Gentle Giants Dog Food Review 2024: Recalls, Pros, & Cons

Introduction

Gentle Giants began in 2008, founded by actor Burt Ward. He wanted to provide all-natural dog food to everyone after his experience with rescuing dogs for many years. Gentle Giant’s philosophy is, “There is nothing more precious than life.” The company believes in providing quality food at an affordable price so each dog can live a long and happy life.

The canned and dry food are natural, with no use of corn, wheat, soy, or gluten and no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. All fruits and vegetables used in the recipes are free from GMOs. This review will give you an in-depth look at Gentle Giants so you can see why this food may be a good option for your dog. Keep reading to find out more about this brand.

 

At a Glance: The Best Gentle Giants Dog Food Recipes

Gentle Giants Dog Food Reviewed

Overall View

The Gentle Giants food is appropriate for all life stages and breeds. The name of the brand is somewhat misleading because some assume it is for large breed dogs only. The owner named it Gentle Giants because he and his wife rescue large breed dogs. Gentle Giants want to provide high-quality food at an affordable price so it can be available to all types of dogs. The company claims that your dog will live a longer, healthier life when eating this food regularly.

Who makes Gentle Giants and where is it produced?

The food is made in the U.S.A. with simple ingredients that are sourced with quality in mind. All products meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages, including the growth of large breed dogs.

Which types of dogs is Gentle Giants best suited for?

Gentle Giants offers two dry food formulas and four canned food recipes. The salmon feast kibble is grain-free and so is all the canned food. The nutritional levels are suitable for all life stages, from puppies to seniors with a normal activity level.

Which types of dogs might do better with a different brand?

High-energy dogs or performance dogs require food that is higher in protein and carbohydrates, such as the Victor Classic Hi-Pro Plus, which has 30% protein and 20% fat. If your dog suffers from health issues, you will want to find a more specialized formula. Diabetic dogs may need a formula recommended by your veterinarian, such as Royal Canin Glycobalance.

 

Primary Ingredients in Gentle Giants Dog Food

Gentle Giants keep the ingredients to a minimum, and there is only one meat source within each formula. The dry foods feature either salmon or chicken, and the wet food options are beef, chicken, turkey, and salmon.

A variety of fruits and vegetables provide flavor and nutrients. Other healthy additives are kelp powder for micronutrients, flaxseed for omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, and glucosamine for hip and joint support.

Whole grains provide fiber for digestive health, and the company guarantees that there is added vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta carotene in each formula.

What is not added is wheat, corn, soy, or any artificial ingredients. Also, there are no fillers, and each formula was created by veterinarians and nutritionists.

A Quick Look at Gentle Giants Dog Food

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Overview of Ingredients

Protein

Whole meat is used in the canned food, while meat meal is the protein source in the kibble. Whole grains and eggs also add small amounts of protein.

Fats

Gentle Giants prides themselves on their low-fat recipes. You will notice that the food is not greasy and can help maintain a healthy weight for your dog. Fat sources used are chicken liver, salmon oil, and beef liver in the canned food. The dry dog food contains chicken fat or salmon oil.

Carbohydrates

There are plenty of complex carbohydrates from the use of peas, sweet potatoes, white potatoes, carrots, and spinach, as well as cranberries, apples, and blueberries. Carbohydrates give your dog the needed energy to function through the day, and whole sources are the most nutritious.

Controversial Ingredients

Recalls of Gentle Giants Dog Food

Gentle Giants has never had a recall, which is good news for those looking for safe dog food to feed their pets and those who want to know the company’s standards for quality and safety.

Reviews of the 3 Best Gentle Giants Dog Food Recipes

Let’s look closer at three of the best Kirkland dog food formulas:

1. Gentle Giants Natural Dog Food — Chicken Feast

This kibble’s primary ingredient is chicken meal, followed by brown rice and oatmeal. Crude protein equals 22%, and Gentle Giants prides itself on creating a low-fat dog food — this recipe contains 9% fat. Other protein sources include fish and eggs, and it has added prebiotics and probiotics to support digestion.

There are four different vegetables and three fruits that provide antioxidants, fiber, and other vitamins and minerals. The company uses non-GMO ingredients, and this recipe meets the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all stages of growth. On the downside, this formula contains tomato pomace, which is claimed by some to be used as a filler, though it is a good source of fiber and other nutrients.

Keep in mind that dried egg and yeast ingredients have allergen potential for some dogs.

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2. Gentle Giants Natural Dog Food — Salmon Feast

This is a grain-free kibble with the main ingredient being salmon meal. It includes a variety of 16 vegetables and four different fruits that provide vitamins, antioxidants, and plenty of nutrients. Protein equals 24% and fat is 10%. It also contains glucosamine and is appropriate for all breeds and life stages from puppies to seniors.

Even though the main ingredient is salmon, this recipe doesn’t have an offensive odor like other salmon recipes, and dogs love the flavor combination. On the downside, it would be nice if sweet potatoes were used in this recipe instead of white potatoes to enhance the flavor and the nutrients.

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3. Gentle Giants Canned Dog Food — Grain-Free Chicken

You can use this canned food as a complete meal, mixed with kibble, or as a nutritious treat. It contains 90% chicken, and it is grain free, which is perfect for dogs who have grain allergies or sensitivities. There are eight different fruits and vegetables used in this formula, including dandelion greens to support liver and gastrointestinal health. There are also green-lipped mussels from New Zealand for glucosamine and chondroitin, which help with joint support.

This formula is ideal for all breeds and sizes and appropriate for all life stages from puppies to seniors. We like that it doesn’t contain any fillers, corn, wheat, or soy products and is an affordable canned dog food. For the best nutritional results, the company recommends mixing this with Gentle Giants dry dog food.

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What Other Users Are Saying

Here’s what other reviewers are commenting about Gentle Giants dog food:

Dog Food Guide:

From Dog Food Guide regarding their review of the chicken kibble: “Overall, it’s a well-made food with plenty of nutrition for your dog.”

Dog Product Picker:

This site reviewed Gentle Giants dog food and stated in their conclusion, “Though their product line is limited, their recipes are everything you want to see without many frivolous ingredients.”

Amazon:

We check the reviews on Amazon from buyers before recommending a product to you. You can read these reviews by clicking here.

 

Conclusion

Gentle Giants dog food is a great option for those who want an all-natural dog food that uses whole foods. There are grain-free options, as well as wet and dry food varieties. This company offers two varieties of dry dog food, which may be adequate for some but lacking for those who need a more specialized diet for their dog with health issues. The quality of the food isn’t lacking, and it is an affordable option that uses few controversial ingredients.

If you are looking for an all life stages dog food that is appropriate for all breeds, then the Gentle Giants dog food is a great place to begin. Finding the perfect dog food can be a frustrating task, but Gentle Giants makes it easy by keeping the choice list straightforward and small so it is not overwhelming.

• See also: Iams Proactive Health Dog Food Review: Recalls, Pros & Cons