Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Dog Food Review
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Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Holistic Pet Nutrition makes dog food, cat food, and pet supplements.
Their dog foods are holistic and they produce diets that are grain-free and grain-inclusive, as well as some specialty formulas for different breeds. Dr. Gary’s Best Breed dog food emphasizes common-sense nutrition and high quality ingredients.
Keep reading our review of Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Dog Food to determine if it is right for your dog.
Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Dog Food: Top 5 Recipes Reviewed
| Product Name | Food Type |
Protein |
kcal/Kg/kcal/cup |
| Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Holistic German Dry Dog Food | Dry | 25% | 456 kcal/cup |
| Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Holistic Large Breed Dry Dog Food | Dry | 25% | 456 kcal/cup |
| Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Holistic Puppy Diet Dry Dog Food | Dry | 25% | 465 kcal/cup |
| Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Holistic Grain-Free Chicken with Fruits & Vegetables Dry Dog Food | Dry | 32% | 455 kcal/cup |
| Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Holistic Senior Reduced Calorie Dry Dog Food | Dry | 31% | 471 kcal/cup |
About Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Dog Food
Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Kibbles, founded in 1994 by Dr. Gary Cotton, DVM, are a family-owned, privately held company based in Findlay, Ohio.
The brand was inspired by Dr. Gary’s work as a veterinarian, where he discovered nutritionally-related health problems in pets and believed that changing their diet would improve their health.
The company’s philosophy is based on “Common Sense Nutrition,” which includes high-quality ingredients, no animal by-products, cheap fillers, gluten, and artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors.
Sourcing And Manufacturing
Dr. Gary’s Best Breed is made with ingredients that are European Union-approved, which sometimes have to meet a higher standard than foods under USDA approval. The company uses no ingredients from China.
Diets are made using a slow-cook, low-temperature extruding process, so natural vitamins, minerals, and proteins are not compromised. Food is made in small batches so quality and consistency can be closely monitored. This also means the food is always fresh when you buy it.
Dr. Gary’s Best Breed uses no artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors; and no animal by-products, corn, wheat, soy, or gluten. They only use ethoxyquin-free sources of fish.
Dr. Gary’s Best Breed has previously been manufactured by BrightPet Nutrition Group, which also makes Adirondack and Blackwood dog foods, among others. However, we’re not sure where Dr. Gary’s kibbles are made at this time.
Recall History
We did not find any recalls listed for Dr. Gary’s Best Breed dog foods online.
What Kinds of Dog Food Does Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Offer?
Dr. Gary’s Best Breed currently makes 18 formulas for dogs. The diets can be divided into three different types:
Holistic Grain-free
- Grain-Free Red Meat Recipe Buffalo and Lamb
- Grain-Free Chicken with Fruits & Vegetables
- Grain-Free Salmon with Fruits & Vegetables
Holistic
- Chicken with Vegetables and Herbs
- Lamb Meal with Fruits and Vegetables
- All Breed Dog Diet
- Salmon with Vegetables and Herbs
- Large Breed Dog Diet
- Puppy Diet
- Senior Dog Diet: Reduced Calorie
- Freshwater Recipe Catfish & Whole Grains
- Small Breed Recipe: Chicken, Whole Grains and Vegetables
Holistic Specialty
- Poodle Dog Diet
- Working Dog Diet: High Calorie
- German Dog Diet
- Field Dog Diet
- Schnauzer Dog Diet
- Cocker Spaniel Dog Diet
Most of these diets are available on Chewy.com.
Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Dog Food: Top Five Recipes Reviewed
Here’s a look at some of the bestselling Dr. Gary’s Best Breed dog food recipes on Chewy.com to give you an idea of what’s popular and what other dog lovers are choosing for their dogs.
