Iams Healthy Naturals (Dry)

Share

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Iams Healthy Naturals Dog Food earns the Advisor’s mid-tier rating of three stars.

The Iams Healthy Naturals product line lists four kibbles. Although two appear to be for for adults, one for puppies and one for weight loss, we found no AAFCO nutritional adequacy statements for any of these dog foods on the Iams website.

Iams Healthy Naturals Adult with Chicken dog food was selected to represent the others in the line for this review.

Iams Healthy Naturals Adult with Chicken

Dry Dog Food

Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content

Protein = 29% | Fat = 17% | Carbs = 46%

Ingredients: Chicken, chicken by-product meal, brewers rice, corn meal, ground whole grain sorghum, ground whole grain barley, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols, a source of vitamin E), dried beet pulp, natural flavor, dried egg product, potassium chloride, brewers dried yeast, salt, flax meal, monosodium phosphate, fish oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols, a source of vitamin E), calcium carbonate, dried apple pomace, dried carrots, dried peas, choline chloride, fructooligosaccharides, minerals (ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, manganous oxide, potassium iodide, cobalt carbonate), vitamin E supplement, dried spinach, dried tomatoes, vitamins (ascorbic acid, vitamin A acetate, calcium pantothenate, biotin, thiamine mononitrate (source of vitamin B1), vitamin B12 supplement, niacin, riboflavin supplement (source of vitamin B2), inositol, pyridoxine hydrochloride (source of vitamin B6), vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid), beta-carotene, citric acid, rosemary extract

Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 4.4%

Red items when present indicate controversial ingredients

The first item in this dog food lists chicken. Although it is a quality item, raw chicken contains about 80% 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 occupy a lower position on the list.

Which brings us to chicken by-product meal… the second and (more likely) the dominant meat ingredient in this dog food.

Chicken by-product meal is a rendered product of slaughterhouse waste. It’s made from what’s left of a slaughtered chicken after all the prime cuts have been removed.

In a nutshell, chicken by-products are those unsavory leftovers usually considered “unfit for human consumption”.

This stuff can contain almost anything… feet, beaks, undeveloped eggs… anything (that is) but skeletal muscle (real meat).

On the brighter side, by-product meals are meat concentrates and contain nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken.

The third ingredient is brewers rice. Brewers rice represents the small grain fragments left over after milling whole rice.

This is an inexpensive cereal grain by-product and not considered a quality ingredient.

The fourth item includes corn meal. Corn meal is a coarsely ground flour made from dried corn. Now, contrary to what you may have heard, corn isn’t necessarily a bad ingredient.

On the other hand, although there’s no way to know for sure here, the corn used in making many pet foods can be similar to the kind used to make feed for livestock.

And that can sometimes be problematic.

What’s more, corn is commonly linked to canine food allergies1.

For these reasons, we rarely consider corn a preferred component in any dog food.

The fifth ingredient is sorghum. Sorghum is a starchy cereal grain with a nutrient profile similar to corn.

Since it is gluten-free and boasts a smoother blood sugar behavior than other grains, sorghum may be considered an acceptable non-meat ingredient.

The sixth item is barley. Barley is a starchy carbohydrate supplying fiber and other healthy nutrients. Unlike other grains with a higher glycemic index (like rice), barley can help support stable blood sugar levels in dogs.

The seventh ingredient is chicken fat. Chicken fat 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 eighth ingredient lists beet pulp. Beet pulp is a controversial ingredient… a high fiber by-product of sugar beet processing.

Some denounce beet pulp as an inexpensive filler while others cite its outstanding intestinal health and blood sugar benefits.

We only call your attention here to the controversy and believe the inclusion of beet pulp in reasonable amounts in most dog foods is entirely acceptable.

After natural flavor, we find dried egg product… a dehydrated form of shell-free eggs. Quality can vary significantly. Lower grade egg product can even come from commercial hatcheries… from eggs that have failed to hatch.

In any case, eggs are easy to digest and have an exceptionally high biological value.

From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.

But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to have much of an effect on the overall rating of this product.

With two notable exceptions

First, we find no mention of probiotics… friendly bacteria applied to the surface of the kibble after processing.

And finally, the minerals listed here do not appear to be chelated. And that can make them more difficult to absorb. Non-chelated minerals are usually associated with lower quality dog foods.

Iams Healthy Naturals Dog Food
The Bottom Line

Judging by its ingredients alone, Iams Healthy Naturals appears to be an average dry dog food.

