Review of Rachael Ray Nutrish Peak Dry Dog Food
Rating:
Rachael Ray Nutrish Peak Dog Food receives the Advisor’s second-highest tier rating of 4.5 stars.
The Rachael Ray Nutrish Peak product line includes the 3 dry dog foods listed below.
Each recipe includes its AAFCO nutrient profile when available… Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.
| Product | Rating | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| Rachael Ray Nutrish Peak Southern Wetlands Recipe | 4.5 | A |
| Rachael Ray Nutrish Peak Open Prairie Recipe | 4 | A |
| Rachael Ray Nutrish Peak Northern Woodlands Recipe | 4.5 | A |
Recipe and Label Analysis
Rachael Ray Nutrish Peak Open Prairie Recipe was selected to represent the other products in the line for detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.
Label and nutrient data below are calculated using dry matter basis.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Peak Open Prairie Recipe
Dry Dog Food
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
Protein = 33% | Fat = 17% | Carbs = 42%
Ingredients: Beef, chicken meal, whole dried potato, natural pork flavor, tapioca, dried peas, pea starch, sunflower meal, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), beef and bone meal, whole flaxseed, pea protein, venison, lamb, menhaden fish meal, natural flavor, salt, taurine, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, ascorbic acid (source of vitamin C), niacin, vitamin A supplement, thiamine mononitrate, d-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin B12 supplement, folic acid, biotin, vitamin D3 supplement), choline chloride, minerals (ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, sodium selenite, manganese sulfate, calcium iodate), zinc sulfate, lactic acid, citric acid (preservative), rosemary extract
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 5.6%
Red denotes controversial item
| Estimated Nutrient Content | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Method | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
| Guaranteed Analysis | 30% | 15% | NA |
| Dry Matter Basis | 33% | 17% | 42% |
| Calorie Weighted Basis | 29% | 35% | 36% |
Protein = 29% | Fat = 35% | Carbs = 36%
Ingredient Analysis
The first ingredient in this dog food is beef. Although it’s a quality item, raw beef contains up to 73% water. After cooking, most of that moisture is lost, reducing the meat content to just a fraction of its original weight.
After processing, this item would probably account for a smaller part of the total content of the finished product.
The second ingredient is chicken meal. Chicken meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken.
The third ingredient is dried potato, a dehydrated item usually made from the by-products of potato processing. In most cases, dried potato can contain about 10% dry matter protein which can have a slight affect on our estimate of the total meat content of this recipe.
After the natural pork flavor, we find tapioca, a gluten-free, starchy carbohydrate extract made from the root of the cassava plant.
The sixth ingredient includes dried peas. Dried peas are a good source of carbohydrates. Plus they’re naturally rich in dietary fiber.
However, dried peas contain about 27% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the meat content of this dog food.
The seventh ingredient is pea starch, a paste-like, gluten-free carbohydrate extract probably used here as a binder for making kibble. Aside from its energy content (calories), pea starch is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.
The eighth ingredient is sunflower meal, a by-product of the oil extraction process – and an item more typically found in feed for livestock.
Although sunflower meal contains about 34% protein, it would be expected to have a lower biological value than meat.
And less costly plant-based products like this can notably boost the total protein reported on the label — a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.
The ninth ingredient is chicken fat. This item is obtained from rendering chicken, a process similar to making soup in which the fat itself is skimmed from the surface of the liquid.
Chicken fat is high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid essential for life. Although it doesn’t sound very appetizing, chicken fat is actually a quality ingredient.
The next ingredient is beef and bone meal, a dry rendered product from (beef) tissues, including bone, exclusive of blood, hair, hoof, horn, hide trimmings, manure, stomach and rumen contents”.1
Beef and bone meal may have a lower biological value than most other meat meals.
Scientists believe this decreased protein quality may be due to the ingredient’s higher ash and lower essential amino acid content.2
On the brighter side, beef and bone meals are meat concentrates and contain nearly 300% more protein than fresh meat.
In any case, beef and bone meal is not considered a better quality dog food ingredient.
From here, the list goes on to include a number of other ingredients.
But realistically, items located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this Rachael Ray product.
With 6 notable exceptions…
First, we find flaxseed, one of the best plant sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Provided they’ve first been ground into a meal, flax seeds are also rich in soluble fiber.
However, flaxseed contains about 19% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.
Next, this food contains pea protein, what remains of a pea after removing the starchy part of the vegetable.
Even though it contains over 80% protein, this ingredient would be expected to have a lower biological value than meat.
