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SHOGUN

Japanese Venison Mixed Whole Grains

DogDry

Rating

★︎★︎★︎☆︎☆︎ 3.5 / 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.

High
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 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:

Gluten grainsEggRed meatFish

Free From:

DairyLegumesNutsPoultryShellfishUnknown Meal

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.

    Understanding Low Protein (< 25% Dry Matter)

    Lower Comparison Bucket Low protein on a dry-matter basis does not automatically make a product wrong, but the low cutoff is higher for cats than for dogs because species needs differ.

    Be Careful With Cats and Growth Diets Cats and growing animals generally have higher protein needs than low-activity adult dogs. If this food is meant as a complete cat food or growth diet, verify the label claim and ask a vet if the pet has medical needs.

  • 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.

    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

17 of 17 matched

  • 1 Japanese Venison
    Animal Protein

    Description

    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.

  • 2 Brown Rice
    Carbs

    Description

    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.

  • 3 Dried Bonito Flakes
    Animal Protein

    Description

    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.

  • 4 Barley
    Carbs

    Description

    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.

  • 5 Barley Bran
    Carbs

    Description

    The outer layer of barley grain, high in fiber, B vitamins, and minerals.

    Allergen Concern

    Contains gluten which may cause reactions in sensitive pets.

  • 6 Brewer¬¥s Yeast

    (Detected): Brewer's Yeast

    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.

  • 7 Rice Oil
    Fat

    Description

    Oil extracted from rice bran, rich in vitamin E, oryzanol, and balanced fatty acids.

  • 8 Egg Yolk Powder
    Animal Protein

    Description

    Dehydrated egg yolk, rich in protein, fats, vitamins A and D.

    Why Prefer?

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

  • 9 Black Rice
    Carbs

    Description

    A whole grain rice variety rich in anthocyanin antioxidants, fiber, and iron.

  • 10 Red Rice
    Carbs

    Description

    A whole grain rice variety with intact bran layer, rich in antioxidants, fiber, and minerals.

  • 11 Fermented Seasoning
    Food Additive

    Description

    A fermented flavoring agent used to enhance palatability in pet food.

    Why Concerned?

    Unnamed seasoning source makes it difficult to identify specific ingredients.

  • 12 Job's Tears
    Carbs

    Description

    A grain-like seed rich in fiber, protein, and B vitamins, commonly used in Asian cuisine.

  • 13 Foxtail Millet
    Carbs

    Description

    A small-grained cereal rich in protein, fiber, and minerals including iron and magnesium.

  • 14 Millet
    Carbs

    Description

    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.

  • 15 Green Perilla
    Others

    Description

    An aromatic herb rich in omega-3 (ALA), rosmarinic acid, and antioxidants.

  • 16 L-threonine
    Supplement

    Description

    An essential amino acid (building blocks of protein) to control normal physiologic function, such as insulin release.

  • 17 Rosemary Extract
    Carbs

    Description

    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
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

Japanese Venison Dried Bonito Flakes Egg Yolk Powder

Animal Protein

High
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

Japanese Venison Dried Bonito Flakes Egg Yolk Powder

Auxiliary

Brewer´s Yeast

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 — a solid mid-tier pick at 3.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. Best paired with knowledge of your pet's needs.

Does SHOGUN Japanese Venison Mixed Whole Grains contain Dairy?

No — based on the ingredient list, SHOGUN Japanese Venison Mixed Whole Grains doesn't include Dairy or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid this allergen here.

Does SHOGUN Japanese Venison Mixed Whole Grains contain Egg?

Yes — based on the ingredient list, SHOGUN Japanese Venison Mixed Whole Grains contains Egg, so pets sensitive to Egg should generally avoid this product or consult a vet first.

Does SHOGUN Japanese Venison Mixed Whole Grains contain Legumes?

No — based on the ingredient list, SHOGUN Japanese Venison Mixed Whole Grains doesn't include Legumes or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Legumes can typically avoid this allergen here.

Does SHOGUN Japanese Venison Mixed Whole Grains contain Nuts?

No — based on the ingredient list, SHOGUN Japanese Venison Mixed Whole Grains doesn't include Nuts or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid this allergen here.

Is SHOGUN Japanese Venison Mixed Whole Grains grain-free?

No — the recipe contains Gluten grains.

What are the main protein sources in SHOGUN Japanese Venison Mixed Whole Grains?

The top animal proteins are Japanese Venison, Dried Bonito Flakes, Egg Yolk Powder — clearly named, so you can verify the source.

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