Are you looking for the best food for your furry buddy? Do you find yourself lost in a pool of dog food options?
Well, there may be numerous brands with their own collection of dog foods, but you need to select the ones that will suit your pup the most.
Of course, choosing what’s best is not always easy. In fact, that is the most difficult part. But you know what? That is where I can help!
In this post, I have compiled a detailed review of the most talked-about Carna4 dog food.
I have picked five of Carna4’s top dog food products and talked about them as comprehensively as I can. And the best part?
I have evaluated them on the basis of five important factors: recipes, ingredients, nutrition, price, and recall history.
And after going through all of them, you can determine if the formula of this particular brand is a good fit for your four-legged buddy’s health and nutritional needs.
Sounds good?
So, what are you waiting for?
Let’s dive right into the review!
| Product | Type | Special Feature | Our Rating | AAFCO Nutrient Profile(Life Stage) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carna4 Dog Food – Chicken | Dry | 100% fresh chicken | 3.5 | All Life Stages |
| Carna4 Easy-chew Goat Formula Dog Food | Dry | Pasture-raised New Zealand goat and goat liver | 3.5 | All Life Stages |
| Carna4 Easy-chew Fish Formula Dog Food | Dry | Fresh wild-caught herring and perch | 4 | All Life Stages |
| Carna4 Dog Food – Grain-free Duck | Dry | Humanely-raised ducks | 3.5 | All Life Stages |
| Carna4 Easy-chew Venison Formula Dog Food | Dry | Pasture-raised New Zealand venison | 4 | All Life Stages |
At a Glance: Carna4 Dog Food
Following are some highlights about the Carna4 dog food. I will discuss them in detail later in this review.
- A premium dog food brand with all-natural ingredients.
- They don’t add pre-vitamin mixes or synthetics to their products.
- There are not many options to choose from when it comes to products and flavors.
- They don’t add fats and preservatives to their products. They use only natural antioxidants.
- They use organic ingredients such as certified organic sprouted barley seeds, flaxseeds, lentil seeds, and fresh meats in their products.
- They didn’t have any recalls for any of their pet food and treats.
- All their products have low glycemic and gluten.
- All 3lb products are priced between $20-$27.
- It might be difficult to find in local stores.
Now, before we get to the products, come, let’s have a look at the brand and its history.
About The Carna4 Dog Food Brand
- Low glycemic and low gluten
- Pasture-raised New Zealand venison
- Omega-3 fatty acids
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Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Carna4 is a brand that offers pet food owners organic or natural alternatives to homemade pet foods and raw meat.
They strive to provide pups with clean ingredients while paying special attention to dogs with sensitive stomachs. Their main aim is to boost pets’ health with their dog food, toppers, and snacks.
The quality of Carna4 dog food is superior to most of its competitors. But when it comes to pricing, their products are available at high rates.
Who Makes Carna4 Dog Food in 2023?
Carna4 is a boutique brand established in Canada. They make the food in an EU-certified bakery that is run by the family. The name of the bakery is Bio Biscuit, and it is in Quebec.
This brand was founded in the year 2010 by David Stauble, who had experience in creating pet foods, and Maria Ringo, who was a complementary medicine practitioner.
You can buy their products online in Canada, the USA, China, Singapore, Taiwan, Korea, Israel, and Japan.
Also, they have partnered with tons of offline stores. If you wish to buy Carna4 dog food offline, you can have a look at the list of stores on their own website.
Five-Factor Analysis of Carna4 Dog Food
You want to know if this brand’s food is good for your furry buddy, right?
And that is why I have created this section where I have held the magnifying glass over the top five factors! The factors include recipes, ingredients, nutrition, price, and recall history.
Once I go deep into each and every factor, you will have a clear understanding of what this brand offers, how it can benefit your pup’s health, and if it can live up to your expectations.
So, are you ready?
1. Recipes
Let’s start by looking at all five recipes individually and see what they have to offer.
Carna4 Dog Food – Chicken
- 100% fresh chicken
- Fresh chicken liver and eggs
- Highly digestible minerals and vitamins
- No vitamin premixes
- No synthetic additives
The primary ingredient in this dog food from the house of Carna4 is a fresh and whole chicken. They don’t use any by-products, as they believe in offering clean food to your dog. Instead, they use only flesh and muscle.
