pawTree Dry Dog Food Review (Dry)

pawTree dry product range consists of five recipes, each receiving the Dog Food Advisor’s rating of 5 stars.

Highly digestible, nutrient‑dense recipes made with quality proteins first, supported by wholesome grains and antioxidant‑rich fruits and veggies.

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.

Recipe and Label Analysis

pawTree Real Whitefish and Brown Rice (Poultry Free) 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.

Ingredients Analysis

The first ingredient in this dog food is whitefish, a marine or freshwater species native to Canada and the California coast. This item is typically sourced from clean, undecomposed whole fish and fish cuttings of commercial fish operations. ¹ Although it is a quality item, raw fish 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.

The second ingredient is menhaden fish meal. Because it is considered a meat concentrate, fish meal contains almost 300% more protein than fresh fish itself.

Menhaden are small ocean fish related to herring. They’re rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. What’s more, in their mid-depth habitat, menhaden are not exposed to mercury contamination as can be typical with deep water species. Fish meal is typically obtained from the “clean, dried, ground tissue of undecomposed whole fish and fish cuttings” of commercial fish operations. ²

The third ingredient is brown rice, a complex carbohydrate that (once cooked) can be fairly easy to digest. However, aside from its natural energy content, rice is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

The next ingredient is oatmeal, a whole-grain product made from coarsely ground oats. Oatmeal is naturally rich in B-vitamins, dietary fiber and can be (depending upon its level of purity) gluten-free.

The fifth item is barley, a starchy carbohydrate supplying fiber and other healthy nutrients. However, aside from its energy content, this cereal grain is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

The sixth ingredient is 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.

After the natural flavor, we find millet, a gluten-free grain harvested from certain seed grasses. Millet is hypoallergenic and naturally rich in B-vitamins and fiber as well as other essential minerals.

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 affect the overall rating.

However, there are seven 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. Flaxseed contains about 19% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

Glucosamine is included in dog food as a joint support. Glucosamine regulates the synthesis of collagen in cartilage and may provide mild anti-inflammatory effects, it may also contribute to the creating cartilage building blocks (glycoaminoglycans and proteoglycans). However, despite some evidence that a combination of glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulphate nutraceuticals improves symptoms associated with joint disease in dogs and cats, strong clinical evidence of efficacy is lacking, and these compounds are understudied (Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine, 2010).

In summary, although further research is needed to confirm the effect of glucosamine in dog foods, we see the addition of glucosamine in this product as a positive addition.

Next, potato protein is the dry residue remaining after removing the starchy part of a potato. Even though it contains over 80% protein, this ingredient would be expected to have a lower biological value than meat. 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.

Next, we note the inclusion of coconut oil, a natural oil rich in medium-chain fatty acids.

Medium-chain triglycerides have been shown to improve cognitive function in older dogs. ³

Because of its proven safety ⁴ as well as its potential to help in the treatment of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) and chronic skin disorders, MCT can be considered a positive addition to this recipe.

We also find 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.

We note the inclusion of dried fermentation products in this recipe. Fermentation products are typically added as probiotics to aid with digestion.

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, pawTree Real Whitefish and Brown Rice (Poultry Free) looks like an above-average product.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 27.7%, a fat level of 14.1% and estimated carbohydrates of about 45.9%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 27.7% and a mean fat level of 14.3%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 45.4% for the overall product line. And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 51%.

Which means this pawTree product line contains…above-average protein, below-average fat, and above-average carbs when compared to a typical dry dog food.

Even when you consider the protein-boosting effect of the flaxseed and potato protein, this looks like the profile of a kibble containing a notable amount of meat.

pawTree Dog Food Recall History

The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls related to pawTree through June 2026.

No recalls noted.

You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 here.

Our Rating of pawTree Dry Dog Food

pawTree dry range is a grain-inclusive dry dog food using a notable amount of named meat meals as its dominant source of animal protein, thus receiving 5 stars.

Highly Recommended

About

pawTree was founded by Roger Morgan in 2012. After nearly a decade as a CEO in the pet industry, Roger decided to set up his own premium pet food brand, partnering with a team of expert veterinarians and nutritionist to ensure the quality of all the products.

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