earthmade
New Zealand Mackerel Grain-Free Recipe for Adult Dogs
Rating
Is earthmade New Zealand Mackerel Grain-Free Recipe for Adult Dogs dry dog food good?
earthmade New Zealand Mackerel Grain-Free Recipe for Adult Dogs is a dry dog food rated 2.5 stars, with moderate ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. Real muscle meat appears as a primary protein source, supported by whole-food ingredients. However, most minerals are supplied in inorganic forms that may be less well absorbed. This recipe is free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish but contains Legumes, Poultry, Fish, Unknown Fish Meal.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Includes plant ingredients that can provide fiber and natural antioxidants.
Cons
- Relies mostly on inorganic mineral supplements, which may be less bioavailable.
Nutrition Breakdown
- Protein 27%
- Fat 16%
- Est. Carbs 48%
- Fiber 4%
- Ash 6%
Moisture (7%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
- Protein 25%
- Fat 15%
- Est. Carbs 44%
- Fiber 4%
- Moisture 7%
- Ash 6%
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is Medium (27% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This may be reasonable for many adult dogs, though active, growing, pregnant, or nursing dogs may need a more specific fit.
- Fat is Medium (16% 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
40 of 40 matched
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1 Mackerel
Animal ProteinDescription
Greenish-blue back silverfish, high in protein, vitamin B12, and selenium. It is also an excellent source of omega 3s, similar to salmon.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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2 Fish Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of unnamed fish. It is a meat concentrate that contains up to 4 times more protein than fresh fish on dry matter basis.
Why Notice?
It does not state what kind of fish is used to make the ingredient. Its quality is highly concerned, often seen in low quality pet foods.
Uncertain/Risky
Unnamed fish products could source from sick, deadly animal bodies. It is a potential risk for severe illness.
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3 Peas
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 22% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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4 Tapioca
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler as a source of vitamin Bs, iron, manganese, and calcium.
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5 Chicken Fat
FatDescription
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.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
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6 Flaxseed
FatDescription
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.
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7 Natural Flavor
Food AdditiveDescription
Made of extracts from plant or animal sources to improve the taste of food.
Why Concerned?
Contrary to its name, natural flavors are highly processed and contain many chemical additives.
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8 Potassium Chloride
SupplementDescription
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.
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9 Magnesium Sulfate
SupplementDescription
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.
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10 Sodium Chloride
OthersDescription
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.
Why Concerned?
A controversial ingredient that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.
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11 Choline Chloride
SupplementDescription
Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.
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12 Fish Oil
FatDescription
Oil derived from fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, and EPA.
Why Concerned?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
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13 Kiwifruit
(Detected): Kiwi Fruit
CarbsDescription
A nutrient-dense fruit rich in vitamin C, fiber, and digestive enzymes.
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14 Cranberry
CarbsDescription
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.
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15 Honey
CarbsDescription
Act as a natural sweetener to improve the taste of pet foods. It consists mainly of sugar and a small trace of vitamins and minerals.
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16 Rosehip Extract
SupplementDescription
Extract from rose hips, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Why Prefer?
A natural source of vitamin C and antioxidants.
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17 Vitamin A
SupplementDescription
Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
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18 Vitamin D3
SupplementDescription
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).
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19 Vitamin E
SupplementDescription
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.
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20 Vitamin B1
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B1, which is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
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21 Riboflavin
SupplementDescription
A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.
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22 Vitamin B5
SupplementDescription
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.
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23 Vitamin B3
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B3, which is vital for catabolism of glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia, weight loss, inflammation, and ulcers of the oral.
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24 Vitamin B6
SupplementDescription
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.
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25 Vitamin B9
SupplementDescription
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.
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26 Vitamin B12
SupplementDescription
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.
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27 Niacin
SupplementDescription
Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
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28 Zinc Sulfate
SupplementDescription
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.
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29 Ferrous Sulfate
SupplementDescription
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.
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30 Copper Sulfate
SupplementDescription
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.
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31 Manganese Sulfate
SupplementDescription
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.
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32 Calcium Iodate
SupplementDescription
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.
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33 Sodium Selenite
Food AdditiveDescription
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.
Why Concerned?
