Company HQ
- Cos Cob, Connecticut
Parent company
Sourcing and Manufacturing
- United States
Type of food
PROS
- To our knowledge, Chicken Soup for the Soul has never had a product recall
- Foods are nutritionally complete and balanced according to AAFCO standards
- Affordable
- All protein comes from animal sourced ingredients
- All recipes are free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
CONS
- Lower than average protein content
Chicken Soup for the Soul Dog Food Review
Introduction
When looking for a quality dog food that provides complete and balanced nutrition, Chicken Soup for the Soul is one brand that frequently comes up. Known for its feel-good branding and commitment to quality ingredients, Chicken Soup aims to provide both physical and emotional nourishment.
But how does Chicken Soup dog food truly measure up when it comes to ingredients, nutrient profiles, real-world results and value? This comprehensive review will examine Chicken Soup’s background, manufacturing, formulas, expert analyses, customer reviews, pros and cons, and comparisons to alternative brands. Let’s take a detailed look at whether this food nourishes your dog’s body and soul!
Overview of Chicken Soup for the Soul
First, let’s start with some background on the company behind the food.
Company Background
The Chicken Soup for the Soul brand was made famous by their inspirational books. In 2017, they expanded into pet food, partnering with Diamond Pet Foods to manufacture their recipes.
Chicken Soup aims to provide both physical nutrition and emotional wellbeing for pets. They are involved in pet charity work and ensure their ingredients come from ethical sources.
Sourcing and Manufacturing
Chicken Soup recipes are produced at Diamond Pet Food facilities in the U.S. Ingredients are sourced from trusted suppliers in North America, New Zealand, Australia and Europe.
Chicken Soup states their recipes are made without corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. They aim to include high-quality proteins and digestible carbohydrates.
Product Range
The Chicken Soup for the Soul line includes both dry and wet dog foods for puppies to seniors. There are grain-free and sensitive stomach options too.
Key ingredients include deboned chicken, turkey, fish, lamb, wholesome grains like oatmeal, and fruits and vegetables. There are formulas tailored for different life stages and needs.
Analysis of Chicken Soup Dog Food
Now that we know the backstory, let’s dig into the key factors pet owners consider when choosing a dog food.
Ingredient Quality
Experts agree Chicken Soup includes above-average ingredients compared to many mainstream brands. Whole proteins like chicken, fish and lamb appear first. There are recognizable fruits, veggies and oils.
Some vets do note the use of by-product meals, pea protein and other plant-based inclusions. But overall, ingredients are significantly better than grocery store brands.
Nutrition
Independent lab tests confirm Chicken Soup meets or exceeds AAFCO nutrition standards. Calorie levels are adjustable for most lifestages and activity needs.
Protein is above-average at 27-29% for dry food. The carb sources like oatmeal and barley are complex and digestible. but some grain-free formulas do rely on peas and potatoes.
Taste and Texture
Most pet owners say their dogs enjoy the taste and readily eat Chicken Soup. The kibble texture and size work well for most breeds’ mouths. The chunks in wet food give dogs something to chew.
Some picky dogs needed a transition period to get used to the new food. But the majority find Chicken Soup palatable, especially when mixed with warm water to release aroma.
Health Benefits
Numerous reviews mention shinier coats, improved digestion, and increased energy after feeding Chicken Soup. The recipes with probiotics and antioxidants provide immune and gut health support.
The grain-free options are recommended for dogs with allergies and sensitivities. Overall, pet owners are pleased with the nourishment Chicken Soup provides according to reviews.
Pros and Cons
Looking at expert analyses and customer reviews, here are the main pros and cons of Chicken Soup dog food:
Pros
- Above-average quality ingredients
- Meat proteins are the first ingredients
- Nutritionally complete for all life stages
- Recognizable fruit and veggie ingredients
- Most dogs find recipes palatable
- Improves energy, coat, digestion
- Grain-free options for sensitive dogs
- Affordable compared to premium brands
Cons
- Contains some by-products, pea protein
- Grain-free recipes rely on peas and potatoes
- Quality control issues in some batches
- Some dogs needed transition time
- Primarily sold at mass retailers
- Limited protein and recipe selection
Comparisons to Other Brands
To help evaluate Chicken Soup’s quality and price competitiveness, let’s compare it to a couple leading dog food brands in the same class.
vs. Blue Buffalo
Blue Buffalo is another mainstream brand marketed as high-quality. The ingredients and nutrition are very similar between the two brands. Blue Buffalo has more limited ingredient and protein options, while Chicken Soup is slightly more affordable.
vs. Purina ONE
Up against parent company Nestle-Purina’s main line, Chicken Soup does use higher quality ingredients without corn, soy or artificial additives. However, Purina ONE SmartBlend has more size and recipe variations at a lower cost.
vs. Pedigree
Compared to big name Pedigree, Chicken Soup is markedly superior in ingredients, nutrition, taste and results, according to most reviews. However, Pedigree costs significantly less than Chicken Soup. You get what you pay for.
