Pet food companies have often used cheap ingredients to help hold down the cost of food, but at what real price? The founder of TruDog was shocked to discover the types of dangerous ingredients that go into many commercial dog foods, so she started TruDog.
It’s one of the first dog foods dedicated to anti-aging in dogs. It’s designed to prolong not just life but health and well-being. Let’s find out if it’s worth the hype and if it could truly give you more time with your special dog.
Read on for our unbiased, comprehensive TruDog Dog Food Review.
Brand Quick Look
Parent Company: TruPet LLC
Founded in: 2013
Made in: USA
Available at: Chewy, Amazon
Types of Food: Freeze-dried raw, dehydrated raw
Real Meat in First 5 Ingredients? : Yes
Recalled in Past? : Yes
Behind the Brand
Lori R. Taylor had a beloved Great Dane named Truman who suddenly developed cancer at the age of seven and didn’t survive. Lori was baffled by the amount of known carcinogens found in typical dog foods, believing that feeding her beloved Truman a healthier diet free of these ingredients might have given her a bit more time.
She set out to formulate a dog food that could be as healthy as possible, allowing dogs to build their health and wellness throughout their lives. The result was TruDog, the first anti-aging food designed to slow the effects of a dog’s rapid aging without adding to the decline by using subpar and frankly dangerous ingredients.
She created a line of raw foods that use only the best ingredients and are freeze-dried or dehydrated to make them more convenient to store and serve. The foods are made in the USA following strict standards and use human grade ingredients.
The company believes that using the same standards for pet food as human food can help pets live healthier and lessen the effects of aging from a lifetime of processed, cheap meals.
Equally delicious as it is nutritious, made with real, nutrient-rich ingredients like quality cuts of beef meat and organs plus herring oil to aid in digestion.
This meaty recipe contains rich beef and organs to provide dogs with a densely nutritious meal that gives them energy all day long.
The recipe follows a raw carnivore diet, which includes body parts dogs would likely eat in the wild, such as the stomach lining to provide essential fatty acids, and stomach acid to ease digestion.
The ingredients are limited and there are no cheap fillers or artificial flavors. The recipe is also grain-free, and without fruits or veggies, which can water down the pure protein. It may take some getting used to, but there is a lot of evidence that dogs can thrive on a meat-only diet.
Beef provides high protein and great fat content and is rich in iron and B vitamins, which are all very healthy for dogs, especially active or working dogs. Protein is the building block the body uses to repair and make bone, skin, and cartilage.
Sufficient protein helps to build and maintain lean muscle mass. Apart from the all-important protein, beef also has several other essential minerals that are necessary for your dog's good health namely calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc.
It is also an ample source of L-carnitine, an amino acid that occurs naturally in meat products. It helps prevent heart issues. Beef also contains glutathione, called the master antioxidant, which is attributed to several health benefits such as anti-aging, longevity, illness prevention, reduction of risk of chronic disease, and immune system enhancement.
Beef liver is also rich in essential nutrients. It has Vitamin A, which is a strong antioxidant that sustains digestion and the reproductive organs. Vitamin D is another nutrient found in the liver, which strengthens the immune system and helps battle infectious diseases.
B vitamins and folic acid are also found here, which boost mental and nerve health and help battle fatigue. Iron is crucial to the dog's endurance and strength. Copper and zinc support bone and joint health and also helps upgrade immunity.
Ground beef bone provides calcium and phosphorus. Calcium is a foremost need in bone health and helps fight arthritis and other dog conditions like hip dysplasia.
Herring oil provides a natural source of omega fatty acids to help prevent skin issues and improve the condition of the coat. These fats may also help prevent injuries in working dogs, and help dogs maintain energy without adding excess calories.
Refrigeration is not necessary unless when water is added. It’s also easy to store. Though it may take a little longer to reconstitute this recipe compared to other brands of freeze-dried foods, it sure is worth the wait.
The price is on the high side, especially for those with large breed dogs or multiple dog households. If you can swing the cost, the trade-off could be fewer trips to the vet for digestion and allergy issues, and possibly lesser chances of your dog developing chronic diseases from exposure to highly processed and poor ingredients.
Reviews are very good for this product, with over 90% of respondents recommending it. Many say their pets love the recipe, with a few even revealing that their dogs go crazy over it.
