SHOGUN Japanese Venison Mixed Whole Grains
SHOGUN Japanese Venison Mixed Whole Grains scores 3.5/5 on Moesonson's label-based analysis. Its strongest factor is protein clarity (high — 100% of the recipe's protein panel is clearly named); its weakest is animal-protein content (strong — 98% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources).
Rating
Updated May 2026
How this score is made
This score isn’t a hand-wavy impression: it reads what the label actually prints — the ingredient list, guaranteed analysis and AAFCO adequacy statement — and runs it through the same algorithmic rubric as every other product. No brand pays for placement, and there are no affiliate links on reviewed products.
Is SHOGUN Japanese Venison Mixed Whole Grains dry dog food good?
SHOGUN Japanese Venison Mixed Whole Grains is a dry dog food rated 3.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. The recipe lists most animal ingredients by name and features real muscle meat as a primary protein source. This recipe is free from Dairy, Legumes, Nuts, Poultry, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Gluten grains, Egg, Red meat, Fish.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.
Nutrition Breakdown
| Protein | 23% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 12% |
| Est. Carbs | 56% |
| Fiber | 1% |
| Ash | 7% |
Moisture (10%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
| Protein | 21% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 11% |
| Est. Carbs | 51% |
| Fiber | 1% |
| Moisture | 10% |
| Ash | 6% |
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is Low (23% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. Some lower-activity adult dogs may do fine on lower-protein complete foods, but growth, pregnancy, nursing, and medical needs change the answer.
- Fat is Medium (12% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This is a moderate energy-density signal for many adult dogs, assuming the full diet matches activity and body condition.
Ingredients Analysis
17 of 17 matched
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1 Japanese Venison
Animal ProteinDescription
Venison sourced from Japanese deer, a lean protein rich in iron, B vitamins, and zinc.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality named animal protein with high digestibility.
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2 Brown Rice
CarbsDescription
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.
Why Concerned?
A common filler without gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
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3 Dried Bonito Flakes
Animal ProteinDescription
Dried and shaved bonito (skipjack tuna) flakes, a concentrated source of protein and umami flavor.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality named animal protein with high digestibility.
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4 Barley
CarbsDescription
A type of grain that is high in carbs and fiber, along with manganese and selenium.
Why Concerned?
An inexpensive filler with gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
Allergen Concern
Contains gluten, which is one of the most common allergens that can cause skin rashes, itchiness, and irritation.
Digestion Concern
Gluten intolerances can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract, may result in diarrhea and discomfort stomach.
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5 Barley Bran
CarbsDescription
The outer layer of barley grain, high in fiber, B vitamins, and minerals.
Allergen Concern
Contains gluten which may cause reactions in sensitive pets.
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6 Brewer´s Yeast
(Detected): Brewer's Yeast
Plant Protein ConcentrateDescription
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.
Why 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.
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7 Rice Oil
FatDescription
Oil extracted from rice bran, rich in vitamin E, oryzanol, and balanced fatty acids.
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8 Egg Yolk Powder
Animal ProteinDescription
Dehydrated egg yolk, rich in protein, fats, vitamins A and D.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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9 Black Rice
CarbsDescription
A whole grain rice variety rich in anthocyanin antioxidants, fiber, and iron.
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10 Red Rice
CarbsDescription
A whole grain rice variety with intact bran layer, rich in antioxidants, fiber, and minerals.
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11 Fermented Seasoning
Food AdditiveDescription
A fermented flavoring agent used to enhance palatability in pet food.
Why Concerned?
Unnamed seasoning source makes it difficult to identify specific ingredients.
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12 Job's Tears
CarbsDescription
A grain-like seed rich in fiber, protein, and B vitamins, commonly used in Asian cuisine.
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13 Foxtail Millet
CarbsDescription
A small-grained cereal rich in protein, fiber, and minerals including iron and magnesium.
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14 Millet
CarbsDescription
As a better filler than other grains, millet has higher protein and fat content. Nevertheless, it also has the highest biological value and overall digestibility.
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15 Green Perilla
OthersDescription
An aromatic herb rich in omega-3 (ALA), rosmarinic acid, and antioxidants.
