California Natural Grain Free (Dry)

Some one or another says that about every breed. If they are prone to liver shunts or fatal kidney disease at an early age then it might be true, but they aren’t, so it’s not. But I’m glad with all your little girls problems, you found a food that works for her. That’s what is most important.

I have a westie mix, and she too, is allergic to nearly everything. I’ve found that she’s allergic to all grains, potatoes, grass, and any grass eating protein source. Most kibbles have at least one of these things in it (including alfalfa in many kibbles). I was thankful to finally find California Natural Salmon and Peas. It’s the only food Maddie can tolerate. I have read that westies do better on a lower protein kibble.

Diana, I hope you realize that Dr. Mike, the administrator and reviewer of this site, does this voluntarily. He does not have enough time to possibly review every formula of food

Why does kangaroo have 3 stars and chicken 5? each formula needs a breakdown. some of these have potatoe and some dont. cal nat kanagroo is excellent. its low protein low glycemic and has no potatoe.

Hi Mochawirl09 ~~ as the owner of 8 toy and small breed dogs I can tell you that Hound Dog Mom is absolutely correct. Small dogs have the very exact same nutritional need for protein as does large breed dogs. My dogs range in size from a 5 pound Chihuahua to a 14 pound Papillon mix. They all eat raw diet which, depending on what I am feeding, ranges in protein from 45 to 54%. This is significantly higher than most kibbles.

The lamb actually has the same protein level as the venison and kangaroo, so that wouldn’t be why the lamb wasn’t agreeing with your dog. The protein level for all 3 three is EXTREMELY LOW, among the lowest of any dry dog food available, actually. The chicken has significantly higher levels of protein, but even that is at a level I would describe as “moderate” or “normal”… not high.

Hi, im new in this and i have a bulldog too and he has been scratching a lot lately and also his coat is not what it was before so i just started doing research about dog food, when i got him he was on health extension, in few months i started giving him orijen because it was suggested by my friends, it didnt work for him, he had diarhea so i mix pumpkin and that helped but it didnt get better so i put him on acana which is made by same company just less protein and then he seemed fine but in couple months he started having skin issues and then the scratching started and now he even has red spots i think its hot spots, i dont want to go to vet because all they gonna do is give injection
now i started with taste of wild because is grain free as im thinking that he has allergies but i also started doing research and im reading about all the recalls so im not happy about feeding him taste of wild either and i dont know which food should i pick next.
if you have any suggestions id appreciate it
i dont think i have enough time for raw diet 

Why are some of the proteins so low in protein?  I was considering switching my dogs to this food, but I would like to be able to rotate between the proteins and I look for a protein content of at least 26%.  So why is there such a huge difference between the varieties?

I just called to ask about feeding these foods to my puppy and to my surprise, the lady told me that California Natural Grain Free salmon was the only kind that would be okay for a puppy.  I asked about Lamb, venison etc and she said only salmon for large breeds until they turn 2.  Has anyone else heard of this, and have any idea why??  Thanks!

 My two golden’s have allergies and I have been using the California Natural but it doesn’t seem to help. I’m not so sure that it is a food allergy. We just switched them to the grain free chicken from the venison and they have had terrible diarrhea since Thursday that won’t stop…any suggestions??

I’m not sure if I would do the regular CN or the grain free, but I would rotate through the different proteins either way.  The grain free looks good, but I don’t know if it’s necessary for my dog, because he’s just fine with rice.  The only thing is that 21% protein does seem a little low.

No, it’s for any dog. There are many different varieties of Calif Natural….what one are you looking at?

Glad you girl is better. We have two Papillon boys in the house and they were experiencing the same type of allergies as your girl. We started them on the Kangaroo also, no more chewing or itching or allergies for that matter. I think we will rotate between the kangaroo and maybe salmon or lamb every three month’s for a little variety and see what happens.

I sent an email to Natura, makers of California Natural, regarding the diarrhea issue. This was the reply I got…

Dear Bryan,
 
Thank
you for contacting Natura Pet Products. We have not had any recalls on
any our products or any similar issues reported to us regarding our
California Natural Products. To better investigate the issues you have
heard about regarding these foods please have your customers contact us
directly if their pets are experiencing issues while consuming our foods
so that we may better address these concerns or issues.
 
If you have any additional questions please feel free to contact me at your convenience.
 
 
 
Best Regards,
 
 
Ashley
Natura Product Advisor
Licensed Veterinary Technician
(800) 532-7261
custserv@naturapet.com

It only has 23% protein (dry matter) which is rather below average.  The other 2 ranked higher have 31% and 38%.

 Okay, I’ll check into Brothers. I keep kibble in the mix always. I rotate through several brands so if one is missing something it should be covered by another one. I prefer to keep the carb count low and the fat below 50% of the protein level with my E.P.I.  dog.

 no haven’t tried Brothers. I’m kinda stuck on physically touching the product and reading etc as opposed to mail order.

