By Karan French, Senior Researcher, Verified by Laura Ward, Pet Nutritionist
Updated: December 5, 2024
Finding the right dog food can be a daunting task for any pet parent. With countless brands and formulas available, it’s crucial to make informed decisions about your furry friend’s nutrition. In this comprehensive review, we delve into Kismet Dog Food, specifically their freeze-dried range, to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your beloved companion. As pet nutrition experts at foods.edu.vn, we aim to provide an unbiased and thorough analysis, focusing on ingredients, nutritional value, and overall quality of Kismet dog food.
Our Verdict on Kismet Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Kismet dog food freeze-dried product line has garnered a 4-star rating from Dog Food Advisor, a respectable score reflecting a quality formulation. This range features two recipes, both emphasizing meat-first ingredients and a thoughtful blend of superfoods, prebiotics, and probiotics. For dog owners seeking a wholesome, minimally processed diet, Kismet dog food presents a compelling option.
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Pros of Kismet Dog Food:
- Superfood Rich: Incorporates antioxidant-rich superfoods for enhanced health benefits.
- No Artificial Additives: Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, prioritizing natural ingredients.
- Vet Nutritionist Developed: Formulated in collaboration with Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionists, ensuring nutritional adequacy.
Cons of Kismet Dog Food:
- Limited Product Range: The current selection is confined to a freeze-dried line with only two recipes, potentially limiting choices for dogs with specific dietary needs or preferences.
The table below outlines the recipes within the Kismet dog food freeze-dried range, along with their respective ratings and AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) nutrient profiles.
| Product line | Rating | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| Kismet Chicken and Barley Nugs | 4 | A |
| Kismet Salmon and Brown Rice Nugs | 4 | A |
Recipe and Label Deep Dive: Kismet Chicken and Barley Nugs
To provide a detailed analysis, we’ve selected Kismet Chicken and Barley Nugs as a representative recipe from the range. This allows for an in-depth examination of the ingredient list and nutrient composition, which is largely reflective of the other recipe in the Kismet dog food freeze-dried line.
Kismet Chicken and Barley Nugs – Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content:
| Nutrient | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 27.8% |
| Fat | 15.6% |
| Carbohydrates | 48.6% |
| Fiber (estimated) | 4% |
Ingredient List Analysis: Chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, pearled barley, brewers rice, turkey meal, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), natural flavor, dried plain beet pulp, sweet potatoes, potassium chloride, dried carrots, dried kale, dried apples, dried cranberries, salmon oil, salt, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, niacin supplement, vitamin A supplement, thiamine mononitrate, d-calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, biotin, folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement), minerals (zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, sodium selenite, calcium iodate), choline chloride, dried chicory root, mixed tocopherols (preservative), citric acid (preservative), yeast culture, dried bacillus coagulans fermentation product, rosemary extract.
Red denotes any controversial items
| Estimated Nutrient Content | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Method | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
| Guaranteed Analysis | 25% | 14% | NA |
| Dry Matter Basis | 28% | 16% | 49% |
| Calorie Weighted Basis | 24% | 33% | 43% |
Ingredient by Ingredient Breakdown of Kismet Dog Food
Let’s dissect the ingredient list of Kismet Chicken and Barley Nugs to understand the nutritional contribution of each component in this Kismet dog food recipe.
The primary ingredient is chicken. As defined by AAFCO, chicken includes the clean flesh and skin derived from chicken carcasses. It’s a naturally abundant source of the ten essential amino acids that are vital for a dog’s health and well-being.
Following chicken is chicken meal. Chicken meal is a concentrated protein source, containing approximately 300% more protein than fresh chicken. This ingredient significantly boosts the protein content of Kismet dog food.
Brown rice is the third ingredient. This complex carbohydrate, when cooked, is generally digestible for dogs and provides energy. However, beyond its caloric contribution, brown rice offers limited nutritional value to dogs.
The fourth ingredient, cracked pearled barley, is a cereal grain where the hull and bran are removed. While this process reduces some fiber, cracked pearled barley still retains fiber within the grain itself. Similar to rice, its primary contribution is energy.
