- No Synthetic Additives: Free from chemically synthesized vitamins, minerals, amino acids, or pre-mixes.
- No Corn, Soy, GMO : Most formulas avoid these common allergens.
- Added Taurine: Addresses concerns over cardiomyopathy in grain-free recipes and supports heart health.
- Rigorous Quality Control: Extensive testing protocols, including mycotoxin and microbiological tests.
- Fresh Meat and Fish: Uses 100% fresh (pastured or wild caught), real meat instead of meat meal, fats, or dehydrated meat.
- Bio-available probiotics:
- Gentle Cooking Method: Uses a gentle oven-drying process that seems to preserve more nutrients compared to traditional extrusion methods.
- No Artificial Preservatives: Avoids all preservatives, including mixed tocopherols.
- Human-Grade Meat: Ingredients not explicitly labeled as human-grade.
- Comprehensive Nutrient Profile: Guarantees 64 nutrients supplied only by true food ingredients.
- Potential for Nutrient Variability: Relying solely on whole food sources for vitamins and minerals may lead to some variability in nutrient levels between batches.
- Higher Cost: The use of whole food ingredients and avoidance of synthetic additives likely results in a higher price point compared to conventional pet foods.
- Protein Content: The protein level (29%) is correct but may not be optimal for very active dogs or those needing higher protein diets.
- Presence of Gluten: but in small amounts
Carna4 Dry Food Review Review Ratings
We will provide a detailed analysis of one recipe, followed by quick reviews of a few other recipes from the brand.
Carna4® Grain-free Duck
83/100
Ingredients : Duck, pork liver, eggs, ground organic sprouted barley seed, herring, ground fava beans, sweet potato, ground organic sprouted flaxseed, ground organic sprouted lentils, ground organic sprouted peas, potato starch, apples, carrots, sea salt, kelp.
| Criteria | Evaluation | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Carbohydrate Levels | 🟠 Average – 32% | At 32%, the carbohydrate content is still ok but slightly higher than ideal. This level may be be monitored, especially for less active dogs or those with diabetes or weight issues. |
| Protein Levels | 🟠 Average – 29% | The 29% protein level may be sufficient for maintaining good general health in dogs. However, for very active breeds or those with high muscle mass, a higher protein intake could be beneficial. |
| Protein-to-Calorie Ratio | 🟠 Average – 64 | With a PCR of 64, this product falls in the lower range. This suggests that energy is mainly provided by fats and especially carbohydrates. Except for special cases, this is not ideal. |
| Protein-to-Phosphorus Ratio | 🟠 Average – 26 | A PPR of 26 is acceptable but could be improved. A higher ratio would indicate better protein quality and potentially reduce stress on kidneys. |
| Protein-to-Ash Ratio | ❓ Non-specified | Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any information. Don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer to know this rate. |
| Fat Levels | 🟢 Good – 15% | At 15%, this fat content is within the average market range and should suit most dogs. It’s important to verify the quality of the fats used. |
| Ash Content | ❓ Non-specified | Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any information. But Carna4 provide individual details about each mineral. |
| Fiber Levels | 🟢 Good – 4% | At 4%, this fiber content is good. Fibers help regulate your dog’s stools and are essential to its diet. |
| Moisture Levels | 🟢🟢 Excellent – 10% | At 10%, this is a normal moisture level for dry dog food. It can indicate a fairly respectful cooking process. |
| Calcium Levels | 🟢 Good – 1.2% | At 1.2%, this calcium level is generally optimal and should suit a large number of dogs. Please note that the rates are indicated as minimum rates and may be higher. |
| Phosphorus Levels | 🟢 Good – 1.1% | At 1.1%, this is a reasonable phosphorus level. It’s important to note that high phosphorus concentrations may lead to kidney problems in the long term. |
| Glycemic Index of Ingredients | 🟠 Average | Carna4 use fermented source and use moderate IG sources. |
| Animal vs. Plant-Based Protein Ratio | 🟠 Average – 60-70% | With 60-70% animal proteins, this is acceptable but could be improved (this is an estimate) |
| Quality of Animal Protein Sources | 🟢🟢 Excellent | Uses 100% fresh, real meat instead of meat meal, fats, or dehydrated meat. This is a high-quality protein source. |
| Type of Preservatives Used | 🟢 Good | No preservatives used, not even mixed tocopherols. This aligns with their commitment to using only natural, whole food ingredients. |
| Manufacturing Location Transparency | 🟢 Good | Manufacturing location is clearly indicated, promoting trust and traceability. |
| Cooking or Processing Method | 🟢 Good | Uses a unique gentle oven-drying process that may preserve more nutrients compared to traditional extrusion methods. |
| Quality and Source of Fats | 🟢 Good | Uses named sources of good quality fats. No added fats are used, only those naturally present in the whole food ingredients. |
| Calcium-to-Phosphorus Ratio | 🟢 Good – 1.09:1 | At 1.09:1, this ratio falls within the ideal range of 1:1 to 1.5:1. This balance is crucial for bone health and overall metabolism. |
| Omega-6 to Omega-3 Ratio | 🟢🟢 Excellent – 1.53:1 | At 1.53:1, this ratio is excellent. It’s well within the optimal range for reducing inflammation and promoting overall health. |
| Brand Transparency and Ethical Practices | 🟢 Good | Carna4 demonstrates good transparency about their ingredients and processing methods. They’re committed to using whole food ingredients and avoiding synthetic additives. |
| Veterinary-Formulated Recipes | 🟢 Good | Formulas are tested and formulated by veterinary nutritionists. |
| Non-GMO Status | 🟢 Good | The product contains no genetically modified organisms (GMOs). |
| No Wheat, Gluten, Corn | 🟢 Good | This is a grain-free formula, so it doesn’t contain wheat, gluten, or corn. |
| Human-Grade Ingredients | 🟠 Partial | Meat comes from a factory for human consumption. |
| Organic Certification | 🟠 Partial | Uses certified organic sprouted seeds, but the entire product is not certified organic. |
| Formulas Tested and Backed by Scientific Research | 🟢 Good | Formulas are tested indicating a commitment to nutritional efficacy. |
| Added Taurine | 🟢 Taurine Added | Taurine is specifically added to the formulation, which is beneficial for heart health. |
Carna4® Easy-chew Lamb Formula Dog Food
79/100
The same high quality, but this time with lamb. The slight difference in rating is due to the higher calcium and phosphorus levels, which may indicate a meat source that’s a bit richer in bone content. While calcium is essential for healthy bones and teeth, it’s important that levels remain balanced, as excessive calcium can potentially lead to health issues, particularly in growing pets.
