Shining a Light: Honest Under The Sun Dog Food Reviews

Under The Sun is Canidae’s grain-free dog food line, intended to offer dogs with allergies some relief and a chance at a normal life.

Canidae is well respected as a holistic, premium dog food, and Under The Sun is one of several issue-specific offerings from the company.

It uses premium ingredients to give your pet complete, dense nutrition and forgoes all the cheap fillers and artificial ingredients. It is slow-cooked in the company's test kitchens so that you know each recipe is the best Canidae can make.

Under The Sun dog food recipes are made from mostly single-animal protein sources supplemented with wholesome fruits and vegetables like carrots and blueberries for a mouthwatering, balanced diet. 

To address the food sensitivity issues in some dogs, the company opted to do away with ingredients commonly associated with such issues, like potato, corn, wheat, soy, and chicken by-product meal. Instead, Canidae chose garbanzo beans, which are a healthier alternative as filler.  

Let’s take a look at this brand to see if it could be the right food for your dog’s sensitivities via our in-depth Under the Sun Dog Food Reviews.

Brand Quick Look

• Parent Company: Canidae
• Founded in: 1996
• Made in: Texas, USA
• Made by: Ethos Pet Nutrition Facilities
• Available at: Chewy, Amazon, Walmart
• Types of Food: Wet, dry
• Real Meat in First 5 Ingredients? : No (meat meal only)
• Recalled in Past? : No

Behind the Brand

Canidae opened in 1996 and remains to this day a family-owned company. It has its own manufacturing facilities, where the manufacturers oversee the entire production process from start to finish to ensure that the high-quality standards of the company are met.

The owners also pride themselves on using only the top-quality ingredients in every product unit so you can be certain your dog gets the best meal.

Canidae’s foods are free of common fillers such as corn or soy that can cause allergic reactions and digestive issues. The foods never use artificial colors or flavors, which can encourage dogs to overeat. Leaving out grains may help particularly sensitive dogs regain control over digestion and relieve some itchiness.

As mentioned earlier, the company owns and manages the facility in which they manufacture the merchandise, so it's able to test ingredients on site.

It has also collaborated with more farms to find ways to alleviate common farming issues more naturally. Canidae encourages partner farms to move away from mass crops like corn and soy and make way for better farming habits.

The partner farms all use natural methods to keep soil healthy. They use natural compost and adopt a “no-tilling” policy.

They also use grazing animals to remove the weeds and minimize the use of chemical sprays on the fields. Furthermore, they're investing in robotics to help keep significant field issues in check before they become an issue.

Canidae sources its ingredients from credible and trustworthy suppliers from North America to guarantee that only top-rate quality goes into the products.  

Under the Sun Dog Food Reviews

 

1. CANIDAE Under the Sun Lamb Recipe

First 5 Ingredients: Lamb Meal, Green Peas, Garbanzo Beans, Yellow Peas, Canola Oil

Rating: 3.9 out of 5 stars

This dry dog food recipe, ideal for adult dogs, features lamb meal as its single protein source, supplemented with essential nutrients for a balanced diet. It includes real fruits and vegetables for vital vitamins and minerals, probiotics for digestion, and omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. The recipe avoids cheap fillers, artificial flavorings, and colorings.

With 25% protein and 11% fat, it's excellent for active dogs. Lamb meal, the main ingredient, is rich in protein, fat, and calcium, with a taste dogs love. Peas and garbanzo beans add fiber, vitamins, and minerals, though peas may not be suitable for dogs with kidney issues. The recipe also includes canola oil, various vegetables, and spices.

Customer reviews are mixed: over 60% are satisfied, praising the flavor and digestibility, but nearly 30% are dissatisfied, citing issues like crumbliness, small kibble size, and some digestive troubles. Overall, it's a decent choice, especially for dogs with food allergies, but improvements could be made to the kibble texture and size.

2. CANIDAE Under the Sun Chicken Recipe

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Green Peas, Garbanzo Beans, Yellow Peas, Chicken Fat

Rating: 3.8 out of 5 stars

This kibble for adult dogs features chicken meal as the single protein source, enriched with essential nutrients. It includes real fruits and vegetables for a balanced diet, along with probiotics for digestion and omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. The recipe is free from cheap fillers and artificial ingredients.

With 25% protein and 11% fat, it's well-suited for active dogs. Chicken meal, the main ingredient, is made from processed chicken organs and by-products. Peas and chickpeas are also key ingredients, providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals, though peas may not be suitable for dogs with kidney issues. Chicken fat adds flavor and extra nutrients.

Customer reviews on Chewy.com are mixed, with over half of the respondents giving it a positive rating, and 85% recommending it. While many appreciate the recipe's quality and its effects on their dogs, there are frequent complaints about the kibble being too crumbly, leading some to feel they didn't get their money's worth.

Overall, this kibble is rated 3.8 stars and is a good maintenance meal for adult dogs without chicken allergies. The ingredients and nutrients are competitive, and the price is reasonable for a premium brand. However, the company is encouraged to address the issue of excessive crumbliness.

