Gentle Giants Dry Dog Food is a pet food line with a 2 stars rating — accounts for 5% of all the pet food we review.
They seem to have a certain level of carbs, and contain ingredients we concern. We do not recommend this pet food.
What We like
Use Organic Minerals to Improve Absorption
Aid Digestion with Probiotics
What We Concern
More than 37% Carbs
Include Plant Protein in Top 5 ingredients
Numberous Controversial Ingredients
Contain Potential Allergens like Corn, Soy, Gluten, and Dairy products
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
Gentle Giants Salmon Feast
1️⃣Salmon Meal🍚Carbs:48%
2.5
Gentle Giants Chicken Feast
1️⃣Chicken Meal🍚Carbs:52%
2
Tips
Recipes have similar ratings. This means they are quite similar.
Recipe to review
To rate Gentle Giants Dry Dog Food, we will take one representative recipe to evaluate the nutrition, ingredients and meat content of this product line.
We have chosen Gentle Giants Chicken Feast.
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 Gentle Giants Chicken Feast
Protein
22%
Fat
9%
Fiber
4%
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
24%
Fat
15% or more
10%
Carbs
Less than 28%
52%
Fiber
Less than 5%
4.4%
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56 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
2 units
⁉ Uncertain
1 units
Organic Minerals Seems to Include
Probiotics Seems to Include
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.
PreferA high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Pearled Barley
Carbs
♨🌋
A type of grain that is high in carbs and fiber, along with manganese and selenium.
ConcernedAn inexpensive filler with gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
♨
AllergenContains gluten, which is one of the most common allergens that can cause skin rashes, itchiness, and irritation.
🌋
Related to DigestGluten intolerances can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract, may result in diarrhea and discomfort stomach.
⁉
UncertainN/A
Brown Rice
Carbs
Whole grain rice with its bran and germ remained, high in carbs and fiber. Studies have shown that rice bran depletes taurine in cats, which is an essential amino acid.
NoticeAn inexpensive filler with proven disadvantages offers limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Oatmeal
Carbs
A whole grain that has higher protein and fats compared to other types. It is rich in B-vitamins and dietary fiber.
ConcernedAn inexpensive filler without gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/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.
NeutralAn acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestLegume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
⁉
UncertainN/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.
PreferA high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Poultry Flavour
Food Additive
⁉
A flavor made of unspecified poultry parts, it is used to make pet food more tasty and palatable.
NoticeOften times generic name like poultry is used to cover the inferior meat quality from unknown sources, commonly found in low quality pet foods.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainUnnamed poultry products could be made of "4-D animals" (dead, diseased, disabled, or dying prior to slaughter), turkey, chicken, roadkill, birds, which are not safe for consumption.
Whole Flaxseed
Fat
One of the richest sources of plant-based omega 3s, well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It contains around 41% of fat, 57% of the total fatty acids is omega 3s.
NeutralA harmless seed with potential health benefits.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Menhaden Fish Meal
Animal Protein
The dehydrated form of menhaden fish, a meat concentrate that could contain up to 400% protein more than the fresh form. Menhaden fish is a small herring fish that lives in the deep sea, which makes it low in mercury content.
PreferA high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Dried 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.
ConcernedA 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.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Dried Kelp Meal
Carbs
An excellent source of various minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium. Rich in rare mineral iodine essential for healthy thyroid function.
NeutralAn acceptable ingredient as a source of vitamins and minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Dried Egg Product
Animal Protein
A processed form of eggs, a less expensive option compared to whole eggs. It could mean anything from egg yolk, white, and eggshell.
ConcernedA less preferable egg ingredient that is made of unspecified egg parts - which quality is concerned.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/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.
ConcernedA controversial ingredient that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Potassium Chloride
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.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Choline Chloride
Supplement
Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.
NeutralA safe supplement for potential health benefits.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Sweet Potatoes
Carbs
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent amount of vitamin A, C, B6.
NeutralAn acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Carrots
Carbs
Well known for its alpha and beta-carotene content, also rich in potassium and vitamin B6. Most pet foods use it as a minor ingredient (include 0.1% to 3% of the total composition).
NeutralVegetables are fair source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Spinach
Carbs
Nutrient-dense leafy greens, an excellent source of vitamin A, C, K1, B9, iron, and calcium.
NeutralVegetables are fair source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
New Zealand Green Mussel
Animal Protein
An excellent source of protein, vitamin A, B12, zinc, and iron.
PreferA high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Pumpkin
Carbs
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
NeutralAn acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/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.
NeutralFruit is an acceptable source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Blueberries
Carbs
Superfood packed with antioxidants, a good source of vitamin C, K, and manganese.