🥑 Fats: 15.0%
🌑 Ash: Not specified
🌾 Fiber Content: 4%
💧 Moisture: 10.0%
🦴 Calcium Content: 1.6%
🧬 Phosphorus Content: 1.0%
🔥 Metabolizable Energy: 4190 kcal/kg
🐟 Omega-3: 1.1%
🌻 Omega-6: 3.5%
🍞 Carbohydrate Content: 32%
⚖️ Protein/Calorie Ratio: 69.0
⚖️ Protein/Phosphorus Ratio: 29.0
🧮 Calcium/Phosphorus Ratio: 1.60
🔄 Omega-6/Omega-3 Ratio: 3.18
🐾 Animal protein: 60-70%
📈 High Glycemic Ingredients: Out of Top 5
🔄 Fat/Protein Ratio: 51.72
❌ Human Grade:Partial
🌽 Corn, Gluten, Wheat, Soja: Moderate use of gluten
🔧 Chelated Minerals: No minerals added
Carna4® Easy-chew Venison Formula Dog Food
80/100
A recipe featuring venison sourced from New Zealand. While some might argue that it’s a meat that travels a long way, New Zealand agriculture is generally more qualitative than in many other industrialized countries. Venison is typically considered hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for pets with sensitivities. In this recipe, calcium and phosphorus levels have returned to more normal, balanced levels.
🥑 Fats: 15.0%
🌑 Ash: Not specified
🌾 Fiber Content: 4%
💧 Moisture: 10.0%
🦴 Calcium Content: 1.3%
🧬 Phosphorus Content: 1.1%
🔥 Metabolizable Energy: 4200 kcal/kg
🐟 Omega-3: 1.2%
🌻 Omega-6: 2.9%
🍞 Carbohydrate Content: 32%
⚖️ Protein/Calorie Ratio: 69.0
⚖️ Protein/Phosphorus Ratio: 26.0
🧮 Calcium/Phosphorus Ratio: 1.18
🔄 Omega-6/Omega-3 Ratio: 2.42
🐾 Animal protein: 60-70%
📈 High Glycemic Ingredients: Out of Top 5
🔄 Fat/Protein Ratio: 51.72
❌ Human Grade: Partial
🌽 Corn, Gluten, Wheat, Soja: Moderate use of gluten
🔧 Chelated Minerals: No minerals added
Carna4® Easy-chew Fish Formula Dog Food
81/100
It’s always beneficial to vary recipes to provide your dog with a diverse nutritional profile and prevent boredom with their kibble. This approach ensures they receive a wider range of nutrients for overall health. In this case, you’ll find the same quality characteristics as before. The fish used here is wild-caught, which is preferable since farm-raised fish often comes with concerns about farming conditions, including the potential use of antibiotics and lower omega-3 fatty acid levels. Wild-caught fish tends to offer a purer source of protein and essential nutrients, making it a healthier option for your dog.
🥑 Fats: 15.0%
🌑 Ash: Not specified
🌾 Fiber Content: 4%
💧 Moisture: 10.0%
🦴 Calcium Content: 1.3%
🧬 Phosphorus Content: 1.1%
🔥 Metabolizable Energy: 4350 kcal/kg
🐟 Omega-3: 1.9%
🌻 Omega-6: 3.8%
🍞 Carbohydrate Content: 32%
⚖️ Protein/Calorie Ratio: 67.0
⚖️ Protein/Phosphorus Ratio: 26.0
🧮 Calcium/Phosphorus Ratio: 1.18
🔄 Omega-6/Omega-3 Ratio: 2.00
🐾 Animal protein: 60-70%
📈 High Glycemic Ingredients: Out of Top 5
🔄 Fat/Protein Ratio: 51.72
❌ Human Grade: Partial
🌽 Corn, Gluten, Wheat, Soja: Moderate use of gluten
🔧 Chelated Minerals: No minerals added
Our Opinion
On paper, there are few drawbacks to Carna4. They’ve clearly understood the common pitfalls of kibble—high-temperature cooking, low-quality ingredients, and synthetic additives—and have addressed these issues in their formula.
As a result, it appears to be an excellent choice for dry dog food. Naturally, like with any brand, there are a few areas we’d like more clarity on, such as the overall ash content and occasional higher calcium levels. However, overall, this brand seems to maintain high standards. Remember, for optimal health—especially kidney health—it’s crucial to keep your dog well-hydrated. Offering fresh, high-quality water is essential, but you can also support hydration by alternating dry food with wet food to help dilute their urine and maintain better urinary health.
Remember, every dog is unique. What works for one may not work for another. This analysis is a tool, not a prescription. Always consult your veterinarian when making dietary decisions for your pet.