3. CANIDAE Under the Sun Whitefish Recipe

First 5 Ingredients: Whitefish Meal, Yellow Peas, Garbanzo Beans, Green Peas, Canola Oil

Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars

This kibble for adult dogs is a well-regarded option in the brand's lineup. The recipe uses whitefish meal as its single protein source, enriched with essential nutrients for a balanced diet. It includes additional ingredients from mixed fruits and vegetables, with no cheap fillers or artificial additives. With 25% protein and 11% fat, it's ideal for active dogs.

Whitefish meal, the primary ingredient, provides lean protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, and B vitamins, making it suitable for dogs with food allergies or those needing a low-calorie diet. Peas and chickpeas serve as fillers, offering fiber, vitamins, and minerals, though peas may not be suitable for dogs with kidney issues. Canola oil, while more processed than other oils, adds energy and aids in nutrient absorption.

Additional plant-based ingredients include pumpkin, green beans, and carrots. Nearly 90% of reviewers on Chewy.com praised the kibble for its flavor, nutrition, and digestibility, particularly for dogs with food sensitivities. Unlike other variants, no complaints about crumbliness were reported.

Overall, this fish-based formula earns 4.2 stars out of 5. It's an excellent maintenance meal for adult dogs, especially those with food sensitivities, offering quality ingredients at a fair price for a premium diet.

4. CANIDAE Under the Sun Large Breed Chicken Recipe

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Green Peas, Yellow Peas, Chicken Fat

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

This is a kibble designed for large breed dogs, featuring chicken meal as its single protein source. The formula includes real fruits and vegetables, providing essential nutrients for a balanced diet. It contains no cheap fillers or artificial additives, making it a healthier option for dogs.

With 25% protein and 11% fat, it's suitable for active and working large dogs. The main ingredient, chicken meal, is made from chicken organs and by-products, cooked and fortified with vital nutrients.

Chickpeas and peas are key components, offering fiber, vitamins, and slow-digesting carbohydrates, though peas may not be ideal for dogs with kidney issues. Chicken fat adds flavor and additional nutrients.

Other ingredients include carrots, green beans, and pumpkin. Of the 14 reviews on Chewy.com, half rated it 5 stars, with some praising it for not causing allergic reactions. However, a few customers noted that the kibble size is too small for large dogs, suggesting it's better suited for smaller breeds.

Overall, this chicken recipe is considered moderately good. The mix of ingredients, including a variety of fruits and vegetables, makes it a respectable option, with a fair price for its quality. The main drawback is the kibble size, which may be too small for large breed dogs.

5. Under the Sun Duck Canned Formula

First 5 Ingredients: Duck, Duck Broth, Turkey Broth, Turkey, Turkey Liver

Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars

This is a wet pate food featuring duck as the primary protein source, suitable for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and life stages. The formula is grain-free and contains no artificial ingredients. With 9% protein and 7% fat, it’s appropriate for active and working dogs.

Duck, the main ingredient, provides essential protein, fat, and omega-3 fatty acids, benefiting the coat and overall health. Duck and turkey broths enhance the flavor and offer additional nutrients for digestion and immune support. Turkey meat and turkey liver, while lean and nutrient-rich, may cause allergies in some dogs.

The product has received 16 reviews on Chewy.com, with 75% giving it 5 stars, praising its quality and palatability. A few reviewers mentioned the pate didn’t entice their dogs and had a lack of smell.

Overall, the duck pate earns a solid 4.2 stars, noted for its high-quality, nutrient-rich ingredients and competitive pricing. It’s recommended as a tasty, nutritious option that can be mixed with dry kibble.

6. Under The Sun Lamb Canned Formula

First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, Vegetable Broth, Lamb Broth, Lamb Liver, Peas

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

This is a wet pate dog food with lamb as the primary ingredient, supplemented with added vitamins and minerals. It’s suitable for all dog breeds and serves as a great complement to dry kibble. The formula is grain-free and free from cheap fillers, with 7% protein and 6% fat.

Lamb, the main ingredient, provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients like B vitamins, omega fatty acids, selenium, and zinc. However, its higher fat content makes it better suited for active dogs rather than older or overweight ones.

Vegetable and lamb broths enhance the recipe’s flavor and nutritional value. Lamb liver adds additional protein and vitamin A, while peas contribute vitamins, minerals, and fiber, though they may be problematic for dogs with kidney issues due to purines.

The product has received 12 reviews, with 75% rating it 5 stars. Most reviews praised the quality and taste, noting it’s suitable for food-sensitive dogs. A few complaints mentioned an undesirable smell.

Overall, the canned lamb formula is rated 4 stars. While the Duck variant is preferred, this lamb option is still respected for its high-quality ingredients and nutritional value. It’s a good supplement to a dry diet, though the protein content is relatively low. The price is reasonable for a premium brand.

7. Under the Sun Chicken Canned Puppy Formula

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Dried Egg, Peas, Salmon Oil

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

This is a wet pate food designed for puppies, featuring real chicken as the primary protein source. Enriched with essential nutrients, this grain-free recipe supports the growth and development of young dogs and avoids cheap fillers and artificial ingredients. With 9% protein and 6.5% fat, it complements a puppy's regular diet well.

