Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Review

Compare Prices To Find The Lowest Price
24.74 + Shipping ($4.95)
$16.08 First Auto-Ship Order
Free 1-3 Day Shipping Orders $49+
35% Off First Auto-Ship
46.49 + Shipping ($4.95)
$30.22 First Auto-Ship Order
Free 1-3 Day Shipping Orders $49+
35% Off First Auto-Ship

PawDiet has been helping pet owners since 2015. To fund our efforts, articles may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission.


Review of Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe

According to our data, this Rachael Ray Nutrish recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for all life stages. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe, we'll examine all 40 ingredients and highlight the nutritional contribution of each ingredient.

While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.

  1. Chicken is a lean, easily digestible source of protein that provides essential nutrients for your dog's growth and maintenance. It's also a great source of vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

  2. Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of protein made from dehydrated and ground chicken. It provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle development, tissue repair, and overall growth, making it a valuable ingredient for maintaining your dog's health and well-being.

  3. Sweet potato is a highly nutritious and easily digestible source of complex carbohydrates for your dog. It provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, promoting a healthy digestive system and immune function.

  4. Sunflower meal is a byproduct of sunflower oil production that provides a good source of protein and fiber for dogs. It can help support muscle growth, maintain a healthy coat, and support overall health and well-being.

  5. Pea starch is a carbohydrate source derived from peas, providing an alternative to grains for dogs with sensitivities. It serves as a source of energy, supports healthy digestion, and contributes to the overall balance of your dog's diet. Pea starch also has a low glycemic index, which can help manage blood sugar levels in dogs with diabetes or weight management needs.

  6. Dried pea is a nutritious legume that provides an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like B vitamins, iron, and potassium for your dog's overall health.

  7. Chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a source of essential fatty acids like omega-6 which help to maintain a healthy skin and coat. The tocopherols act as natural preservatives.

  8. Whole flaxseed is a fantastic source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining your dog's healthy skin, coat, and immune system. Flaxseed is also rich in dietary fiber, which supports proper digestion and overall gut health.

  9. Tapioca is a gluten-free carbohydrate source that provides energy and can be easily digested by most dogs.

  10. Dried potato is a gluten-free carbohydrate source that provides dogs with the energy they need for daily activities. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals, supporting overall health and well-being.

  11. Turkey meal is a high-quality, protein-rich ingredient that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for your dog. It supports lean muscle development, healthy organ function, and a strong immune system.

  12. Salmon meal is a high-quality protein source that also provides omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, as well as overall wellness.

  13. Canola meal is a high-quality protein source made from the byproduct of canola oil extraction. It provides essential amino acids and is also a good source of dietary fiber. Canola meal can support your dog's muscle growth, immune system, and overall health, while the fiber content can help with digestion and weight management.

  14. Natural flavor is added to dog food to enhance its taste and make it more appealing to your pet. This can help encourage your dog to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, supporting their overall health and well-being.

  15. While salt is a necessary component of a dog's diet, providing essential minerals such as sodium and chloride for proper cellular function, it should be provided in moderation to avoid health issues like hypertension or kidney damage.

  16. Dried plain beet pulp is a source of dietary fiber that can help support your dog's digestive health, promote regular bowel movements, and aid in nutrient absorption.

  17. Menhaden meal is a high-quality, concentrated source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids for dogs. It supports healthy skin, a shiny coat, and overall well-being, as well as providing essential nutrients for growth and development.

  18. Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.

  19. Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.

  20. Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system and helps reduce inflammation.

  21. Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential for a dog's metabolism and energy production, and supports healthy skin and coat.

  22. Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.

  23. Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.

  24. D-Calcium Pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid, a B-vitamin that helps in energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.

  25. Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.

  26. Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a source of vitamin B6, which is essential for your dog's nervous system function, immune health, and red blood cell production.

  27. Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.

  28. Folic acid is a crucial B-vitamin that aids in the synthesis of DNA and supports healthy cell growth. It's essential for maintaining your dog's overall health, particularly during periods of rapid growth.

  29. Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.

  30. Vitamin D3 supplement is an essential vitamin that supports bone health, immune function, and overall well-being in dogs. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus balance in the body, promoting strong and healthy bones.

