Valiant Dog Food (Now Visionary): 2023 Reviews & Coupons

Meet Visionary (Formerly Valiant) Dog Food

Visionary Pet Foods is a company that specializes in ketogenic dog food products designed to help dogs with health and longevity.

They follow the same ketogenic rules as human-grade ketogenic diets and may help your dog’s digestion, weight issues, or allergies.

Ketogenic diets are all the rage for humans, but is it worth it for dogs as well? Valiant Pet Foods is now Visionary Pet Foods, but let’s see how things shake out. It may be just the thing for your dog, or it could be disappointing.

Let's take a look at our Visionary Dog Food Review below.

Brand Quick Look

• Parent Company: Visionary Pet Foods
• Made in: California, USA
• Available at:  Chewy, Amazon,
• Types of Food: Frozen, Freeze-Dried, Raw
• Real Meat in First 5 Ingredients? : Yes
• Recalled in Past? : No

 

Behind the Brand

Visionary Pet Foods was inspired by the work of KetoPet, a nonprofit whose mission was to improve the nutrition of pets through better recipes.

The group found that a low carb, ketogenic diet was beneficial not only for healthy dogs but dogs with severe health issues. Implementing a raw, ketogenic diet gave them amazing results with the dogs they worked with.

Visionary Pet Foods was born from this work with the nonprofit. The team is composed of self-described dog food nerds who’ve done a lot of work on dog food recipes and making foods better. It may seem obvious to use human grade ingredients, but for many dog food manufacturers, this is an unusual decision.

Visionary Pet Foods was previously known as Valiant Pet Foods. The company decided on a name change to better reflect the mission and purpose of their recipes.

Visionary Pet Foods uses the same principles used in human dietary plans to create a better overall system of diet for dogs struggling with weight, digestion issues, and energy levels.

Visionary Dog Food Reviews

Reviewed Visionary / Valiant Dog Foods

1. Visionary Pet Foods Raw Frozen Keto Beef Patties
2. Visionary Pet Foods Keto Low Carb Chicken Recipe
3. Visionary Pet Foods Keto Low Carb Beef Recipe
4. Visionary Pet Foods Beef Medallions
5. Visionary Pet Foods Keto Chicken Medallions
6. Visionary Pet Foods Flame Grilled Beef

 

Visionary Pet Foods Raw Frozen Keto Beef Patties

Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars

First Five Ingredients:

• Beef
• Beef Heart
• Broccoli
• Green Beans
• Coconut Oil

Visionary Pet Foods Raw Frozen Keto Beef Recipe Sliders is a grain-free raw formula suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes, aged 6 months and older.

These are smaller in size compared to the brand’s raw frozen beef patties. Each slider/patty in this specific recipe contains only 1g of carbohydrates.

The concept of using a ketogenic diet for dogs comes from the success some people have had with digestion and weight using a ketogenic diet themselves.

Dogs are susceptible to digestive tract damage from higher net carbs and sugars, which can cause inflammation and imbalance. Visionary Pet Food’s mission is to provide dogs with a raw food diet that mimics the ideal ancestral canine diet without unnecessary carbs.

Studies have shown a possible link between higher levels of fat and protein and the energy levels of dogs. Also, it may be more effective in preventing injuries, particularly in working and sporting dogs.

The recipes are 65% beef and beef organs for higher doses of protein that dogs need to maintain muscle mass. The rest of the recipe uses low glycemic vegetables, such as broccoli for critical vitamins and minerals in addition to a source of fiber. Coconut oil helps smooth digestion and supports skin and coat health.

The recipe may not be quite as appropriate if your dog is a couch potato. Also, this recipe isn’t suitable for large breed puppies without the ok of your veterinarian. Work closely with the vet to determine if the higher levels of protein and fat are beneficial or could have adverse side effects.

Ketogenic diets for dogs may not be as common, but for dogs who need reduced sugars and carbs, this is a good option for providing critical nutrients without excess fillers. There are no artificial flavors or colors that can encourage dogs to overeat and no cheap fillers found in ordinary kibbles (like corn or soy).

