As a dog owner for over three decades, it might be surprising to learn that until recently, I had never opened a can of dog food. However, when HiLife contacted me to review their “It’s Only Natural Terrines” on my blog, I was impressed by the natural ingredients and curious to see if my dogs would even eat it. I agreed, and the results were quite interesting.
A Closer Look at HiLife It’s Only Natural Terrines
The HiLife It’s Only Natural Terrines live up to their name, containing only natural ingredients. They are free from grains, additives, GMOs, and fillers. The range is available in six different protein sources: Turkey, Chicken, Duck, Salmon, Cod, and Sardine. These are combined with either potato or sweet potato and vegetables. A notable aspect is that the food is made in the UK, although some ingredients are sourced internationally. On average, the food contains approximately 60% meat, translating to 9-10% protein. While this is sufficient for many pet dogs, my own dogs, Maya and Lucia, are very active and benefit from a slightly higher protein intake. I particularly appreciate that the HiLife Only Natural Range is gently steamed, which helps preserve the nutrients within the ingredients. This product line is part of the family-owned Town & Country Pet Foods, which boasts over 30 years of experience in developing dog food.
For busy pet parents, a significant advantage is that this range is stocked in most major supermarkets, making it convenient to purchase during regular grocery shopping. This positions HiLife Terrines as one of the healthiest choices readily available in such settings. The food is also accessible for order through Amazon.
The Taste Test: A Surprise for This Dog Food Snob
I was almost entirely certain that my younger spaniel, Lucia, would devour the food, given her tendency to eat almost anything. Maya, however, has become more discerning over the past couple of years. To my genuine surprise, she also enjoyed it. While she wasn’t performing a “dinner dance,” she certainly didn’t reject it. I believe that if you have a fussy eater, you are unlikely to have trouble enticing them with this food.
The food itself presented an appetizing appearance and aroma. Although the vegetables are from a dried source and not visually apparent, this is a trade-off for the convenience of simply opening a can. Furthermore, the consistency of the food is ideal for filling a Kong toy or spreading on a LickiMat, earning a “paws up” for its versatility.
A Healthy Choice with Convenience in Mind
Overall, this nutritionally balanced dog food strikes me as a very healthy option, especially when considering factors like price and convenience in planning your dog’s meals. While I personally prefer to feed my spaniels a BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet, I understand that this is not a feasible or desirable option for everyone. Reasons may include having a young baby or individuals with compromised immune systems in the household, or if your dog is training to become a PAT (Pets As Therapy) Dog, a vocation I am seriously considering for my own girls.
To be clear, I won’t be switching Maya and Lucia’s diet to HiLife exclusively anytime soon. However, I might keep a can or two on hand for emergencies. As far as canned dog food goes, HiLife It’s Only Natural Terrines are certainly at the top of the pack.
Thank you to HiLife for gifting us some HiLife Terrines in exchange for an honest review.
Love, Sal, Maya & Lucia xxx
Please carefully check the ingredients of any dog food before transitioning your pet to a new food, especially if they have sensitivities. Consult your veterinarian if you have any doubts.