But there were also some that only tried it once and had to shift to another brand due to budget constraints. They found the product too expensive.
This Beef Recipe's ingredients are nearly human-grade and come from sustainable sources. It is grain-free and does not include potatoes or peas, it is a meat-only diet.
To sum it all up, it’s probably one of the best foods you could give your dog without taking the time to source ingredients and make it yourself. Taste, quality, and nutrient content are all outstanding, except for the price.
This is when healthy meets delicious. It is a great meal with real raw meat and packed with essential nutrients for all canines.
This recipe is equally savory as it is nourishing and made with real, nutrient-rich ingredients like quality cuts of turkey, and herring oil to aid digestion. And since it is freeze-dried, all the nutrients are locked in.
It’s all-natural and hypoallergenic and easy to digest, making it a great choice for dogs with sensitive bellies but are about to begin a raw diet. It does not contain any fillers or by-products.
The product is also free of wheat, gluten, corn, soy, grain, antibiotics, artificial flavors, artificial coloring, added sugar, salt, and hormones. It helps support healthy gums and teeth, as well as a strong immune system. And it is excellent for digestion and weight maintenance.
The first ingredient is ground turkey with bone. It's no secret that turkey meat is rich in protein, riboflavin, and phosphorus.
Riboflavin is essential to our furry friends as it is responsible for fats and carbohydrates producing energy. It is also known to help produce the red blood cells that carry oxygen and nutrients around the dog's body.
Phosphorus supports healthy kidneys by helping to flush out toxins when the dog urinates. It also aids in improving motor functions and controlling heart rates.
Turkey-based meals are good alternatives for dogs that are allergic to beef or chicken-based recipes. Ground turkey bones are added to supply calcium for healthy bones and teeth.
Turkey heart and liver both have an abundant supply of lean protein, vitamins, and minerals. They have thiamine, manganese, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, niacin, Vitamin B6, folate, Vitamin B12, pantothenic acid, iron, zinc, copper, and selenium, which are all basic requirements for good health.
Thiamine or Vitamin B1 is a must for carbohydrate metabolism. Weight loss and appetite loss may be attributed to the lack of thiamine.
Manganese is important for healthy bone development and neurological function, while Vitamin A is crucial for vigorous skin, fur, muscles, and nerves.
Some studies say that the lack of Vitamin A may result in night blindness in dogs. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that fights harmful free radicals in the body and can help reduce inflammation and cognitive aging.
Niacin and Vitamin B12 help facilitate enzyme function, while Vitamin B6 is responsible for glucose generation, hormone regulation, and nervous system function. Pantothenic acid boosts energy metabolism.
Iron is directly involved in the formation of red blood cells, and hemoglobin, which carries oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Zinc and selenium are necessary for healthy skin and fur, good thyroid function, and a good immune system, while copper is fundamental for normal skin and hair pigmentation.
Fish oil such as one derived from herring is one of the best supplements to add to your dog’s diet. It is beneficial to heart health, and helps promote silky coat, reduces itchy and flaky skin, and can aid in relieving allergies and joint pain.
It also helps prevent canine cancer. This is because fish oil is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, a healthy type of fat that helps your dog’s body and brain. Dogs, like humans, are incapable of producing omega 3 fatty acids on their own.
The fifth ingredient in this recipe is mixed tocopherols. Tocopherols are considered the preferred preservative for dog food as they are more “natural” and contain some vitamins as well.
While there are not too many benefits derived from Tocopherols, they are a much better alternative to artificial preservatives, which may have harmful effects on dogs. With 46% protein, this product is best for building lean and strong muscles in dogs.
This product is in the premium price category, which can be a bit costly for those with large breed dogs or multiple dog households. But the quality is very satisfactory, and the benefits are undeniable.
Consumers who tried the product have very positive comments, with over 70% giving it 5-stars. There are far more pet owners that believe their canine companions loved the recipe, with a few exceptions.
One complained about their dog not having bowel movements for about 36 hours after eating the meal. Some also commented about the product being too pricey.
Overall, this Gourmet Gobbler is a great choice for raw food for canines. It's a high-quality recipe that has essential nutrients and a delectable taste, which we believe most dogs will love. It is a good alternative also for dogs with allergic reactions to beef or chicken. The only downside is its high price.
