Rating
Type
Hot Extruded / Dry
Grain
Grain Free for Specific Recipes
Origin
Australia
Recipes
6
Is A La Carte Dry Dog Food Good?
A La Carte Dry Dog Food is a pet food line with a 3-star rating — around 31% of all the pet food we review fall in this tier.
They seem to have nutrition ratio similar to a common pet food, and contain mainly named ingredents. We think they are fine, and it might be great to give your pets some extra meaty food or treats.
What We like
- No Plant Protein in Top Ingredients
- Aid Digestion with Probiotics
- No Potential Allergens like Corn, Soy, Gluten, and Dairy products
- No Ingredients that might Disrupt Digestion
What We Concern
- More than 37% Carbs
- Numberous Controversial Ingredients
- Seems No Organic Minerals
- Contain Ingredients that might be Uncertain
「Chief of Food」Fat Hill
Recipes Rating
Recipes could have different ingredients in the same product line. We rate each recipe and list them from higest to lowest ratings.
Higher protein and lower carbs recipes are rated higher
Recipe and 1st Ingredient
Rating
Grain Free
Grain Free Formula Smoked Salmon & Vegetables
1️⃣Pea Meal 🍚Carbs：26% 3.5
Grain Free Formula Chicken, Lentils & Seaweed
1️⃣Dehydrated Chicken 🍚Carbs：35% 3
Lamb & Rice
1️⃣Dehydrated Lamb 🍚Carbs：35% 3
Kangaroo & Rice
1️⃣Dried Kangaroo Meat 🍚Carbs：42% 2.5
Salmon & Potato (Low Grain)
1️⃣Dehydrated Salmon 🍚Carbs：42% 2.5
Smoked Chicken & Rice
1️⃣Dehydrated Chicken 🍚Carbs：45% 2.5
Tips
Recipes have different ratings. This means they might be designed a bit differently.
Recipe to review
To rate A La Carte Dry Dog Food, we will take one representative recipe to evaluate the nutrition, ingredients and meat content of this product line.
We have chosen Kangaroo & Rice.
Nutrition Label
Pet food show guaranteed analysis on their labels. It includes moisture and does not reflect the level of carbs — which we prefer lower for dogs and as low as possible for cats.
From the label of Kangaroo & Rice
Protein
25%
Fat
14%
Fiber
4.6%
Carbs
?%
Calculate the dry value (no moisture) on a dry matter basis will help us to estimate the carbs level and other nutrition without water — so we can get a better idea about the ratio.
(We think the ideal nutrition profile would be Protein > Fat > Carbs)
| Nutrition | Our Ideal | Dry Value | Like? |
| Protein | 30% or more | 28% | |
| Fat | 15% or more | 16% | |
| Carbs | Less than 28% | 42% | |
| Fiber | Less than 5% | 5.1% |
Ingredients Overview
44 ingredients are listed on the label. We research their quality to pet and use our best judgement to group them in the proportion of Prefer, Concerned, and Notice ingredients in the bar chart.
♨ Allergen
0 units
🌋 Indigest
0 units
⁉ Uncertain
2 units
Organic Minerals Seems Not Included
Probiotics Seems to Include
Prefer
Concerned
Notice
Neutral
Click an ingredient to see the detail
Dehydrated Lamb
Animal Protein A dehydrated form of lamb, a meat concentrate that contains up to 400% more protein than the fresh form. It is a type of red meat, high in protein and rich in iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
Prefer A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Rice
Carbs Without its bran and germ (the main source of nutrients), white rice is considered as "empty carbs".
Notice An inexpensive filler without gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Dried Chicken
Animal Protein Dehydrated form of chicken. it is a meat concentrate that contains up to 4 times more protein than fresh chicken on dry matter basis.
Prefer A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Cereal
Carbs ⁉
A mixture of grains such as corn, rice, and wheat, usually with a high content of carbs.
Notice An inexpensive filler with gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats. Made of unknown sources, its quality is highly questionable.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain Could be made of by-products / inferior food that are not suitable for consumption.
Chicken Fat
Fat The fatty layer separated during the cooking process, with a high level of omega 6, It is more preferable by dogs and cats over other types of fats.