Chicken provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients like vitamins B3 and B6, phosphorus, and selenium, along with glucosamine for joint health. Chicken broth enhances the flavor and adds more nutrients.

Dried egg adds digestible protein and antioxidants, while peas contribute vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Salmon oil is included for its omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health, a shiny coat, and overall well-being.

Reviews are mostly positive, with 8 out of 10 praising the food for its quality and value, though two puppies were reported to have ignored it. Overall, the formula is deemed a good option for puppies, with high-quality ingredients and a competitive price. It is recommended to mix it with kibble for additional protein and nutrients and to monitor for any allergic reactions to chicken.

8. Under the Sun Food Tray with Salmon & Shrimp

First 5 Ingredients: Salmon Broth, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Salmon, Dried Peas

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

This is a wet pate meal suitable for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes. It features salmon, chicken, and shrimp, making it an appealing option to serve as a topping for regular kibble. The recipe is grain-free and contains 8.5% protein and 4% fat.

Salmon broth is the primary ingredient, offering omega fatty acids beneficial for skin and coat health. Slow-cooked salmon provides gelatin and glycosaminoglycan, supporting joint health, digestion, and nerve cell function.

Chicken and chicken liver contribute additional protein and essential nutrients like vitamins B3 and B6, phosphorus, and selenium. Salmon and chicken liver also offer glucosamine for joint support.

Dried peas add vitamins, minerals, and fiber for overall health.

With just 4 reviews on Chewy.com, the product has received positive feedback, with 3 out of 4 reviewers praising its taste and quality.

Overall, the shrimp & salmon food tray earns a 4-star rating for its delicious and nutritious profile. It is recommended as a supplement to dry kibble, with a competitive price for its premium ingredients.

 

What Types Of Dog Food Do They Offer?

Under The Sun, the grain-free option comes in both dry and wet foods made for a variety of life stages. The dry recipes all use single-source protein to help with digestion and relieve allergies.

No potatoes are added too that can raise your dog’s blood sugar. The smaller food trays are great for small breed diets as well.

Dry Foods:

• Adult Lamb
• Adult Chicken
• Adult Whitefish
• Large Breed Adult Chicken
• Puppy Chicken

Wet Foods:

• Salmon and Shrimp Trays
• Lamb Canned Food
• Duck Canned Food
• Puppy Chicken Canned Food

Under The Sun Recall History

The Under the Sun product line has no history of recall. However, the mother company Canidae, then under Diamond Foods, had one recall on record back in 2012 as a result of the salmonella scare. Only the products made in the Gaston, South Carolina facility were recalled.

Customer Reviews

Canidae has a strong and devoted following. Most of its loyal customers love their recipes and consistently give the brand a high rating of four stars or higher on several major online retailers' sites. Canidae’s foods are notable for their excellent quality and are frequently recommended by veterinarians.

Canidae is constantly on the list of top dog food manufacturers. Its products are normally found in veterinary clinics. The Under the Sun product line is created for dogs with food sensitivities as it does not include grains and cheap fillers in the recipes.

Under The Sun uses limited and/or single-source protein for its recipes to help pet owners easily identify the ingredients that cause allergies in their pets. It would have been much more difficult to figure this out with dog meals that have multiple protein sources. 

What Do People Like And Dislike About Under The Sun Food?

People love that Canidae’s ecosystem helps produce quality dog foods that they can trust. Canidae works with US farmers and owns the manufacturing facilities. This allows the company to be on top of the entire manufacturing process, and ensure optimal quality. 

Under the Sun is regularly credited for addressing the common food allergy issues in dogs. Customers are relieved that their four-legged friends no longer suffer from skin irritation and itchiness as Under the Sun recipes do not use cheap fillers, artificial ingredients, and grains, which are the usual suspects in causing allergies. 

Under the Sun also offers different variants to choose from, to the delight of both the pet parents and their furry kids.

Of course, even with the excellent reviews for Under the Sun formulas, there will always be some that are not fans. Some don’t think the flavors are good enough for their pets.

And, there is a good number of comments about the brand’s dry kibble being too small and crumbly. Because of this, some consumers don’t think the products are a good buy. 

A few customers also claimed their pups had digestive issues after feeding on the meals, such as runny stools and irregular gas. It’s recommended to slowly transition the dog when shifting to a new diet in order to prevent such issues. 

Positive

• “I have been feeding my lab mix this food for over 2 years now… It is an excellent dog food and being grain free is an added bonus and is the main reason I feed it to her My sister even switched her “very picky” pup to this food and he loves it as well!” – Irishbella1, chewy.com

Negative

• “I'm trying to find a food for my pup that is grain-free and without any traces of chicken. The food is not sitting well with his stomach, and I took ten days to transition food brands. He often has both normal and runny stool. I can tell he dislikes the food. He looks at me thinking, “Mom, this isn't appetizing”. I will be transitioning him to a different food and will not buy this brand for him again.” Curtis, chewy.com