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16 L-threonine
SupplementDescription
An essential amino acid (building blocks of protein) to control normal physiologic function, such as insulin release.
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17 Rosemary Extract
CarbsDescription
A common herb used for cooking, it is rich in antioxidants to fight off radical damages in the body.
Tips
- Named animal proteins near the top: Japanese Venison, Dried Bonito Flakes are listed early in the ingredient panel.
- Ingredients worth checking: Brown Rice, Barley, Brewer´s Yeast.
- Possible allergy triggers: Barley, Barley Bran have allergen notes; review them if your pet has sensitivities.
- Possible digestion triggers: Barley have digestion notes; watch tolerance if your pet has a sensitive stomach.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
High- Named 100%
Strong clarity: 100% of SHOGUN Japanese Venison Mixed Whole Grains's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named (like chicken or salmon). Only 0% use vague terms such as "meat meal" and 0% are by-products. Named protein ingredients let you verify the source and check for allergens.
Contributing ingredients
Named
Animal Protein
High- Animal 98%
- Auxiliary 2%
Meat-forward: 98% of the weighted protein in SHOGUN Japanese Venison Mixed Whole Grains comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (0% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Auxiliary
SHOGUN Japanese Venison Mixed Whole Grains dry dog food Review
SHOGUN Japanese Venison Mixed Whole Grains is a solid mid-tier dry dog food at 3.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. It has clear strengths alongside a few trade-offs worth weighing.
Best for
- Owners who want clearly named protein sources
- Pets that thrive on muscle-meat protein
Avoid if
- Your pet has a grain or gluten sensitivity
- Your pet is allergic to eggs
Key takeaways
- Named animal proteins make up 100% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Contains common allergens: Gluten grains, Egg, Red meat, Fish.
- On a dry-matter basis: 23% protein, 12% fat, 56% estimated carbohydrates.
- 98% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Dairy, Legumes, Nuts, Poultry, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.
Frequently asked questions
Is SHOGUN Japanese Venison Mixed Whole Grains good for dogs?
Mostly — SHOGUN Japanese Venison Mixed Whole Grains is a solid mid-tier choice at 3.5 out of 5 stars on Moesonson’s label-based analysis, pairing high ingredient transparency with strong animal protein content. It shows real strengths alongside a few trade-offs, so weigh the ingredient list against your dog’s needs — allergies, life stage and protein preference.
Does SHOGUN Japanese Venison Mixed Whole Grains contain Dairy?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, SHOGUN Japanese Venison Mixed Whole Grains does not include Dairy or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does SHOGUN Japanese Venison Mixed Whole Grains contain Egg?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, SHOGUN Japanese Venison Mixed Whole Grains contains Egg. Pets with a known Egg sensitivity should generally avoid this recipe, or check with a veterinarian first. Moesonson flags allergens directly from the label’s ingredient panel, so this reflects what the manufacturer actually declares.
Does SHOGUN Japanese Venison Mixed Whole Grains contain Legumes?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, SHOGUN Japanese Venison Mixed Whole Grains does not include Legumes or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Legumes can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does SHOGUN Japanese Venison Mixed Whole Grains contain Nuts?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, SHOGUN Japanese Venison Mixed Whole Grains does not include Nuts or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Is SHOGUN Japanese Venison Mixed Whole Grains grain-free?
No — SHOGUN Japanese Venison Mixed Whole Grains is not grain-free: the printed ingredient list includes Gluten grains. That mainly matters for pets with a diagnosed grain sensitivity or allergy; most dogs tolerate grains well as an energy source. If your dog must avoid grains, choose a recipe without these ingredients.
What are the main protein sources in SHOGUN Japanese Venison Mixed Whole Grains?
The main animal proteins in SHOGUN Japanese Venison Mixed Whole Grains are Japanese Venison, Dried Bonito Flakes, Egg Yolk Powder. Each is named by species on the printed ingredient list — a protein-clarity strength in Moesonson’s scoring, because named sources let you verify what your dog is eating and avoid specific proteins when managing food allergies.
