Dr. Harvey’s is a premium dog food brand with a nearly three-decade legacy of serving pet owners who seek healthier alternatives for their dogs. Founded by Dr. Harvey Cohen, a human nutritionist, the brand emerged in response to the questionable ingredients found in dog food during the early ’80s. Today, Dr. Harvey’s dog food is celebrated for being free of dyes, artificial preservatives, and fillers, earning it the nickname “miracle dog food” among loyal pet parents.
With seven different formulas, including three complete meals and four pre-mixes, Dr. Harvey’s dog food stands out for its unique approach, requiring rehydration and the addition of fresh ingredients like meat and oil. But is this the right choice for your dog? Let’s explore Dr. Harvey’s dog food ingredients, costs, and reviews to help you make the best decision for your pet.
What Makes Dr. Harvey’s Dog Food Unique?
Dr. Harvey’s dog food is designed with health and nutrition in mind, offering clean, natural ingredients without common allergens or artificial additives. Here’s a closer look at some of the standout formulas:
- Allergy Special Diet: This limited-ingredient recipe is free of common allergens like corn, soy, eggs, and gluten. Available in turkey and fish flavors, it’s ideal for dogs with food sensitivities.
- Canine Health: Miracle Dog Food: This original formula is a pre-mix of grains, veggies, and herbs, requiring the addition of oil and protein for a complete meal.
- Raw Vibrance: A grain-free pre-mix designed for raw diets, featuring vegetables, fruits, eggshells, and mussels to promote balanced nutrition.
- Healthy Weight: A nutrient-dense formula available in beef and chicken flavors, designed to keep dogs full longer and support digestive health with added probiotics.
- Paradigm: A low-carb, grain-free pre-mix aimed at supporting a low glycemic diet, rich in antioxidants and free from corn, wheat, and soy.
- Veg-to-Bowl: A grain-free, vegetable-focused pre-mix that requires the addition of protein, oil, and water to create a balanced meal.
- Oracle: Grain-Free: A complete, grain-free meal available in beef and chicken flavors, containing no added glucose, sodium, or artificial additives.
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Cost of Dr. Harvey’s Dog Food
Dr. Harvey’s dog food is positioned as a premium brand, and its cost reflects that. For example:
- Canine Health Dog Food: A 5-pound bag costs between $48 and $55, providing approximately 33 meals (16 oz each). A 10-pound bag ranges from $70 to $80 and yields around 66 meals.
- Specialty Diets: Complete food diets like the Allergy Special Diet range from $70 to $85 per 5-pound bag, making it the most expensive in the Dr. Harvey’s lineup.
It’s important to note that additional costs may apply, as Dr. Harvey’s pre-mixes require the addition of fresh meat and oil to complete the meal.
Suitable for All Ages and Breeds
Dr. Harvey’s dog food does not offer age-specific formulas but is designed to be suitable for dogs of all life stages. For example, the Healthy Weight formula is a good choice for senior dogs that may be less active or prone to weight gain. The Veg-to-Bowl Fine Ground recipe, with its smaller morsels, is ideal for puppies and small dogs with dental issues.
Certain formulas may also benefit specific breeds. The allergen-free recipes, for example, are particularly useful for breeds prone to food allergies, such as Terriers and Cocker Spaniels.
Ingredient Transparency
Dr. Harvey’s is known for using high-quality, natural ingredients in all its recipes. Here’s a breakdown of some of the primary ingredients found in their most popular formulas:
- Canine Health: Miracle Dog Food: Contains organic rolled oats, organic barley, organic spelt, and organic brown rice.
- Raw Vibrance Pre-Mix: Includes broccoli, green beans, squash, carrots, and celery.
- Paradigm Pre-Mix: Features ingredients like bone broth, red and green bell peppers, and green beans.
- Veg-to-Bowl Formula: Contains sweet potatoes, carrots, potatoes, broccoli, and peas.
Each formula is fortified with a blend of vitamins and minerals to ensure your dog gets all the nutrients they need.
Customer Reviews
Dr. Harvey’s dog food has earned positive reviews from pet parents across various retail sites, with many praising the food’s quality, smell, and appeal to picky eaters. Although some consumers note that the price point is higher than average, most find it justified due to the quality of the ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to refrigerate Dr. Harvey’s dog food?
Dr. Harvey’s dog food is freeze-dried and shelf-stable until prepared. Refrigeration is only necessary after mixing the food with water, meat, or oil. - What’s the difference between pre-mix and complete foods?
Pre-mixes require the addition of fresh meat and oil, while the complete foods are ready to serve once rehydrated with water. - Which Dr. Harvey’s formulas are grain-free?
Oracle, Veg-to-Bowl, Paradigm, and Raw Vibrance are all 100% grain-free.
Conclusion
Dr. Harvey’s dog food offers a unique approach to canine nutrition, emphasizing natural ingredients and customizable meals. Whether your dog has food sensitivities or you’re looking for a high-quality diet, Dr. Harvey’s could be an excellent option. However, the premium price point may be a consideration for some pet owners. Before making a decision, explore the full ingredient lists and consider your dog’s specific needs to determine if Dr. Harvey’s is the right choice for your furry friend.