It contains no peas or potatoes, sweet potatoes, or carrots, which are common vegetables but can cause inflammation from excess sugars. The protein levels come from mostly meat sources which are easier for your dog to digest. Minerals are chelated so that your dog is more able to digest them.

This recipe is one of the brand’s most popular products. Dogs love the rich, beefy sliders. It also keeps them satisfied until their next meal. Pet parents have observed improvements in various aspects of their dogs’ health since switching to these raw sliders. Aside from healthier skin and coats, an increase in even older dogs’ energy levels has been observed by their owners.

While the sliders has high-quality ingredients, it is far from cheap. However, you may be able to feed your dog less per serving than you would a cheap kibble.

Also, if the food helps ease your dog’s inflammation and poor digestion, it could reduce the amount of time you spend in the veterinarian’s office as well. Overall, it’s an exciting idea, and we’d love to monitor the research as studies grow.

Visionary Pet Foods Keto Low Carb Chicken Recipe

Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars

First Five Ingredients:

• Chicken Meal
• Chicken
• Chicken Fat
• Dried Egg
• Miscanthus Grass 

Visionary Pet Foods Keto Low Carb Chicken Recipe is a grain-free dry food formulated for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and life stages. This means that dogs can enjoy this high-protein, high-fat kibble from puppyhood to adulthood. It has less than 1 g of carbs per cup. Ideal for sensitive dogs, this recipe is grain, gluten, pea, and potato-free.

This dry dog food is 43% protein, which can help puppies and adult dogs alike build and maintain strong and lean muscles. Made of chicken meal and real chicken, the kibbles are packed with the rich, meaty goodness of chicken that many dogs enjoy.

Chicken meal is a high quality, concentrated source of protein. It is clean ground chicken meat that has been rendered to remove most of its moisture content. 

Real chicken and dried egg are also included as additional sources of protein. Chicken is not only naturally rich in essential amino acids, but also omega 6 fatty acids, and glucosamine.

Glucosamine helps promote bone health in dogs. Eggs are high in amino acids required by dogs for good health. They are also rich in iron, selenium, and vitamins A, B2, and B12.

Chicken fat is the main source of essential fatty acids in Visionary Pet Foods Keto Low Carb Chicken Recipe. It is packed with a lot of flavor and health benefits.

Rich in omega 6 fatty acids, chicken fat helps improve dogs’ skin and coat health. These fatty acids help puppies’ growth and development, as they play an important role in cellular health, as well as immune function. 

The high fat content of this recipe makes it perfect for highly active dogs like working or athlete dogs. Chicken fat will help fuel the high energy requirements of such hard-working pups.

Unlike most dry dog foods, this recipe has no grains, vegetables, or fruits as sources of carbs. It has no fillers such as corn, wheat, soy, or starchy veggies. Because it is so meat-rich, a little goes a long way with this dry dog food.

Miscanthus grass is included in this formula as a source of fiber. Fiber improves dogs’ digestive health by helping food move through the digestive tract. This recipe is also free from artificial enhancers such as flavors, colors, or preservatives. 

To ensure that dogs get a nutritionally complete and balanced meal, this formula is enriched with vitamins and minerals. It also has taurine which supports dogs’ eye and heart function. 

Feedback from pet parents have been mostly good for this recipe. Many of them were specifically looking for keto or low-carb food for their dogs due to various reasons. Some have lymphoma and require a high-protein, high-fat diet, while some have sensitivities to grain and other carb sources.

This high-calorie dog food has helped some dogs who were underweight to gain healthy amounts of weight. The high protein content helps dogs build their muscle mass which adds to their weight.

Other dogs have noticeably higher energy levels since switching to this recipe. They also feel full for much longer, and are sustained until their next meal.

Some owners noticed that their dogs drink more water. According to pet parents who are also on a keto diet themselves, thirst increases when ketosis is achieved.

Ketosis is a process that happens when the body does not have enough carbohydrates to burn for energy. This causes water loss, which makes the person, or in this case dog, thirstier than usual. It is important that dogs have access to fresh, clean water at all times regardless of the type of diet they have.

