Considering switching to air-dried dog food but feeling overwhelmed by choices? You’re not alone! Air-dried dog food is gaining popularity as a convenient and nutritious alternative to fresh or raw meals.
When I discovered Badlands Ranch Dog Food, a new player in the human-grade air-dried market, I knew I had to test it out with my Alaskan Klee Kais, Skye and Copper. As a dog owner who prioritizes convenience without compromising on quality, air-dried food has always appealed to me.
In this comprehensive Badlands Ranch dog food review, I’ll delve into the pros and cons, offering my honest verdict based on my experience with my notoriously picky eaters. I’ll also guide you on where to purchase Badlands Ranch if you’re eager to give it a try for your canine companion.
Having reviewed numerous dog food brands, my dogs are no strangers to air-dried options. They particularly enjoyed Sundays Food For Dogs, another excellent air-dried brand. In fact, I’ve even written a detailed comparison between Badlands Ranch and Sundays, which you can find here if you’re interested in a side-by-side analysis.
Pros of Badlands Ranch Dog Food
Human-Grade Ingredients for Optimal Canine Health
The cornerstone of any high-quality dog food is its ingredients. For me, human-grade ingredients are non-negotiable. My Alaskan Klee Kais are prone to sensitive stomachs, so natural, wholesome ingredients are crucial for their well-being. Badlands Ranch stood out immediately because of their commitment to using USDA-certified meats and fresh, vibrant produce like fruits and vegetables in their recipes.
Knowing that Copper and Skye were consuming Badlands Ranch human-grade dog food provided immense peace of mind. It’s a testament to the brand’s dedication to quality and canine nutrition. This focus on high-quality ingredients is a major Badlands Ranch dog food advantage.
Superfood Boost for Enhanced Vitality
Badlands Ranch Superfood Complete recipes intrigued me from the start. The inclusion of superfoods is a unique selling point and signals a focus on holistic canine health. I explored their website to understand the specific benefits of these superfoods. Badlands Ranch emphasizes that their formulas are designed to support crucial aspects of dog health, including skin and coat health, digestive function, immune system strength, and sustained energy levels.
While I’m not a veterinarian or canine nutritionist, the superfood aspect of Badlands Ranch dog food is definitely appealing. Dog owners often seek supplements to address these specific health areas, so the potential for a food to naturally provide this support is significant. It would be insightful to consult with a vet to determine if Badlands Ranch could potentially reduce or eliminate the need for additional supplements.
The superfood element sets Badlands Ranch apart from many other dog food brands I’ve encountered in my quest to find the best nutrition for Copper and Skye. It’s a distinctive feature that highlights their commitment to going beyond basic nutritional needs.
Gentle Air-Drying for Flavor and Nutrients
I moved away from traditional kibble long ago because it didn’t sit well with Skye’s sensitive stomach. She often refused to eat kibble, making meal times stressful. Discovering that Badlands Ranch utilizes a gentle air-drying method was a game-changer.
Air-drying is known to preserve the natural flavors and nutritional integrity of ingredients far better than high-heat cooking methods used for kibble. In theory, this gentle process should result in a more palatable and nutrient-rich food for dogs. Badlands Ranch air-dried dog food aims to deliver on both flavor and nutritional value.
Convenience of Air-Dried Format for Busy Owners
As a busy business owner and parent, convenience is paramount. While I’ve relied on fresh dog food services like Butternut Box or The Farmer’s Dog in the past, air-dried dog food like Badlands Ranch and Sundays Food For Dogs offers a significant advantage in terms of storage and preparation.
Unlike fresh food, Badlands Ranch dog food doesn’t require freezer space or thawing. You simply open the bag, scoop out the portion, reseal it, and store it in your pantry. This simplicity is incredibly appealing for anyone with a hectic lifestyle. The convenience factor of Badlands Ranch is a major draw for busy dog owners.
Treat-Like Texture and High Meat Content for Picky Eaters
If you have a fussy dog, the treat-like texture of Badlands Ranch might be the solution you’ve been searching for. Its resemblance to jerky is undeniable, and this texture is highly enticing to dogs.
My dogs, Copper and Skye, were immediately drawn to Badlands Ranch. They would eagerly anticipate meal times, rushing to my side whenever they heard the bag being opened, clearly mistaking it for treats! Badlands Ranch dog food proudly states on their packaging that their recipes contain an impressive 87% meat content. This is significantly higher than many fresh dog foods, which typically range from 40-60% meat in my experience. (It’s worth noting that Sundays Food For Dogs claims an even higher meat content of 90%.) This high meat content and appealing texture are key factors in why Badlands Ranch is often successful with picky eaters.
Picky Eater Approved – A Win for Fussy Dogs
The ultimate test for any dog food is whether dogs actually enjoy eating it, especially picky eaters. Did Copper and Skye enjoy Badlands Ranch Superfood Complete? The answer is a resounding yes!