Prefer A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Oat Bran
Carbs The outer layer of oat, A whole grain that has higher protein and fats compared to other types. It is rich in B-vitamins and dietary fiber.
Concerned An inexpensive filler without gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Beet Pulp
Carbs The leftover pulp after sugar is extracted from sugar beets, contains higher fiber and less sugar compared to whole beets.
Concerned Controversial - Some say it is a good dietary fiber source, some believe it is just an inexpensive filler.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Alfalfa
Carbs, Plant Protein Typically used in horse feed, high in fiber, and contains around 20% plant protein.
Neutral A fair ingredient as a source of fiber and a small amount of plant protein.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Sunflower Oil
Fat The oil derived from sunflower seeds, high in either omega 6 and 9 fats, low in saturated fat and is packed with natural anti-oxidant vitamin E.
Neutral An acceptable source of fat from plants.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Salt
Others Mainly added to enhance the flavor, might cause kidney and blood pressure issues in a larger dose. High-quality pet foods should get a sufficient amount from raw meat, additional salt is not necessary.
Concerned A controversial ingredient that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Brewers’ Yeast
Plant Protein Concentrate Made from fungus and often used to make beer, a rich source of minerals such as selenium. B-complex vitamins, and chromium. It contains around 40% protein.
Concerned A controversial ingredient, some believe it can support the immune system, while others say it can be linked to allergies and bloating. However, no scientific research can provide a concrete conclusion.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Sodium Bentonite
Others A clay that uses as an anti-caking agent in pet food. It provides additional minerals and acts as a toxin absorber in the body.
Neutral A natural ingredient with potential health benefits.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Potassium
Supplement An inorganic form of potassium, which offers 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body. It is essential for important functions like nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and carbon dioxide / oxygen transport.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Choline Chloride
Supplement Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.
Neutral A safe supplement for potential health benefits.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Lactobacillus
Probiotics A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. L. acidophilus produces lactic acid, which is believed to help prevent bad bacterias from growing in the intestines.
Neutral A safe supplement for probiotics, which may improve digestive health.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Choline Chloride
Supplement Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.
Neutral A safe supplement for potential health benefits.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Calcium Ascorbate
Supplement An organic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Vitamin A
Supplement Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Vitamin D
Supplement Supplement for vitamin D, which is essential for calcium homeostasis - to maintain a constant concentration of calcium. A deficiency will result in osteopenia (lower bone mass).
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Vitamin E
Supplement Supplement for vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that protects oxidative damages on cellular membranes by free radicals. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia, depression, and dermatitis.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Vitamins B1
Supplement Supplement for vitamin B1, which is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Vitamin B2
Supplement Supplement for vitamin B2, which is vital for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia and weight loss.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Niacin
Supplement Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Vitamin B5
Supplement Supplement for vitamin B5, which is important for energy metabolism and synthesis of specific proteins and fats. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia, gastritis, poor growth rate.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Vitamin B6
Supplement Supplement for vitamin B6, which is vital for producing glucose, red blood cells, and synthesis of niacin, taurine, dopamine. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anemia, seizures, and heart-related issues.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Vitamin B12
Supplement Supplement for vitamin B12, which is vital for carbon transfer and propionate metabolism. A deficiency will result in symptoms similar to gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhea and weight loss.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Biotin
Supplement A water-soluble vitamin B that is important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Vitamin B9
Supplement Supplement for vitamin B9, which is vital for amino acid (the building block of protein) metabolism and nucleotide synthesis. A deficiency will result in symptoms like poor growth rate and anemia.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Mixed Tocopherols
Food Additive A mixture of different types of vitamin E, usually found in plant oils, seed and green vegetables. They are powerful antioxidants used as a natural preservative to slow down the spoilage of food.