Conclusion
Overall, Chicken Soup for the Soul provides above-average nutrition and quality compared to big-box brands, even if it doesn’t quite reach premium status. Their formulas appeal to most dogs and provide complete nourishment for a moderate price point.
While not the absolute highest quality, Chicken Soup is a solid mid-range choice for pet owners wanting to upgrade from pedigree without breaking the bank. If your budget allows, it can provide well-rounded nutrition your dog is sure to enjoy.
Brand Overview
Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food believes every pet should enjoy the benefits of premium nutrition — no matter their circumstances. That‘s why we work with our employees, communities, retail partners, and others to develop programs that provide healthy nutrition to pets in need.Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food, makes complete, balanced meals created with solid nutrition and trusted ingredients.
How Much Does Chicken Soup for the Soul Dog Food Cost
We’ve compared Chicken Soup for the Soul dog food price to the other dog food brands in our database.
Chicken Soup for the Soul Wet Dog Food Price Comparison
| Brand Avg | Market Avg | % From the Avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price per oz | $0.22 | $0.41 | -46% |
| Price per 100 kcal | $0.95 | $1.52 | -38% |
| Price per day | $0.57 | $0.91 | -37% |
Chicken Soup for the Soul Wet Dog Food is priced below the average market price for dog food.
Chicken Soup for the Soul Dry Dog Food Price Comparison
| Brand Avg | Market Avg | % From the Avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price per lb | $2.70 | $3.69 | -27% |
| Price per 100 kcal | $0.17 | $0.34 | -50% |
| Price per day | $0.10 | $0.20 | -50% |
Chicken Soup for the Soul Dry Dog Food is priced below the average market price for dog food.
Chicken Soup for the Soul Wet Puppy Food Price Comparison
| Brand Avg | Market Avg | % From the Avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price per oz | $0.27 | $0.31 | -13% |
| Price per 100 kcal | $0.92 | $1.01 | -9% |
| Price per day | $0.55 | $0.61 | -10% |
Chicken Soup for the Soul Wet Puppy Food is priced below the average market price for dog food.
Chicken Soup for the Soul Nutrient Profile Comparison
We’ve compared Chicken Soup for the Soul dog food recipes nutrient profile to the other dog food brands in our database.
Wet Dog Food
| Brand Avg | Market Avg | % From the Avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DM Protein | 44.44% | 42.98% | +3% |
| DM Fat | 15.28% | 22.28% | -31% |
| DM Fiber | 6.95% | 7.39% | -6% |
| DM Carb | 33.34% | 26.26% | +27% |
Dry Dog Food
| Brand Avg | Market Avg | % From the Avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DM Protein | 27.78% | 30.01% | -7% |
| DM Fat | 14.72% | 15.86% | -7% |
| DM Fiber | 4.86% | 5.48% | -11% |
| DM Carb | 52.64% | 47.73% | +10% |
Wet Puppy Food
| Brand Avg | Market Avg | % From the Avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DM Protein | 40.91% | 42.84% | -5% |
| DM Fat | 27.27% | 27.27% | 0% |
| DM Fiber | 4.55% | 7.01% | -35% |
| DM Carb | 27.27% | 22.55% | +21% |
All of Chicken Soup for the Soul dog food recipes meets AAFCO’s minimum requirements.
Recall History
The following list (if present) shows all dog food recalls related to Chicken Soup for the Soul Dog Food Review since 2011. If no recalls are listed, no recall events have been reported.
Since 2011 Chicken Soup for the Soul has never been recalled.
FAQs
Is Chicken Soup grain-free?
Chicken Soup offers both grain-inclusive and select grain-free formulas for dogs with sensitivities.
Where is Chicken Soup dog food produced?
All Chicken Soup recipes are manufactured at Diamond Pet Food facilities located within the United States.
Does Chicken Soup do feeding trials?
Yes, Chicken Soup conducts palatability trials and often makes adjustments based on dogs’ preferences.
Is Chicken Soup human-grade dog food?
No, Chicken Soup is not marketed as human-grade, though they follow strict quality control standards.
Can I switch my dog straight to Chicken Soup?
Most dogs can be immediately switched to Chicken Soup. But for sensitive dogs, gradually transition over 5-7 days mixing in increasing amounts of new food.