And less costly plant-based products like this can notably boost the total protein reported on the label — a factor that must be considered when judging the meat content of this dog food.
In addition, we note the use of taurine, an important amino acid associated with the healthy function of heart muscle. Although taurine is not typically considered essential in canines, some dogs have been shown to be deficient in this critical nutrient.
Since taurine deficiency appears to be more common in pets consuming grain-free diets, we view its presence in this recipe as a positive addition.
Next, we find no mention of probiotics, friendly bacteria applied to the surface of the kibble after processing to help with digestion.
Additionally, this recipe contains sodium selenite, a controversial form of the mineral selenium. Sodium selenite appears to be nutritionally inferior to the more natural source of selenium found in selenium yeast.
And lastly, this food contains chelated minerals, minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredients alone, Rachael Ray Nutrish Peak Dog Food looks like an above-average dry product.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 33%, a fat level of 17% and estimated carbohydrates of about 42%.
As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 33% and a mean fat level of 17%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 42% for the overall product line.
And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
Which means this Rachael Ray product line contains…
Above-average protein. Near-average fat. And below-average carbs when compared to other dry dog foods.
When you consider the protein-boosting effect of the dried peas, dried potatoes, pea protein and flaxseed, this looks like the profile of a kibble still containing a notable amount of meat.
Our Rating of Rachael Ray Nutrish Peak Dog Food
Rachael Ray Nutrish Peak is a grain-free dry dog food using a notable amount of named meat meals as its dominant source of animal protein, thus garnering 4.5 stars.
Highly recommended.
Has Rachael Ray Nutrish Dog Food Been Recalled?
The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls since 2009 related to Rachael Ray.
No recalls noted
You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 here.
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More Rachael Ray Brand Reviews
The following Rachael Ray dog food reviews are also posted on this website:
- Rachael Ray Dog Food Review
- Rachael Ray Nutrish Dish Dog Food Review (Dry)
- Rachael Ray Nutrish Dog Food Review (Trays)
- Rachael Ray Nutrish Limited Ingredient Dog Food Review (Dry)
- Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Dog Food Review (Dry)
A Final Word
The Dog Food Advisor does not accept money, gifts, samples or other incentives in exchange for special consideration in preparing our reviews.
However, we do receive a referral fee from online retailers (like Chewy or Amazon) and from sellers of perishable pet food when readers click over to their websites from ours. This helps cover the cost of operation of our free blog. Thanks for your support.
For more information, please visit our Disclaimer and Disclosure page.
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References
- Adapted by the Dog Food Advisor and based upon the official definition for beef published by the Association of American Feed Control Officials, 2008 Edition ↩
- Shirley RB and Parsons CM, , Effect of Ash Content on Protein Quality of Meat and Bone Meal, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Poultry Science, 2001 80: 626-632 ↩
10/29/2021 Last Update
FAQs
Is Rachel Ray dog food good for dogs? ›
The Dog Food Advisor finds Rachael Ray to be an above-average, grain-inclusive kibble. The recipe uses a notable amount of fresh meat and named meat meal as its main sources of animal protein… thus earning the brand 4 stars. Nutrish Peak and Nutrish Dish each get 4.5 stars.
Is Rachael Ray Nutrish dog food FDA warning? ›Compare your dog food
Warning In June 2019, the FDA implicated Rachael Ray Nutrish's dog food in at least 10 cases of Dilated Cardiomyopathy (or DCM), a potentially fatal heart condition.
Has Nutrish Ever Been Recalled? Yes. A recall of several wet cat food varieties of Nutrish was announced in June 2015. The cause was high levels of Vitamin D, which can cause serious health complications in cats.
Is Rachael Ray Nutrish high in protein? ›Rachael Ray® Nutrish® PEAK™ Protein Open Prairie Recipe® With Beef, Venison & Lamb is made with real beef as the #1 ingredient and 30% high-quality protein with no added grains, gluten or fillers.
What company owns Rachel Ray dog food? ›Who owns and manufactures Rachael Ray® Nutrish® pet food? The J.M. Smucker Company acquired Rachael Ray® Nutrish® pet food from Ainsworth Pet Nutrition in April 2018.
Is Rachael Ray's dog food grain free? ›Rachael Ray® Nutrish® makes grain-free foods that are made with simple, natural ingredients with added vitamins and minerals that doesn't contain any added grain, gluten or filler ingredients. Why does Rachael Ray® Nutrish® offer a grain free dog food? Like you, we only want the best for our furry family members.
