Choosing the right dog food can feel overwhelming. As responsible pet owners, we all want to provide our furry companions with the best possible nutrition, ensuring they live long, healthy, and happy lives. With countless brands and formulas available, it’s essential to do your research and understand what truly goes into your dog’s bowl. Now Fresh dog food is a popular option, often praised for its grain-free recipes and emphasis on fresh ingredients. But is it truly the best choice for your dog?
This comprehensive review aims to provide you with an unbiased and thorough look at Now Fresh dog food, helping you make an informed decision. We’ll delve into the ingredients, analyze the pros and cons, explore the different formulas offered, and summarize customer feedback. Let’s dive in and uncover whether Now Fresh dog food lives up to the hype.
A Closer Look at Now Fresh Dog Food
Let’s begin by exploring the basics of this brand. Now Fresh is manufactured by Petcurean Pet Nutrition, a Canadian company that focuses on creating premium, nutritionally complete dog and cat food recipes. Petcurean places a strong emphasis on using fresh, high-quality ingredients and formulating recipes that cater to various life stages and dietary needs. Their philosophy revolves around providing pets with wholesome nutrition without the use of grains, rendered meats, by-products, or artificial additives.
Now Fresh positions itself as a premium dog food brand, placing emphasis on using real, fresh ingredients as opposed to heavily processed components. The emphasis on being grain-free has placed this product as a sought-after option for pets who may be sensitive or have difficulty digesting products like corn, wheat or soy. The quality of the protein and vegetable components is also what places this brand among the more sought-after products in the market.
Key Features and Potential Benefits
Now Fresh dog food distinguishes itself with several key features. First and foremost, all formulas are grain-free. This can be particularly beneficial for dogs with grain sensitivities or allergies, helping to reduce digestive upset and skin irritations. Instead of grains, Now Fresh utilizes alternative carbohydrate sources like peas, potatoes, and lentils.
Another key feature is the use of fresh, deboned meats as the primary protein source. Real turkey, salmon, and duck are commonly found in Now Fresh recipes, providing a palatable and easily digestible source of essential amino acids for muscle development and overall health. Furthermore, Now Fresh incorporates a variety of fruits and vegetables into their formulas, such as blueberries, spinach, and pumpkin. These ingredients provide valuable vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting a strong immune system and overall well-being. It is important to emphasize that the formulas do not contain by-products, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
These features translate into several potential benefits for your dog. Many owners report improved digestion, healthier skin and coat, increased energy levels, and better overall vitality after switching to Now Fresh. The high-quality ingredients can also contribute to a stronger immune system and reduced risk of certain health problems.
Ingredient Deep Dive
Understanding the ingredients list is crucial when evaluating any dog food. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into Now Fresh dog food.
The recipes start with identifiable animal protein sources, like turkey, salmon, or duck. The source of the protein and the percentages of the ingredients are critical as these will factor into how well the food is digested by the dog. For example, Now Fresh Grain Free Small Breed Adult Recipe lists Deboned Turkey, Potato Flour, Peas, Dried Whole Egg, Pea Fiber, Potatoes, Flaxseed, Canola Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Apples, Dicalcium Phosphate, Coconut Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Salmon Oil, Calcium Carbonate, Alfalfa, Tomatoes, Carrots, Pumpkin, Sweet Potatoes, Bananas, Blueberries, Cranberries, Blackberries, Pomegranate, Papayas, Mango, Dried Chicory Root, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Choline Chloride, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (a source of Vitamin C), Niacin, d-Calcium pantothenate, Vitamin A supplement, Thiamine mononitrate, Riboflavin, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin B12 supplement, Biotin, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 supplement, Folic Acid.), Minerals (Zinc proteinate, Iron proteinate, Copper proteinate, Zinc oxide, Manganese proteinate, Copper sulphate, Ferrous sulphate, Calcium iodate, Manganous oxide, Selenium yeast.), L-Carnitine, Taurine, DL-Methionine, L-Lysine, Yucca schidigera extract, Rosemary extract, Green tea extract, Spearmint extract.
These ingredients provide a source of the proteins, fats, fiber, prebiotics and probiotics that are essential for your pet’s health.
It’s worth noting that while Now Fresh emphasizes fresh ingredients, the recipes do include some pea protein, which has become a topic of debate in the pet food industry.
Ingredients to Consider
While Now Fresh utilizes high-quality ingredients, some ingredients might be cause for concern for certain dogs. The inclusion of pea protein is a common discussion point. While peas can be a good source of protein and fiber, some concerns have been raised about the potential link between high levels of peas and legumes in dog food and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a heart condition. However, it’s important to note that the research on this topic is ongoing, and the exact cause of DCM is still unknown.
Some dogs may also be sensitive to certain fruits and vegetables, even though they are generally considered healthy. It’s always a good idea to monitor your dog for any signs of digestive upset or allergic reactions when introducing a new food.
Understanding the Guaranteed Analysis
The guaranteed analysis provides a snapshot of the nutritional content of the food, including protein, fat, fiber, and moisture levels. It’s important to consider these levels in relation to your dog’s life stage and activity level.
Generally, Now Fresh formulas contain a moderate to high level of protein, which is essential for muscle development and maintenance. Fat levels are also typically moderate, providing energy and supporting healthy skin and coat. Fiber content is moderate, promoting healthy digestion.
