Welcome to our in-depth review of Crave dog food, focusing specifically on the Australian market. While American reviews might paint a rosy picture, the Australian version of Crave, manufactured by Mars Petcare, presents a different story. This review will dissect the ingredients, marketing claims, and overall composition of the Crave Chicken & Salmon formula to help you make an informed decision for your canine companion.
What the Marketing Claims
Mars Petcare, the parent company behind Crave, positions its dog food as a “High Protein” option, purportedly inspired by a dog’s natural diet. They emphasize that “Real Meat” is the primary ingredient. However, the term “Real Meat” begs the question: what would meat be if it weren’t real? This marketing highlights a focus on meat content, but the specifics of this meat are where closer examination is needed.
Deconstructing the Labelling
Upon closer inspection of the ingredient list, the “Meat from Poultry (including Chicken) & Fish (including Salmon)” is a deliberately ambiguous blend. While chicken and salmon are mentioned, they likely constitute only a small portion of the overall meat content. This ambiguity often signals the use of the most cost-effective meat sources available.
The second ingredient, “Vegetables and Vegetable Extracts,” is similarly vague. Without clear identification, it’s difficult to ascertain whether this component offers nutritional benefits or consists of inexpensive by-products unsuitable for human consumption.
Crave dog food does boast a high protein and fat content, with a carbohydrate percentage listed at a respectable 35%. It’s plausible that a significant amount of meat is present. However, it’s also likely that a portion of the declared protein comes from these unspecific vegetable sources.
Further concerns arise from vague terms like “natural flavours,” which lack transparency. The presence of ambiguous “antioxidants” is also worrying. These could potentially be carcinogenic chemicals such as BHA/BHT, which have been linked to health issues like liver, thyroid, and kidney problems, as well as allergies in animal studies. The vitamins and minerals are added as a “pack” and are likely sourced from the cheapest available option, potentially from China.
Crave Dog Food Review: A Summary
While Crave dog food is grain-free and lists meat as its primary ingredient, the lack of transparency in its composition makes it difficult to recommend. The protein and fat levels are indeed respectable, but the ambiguous nature of the ingredients raises significant concerns about the overall quality and safety of the product for long-term feeding.
The Crave dog food is available from Coles.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Meat from Poultry (including Chicken) & Fish (including Salmon): The primary protein source, but its exact composition is unclear.
- Vegetables and Vegetable Extracts: The second ingredient, its nutritional value is questionable due to vagueness.
- Chicken Fat: A good source of fat and energy.
- Natural Flavours (made with real Chicken): The origin and composition of these flavours are not specified.
- Beet Pulp: A source of fiber.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Added as a supplement, but their source is uncertain.
- Antioxidants: Potentially concerning due to ambiguity.
- Vegetable Oil: Another source of fat.
Guaranteed Analysis
- Protein (min): 36%
- Fat (min): 17%
- Crude Fibre (max): 3.5%
- Carbohydrates (* max): 35% (listed on label)
* May be estimated.
Crave Dog Food FAQ
Who is Crave dog food made by?
Crave dog and cat food is a product of Mars Petcare. It’s important to note that the Australian formulation differs significantly from the version sold in the United States.
Where is Crave dog food made?
The Australian Crave formulas are manufactured domestically in Australia by Mars Petcare.
Where can I buy Crave dog food?
Crave dog food is available for purchase in Australia from Woolworths supermarkets.
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