Last week, my big dog Max was just looking at his bowl like it was a piece of rock. He didn't want to eat his old food anymore. I felt so bad! I want him to be happy and have a wagging tail, you know? So, I went to the store and saw a bag with Rachael Ray’s face on it. It’s called nutrish dog food. I heard some people talk about it, so I thought, let’s try!
I spent a lot of time reading about this food because I don't want to give Max something bad. If you are asking is nutrish a good dog food, I have found out so many things. This blog post is very long because I want to tell you everything I learned from other owners and the experts too.
What is Nutrish Dog Food anyway?
So, this food started in 2008. Rachael Ray is a famous lady who cooks on TV, and she worked with a company called Ainsworth Pet Nutrition to make this. Now, it is owned by a company called Post Holdings (it used to be Smucker’s). In 2025, they even changed the name a little bit to just "Nutrish" instead of the whole long name.
The best thing I found is that they give money to help animals in need. That makes my heart feel good! They say they use simple, natural ingredients like the recipes Rachael cooks for humans.
Is Nutrish a good dog food rating?
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When I look at the nutrish dog food rating, most people give it 4 or 4.5 stars out of 5. Some special ones, like the "High Protein" beef recipe, even get 5 stars from the Dog Food Advisor! But some other types, like the "Limited Ingredient" one, get a 3.5 rating because they use meat meal instead of just fresh meat. It really depends on which bag you pick up at the store.
The Good Stuff (Pros)
There are many reasons why people like this food. Here is what I found:
- Real Meat First: On almost every bag, the first thing on the list is real chicken, beef, or salmon. This is very important for big muscles!
- No Bad Chemicals: They don't use things like BHA or BHT, which are scary preservatives. They also don't use artificial flavors.
- Shiny Coats: So many owners say their dogs have very shiny fur now. One person with a black lab said everyone gives her compliments because the dog's coat is so sparkly.
- Good Price: It is not super expensive like those "boutique" foods that cost $100. It is a "mid-range" food, so it’s better than the really cheap stuff but won't break your bank.
- Available Everywhere: You can buy it at Walmart, Amazon, or the grocery store. Very easy when you are busy!
The Not-So-Good Stuff (Cons)
But, I have to be honest. It’s not perfect for every dog.
- Fillers: Some recipes have corn gluten meal or soy. Some dogs are allergic to these and get itchy skin.
- Sugar: I was surprised to see "brown sugar" or "rice syrup" in some bags. Dogs don't really need sugar, right? It can make them a bit chubby.
- Strange Colors: Some people say the kibble looks like "Trix cereal" because it has colors like iron oxide or titanium dioxide. This is just for humans to think it looks pretty, the dogs don't care about color!
- Tummy Troubles: For some dogs, the switch to Nutrish made them have very bad "pudding" poop or vomiting. One person on Reddit said her dog got very sick because they changed the recipe without telling anyone.
Looking at the Ingredients (The Sciencey Part)
I tried to read the back of the bag like a detective. Here is what is usually inside nutrish dog food:
1. The Protein
They use things like "U.S. farm-raised chicken" or "Real Beef." But remember, fresh meat has a lot of water (like 73%). When they cook it, it gets smaller. So, they also add "meat meal" (like chicken meal) which is a concentrate. This is actually good because it has way more protein than just wet meat.
2. The Carbs
In the grain-inclusive bags, they use brown rice, barley, and grain sorghum. These are okay and give energy. In the "Zero Grain" bags, they use peas and potatoes. Some people worry about peas, but they have fiber which helps with pooping.
3. Fats and Extras
They use chicken fat and fish oil. Fish oil has Omega-3, which is why the dogs get those shiny coats! They also add "taurine" for the heart and "chelated minerals" which are easier for the dog's body to soak up.
Different Kinds for Different Dogs
Nutrish has a lot of "sub-brands." It can be confusing!
Real Stories from Other Pet Parents
I read hundreds of reviews to see if nutrish dog food is actually good.
One lady said her 12-year-old Shih Tzu became very energetic again after eating this. Another person with a Mastiff mix said her dog had hives from wheat, but when she switched to the grain-free Nutrish, the hives went away!
But, it’s not all happy stories. A man said his dog refused to eat it and just turned his nose up. And some people are very mad because the company changed the recipe in 2023 and 2025. When companies change things and don't put a big sign on the bag, it can make dogs with sensitive stomachs very sick.
One very sad story I read was about a dog who got food poisoning. It is rare, but it shows you must always watch your dog when you start a new bag.
Important! About Recalls
You should know that there have been some problems in the past.
- 2015: Some wet cat food had too much Vitamin D.
- 2019: The FDA looked at many grain-free foods (including Nutrish) because of heart concerns.
- Lawsuits: Some people sued because the label said "natural" but they found "glyphosate" (a weed killer) in it.
The company says they are safe now, but I think it is important to tell you.
My Final Advice
Is nutrish dog food the best in the whole world? Maybe not. But is it a good choice for a normal dog? Yes, I think so! It is much better than the super cheap brands that are just filled with "mystery meat."
If you want to try it, please do a "slow switch." Don't just throw away the old food! Mix a little bit of Nutrish with the old food for 7 to 10 days. This helps the tummy not get a surprise.
Here is a quick checklist for you:
- Check the ingredient list for your dog's allergies (like corn or soy).
- Look for the "Real Meat" as the first ingredient.
- Watch your dog's poop (sorry, but it's important!).
- If they get itchy or barf, stop right away.
I hope this helps you and your furry friend! I just want all the doggies to be healthy and happy.
Would you like me to find a specific ingredient list for one of the Nutrish flavors for you?