In terms of palatability, it is no surprise that such meat and fat-rich food makes meals taste like treats in a bowl. Each kibble is packed with the rich goodness of tasty chicken. 

If you are looking for a flavorful, high-protein, high-fat dry dog food with no peas, potatoes, or grains, this Low Carb Chicken Recipe is highly recommended. 

If your pup is not highly active, or should not have such high-fat meals, they can still enjoy the flavor and health benefits of these meaty kibbles by serving them as treats or as meal enhancers.

Visionary Pet Foods Keto Low Carb Beef Recipe

Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars

First Five Ingredients:

• Beef
• Pork Fat
• Pork Meal
• Chicken Meal
• Whole Egg

Visionary Keto Low Carb Beef Recipe is a grain-free dry food suitable for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and life stages. Unlike the chicken recipe from the brand, this beef recipe is not single-source protein. This multi-protein recipe has beef, pork, chicken, and eggs for a truly meaty and tasty meal that dogs will love.

At 43% protein with no peas, soy, or legumes, this beef recipe’s super high protein content comes almost entirely from high-quality animal sources only. Compared to the brand’s chicken kibbles which has chicken meal as the most plentiful ingredient, this recipe has real beef instead of beef meal as its first ingredient. 

For added protein and flavor to this recipe, pork meal, chicken meal, and whole egg are included. These are all highly digestible protein sources that are packed with savory flavors for a delicious dinner that can help dogs keep a lean and strong muscle mass.

Pork is not only high in protein but also B vitamins, iron, selenium, zinc, and phosphorus. Chicken meal is another high-quality protein source that is naturally nutritious and is a good source of omega 6 fatty acids.

Eggs are some of the most nutritious foods that can be given to dogs. The yolks are rich in omega fatty acids that support cellular health and function. According to Pet MD, the fatty acids in eggs provide a delivery system for fat-soluble vitamins.

Dogs are not predisposed to heart disease like people, so we don’t worry about their cholesterol levels. Eggs are also rich in vitamins A, D, E, K, B1, B6, B12, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, and choline.

Fat is vital in a keto diet, and the main source of essential fats in this low carb dog food is pork fat. It is an incredibly flavorful fat source that is high in omega 3 fatty acids. These fatty acids have DHA and EPA that support many aspects of dogs’ overall health. 

They promote healthy heart and brain function. Omega 3 fatty acids help puppies’ brain development and aid in slowing down the progression of cognitive dysfunction in mature pups.

They also promote healthy skin and lustrous coats in dogs. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent skin itchy, inflamed skin, as well as joint pain caused by arthritis. 

This recipe is 33% fat. While cholesterol levels are nothing to worry about as far as dogs’ heart health is concerned, high-fat foods are not ideal for dogs with pancreatitis.

In addition, some dogs’ stomachs are unable to handle that much fat, which gives them loose stools. However, high-fat foods are ideal for very active dogs such as working dogs or those who train for competitive sports. It gives them the energy they need to perform. 

The only source of fiber in this recipe is miscanthus grass. It has no veggies like potatoes, carrots, peas, or grains. It is completely grain, gluten, potato, pea, and legume-free.

This low-carb recipe has only high-quality animal protein sources instead of plant-based protein. It is also free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.

Fortified with vitamins and minerals, this formula is nutritionally complete and balanced. The meat-heavy recipe also means the serving size for each meal is smaller compared to the average dry dog food. 

According to pet parents, their dogs absolutely love the meaty taste of these low-carb kibbles. The dogs’ coats are also noticeably shinier after being switched to this recipe. 

Based on dog owner reviews, this beef recipe has helped diabetic dogs, those with allergies, and even helped reduce epileptic seizures in one dog.

Their owners are quite happy with the health benefits that this recipe was able to give their dogs, not to mention the reduction in the amount of meds that the dogs require. 