 Toxed,
this computer is just so slow tonight. I just started a new bag of TOTW a few days ago and the boys seem to have that stinky butt thing starting. So no more TOTW. My food store just got Orijen in and should get Acana next week. I think I’m going to use them in place of TOTW.

 ”Artemisinin has a peroxide lactone group”  this was or appears to be part of the paper that Henry C. Lai, Research Professor did several years ago. That is were I found out about it. I was following his instrucions and keeping him updated on the entire process. That was with my GSD Blitz.

Hi doggone,
Here’s what wiki had on artemisinin a synthesized derivative of wormwood. It is facinating that it creates “rust!”

“Artemisinin is undergoing early research and testing for the treatment of cancer.[23][24] Chinese scientists have shown artemisinin has significant anticancer effects against human hepatoma cells.[25] Artemisinin has a peroxide lactone group in its structure, and it is thought that when the peroxide comes into contact with high iron concentrations (common in cancerous cells), the molecule becomes unstable and releases reactive oxygen species. It has been shown to reduce angiogenesis and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in some tissue cultures. Recent pharmacological evidence demonstrates the artemisinin-derivative dihydroartemisinin targets human metastatic melanoma cells with induction of NOXA (phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate-induced protein 1)-dependent mitochondrial apoptosis that occurs downstream of iron-dependent generation of cytotoxic oxidative stress.[26]“

Hey doggone,
Interesting info. I took a quick peek, and while the iron plays a role, sugar does too. I’m also aware of Research that highlights the anti angiogenesis factor. Cancer is SO complicated. Since the human body is so very complex, a lot can go wrong. I found an article on cancer & iron and a couple of interesting iron based treatments that I thought might be of interest to you… I’ll get back to you on the malaria drug.

Eur J Cancer Prev. 1996 Feb;5(1):19-36.
The role of iron in cancer.
Weinberg ED.
Source
Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington 47405, USA.
Abstract
Numerous laboratory and clinical investigations over the past few decades have observed that one of the dangers of iron is its ability to favour neoplastic cell growth. The metal is carcinogenic due to its catalytic effect on the formation of hydroxyl radicals, suppression of the activity of host defence cells and promotion of cancer cell multiplication. In both animals and humans, primary neoplasms develop at body sites of excessive iron deposits. The invaded host attempts to withhold iron from the cancer cells via sequestration of the metal in newly formed ferritin. The host also endeavours to withdraw the metal from cancer cells via macrophage synthesis of nitric oxide. Quantitative evaluation of body iron and of iron-withholding proteins has prognostic value in cancer patients. Procedures associated with lowering host iron intake and inducing host cell iron efflux can assist in prevention and management of neoplastic diseases. Pharmaceutical methods for depriving neoplastic cells of iron are being developed in experimental and clinical protocols.
—

“UGA scientists kill cancers with iron oxide
By LEE SHEARERpublished Tuesday, April 3, 2012

University of Georgia scientists have found a new weapon in the war against cancer — iron oxide, or rust.
The iron oxide that physics professor Qun Zhao uses is not ordinary rust, but nanoparticles, extremely tiny bits with a diameter measured in billionths of a meter.
To find out if the treatment would work, Zhao used a needle to inject about a tenth of a teaspoon of a solution containing the nanoparticles into cancerous tumor cells in mice.
The researchers then put anesthetized mice one at a time into a plastic tube wrapped with a wire coil.
The electrified coil generated a magnetic field that alternated directions 100,000 times per second, heating up the nanoparticles.
The superheated nanoparticles killed the cancer cells within half an hour, but left nearby healthy cells intact, Zhao found when he examined the mice after the nanoparticle treatment.
Xhao and his fellow researchers published their findings in the journal Theranostics.
Doctors have been using heat as a medical treatment for years, Zhao said.
But the promise of the nanoparticle rust is that doctors may be able to better target cancer cells without harming healthy cells, he said…”
http://onlineathens.com/uga/2012-04-03/uga-scientists-kill-cancers-iron-oxide
—

Iron-Regulating Protein Could Help Battle Breast Cancer
Ferroportin predicts likelihood of breast cancer recurrence

Last updated on: August 04, 2010 8:00 PM

Almost all cells need iron to grow. Now, researchers have identified a link between the body’s system for regulating iron and breast cancer. The discovery could help doctors predict the course of breast cancer disease and even help them decide the most appropriate treatment. 

Iron is a vital nutrient, but too much iron can be harmful. Researchers at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, looked at a certain protein that regulates iron and studied the amount of it in breast cancer cells.

“And what we found is that a protein called ferroportin that removes iron from cells, that eliminates iron from cells, was markedly reduced in breast cancers when compared to normal breast cells. And in fact was most reduced in the most aggressive breast cancers,” said Frank Torti, who led the research team. 