But ingredient quality by itself cannot tell the whole story. We still need to estimate the product’s meat content before determining a final rating.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 29%, a fat level of 17% and estimated carbohydrates of about 46%.

Because of its apparently lower meat content, we have chosen to downgrade the Iams Healthy Naturals Weight Control product to just two stars.

If we eliminate the Weight Control food from our calculations, the brand features an average protein content of 28% and a mean fat level of 16%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 48% for the overall product line.

Average protein. Average fat. And average carbohydrates… when compared to a typical dry dog food.

With no evidence of any plant-based protein boosters, this looks like the profile of a kibble containing a moderate amount of meat.

Bottom line?

Iams Healthy Naturals is a grain-based dry dog food using a fair amount of chicken by-product meal as its main source of animal protein… thus earning the brand three stars.

Recommended.

A Final Word

This review is designed to help you make a more informed decision when buying dog food. However, our rating system is not intended to suggest feeding a particular product will result in a specific health benefit for your pet.

For a better understanding of how we analyzed this product, please be sure to read our article, “The Problem with Dog Food Reviews

Remember, no dog food can possibly be appropriate for every life stage, lifestyle or health condition. So, choose wisely. And when in doubt consult a veterinarian for help.

Have an opinion about this dog food… or maybe the review itself? Please know… we welcome your comments.

Notes and Updates

02/01/2010 Original review
09/07/2010 Review updated

  1. White, S., Update on food allergy in the dog and cat, World Small Animal Veterinary Association, Vancouver, 2001
Dog Food Advisor IconThe Dog Food Advisor publishes independent reviews to help pet owners make better choices when shopping for dog food.


  • Shae

    We tried this for our boxer, who has food sensitivities more than food allergies. This just didn’t work for us. He lost interest after just a few days, starting eating grass and puking. Switching back to a grain free food by Nature’s Domain.

  • Lisa

    Thank you so much for your dedication to this research & making it public on this web-site! We really appreciate it, Mike!!!

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Lisa… At 28% protein (31% dry matter basis), the puppy recipe in this product line food looks more like 3.5 stars. Hope this helps

  • Lisa H

    Hi! I love all the info on your site- so THANK YOU for that! QUESTION: your “Iams Healthy Naturals (Dry)” page states that this review covers “two appear to be for for adults, one for puppies and one for weight loss”. I specifically want to know how the PUPPY kibble rates.
    If you’re lumping them all together then why do you “lump them” under the 3 Star rating BUT then put the “Iams Healthy Naturals Weight Control (Dry)” under the 2 Star rating??? Totally confuses me & makes me REALLY wonder where the puppy kibble rates. I don’t really want to feed my puppy anything less thatn a 3 Star rating. PLEASE RESPOND ASAP- seriously looking at her feed options at this time. THANKS!!!

  • Tim

    I have a German Shorthair Pointer who weighs about 63lbs. I formerly used Canidae, then tried Diamond Natural. Both I beleive 4 star foods. Both left loose stools and was losing weight this spring. The Iams Natural Chicken has been the best for him, probably due to his high metabolism. His energy is good, and his droppings are larger and solid. So pick out the best food for your dog and dont assume the higher star one is better for him.

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Meagan… Iams Simple and Natural is already on my To Do list. However, it’ll probably be a while longer before I get to it. Thanks for the reminder.

  • Meagan

    There are two new formulas:
    Iams Simple & Natural
    Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brewers Rice, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Ground Whole Grain Barley, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols, a source of Vitamin E), Chicken Flavor, Dried Beet Pulp, Dried Egg Product, Potassium Chloride, Fish Oil (preserved with mixed Tocopherols, a source of Vitamin E), Monosodium Phosphate, Salt, Dried Apple Pomace, Dried Carrots, DL-Methionine, Dried Peas, Choline Chloride, Fructooligosaccharides, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Carbonate), Dried Spinach, Dried Tomatoes, Vitamins (Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Acetate, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (source of vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement (source of vitamin B2), Inositol, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin E Supplement, Brewers Dried Yeast, Beta-Carotene, Rosemary Extract.
    and Iams Sensitive Naturals
    Ocean Fish, Brewers Rice, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Fish Meal (source of fish oil), Ground Whole Grain Barley, Animal Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols, a source of Vitamin E), Dried Egg Product, Dried Beet Pulp, Fish Digest, Brewers Dried Yeast, Dicalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride,Salt, Dried Apple Pomace, Dried Carrots, Dried Peas, Fructooligosaccharides, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Carbonate), Dried Spinach, Dried Tomatoes, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Vitamins (Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Acetate, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (source of vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement (source of vitamin B2), Inositol, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin E Supplement, Beta-Carotene, Rosemary Extract.