  31. Ferrous sulfate is an important source of iron for dogs, a mineral essential for red blood cell production, oxygen transportation, and overall vitality. Adequate iron intake supports your dog's immune system and energy levels.

  32. Zinc sulfate is a source of the essential mineral zinc, which supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall growth and development.

  33. Copper sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports various bodily functions in dogs, including immune system health, skin and coat maintenance, and red blood cell production.

  34. Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.

  35. Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy bones, joints, and metabolism in dogs. It also supports the production of collagen, which is vital for healthy skin, coat, and connective tissues.

  36. Calcium iodate is a source of iodine, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's thyroid function and overall metabolism. It helps maintain proper hormone production and is crucial for overall health and well-being.

  37. Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.

  38. Zinc sulfate is a source of the essential mineral zinc, which supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall growth and development.

  39. Citric acid is a natural preservative that helps maintain the freshness and quality of dog food. It also acts as an antioxidant, which can help protect your dog's cells from damage caused by free radicals.

  40. Rosemary extract is a natural antioxidant that can help protect your dog's body from the harmful effects of free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can support your dog's overall health and well-being, particularly in regard to joint health.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 26.00%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this pet food are chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, salmon meal, and menhaden fish meal. Chicken meal and other meat meals are concentrated forms of protein because they are rendered and have much of the moisture removed, which means they contain a higher percentage of protein by weight compared to fresh chicken. The inclusion of multiple protein sources helps to ensure a broad range of amino acids necessary for pet health.

Crude Fat (min) of 14.00%: The crude fat content is likely to come from the chicken fat, which is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids and energy. Chicken fat is preserved with mixed tocopherols, which are forms of vitamin E and act as natural preservatives. The sunflower meal, whole flaxseed, and the fats inherent in the meat meals (chicken, turkey, salmon, and menhaden fish meal) also contribute to the total fat content. Fats are essential for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and provide a concentrated source of energy.

Crude Fiber (max) of 5.00%: The fiber in this pet food is sourced from ingredients like sweet potato, dried peas, pea starch, dried plain beet pulp, and whole dried potato. These ingredients provide dietary fiber which is important for digestive health. Sweet potatoes and peas are known for their high fiber content, while beet pulp is a common fiber source in pet foods that aids in intestinal health and stool quality.

Calories of 3465.00 per kg: Calories in pet food come from proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. In this recipe, the high-calorie content can be attributed to the combination of protein-rich ingredients and fats. Chicken, turkey meal, salmon meal, and menhaden fish meal all provide calories from proteins, while chicken fat and the natural carbohydrates from sweet potatoes and other plant-based ingredients contribute to the overall caloric content. The balance of these macronutrients is designed to meet the energy needs of pets while also supporting their overall health.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe costs approximately $1.90 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppyAdult
5 lbs $7.51$11.73
10 lbs $12.62$19.72
15 lbs $17.11$26.73
20 lbs $21.23$33.17
30 lbs $28.77$44.96
40 lbs $35.70$55.78
50 lbs $42.21$65.95
60 lbs $48.39$75.61
70 lbs $54.32$84.88
80 lbs $60.04$93.82
90 lbs $65.59$102.48
100 lbs $70.98$110.91

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers who have chosen Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe for their dogs report a variety of experiences. Many dogs seem to enjoy the taste and have shown improvements in their health, particularly in their digestive systems and skin conditions. One dog owner mentioned their dog's itchy hot spots disappeared after switching to this food, and another noted their dog's excitement at meal times, with their senior pug eating eagerly as if rejuvenated.

Some dogs with sensitive stomachs also seem to thrive on this grain-free option, with owners observing better stool consistency and overall happiness in their pets. A golden retriever with previous digestive issues found relief with this food, and a medium-sized mix breed dog showed enthusiasm for the food as a training reward.

However, it's worth noting that a few dogs did not take to the food, with some owners reporting their pets refusing to eat it or needing enticements like gravy or wet food mixed in. Despite these instances, the positive reviews highlight dogs with allergies or grain sensitivities benefiting from the grain-free formula, and many customers appreciate the food's affordability and quality.