They found that ferroportin levels were a good predictor of the course of the cancer, specifically whether breast cancer survivors would have a recurrence of the disease.
http://www.voanews.com/content/iron-regulating-protein-could-help-in-cancer-battle-100051734/171214.html
—-

I’m so sorry!!!  Not that it will help now but you might be interested in Dr. William Li’s video on anti-angiogenesis??  It’s about a half hour long but excellent information..  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_5Z31mUmtc

 sorry no, I had a GSD with cancer and was directed by Henry C. Lai, Research Professor on how to work on curing it. The artemisinin was working great but a surface tumor started to get infected and there were complications.

I’m sorry, I had one more thought on this and then I HAVE to go home for the night.  Hubby had dinner made two hours ago   Oops!!!!

Cows, fed the diets they are intended to eat (aka grass) are naturally leaner then grain fed cattle..  Maybe if kangaroos ate corn and soy they would have fatty meat as well..

Per nutrition data grass finished beef has 4 grams of fat per ounce with 1 of that being saturated fat.

Grain finished cattle, unless the fat is skimmed off” have 8 grams of fat per ounce with 3 of that being saturated.  They also have a higher omega 6 to 3 ratio.

Grass fed  http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/beef-products/10526/2

Grain fed (fat not removed) http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/beef-products/8004/2

LOL LA!!  You make me laugh too!!  I really liked your previous post (the one right before this)..  Very nice!!  Couldn’t agree more with everything you said!!

If you are thinking of doing raw this is a pretty good website with Faqs
http://www.njboxers.com/faqs.htm#started

Grains are not a natural food for dogs. It
is not something they would eat in the wild. I don’t is it just me but I never came across Peas and lentils in the wild.  Those grains they would have access
to would be in small quantities eaten from the stomachs of prey animals who had
(in the right season) eaten some grasses that had seeded. These grains would
also not look like our modern grains – more like wild rice (check it out at the
supermarket and compare to domestic types).

Grains are also full of carbohydrates which
can be easily converted to sugars. Cancer cells feed on sugars and it is
believed that by decreasing the amount of carbohydrate in the diet, we may
greatly reduce the risk of cancer (which is a growing problem among modern
dogs).

Grains are not a natural food
for dogs; dogs do not, in fact, need carbohydrates; carbohydrates are easily
converted into sugars which feed cancer. Remove the carbs and the cancer has
less/nothing to feed on; and grains are one of the major causes of allergies in
dogs, and can also cause flatulence (gas..PHEW!!!)!.

I am very lucky my Vet who is a personal friend believes in Raw feeding and never recommends Hills Diet – his office doesnt even have it. 

Vettech ~~ have you been introduced to the term biological value?

A protein is only as good as the amino acids in it that are utilizable by the body..  Plant based protein will ALWAYS have a lower BV then “quality” meat based proteins.

FYI The B.A.R.F. (Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods) diet,which was developed by a nutritional vet. Have you actually looked into it, or are you against it because if more people fed it,it would mean a drop in sales? You do get that it was developed to be appropriate to the specific biology of domesticated dogs, right? Look it up.

Then you seem to be under the impression there are Fundamental differences in dog digestion to that of the wolf. There aren’t.

You said, “raw diets expose your pets to the possibility of bone splinters, foreign bodies, salmonella, Protozoa, etc.” I’m sorry but bone splinters are far more likely in cooked bones… Something raw feeders don’t do, all dogs are at the same risk for ingesting “forgein bodies” regardless of what they’re fed, and salmonella, e. cola & Protozoa are all found in healthy dogs, and their levels are regulated by a healthy immune system.

As for nutritional deficiencies the research shows that grain and carb rich protein sources are less bio available, less nutrient dense and have an incomplete nutrient panel as compared to animal protein based diets. Of course raw feeders add “supplements.” The B.A.R.F. Model calls for complete and balanced nutrition? Just like all responsible pet owners, we’re making every effort to provide the best we can afford to our pet, to the best of our understanding. Kibbles supposed to be full of supplements too. So it’s kind of ineffectual to use that as an argument.

Shawna more than adequately covered the kD.

Cross contamination due to ‘all those rotting meats from several unknown, & different sources’ (to paraphrase you)…

Huh? I’m sorry, that’s the description of large scale dog food manufacturing plants. Have you seen the research from the FDA, on behalf of the AVMA, about phenobarbitol in pet food, or Dr. Mike’s article on what’s really in Dog & cats food?

As for not knowing where the raw meat comes from, that’s silly. I raise, butcher and package my own. Most of the raw feeders are as aware as I am. They aren’t feeding the trash that’s in a lot of dog foods. They’re buying human grade, past due meat… Not road kill or rotten stuff. We feed raw & balanced because we think nutrition is important. We are also not a bunch of slobs, living in swill. I feed my dogs the same meat that I eat. I clean up after feeding the same way I clean up after cooking. You make it sound like we’re dirty. That we don’t clean knives, cutting boards, surfaces and bowls. O wait. I clean up after every meal, manufacturers clean after so many batches… Hmmm which is cleaner?