Is there a recall on Nutrish? ›Two variety packs that contain some of these recalled products (the Chicken Lovers Variety Pack, and the Ocean Lovers Variety Pack) will also be recalled. The recalled products are distributed nationwide. No other Rachael Ray™ Nutrish® products are affected by this recall.
Does Rachel Ray dog food have glyphosate? ›Rachael Ray Nutrish do not use glyphosate as an ingredient. However, the majority of crops that become both human and pet food are treated with some type of herbicide, including glyphosate. Herbicides are widely used and permitted for use on crops by the Environmental Protection Agency.
What dog food does Rachael Ray dog eat? ›Nutrish — the brand that we created for Isaboo — we made it so that we could put out the highest quality product for every diet of every animal that we would feed… We do make food for animals that are very sensitive.
What dog food was recalled? ›Nestlé Purina Petcare Company Voluntarily Recalls Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets El Elemental Dry Dog Food in the U.S. Due to Potentially Elevated Vitamin D. When a company announces a recall, market withdrawal, or safety alert, the FDA posts the company's announcement as a public service.
Is grain-Free food good for dogs? ›
Your vet may recommend against grain-free dog food because it lacks ingredients that contain critical nutrients for dogs. Heart health is big for dogs, and grains help support heart health. If your dog eats grain-free dog food, they're not getting those nutrients which can lead to poor heart health.
Does Rachael Ray Nutrish need to be refrigerated? ›Wet Dog Food Frequently Asked Questions
To maintain the freshness of Rachael Ray® Nutrish® wet food, simply use the resealable lid and refrigerate the wet food for dogs after opening. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days after initial opening.
Is Rachael Ray® Nutrish® PEAK™ dog food still available? Nutrient-dense Rachael Ray® Nutrish® PEAK Protein™ Open Prairie Recipe With Beef, Venison & Lamb is still available. Additionally, PEAK™ Open Range Recipe®, Wild Ridge® Recipe and Wetlands Recipe wet dog foods are available as part of a conveneient variety pack.
Does Rachael Ray dog food have fiber? ›Rachael Ray® Nutrish® Big Life® dog food is formulated with real beef or chicken as the #1 ingredient, nutrient-packed Nourish-Bites® nuggets, and a fiber and protein blend that will help keep your dog 30 pounds and over full and satisfied.
How many calories are in peak dog food? ›Calorie Content (Calculated): Metabolizable Enerry (ME) 3520 kcal/kg; 335 kcal/cup.
What dog food was on Shark Tank? ›Crunchbase says it's the “Blue Apron of dog food!” Renaldo used to work in a pet food factory as a supply chain consultant. He didn't like the ingredients he saw going into dog food and he thought he shouldn't feed his dog anything that wasn't fit for human consumption, so he started Pet Plate in June, 2015.
Is Brown Rice good for dogs to eat? ›Brown rice is full of natural fiber, which helps a dog's digestion. It is also an excellent source of carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Specifically, vitamins B2 - better known as riboflavin, B9 - better known as folate, and D are found in brown rice and provide a variety of health benefits.
What dog food has no ingredients from China? ›The Honest Kitchen 100% human grade pet food for cats and dogs is made in the USA. The Honest Kitchen pet foods contain no ingredients from China, and are soy free, GMO free, wheat free, and corn free.
Does Rachael Ray dog food have wheat in it? ›It's a wholesome and satisfying way to show your dog you care while providing 100% complete and balanced nutrition. This premium dog food recipe is Rachael-approved and natural and contains no corn, wheat, soy, gluten, poultry by-products, fillers, artificial flavors or artificial preservatives.
Does grain free dog food mean no rice? ›What does grain free mean? Grain free dog food is made using a recipe without cereal. That means no wheat, rye, barley, oats, maize, sorghum, millet, triticale or rice.
How much Rachael Ray dog food should I feed my dog? ›
Adult Dog Size Feeding Amount 3 to 12 lbs 1/2 to 1-1/4 cups 12 to 25 lbs 1-1/4 to 2 cups 25 to 50 lbs 2 to 3-1/2 cups 50 to 100 lbs 3-1/2 to 6 cups (over 100 lbs) 6 plus 1/2 cup for every additional 12 lbs Amounts are based on a standard 8 oz. dry measuring cup. Be sure to provide plenty of fresh, clean water daily.
What dog food brands have never been recalled? ›- Acana. ...
- Annamaet Petfoods. ...
- Blackwood Slow Cooked Pet Nutrition. ...
