Crave dog food positions itself as a brand inspired by the ancestral diet of canines, emphasizing high protein content to fuel active dogs. But Is Crave A Good Dog Food option for your furry friend? This in-depth review dives into Crave’s ingredients, recipes, pros, cons, and customer feedback to help you make an informed decision. We’ll analyze if Crave lives up to its promise and whether it aligns with your dog’s specific dietary needs and activity level.
Crave Dog Food: Product Range and Flavors
Unlike some brands with an overwhelming number of options, Crave keeps its product line relatively streamlined. The core offerings include dry and wet dog food formulas.
- Crave Dry Dog Food: Four grain-free recipes featuring real meat or fish as the primary ingredient.
- Crave Wet Dog Food: Three high-protein pâté varieties using real meat as the main ingredient.
It’s worth noting that Crave also markets pet food in the UK with different formulations. These products aren’t designed to meet AAFCO standards, so this review will focus on the US product line.
Crave Dry Dog Food: An In-Depth Look
The Crave dry dog food recipes all prioritize animal protein. While real meat is the first ingredient, the impressive 34% crude protein content is also boosted by the inclusion of meat or fish meal. This concentrated protein source helps to meet the high protein claim.
Alt text: Crave Dry Dog Food bag showing the ingredient highlights and the brand logo.
Each recipe contains at least two different animal protein sources, meaning they aren’t single-source protein diets, which is important for dogs with specific protein sensitivities. All recipes contain chicken fat, which may be a concern for dogs with poultry allergies.
In place of grains, Crave uses split peas and lentils, providing plant-based protein and fiber. The ingredient list avoids artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, relying instead on supplemented vitamins and minerals to meet AAFCO nutritional standards.
Crave Dry Dog Food Flavors:
- Grain-Free Adult Dog Food with Protein From Beef
- Grain-Free Adult Dog Food with Protein From Chicken
- Grain-Free Adult Dog Food with Protein From Lamb
- Grain-Free Adult Dog Food with Protein From Whitefish and Salmon
Crave Wet Dog Food: Protein-Packed Paté
The Crave canned dog food range consists of three protein-rich options. Similar to the dry food, real chicken, beef, or turkey is the first ingredient, followed by broth and organ meats. These recipes are grain-free and low in carbohydrates and vegetables.
Alt text: Crave Wet Dog Food cans with flavors including Chicken, Beef, and Turkey.
The wet recipes are free from artificial preservatives and flavors. However, they do contain guar gum, a natural thickening agent approved by the FDA but considered controversial by some due to potential digestive effects in sensitive dogs.
Crave Wet Dog Food Flavors:
- High-Protein Chicken Paté
- High-Protein Beef Paté
- High-Protein Turkey Paté
Why Crave Dog Food Might Be a Good Choice
Several factors contribute to Crave’s appeal as a dog food brand:
- Excellent Protein Levels: The 34% crude protein in dry food and high protein content in wet food supports energy, muscle development, and overall health.
- High-Quality Ingredients: Real meat or fish is always the first ingredient, and additional protein comes from reputable sources.
- Grain-Free Formulation: A grain-free diet may be beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs or grain intolerances.
- No Recall History: Crave dog food has not been recalled, indicating a commitment to quality and safety in their manufacturing processes in US facilities.
Potential Concerns and Considerations
Despite its positive attributes, Crave dog food may not be suitable for all dogs:
- Adult Dogs Only: Crave formulas are designed to meet the nutritional needs of adult dogs, but are unsuitable for puppies or pregnant/nursing mothers.
- Limited Availability of Wet Food: The wet food varieties can be difficult to find in some retail locations, limiting accessibility.
- Premium Price Point: The high-quality ingredients come at a cost, potentially making Crave less accessible for budget-conscious pet parents.
- High Fat Content: The higher fat levels may not be ideal for less active dogs, potentially leading to weight gain.
What Pet Parents Are Saying About Crave
Customer reviews offer valuable insights into real-world experiences with Crave dog food. Many pet parents praise the food’s palatability, high protein content, and positive impact on their dogs’ energy levels and overall health.
Some reviewers express concerns about the bag’s recyclability and ease of opening, while others wish for larger bag sizes. The price point is also a common consideration.
Overall, customer feedback suggests that Crave is a well-received dog food brand, particularly among owners of active dogs who benefit from the high protein content.
Crave Dog Food: Brand History and Ownership
Crave dog food was launched in 2017 by Mars Petcare US, a division of Mars, Incorporated. Mars has a long history in the pet food industry, owning other well-known brands such as Nutro, Cesar, and Royal Canin.
Is Crave a Good Dog Food? The Final Verdict
So, is Crave a good dog food? The answer depends on your dog’s individual needs and circumstances. If you have an active adult dog without poultry allergies or sensitivities to guar gum, and you’re willing to pay a premium price for high-quality, high-protein food, then Crave may be an excellent choice.
However, if you have a puppy, pregnant dog, or a less active dog prone to weight gain, you may want to explore other options. Consider consulting with your veterinarian to determine the best dog food for your pet’s specific needs.