Now here’s the part that I just love… You have your own personal colonies of salmonella and e. Coli already in residence. So, you could infect your own dog and any other kids, dogs at the dog park, or your store! by improper bathroom hygiene…

If all those alleged safety regulations and “testing” worked the Diamond recalls wouldn’t have happened. And we didn’t kniw about it in time to save thousands of sick dogs or hundreds of dogs that died. That proves the system you are relying on doesn’t work.

You are entitled to your opinion, but I would caution others against believing it.

just to add that dogs are omnivors…. and there is nothing wrong with added high quality and bioavalable protein by peas and lentils.

VETTECH&PETSTOREMANAGER,

I agree with Shawna. In fact, there was a study done at the University of Georgia in the 1990s that demonstrated that feeding protein levels of 34 percent to dogs with chronic kidney failure and dogs with only one kidney had no ill effects. The same study proved the mortality rate was greater for the dogs fed 18% protein than for the ones fed 34% protein. When the study was done with dogs with only one kidney it showed that protein levels up to 44% had no harmful effect on the remaining kidney. (Cited from The Whole Dog Journal).

Ohhhh Labs!!!!  You just made me cry!!!  THANK YOU!!!!

Truth be known — I need Audrey just as much as she needs me ..  She has TOTALLY and irrevocably taught me exactly how beneficial raw food can be..  I knew it before she came into my life but now……….she has taken it to a whole new level .

PS — I noticed you mentioned that you are now feeding grain free kibble!! Two thumbs WAY UP …

 Shawna, your little Audrey is so lucky to have you. If she was adopted by most other people, that might take a vets advice and put her on KD she would probably passed away a long time ago. I’ve heard you get the dog you need, in your case I think you got the dog that needed you. 

OMGosh!!!  I LOVE that you mention protein and kd..

As a matter of fact, I would and DO feed a dog with kidney disease a high protein and RAW diet ..  My pup, pictured in my avatar, has congenital kidney disease.  She showed polyuria and polydipsia at just 6 weeks of age and was officially diagnosed at her one year checkup with chronic kd. 

She has been on a HIGH protein raw diet since weaning.  She turns 6 on the 30th of this month — let me repeat that — she will be 6 years old.  She has never had even one sub q fluid, she is not on any pharmaceuticals she actually doesn’t even go in to the vet except to get blood drawn.  She doesn’t get ill… 

By the way — my vet didn’t test her for kd earlier because per my vet “her coat is beautiful and her eyes are bright, puppies drink more and therefore urinate more”.  That is why the official diagnosis didn’t happen before her 1 year checkup.. 

PS — six years with living with kd (and five years after diagnosis) she still only exhibits polyuria and polydipsia.  No other symptoms..  She does get nutraceuticals and extra whole food vitmains on top of her “complete and balanced” commercially prepared raw diet however.

Also she has been exposed to (via my foster dogs) giardia, kennel cough, coccidia, whip worm, round worm, ring worm and probably things I am not even aware of and has never required veterinary intervention for any of it..  She either doesn’t get sick or her immune system kicks in with just a little at home support.. 

Yep, I’ll keep feeding raw…

PS — I was hired by a local dog food store to teach nutrition classes to their patrons. I’ve been doing the classes for over two years now. I also do consultations for that store owner as well as another store owner in my local area.

Hi Stevfontenot,

Pea fiber is a mixture of both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber derived from pea hulls. And it surely isn’t something that should be considered toxic or dangerous in any way.

Just the same, aside from the usual benefits of fiber, this agricultural by-product provides no real nutritional value to a dog.

For this reason, some object to its use. And so I’ve only recently tagged it as a red flag item.

More current reviews mention this. And future updates to my reports should reflect this expanded description of this ingredient.

What’s more, due to a glitch (adding an extra space) in the way pea fiber in California Natural Grain Free was originally entered in my database, this recipe got by the watchful eye of my red flag software. But obviously not by yours!

So, it’s now been fixed.

Thank you so much for catching that longstanding error. I truly appreciate the tip.

Mike,

Why is pea fiber not a “controversial” ingredient in Cal Natural but you have it listed as one in the Orijen line of foods?

Also, why is it controversial if it is?

Thanks

Thank you. What symptoms did this food help your pets with? What formula do you use? So far my beagle can only tolerate Taste of the Wild pacific stream and it doesn’t have peas. It does have the friendly bacteria. 

Any idea why this wouldn’t have any probiotics? I don’t see it listed on the website either.

wow! disqus is a bit past due w/some of its comments! There are several linked to me from some years ago about politics, which I did not make; and, I just joined a few days ago!…PLEASE if you see anything about a topic other than dog food…I did NOT make it! Thanks!

