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Michinoku Farm

Aiken no Gohan Horse Meat

DogDry

Rating

★︎★︎☆︎☆︎☆︎ 2.5 / 5
Protein Clarity

Protein Clarity

This measures how clearly the protein sources are identified on the label. "High" means ingredients like "chicken" or "salmon" are listed by name, so you know exactly what your pet is eating. "Low" means vague terms like "meat meal" or "animal by-products" are used, making it harder to know what's really inside.

Why does clarity matter?

According to AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials), pet food labels must follow specific naming standards. When a product uses a named protein like "chicken" it must contain at least 25% of that ingredient. Vague terms like "meat by-products" have no such minimum and can include lower-quality parts from any animal source — making it impossible to know what your pet is actually eating or to identify allergens.

Moderate
Animal Protein

Animal Protein

This estimates how meat-forward the protein sources are from the ingredient label. Named animal proteins count strongly, plant protein concentrates count strongly against the score, and whole plant ingredients with some protein count more lightly. A "High" score means the recipe appears mainly animal-protein led. A "Low" score means the label shows a stronger reliance on plant protein signals.

This is an ingredient-label heuristic, not an exact lab measurement of protein grams.

Why does animal protein matter?

1. Contains irreplaceable essential nutrients Taurine and Arginine — which cats need to stay healthy — are only found in meat. Plants contain none at all.

2. Plant proteins are poorly utilized by the body Even though plant proteins (like corn gluten meal) may show 92.9–96% apparent digestibility, that does not mean high bioavailability. They lack adequate Lysine (only 1.7% vs. the ideal 6–7%) and contain phytic acid that blocks mineral absorption.

High

Is Michinoku Farm Aiken no Gohan Horse Meat dry dog food good?

Michinoku Farm Aiken no Gohan Horse Meat 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 Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Poultry, Shellfish but contains Gluten grains, Legumes, Red meat, Fish, Unknown Fish Meal.

Allergy Highlights

Contains:

Gluten grainsLegumesRed meatFishUnknown Fish Meal

Free From:

DairyEggNutsPoultryShellfish

Pros

  • Contains organ meats that provide natural vitamins and minerals.
  • 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 31%
  • Fat 11%
  • Est. Carbs 46%
  • Fiber 4%
  • Ash 8%

Moisture (10%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.

Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.

  • Protein 28%
  • Fat 10%
  • Est. Carbs 41%
  • Fiber 4%
  • Moisture 10%
  • Ash 7%

As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.

Tips

  • Protein is Medium (31% 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.

    Understanding Medium Protein (25% - 33% Dry Matter)

    Middle Comparison Bucket This bucket is species-aware: the cat medium range starts higher than the dog range. It helps compare labels, but it is not a complete nutrition verdict.

    Cats Need Closer Review Cats are obligate carnivores and generally need more protein than dogs. For cat foods in this range, the complete-and-balanced statement and life-stage claim are especially important.

  • Fat is Medium (11% 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.

    Understanding Medium Fat (10% - 16% Dry Matter)

    Moderate Energy Signal This bucket suggests a moderate fat level on a dry-matter basis. It may suit many adult pets when calories, protein, and the adequacy statement also fit.

    Still Check the Whole Diet Fat percentage does not show total calories by itself. Treats, feeding amount, body condition, and life stage can make the same food work well for one pet and poorly for another.

Ingredients Analysis

34 of 34 matched

  • 1 Horse Meat
    Animal Protein

    Description

    A type of red meat with a similar nutrition profile as beef and pork, except that it has roughly 50% less fat.

    Why Prefer?

    A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.

  • 2 Horse Liver
    Animal Protein

    Description

    Liver from horse, a nutrient-dense organ meat rich in iron and vitamin A.

    Why Prefer?

    Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.

  • 3 Fish Meat
    Animal Protein

    Description

    Meat from unspecified fish species.

    Why Concerned?

    The specific fish species is not disclosed, reducing ingredient transparency.

  • 4 Barley Whole Grain Flour
    Carbs

    Description

    Flour made from whole grain barley, providing carbohydrates and fiber.

    Why Concerned?

    Grains are a source of carbohydrates but may not be ideal for all pets.

    Allergen Concern

    Contains gluten which may cause reactions in sensitive pets.

  • 5 Fish Meal
    Animal Protein

    Description

    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.

  • 6 Coconut Powder
    Fat

    Description

    Dried and powdered coconut flesh, providing medium-chain triglycerides and fiber.

  • 7 Brown Rice Flour
    Carbs

    Description

    Flour made from brown rice, a source of carbohydrates and fiber.

    Why Concerned?

    A common filler without gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.

  • 8 Soy Protein Powder
    Plant Protein Concentrate

    Description

    Powdered soy protein concentrate used as a protein booster in pet food.

    Why Notice?

    High level of plant-based protein is not easy to digest and offers less biological value. Good quality pet foods should obtain sufficient protein from animal sources.

    Allergen Concern

    Soy is a common allergen for pets.

    Digestion Concern

    Soy may cause digestive issues and gas in some pets.

  • 9 Sorghum
    Carbs

    Description

    A type of gluten-free grain, high in carbs and with a similar level of protein as quinoa.

  • 10 Sweet Potato
    Carbs

    Description

    An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent amount of vitamin A, C, B6.

  • 11 Potato
    Carbs

    Description

    Contains mainly carbs, often used as an alternative filler for grain-free pet foods.

    Why Concerned?