Overall, Visionary Beef Recipe is highly recommended if you are looking for low-carb food for your pup. This multi-protein recipe is highly palatable and free from any kind of fillers and artificial enhancers. They are tasty enough to be given as treats or meal-toppers, too.

Visionary Pet Foods Beef Medallions

Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars

First Five Ingredients:

• Beef
• Beef Heart
• Broccoli
• Green Beans
• Coconut Oil 

Visionary Pet Foods Beef Medallions is a grain-free food that is suitable for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes. Compared to the brand’s dry dog food, these freeze-dried raw food are much higher in fat than it is in protein.

It is a single-source protein food that has been minimally processed to give dogs the high nutritional value of a raw diet and give pet parents the convenience of feeding kibbles to their pups.

Made with real fresh beef, these meaty medallions are packed with the red meat flavors that dogs naturally crave. While not as high in protein as the brand’s kibbles, this beef recipe still packs a lot of protein at 36%.

It has more than enough to help adult dogs maintain a lean muscle mass. Many high protein formulas can help underweight dogs put on a healthy amount of weight as they increase their muscle mass.

Obese dogs can also benefit from a high protein diet. The decrease in their carb intake helps them shed excess weight while maintaining lean muscles.

To add more protein to the medallions, beef hearts and beef liver are also included in this recipe. Both are packed with nutrients, and beef liver adds richness to the food as well. They are high in protein, low in fat, and full of vitamins and minerals such as zinc, selenium, and phosphorus.

Unlike the dry dog foods from the brand, Visionary Pet Foods Beef Recipe Medallions Grain-Free Adult Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food has vegetables.

The carefully selected plant-based ingredients are all low carb and not high in starch or sugars. This recipe has broccoli, green beans, chia seeds, red cabbage, sunflower seeds, and kelp powder. 

Real broccoli is rich in dietary fiber and has twice as much vitamin C as an orange. Fiber aids digestion by helping food move through the digestive tract.

A healthy digestive system is key to having good overall health in dogs. It allows them to absorb more of the nutrients present in their food.

Green beans are rich in protein and fiber as well. Chia seeds are superfoods packed with omega 3 essential fatty acids, calcium, and protein. Sunflower seeds on the other hand are high in vitamin E, iron, and copper.

Red cabbage is full of fiber, vitamins, and phytonutrients that help boost dogs’ immune systems. Kelp is high in protein and so many other nutrients. It is known for being high in iodine, which plays an important role in thyroid, pituitary, and adrenal glands function.

Coconut oil is another superfood included in this recipe. It serves as a source of essential fatty acids. It supports dogs' skin and coat health, as well as their gastrointestinal health. 

The nutrient-dense medallions are small enough to be enjoyed by small breed adult dogs. They can be served on their own straight out of the bag as a complete meal.

You may also rehydrate them with some warm water for a meaty hydrating meal or kibble-topper. The medallions are made with non-GMO ingredients and contain no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. 

Pet parents have found many ways for their pups to enjoy this food. Some serve them dry and love that it is convenient to take as meals on the go.

Others give them to their dogs on top of kibble or mixed with canned dog food. However, some find that the medallions are quite hard and can only be broken up into little pieces by pounding with a fork. A few buyers find them hard to rehydrate. 

Several pet parents find it a bit too expensive to feed as meals without mixing other foods. They instead serve them as treats and toppers, and their pups enjoy the beefy medallions as well as its health benefits.

Visionary Beef Medallions is a convenient way to give your dogs raw nutrition without having to thaw frozen raw food or even prepare them from scratch. However, you may need to soak them in warm water longer if you have a dog who has trouble chewing tougher foods. 

Visionary Pet Foods Keto Chicken Medallions

Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars

First Five Ingredients:

• Chicken
• Chicken Heart
• Green Beans
• Chicken Liver
• Coconut Oil

Visionary Keto Chicken Medallions is a grain-free formula suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes aged 6 months and above.

This high-protein, high-fat recipe has only 1 g of carbohydrates per serving, making it ideal for dogs who need to cut down on their carb intake. It has no starchy veggies or sugary fruits. 