 Hi Jlosey, Innova, California Natural, and Evo are the 3 product lines that were bought out by P&G in 2010. (Originally owned by Natura Pet) They have promised not to change the ingredients, and they would have to be really stupid imo, to change them because they are making millions off these foods.

I think Innova is now owned by P&G. BEWARE!
Read this:
http://www.dogfoodscoop.com/california-natural-dog-food.html

Trying the Natural Balance sweet potato food now. Seems to be good. The California Naturals venison one isn’t good anymore. See my comments above.

The grain free line has done wonders for my bichon who has suffered for years from ongoing yeasty skin infections. It would affect her ears, feet and lip folds, which would get red, swollen, painful and ooze yellow fluid.  She would scratch her ears, rub her face on the carpet and chew her feet. The poor girl was miserable.   I have so far tried the Chicken and Salmon foods on her and it’s darn near miraculous!  No feet chewing, no ear scratching, no face rubbing.  The yellowy yeasty ooze is gone and she’s feeling much happier!  I see that the various flavors are rated between 3 and 5 stars, but I also hope that Natura doesn’t add any fancy gimicky things like probiotics or the like, because it would be likely Darby would react to that.  I have read labels and visited pet stores and researched and there is NOTHING like California Natural Grain Free lines.  I love it and I Hope they don’t change a thing about it, it’s perfect for Darby!

No – but I have to trash my last two bags purchased (venison and potato and lamb and potato) because within two days of starting the new bags, my dog has a rash. Have you tried Natural Balance?  We’ve had good success with that one – and I think you can get it at most good pet stores.

Rj-

“Unique” is going to be different for every animal. I feed chicken, beef, lamb, fish, duck foods-therefore, buffalo, bison, kangaroo and anything else would be considered a unique protein source for my dogs.And I can achieve a “unique” protein source without lowering my requirements in quality. Why would a food garner a “better” or “higher” rating simply based on the fact that some would some would consider the protein source unique? If I never fed chicken based foods, that would be unique for my dogs-

Kangaroo & Red Lentils gets 3 stars while the Chicken variety gets 5? Oy vey. Alternative protein sources r the key to eliminating Food allergies. Chicken is the most common Animal Protein allergen & u are all over it while dismissing a really unique food. Obviously u have some sort of hidden agenda. Glad I can see it even if oblivious other can not.

That’s pretty funny! I had 100% success with his recommendations. His recommendations are not bizarre or unusual so calling him a quack sounds like something a person would say who has no nutritional expertise. He basically recommends feeding holistically and naturally including feeding the correct ratio of protein/carb/fat. There is no quackery there. It is basic nutrition. Obviously those who say such things have no experience with large numbers of dogs and breeds to base their opinions on. Example, I found that while most dogs are allergic to wheat, the Australian breeds such as the Heeler and Border Collie thrive on it. When I corrected the diet of Pug Dogs to include only Barley and to increase fat/oil, their allergies totally went away, as well as their shedding, Demodex, and eye tearing. The Labs I work with completely stopp shedding on a fish/duck based diet as well as losing their hyperactivity and regaining their focus and obedience. I can’t count the number of Huskies and Malamutes that lost weight, lost their cranky attitudes and regained energy/vitality based on his recommendations. All I can say is that someone who dismisses his work as quackery must be a troll and is probably someone who has not even ordered a book. I work in the Pet food industry seeing thousands of dogs a month and receiving hundreds of thank yous from people who claim I saved their dog’s life with the simple recommendation that they follow Dr. Cusick’s advise. I will never stop being a fan of his. By sheer volume, I think my opinion is a little more reliable than a person who libels someone and then doesn’t give the reason why we should believe them. All I can say is it is their loss, as you probably already know. For those who take head, God bless them for enriching their pet’s life no matter what the nasayers claim. 

Julie Santos ~~ Your vet needs to review the newer research.  They now know that senior dogs actually need MORE protein not less.  They are generally not as efficient at digesting — hence the need for added protein.  This is scientifically proven.  Even dogs with kidney disease are no longer recommended to be on a “low” protein diet but rather on a moderate protein but high quality diet.  So no vegetable protein (pea, potato, soybean etc), no by-products etc.

It kinda bumbs me out that vets aren’t required to do continuing education.  Or, if they are, they aren’t taught the new scientifically proven data like the low protein myth.

As Melissa said, allergies are usually the result of grain type, not protein. Protein type has more to do with muscle mass, weight gain/loss. To resolve your confusion, please do as I have advised others, look up your breed of dog at this web site to determine which meat type your dogs needs before you even start looking at brands. While California Natural may be an excellent food, it doesn’t matter if your dog requires venison, and CN doesn’t carry that meat type. When you figure out what meat type your dog needs, you will have no problem finding a food that satisfies the protein level needed. http://www.wdcusick.com/free.html. Nutrition is so extremely complicated that not even vets get the right kind of education in veterinary school. They focus on clinical nutrition (fixing the problems, not preventing them.) Look up any Veterinary University website curriculum and you will not see any nutritional courses. At most they get a seminar/sales pitch from the one or two food companies that make disease specific diets. I pray this changes in the near future, and I suspect it will as judging by the large pet food conglomerations that are buying out small holistic companies like Naturapet (Calif Natural.)