Having previously fed them Sundays For Dogs with great success, I suspected they would also appreciate Badlands Ranch due to its similar texture. If you have a picky eater, I highly recommend trying the beef recipe, which was a clear favorite for my Alaskan Klee Kais. Skye, my particularly fussy eater, consistently finished her Badlands Ranch meals without any hesitation, making it a definite win in my book. Badlands Ranch dog food truly earns the “picky eater approved” badge.
Cons of Badlands Ranch Dog Food
Premium Price Point – A Consideration for Budget-Conscious Owners
It’s important to be upfront about the cost. Badlands Ranch dog food falls into the premium price category, meaning it will be more expensive than conventional kibble found in most pet stores. This is a common factor with fresh and air-dried dog food services, reflecting the higher quality ingredients and gentler processing methods.
The premium price of Badlands Ranch might be a significant consideration for pet parents on a tight budget. It’s essential to weigh the benefits against the cost to determine if it aligns with your financial circumstances.
More Expensive Than Some Other Air-Dried Dog Food Options
While Badlands Ranch is reasonably priced within the dog food delivery service market, it’s worth noting that it is more expensive than some other air-dried dog food brands, specifically Sundays Food For Dogs.
For instance, a month’s supply of Badlands Ranch for Copper and Skye cost me $170.85. In comparison, Sundays Food For Dogs costs $139.98 per month for the same dogs. This represents a monthly saving of nearly $31 and an annual saving of approximately $372 by choosing Sundays over Badlands Ranch. The price difference between Badlands Ranch and competitors is a factor to consider.
Smaller Bag Sizes – Requiring More Frequent Ordering
Badlands Ranch dog food comes in smaller bag sizes, which means you’ll need to order more bags to meet your dog’s monthly food requirements. Each bag weighs approximately 24oz / 680g.
This isn’t a major drawback, but it’s a detail to be aware of. I also found that the bag design wasn’t very stable, and the bags didn’t stand upright well. Consequently, I had to lay them flat in my pantry, which took up more shelf space than expected. The smaller bag size of Badlands Ranch and bag design are minor inconveniences.
Limited Customization Options Compared to Competitors
Unlike some other pet food companies, Badlands Ranch doesn’t offer extensive customization options during the sign-up process. You don’t have the opportunity to input specific details about your dog, such as breed, age, weight, activity level, or allergies.
For some pet parents, this might be a welcome simplification, leading to a quicker and less complicated sign-up. However, dog owners accustomed to highly personalized fresh dog food delivery services might find this lack of customization disappointing. The limited customization of Badlands Ranch is a potential drawback for owners seeking tailored meal plans.
Would I Recommend Badlands Ranch Dog Food?
If you’re a dog owner exploring air-dried dog food, I would generally recommend Badlands Ranch dog food. They meet many of my key criteria when evaluating dog food delivery services: human-grade ingredients, gentle cooking methods, and high meat content.
However, it’s important to acknowledge the limited customization compared to some other dry dog food brands I’ve reviewed. This is something to consider based on your individual needs and preferences.
My dogs, Copper and Skye, enjoyed eating Badlands Ranch, and that’s a significant positive. Skye, my picky eater, readily ate most of her meals with minimal encouragement. I also appreciated the versatility of Badlands Ranch – it worked well as training treats and as a high-value distraction during walks.
While I believe Badlands Ranch is a solid choice, I still lean towards Sundays Food For Dogs as a more versatile air-dried dog food option overall. Sundays offers greater customization, a more affordable price point, and was even more popular with my dogs. You can delve deeper into the differences between Badlands Ranch and Sundays in my comparison article.
In conclusion, Badlands Ranch is a good air-dried dog food choice for owners seeking convenience and quality, but it’s worth weighing the pros and cons against other available options.
Where To Buy Badlands Ranch Dog Food?
If you’re interested in trying Badlands Ranch dog food, you can order directly from their website.
New subscribers can often save up to 60% on their first order by clicking through the link below.
CLICK HERE TO SAVE UP TO 60% on BADLANDS RANCH
Conclusion: Badlands Ranch – A Decent Air-Dried Option in a Competitive Market
We’ve reached the end of my Badlands Ranch dog food review. I’ve shared my comprehensive pros and cons based on my personal experience testing Badlands Ranch with my picky Alaskan Klee Kai dogs.
As a dog owner with seven years of experience reviewing dog food, my perspective is grounded in practical testing and observation.
Badlands Ranch is a commendable dry dog food option, and I’m confident that many dog owners will have a positive experience introducing their air-dried recipes to their dogs. While I believe there are superior alternatives available, Badlands Ranch still delivers a good quality product.
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Kieran Beckles
Kieran runs Life With Klee Kai on social media and other online platforms alongside his wife Yasmin. With over 10 years of experience as a journalist and a passionate dog owner, Kieran loves to combine his passion for pets and writing to share useful insights and product reviews to help other dog owners.