A food additive that is likely to be safe but unnecessary.
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34 Taurine
SupplementDescription
An essential amino acid (building blocks of protein) to maintain a healthy brain and heart functions.
Why Prefer?
A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein).
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35 Calcium Propionate
SupplementDescription
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.
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36 Chondroitin Sulfate
SupplementDescription
Derived from animal parts containing cartilage, as a supplement to support joint health.
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37 Glucosamine
SupplementDescription
The most common joint supplement for reducing the level of pain and inflammation.
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38 Green Tea Extract
OthersDescription
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.
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39 Rosemary Extract
CarbsDescription
A common herb used for cooking, it is rich in antioxidants to fight off radical damages in the body.
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40 Spearmint Extract
CarbsDescription
A herb from the mint family that contains a compound (-)-carvone which inhibits contraction in the digestive tract and helps relieve digestive upset.
Tips
- Some protein sources are less clear: Fish Meal appear near the top without a clearly defined animal source.
- Plant protein signal: Peas may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
- Higher-priority ingredients to review: Fish Meal.
- Higher-caution ingredients: Fish Meal have caution notes in the ingredient database.
- Possible digestion triggers: Peas have digestion notes; watch tolerance if your pet has a sensitive stomach.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
Moderate- Named 50%
- Unnamed 50%
Mixed clarity: 50% of earthmade New Zealand Mackerel Grain-Free Recipe for Adult Dogs's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named, but 50% use vague terms such as "meat meal" and 0% are by-products. Where names are vague, you cannot verify the source or check for allergens.
Contributing ingredients
Named
Unnamed
Animal Protein
High- Animal 88%
- Plant 13%
Meat-forward: 88% of the weighted protein in earthmade New Zealand Mackerel Grain-Free Recipe for Adult Dogs comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (13% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant
earthmade New Zealand Mackerel Grain-Free Recipe for Adult Dogs dry dog food Review
earthmade New Zealand Mackerel Grain-Free Recipe for Adult Dogs is a solid mid-tier dry dog food at 2.5 stars, with moderate ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. It has clear strengths alongside a few trade-offs worth weighing.
Best for
- Pets avoiding gluten grains
- Pets that thrive on muscle-meat protein
Avoid if
- You're avoiding legumes
- You need to know the exact animal source of every protein
Key takeaways
- Named animal proteins make up 50% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Contains common allergens: Legumes, Poultry, Fish, Unknown Fish Meal.
- On a dry-matter basis: 27% protein, 16% fat, 48% estimated carbohydrates.
- 88% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish.
Frequently asked questions
Is earthmade New Zealand Mackerel Grain-Free Recipe for Adult Dogs good for dogs?
Mostly — a solid mid-tier pick at 2.5 stars, with moderate ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. Best paired with knowledge of your pet's needs.
Does earthmade New Zealand Mackerel Grain-Free Recipe for Adult Dogs contain Dairy?
No — based on the ingredient list, earthmade New Zealand Mackerel Grain-Free Recipe for Adult Dogs doesn't include Dairy or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does earthmade New Zealand Mackerel Grain-Free Recipe for Adult Dogs contain Egg?
No — based on the ingredient list, earthmade New Zealand Mackerel Grain-Free Recipe for Adult Dogs doesn't include Egg or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does earthmade New Zealand Mackerel Grain-Free Recipe for Adult Dogs contain Legumes?
Yes — based on the ingredient list, earthmade New Zealand Mackerel Grain-Free Recipe for Adult Dogs contains Legumes, so pets sensitive to Legumes should generally avoid this product or consult a vet first.
Does earthmade New Zealand Mackerel Grain-Free Recipe for Adult Dogs contain Nuts?
No — based on the ingredient list, earthmade New Zealand Mackerel Grain-Free Recipe for Adult Dogs doesn't include Nuts or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid this allergen here.
Is earthmade New Zealand Mackerel Grain-Free Recipe for Adult Dogs grain-free?
Yes — there are no grains in this recipe.
What are the main protein sources in earthmade New Zealand Mackerel Grain-Free Recipe for Adult Dogs?
The top animal proteins are Mackerel — clearly named, so you can verify the source.