This filler-free food enhancer is made with simple ingredients that pack a big nutritional punch. Premium cuts of USA-sourced beef, organ meats and herring oil are freeze-dried to lock in nutrients.
This is a remarkable booster to your dog's meal. This mix is made to enhance the flavor of the dog meal, thus the label enhancer. It is made with raw beef and herring oil that are exclusively sourced and packed in the USA to form a highly nutritious and tasty meal booster.
This is a great product to entice dogs that are very picky or difficult to feed. It is also effective when transitioning the dog to a raw diet. It can be served to dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes.
Just sprinkle at least two tablespoons of the product over every 1 cup of the dog's meal for that flavor-packed and nutrient-rich complement to the food. It can be applied to both dried and wet dog foods.
This recipe is free of wheat, gluten, corn, soy, grain, antibiotics, artificial flavors, artificial coloring, added sugar, salt, and hormones.
Beef as the main ingredient is super high in protein that provides amino acids to help build and repair cells and muscles, generate hormones and enzymes, and boost energy. It is also high in iron, zinc, selenium, and Vitamins B12, B3, and B6, which all offer several health benefits.
Beef lung is rich in single-source protein and almost fat-free. It is also generous in iron, folate, and vitamin B12.
Beef liver adds extra nutrient value to the mix, including Vitamins A, D, and Bs. Vitamin A is a strong antioxidant that sustains digestion and the reproductive organs, while Vitamin D boosts the immune system and helps fight infectious diseases. B vitamins and folic support mental and nerve health, and help battle fatigue.
More beef protein is added to the mix for the extra amino acids, the building blocks of life. There are some amino acids that dogs cannot naturally produce in their bodies but are just as important. These must be supplied by the dog's meal.
Beef tripe offers other beneficial nutrients apart from the common ones. It has probiotics, which are good bacteria that fight harmful bacteria like salmonella. They are good for the digestive system.
These probiotics are naturally present in animal intestines. Tripe also has enzymes, which aid in breaking down food nutrients for your beloved pets.
With a minimum crude protein of 49% and 24% crude fat, this enhancer is a welcome nutritious addition to your dog's diet. Although quite expensive for a 3.5-oz. pack, the raw ingredients and freeze-dried process are the main culprits for the high price tag.
Over 90% of reviews described the product as an excellent food booster that most dogs loved. Several comments mentioned how their pets were picky eaters until the meals were sprinkled with this enhancer.
Most of the negative comments were about the high price, especially with the product's petite package. But there were a few that claimed their dogs did not touch their meal even with the enhancer. And there was one that said his dog had diarrhea after consuming the product.
The verdict for TruDog Boost Me Mighty Meaty Beef Food Enhancer? We highly recommend it for dogs that are difficult to feed. We find this particular food enhancer as effective in upgrading the taste of dog meals.
We also recommend this as a supplement to your dog's meal because of its nutrient-rich content. And it's a good way to introduce your canine friends to raw food. But again, the higher price tag could have pet parents turning to more affordable options.
Raw freeze-dried dog treats made with Wild Alaskan salmon as the only ingredient. They’re also a great way to start implementing raw foods into your dog’s diet since they’re easy to store.
TruDog/Halo also presents high-quality raw freeze-dried dog treats that are prime choices especially for dogs on a raw diet. This raw salmon treats are surely a great treat for your furry loves.
Made from 100% wild Alaskan salmon, your dogs will not only love its unique taste but also get loads of nutrition, especially the highly beneficial omega 3 fatty acids.
This recipe is free of wheat, gluten, corn, soy, grain, antibiotics, artificial flavors, artificial coloring, added sugar, salt, and hormones. It's also hypoallergenic and easy to digest.
This should be safe for dogs with allergic reactions to other meats such as chicken and beef. It's also safe for those with sensitive stomachs. It can cater to all dog breeds, ages, and sizes.
Its single ingredient is wild Alaskan salmon, which provides a wealthy supply of omega 3 fatty acids. Salmon caught wild from the cold, fresh waters of Alaska is considered the finest because of the very low levels of pollutants and contaminants compared to those bred in fisheries.
