In today’s pet food market, high-protein, grain-free diets are grabbing attention. But are they really better for your dog? The ancestral diet trend has led to brands like Crave emerging, promising to deliver nutrition that mirrors what your dog’s wild ancestors supposedly ate. This Crave Dog Food Review takes an unbiased, in-depth look at Crave dog food, covering its ingredients, nutritional value, pros, cons, and overall suitability for different dogs. By the end of this review, you’ll have a clearer understanding of whether Crave is the right choice to fuel your furry friend.
Understanding Crave Dog Food
Crave Dog Food positions itself as a brand deeply rooted in the belief that dogs thrive on a diet rich in animal protein. They aim to replicate the diets of wolves and wild dogs, emphasizing the importance of protein for muscle development, energy, and overall health. Their philosophy centers around providing food that aligns with a dog’s “natural” dietary needs.
Key features and claims made by Crave include:
- High-Protein Content: A primary focus on providing a significant amount of protein from animal sources.
- Grain-Free Formulas: Absence of grains like corn, wheat, and soy, often marketed as beneficial for dogs with sensitivities or allergies.
- Meat-First Ingredients: Real meat is typically listed as the first ingredient in their recipes.
- Nutrient-Rich Composition: Inclusion of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support overall health.
Crave offers a variety of formulas to cater to different life stages and preferences:
- Dry Food: Available in various flavors like chicken, beef, lamb, and salmon.
- Wet Food: Offers options for added hydration and palatability.
- Puppy Formulas: Specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of growing puppies.
- Limited Ingredient Diets: catering to dogs with sensitivities.
A Deep Dive into the Ingredients
Let’s take a closer look at one of their popular formulas, the Crave Chicken Dry Dog Food. We’ll break down the ingredient list to understand what exactly goes into this food and assess its quality.
The top ingredients typically include: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Split Peas, Lentils, Chicken Fat.
- Protein Powerhouses: The presence of chicken as the first ingredient is a positive sign. Chicken meal is a concentrated source of protein, created by rendering chicken. Named meat sources like these are preferable to unspecified “meat by-products,” as they offer transparency about the protein’s origin.
- Carbohydrate Considerations: Crave uses carbohydrates like split peas and lentils. While grain-free, these ingredients provide essential fiber and energy. However, peas have become a topic of discussion in the pet food world, as some research suggests a possible link between pea-rich diets and a heart condition in dogs called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). More research is needed, but it’s something to be aware of.
- Fats and Oils for a Healthy Coat: Chicken fat is a valuable source of essential fatty acids, contributing to a healthy skin and coat. It provides energy and aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
- Vitamin and Mineral Fortification: Crave includes a range of vitamins and minerals to ensure a complete and balanced diet, covering essential nutrients like vitamin E, vitamin D, and various B vitamins.
- Potential Concerns with Ingredients: As mentioned, the use of split peas is a point of consideration. While they provide fiber and nutrients, the DCM concern, though still under investigation, is something to keep in mind and discuss with your vet. Pea protein is also used and it should be noted that it’s not a complete protein source.
Ingredient sourcing information from Crave is limited, so it is hard to know exactly where they source.
Nutritional Evaluation: Beyond the Ingredients List
The guaranteed analysis of Crave Chicken Dry Dog Food generally looks like this:
- Crude Protein: Typically around 34%
- Crude Fat: Usually around 17%
- Crude Fiber: Generally around 3%
- Moisture: Typically around 10%
The calorie content typically comes out to be around 370 calories per cup, give or take. The protein-to-fat ratio appears to be within a healthy range for most dogs, supporting muscle development and providing ample energy.
When compared to AAFCO guidelines, Crave dog food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages. This is important because it means it offers a complete and balanced meal.
The high protein content can lead to several potential benefits:
- Muscle Development and Maintenance: Protein is crucial for building and repairing muscle tissue.
- Increased Energy Levels: A protein-rich diet can provide sustained energy for active dogs.