This dog food formula has Atlantic Salmon in it. They don’t have any bones in them. It is full of Omega-3s, calcium, protein, and vitamin D. It makes your dog’s bones strong and its coats shiny. Also, your pup gets the power to fight against inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. And did I tell you they can fight against infections too?
We all know that eggs are a great source of protein, right? And this dog formula has plenty of eggs in it. The eggs, along with the iron-rich liver of chicken, provide your doggo with all the protein and essential amino acids they need, helping them develop well.
The Carna4 dog food brand uses some common ingredients in all their products, including organic sprouted barley seed, peas, lentils, and flaxseed. These ingredients are a powerhouse of minerals, vitamins, enzymes, and probiotics. In short, they provide the complete nutrition your furry buddy requires.
But a major drawback of this recipe is the hard pieces. If you have a pup or dog of a small breed, they may find it hard to chew.
Carna4 Easy-chew Goat Formula Dog Food
- Whole food nutrition
- Soft, bite-sized nuggets
- Air-dried
- No fillers
- No by-products
The Carna4 goat formula has goats as its main source of protein. It is perfect for dogs who have food sensitivities. This means if your dog has issues with eating food containing mainstream proteins, for example, beef and chicken, you can feed them this formula.
It is packed with the goodness of pastured New Zealand goat and their liver. This means your pup is getting proteins from the cleanest source.
This dog formula is full of essential nutrients as it contains a mix of organic sprouted seeds, which help in improving your dog’s intestinal health. It provides energy so that your furry buddy can do their day-to-day activities with ease.
It is quick-baked with no synthetic additives.
It comes in small-sized nuggets, making it an excellent food option for pups and dogs of small breeds. Your dog will find it easier to chew and have a great time eating.
If your dog falls under the category of picky pups, then it might be an issue for you to feed them this formula. As it has goat meat as its primary ingredient, it comes with a strong smell. This might discourage your dog from eating the formula.
Linoleic acid is there in this dog formula. It plays an important role in keeping your dog healthy and full of energy. This omega-6 fatty acid contributes to keeping your dog’s fur shiny.
Carna4 Easy-chew Fish Formula Dog Food
- Perch and herring freshly caught
- No synthetics
- No protein concentrates
- Low glycemic
- Small nuggets
This fish formula for your four-legged buddy is filled with the proteins of perch and herring that are freshly wild-caught.
It has low gluten and low glycemic, making it a good food choice for sensitive and diabetic dogs.
This dog food formula from the house of Carna4 doesn’t contain any fillers, artificial preservatives, or by-products.
Artificial preservatives are mainly chemicals that are used in food products to increase their shelf life.
By-products are taken from those animal parts which humans don’t eat, and they are basically of low quality.
Fillers are used in food products just to increase the quantity, and they contribute nothing as such when it comes to your dog’s health.
The absence of these ingredients in Carna4 Easy-chew Fish Formula Dog Food makes it a good food option for your doggo.
It has whole apples that add a high dose of vitamins and antioxidants to this dog food. The vitamin E and vitamin C provide support to your dog’s body. They protect them from the damage that free radicals cause.
The pectin in apples helps in lessening the chances of colon cancer. And your dog remains active all day.
Carna4 Dog Food – Grain-free Duck
- Made from ducks raised by humans
- Whole food nutrition
- Grain-free
- Easily digestible
- Low gluten
- Filled with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
The main ingredient used in this dog food formula is fresh ducks that are humanely raised on the farms of Ontario. They don’t use any by-products as they want to provide your four-legged buddy with clean and natural food.
Duck is a great source of iron and easy-to-digest protein. Also, it is full of amino acids that make the muscles of your dog strong. And it is good for those dogs who are suffering from food allergies and sensitivities.
The herring used in this recipe is a great source of calcium, protein, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. This helps your pup have strong bones, a glossy coat, and infection-fighting properties. Also, it has DHA, which helps in the brain development of your favorite pup.
They use fava beans that are full of minerals and vitamins such as folate, potassium, magnesium, niacin (B3), vitamin c, vitamin k, vitamin A, and thiamin (B1).