Omega 3 is gainful for a dog's optimal health because it augments the immune system, reduces inflammation, and promotes a healthier and shinier coat. And, it is also good for the heart. In fact, many veterinarians recommend giving fish oil to dogs to boost their heart health.
Salmon is also known to have omega 6 acids, which can help strengthen joints, and also promote improved cognitive functions, especially in senior dogs.
Salmon is also a great source of protein. This product provides a high 70% protein and 4% fat. It is only recommended as a treat or reward, and not as a substitute for complete meals.
But while this dog treat is made of premium-quality wild Alaskan salmon, it is undeniably expensive for a small 2.5-oz. bag. For those that can afford it, this should be a highly desirable treat for your four-legged friends.
The reviews for this product are mostly encouraging, with about 60% grading it with 5-stars. They mostly shared about their dogs’ obsession with these treats.
But there were a few disappointed customers too, saying the treats were too crumbly. One customer also questioned if fresh wild salmon was really used for the product. And of course, there were complaints about its high price.
We think TruDog Treat Me Savory Salmon are select treats for your dogs and are made of the finest quality salmon that offer real health benefits.
It is an applicable choice, especially for senior dogs, and dogs with food sensitivity issues. But there are equally good choices out there that are not as pricey.
These raw morsels are made from cage-free harvested turkey, meaty bones and whole organ meats. It packs a big nutritional punch––they’re chock-full of essential amino acids and placed in a resealable pouch to maintain its freshness.
These are turkey-based raw dog treats that can be another sure hit for your canine companions. Like other products from this company, this ranks high in the list of premium-quality dog treats. Well-treated free-range turkeys bred in the USA are harvested for this treat to guarantee the highest quality.
Freeze-dried ground raw turkey meat and organs keep the essential nutrients valuable to the dog's health. This product is great for introducing a raw diet, especially when you intend to go for turkey as the main meal.
This savory treat is free of wheat, gluten, corn, soy, grain, antibiotics, artificial flavors, artificial coloring, added sugar, salt, and hormones.
It's also hypoallergenic, easy to digest, and safe for dogs with allergic reactions to other meats such as chicken and beef. It's also suitable for those with sensitive tummies. It can cater to all dog breeds, ages, and sizes.
Ground turkey meat with bone is the primary ingredient in this treat. Turkey is a great protein source alternative to dogs with food sensitivities to beef and chicken.
Plentiful in protein, riboflavin, and phosphorus, turkey offers many health benefits to dogs. Riboflavin is beneficial to canines as it is responsible for fats and carbohydrates producing energy.
Phosphorus supports healthy kidneys by helping to get rid of toxins through urination. It also helps improve motor functions and control heart rate. The ground turkey bones are added for the much-needed calcium that toughens teeth and bones.
Turkey heart and liver are filled with healthy vitamins and minerals like lean protein, vitamins, and minerals. It contains thiamine, manganese, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, niacin, Vitamin B6, folate, Vitamin B12, pantothenic acid, iron, zinc, copper, and selenium.
Herring oil is added to furnish important omega fatty acids to the treat. This will help prevent skin issues and improve the condition of the coat.
This product provides 46% protein and 15% fat. It is only recommended as a treat or reward, and not as a substitute for complete meals.
Although this product is slightly cheaper than its salmon and beef counterparts at the TruDog treats line, it remains in the extravagant price class, especially with its pocket-sized pack.
Close to 90% of reviews gave this product the high mark. Many speak highly of its quality and flavor, with just a few exceptions.
Overall, we give this gobbler treats the rubber stamp for top-quality raw treats. We commend the nutrient content and all-natural ingredients in this product. The flavor is highly appetizing for your favorite pets. Except for the high price tag, everything about this treat is very satisfactory.
What Types of Dog Foods Do they offer?
TruDog offers a bridge between the convenience of kibble and the health benefits of raw meals. The raw foods are freeze-dried or dehydrated, preserving the natural nutritional value while making them more convenient to store and serve.
TruDog raw food dog meals only contain USDA-certified beef, humanely- sourced beef, poultry, and wild game, and sustainably produced fish. All recipes use 99% vital organs and meaty bone.
These products are relatively high in protein, which is vital to the dog's health. But a high-protein diet is not recommended for dogs with kidney problems and other health issues. Best to consult your veterinarian first.