Brewers rice is the fifth ingredient. This is a by-product of rice milling, consisting of small fragments left over from processing whole rice. Its nutritional value is modest, mainly providing caloric energy.
Turkey meal, the sixth ingredient, mirrors chicken meal in being a concentrated protein source, offering roughly 300% more protein compared to fresh turkey.
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Chicken fat, the seventh ingredient, is derived from rendering chicken. It is a rich source of linoleic acid, an essential omega-6 fatty acid. Despite its less appealing name, chicken fat is a high-quality ingredient contributing to the palatability and nutritional profile of Kismet dog food.
The eighth ingredient listed is natural flavors. While described as “natural,” the specific components remain undisclosed. Transparency regarding these flavorings would be beneficial. Flavorings are added to enhance the appeal and taste of the food for dogs.
Dried plain beet pulp, the ninth ingredient, is a somewhat controversial component. It’s a fiber-rich byproduct of sugar beet processing. While some view it as a filler, others recognize its benefits for intestinal health and blood sugar regulation. Its inclusion in moderate amounts is generally considered acceptable in dog food.
Beyond these top ingredients, the list continues with various beneficial additions. Notably, salmon oil is included, which is a valuable source of EPA and DHA, omega-3 fatty acids known for their high bioavailability and health benefits for dogs.
Chelated minerals are also present in Kismet dog food. These minerals are bound to proteins, enhancing their absorption in the digestive system. The use of chelated minerals is often indicative of higher-quality dog food formulations.
Taurine, an amino acid crucial for heart muscle function, is included. While not always considered essential for dogs, some may benefit from its supplementation.
Sodium selenite, a source of selenium, is used. There are varying opinions on sodium selenite versus selenium yeast, with selenium yeast often considered a more natural and potentially better absorbed source.
Dried chicory root, rich in inulin, is incorporated. Inulin is a prebiotic soluble fiber that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the dog’s gut, contributing to digestive health.
Lastly, dried fermentation products are added, functioning as probiotics to further support healthy digestion in Kismet dog food.
Nutrient Profile Analysis of Kismet Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Based on its ingredient composition, Kismet Chicken and Barley Nugs appears to be an above-average freeze-dried dog food option.
The guaranteed analysis reveals a dry matter protein content of 28%, a fat level of 16%, and an estimated carbohydrate content of 49%.
Across the Kismet dog food freeze-dried range, the average protein content is 28%, and the mean fat level is 16%. This translates to an average carbohydrate content of 49% and a fat-to-protein ratio of 56%.
Compared to typical freeze-dried dog foods, Kismet dog food exhibits near-average protein, carbohydrate, and fat levels, placing it within a balanced nutritional range for this food type.
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Kismet Dog Food Recall History
As of February 2025, there are no reported recalls associated with Kismet dog food.
For a comprehensive list of dog food recalls since 2009, you can refer to here.
Our Overall Rating of Kismet Dog Food
Kismet dog food, being a relatively new entrant in the pet food market, demonstrates promising quality. Our review suggests it’s a commendable choice for dog owners seeking a freeze-dried option.
A minor point of consideration is the limited transparency surrounding the sourcing of ingredients. Enhanced clarity in this area would further strengthen the brand’s credibility.
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About the Kismet Dog Food Brand
Kismet dog food marks the first business venture from celebrity personalities John Legend and Chrissy Teigen.
In developing Kismet, they collaborated with board-certified veterinary nutritionists and formulation experts to create a line of high-quality, convenient, and affordable dry dog food.
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How Kismet Dog Food Compares
Interested in seeing how Kismet dog food stacks up against other top-rated brands recommended by The Dog Food Advisor? Explore our comparisons to make the best choice for your dog’s nutritional needs.
Sources
1: Association of American Feed Control Officials
A Final Note
The Dog Food Advisor maintains an unbiased review process and does not accept compensation for favorable reviews. We may, however, receive referral fees from online retailers like Chewy or Amazon when readers purchase through our links. This helps us sustain our free blog. Thank you for your support.
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