Dog Food Expert Ann – Get Real – This guy if he is still alive is just plugging his  books and his $100.00 analysis for you.  I wonder if the Dr. is still alive.  It almost appears to be a bit of a scam. 

Mike P – Mixing has everything to do with what breed of dog you own and nothing to do with standard smart practice. The only reason you mix dog foods is to obtain two meat types (not grain types) because your breed of dog requires it. To know this, you must consult a website specializing in ingredients, not brands. There is only one I know of to date. I have followed the advice at this site on numerous breeds (rescue) and have solved 95% of the problems from seizures to shedding. Visit http://www.wdcusick.com/free.html for a directory of all AKC breeds. For example, several Asian originated breeds have been historically fed horse meat. To obtain the same meat profile as this requires mixing Beef and Pork together. The author at this website spent 20 years doing blood, fecal and urinalysis to obtain scientific evidence of the enormous nutritional differences between the breeds, hence the diverse medical issues common to certain breeds. To get the whole picture on food quality, don’t forget to visit the Cusick home page. This scientist also provides custom recipes if you have a sick dog and you don’t want to go with horrifically low quality Veterinary brands of food.

While the grain free chicken meal rates 5 stars, I would chose a non limited ingredient diet to feed her if she does not require one – like Amicus. http://www.amicuspetfood.com/

Muldypup-

I used the Cal natural pre buyout and never had issues. I rotated back to it a few months ago, and after a few bags, had diarrhea and vomiting in the dogs.Some of my dogs are fat sensitive, but since the fat content on the bag was around 11-12 percent, it was not the issue-so not sure what the problem was this time.

We were very excited to try the Kangaroo recipe for our lab mix, in hopes that it would help us solve some allergy related ear infections. But ever since starting her on it, her bowel movements have been runny and large. She is not absorbing this diet, so we are having to switch her off of it. Too bad — the theory behind it is really great, but in practise we believe our dog  needs more fruit and veggies in her diet, more protein, and maybe some probiotics (lacking here). 

They talk about it on http://www.wysongepigen.net/generalinfo.php?content=researchdocumentation where it says “Gelatin Combats Canine/Feline Epilepsy and Arthritis”.

Which epigen? 90 looks better to me..

When I mix kibble it is usually Epigen with Natures logic – light on the Epigen to get the protein up.

Julie-

I have never seen protein levels cause allergies, rather the protein sources themselves, so I am not sure what your vet is referring to? I have heard about the protein effecting seniors healthwise, but personally have not experienced it. Same as Sandy, I usually stay in the range of 29-30 percent protein, and I have dogs of all ages. I resolved the higher fat content usually associated with higher protein foods by mixing several varieties together-then the mix is roughly 30 percent protein and 15-16 percent fat

I am so confused. Checking out this California Natural food I was thrilled at the low protein content as my vet told me that dogs should only have anywhere from 18 to 22% protein. All the other high end dog foods have way up in the 30′s. Now this lower protein dogfood gets a lower rating. AUGHHH…..She said high proteins can cause lots of problems in senior dogs and that many of the allergies come from the protein content rather than the grains. HELP….

Thank you very much for the suggestion.

Nona,
It looks like a lentil and pea based kibble with very little meat. The food is only 21% protein, peas and lentils are both high in protein. After the water is removed from the Kangaroo it would be moved way down the ingredient list, putting lentils and peas in the front.

Anyone know why the kangaroo only gets three stars?

Good Karma Rescue suggested I check out this site to choose a dog food for the chocolate lab we’re about to adopt. He’s 6.5 years old and about 90 pounds. I would call his activity level “typical.” I’m a little overwhelmed by the choices and information. We plan to feed our dog dry food, and our local farm supply store, Kenyon’s, carries many of the four- and five-star brands. What is the ideal amount of protein, fat and carbs and lab should intake? I know dogs should not bounce around from one brand to another, but what’s the best why to find THE best food for our dog? I would like a brand that at least gives choices in flavor to prevent boredom. A woman at Kenyon’s suggested Holistic Select because they have several meat flavors. Any other guidance would be appreciated.

I have three dogs with very different needs. I am trying to stay away from Cal. Nat because of the buy-out. However, I broke down and had to try their new kangaroo. I have one dog that’s allergic to everything including Evo, Arcana and Orijen. I am wondering if anyone else has tried their Kangaroo and has any opinions on it, or if you know of a food that is suitable for a dog that is allergic to basically everything?