    An inexpensive filler without gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.

  • 12 Roasted Sesame
    Fat

    Description

    Roasted sesame seeds, a source of healthy fats and minerals.

  • 13 Defatted Rice Bran
    Carbs

    Description

    Rice bran with fat removed, a source of fiber and B vitamins.

  • 14 Sunflower Oil
    Fat

    Description

    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.

  • 15 Seed Oil
    Fat

    Description

    Oil from unspecified seed sources.

    Why Concerned?

    The specific seed source is not disclosed, reducing ingredient transparency.

  • 16 Eggshell Calcium
    Supplement

    Description

    Natural calcium derived from eggshells.

  • 17 Zinc
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 18 Copper
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 19 Vitamin A
    Supplement

    Description

    Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.

  • 20 Vitamin E
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 21 Vitamin B1
    Supplement

    Description

    Supplement for vitamin B1, which is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.

  • 22 Vitamin B2
    Supplement

    Description

    Supplement for vitamin B2, which is vital for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia and weight loss.

  • 23 Pantothenic Acid
    Supplement

    Description

    A water-soluble dietary supplement for vitamin B5, which is essential for energy metabolism in the body.

  • 24 Vitamin B6
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 25 Vitamin B12
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 26 Niacin
    Supplement

    Description

    Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.

  • 27 Folic Acid
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 28 Vitamin K
    Supplement

    Description

    Supplement for vitamin K, which is essential for the formulation of bone and normal blood clotting. A deficiency will result in prolonged bleeding times and internal bleeding.

  • 29 Choline
    Supplement

    Description

    Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.

  • 30 Seaweed Powder
    Carbs

    Description

    An excellent source of various minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium. Rich in rare mineral iodine essential for healthy thyroid function.

  • 31 Yeast Extract
    Plant Protein Concentrate

    Description

    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.

  • 32 Taurine
    Supplement

    Description

    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).

  • 33 Oligosaccharide

    (Detected): Oligosaccharides

    Prebiotics

    Description

    Known as FOS, a type of fiber derived from chicory roots, beets, or cane. It is added as prebiotics for good bacteria growth in the colon, which aids digestion.

  • 34 Lactic Acid Bacteria
    Probiotics

    Description

    A general term for probiotic bacteria that produce lactic acid and support gut health.

    Why Prefer?

    A beneficial probiotic supplement.

Tips

  • Some protein sources are less clear: Fish Meat, Fish Meal appear near the top without a clearly defined animal source.
  • Plant protein signal: Soy Protein Powder may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
  • Higher-priority ingredients to review: Fish Meal, Soy Protein Powder.
  • Higher-caution ingredients: Fish Meal have caution notes in the ingredient database.
  • Possible allergy triggers: Barley Whole Grain Flour, Soy Protein Powder have allergen notes; review them if your pet has sensitivities.

Protein Analysis

How this recipe earned its protein scores.

Protein Clarity

Moderate
Moderate
  • Named 50%
  • Unnamed 50%

Mixed clarity: 50% of Michinoku Farm Aiken no Gohan Horse Meat'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

Horse Meat Horse Liver

Unnamed

Fish Meat Fish Meal

Animal Protein

High
High
  • Animal 81%
  • Plant concentrate 18%
  • Auxiliary 1%

Meat-forward: 81% of the weighted protein in Michinoku Farm Aiken no Gohan Horse Meat comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (0% whole plants, 18% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.

Contributing ingredients

Animal

Horse Meat Horse Liver Fish Meat Fish Meal

Plant concentrate

Soy Protein Powder

Auxiliary

Yeast Extract

Michinoku Farm Aiken no Gohan Horse Meat dry dog food Review

Michinoku Farm Aiken no Gohan Horse Meat 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 that thrive on muscle-meat protein

Avoid if

  • Your pet has a grain or gluten sensitivity
  • 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.
  • Plant-protein concentrates appear in the top 10 ingredients: Soy Protein Powder.
  • Contains common allergens: Gluten grains, Legumes, Red meat, Fish, Unknown Fish Meal.
  • On a dry-matter basis: 31% protein, 11% fat, 46% estimated carbohydrates.
  • 81% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.

Frequently asked questions

Is Michinoku Farm Aiken no Gohan Horse Meat 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 Michinoku Farm Aiken no Gohan Horse Meat contain Dairy?

No — based on the ingredient list, Michinoku Farm Aiken no Gohan Horse Meat doesn't include Dairy or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid this allergen here.

Does Michinoku Farm Aiken no Gohan Horse Meat contain Egg?

No — based on the ingredient list, Michinoku Farm Aiken no Gohan Horse Meat doesn't include Egg or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid this allergen here.

Does Michinoku Farm Aiken no Gohan Horse Meat contain Legumes?

Yes — based on the ingredient list, Michinoku Farm Aiken no Gohan Horse Meat contains Legumes, so pets sensitive to Legumes should generally avoid this product or consult a vet first.

Does Michinoku Farm Aiken no Gohan Horse Meat contain Nuts?

No — based on the ingredient list, Michinoku Farm Aiken no Gohan Horse Meat doesn't include Nuts or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid this allergen here.

Is Michinoku Farm Aiken no Gohan Horse Meat grain-free?

No — the recipe contains Gluten grains.

What are the main protein sources in Michinoku Farm Aiken no Gohan Horse Meat?

The top animal proteins are Horse Meat, Horse Liver — clearly named, so you can verify the source.

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