Puppies and active dogs generally require higher protein and fat levels than adult or senior dogs. Now Fresh offers formulas specifically tailored to different life stages to ensure optimal nutrition.
Exploring Now Fresh Dog Food Formulas
Now Fresh offers a diverse range of formulas designed to meet the specific needs of different dogs. Some of the most popular formulas include:
- Now Fresh Grain Free Small Breed Adult Recipe: Formulated specifically for small breed dogs, this recipe features smaller kibble size and tailored nutrient levels.
- Now Fresh Grain Free Puppy Recipe: Designed to support the growth and development of puppies, this recipe is rich in protein and essential nutrients.
- Now Fresh Grain Free Senior Recipe: Formulated for senior dogs, this recipe is lower in calories and contains added supplements to support joint health and cognitive function.
- Now Fresh Grain Free Weight Management Recipe: Designed for dogs who need to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, this recipe is lower in fat and calories.
When comparing these formulas, you’ll notice variations in the protein and fat content, as well as the inclusion of specific ingredients to address the unique needs of each life stage. For example, the Senior recipe often includes glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health.
A Closer Look: Now Fresh Grain Free Small Breed Adult Recipe
Let’s examine the Now Fresh Grain Free Small Breed Adult Recipe more closely. This formula features deboned turkey as the primary ingredient, followed by potato flour, peas, and dried whole egg. It also contains a blend of fruits and vegetables, including apples, carrots, pumpkin, and blueberries, providing essential vitamins and antioxidants.
The guaranteed analysis reveals a protein content of at least 27%, a fat content of at least 17%, and a fiber content of no more than 4%. This formula is designed to provide small breed dogs with the energy and nutrients they need to thrive.
While the ingredients are generally high-quality, some owners may be concerned about the inclusion of pea protein. However, many small breed dogs thrive on this formula, experiencing improved digestion, increased energy, and a shinier coat.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Like any dog food, Now Fresh has its advantages and disadvantages.
The Pros
- High-Quality Ingredients: Now Fresh prioritizes fresh, deboned meats, fruits, and vegetables, ensuring optimal nutrition for your dog.
- Grain-Free Options: The grain-free formulas are ideal for dogs with grain sensitivities or allergies.
- Variety of Formulas: Now Fresh offers a wide range of formulas tailored to different life stages and dietary needs.
- Potential Health Benefits: Many owners report improved digestion, healthier skin and coat, and increased energy levels after switching to Now Fresh.
The Cons
- Higher Price Point: Now Fresh is generally more expensive than many other dog food brands.
- Availability: Now Fresh may not be as readily available as some other brands.
- Potential for Sensitivities: Some dogs may be sensitive to certain ingredients, even in grain-free formulas.
- Pea Protein Concerns: The inclusion of pea protein is a topic of debate in the pet food industry.
What Customers Are Saying
Customer reviews provide valuable insights into the real-world experiences of other dog owners. Generally, Now Fresh receives positive feedback, with many owners reporting that their dogs love the taste and experience noticeable improvements in their health.
Many reviewers praise Now Fresh for its high-quality ingredients and grain-free formulas. Some owners specifically mention that their picky eaters enjoy Now Fresh, and that the food has helped to resolve digestive issues.
However, some owners have reported negative experiences. Some dogs didn’t like the taste, while others experienced digestive upset or allergic reactions. It’s important to remember that every dog is different, and what works well for one dog may not work well for another.
Exploring Alternatives
If you’re not sure if Now Fresh is the right choice for your dog, several alternative brands offer similar benefits.
- Orijen: Orijen is a premium dog food brand that emphasizes biologically appropriate diets, using high-quality ingredients and whole prey ratios.
- Acana: Similar to Orijen, Acana offers grain-free formulas with a focus on regional ingredients and whole prey ratios.
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness: Blue Buffalo Wilderness offers grain-free formulas inspired by the diet of wolves, featuring high protein levels and limited ingredients.
- Taste of the Wild: Taste of the Wild offers grain-free formulas with unique protein sources like bison and venison, catering to dogs with sensitivities.
These alternatives may offer a different price point, different ingredients, or different formulas that better suit your dog’s needs.
Transitioning Your Dog to Now Fresh
If you decide to try Now Fresh, it’s essential to transition your dog gradually to avoid digestive upset. Start by mixing a small amount of Now Fresh with your dog’s old food, gradually increasing the amount of Now Fresh over a week or two.
Monitor your dog for any signs of food sensitivity, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or skin irritations. If you notice any of these signs, consult with your veterinarian.
In Conclusion
Now Fresh dog food is a premium option that prioritizes high-quality ingredients and grain-free formulas. While it may not be the perfect choice for every dog, it can be a great option for dogs with grain sensitivities, picky eaters, or those who simply thrive on a diet rich in fresh, wholesome ingredients. The array of formulas allow pet parents to find the best match for a pup’s life stage and dietary needs.
Now Fresh is a great option for the pet owner who has the means and wishes to prioritize premium products with the finest ingredients.
Ultimately, the best way to determine if Now Fresh is right for your dog is to do your own research, read customer reviews, and consult with your veterinarian. They can assess your dog’s individual needs and recommend the best diet for their overall health and well-being. By taking the time to make an informed decision, you can ensure that your furry friend receives the nutrition they need to live a long, healthy, and happy life.