- Healthy Coat and Skin: Essential fatty acids from animal fats contribute to a shiny coat and healthy skin.
The Good, the Bad, and the Tasty: Pros and Cons
Let’s weigh the advantages and disadvantages of feeding your dog Crave.
The Upsides of Crave:
- High-Quality Protein: Crave prioritizes animal-based protein sources, offering a robust protein profile.
- Grain-Free Advantage (Maybe): For dogs with confirmed grain sensitivities, a grain-free diet can alleviate symptoms. However, it’s not inherently superior for all dogs and should only be considered if a vet has diagnosed a sensitivity.
- Variety is the Spice of Life: The range of flavors and formulas provides options for picky eaters and different preferences.
- Convenient Availability: Crave is readily available in many pet stores and online retailers.
- Palatable for Many Dogs: Many owners report that their dogs enjoy the taste of Crave.
The Potential Downsides:
- Price Point: Crave can be more expensive than some other dog food brands, which might be a concern for budget-conscious owners.
- Allergenic Potential: Although grain-free, some dogs may be allergic to other ingredients like chicken, peas, or lentils.
- Missing Probiotics: Crave doesn’t include probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health and digestion. You might need to supplement with probiotics separately.
- Ongoing DCM Concerns: The use of split peas raises some concerns and should be monitored along with regular vet check-ups.
- Not a One-Size-Fits-All Solution: Dogs with kidney issues, certain allergies, or other specific health concerns may not be suitable candidates for Crave.
What Pet Owners Are Saying: Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are a mixed bag, as with any dog food brand. Many owners rave about the positive impact on their dogs’ coat and energy levels. Picky eaters have been known to enthusiastically devour Crave.
However, some owners have reported digestive issues or allergic reactions in their dogs after switching to Crave. The price point is also a common complaint. Many owners suggest switching to a limited ingredient diet or food to help counter allergies.
Is Crave Right for Your Dog?
Crave can be a suitable option for:
- Active Breeds: Dogs with high energy needs who benefit from a protein-rich diet.
- Dogs with Confirmed Grain Sensitivities: If your vet has diagnosed a grain sensitivity, Crave might be a suitable choice.
- Dogs Who Prefer High-Protein Diets: If your dog naturally gravitates toward meat-heavy foods, Crave might appeal to their taste preferences.
However, it’s important to proceed with caution if your dog:
- Has Known Allergies: Carefully review the ingredient list to ensure there are no potential allergens.
- Has Kidney Issues: High-protein diets can be problematic for dogs with kidney disease, so consult with your vet.
- Is a Puppy or Senior Dog: Puppies and senior dogs have specific nutritional needs that may not be fully met by Crave’s standard formulas.
Exploring Alternatives: Other Dog Food Options
If you’re not entirely convinced about Crave, consider these alternatives:
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness: Another popular grain-free, high-protein brand.
- Taste of the Wild: Offers a variety of flavors and protein sources, including novel proteins like bison and venison.
- Orijen: Known for its biologically appropriate recipes with a high percentage of meat ingredients.
- Limited Ingredient Diet Foods: Many brands offer limited ingredient diets for dogs with allergies.
- Prescription Diet Foods: If your dog has specific health conditions, your veterinarian can recommend a prescription diet.
Final Verdict: Making the Right Choice for Your Dog
Crave Dog Food presents a high-protein, grain-free option that can be beneficial for certain dogs. Its focus on animal-based protein and variety of flavors are appealing. However, the price, potential allergen concerns, and the ongoing discussion about peas in dog food need to be carefully considered.
Ultimately, the best dog food is the one that meets your dog’s individual needs and keeps them healthy and happy. Consulting with your veterinarian is essential before making any dietary changes. Your vet can assess your dog’s specific health condition, lifestyle, and dietary requirements to help you determine if Crave or another brand is the most appropriate choice.
What are your thoughts on Crave Dog Food? Have you tried it with your furry friend? Leave your comments below and share your experience!