DR. GARY'S BEST BREED HOLISTIC GERMAN DRY DOG FOOD
Product Info
- Protein: 25% Min
- Fat: 12% Min
- Fiber: 4.5% Max
- Moisture: 10% Max
- Caloric Content: 3,869 kcal / kg | 466 kcal / cup
Here’s a look at the main ingredients in this food:
Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat [Preserved with Natural Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)], Egg Product, Brewers Dried Yeast, Natural Chicken Flavor, Menhaden Fish Meal, Lecithin, Menhaden Fish Oil, Kelp Meal, Sea Salt, Taurine, Flax Seed, Canola Oil, Calcium Carbonate, L-Lysine, New Zealand Sea Mussel, DL Methionine, Ascorbic Acid, Glucosamine, Vitamin E Supplement, Biotin, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Citric Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Potassium Chloride, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate.
While this formula says that it’s made for German breeds, it’s especially good for large and giant dogs such as Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Dobermans. The diet contains glucosamine and New Zealand sea mussels, for example, which are good for joints and mobility – things that can be an issue for very big dogs.
Note that there are differences between the nutrient values provided by Chewy.com and those found on the label. We have used the information found on the label.
The dry matter basis (DMB) figures for this food are: 27.8 percent protein, 13.3 percent fat, 5 percent fiber, and 46.1 percent carbohydrates. It has 456 kcal/cup.
Our rating for this food is 5 out of 5 stars.
DR. GARY'S BEST BREED HOLISTIC LARGE BREED DRY DOG FOOD
Product Info
- Protein: 26% Min
- Fat: 15% Min
- Fiber: 4% Max
- Moisture: 10% Max
- Caloric Content: 4,213 kcal / kg | 472 kcal / cup
Here’s a look at the main ingredients in this food:
Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat [Preserved with Natural Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)], Egg Product, Pearled Barley, Brewers Dried Yeast, Menhaden Fish Meal, Natural Chicken Flavor, Lecithin, Menhaden Fish Oil, Flax Seed, Canola Oil, Calcium Carbonate, DL Methionine, L-Lysine, Monosodium Phosphate, Salt, Taurine, Cranberry, Alfalfa Meal, New Zealand Sea Mussel, Ascorbic Acid, Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), Glucosamine, Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product Dehydrated, Kelp Meal, Vitamin E Supplement, Biotin, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Citric Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Potassium Chloride, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate.
This formula contains New Zealand sea mussels as well as glucosamine which can both be beneficial for a large dog’s joints.
While this food looks very similar to Dr. Gary's Best Breed Holistic German Dry Dog Food, this large breed formula contains some probiotics that are not found in the other formula.
Note that there are differences between the nutrient values provided by Chewy.com and those found on the label. We have used the information found on the label.
Dr. Gary's Best Breed Holistic Large Breed Dry Dog Food has 27.8 percent protein and 14.4 percent fat, according to the dry matter basis (DMB). It has 5 percent fiber. Our estimate of the carbohydrates is 45 percent. It has 456 kcal per cup.
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars.
DR. GARY'S BEST BREED HOLISTIC PUPPY DIET DRY DOG FOOD
Product Info
- Protein: 25% Min
- Fa: 13% Min
- Fiber: 3 % Max
- Moisture: 10% Max
- Caloric Content: 3,941 kcal / kg | 456 kcal / cup
Here’s a look at the main ingredients in this food:
Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat [Preserved with Natural Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)], Egg Product, Brewers Dried Yeast, Natural Flavor, Menhaden Fish Meal, Lecithin, Menhaden Fish Oil, Kelp Meal, Sea Salt, Taurine, Flax Seed, Canola Oil, Calcium Carbonate, L-Lysine, DL Methionine, Ascorbic Acid, Glucosamine, Vitamin E Supplement, Biotin, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Citric Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Potassium Chloride, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate.
Note that there are a few differences between the nutrient values provided by Chewy.com and those found on the bag label. We have used the values found on the label.
This formula has 27.8 percent protein and 14.4 percent fat, according to the dry matter basis (DMB). It has 3.3 percent fiber. Our estimate of the carbohydrates in the food came out to 45 percent DMB. It has 465 kcals per cup.
Our rating for this food is 4.5 out of 5 stars.
