Company HQ
- Hartland, Wisconsin
Parent company
Sourcing and Manufacturing
- United States
Type of food
PROS
- To our knowledge, Herbsmith has never had a product recall
- Foods are nutritionally complete and balanced according to AAFCO standards
- All recipes are free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
CONS
- Some recipes contain plant-based protein
- Lower than average protein content
- Price is above market average
Herbsmith Dog Food Review
Introduction
Selecting the right dog food is extremely important for any pet owner. You want to ensure you are providing your furry friend with quality nutrition to support their health and wellbeing. In this article, we will explore Herbsmith dog food – a brand that places emphasis on an ancestral, species-appropriate diet enhanced with herbal supplements. We will provide an overview of Herbsmith’s offerings, assess their various dog food product lines, and highlight the pros and cons of this brand. Keep reading to learn if Herbsmith dog food could be the right choice for your canine companion.
Overview of Herbsmith
Herbsmith is a pet wellness company located in Washington state. They focus on creating dog and cat products that take inspiration from nature. Herbsmith believes in an ancestral approach to pet nutrition. This means formulating diets that mirror what dogs and cats would eat in the wild. Their products aim to deliver positive health outcomes through quality whole food ingredients and targeted herbal formulas.
In terms of their dog food offerings, Herbsmith produces both kibble and raw frozen options. They have several product lines tailored to meet different canine needs. All of their foods contain added vitamins, minerals, and botanical supplements intended to support whole body wellness. Herbsmith sources premium ingredients and conducts rigorous quality testing on their products.
Herbsmith’s Dog Food Product Lines
Herbsmith divides their dog food selection into three main categories:
Sourced Formula Dry Foods
The Sourced Formula kibbles contain minimally processed meat, fish, eggs, and produce. There are grain-free and whole grain recipes offered. The kibbles are enhanced with herbs like turmeric, ginger, milk thistle, and astragalus. These are intended to provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune supporting benefits.
Prepare Formula Raw Foods
The Prepare raw frozen formulas feature gently prepared meat, organs, bone, and produce. There are recipes tailored for puppies, adults, and seniors. Herbsmith recommends rotating proteins and pairing the raw food with their Sourced kibble. These products are meant to reflect a dog’s ancestral, carnivore diet.
Calm Formula Treats and Chews
This line offers single ingredient treats made with chicken, beef liver, wild salmon, or cod skin. They are free from artificial additives. Herbsmith also has calming chews that combine melatonin, chamomile, ginger, and L-tryptophan. These are formulated to relieve anxiety and stress in dogs.
Assessing Herbsmith’s Dog Food Lines
Now that we’ve outlined Herbsmith’s offerings let’s take a deeper look at their products:
Ingredients Used
Herbsmith utilizes high-quality whole food ingredients in their formulas. Their Sourced kibbles feature fresh meats, eggs, and produce as the main components. The raw foods highlight animal-based proteins and organ meats. The treats and chews are single ingredient. Herbsmith avoids artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. Overall, their ingredients align with their natural, ancestral diet philosophy.
Nutritional Value
All of Herbsmith’s dog foods meet AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition. Their kibbles and raw foods offer excellent protein content with moderate fat and low carbs. Both the grain-free and whole grain kibbles provide good nutrient profiles. The raw options are very meat-focused. Herbsmith also adds vitamins, minerals, antioxidants via their herbal blends.
Taste and Texture
Most dogs seem to enjoy the taste and textures of Herbsmith products. The Sourced kibbles have a crunchy bite and aromatic flavor from real meat and produce. The Prepare raw food has a meaty, juicy texture. Some dogs may need time transitioning to the raw consistency. The limited ingredient treats and chews are highly palatable.
Pros and Cons of Herbsmith Dog Food
Pros
- Use of premium, whole food ingredients
- Grain-free and whole grain formulas offered
- Very high amounts of quality animal proteins
- Lower in carbohydrates
- Inclusion of herbal supplements
- Minimal artificial additives
- Meet AAFCO nutritional standards
- Praised for taste and texture by most dogs
Cons
- Higher cost than average kibble
- Limited selection of products
- Raw food requires safe handling
- May not work for dogs with sensitivities
- Only sold through veterinarians
Conclusion
Overall, Herbsmith offers a nutritious dog food option focused on natural ingredients and ancestral diet principles. Their formulas are high in quality proteins and lower in carbs. The addition of targeted herbal supplements is a unique feature. Both the kibble and raw food lines provide complete and balanced nutrition based on whole foods. Herbsmith dog food would be a good choice for owners seeking a minimally processed, meat-focused diet with herbal support. The raw foods provide the most species-appropriate nutrition but require proper handling. The premium quality does come at a higher price point. Herbsmith is ultimately recommended for healthy dogs without severe food sensitivities.
Brand Overview
Herbsmith was founded by holistic veterinarian, Dr. Chris Bessent. The company provides a wide range of treats and supplements for cats and dogs. Herbsmith products are designed to support pets with a variety of health-related issues from anxiety to joint pain.
How Much Does Herbsmith Dog Food Cost
We’ve compared Herbsmith dog food price to the other dog food brands in our database.
Herbsmith Freeze-Dried Dog Food Price Comparison
| Brand Avg | Market Avg | % From the Avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price per oz | $3.99 | $2.64 | +51% |
| Price per 100 kcal | $3.77 | $1.85 | +104% |
| Price per day | $2.26 | $1.11 | +104% |
Herbsmith Freeze-Dried Dog Food is priced above the average market price for dog food.
Herbsmith Nutrient Profile Comparison
We’ve compared Herbsmith dog food recipes nutrient profile to the other dog food brands in our database.
Freeze-Dried Dog Food
| Brand Avg | Market Avg | % From the Avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DM Protein | 37.70% | 44.09% | -14% |
| DM Fat | 12.38% | 26.30% | -53% |
| DM Fiber | 3.41% | 4.65% | -27% |
| DM Carb | 46.52% | 24.69% | +88% |
All of Herbsmith dog food recipes meets AAFCO’s minimum requirements.
Recall History
The following list (if present) shows all dog food recalls related to Herbsmith Dog Food Review since 2011. If no recalls are listed, no recall events have been reported.
Since 2011 Herbsmith has never been recalled.
FAQs
Where can I purchase Herbsmith dog food?
Herbsmith products are only available through veterinary clinics. You need to talk to your vet to order their foods.
Are there any product recalls for Herbsmith dog food?
As of 2023, there have not been any recalls of Herbsmith dog foods. They follow rigorous quality control standards.
What is Herbsmith’s food philosophy?
Herbsmith believes in an ancestral, species-appropriate diet. Their formulas mirror what dogs would eat in the wild with added herbal supplements.
Are Herbsmith’s products made in the USA?
Yes, all of Herbsmith’s dog foods are manufactured in the United States. They source most ingredients from U.S. suppliers as well.
Can puppies eat Herbsmith dog food?
Yes, Herbsmith offers specially formulated puppy recipes to support growth and development. It’s best to consult your veterinarian before switching a puppy’s diet.
