Rating
Type
Hot Extruded / Dry
Grain
Grain Free
Origin
Australia
Recipes
7
Is BlackHawk Grain Free Dry Dog Food Good?
BlackHawk Grain Free Dry Dog Food is a pet food line with a 3.5-star rating — around 20% 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 quite fine, and it might be great to give your pets some extra meaty food or treats.
What We like
- None
What We Concern
- More than 34% Carbs
- Include Plant Protein in Top 5 ingredients
- Numberous Controversial Ingredients
- Seems No Organic Minerals
- Seems No Probiotics to Aid Digestion
- Contain Potential Allergens like Corn, Soy, Gluten, and Dairy products
- Include Ingredients that might be Related to Poor Digestion
- 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 Dog Food for Small Breeds - Chicken
1️⃣Chicken Meal 🍚Carbs：33% 4
Grain Free Dog Food Pasture Grazed Lamb
1️⃣Lamb Meal 🍚Carbs：36% 3.5
Grain Free Dog Food Real Australian Chicken
1️⃣Chicken Meal 🍚Carbs：36% 3.5
Grain Free Dog Food Real Kangaroo Meat
1️⃣Kangaroo Meal 🍚Carbs：36% 3.5
Grain Free Dog Food Sustainably Farmed Salmon
1️⃣Salmon Meal 🍚Carbs：37% 3.5
Grain Free Dog Food for Large Breeds - Chicken
1️⃣Chicken Meal 🍚Carbs：35% 3.5
Grain Free Puppy Food Ocean Fish
1️⃣Fish Meal 🍚Carbs：35% 3.5
Tips
Recipes have different ratings. This means they might be designed a bit differently.
Recipe to review
To rate BlackHawk Grain Free Dry Dog Food, we will take one representative recipe to evaluate the nutrition, ingredients and meat content of this product line.
We have chosen Grain Free Dog Food Real Australian Chicken.
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 Grain Free Dog Food Real Australian Chicken
Protein
28%
Fat
18%
Fiber
2%
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 | 31% | |
| Fat | 15% or more | 20% | |
| Carbs | Less than 28% | 36% | |
| Fiber | Less than 5% | 2.2% |
Ingredients Overview
32 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
1 units
🌋 Indigest
5 units
⁉ Uncertain
1 units
Organic Minerals Seems Not Included
Probiotics Seems Not Included
Prefer
Concerned
Notice
Neutral
Click an ingredient to see the detail
Chicken Meal
Animal Protein A 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
Peas
Carbs, Plant Protein 🌋
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 22% protein.
Neutral An acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Tapioca
Carbs An alternative high carbs filler as a source of vitamin Bs, iron, manganese, and calcium.
Neutral An acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
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
Rosemary Extract
Carbs A common herb used for cooking, it is rich in antioxidants to fight off radical damages in the body.
Neutral A harmless herb with potential health benefits.
♨
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
Citric Acid
Food Additive 🌋
A common additive used for fat preservation. It is commonly found in citrus fruit like lemons and limes.
Concerned A food additive that might cause health issues.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest Research suggests that dogs consumed dry foods containing citric acid as a preservative have a 200% increased risk for gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloating). However, more research is required to make a solid conclusion.
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Potato
Carbs Contains mainly carbs, often used as an alternative filler for grain-free pet foods.
Concerned An inexpensive filler without gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Sweet Potato
Carbs An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent amount of vitamin A, C, B6.
Neutral An acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Chicken Gravy
Animal Protein A sauce made with the "juices" of chicken that releases naturally while cooking. It is used to add flavor to pet foods to improve the taste.
Prefer A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Sugar 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
Vitamins
Supplement A mixture of vitamins supplements to ensure the complete nutrition profile of pet food.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Mineral
Supplement A mixture of mineral supplement to ensure the complete nutrition profile of pet food.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Salmon Oil
Fat The oil extracted from salmon, an excellent source of fat and omega 3s, which is important to reduce inflammation in the body.
Prefer A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
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
Chicory Root
Carbs Contains insulin, which is a prebiotic that promotes friendly bacteria in the gut and supports better digestion.
