level reaching 15%, which is high for dog treats. Glycerin is used as a humectant to keep the treats moist without spoiling.
L-carnitine is another beneficial ingredient, improving physical performance, muscle recovery, and reducing oxidative stress. It also supports a healthy weight and brain function.
However, the inclusion of palm oil is a drawback, as it can cause laxative effects and sickness in dogs. Due to this, the overall rating of these treats is downgraded despite the other top-notch ingredients.
Limited Ingredient Jerky
A jerky treat is made of dried meat, which is an excellent healthy treat to give to any dog. The limited ingredient line purposefully keeps the list short with simple ingredients that nevertheless provide plenty of nutrition.
Duck, a favorite among dogs for its distinctive taste, contributes to the high crude protein level of 25%. Coconut glycerin, derived from coconut oil, enhances flavor, hydration, endurance, and eye health.
Sea salt acts as a preservative and adds valuable minerals. Pumpkin, rich in vitamins A, C, and E, potassium, and zinc, supports eye, immune, and coat health while promoting regular elimination.
These Limited Ingredient treats offer dogs a savory taste along with superior nutrition. With just seven ingredients, starting with fresh duck, they provide essential amino acids that support strong muscles and abundant energy.
Organic apple cider vinegar aids digestion and promotes gut health. Mixed tocopherols serve as a natural preservative.
These treats, with their seven high-quality ingredients, offer a nutritious and wholesome snack for dogs. Additionally, turkey, beef, and salmon flavored jerky treats are available.
Is It Made in the USA?
Yes. As a sister brand to NutriSource, PureVita is a family-owned and -operated pet food manufacturer. The KLN Family Brands company takes very seriously the task of ensuring top-notch quality and safety for all of their products, not just the PureVita line.
All of PureVita’s products are made using state-of-the-art equipment in a company-owned manufacturing facility located in Perham, Minnesota. This plant is the only facility that produces PureVita and other KLN Family Brands – it is also a pet food-only manufacturing plant.
Where Do They Get Their Ingredients?
Unfortunately, PureVita doesn’t provide specific information regarding the exact sources for their ingredients. However, because all of their products are made in the USA, it is likely that they use primarily US-sourced ingredients.
Dog Food Recall History
The KLN Family Brands company is very serious about maintain high standards for quality and safety – that is why the have been a family-owned business for more than four decades.
Not only is this company dedicated to the highest standards for manufacturing safety, but they are also very careful about the quality of their ingredients. In fact, none of the KLN Family Brands pet food brands have been.
All of this being true, you shouldn’t be surprised to learn that PureVita has never been affected by a product recall, not until 12 October 2021.
The company is issuing a voluntary recall of approximately 1,600 cases of Pure Vita Salmon Entrée Dog Food in a Tetrapak carton following notification from the product manufacturer of potentially elevated levels of Vitamin D.
Consuming high levels of vitamin D in dog food can cause adverse reactions in dogs of all sizes, including symptoms such as vomiting, increased thirst, increased urination, loss of appetite, excessive drooling and weight loss.
Consumers are advised to stop feeding the product listed to their pets immediately. The company recommends consumers whose dogs have consumed the potentially affected product and are exhibiting any of the above mentioned symptoms contact their veterinarian.
Is It Expensive?
The PureVita brand of dog food is a high-quality and holistic brand of dog food, so you should expected it to be a little more expensive than the average kibble. Prices vary from one recipe to another, but generally a 25-pound bag of PureVita dry dog food will cost you between $55 and $75, though grain-free recipes may be closer to $55 to $100 for some recipes.
You can purchase 12.7-ounce cans of PureVita wet dog food in cases of 12 for $35 to $45 which gives you an average price of around $3.30 per can. A 3-ounce bag of freeze-dried treats costs about $7.
What Kind of Dog Food Do They Offer?
Pure Vita offers a large variety of different dog food products, all of which are natural and holistic. This brand was specifically developed as a holistic line of pet food products, so you can rest assured that each recipe is made with the finest ingredients available.
In terms of their product offerings, they have many dog food products (both dry and wet), as well as limited selection of dog treats.
Though each recipe is unique, all of their dog food formulas are held to the highest standards for safety and quality so you can feel good about feeding them to your dog.
Kibbles: This brand offers both traditional and grain-free options for dry dog food. There are three traditional recipes featuring premium proteins like chicken, duck, and salmon as well as 9 grain-free recipes made with similar proteins. Each recipe is protein-packed and nutritionally balanced.
Grain-inclusive:
Chicken & Brown Rice
Duck & Oatmeal
Salmon & Potato
Grain-free:
Beef & Red Lentils
Duck & Green Lentils
Pork & Peas
Kangaroo & Green Lentils
Small Bites Turkey & Sweet Potato
Turkey & Sweet Potato
Small Bites Salmon & Peas
Salmon & Peas
Venison & Red Lentils
Wet Products: The brand currently only offers limited options for canned food. Each recipe features a single source of high-quality protein and is supplemented with wholesome carbohydrates and beneficial supplements.
Grain-inclusive:
Beef stew
Chicken stew
Lamb stew
Turkey stew
Grain-free:
Pork Entrée
Beef Entrée
Chicken Entrée
Turkey Entrée
Dog Treats: This brand of dog food is primarily known for their dry and canned food formulas but they also offer some dog treats. These treats are freeze-dried to ensure optimal nutritional quality and they are made with fresh meats and wholesome carbohydrates.
Treats:
Beef Jerky
Turkey Jerky
Duck Jerky
Salmon Jerky
Final Say
This brand of food stands out as a top choice for dogs, backed by glowing customer reviews and the enthusiasm of pet owners.
Available in your local pet store, this high quality food ensures your dog loves this food while meeting all the standards of pet food nutrition.
Their commitment to using premium ingredients makes it a reliable choice for dogs, ensuring their health and happiness.
Pet owners appreciate the transparency and care put into every bag, knowing that the amount of food and its composition are crafted with their pet's well-being in mind.
Ultimately, choosing them reflects a dedication to providing the best for your furry friend, reinforcing the idea that food is an important aspect of their overall care.
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Noreen possesses a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree from Informatics International College. While this credential might not elucidate her passion for pets, it does demonstrate her technical expertise and diverse character.
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