- Canine Caviar. ...
- Eagle Pack. ...
- Holistic Select. ...
- Jinx. ...
- Nature's Logic.
- Purina Recalls Pro Plan Vet Diet Product Due to Elevated Levels of Vitamin D (2/9/2023)
- Purina Recalls Pro Plan Vet Diet Product Due to Mislabeling (12/6/2022)
- Spot and Tango Dog Food Recall (9/8/2022)
- Stormberg Foods Recalls Multiple Dog Treat Brands (7/13/2022)
| Product Name | Net Wt | UPC |
|---|---|---|
| Simply Nourish Frozen Chicken & Veggies | 2lb | 73725792262 |
| Simply Nourish Frozen Chicken & Veggies | 4.5lb | 73725792264 |
| Simply Nourish Frozen Beef & Barley | 2lb | 73725792266 |
| Simply Nourish Frozen Beef & Barley | 4.5lb | 73725792267 |
A proposed class action alleges Rachel Ray Nutrish-brand Zero Grain dog food is harmful to dogs in that the product is deficient of taurine and contains legume-based protein, a combination linked to a potentially fatal heart condition when used in grain-free foods.
What dog food companies have been sued? ›A $5 million class action lawsuit has been filed by Sean Randall of Ventura County, California against Merrick Pet Care Inc, Pet Appeal One LLC and Nestle Purina Petcare.
Does Rachael Ray dog food have preservatives? ›Rachael Ray Nutrish Dish Premium Dry Dog Food
Summary: Made with farm-raised chicken and farm-raised beef with added vitamins and minerals, this dry dog food is made to provide dogs with complete and balanced nutrition. It contains no artificial preservatives or flavors and uses no poultry by-product meal.
Nutrients: Crude Protein min 25.0 %; Crude Fat min 14.0 %; Crude Fiber max 4.0 %; Moisture max 10.0 %; Linoleic Acid (an Omega 6 Fatty Acid) min 1.5 %; Alpha-Linolenic Acid (an Omega 3 Fatty Acid) min 0.1 %; Calcium min 1.2 %; Phosphorus min 1.0 %; Zinc min 100 mg/kg; Vitamin E min 75 IU/kg; Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) ...
What is the unhealthiest dog food? ›| Alpha Paw Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Worst overall | Dog Chow Complete Adult with Real Chicken Dog Food | 1.1 |
| Runner-up | Kibbles 'n Bits Original Savory Beef & Chicken Flavors Dry Dog Food | 1.2 |
| Worst for senior dogs | Purina Senior 7+ Healthy Morsels Soft & Crunchy Bites Dog Food | 1.4 |
Ol' Roy is a grain-inclusive canned dog food using a notable amount of named and unnamed meat by-products as its dominant sources of animal protein, thus earning the brand 1.5 stars. Not recommended.
What dog food is on recall 2023? ›
Updated February 10, 2023: What Dog Dood Is On Recall Right Now? The latest dog food to be recalled is from Nestlé Purina PetCare. Purina announced a voluntary recall of its Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets El Elemental dry dog food for dogs with food sensitivities.
What dry dog food is on recall 2023? ›ST LOUIS, Feb. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nestlé Purina PetCare Company is voluntarily recalling select lots of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental (PPVD EL) prescription dry dog food due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for dogs; however, ingestion of elevated ...
What is better for dogs grain-free or with grain? ›Some veterinarians may recommend grain-free diets for dogs with certain health conditions, such as food allergies or sensitivities to grains. However, other veterinarians may recommend grain-inclusive diets, as grains can provide important nutrients for dogs.
Is grain-free better or worse for dogs? ›Grain-free dog food is actually intended for pets with a grain allergy or intolerance, which isn't a problem for most dogs. And since it's been linked to heart disease, a regular diet of grain-free food can potentially do more harm than good.
What are the signs of grain allergy in dogs? ›Symptoms that are frequently associated with grain allergies include red, itchy skin, hair loss associated with constant scratching and chewing, ear infections, and inflamed pads on the underside of paws, often combined with obsessive licking.
Do dogs like Nutrish? ›Many dogs find chicken, chicken meal and poultry fat to be delicious. In fact, most owners note that their dogs seem to love most of the various Rachael Ray Nutrish recipes.
Does kibble need to be refrigerated? ›If your container is large enough, the best storage method is to place the entire sealed bag inside the container, and keep both the bag and the outer container closed between feedings. If you feel the need to refrigerate the food, you may safely do so.