The nutritious plant kelp is included in this recipe. It is loaded with all the goodness of amino acids, essential vitamins, and micronutrients.
Just like their chicken variant, this variant of Carna4 might be difficult for your small-breed dog or pup to chew.
Carna4 Easy-chew Venison Formula Dog Food
- Pasture-raised New Zealand venison
- Low glycemic and low gluten
- No fillers
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Quick-baked
- A limited list of ingredients
The primary ingredient of this dog food formula is venison which is pasture-raised in the cleanest firms in New Zealand. It is packed with essential nutrients, thinking about the well-being of your dog.
The high amount of vitamin B gives your dog all the energy they need. It has the perfect ratio of iron and zinc, which contributes to the healthy functioning of all organs and the immune system.
The omega-3s in this dog food formula promote a healthy and shiny coat.
The carrots, sweet potatoes, and other garden vegetables found in this recipe are natural sources of antioxidants, vitamins, and tons of minerals. It is everything that your dog needs for their every nourishment.
There are no chemicals, by-products, or fillers used in this recipe, which makes it a good option, especially for those dog parents looking to feed their furry buddies with whole food.
The Verdict | ★★★★
What I like the most about Carna4 dog food is that all their recipes are free from chemicals, synthetics, by-products, fillers, and protein concentrates. So, if you feed these recipes to your dog, they will get real food.
What I don’t like about these recipes is that they use potatoes and apples that many others dog food brands use. They don’t have many food options. So, if you are looking for any specific flavor, this brand may disappoint you.
Also, they use moderate heat to air dry their product. Using heat can make the products lose essential vitamins, enzymes, and amino acids.
2. Ingredients
The Carna4 brand has introduced different foods in different flavors for your dog. Although they don’t have the same ingredients in all their products, their primary ingredients are mostly common to all their food varieties.
In this section, I have discussed the first four ingredients mentioned on the label of my chosen five recipes from this premium dog food brand.
Real Meat (Chicken, Goat, Herring, Perch, Duck, Venison)
When it comes to the main source of protein in almost all the dog food varieties of Carna4, there is a single meat source. It can be chicken, goat, herring, perch, duck, or venison, depending on the variety you are opting for.
This high source of protein helps in the overall well-being of your four-legged friend. It makes their muscles strong and healthy and supports them with recovery power.
Liver (Chicken, goat, duck, venison)
In each of their recipes discussed above, the liver is used, excluding their fish recipe. The muscle function of your dog is greatly dependent on lean protein. And the liver is an excellent source of it.
Also, the liver has iron that helps your dog maintain a lot of things, including healthy metabolic, respiratory, and cardiovascular functions.
And did you know the liver is a powerhouse of vitamin A?
It helps your dog in improving its eye health, reproductive health, heart health, and brain health.
Eggs
When it comes to protein, eggs are a great source of it. And they come in low calories. They have loads of healthy fats that contribute to making your dog’s eyes, joints, nervous system, heart, and coat better.
The vitamin D in eggs makes your dog’s bones strong. And vitamin B improves their metabolism rate, keeping them energized all day long.
Organic Sprouted Seeds
Among the many sprouted seeds that Carna4 dog food brand uses in their recipes, barley is the main. It is not similar to the barley grain that you get to see.
All these organic seeds are excellent sources of nutrients, fiber, probiotics, and antioxidants. They help in easy digestion and make the immune system function better.
Controversial Ingredients
The Carna4 brand doesn’t use any such controversial ingredients in its dog foods. They claim that they use 100% true ingredients. They use no fillers, no synthetics, no meals, no by-products, and no protein concentrates.
All their all-natural food products offer your furry buddy the necessary nutrients, as they have maximum nutrition.
The animals from which the meat is derived are humanely raised in the farms of New Zealand. They don’t have any hidden ingredients in their products. All the ingredients are listed on their website.
They pride themselves in exceeding the standards of AAFCO.
Being said that, Carna4 dog foods have little amounts of apples and potatoes in them. Potatoes generally fall under the list of GMO or genetically modified organism ingredients. And apples are said to have high amounts of pesticide residue.
But again, Carna4 claims that they follow non-GMO practices, which means their potatoes and apples are safe to use.
The Verdict | ★★★★
Not many dog food brands are there that offer food free from chemicals, fillers, pre-mixes, synthetics, and by-products.
