Stella and Chewy's Wild Red Raw Coated Ocean Recipe (Grain & Legume Free) Review

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Review of Stella and Chewy's Wild Red Raw Coated Ocean Recipe (Grain & Legume Free)

According to our data, this Stella and Chewy's recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for all life stages. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Stella and Chewy's Wild Red Raw Coated Ocean Recipe (Grain & Legume Free) 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 Stella and Chewy's Wild Red Raw Coated Ocean Recipe (Grain & Legume Free), we'll examine all 60 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. Trout is a high-quality protein source that also provides essential omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health.

  2. Whitefish is a lean, easily digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients for your dog. It supports muscle development, a healthy coat, and overall wellness.

  3. Whitefish meal is a highly digestible protein source that also provides essential omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.

  4. 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.

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

  6. Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals that support your dog's immune system, brain function, and skin and coat health.

  7. Sunflower oil is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that promotes a healthy coat and skin.

  8. 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.

  9. Natural fish flavor enhances the taste of your dog's food, making it more appealing and enjoyable for your pet.

  10. Tomato pomace is a fiber-rich ingredient that can help support healthy digestion and maintain a healthy weight in dogs.

  11. Ground flaxseed is an excellent source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. It can support your dog's skin and coat health, digestive system, and overall well-being.

  12. Cod is a lean fish that's high in protein, low in fat and filled with vitamins and minerals essential for your dog's health.

  13. Mackerel is a nutritious fish that provides a high-quality source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals for your dog. Omega-3 fatty acids can help support skin and coat health, reduce inflammation, and promote overall well-being.

  14. Herring is a high-quality, easily digestible protein source that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids support a healthy skin and coat, reduce inflammation, and promote optimal brain function and overall health in dogs.

  15. Pumpkin is a nutritious and fiber-rich ingredient that can help support your dog's digestive health. Its high fiber content can aid in maintaining a healthy weight and promoting regular bowel movements.

  16. Ground pumpkin seed is a rich source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight for your dog.

  17. Chia seed is a superfood for dogs, providing omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin, as well as fiber to support digestion and overall health.

  18. Organic cranberry is a natural, nutrient-rich fruit that provides dogs with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for overall health and well-being, while also supporting urinary tract health.

  19. Organic spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable that provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin K, vitamin A, and iron, for your dog's overall health and well-being.

  20. Organic broccoli is a nutrient-dense vegetable that provides dogs with fiber, vitamin C, and a variety of other beneficial nutrients. It can aid digestion and support immune health.

  21. Organic beets are a great source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C, and they can help to promote a healthy digestive system in your dog.

  22. Organic squash is a wonderful source of dietary fiber and vitamins such as A, C, and E, which promote healthy digestion and support immune function.

  23. Organic blueberries are a nutrient-dense fruit rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They can help support your dog's overall health by promoting a strong immune system, reducing inflammation, and providing essential nutrients for healthy skin and coat.

  24. Dicalcium phosphate is a calcium and phosphorus supplement that helps to support the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth in dogs.

  25. Calcium carbonate is a valuable source of calcium, an essential mineral for strong bones and teeth, and for supporting proper muscle function in your dog.

  26. 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.

  27. Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.

  28. Cod liver oil is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and D, promoting healthy skin, coat, and joints while boosting the immune system.

  29. Salmon oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin, coat, joints, and brain function. Mixed tocopherols, a natural form of vitamin E, help preserve the oil, ensuring its freshness and nutritional value for your dog.

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

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

  32. Gelatin is a natural source of collagen, which helps maintain healthy joints and promotes a shiny, healthy coat for your dog.

  33. Dried kelp is a natural source of essential minerals and trace elements, which help support your dog's thyroid function and overall health.

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

  35. L-threonine is an essential amino acid that supports the immune system, muscle growth, and the production of collagen in dogs, contributing to a healthy skin, coat, and joints.

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

  37. Niacin supplement is an important source of vitamin B3, which plays a crucial role in supporting your dog's energy metabolism, nervous system function, and overall health. It also aids in maintaining healthy skin and coat, as well as promoting proper digestion.

  38. 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.

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

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

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

  42. 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.

  43. 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.

  44. Zinc proteinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc. It helps support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat in dogs.

  45. Iron proteinate is a chelated form of iron that is more easily absorbed by your dog's body, supporting their red blood cell production and overall health.

  46. Copper Proteinate is a chelated form of copper that's easier for dogs to absorb, aiding in red blood cell formation and iron absorption.

  47. Manganese Proteinate is a chelated form of manganese, a mineral that supports bone health, metabolism and enzymatic reactions.

  48. 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.