NeutralFruit is an acceptable source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Apples
Carbs
Contains mainly carbs and sugar with multiple antioxidants to prevent radical damages by oxidative stress.
NeutralFruit is an acceptable source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Chicory
Carbs
Contains insulin, which is a prebiotic that promotes friendly bacteria in the gut and supports better digestion.
NeutralA harmless plant with potential health benefits.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Ascorbic Acid
Supplement
Supplement for vitamin C, which can help to prevent oxidative damages by radicals, maintain healthy skin, and boost the immune system.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Vitamin E Supplement
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.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Taurine
Supplement
An essential amino acid (building blocks of protein) to maintain a healthy brain and heart functions.
PreferA safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein).
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Ferrous Sulfate
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.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Zinc Sulfate
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.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Zinc Methionine Complex
Supplement
An organic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Copper Sulfate
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.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Copper Lysine Complex
Supplement
An organic form of copper, which is important for the production of blood cells, hair coat color pigmentation, and maintaining the nervous system. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Manganous Sulfate
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.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Manganese Methionine Complex
Supplement
An organic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% higher absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is essential for normal metabolic function with the body.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Beta Carotene
Supplement
An antioxidant and a precursor to Vitamin A helps to regulate both cellular and immune responses.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional antioxidants.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Yucca Schidigera Extract
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.
NeutralA harmless ingredient with specific benefits.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Niacin Supplement
Supplement
Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Vitamin A Supplement
Supplement
Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Calcium Pantothenate
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.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Dried Enterococcus Faceium Fermentation Product
Probiotics
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. E. faecium is uniquely able to survive the digestive process and grow, balancing the gut environment.
NeutralA safe supplement for probiotics, which may improve digestive health.
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.
NeutralA safe supplement for probiotics, which may improve digestive health.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product
Probiotics
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. L. casei are often used to prevent and treat diarrhea.
NeutralA safe supplement for probiotics, which may improve digestive health.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product
Probiotics
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. L. plantaurm might have positive effects on treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), eczema, and heart health.
NeutralA safe supplement for probiotics, which may improve digestive health.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Biotin
Supplement
A water-soluble vitamin B that is important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Thiamine Mononitrate
Supplement
An organic form of thiamine, has 5 - 15% more absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Riboflavin Supplement
Supplement
A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
Supplement
A synthetical supplement of vitamin B6, which is an essential element for nearly every part of metabolism.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Vitamin B12 Supplement
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.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Vitamin D3 Supplement
Supplement
Supplement for vitamin D3 (animal-derived), which is essential for calcium homeostasis - to maintain a constant concentration of calcium. A deficiency will result in osteopenia (lower bone mass).
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Folic Acid
Supplement
A synthetic form of folate, which is also known as vitamin B9. It plays an important role to support the body's functions, such as cell growth.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Sodium Selenite
Food Additive
An inorganic selenium supplement. It remains controversial as the long term effect of consuming it is not known, and there is a much safer organic alternative available.
ConcernedA food additive that is likely to be safe but unnecessary.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Calcium Iodate
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.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Cobalt Carbonate
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.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Cobalt Glucoheptonate
Supplement
Cobalt is essential for the synthesis of vitamin B12. This is an organic form of cobalt, which has 5 - 15% higher absorption rate to the body.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/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.
NeutralA harmless food additive.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Rosemary Extract
Carbs
A common herb used for cooking, it is rich in antioxidants to fight off radical damages in the body.
NeutralA harmless herb with potential health benefits.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Tips
We find 6 Concerned and 2 Notice ingredients from Gentle Giants Chicken Feast. Check from the above list to view the details.
Concerned
Pearled Barley
Oatmeal
Dried Yeast
Dried Egg Product
Salt
Sodium Selenite
Notice
Brown Rice
Poultry Flavour
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
24%
in dry matter
By 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 Low to medium !
It looks like it contains some amount of meat. Your furbabies would prefer something with more meat!
Gentle Giants 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 2 recipes, the group has an average of 26% protein, 11% fat and 50% carbohydrate.
(Protein and Fat: Prefer Higher丨Carbs: Prefer Lower)
Protein is -4 (%) less than ideal
Fat is -4 (%) less than ideal
Carbs is 22 (%) higher than ideal
What does it mean?
Overall,Gentle Giants 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:
Nutrition ratio, mainly the level of carbs raises our attention
Ingredients might be worth to take a second look
Low to medium level of meat content
Based on these, we can conclude Gentle Giants Dry Dog Food is a pet food line with a 2 star rating.
Do we recommend Gentle Giants Dry Dog Food ?
There are several things make us concerned, so we do not recommend it. If there is a very strong reason for you to choose it, try to mix with other pet food with higher meat to enrich the diet.
The review is entirely our own view and opinon. It is for informational reference only and not a purchase advice.
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!"