Neutral A harmless food additive.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Calcium
Supplement An inorganic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Selenium
Supplement An inorganic form of selenium, has 5 - 15% less absorption rate than the organic form. It is essential to protect the body from oxidative damage by free radicals.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Phosphorus
Supplement An inorganic form of phosphate, has 5 - 15% less absorption rate compared to the organic form. Phosphorus is essential for various body functions, especially critical to maintain normal metabolism.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Zinc
Supplement An inorganic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Manganese
Supplement An inorganic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% less absorption rate than the organic form. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Iron
Supplement An inorganic form of iron. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Copper
Supplement An inorganic form of copper, which is important for the production of blood cells, hair coat color pigmentation, and maintaining the nervous system. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Cobalt Sulfate
Supplement Cobalt is essential for the synthesis of vitamin B12. This is an inorganic form of cobalt, which has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Iodine
Supplement Supplement for iodine, a rare mineral essential for healthy thyroid function, usually found in seaweed.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Naturox
Supplement NATUROX is a synergistic blend of natural, mixed-tocopherols for superior free radical absorption, plus emulsifiers and chelators for complete protection against autoxidation in pet food.
Neutral A safe food supplement for additional antioxidants.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Yucca Schidigera
Carbs Yucca schidigera is a desert plant found in the arid southwestern US and Mexico. It has been shown to reduce fecal aroma (poop's smell) without any harmful effect.
Neutral A harmless ingredient with specific benefits.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Garlic
Carbs ⁉
Often added to improve the taste of pet foods. According to research, garlic is completely safe in a small amount.
Concerned A controversial vegetable that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain It contains thiosulfate, when feed in a larger amount, it can cause oxidative damage to the red blood cells of the body, resulting in hemolytic anemia.
Kelp
Carbs An excellent source of various minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium. Rich in rare mineral iodine essential for healthy thyroid function.
Neutral An acceptable ingredient as a source of vitamins and minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Glucosamine
Supplement The most common joint supplement for reducing the level of pain and inflammation.
Neutral A safe supplement for potential health benefits.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Chondroitin
Supplement Derived from animal parts containing cartilage, as a supplement to support joint health.
Neutral A safe supplement for potential health benefits.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Tips
We find 5 Concerned and 2 Notice ingredients from Kangaroo & Rice. Check from the above list to view the details.Concerned
- Oat Bran
- Beet Pulp
- Salt
- Brewers’ Yeast
- Garlic
Notice
- Rice
- Cereal
Estimated Meat Content
Some pet food uses high plant protein ingredients to boost up the overall protein level — to make it looks like it includes a lot of meat, which is more appealing for customers.
Therefore, protein level itself cannot tell the quality and how much animal ingredients (more digestible than plants) is in the pet food.
Check if protein is overrated by plant protein boost up
Count of Plant Protein
0 / 7 (0%)
in top 7 ingredients Protein Level
28%
in dry matterBy looking at the plant protein in top ingredients and compare with the total protein level, we will try to estimate how much animal ingredients is used in the pet food as Meat Content.
Meat Content
Based on my "godly" guess, the meat content might be Medium !
It looks like it contains a moderate amount of meat. Your furbabies should still be fine with it.
A La Carte Dry Dog Food Product Line Review
To make a conclusion about the whole product line, we will consider all recipes and their average nutrition ratio.
Recipes Average Compares to Ideal Level
In the total of 6 recipes, the group has an average of 30% protein, 18% fat and 37% carbohydrate.
（Protein and Fat: Prefer Higher丨Carbs: Prefer Lower）
- Protein is 0 (%) less than ideal
- Fat is 3 (%) higher than ideal
- Carbs is 9 (%) higher than ideal
What does it mean?
Overall,A La Carte Dry Dog Food has an carbs level higher than our preferred level.
Conclusion
Throughout the review, we have 3 major opinons about this pet food line:
- Similar nutrition ratio as a common pet food
- Clear, named animal products as main ingredient
- Medium level of meat content
Based on these, we can conclude A La Carte Dry Dog Food is a pet food line with a 3 star rating.
Do we recommend A La Carte Dry Dog Food ?
It is a fine pet food, and it might be great to give your pets some extra meaty food or treats.
The review is entirely our own view and opinon. It is for informational reference only and not a purchase advice.
「Chief of Food」Fat Hill
Has an unusual obsession with the taste and ingredients of food, over 5+ years experience in professional eating. As the Chief of Food, he will tell you the truth about food.
"Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish, and Stay Hungry again!"