Neutral A harmless plant with potential health benefits.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Dicalcium Phosphate
Supplement 🌋⁉
A supplement for calcium and phosphorus. It is mainly used to improve the texture of pet foods. It is also found in some toothpaste as a polishing agent.
Notice A risky supplement that can cause health issues, backed by research studies.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest It does not absorb any water, almost insoluble, and becomes very hard in digesting.
⁉
Uncertain Studies show that it can cause the formulation of kidney stones.
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
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
Apple
Carbs Contains mainly carbs and sugar with multiple antioxidants to prevent radical damages by oxidative stress.
Neutral Fruit is an acceptable source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
♨
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
Pumpkin Seeds
Fat, Plant Protein The seed inside of a pumpkin, rich in potassium and linoleic acid. It contains around 18% of protein, and around 30% protein if it is dehulled.
Neutral A harmless seed with potential health benefits, along with some plant-based protein.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Nature Antioxidant
Supplement Helps protect the body from damage caused by free radicals caused by oxidative stress.
Neutral A safe food supplement for additional antioxidants.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Coconut Oil
Fat 🌋
The richest source of "medium-chain triglycerides" (MCT). One of the MCT, lauric acid is said to help to fight off viruses and infection of the body.
Neutral An acceptable source of fat from plants.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest High amount of plant-based fat is not easily digested by dogs / cats, can cause obstruction and gastrointestinal upset.
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Yoghurt Powder
Animal Protein ♨🌋
Produced by fermenting milk, an excellent source of vitamin Bs, D, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium, along with probiotics.
Concerned A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value. However, dairy products are best avoided for pets with sensitive digestion.
♨
Allergen Contains lactose, which can cause skin rashes and discomfort for dogs / cats that are lactose intolerance.
🌋
Related to Digest Contains lactose, which can cause diarrhea and bloating for dogs / cats that are lactose intolerant.
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Emu Oil
Fat The oil extracted from emu, a flightless bird origins from Australia. This special oil is made of smaller particles that can be absorbed deeper into the skin to reduce inflammation. When consumed, it is rich in omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids.
Prefer A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Blueberries
Carbs Superfood packed with antioxidants, a good source of vitamin C, K, and manganese.
Neutral Fruit is an acceptable source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Cranberries
Carbs High in vitamin C and antioxidants, it is also best known for fighting Urinary Tract Infections. While it could be true for humans, the effect on pets is yet to be confirmed by further research.
Neutral Fruit is an acceptable source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Dandelion
Carbs A plant with yellow flowers that is high in vitamins A, C, and K. It also contains inulin, which serves as a prebiotic in pet foods.
Neutral Vegetables are fair source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Parsley
Carbs A type of plant native to the Mediterranean. It is particularly rich in vitamin K, and a good source of vitamin A, C, and antioxidants.
Neutral Vegetables are fair source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Peppermint Leaf
Carbs An aromatic herb used in food and teas, well known for its minty scent from menthol. Aside from its cleansing smell, it is also believed to help to treat indigestion and fight bacterial infections.
Neutral A harmless herb with potential health benefits.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Rosemary Extract
Carbs A common herb used for cooking, it is rich in antioxidants to fight off radical damages in the body.
Neutral A harmless herb with potential health benefits.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Tips
We find 6 Concerned and 1 Notice ingredients from Grain Free Dog Food Real Australian Chicken. Check from the above list to view the details.Concerned
- Citric Acid
- Potato
- Sugar Beet Pulp
- Salt
- Brewers Yeast
- Yoghurt Powder
Notice
- Dicalcium Phosphate
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
1 / 7 (14%)
in top 7 ingredients Protein Level
31%
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.
BlackHawk Grain Free 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 7 recipes, the group has an average of 31% protein, 20% fat and 35% carbohydrate.
（Protein and Fat: Prefer Higher丨Carbs: Prefer Lower）
- Protein is 1 (%) higher than ideal
- Fat is 5 (%) higher than ideal
- Carbs is 7 (%) higher than ideal
What does it mean?
Overall,BlackHawk Grain Free Dry Dog Food has an carbs level that is 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 BlackHawk Grain Free Dry Dog Food is a pet food line with a 3.5 star rating.
Do we recommend BlackHawk Grain Free 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!"
