Health Extension 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
Use Organic Minerals to Improve Absorption
Aid Digestion with Probiotics
No Chemicals or Suspicious Ingredients
What We Concern
More than 37% Carbs
Numberous Controversial Ingredients
Contain Potential Allergens like Corn, Soy, Gluten, and Dairy products
「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
Health Extension Lamb & Brown Rice
1️⃣Lamb🍚Carbs:44%
3
Health Extension Large Bites Chicken & Brown Rice
1️⃣Organic Deboned Chicken🍚Carbs:44%
3
Health Extension Little Bites Chicken & Brown Rice
1️⃣Organic Deboned Chicken🍚Carbs:40%
3
Health Extension Original Chicken & Brown Rice
1️⃣Organic Deboned Chicken🍚Carbs:40%
3
Health Extension Lite Chicken & Brown Rice
1️⃣Organic Deboned Chicken🍚Carbs:50%
2
Health Extension Little Bites Lite Chicken & Brown Rice
1️⃣Organic Deboned Chicken🍚Carbs:50%
2
Tips
Recipes have different ratings. This means they might be designed a bit differently.
Recipe to review
To rate Health Extension Dry Dog Food, we will take one representative recipe to evaluate the nutrition, ingredients and meat content of this product line.
We have chosen Health Extension Original Chicken & Brown 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 Health Extension Original Chicken & Brown Rice
Protein
24%
Fat
18%
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
27%
Fat
15% or more
20%
Carbs
Less than 28%
40%
Fiber
Less than 5%
4.4%
Join our discussion group with other pet owners
We answer and discuss any questions about cats and dogs, food selection, other pet owners will share their experience too!
47 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
0 units
Organic Minerals Seems to Include
Probiotics Seems to Include
Prefer
Concerned
Notice
Neutral
Click an ingredient to see the detail
Organic Deboned Chicken
Animal Protein
The dominant animal protein source in pet foods. Other than protein, it is also high in iron, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins.
PreferA high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
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
Ground 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
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
Lamb Meal
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.
PreferA high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
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
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
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.
NeutralAn acceptable source of fat from plants.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestHigh amount of plant-based fat is not easily digested by dogs / cats, can cause obstruction and gastrointestinal upset.
⁉
UncertainN/A
Dried Beet Pulp
Carbs
The leftover pulp after sugar is extracted from sugar beets, contains higher fiber and less sugar compared to whole beets.
ConcernedControversial - Some say it is a good dietary fiber source, some believe it is just an inexpensive filler.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Brewers 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
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
Turmeric
Carbs
Orange ginger-like plant often used in making curry. It contains curcumin, which is a strong antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects. However, its color is the main purpose of adding it to pet foods.
NeutralA harmless plant with potential health benefits.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Bovine Colostrum
Animal Protein
♨🌋
The milk produced by cows for the first several days following birthing. It is rich in antibodies, growth factors, cytokines, and protects the newborn calf from infections.
ConcernedA high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value. However, dairy products are best avoided for pets with sensitive digestion.
♨
AllergenContains lactose, which can cause skin rashes and discomfort for dogs / cats that are lactose intolerance.
🌋
Related to DigestContains lactose, which can cause diarrhea and bloating for dogs / cats that are lactose intolerant.
⁉
UncertainN/A
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Carbs
Made by combining apples with yeast, it is said to improve digestion, prevent infection, and relieve allergy. These claims are not supported by research yet.
NeutralA harmless ingredient with potential health benefits.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Ginger
Carbs
Knowns for its digestive properties, especially its aid in digesting fats.
NeutralA harmless plant with potential health benefits.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Green Tea Extract
Others
One of the most healthy tea in the world. It contains catechins, which are natural antioxidants that help prevent radical damages to the body and offer many health benefits.
NeutralA harmless ingredient with potential health benefits.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Dl-methionine
Supplement
Added to balance the amino acids profile of pet foods with limited amounts of meat protein. Meat / fish naturally contains methionine, which does not require extra supplements. It is sometimes used to help support urine acidification.
ConcernedA safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein). However, it could imply the lack of meat protein - usually in lower quality pet foods.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Vitamine A Acetate
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Inositol
Supplement
Also known as vitamin B8, is a micro-nutrient currently not required by AAFCO. It is said to facilitate other vitamin B actions. The evidence to support the benefit of this supplement is still lacking currently.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Dehydrated Kelp
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
Zinc Polysaccharide 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
Iron Polysaccharide Complex
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
Manganese Polysaccharide 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
Copper Polysaccharide 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
Cobalt Polysaccharide Complex
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
Calcium Lodate
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
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
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.
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 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.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product
Probiotics
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. Bacillus subtilis helps to boost immunity, protect the body from pathogens (like salmonella), and improve gut health.
NeutralA safe supplement for probiotics, which may improve digestive health.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Dried Bacillus Licheniformis Fermentation Product
Probiotics
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. Bacillus licheniformis produces several digestive enzymes such as protease, which helps to digest protein in the body.
NeutralA safe supplement for probiotics, which may improve digestive health.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product
Probiotics
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. Bacillus coagulans is often taken by humans to treat bowel syndrome (IBS) and diarrhea.
NeutralA safe supplement for probiotics, which may improve digestive health.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Dried Aspergillus Oryzae Fermentation Product
Probiotics
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. Aspergillus is a fungi often used in the fermentation of soy sauce, sake, and miso.
NeutralA safe supplement for probiotics, which may improve digestive health.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Product
Probiotics
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. Aspergillus is a fungi often used in the fermentation of soy sauce, sake, and miso.
NeutralA safe supplement for probiotics, which may improve digestive health.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Tips
We find 7 Concerned and 1 Notice ingredients from Health Extension Original Chicken & Brown Rice. Check from the above list to view the details.
Concerned
Oatmeal
Dried Beet Pulp
Brewers Dried Yeast
Egg Product
Bovine Colostrum
Dl-methionine
Sodium Selenite
Notice
Ground Brown Rice
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
27%
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 Medium !
It looks like it contains a moderate amount of meat. Your furbabies should still be fine with it.
Health Extension 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 27% protein, 15% fat and 45% carbohydrate.
(Protein and Fat: Prefer Higher丨Carbs: Prefer Lower)
Protein is -3 (%) less than ideal
Fat is 0 (%) higher than ideal
Carbs is 17 (%) higher than ideal
What does it mean?
Overall,Health Extension 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 Health Extension Dry Dog Food is a pet food line with a 3 star rating.
Do we recommend Health Extension 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.
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!"