Stella and Chewy’s is a popular brand in the raw dog food market, known for its freeze-dried dinners. But is Stella and Chewy’s good dog food? This review will analyze Stella and Chewy’s Freeze Dried Dinners, looking at ingredient quality, nutrient content, recall history, and overall value to help you make an informed decision for your furry friend.
Stella and Chewy's Freeze Dried Raw Chewy's Chicken Dinner Patties – A top-rated raw dog food option.
Stella and Chewy’s Freeze Dried Dinners: An Overview
The Stella and Chewy’s Freeze Dried Dinners product line includes 13 recipes with ratings ranging from 3 to 5 stars, averaging 4 stars overall. While some recipes receive lower ratings due to high fat-to-protein ratios, the brand is recognized for using high-quality ingredients, including organic produce, making it a commendable choice.
Recipe and Label Analysis: Chewy’s Chicken Dinner Patties
To represent the entire line, we’ll analyze Stella and Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Chewy’s Chicken Dinner Patties.
Key Ingredients
- Chicken (with ground bone)
- Chicken Liver
- Chicken Gizzard
- Pumpkin Seed
- Organic Cranberries
- Organic Spinach
- Organic Broccoli
- Organic Beets
- Organic Carrots
- Organic Squash
- Organic Blueberries
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
- Protein: 50.5%
- Fat: 29.5%
- Carbs: 12%
- Fiber: 5% (estimated)
Ingredients Analysis: What Makes Stella and Chewy’s Stand Out?
The ingredient list reveals a focus on high-quality animal protein and nutrient-rich produce.
- Chicken: As the first ingredient, chicken provides essential amino acids for dogs. The inclusion of ground bone offers a natural source of calcium.
- Chicken Liver and Gizzard: These organ meats are considered beneficial components, offering a concentrated source of vitamins and minerals. Chicken gizzard is a lean protein source and canine dietary delicacy.
- Pumpkin Seeds: Rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and linoleic acid (an omega-6 fat).
- Organic Fruits and Vegetables: Cranberries, spinach, broccoli, beets, and carrots provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The organic certification ensures these ingredients are free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and hormones.
- Dried Fermentation Products: Added to provide enzymes that support digestion.
- Taurine: An amino acid that supports healthy heart function. Its inclusion is particularly beneficial in grain-free diets, where taurine deficiencies may be more common.
- Chelated Minerals: Minerals chemically attached to protein, enhancing their absorption.
- Sodium Selenite: The ingredient list also contains sodium selenite, a controversial form of selenium. Selenium yeast is a superior source of selenium.
Nutrient Analysis: A Balanced Profile?
Stella and Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Chewy’s Chicken Dinner Patties demonstrates a superior raw product profile.
- Dry Matter Protein: 51%
- Fat: 30%
- Estimated Carbohydrates: 12%
The overall product line averages 45% protein and 35% fat, resulting in an average carbohydrate content of 12%. The fat-to-protein ratio is approximately 81%.
Compared to typical raw dog food, Stella & Chewy’s product line offers above-average protein and fat, and below-average carbs. Free from plant-based protein boosters, it showcases the profile of a product rich in meat.
Stella & Chewy Dog Food Recall History
It’s crucial to stay informed about a brand’s recall history. You can find a comprehensive list of dog food recalls, including those related to Stella & Chewy, to assess the brand’s safety record.
Is Stella and Chewy’s Good Dog Food? Our Rating
Stella and Chewy’s Freeze Dried Dinners is a grain-free raw dog food that utilizes a generous amount of named meats and organs as its primary source of animal protein, earning it a 4-star rating.
While some recipes may have high fat-to-protein ratios, the overall quality of ingredients and the inclusion of organic produce make it a worthwhile consideration. When deciding is Stella and Chewy’s good dog food for your pet, consider the individual recipe’s nutrient profile and your dog’s specific dietary needs.