Raw chicken is the most plentiful ingredient in this recipe. Chicken is a highly digestible protein source that dogs love. While some people may think it’s bland without seasoning, chicken is a tasty delicacy to your beloved pups. It is also high in protein, B3 and B6 vitamins and phosphorus, and selenium.

For more protein to help dogs keep lean and strong muscles, chicken heart and chicken liver are also included in the recipe. These superfoods for dogs contribute a lot of nutrients and rich, meaty flavors to these freeze-dried raw medallions. They are not only naturally rich in protein but also vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and essential fatty acids.

The main source of fat in this freeze-dried raw recipe is coconut oil. It has lauric acid which has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties that are especially beneficial to dogs prone to allergies.

According to the American Kennel Club, some vets believe that the MCTs in coconut oil aid in digestion and can help reduce digestive disorders, as well as improve brain energy and mental function in older dogs.

Instead of broccoli, Visionary Pet Foods Keto Medallions Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog Food has spinach. It is high in vitamins A, B, C, and K.

It is also a good source of iron, antioxidants, beta-carotene, and roughage, which help food move through the digestive tract. These chicken medallions also have green beans, which are low-carb veggies that are rich in protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins B6, A, C, and K.

Chia seeds and dehydrated kelp are also added to the chicken medallions. Chia Seeds are loaded with omega 3 essential fatty acids, calcium and protein. Kelp is rich in vitamins, minerals, and even has 21 amino acids.

It has a high iodine content which supports dogs’ glandular health and metabolism. Red cabbage is also added to this recipe for its fiber and vitamin content.

All the vegetables in this chicken recipe are low carb and highly nutritious. While they are rich in fiber that helps dogs’ digestion, the recipe overall does not have a very high fiber percentage at only 7%.

A higher fiber content would also raise the carb levels in the food. In keeping with the ketogenic diet, this recipe is 36% protein and 41% fat.

Athletic dogs and working dogs such as farm and k9 pups could really benefit from this type of dog food. The high-fat percentage will help fuel their bodies to sustain the high energy demands of their daily activities.

Dogs with a more sedentary lifestyle can still enjoy the many benefits of these tasty chicken medallions. Their pet parents can simply give them as healthy treats, or as meal enhancers.

Made of only non-GMO ingredients, this recipe offers a high-quality low-carb meal that is naturally delicious. The freeze-drying process ensures that the harmful bacteria present in the raw food are eliminated while still retaining its high nutritional value and natural flavors.

Most of the pet parents who discovered this formula was searching for low-carb food that would help address some of their pets’ health issues.

The most common conditions of these dogs are diabetes, epilepsy, allergies, and obesity. A lot of them are quite pleased with the results that this freeze-dried formula was able to deliver.

Not only do their dogs love the chicken medallions, but their owners are quite impressed with the high quality of the ingredients. It is free from high-carb vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, or grains.

The high-protein, the high-fat formula seems to be working quite well for these pups. Many of them have shown significant improvement in their overall health and wellbeing after being switched to this recipe.

If you wish to put your dog on a keto diet, or simply want raw nutrition but do not want to make it from scratch, Visionary Keto Medallions Chicken Recipe is highly recommended. They are very palatable and have an impeccable ingredient list.

Visionary Pet Foods Flame Grilled Beef Treats

Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars

First Five Ingredients:

• Beef Meal
• Beef
• Gelatin
• Dried Egg White
• Dried Yeast

Visionary Pet Foods Flame Grilled Beef Low Carb Treats are grain-free biscuits suitable for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and life stages.

The meaty treats make great training rewards or high protein snacks for your pup. They are grain, gluten, pea, potato, legume, and poultry-free. They are the perfect dog treats for very sensitive pups.

Made of beef meal and fresh beef, these meaty biscuits pack a lot of protein at 44%. Beef meal is a high-quality protein source that is made by rendering clean, ground beef. The removal of the beef’s moisture content makes beef meal concentrated with a lot of flavor and protein.