  • Michelle

    This formula is even better………Chicken fat(yay), and no Menadione…..still grain heavy,but at least this formula has Chicken, backed up by Chicken meal. Probably a 3*.
    Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brewers Rice, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Ground Whole Grain Barley, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols, a source of Vitamin E), Chicken Flavor, Dried Beet Pulp, Dried Egg Product, Potassium Chloride, Fish Oil (preserved with mixed Tocopherols, a source of Vitamin E), Monosodium Phosphate, Salt, Dried Apple Pomace, Dried Carrots, DL-Methionine, Dried Peas, Choline Chloride, Fructooligosaccharides, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Carbonate), Dried Spinach, Dried Tomatoes, Vitamins (Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Acetate, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (source of vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement (source of vitamin B2), Inositol, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin E Supplement, Brewers Dried Yeast, Beta-Carotene, Rosemary Extract.

  • Michelle

    While this isn’t the best ingredient list out there, it isn’t too awful. It does contain Animal fat, and fish digest and it is grain heavy….but at least there is no Menadione, which is definately a plus!! I have seen much worse ingredient lists, Ol’roy and Beneful come to mind……Ocean Fish, Brewers Rice, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Fish Meal (source of fish oil), Ground Whole Grain Barley, Animal Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols, a source of Vitamin E), Dried Egg Product, Dried Beet Pulp, Fish Digest, Brewers Dried Yeast, Dicalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride,Salt, Dried Apple Pomace, Dried Carrots, Dried Peas, Fructooligosaccharides, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Carbonate), Dried Spinach, Dried Tomatoes, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Vitamins (Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Acetate, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (source of vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement (source of vitamin B2), Inositol, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin E Supplement, Beta-Carotene, Rosemary Extract.

  • Jonathan

    LOL… here are the main ingredients to this “no fillers” Iams…

    Ocean Fish, Brewers Rice, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Fish Meal, Ground Whole Grain Barley, Animal Fat… Protein 23% fat 18%…

    Man, Proctor & Gamble must have an extremely loose definition of what a “filler” is. I’m sick of all there marginal foods. If we weren’t wasting so much money and time on shipping the same crappy ingredients around the country, and companies used local ingredients and sold locally, crap like this wouldn’t exist. But I digress. Like our food supply is ever going to be changed by a handful of irritated people on the Internet…

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Kathy… The product line you’re referring to is called Iams Naturals. And it’s already on my To Do list. However, due to our current backlog of products for review, it could be a while longer before I get to it. Thanks for the suggestion.

  • Kathy

    Iams has a new type of dog food with no fillers or artificial colors, preservatives. They’re calling it holistic. Can you please review these?
    http://www.iams.com/dog-food/holistic-natural-dog-food.aspx

  • Pingback: What's up with IAMS??

  • Bob K

    Nicole – What other foods have you tried? How did you transition to the new foods? Which receipes? Chicken, Beef, Lamb etc…… You are paying a premium for Iams Healthy Naturals which is a 3 star food – There are 4 and 5 star foods available for the same or less money that provide better nutrition for your loved one aqnd more money in your pocket, a win for both your dog and you.

  • Nicole

    I really think it depends on your dog, too. We have tried MANY dog foods and all of them besides Iams Healthy Natural have given our dog exceptionally nasty “gas” problems! This is the first food he will eat without a problem and he no longer has the “smelly” problem. Heard so many negative stories about Iams, but it was what our dog needs for his “issue” and he likes it. I’m sticking with Iams Natural!

  • Pingback: Small Breed vs Large Breed - Page 2 - Boxer Forum : Boxer Breed Dog Forums

  • Meagan

    I had contemplated switching my two dogs to this from the BB lamb and rice. But I didn’t like whats in the ingredients to much and thought it was not worth the $16 extra that is cost to drive to Petsmart (20 min away.) I am glad I found this website because I am now putting them on Diamond Naturals. Slowly. I guess at least this is still a 3* food.

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Laine… Unfortunately, I cannot provide customized reviews and product comparisons for each reader. For more help, please check out my reviews (there are lots of good ones to choose from) and visit our FAQ page. Look for the topic, “Help Me Choose a Dog Food”. Or check back for a possible response from one of our other readers.

