Choosing the right food for your canine companion is paramount to their overall health and well-being. With a plethora of options available, discerning the quality and suitability of each brand can be a daunting task for pet owners. This review delves into the Hound & Gatos canned dog food line, providing an in-depth analysis to help you make an informed decision. The brand’s commitment to high-quality ingredients and balanced nutrition is evident, earning it a commendable 4-star rating from Dog Food Advisor.
Hound & Gatos offers a range of nine canned recipes, each meticulously crafted to meet specific nutritional needs. These recipes are designed to cater to various life stages, from puppyhood to adulthood, with options suitable for all life stages (A). The average rating across the entire product line stands at an impressive 4 stars, reflecting the brand’s consistent quality. While most recipes have garnered high praise, individual ratings can vary slightly from 2.5 to 5 stars, often influenced by the estimated meat content and fat-to-protein ratios in specific formulations.
Recipe and Label Analysis: A Closer Look at Hound & Gatos 98% Beef Recipe
To provide a thorough evaluation, we will focus on the Hound & Gatos 98% Beef Recipe as a representative of the entire canned product line. This recipe is designed to be highly palatable and nutritionally dense.
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content:
- Protein: 45.5%
- Fat: 36.4%
- Carbohydrates: 10.1%
Ingredients:
Beef, beef broth, agar-agar, sunflower oil, salt, salmon oil, choline chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, sodium selenite, ethylenediamine dihydrodide, calcium carbonate, vitamin E supplement, thiamine mononitrate, niacin supplement, calcium pantothenate, biotin, vitamin A supplement, riboflavin supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, vitamin D3 supplement.
Fiber (estimated dry matter content): 1.5%
Ingredient Breakdown and Nutritional Insights
The primary ingredient in the Hound & Gatos 98% Beef Recipe is beef, which is the clean flesh of cattle and a rich source of all ten essential amino acids crucial for canine health. Following beef is beef broth, adding flavor and moisture. Agar-agar, a natural gelling agent derived from red algae, contributes fiber. Sunflower oil provides fatty acids, though it’s noted that oils rich in omega-6 without omega-3s are less nutritious than alternatives like canola or flaxseed oil. The inclusion of salmon oil is a significant plus, as it’s a source of EPA and DHA, omega-3 fatty acids with high bioavailability for dogs.
Notable inclusions are chelated minerals, which are more easily absorbed by the canine digestive system, indicating a higher quality formulation. However, the presence of sodium selenite, a controversial form of selenium, is noted as a potential downside, with selenium yeast being a more naturally derived and potentially superior source. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.
Nutrient Analysis: Meeting Canine Dietary Needs
Based on its ingredient profile, Hound & Gatos 98% Beef Recipe presents as an above-average wet dog food. The dry matter analysis reveals a protein content of 46%, a fat level of 36%, and an estimated carbohydrate content of approximately 10%. When compared to the average for canned dog foods, Hound & Gatos boasts above-average protein and fat, coupled with below-average carbohydrates. This composition suggests a substantial meat content in the product line.
The fat-to-protein ratio is approximately 79%. While this indicates a high-quality, meat-centric formula, pet owners should be mindful that some recipes may contain higher fat levels, which might not be suitable for dogs requiring a low-fat diet. Understanding dry matter basis is key to comparing dog foods fairly.
Hound & Gatos Dog Food Recall History
As of January 2026, Hound & Gatos has no reported recalls, which contributes to its trustworthiness and reliability. A comprehensive history of dog food recalls can be found dating back to 2009.
Our Rating and Final Thoughts on Hound & Gatos Grain-Free Dog Food
Hound & Gatos grain-free canned dog food stands out for its use of named meats as the primary protein source. Earning a 4-star rating, the brand demonstrates a strong commitment to quality nutrition. While the overall rating is high, individual recipe ratings may vary slightly based on specific meat and fat content.
For owners seeking high-quality, meat-rich canned food for their dogs, Hound & Gatos presents a compelling option, backed by a clean recall history and a thoughtful ingredient list. It’s important to consider your dog’s specific dietary needs, particularly fat intake, when selecting a recipe from this range.