I purchased California Natural Grain Free Chicken and found a small concentration of black ant pieces with one intact ant in the center of a 30 lb bag.
I sent some of the contaminated food to Natura so their lab could analyze it. They said it was “insects” blaming it on post manufacturing distribution etc. It was in the middle of a factory sealed bag with no evidence of ants anywhere but in the center of the bag. I asked how that was possible but received no reply.
I’m afraid it looks like that corporate monster P&G has ruined another company.
This time it’s very important to concerned pet owners that want to buy the best food possible.

Jan – I think Mike usually chooses the medium or the average formula in a range or series to review, hence the 4 star Lamb Meal, which is between the other 3 star and 5 star that you mentioned.

Hi Mike S. I know that the CN grainfree chicken is on this site as a 5 star, and I understand why they are rated this way. I was wondering, however, if the CN grainfree chicken could be included in the list of 5 star dog foods. Someone could overlook this one if they are interested in only feeding 5 star foods. I know this is minor and you are sooo busy…..just wondering and not a big issue. Thanks for all you do, Mike S. I love this site!

Carrie, the rating of 4-stars is an average of the line. Two 3-star products and one 5-star product. The lamb and the Venison products they make are woefully low in meat content, hence the 3-star rating. If they all had a GA like the chicken version, this would be a solid grain-free brand.

So, does California Natural Grain Free get 3 stars or 4?? At the top of the page, it says they get 4 stars, but where it lists each formula it says the lamb and the venison formulas get 3 stars and the chicken formula gets 5. That must be a typo for the lamb and the venison ones because I can’t image any grain-free dog food getting 3 stars!

Casey,

Natures Variety has a limited ingredient diet in turkey or lamb that does not have those ingredients you listed.

http://www.naturesvariety.com/news/46

Thanks for the comments. After many investigative attempts I figured out she had a food intolerance to corn. She is doing great on the California Naturals and loves it. I did speak with my vet today and they suggested keeping her as is on the dry and I may add puppy wet food to help (or try a supplement). She is healthy and I hate to make any more changes to her dry but I appreciate your feedback.

It does not, but it does have barley and oatmeal. The herring & sweet potato is not grain free.

Spencer May 8, 2011 at 7:30 am

Here is part of an e-mail that I received yesterday from a VERY reliable person: “I know someone who lost her dog to CA Naturals recently – the sweet potato diet. She’s been fighting through all the testing and worry. Trying to do the right thing for her dog. It’s just sad”.
P&G is all I am going to say, don’t ever trust this co.

—–Original Message—–

Hi Mike,
I’ve been exhausting myself over the past few months in search of the perfect kibble for my Jack Russell. My JRT has a very hard time digesting potatoes and gets very bad skin from eating them. Peas are okay and so are sweet potatoes. It is difficult locating a grain-free kibble that doesn’t use potatoes as a main starch though. I’ve been using California Naturals Grain Free Chicken Meal Formula Adult (LID) and it seems to be helping. It uses only peas. I also like the higher protein rate of 34% (even if the peas boost it some). This is great compared to most LID kibbles that seem to stay around 21%. People are starting to freak me out over the change of ingredients (that may or may not ever happen) since the take over/sale out last May. I know most people say that if your dog is doing well on it then don’t change it. Many people in my dog community are starting to make me feel like a bad dad around here. People seem very confident P&G has already destroyed this food and just haven’t told anyone yet. I’ve already quit feeding Natura products to everybody else except the JRT because of the inability to find a grain-free, LID food with high protein. Any ideas? Should i change products? If so then what would you switch to? Am i buying Iams in a bag that says California Naturals? Many years ago we fed Eukanuba. When I opened the last bag it smelled exactly like it. My wife even asked, after she smelled it, if I had lost my mind switching back to Eukanuba??? =/ Are we all just paranoid???

p.s. a friend mentioned Nature’s Variety Instinct has a new LID food. This tends to be outrageous in pricing where I live, well exceeding $3 per lb. California Naturals is about $1.75 per lb.

If a dog food does not contain probiotics, it can be purchased in the human section like a Walmart etc.

My dogs get plain low fat yogurt, they love it

Additionally Loyall senior has probiotics

I am not a sales person, but, the feed and grain store we frequent due to having a farm sells Nutrena products and well, we tried the dog food two years ago, and absolutely no problem, in fact my dogs have never been healthier.

They also make a damm good chicken and goat feed.

Sandi

I was thinking of trying California Natural Grain free for my epileptic rottie. He is 6.5, and he doesn’t eat his Blue Buff with zest like he used to, and he stopped eating his sister’s Natural Balance Venison, too. His stools were great on the BB at first, but now they are terrible. I’m not sure if it’s the medicine he takes or I am just not finding the right food for him. The only foods we have never tried are the Natura Pet lines, TOTW, and Orijen. I was thinking about Honest Kitchen, too. Are there any kibble suggestions for epileptic dogs?

I have several clients with small dogs who have been using Innova who are unhappy and say they are making changes changes that are being made to the product. I see California natural has a product with small bites but do not see it’s rating. I would love to see small dogs added to the special needs listing.