  • Laine

    I’m just now throwing away a bag of Iams Healthy Naturals because its made both my dog and cat gain a lot of weight – yes, my cat sometimes doesn’t like his healthy food (Solid Gold) and so he actually goes for the dog bowl. Iams was my last minute alternative when I couldn’t get to the Pet Food Depot with the good food. I thought Iams was supposed to be good and now I know better. I just bought a bag of Wellness to replace it. He also likes Solid Gold Wee Bits. Both our dog and cat need to lose weight. Any advice?

  • Kate

    Mili – So sorry to hear about your dog. I don’t have much to offer, but I suggest asking around on the prodoggroomingsupplies.com forum. Lots of knowledgeable folk there, and if they can’t help you I bet you’ll at least get steered in the right direction (I’m a member there). Good luck!

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Mili… I’m so sorry to hear about your Yorkie’s IMHA diagnosis. Unfortunately, since I’m not a veterinarian, I cannot provide specific health advice or product recommendations. You may wish to check our FAQ page and our reviews for more information. Or check back for a possible response from one of our other readers.

  • Mili Grant

    Sorry, I forgot to mention, she has always been on canned dog food. Dry food on occations for fiber.

  • Mili Grant

    Her prognosis is very guarded and could mean sudden death.

  • Mili Grant

    My little l0 pound Yorkie has developed Immune-Mediated Holystic Anemia. As I understand the bone marrow is attacking her own body. Her red blood cells are very low, her white blood cells are very high. She of course, is under the care of a vet. But how can I help to care for her at home. What kind of food, etc. She is my little soulmate…….I can’t lose her, please help. Sincerely.

  • Deanna

    I found Iams Healthy Naturals adult dog food @ Walmart. A 15.5 bag for 17.89.
    Hope you both can find it.

  • Shanna Heilveil

    Kay, I haven’t been able to find it either. At least, not without paying high shipping costs, which I won’t do.

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Kay… I’m not sure what you mean. This review covers Iams Healthy Naturals product line.

  • kay spears

    What happened to the Iams healthy natural dog food? I cannot find it anywhere.

    kay

  • paula

    Whole Earth Farms Puppy Formula 8lb
    Whole Earth Farms dry kibble formulas were created as a truly holistic food at a value price, without compromising the quality of your beloved pet’s food. We take the best, healthy ingredients from the earth and mix them into a delicious, daily meal. With multiple protein sources, vitamins and minerals, Whole Earth Farms provides your dog with the best the earth has to offer. Protein rich buffalo, dried cranberries and blueberries, flavorful rosemary, sage and thyme are just a few of the nutritious ingredients you will find in our three, age-specific formulas. Your four legged friend deserves the very best when it comes to nutrition, and Whole Earth Farms is exactly that.

    is this food healthy?my pug loves it

    Guaranteed Analysis:
    Crude Protein (Not Less Than) 28.0%
    Crude Fat (Not Less Than) 17.0%
    Crude Fiber (Not More Than) 4.0%
    Moisture (Not More Than) 11.0%

    Calorie Content:
    3745 kcal/kg (calculated) – One pound provides 1700 kcal of metabolizable energy (calculated). One cup (100 grams) provides 377 calories (Caloric content calculated using Modified Atwater Method)

    Ingredients:
    Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Oat Meal, Pearled Barley, Ground Rice,Ground Millet, Ground Barley, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols, a source of Vitamin E)
    Duck, Buffalo, White Fish, Natural Chicken Liver Flavor, Salmon Oil (a natural source of Omega-3, Docosahexaenoic Acid-DHA)*, Organic Alfalfa Sun-cured ground, Yeast Culture, Tomato Pomace Dried , Dried Egg,Organic Sunflower Seed Ground, Salt, Calcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride,
    Choline Chloride, Lysine, Blueberry Dried, Cranberry Dried, Yucca Schidigera Extract,Inulin (from Chicory Root), Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Cinnamon, Marigold Dried, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus casei,Iron Amino Acid Complex, Vitamin E Supplement, Manganese Amino Acid Complex,
    Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement,
    Copper Amino Acid Complex, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin D3, Niacin, Lecithin, Riboflavin, Supplement, Biotin, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride,
    Cobalt Amino Acid Complex, Folic Acid, Thiamine Mononitrate, Sodium Selenite.