Why is dry dog food out of stock? ›There is a shortage of packing materials as well as the very raw ingredients needed to make the food.
How much protein is in Nutrish dog food? ›| Crude Protein (Min.) | 25.0% |
|---|---|
| Moisture (Max.) | 10.0% |
| Linoleic Acid (Min.) | 1.5% |
| alpha-Linolenic Acid (Min.) | 0.1% |
| Calcium (Min.) | 1.2% |
Complications of Feeding Cat Food to Dogs
Dogs can certainly survive on cat food in a tough spot, but the nutrient imbalance can lead to gastrointestinal upset, obesity, and pancreatitis. Pancreatitis requires immediate veterinary care.
Does high fiber dog food Constipate? ›
High Fiber Diet
A very important preventive measure against constipation is maintaining an adequate supply of fiber in your dog's diet. Fiber is a very important supplement for proper digestion, as it can absorb water and help make your dog's stools easier to pass.
A common ingredient in most dry dog foods, rice is an excellent fiber source and a highly digestible carbohydrate.
Is high fiber dog food good? ›As with humans, fiber is a great resource for a dog's digestive tract. Fiber is often fermented into fatty acids by the beneficial bacteria naturally found in your dog's intestine. This fatty acid then helps to prevent the overgrowth of any bad bacteria and helps the colon recover from injury.
Who makes peak dog food? ›...
Buying Tip.
| Product | Rating | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| Rachael Ray Nutrish Peak Northern Woodlands Recipe | 4.5 | A |
Thanks to chicken fat and whole flaxseed containing Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids, this Rachael Ray Nutrish Puppy Food may also help keep your pup's coat and skin supple, shiny and smooth. Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy Natural Dry Dog Food is designed to be a great choice for puppies of all breeds and sizes.
Does high protein dog food have more calories? ›Protein is a calorie dense nutrient and many of the high protein diets are extremely high in calories and can quickly lead to weight gain. With over 50% of dogs in the U.S. considered overweight or obese, dog owners need to be aware of where those extra calories are hiding.
Is grain free dog food better for your dog? ›Grain-free diets replace grains such as rice and corn with potatoes or legumes (beans, peas, and lentils) as a carbohydrate source. No study has ever shown grain-free to be superior to grain-inclusive diets.
How much Rachael Ray Nutrish dog food should I feed my dog? ›Adult Dog Size: Feeding Amount: 3 to 12 lbs Adult Dog: 1/2 to 1 cup. 12 to 25 lbs Adult Dog: 1 to 2 cups. 25 to 50 lbs Adult Dog: 2 to 3-1/4 cups. 50 to 100 lbs Adult Dog: 3-1/4 to 5-1/2 cups.
What dog food is not recommended? ›| Alpha Paw Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Worst overall | Dog Chow Complete Adult with Real Chicken Dog Food | 1.1 |
| Runner-up | Kibbles 'n Bits Original Savory Beef & Chicken Flavors Dry Dog Food | 1.2 |
| Worst for senior dogs | Purina Senior 7+ Healthy Morsels Soft & Crunchy Bites Dog Food | 1.4 |
Fish. Salmon, shrimp, and tuna are all safe for dogs to eat and good sources of protein. Salmon and tuna are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help keep a dog's immune system, coat, and skin healthy.
What dog food has had the least recalls? ›
- Acana. ...
- Annamaet Petfoods. ...
- Blackwood Slow Cooked Pet Nutrition. ...
- Canine Caviar. ...
- Eagle Pack. ...
- Holistic Select. ...
- Jinx. ...
- Nature's Logic.
Your vet may recommend against grain-free dog food because it lacks ingredients that contain critical nutrients for dogs. Heart health is big for dogs, and grains help support heart health. If your dog eats grain-free dog food, they're not getting those nutrients which can lead to poor heart health.
Should I feed my dog grain or no grain? ›Dogs do not strictly "need" grain in their diet to survive, as they are omnivores and can obtain necessary nutrients from a variety of sources. However, grains such as rice, barley, and oats can provide important nutrients for dogs, such as carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Do dogs need grain in their diet? ›Dogs DON'T Need Grains
They do require small amounts of soluble carbohydrate, which can be found in meat in the form of muscle glycogen." Grains are not an ancestral food for dogs. High-quality animal tissue, not grains, is their optimal source of nutrition.
Yes your small dog eat Rachael Ray® Nutrish® Wet Food for Dogs, since it's formulated for dogs of all sizes. Simply check out our website, for detailed feeding instructions for the size, life stage and activity level of your dog.