Halo Holistic Dog Food Review 2024: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary

Introduction

Halo Dog Food is a dry kibble that takes on a holistic approach to canine nutrition. Using only non-GMO and organic ingredients, Halo’s main claim to fame is its lack of processed ingredients like meat meals and by-products. Because of its holistic approach, Halo Dog Food is considered a premium brand, so it’s on the expensive end of dog food products.

Check out what we liked and didn’t like about this organic dog food brand:

At a Glance: The Best Halo Holistic Dog Food Recipes

Halo Holistic Dog Food Reviewed

About Halo Holistic Dog Food

Halo started off like most newer brands, looking to bring better ingredients and nutrition to the pet food industry. Their main focus is on whole ingredients with as little processing as possible, leaving out meat meals, filler ingredients, and other “junk” ingredients used in average-quality pet food. Halo is made and manufactured solely in the United States, with only their lamb ingredients sourced from New Zealand and pea ingredients from Canada.

Halo quickly became popular with many pet owners, including TV personality Ellen DeGeneres. DeGeneres was so impressed with the company that she became a part-owner in 2008. Today, Halo is often praised as one of the best premium dog food brands on the market.

Which Types of Dogs Is Halo Holistic Dog Food Best Suited For?

Halo Holistic dog food is a great choice for companion pets, especially smaller breeds that may need more specific dietary needs. Their large selection of flavors is great for dogs with allergies, but some recipes may be too rich for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Halo is also ideal for dog owners who prefer non-GMO, organic dog food with sustainably sourced ingredients.

 Which Types of Dogs Might Do Better with a Different Brand?

While it may seem like highly nutritious dog food, this brand is not the best for working and athletic dogs that need a more nutrient-dense kibble. For your canine athlete or working dog, we recommend trying one of the Sport Dog Food recipes to fit their nutritional needs.

Halo Recall History

While recalls can be scary, it’s important to know everything about a company. Halo has only one recall to its name, so this is always a good sign to see. In 2015, the company voluntarily recalled its Spot Stew (turkey variety) for possible mold growth. Otherwise, the company is in good standing with the FDA and has not had any recalls, voluntary or not, since 2015.

Discussion of the Primary Ingredients (Good and Bad)

 Whole Meats (Good) ✅

Halo emphasizes their dog food contains only whole meats and organic ingredients, so their recipes will always contain whole meat as the first ingredient. Although cooking and processing whole meats will reduce their size, whole meats are still important to have in dog food as a protein source. It’s even more important to have with this food as there are no meat meals for additional protein.

Organic & Non-GMO ingredients (Good) ✅

Halo uses only non-GMO and organic ingredients in their products, so this is always a good sign. Many low-quality dog food brands use cheap fillers to cut costs and couldn’t care less where their ingredients come from. We really like how Halo chooses to use higher-quality ingredients instead of processed alternatives to maintain its holistic approach.

No Meat Meals (Potential Issues)

The lack of meat meals is a potential issue because meat meals aren’t nearly as bad as they sound. Although they’re processed and not “organic”, meat meals are made with all of the clean parts of the animal and are much higher in protein content. While a lack of meat meals is no deal-breaker, it’s something you may want to consider if your dog needs a lot of protein.

Peas and Pea Protein (Potential Issue)

The grain-free craze from a few years ago had dog food companies turning towards grain alternatives like peas, potatoes, and legumes. While having an additional source of protein can be a good thing, peas and other grain-free alternatives have been linked to a rise in canine heart disease according to the FDA. While the Halo brand was not named in the FDA’s big list of grain-free recalls, it’s still important to know that Halo does use some of these controversial ingredients.

Reviews of the 2 Best Halo Holistic Dog Food Recipes

1. Halo Holistic Chicken & Chicken Liver Adult Dry Dog Food

Halo Holistic Chicken & Chicken Liver Adult Dry Dog Food is a premium dog food with limited ingredients. It uses whole chicken as the first ingredient, instead of using meat meals as a source of protein. It’s made with non-GMO and organic ingredients, so you won’t have to worry about artificial flavors or preservatives in your dog’s food. It’s also fortified for a balanced diet, made with vitamins and minerals your dog needs on a daily basis.

However, Halo Holistic Chicken & Chicken Liver Adult Dry Dog Food does contain peas and soy, which may cause health issues down the road. It’s also on the expensive side for dog food, even compared to popular premium brand dog food.

---

2. Halo Holistic Wild Salmon & Whitefish Adult Dry Dog Food

Halo Holistic Wild Salmon & Whitefish Adult Dry Dog Food is a premium dry kibble for dog owners who want a cleaner, healthier product for their pets. It’s made with real salmon and whitefish, which are excellent sources of both protein and fatty acids. All Halo ingredients are sustainably sourced with non-GMO ingredients, so you know your dog’s food will not have questionable manufacturing practices.

There are no artificial flavors or by-products in this dog food, unlike other low-quality dog food brands that use these questionable ingredients to cut costs. However, Halo Holistic Wild Salmon & Whitefish Adult Dry Dog Food does have multiple protein sources, so we recommend skipping this dog food if your dog has protein sensitivities. It also contains peas and pea protein, which have been linked to causing heart disease in some dogs.

What Other Users Are Saying

Halo Dog Food has a decent following of loyal customers and professionals alike. Check out what everyone has been saying about this premium holistic brand:

• Dog Food Guru –­ “Halo remains an esteemed brand that provides wholesome dog food.”
• Dog Food Advisor –­ “Judging by its ingredients alone, Halo looks like an above-average dry kibble.
• Chewy– As pet owners, we always double-check with Chewy reviews from buyers before we buy something. You can read these by clicking here.

Conclusion

Halo Holistic dog food is a decent, above-average quality dog food using fresh, organic ingredients, but it does have some drawbacks. It can be a great choice for companion dogs and for dog owners who want less junk in their dog’s food, but it’s not the best option for high-energy, working dogs that require more nutrient-rich foods.

While Halo was not listed on their massive FDA list for foods linked to canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), it’s still important to know that peas, potatoes, and legumes have been listed as foods causing this. If you’re not sure Halo is the right choice, consult with your veterinarian for your dog’s specific dietary needs.