When selecting the right food for your canine companion, understanding the ingredients and nutritional breakdown is paramount. This review delves into the pawTree Grain Free Dry Dog Food line, offering a detailed analysis to help pet owners make informed decisions. With a focus on quality ingredients and veterinary formulation, pawTree aims to provide a highly digestible and nutrient-dense option for dogs of all life stages.
Recipe and Label Analysis
The pawTree Grain Free product range encompasses seven distinct recipes, each earning a perfect 5-star rating from Dog Food Advisor. For this in-depth review, “pawTree Grain Free Real Duck and Chickpeas” is examined as a representative of the entire line. This formula is a grain-free dry dog food featuring a moderate amount of named meat sources, complemented by plant-based proteins. The recipes are vet-formulated, ensuring they are free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Notably, two poultry-free recipes are available for dogs with specific sensitivities.
Key Nutritional Information (Estimated Dry Matter Basis for Real Duck and Chickpeas):
- Protein: 32%
- Fat: 11%
- Carbohydrates: 49%
Overall, the pawTree grain-free line shows an average protein content of 33% and a mean fat level of 15%. The carbohydrate content for the brand averages around 44%, with a fat-to-protein ratio of approximately 45%. These figures suggest a kibble with a moderate meat content, especially when considering the protein contributions from ingredients like chickpeas, peas, sweet potatoes, flaxseed, and potato protein.
Ingredients Analysis
The primary ingredient in “pawTree Grain Free Real Duck and Chickpeas” is duck. While a quality protein source, raw duck has a high water content, meaning its proportion in the final kibble is significantly reduced after cooking. The second ingredient, turkey meal, is a concentrated protein source, offering substantially more protein than fresh turkey.
Following the meat sources are dried chickpeas and dried peas. These legumes are valuable sources of carbohydrates and dietary fiber. However, their protein content must be factored into the overall meat content calculation. Dried sweet potato, the fifth ingredient, is a dehydrated by-product of potato processing and can contribute a small amount of protein.
Tomato pomace, a by-product of tomato processing, is also present. While some sources praise its fiber and nutrient content, others consider it a filler ingredient. Natural flavor is followed by flaxseed, an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly when ground. Similar to legumes, flaxseed also contains protein that influences the overall calculation.
Chicken fat is a quality ingredient, rich in linoleic acid, an essential omega-6 fatty acid. The ingredient list also includes potato protein, which, despite its high protein percentage, has a lower biological value than meat and can artificially inflate the protein content reported on the label.
Positive additions include salmon oil, a rich source of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids, known for their high bioavailability. Coconut oil is included for its medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which have been shown to improve cognitive function in older dogs and may aid in managing certain skin disorders. The inclusion of taurine, an amino acid crucial for heart health, is particularly noteworthy, especially for dogs on grain-free diets where deficiencies can be more common.
However, the recipe contains sodium selenite, a controversial form of selenium considered nutritionally inferior to more natural sources like selenium yeast. On a positive note, the food includes chelated minerals, which are minerals chemically bonded to protein, enhancing their absorption and indicating a higher quality formulation.
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredient profile, pawTree Grain Free Real Duck and Chickpeas stands out as an above-average dry dog food. The protein levels are above average, fat levels are near average, and carbohydrate content is below average when compared to typical dry dog foods. The protein-to-fat ratio is also well-balanced. While the inclusion of plant-based protein boosters needs consideration, the overall composition suggests a kibble that is both palatable and nutritionally sound for dogs across all life stages.
Dog Food Recall History
As of January 2026, there are no recorded recalls associated with the pawTree brand. This absence of recalls contributes to the brand’s trustworthiness and reliability.
Our Rating of pawTree Grain-Free Dog Food
pawTree Grain Free Dry Dog Food receives a highly recommended 5-star rating. The product line is formulated by veterinarians and PhDs in animal and nutritional science, ensuring a focus on digestibility and nutrient density. The use of named meat sources, combined with a commitment to excluding artificial additives, positions pawTree as a premium choice for pet owners seeking high-quality nutrition for their dogs. The availability of poultry-free options further enhances its appeal to dogs with common sensitivities.
About pawTree
Founded in 2012 by Roger Morgan, pawTree emerged from a decade of experience in the pet industry. The brand’s mission is to provide premium pet food, developed in partnership with expert veterinarians and nutritionists. This collaborative approach ensures the highest standards of quality and efficacy across their product offerings.
Sources
- Pan Y et al, Dietary supplementation with medium-chain TAG has long-lasting cognition-enhancing effects in aged dogs, British Journal of Nutrition, Volume 103, Issue 12, June 2010, pp 1746-1754
- Matulka RA et al, Lack of toxicity by medium chain triglycerides (MCT) in canines during a 90-day feeding study, Food Chem Toxicol, Jan 2009, 47(1) 35-9.
A Final Word
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