So, as long as Carna4 is transparent about each and every ingredient they are putting into their dog food formulas, I’m happy.
And that is why I’m giving them 4 stars!
3. Nutritional Analysis
Now that you know what is there in each bag of Carna4 dog food, don’t you have queries about their nutritional values?
So, here I am, with a table of nutritional content per serving.
| Nutrient | Content (per serving) |
| Protein | 29% |
| Fat | 15% |
| Fiber | 4% |
| Moisture | 10.0% |
| Calories | 402-525 kcal/cup |
Did you know that a full-grown dog needs a minimum of 5.5% of its regular calories from fats and 10% from protein?
This means if the content of protein in dog food is more than the content of fat in dog food, it is always better. And in Carna4 dog food, the protein content is almost double the fat content. This gets my appreciation!
A full-grown dog needs at least 2.5% fiber on a daily basis. And the fiber content in Carna4 is 4%. Again, very pleasing!
Do you know what the main issue with dry dog foods is?
Intracellular moisture is crucial in your dog’s body, especially the digestive tract. Why? Because it helps your dog in breaking down food nutrients properly. Also, it aids in digestion.
If there is no moisture in the food that you are serving your furry friend, they can suffer from dehydration. Yes, you can give them water to drink, but that is not usually enough.
An adult dog with a healthy weight should have 400 calories a day. And Carna4 formulas have 402-525 kcal/cup, which is not bad.
Author’s Note: Please remember that the nutritional content may vary depending on the specific formula of Carna4 dog food you select.
The Verdict | ★★★★
If I compare Carna4 with other available dog food options in the market, this brand is better in many ways, one being its nutritional value.
They have a good percentage of protein and fat. But when it comes to fiber content, it falls into the average category.
I’m giving them 4 stars as they have not only a good amount of protein and fat, but also other essential nutrients that your dog needs on a daily basis.
4. Price
Now, this is one section that disappoints me the most!
If you are low on budget but still want to feed good food to your furry buddy, you will be flooded with so many pocket-friendly options. And Carna4 dog food is not on that list.
The price of their 3lb bags starts from $23. Also, they have bags of 2.2lb, 22lb being the largest. And the price of a 22lb bag can go as high as $159.99. That’s a high price, indeed.
But, of course, if you look at the high-quality ingredients they use in all their products and the rigorous quality checks they do before sending their products off to the sellers, this high price range can be justified to some extent.
No matter the reason, the price has made it accessible only to pet owners who have money and not to the general public.
The Verdict | ★★★
Well, there are many dog food brands in the market that offer good food at affordable rates.
But the Carna4 brand offers whole meats that are human-grade. Also, they use certified organic vegetables, herbs, and sprouted seeds. That’s not it. Their products are fillers and chemical free. And these are something not many dog food brands do.
Seeing from that point of view, the pricing is justified in my eyes. But as it is not the option you may want while looking for affordable dog food, I’m giving Carna4 3 stars.
5. Recall History
Now, I find this to be the best part of this entire review. The Carna4 dog food brand has NOT experienced any recalls on any of its products.
The Verdict | ★★★★★
When there is a recall on any brand’s record, it mostly means the products may not be very safe to use. Having said that, that is not completely true. There are many other sides to it, and even top companies can experience a recall.
As Carna4 dog food has not experienced any recall to date, I’m happy to give them a 5-stars rating!
How Does Carna4 Dog Food Compare to The Competition?
Carna4 dog food is full of enzymes and nutrients, all of which are either naturally occurring or bio-available. They are loaded with antioxidants, live probiotics, and omega-3 fatty acids. Compared to their competitors in the field of dog food, Carna4 has higher qualities of ingredients.
All their food products are void of harmful chemicals, synthetics, fillers, and low-quality by-products. This makes them a premium brand indeed.
But their major drawback is the variety of products they offer. You don’t have many options to choose from.
And last but not least, Carna4 dog food is available at a price that might not be accessible by all pet owners.
Carna4 Dog Food: To Buy Or Not To Buy?
Now that we’ve covered all bases, it’s time to know whether buying Carna4 dog food is worth buying. Here are some major pros and cons to help you decide.