  49. Zinc Oxide is a source of zinc, an essential mineral that supports immune function and skin health in dogs.

  50. Reduced iron is an essential mineral that helps support your dog's red blood cell production, oxygen transportation, and overall immune system function.

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

  52. 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.

  53. Copper amino acid complex is a highly bioavailable source of copper, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and promotes red blood cell production.

  54. Potassium iodide is a chemical compound that can be used as a source of iodine in your dog's diet. Iodine is crucial for the proper functioning of your dog's thyroid gland.

  55. Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.

  56. Dried Pediococcus acidilactici fermentation product is a source of beneficial probiotics that can support your dog's digestive health and overall immune system function.

  57. Dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product is a probiotic that can aid in maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in your dog's gut, supporting overall digestive health.

  58. Dried Bifidobacterium longum fermentation product is a probiotic that helps support a healthy digestive system in your dog by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

  59. Dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product is a probiotic ingredient that supports your dog's digestive and immune health. This beneficial bacteria can help maintain a healthy balance of microflora in your pet's gastrointestinal tract, promoting regular digestion and overall wellbeing.

  60. Rosemary is an aromatic herb that not only adds flavor to dog food, but also offers numerous health benefits. It is a natural antioxidant that supports a healthy immune system and has anti-inflammatory properties which can help soothe your dog's digestive system.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The crude protein minimum of 30.00% in this pet food is likely contributed by the various fish ingredients listed, such as trout, whitefish, salmon, cod, mackerel, and herring. The inclusion of meals, such as whitefish meal and salmon meal, is particularly significant because meals are concentrated sources of protein due to the removal of water and fat during processing. These animal-based ingredients are rich in proteins that are essential for the growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues in pets.

The crude fat minimum of 14.00% can be attributed to the fish ingredients as well, as they naturally contain oils that are high in fat. Additionally, the inclusion of sunflower oil, cod liver oil, and salmon oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) helps increase the fat content. Fats are crucial for providing energy, supporting cell structure, and promoting the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

The maximum crude fiber content of 5.00% is relatively moderate and is likely derived from the plant-based ingredients such as sweet potato, tapioca, tomato pomace, ground flaxseed, pumpkin, and various organic vegetables like spinach, broccoli, beets, and squash. Fiber is important for gastrointestinal health and can aid in digestion and stool quality.

The caloric content of 3635.00 calories per kilogram can be influenced by the combined macronutrients: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The proteins and fats, as previously mentioned, are calorie-dense, while carbohydrates from sweet potatoes and tapioca provide additional energy. The overall caloric density of this food makes it suitable for maintaining the energy requirements of active pets.

Overall, the guaranteed analysis provides a snapshot of the nutritional value of the pet food, with the ingredients list offering a more detailed look at the sources of these nutrients. The combination of fish and plant-based ingredients in this recipe is designed to provide a balanced diet for pets, free from grains and legumes, which may be beneficial for animals with specific dietary sensitivities or allergies.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Stella and Chewy's Wild Red Raw Coated Ocean Recipe (Grain & Legume Free) costs approximately $4.28 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppyAdult
5 lbs $16.16$25.25
10 lbs $27.18$42.47
15 lbs $36.84$57.57
20 lbs $45.72$71.43
30 lbs $61.96$96.82
40 lbs $76.88$120.13
50 lbs $90.89$142.02
60 lbs $104.21$162.83
70 lbs $116.98$182.78
80 lbs $129.30$202.04
90 lbs $141.25$220.70
100 lbs $152.86$238.84

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers have observed mixed reactions from their dogs regarding the taste of Stella and Chewy's Wild Red Raw Coated Ocean Recipe. Some dogs seem to relish the food, while others are less enthusiastic, requiring their owners to mix it with other foods to encourage consumption. A particular dog owner found that their dogs had a significant improvement in breath odor after switching to this kibble, highlighting its potential benefits for dental health.

Several reviewers have praised the quality of ingredients and the positive effects on their dogs' coats and overall health, especially for those with allergies. The grain and legume-free formula has been a deciding factor for many pet owners looking to avoid certain ingredients due to their dogs' dietary restrictions. The kibble size, however, has received mixed reviews; some find it perfect for their small or medium-sized dogs, while others feel it's too small for larger breeds.

Despite some negative experiences with digestive upset and itchy skin, many customers report their dogs having no issues and enjoying the food. For those concerned about the size of the kibble, one owner suggests using bowl inserts to slow down fast eaters, which can help prevent dogs from swallowing the kibble whole. The food's strong smell, while off-putting to some humans, appears to be an attractant for many dogs, indicating that it may be well-suited to picky eaters.

Overall, the product seems to be well-received by a number of dogs, particularly those with specific dietary needs. The brand's commitment to high-quality ingredients and the absence of grains and legumes is a recurring positive note among satisfied customers.