DR. GARY'S BEST BREED HOLISTIC GRAIN-FREE CHICKEN WITH FRUITS & VEGETABLES DRY DOG FOOD
Product Info
- Protein: 32% Min
- Fat: 17% Min
- Fiber: 4% Max
- Moisture: 10% Max
- Caloric Content: 3,941 kcal / kg | 456 kcal / cup
Here’s a look at the main ingredients in this food:
Chicken Meal, Red Lentils, Chickpeas, Green Peas, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Natural Mixed Tocopherols), Duck Meal, Carrots, Celery, Beets, Parsley, Lettuce, Watercress, Spinach, Canola Oil, Natural Chicken Flavor, Ground Flax Seed, Menhaden Fish Oil, Lecithin, Calcium Carbonate, Kelp Meal, New Zealand Green Mussel, Cranberries, Blueberries, Salt, Taurine, D/L Methionine, Choline Chloride, Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product Dehydrated, L-Lysine, L-Carnitine, Vitamin E Supplement, Glucosamine, Ascorbic Acid, Biotin, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Citric Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Potassium Chloride, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate.
As you can see, this grain-free formula features red lentils, chickpeas, and green peas in the first five ingredients. It has been suggested (but not proven) that these ingredients could be linked in some dogs to a nutritional form of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Some experts have recommended avoiding foods that use large amounts of these ingredients, such as in the first five ingredients listed.
Note that the nutrient values provided by Chewy.com are incorrect. Check the bag label for correct nutrient information. We have used the nutrient values from the label.
According to the dry matter analysis for this food, it has 35.6 percent protein, 18.9 percent fat, and 4.4 percent fiber. Our estimate of the carbohydrates in the food came out to 33.3 percent. It contains 455 kcal per cup.
Our rating for this food is 3 out of 5 stars.
DR. GARY'S BEST BREED HOLISTIC SENIOR REDUCED CALORIE DRY DOG FOOD
Product Info
- Protein: 21% Min
- Fat: 7% Min
- Fiber: 4% Max
- Moisture: 10% Max
- Caloric Content: 3,903 kcal / kg | 449 kcal / cup
Here’s a look at the main ingredients in this food:
Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Sorghum, Dried Beet Pulp, Tomato Pomace, Chicken Fat [Preserved with Natural Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)], Brewers Dried Yeast, Natural Flavor, Flax Seed, Menhaden Fish Meal, Calcium Carbonate, Lecithin, Kelp Meal, Sea Salt, Taurine, Dried Skimmed Milk, Canola Oil, Menhaden Fish Oil, DL Methionine, L-Lysine, New Zealand Sea Mussel, Glucosamine, Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Biotin, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Citric Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Potassium Chloride, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate.
This would not be a good food if your older dog is already thin because it’s very low in fat. Carbs are very high in this food but with changes in metabolism, an older dog may be able to digest some carbs better as they age.
The ingredients in this food look good. Our chief concern is the very low fat percentage. Carbs may help your dog feel fuller. It’s a trade off.
Note that the nutrient values provided by Chewy.com are not the same as those on the bag. We have used the values from the bag.
This formula has 23.3 percent protein and 10 percent fat, according to the dry matter basis (DMB). It has 5 percent fiber. Our estimate of the carbohydrates in the food came out to 53.9 percent DMB. It contains 471 kcal per cup.
Our rating for this food is 3.5 out of 5 stars.
How Much Does Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Dog Food Cost?
Dr. Gary’s Best Breed is comparable in price to other premium dog foods.
What Do Customers Think Of Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Dog Food?
Dr. Gary’s Best Breed gets very good ratings from customers. Most customers (over 95 percent) say they would recommend various Dr. Gary’s Best Breed dog foods to others. Most recipes (over 85 percent) get 4- or 5-star reviews.
Overall, Is Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Dog Food a Good Choice?
Yes, we think Dr. Gary’s Best Breed dog food has some very good recipes. Most of their holistic, grain-inclusive foods are very good.
There are some slight differences in the foods in terms of nutrients, so check the labels to make sure the food has the protein, fat, and other nutrients and ingredients you want for your dog.
Where is Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Dog Food Sold?
You can find Dr. Gary’s Best Breed dog food at Chewy.com and other online retailers. You can also buy Dr. Gary’s Best Breed at some pet supply stores.