To add even more muscle-building amino acids to these treats, whole eggs, and dried egg white are also added. Eggs are not only high in protein but also have essential fatty acids in the yolks. They also contain vitamins A, D, E, K, B1, B6, B12, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, and choline.

To make Visionary Pet Foods Flame Grilled Beef Low Carb Grain-Free Dog Treats even tastier, cheddar cheese powder is also added. It definitely sounds like a cheeseburger biscuit sans the high-carb bun.

Like all of the brand’s products, these dog treats are free from GMO ingredients, high-starch veggies, and fruits high in fructose. They make ideal treats for diabetic pups or those who need to lose excess weight.

While these grain-free treats score high marks in flavor due to their high beef content, a few buyers stated that they are too tough to chew for some dogs.

The packaging does not have any pictures of the actual product so first-time buyers may have no clue on what they actually look like. If you have an older dog or any pup who prefers softer treats that need less chewing, this may not be the one for him or her.

Visionary Flame Grilled Beef Treats are recommended for dogs who need high-protein, crunchy snacks. It is a great snack to take on the road and has no ingredients that can trigger allergies.

 

What Types of Dog Food Does Visionary Pet Foods Offer?

Visionary makes ketogenic raw diets using meat and fat as their primary energy source. It uses only human-grade ingredients for its recipes. There is no gluten or grains, no artificial colors or flavors that can encourage dogs to overeat. They also use no fruits or fructose components that can raise your dog’s blood sugar. 

Their complete meals come in dry food, freeze-dried raw, and raw frozen forms. The company does not make wet or canned dog foods at this time. They are all high in protein and fat, which may not be suitable for all dogs. 

Visionary believes in a meat-only type of diet that fuels and prevents injury, especially in very active dogs. The recipe also cuts out common sources of carbohydrates including high-carb vegetables and sugary fruits. 

Visionary Recipes

• Raw Frozen Keto Beef Patties
• Raw Frozen Keto Beef Sliders
• Raw Ketogenic Freeze-Dried Beef Medallions
• Raw Ketogenic Freeze-Dried Chicken Medallions
• Keto Low Carb Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
• Keto Low Carb Beef Recipe Dry Dog Food

Visionary Recall History List:

Visionary hasn’t been recalled in the past. It has a clean track record with safety protocols in place to make sure that the foods are always safe. We appreciate it when a company has a solid handle on production and can promise safety and assurance.

 

Customer Reviews

Customers like that the option to feed their dogs recipes using human grade ingredients and low glycemic options is easier than ever. They praise the company for finally offering foods they feel like are “real” instead of the heavily processed options of most grocery store kibbles.

The food is rated favorably by customers on many online retailers. Trusted dog food reviewers worry about the higher levels of fat in the foods, so talk to your veterinarian about what that could mean for your pet.

What Customers Like and Dislike about Visionary Pet foods?

Many customers were relieved to find that their dogs loved the taste of the different recipes. Many picky dogs were more than willing to eat this food even without it being warm. The packaging is easy to use, and things like the patties are individually wrapped to create less mess when trying to separate a serving size.

Some dogs didn’t fare well with the higher levels of protein and fats. Some customers noticed that their dogs have excess gas on this diet, so consider transitioning slowly to this food if your dog has been on a cheap kibble previously.

One very good thing about the food that customers also noted was the lack of peas, potatoes, and legumes. A recent study has shown a possible link between foods heavy in these ingredients and an increased risk of an enlarged heart. The recipes from Visionary don’t contain any of these ingredients, so you don’t have to worry about the possible link.

Positive

• “This is an excellent product for both of our dogs! One of them was diagnosed with cancer in October and we immediately put her on a Keto diet. She is doing phenomenal! Thank you Valiant [Visionary] and Keto Pet Sanctuary!” Dondi, chewy.com

Negative

• ”I was excited to find a food that had good ingredients that my dog likes including grass-fed beef; however, our girl would not eat this. I tried to be patient with her, but she just wouldn't touch it. Will donate this bag. To all that may be interested, it is individually packaged in little, round 1 oz packages that peel apart causing less mess for the owner.” SophieBaiLei, chewy.com