Highly Recommended
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Our Verdict
Canidae Pure Grain Free canned product range is made up of five recipes with ratings varying from 3.5 to 5 stars. The average rating of the whole range is 5 stars.
Limited ingredient wet food that is nutrient-rich and features premium protein as the primary ingredient to support lean, strong muscles.
Pros
- Committed to sustainability
- No corn, wheat, soy or other fillers
- Supports hydration
Cons
- Not budget-friendly
The table below shows each recipe in this range including our rating and the AAFCO nutrient profile: Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.
| Product line | Rating | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| Canidae Pure Grain Free, Salmon and Sweet Potato | 4 | A |
| Canidae Pure Grain Free Puppy Chicken | 4.5 | G |
| Canidae Pure Grain Free, Lamb, Turkey and Chicken | 3 | A |
| Canidae Pure Grain Free Lamb | 3 | A |
| Canidae Pure Grain Free Duck and Turkey | 4 | M |
Recipe and Label Analysis
Canidae Pure Grain Free Salmon and Sweet Potato was selected to represent the other products in the line for detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.
Canidae Pure Grain Free Salmon and Sweet Potato
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
Protein
Fat
CarbsCarbohydrates
Salmon, fish broth, vegetable broth, peas, pea protein, sunflower oil, sweet potatoes, agar-agar, tricalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, choline chloride, salt, vitamin E supplement, zinc sulfate, niacin supplement, ferrous sulfate, thiamine mononitrate, zinc proteinate, manganese sulfate, vitamin A supplement, l-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate, iron proteinate, d-calcium pantothenate, copper sulfate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, manganese proteinate, potassium iodide, riboflavin supplement, copper proteinate, folic acid, cobalt proteinate, sodium selenite, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 1.5%
Red denotes any controversial items
| Estimated Nutrient Content | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Method | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
| Guaranteed Analysis | 9% | 6% | NA |
| Dry Matter Basis | 41% | 27% | 24% |
| Calorie Weighted Basis | 31% | 51% | 18% |
Ingredients Analysis
The first ingredient in this dog food is salmon. Salmon is an oily marine and freshwater fish not only high in protein but also omega-3 fatty acids, essential oils needed by every dog to sustain life.
The second and third ingredients are fish and vegetable broth, which are of only modest nutritional value. Yet because they add both flavor and moisture to a dog food, they are a common component in many canned products.
The fourth ingredient is peas. Peas are a quality source of carbohydrates. And like all legumes, they’re rich in natural fiber.
However, peas contain about 25% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the meat content of this dog food.
The fifth ingredient is 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.
The sixth ingredient lists sunflower oil. Sunflower oil is nutritionally similar to safflower oil. Since these oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids and contain no omega-3’s, they’re considered less nutritious than canola or flaxseed oils.
Sunflower oil is notable for its resistance to heat damage during cooking.
There are several different types of sunflower oil, some better than others. Without knowing more, it’s impossible to judge the quality of this ingredient.
The seventh ingredient is sweet potato. Sweet potatoes are a gluten-free source of complex carbohydrates in a cat food. They are naturally rich in dietary fiber and beta carotene.
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 Canidae product.
With two notable exceptions…
First, 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.
Also, we find no mention of probiotics, friendly bacteria applied to the surface of the kibble after processing to help with digestion.
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredients alone, Canidae Pure Grain Free, Salmon and Sweet Potato dog food looks like an above-average wet product.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 40.4%, a fat level of 26.9% and estimated carbohydrates of about 21.2%.
As a group, the brand features near-average protein content of 38.8% and an above-average fat level of 28.5%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 22.7% for the overall product line.
And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 74%.
This means this Canidae product line contains…
Near-average protein. Above-average fat. And below-average carbs when compared to other wet dog foods.
Canidae Dog Food Recall History
The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls related to Canidae through March 2026.
You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 here.
Our Rating of Canidae Pure Grain Free Canned Dog Food
Canidae Pure Grain Free is a limited ingredient range that is certainly worthy of the 5 stars the brand has earned in our review. The products are made with premium, sustainable ingredients and vet-formulated.
About
Canidae was founded in 1996 by Scott Whipple and John Gordon, who met while working at a local pet store..
In 2012, Canidae acquired a manufacturing facility in Brownwood, Texas. Called Ethos, it’s one of the smallest pet food plants in the US, the company controls every step of manufacturing. It’s also a research and development center equipped with a lab that tests all incoming ingredients and outgoing products.
Compare Canidae Pure Grain Free Dog Food
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A Final Word
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