This review provides an in-depth analysis of Nutrish Grain-Free dry dog food, focusing on its ingredients, nutritional content, and overall quality. With the growing concern among pet owners about grain sensitivities and ingredient sourcing, understanding the composition of your dog’s food is paramount. This analysis aims to equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision for your canine companion.
Nutrish Grain-Free products are formulated for dogs who may have sensitivities to gluten and grains. Both recipes within this line feature sweet potatoes as a primary ingredient, offering a natural source of fiber to support digestive health. The brand, formerly known as Rachael Ray Nutrish, underwent a rebranding in 2025.
Our Verdict
Nutrish Grain-Free earns a 4.5-star rating from Dog Food Advisor.
This rating reflects a product that is considered highly recommended for its quality and suitability for a wide range of dogs, particularly those who benefit from a grain-free diet.
Pros:
- No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors: This ensures that the food contains only natural components, free from potentially harmful additives.
- No poultry by-product meal: The exclusion of by-product meal signifies a commitment to using higher quality protein sources.
- Affordable: Nutrish Grain-Free offers a cost-effective option for pet owners without compromising on quality.
Cons:
- Lack of ingredient traceability: While ingredients are listed, detailed information about their origin and sourcing is not readily available, which may be a concern for some owners.
The Nutrish Grain-Free product line consists of two recipes, both receiving a 4.5-star rating:
- Nutrish Grain Free Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe (Rated 4.5 stars, suitable for All Life Stages – A)
- Nutrish Grain Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe (Rated 4.5 stars, suitable for All Life Stages – A)
Recipe and Label Analysis: Nutrish Grain Free Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe
This section delves into the specific ingredients and estimated nutrient content of the Nutrish Grain Free Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe.
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content:
- Protein: 29.9%
- Fat: 16.3%
- Carbohydrates: 40.4%
Ingredients: Chicken, salmon meal, canola meal, sweet potato, pea starch, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), sunflower meal, dried peas, potato, tapioca, fish meal, whole flaxseed, salt, dried plain beet pulp, chicken meal, turkey meal, natural flavor, taurine, citric acid (preservative), vitamins (vitamin E supplement, l-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), niacin supplement, vitamin A supplement, thiamine mononitrate, d-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin B12 supplement, folic acid, biotin, vitamin D3 supplement), minerals (zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, copper sulfate, sodium selenite, manganese sulfate, calcium iodate), choline chloride, lactic acid, mixed tocopherols (preservative), rosemary extract.
Fiber (estimated dry matter content): 5%
Note: Red denotes controversial items.
Ingredients Analysis
The ingredient list for Nutrish Grain Free Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe has been analyzed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the food’s composition.
- Chicken: The primary ingredient, chicken is a high-quality protein source, providing all ten essential amino acids crucial for a dog’s health.
- Salmon Meal: This concentrated protein source is derived from dried fish and is significantly higher in protein than fresh fish.
- Canola Meal: A by-product of canola oil production, it contributes protein but can sometimes be derived from genetically modified rapeseed. Its protein content can influence the overall protein percentage reported on the label.
- Sweet Potato: A gluten-free carbohydrate source rich in dietary fiber and beta carotene, supporting healthy digestion.
- Pea Starch: Primarily acts as a binder for kibble and provides energy.
- Chicken Fat: A quality ingredient rich in linoleic acid, an essential omega-6 fatty acid.
- Sunflower Meal: Another by-product, it adds protein but may have a lower biological value compared to meat-based proteins. Like canola meal, it can affect the total protein count.
- Dried Peas: A good source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber, also contributing to the protein content.
- Potato: A gluten-free carbohydrate source providing calories.
- Tapioca: Another carbohydrate source.
- Fish Meal: Similar to salmon meal, providing a concentrated protein source.
- Whole Flaxseed: A valuable source of omega-3 fatty acids and soluble fiber. Its protein content is also a factor in the overall analysis.
The ingredient list also includes essential vitamins, minerals, and taurine, an amino acid vital for heart health. However, the minerals are not chelated, which might reduce their bioavailability.
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredient profile, Nutrish Grain Free Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe appears to be an above-average dry dog food.
- Average Protein: 29.9%
- Average Fat: 16.3%
- Estimated Carbohydrates: 40.4%
The brand’s average protein and fat levels are consistent with this recipe. The carbohydrate content is below average when compared to typical dry dog foods. Even accounting for plant-based protein boosters like potatoes, sunflower meal, peas, and flaxseed, the overall nutritional profile suggests a kibble with a substantial meat content. The fat-to-protein ratio is approximately 55%.
Nutrish Dog Food Recall History
As of January 2026, there have been no recalls noted for Nutrish dog food products. This indicates a consistent record of safety and quality control.
Our Rating of Nutrish Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Nutrish Grain Free is a dry dog food that utilizes a significant amount of named meat and meat meals as its primary animal protein sources. For this reason, the brand receives a 4.5-star rating. This high rating underscores its quality and suitability for many dogs.
About Nutrish
Nutrish was founded by celebrity chef Rachael Ray and was acquired by Ainsworth Pet Nutrition in 2018, which is a division of The J. M. Smucker Company. The brand underwent a rebranding in 2025, now simply known as Nutrish, with updated packaging. All dry food recipes are manufactured in the United States, while wet food recipes are produced in Thailand.
Compare Nutrish Grain Free Dog Food
Nutrish Grain Free stands as a well-regarded option in the dog food market, offering a grain-free formulation with quality ingredients at an accessible price point. When considering alternatives, it’s always beneficial to compare ingredient lists, nutritional profiles, and recall histories. This review of Nutrish Grain Free provides a solid foundation for such comparisons.
Sources
(#fn-1),(#fn-2): Association of American Feed Control Officials
A Final Word
Choosing the right dog food is a critical aspect of pet ownership. Nutrish Grain Free Dry Dog Food offers a compelling option for owners seeking a grain-free diet for their dogs, backed by a strong rating and a commitment to avoiding artificial additives and by-product meals. While ingredient traceability could be improved, the overall quality and affordability make it a highly recommended choice. For more detailed information on making informed pet food decisions, exploring resources on canine nutrition and consulting with your veterinarian is always advised.