Raw food has many benefits that can improve your dog's health and overall well-being. It can help minimize itching and scratching due to food allergies, and promote healthy digestion, immune system, and normal weight. The natural enzymes and ground bone likewise boost oral and gum health.
Freeze drying is done to preserve the nutritional properties of fresh food through a special process that removes the water content.
Moreover, TruDog dog meals are packed in a resealable bag that stores easily anywhere. It is also very convenient on the go without any refrigeration necessary, thus the catchy phrase “Raw without the Thaw.” No need for defrosting, cooking, and tedious preparation.
The freeze-dried and dehydrated foods must be reconstituted following the directions on the bag. They’re easy to store and even more convenient to travel with. They aren’t specified for any particular life stage or breed size, so check with your vet before using this food for puppies, especially large breed ones.
The recipes use no cheap fillers like corn or soy that can cause allergic responses in dogs. They are free of artificial flavors and colors and do not use any meat meals or by-products that are not fit for human consumption. Each ingredient is designed to pack a powerful nutritional punch, giving your dog the best possible chance at a long life.
Here is a list of TruDog’s complete dog food recipes:
Feed Me Recipes
Beef Bonanza
Gourmet Gobbler
Truducken
Whitefish
RawGo! Recipes
Chicken and Rosemary
Beef and Carrots
Lamb and Cranberry
Treat Me Recipes
Beef Delight
Gobbler Crunch Delight
Savory Salmon Delight
Recall History
The company issued a recall in April 2018 for a single lot of dog meal boosters due to potential salmonella contamination. In February 2018, a single lot of dog treats were also recalled due to possible salmonella contamination.
At this time, no dog food or complete meals from the brand has ever been recalled.
Customer Reviews
Customers love the results of switching to TruDog. It has some faithful fans and regularly gets rave reviews both from users and from trusted reviewers dedicated to providing the best sources of information for their readers.
The recipes have over four and a half out of five stars on most online retailers for almost all the recipes. The food is doing something right.
What Customers Like and Dislike about TruDog?
Customers like that the food is free of all artificial ingredients and uses none of the usual offenders in cheap dog foods. There are no cheap fillers such as corn or soy, no meat meals or by-products, and no complicated recipes with names customers couldn’t recognize. The meals are suitable for solo feeding or to spice up boring kibble.
Most dog owners had no trouble getting dogs to eat the food. It’s convenient to prepare and store, and most dogs showed signs of improved digestion, fewer allergic responses, and less itchy skin. Although there was no way to tell if the food truly does help a dog live longer, most also saw improvements in their senior dog’s quality of life.
Some noticed temporary digestion issues and gas as dogs adjusted to the food. To help alleviate this issue, make sure to transition your dog’s slowly to the new food by mixing a little more in their old food every day until you completely switched over. Most dogs’ digestion settled down soon enough.
Positive
“This stuff is so delicious, according to my very picky eater doggie, that he will walk up to his food bowl and eat it all without leaving as he usually does. He will go outside then and come back in for a little more. He's 13 years old and this is the first dog food that has turned him on like this.” Cookie, chewy.com
Negative
“My dog was unimpressed. I tried feeding it to him as a topper to his grain free kibble but after a couple of bites he walked away. Tried giving it to him for several days but finally gave up – so I still have about $22.00 worth of food to give away. Our Giant Schnauzer isn’t food driven and this food didn’t excite him.” JeanB, chewy.com
Parting Words
TruDog stands out as a high-quality option for pet owners seeking a raw, freeze-dried diet that prioritizes natural ingredients and nutrition.
The brand's focus on using real, human-grade meats without fillers, grains, or artificial additives makes it a great choice for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.
The freeze-drying process preserves the nutrients of raw food while offering the convenience of a dry format, making it easy to store and serve.
However, its higher price point may not be accessible for all pet owners, and some dogs may take time to adjust to the texture or taste. Overall, it offers a nutrient-dense, premium product that can benefit dogs' health, especially those with high energy levels or special dietary needs.
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For an impressive duration of four years, Elaine has been embarked on a voyage as a freelance writer within the domain of dog care. The profound fondness she nurtured for animals, ignited by the cherished companionship of her family's treasured pets during her developmental years, has flourished into a genuinely satisfying vocation focused on everything related to dogs.