Last year California Natural (Natural Pet Foods) was acquired by Proctor and Gamble. I avoid mass produced kibble and had originally purchased this food as a quality but less expensive alternative to Wellness. Now I have concerns because I imagine the processing of this food will change if it hasn’t already. Coincidentally one of my dogs on CN is suddenly sporadically dealing with vomiting and diarrhea. May not be related, but I moved him to a bland diet and then tried to work kibble back without success. Now the 2nd dog is having issues, while the 3rd dog – on a completely different food – is fine. Any thoughts on CN now that’s it’s under the P&G umbrella?

Hi Mike,

I noticed the Omega 3 level seems very low for the CN grainless foods while the Omega 6/3 ratios are very high. For example, the Chicken Meal formula has 2.38% Omega 6 but only .19% Omega 3. Additionally, the Omega 6/3 ratio is over 12:1 while many nutritionists think this number should be more like 4:1 to 8:1 to eliminate problems associated with too much Omega 6. Do you think this is a significant problem for the CN grainless foods?

My dog has terrible reoccuring yeast infections in her ear and she scratches all the time. She’s a Standard Poodle. I’m so confused about what food to feed her. I am feeding Pro Plan and I wonder if she has food allergies. Should I try a grain free food? I have asked the vet but he is no help. Thanks.

Hi,
My wife and I have a 6 yr old Jack who is not overly active. We are in the process of switching her over to Chicken Soup for the dog lover’s soul, Senior Dog formula. We have searched your site and can’t find a star rating for this product. She loves the food and is accepting it very well. Thanks for your help. Also, would you have a recommendation for a better food for her.

Jim and Jan

Hi Mike;

I have a 7 YO very large (175#) Great Dane. I’ve been feeding him California Natural grain free chicken meal with the 34% protein. However, he likes variety and I noticed the other CN grain free formulas all have a much lower (21%) protein content.

I’m concerned about whether 34% is too high for a dog this age (fairly, but not too active) and at the same time, whether 21% is too low. Been thinking of switching to something like Canidae with 24-26%.

Incidentally, I noticed all the comments on pro-biotics. I add 3 heaping tablespoons of organic yogurt with lots of pro-biotics to each meal and he loves it. Also cheaper than quality canned dog foods.

The lack of probiotics are what make this a terrible food for my 12 year old English Bulldog. She has always had very good health on Lamb and Rice Canidae until they switched formulas. CN is the food we switched to after a short stint with TOTW. She did fine at first, but her allergies are now so bad that I have to clear her eyes 5 times a day and her hair is falling out in patches. The only thing that helps is an acidophilus supplement and 2 tsps of cod liver oil on the dry food. I also suspect this is too low protein for her-she is constantly hungry. I want to switch again but I feel like I’m gambling with her health every time I do…I’m nervous about what to pick.

Do you have a food to suggest that is:
1. at least 4 star, preferably
2. moderate protein, but not high-she’s always done well with lamb and rice, (before I had $ to spend on her diet, she thrived on Beneful (I cringe, I know) until about 6 years old.
3. Must have probiotic
4. Should I consider going back to canidae, on the GF salmon this time? She got so sick when they switched that company makes me nervous.

Thank you for answering my question/criteria fusion!

Julia

This dog food is outstanding. I cannot recommend it highly enough. My older Bichon had been sick for more than 6 months with intestinal and bowel issues. I tried everything from multiple vet visits, to coconut, to probiotics, to pumpkin, to working my way through 8 different brands/types of dog food. California Natural Grain Free Lamb Meal is unique in that it is pure and simple, with limited ingredients. Most grain free dog foods have very high protein levels, more for “working” dogs, not older, sedentary small breeds. CNGFLM had a more reasonable protein level and within 2 days I noticed a huge difference. Within two weeks, he had done a 100% turn around. I was ready to give up, but this food brought normalcy back to my little guy and in turn to me!

I also forgot to ask about the P&G issue is that a big concern or more of a wait and see issue?
Thanks again!!!

Thanks for reviewing this Mike.. hopefully the ingredients don’t change too much since P&G has recently taken them over (and they recently released this grain free product)

Hi Mike,

I am considering between Wellness core and California Natural for my 2yr old Corgi.

I have been previously feeding my Corgi Evo small bites and he’s been cycling through loose and firm stools. I don’t believe it is cuased by worms and any other parasites since his monthly flea medicine covers worms parasites, fleas and heartworm.

Anyhow, My guess is that EVO’s high protein content is “too rich” for him. What would you recommend me trying next? Wellness core or califonia natural chicken? Or do you have any other suggestions? Thank you.

I e-mailed you earlier about your thoughts on California Natural Grain-free dog food. How important is probiotics in a dog food? I called Natura and they said that none of the Cal. Natural products have probiotics added including the new grain free.