Crave dry dog food has earned a top 5-star rating from independent reviewers for its high-protein recipes designed for adult dogs. With real meat or fish as the first ingredient, combined with quality meat meals, this grain-free line stands out for pet owners seeking premium nutrition without corn, wheat, or soy. If you’re researching Crave dog food review, you’ll find these formulas prioritize animal-based proteins, delivering above-average nutrient profiles that support muscle maintenance and energy needs.
Launched by Mars Petcare, Crave focuses on limited-ingredient recipes that mimic a carnivorous diet. All four dry recipes—Beef, Chicken, Lamb, and White Fish with Salmon—meet AAFCO standards for adult maintenance. No recalls have been reported as of November 2025, adding to its trustworthiness for discerning dog owners.
Our Verdict on Crave Dry Dog Food
Crave High Protein White Fish and Salmon Dry Dog Food
Crave dry dog food receives 5 stars across its lineup. These recipes feature high-quality proteins from named sources like white fish, chicken meal, and salmon meal, ensuring a meat-forward composition. The absence of artificial additives further enhances appeal.
Key pros include:
- Generous protein from real meats and meals (averaging 39% on dry matter basis)
- Grain-free with no fillers like corn or soy
- Balanced fats from chicken fat for skin and coat health
A notable con: These are adult-only formulas, lacking puppy or senior-specific options.
| Recipe | Rating | AAFCO Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Crave Protein from Beef | 5 Stars | Maintenance |
| Crave Protein from Chicken | 5 Stars | Maintenance |
| Crave Protein from Lamb | 5 Stars | Maintenance |
| Crave Protein from White Fish & Salmon | 5 Stars | Maintenance |
For comparison, check our diamond naturals large breed lamb and rice review, which explores similar lamb-based nutrition.
Detailed Recipe and Label Analysis
We analyzed Crave with Protein from White Fish and Salmon as a representative recipe. Its guaranteed analysis shows 34% protein and 17% fat (minimums), translating to an estimated dry matter basis of 38.6% protein, 19.6% fat, and 30.1% carbohydrates.
Full ingredient list: White fish, chicken meal, lentils, split peas, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), pork meal, fish meal, pea starch, salmon meal, natural flavor, dehydrated alfalfa meal, dried plain beet pulp, potassium chloride, salt, choline chloride, citric acid (preservative), mixed tocopherols (preservative), DL-methionine, vitamin E supplement, ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, sodium selenite, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, D-calcium pantothenate, biotin, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin A supplement, niacin supplement, riboflavin (vitamin B2), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin D3 supplement, manganous oxide, potassium iodide, folic acid, rosemary extract.
Fiber is estimated at 3.5% on dry matter. Red-flag ingredients are minimal, with lentils and peas providing fiber but contributing plant protein.
In-Depth Ingredients Breakdown
White fish leads as a clean protein source from commercial fisheries, though cooking reduces its weight due to high moisture (up to 73%). Chicken meal follows—a concentrated protein (nearly 300% more than fresh chicken)—boosting overall meat content.
Lentils and split peas offer digestible carbs and fiber, common in grain-free kibble. Chicken fat provides essential omega-6s for coat health. Pork meal and fish meal add concentrated animal proteins, though the fish meal’s species is unspecified, which is a minor drawback.
Pea starch acts as a binder, while alfalfa meal supplies plant fiber (typical in equine feeds but safe here). No probiotics are listed, and minerals aren’t chelated, potentially impacting absorption. Still, the formula emphasizes meat over plants.
Pet nutritionist Laura Ward, with a BSc in Animal Science and industry experience, verifies these profiles meet high standards. For lamb lovers, see our whole hearted dog food rating for budget-friendly alternatives.
Nutrient Profile Evaluation
On a calorie-weighted basis, this recipe offers 32% protein, 39% fat, and 30% carbs—above average for dry foods. Brand averages are 39.1% protein, 19.6% fat, and 29.4% carbs, with a 50% fat-to-protein ratio indicating meat-rich nutrition.
Even accounting for plant proteins from legumes and alfalfa, Crave delivers significant animal-sourced nutrition, ideal for active adults. Compared to typical dry kibble (often 25-30% protein), it’s superior.
Explore nutra nuggets dog food review for another high-protein contender.
Recall History and Safety
Crave dry dog food has no recalls through November 2025, per comprehensive databases since 2009. This clean record underscores Mars Petcare’s quality controls.
About Crave Dog Food
Introduced in 2017, Crave targets high-protein, grain-free feeding under Mars Petcare, a leader in pet nutrition. Recipes avoid controversial fillers, aligning with modern carnivore-inspired diets.
Final Rating and Recommendations
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Crave dry earns 5 stars for its meat-dominant, grain-free excellence. Perfect for adult dogs needing premium protein without grains.
For fish-based options, review taste of the wild pacific stream reviews. Or try wellness complete health puppy food reviews if seeking puppy formulas.
In summary, Crave excels in quality and safety. Consult your vet for breed-specific needs, and stock up via trusted retailers for potential savings.
Sources
- Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) definitions for fish ingredients.
- Dog Food Advisor nutrient calculations (dry matter basis).
- Verified by Laura Ward, Pet Nutritionist (BSc Animal Science, University of Nottingham).
Last updated: November 2025
