I am always on the look for quality Canadian-made dog food for my pooch, Rio. As a canine nutritionist by trade, I am very critical of dog food from the ingredients to how it's made. I always have friends and family asking what they should feed their dog and as much as I want to tell them that Kabo is the best, I also understand that there is not one blanket dog food that works for every dog. Recently, one of my close friends asked me about Nutram Pet Products and if it is a good food to feed their pup. Without much prior knowledge on the brand, I did an unbiased review on their food and here’s what I found…
About the brand
Nutram is a Canadian pet food company that offers a range of pet products, including food for dogs and cats. They claim to use high-quality ingredients in their formulations to provide balanced nutrition for pets. According to their website, “they are a family-owned pet wellness company with a holistic approach to pet nutrition. Nutram’s team of in-house Certified Nutritionists and Holistic Experts craft each recipe to maximize nutrient absorption.”
The good
There are a lot of good things to note about Nutram’s food. While we can never really know what goes on behind the closed doors of a company, at face value Nutram has some good things going for them in terms of dog food. Here are a few things that Nutram is doing right:
High protein
As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 36% and a mean fat level of 19%. This is an above average amount of protein for a pet store brand, which usually averages about 20-30% protein. To me this indicates 2 things:
- That Nutram uses a high quality meat source in their diets instead of relying on cheaper ingredients such as meat and bone meal.
- There are either very few or no filler ingredients used. Like Kabo recipes, every ingredient in Nutram diets seem to be added in order to serve a nutritional purpose.
Overall, Nutram diets contain above-average protein, above-average fat and below-average carbs when compared to other typical kibbles.
Quality ingredients
Nutram emphasizes the use of high-quality, natural ingredients in their formulas. Their recipes often include real meat sources, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, ensuring that dogs receive essential nutrients for optimal health.
Canadian made
We love Canadian made pet food! The company is headquartered and manufactured in Elmira, Ontario.
No formal recalls
I like to use the FDA pet food recall database to check on whether there has been an official recall on a certain pet food product. To date, Nutram has had no recalls. It is important to note however that Canada has no governing body for pet food like the USA does. Therefore, there may have been some quiet recalls or changes to recipes without the public’s knowledge.
Formulated to meet AAFCO standards
Nutram strives to maintain that their diets are complete and blanched and do this by formulating their diets according to AAFCO guidelines.
The bad
There aren't too many bad things to say about Nutram, however nothing is perfect. Here a few things to consider about Nutram:
No wet food options:
Whether it’s raw, fresh cooked or canned, it is important for kibble companies to also provide their customers with a wet or moist option. Feeding your dog wet food can offer several benefits, depending on the specific product and your dog's individual needs. Here are some potential advantages of incorporating wet food into your dog's diet:
- Moisture content: Wet dog food contains a high water content, which helps keep your dog hydrated, especially if they don't drink enough water on their own. Adequate hydration is crucial for overall health and can support kidney function.
- Palatability: Many dogs find wet food more palatable and flavorful than dry kibble, which can be especially helpful for picky eaters or dogs with dental issues that make chewing difficult.
- Nutrition: High-quality wet dog foods often contain a balanced mix of nutrients, including proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, which can support your dog's overall health and well-being.
- Digestibility: The soft texture of wet food can be easier for some dogs to digest, making it a suitable option for dogs with sensitive stomachs or gastrointestinal issues.
- Appetite stimulation: Wet food's appealing aroma and taste can encourage dogs that have lost their appetite or are recovering from illness to eat.
- Weight management: Some wet dog foods are formulated to be lower in calories, which can be beneficial for dogs needing to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
- Dental health: Contrary to popular belief, wet food alone may not be enough to keep your dog's teeth clean, but its softer texture might help reduce tartar buildup compared to crunchy dry kibble.
- Senior dogs: Older dogs with dental problems or decreased appetite may find wet food more manageable and enjoyable.
Final thoughts
Ultimately, I would recommend Nutram to pet owners considering the brand. They have a variety of diets with quality ingredients that are well balanced. However, if you have a dog with allergies, it may be best to consider something else. It's important to note that pet food formulations and product lines can change over time, and there might have been updates or changes to Nutram's offerings since my last update. Therefore, for the most current and detailed information about Nutram dog food, I recommend visiting their official website or consulting with a veterinarian who can provide specific recommendations based on your dog's individual needs.