Now that I have already discussed all the major points of Carna4 dog food in detail, it’s time to make the final call, and that is whether it’s a good idea to buy products from this brand or not.
To help you decide, I have come up with a list of pros and cons.
Read on.
Pros & Cons of Carna4 Dog Food
Pros
- They offer whole food recipes that meet the daily nutritional requirement of your dog.
- They have a full list of ingredients that they are using in each of their recipes. So, you know what you are putting inside your dog.
- All their products are free from synthetics, by-products, fillers, and even pre-mixes that most brands include in their recipe.
- To provide your furry buddy with maximum nutrition, all their recipes are baked and air-dried.
- Their sprouted seed blend is USDA-certified and organic.
- Their recipes can work as a safer alternative to raw food.
- As they have a limited list of ingredients, their products are good for dogs suffering from sensitivities.
- Many real users have said that Carna4 dog food has helped them with their picky eaters.
- They use real meat from pasture-raised chicken, duck, venison, and lamb.
- They have not been recalled for any of their products, as they have always maintained the quality.
- They come with a satisfaction guarantee. This means if you are not satisfied after feeding Carna4 dog food to your furry buddy, you can bring the remaining product in its original packaging and ask for a full refund. Isn’t that amazing?
Cons
- The first and foremost drawback of this dog food brand is its high price. This might make the amazing products of this brand non-accessible to many.
- You may find it difficult to get hold of their products in stores.
- Their products have about 37% carbohydrates, which is high. This can increase obesity and insulin levels in dogs. Also, this might be the reason for some unwanted changes to the microbiome in the gut.
- They lack variety in their dog food.
Would I recommend it?
Yes.
Despite their high price, Carna4 dog food is worth a try. After all, their products come with so many pros. And the pet owners who have used it have only positive things to say.
What did I like the most?
I like that they offer whole and real food with ingredients you already know about. They have nothing fancy, only simple and pure ingredients that can contribute to the overall well-being of your dog.
If you don’t have a budget, I would recommend you try Carna4 dog food. You will not regret it. Trust me.
Our Rating
Carna4 dog food is a premium quality option for pet owners.
I like how they make all their products with no fillers, no by-products, and no synthetics. And one of the best things about this brand is that they don’t use any controversial ingredients in their food items.
The one minus point about this brand is its price, as a 22lb bag can cost as high as $159.99.
Of course, you can overlook the price, looking at the amazing high-quality products they are offering your furry buddy.
Overall, Carna4 dog food gets a thumbs up from my side for their safe and premium quality dog food options that can be given to dogs in all their life stages, including young, adult, pregnant, nursing, and senior.
Carna4 dog food earns a rating of 4 out of 5.
Carna4 Dog Food Feeding Guide
Are you planning on feeding Carna4 dog food to your pet?
Then before you begin, know that it may take seven to ten days to completely train your dogs to get adapted to this new food formula. The reason behind this is the richer nutritional formula in their products.
You can start by adding one part of Carna4 dog food with four parts of their previous food. You have to increase the amount gradually, giving your dog time to adjust. After a time of ten days, your dog might be able to eat complete Carna4 dog food.
Please note that your dog needs fewer cups of this food than their old food.
In the transition period, if you see that your dog is popping larger amounts of stools, don’t worry. That is completely normal. This happens because the high-quality fiber in Carna4 dog food flushes out the impurities and cleanses the colon.
After a few days, you will see that your dog is popping like it used to.
How to Feed Your Puppy?
Feed your pup three to four times a day. Make sure that the quantity is small and that there is a fixed time for every feed.
When they are six months of age, reduce the feeding to two times a day.
How to Feed Pregnant and Nursing Dogs?
When your dog is at least six weeks pregnant, add 50% more food than you used to feed regularly.
If your dog is nursing, they can feed it anytime they want and multiple times throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carna4 Dog Food
Following are some frequently asked questions about Carna4 dog food:
What Does Carna4 Use to Preserve Their Dog Food Formulas?
They have live probiotics and sprouted seeds as their ingredients, which help in self-preserving the products, thereby increasing their shelf life.
How Long Can Carna4 Dog Food Stay Fresh?
They can remain fresh for twenty-four months or two years.
Can I Moisten the Food Product Before Feeding It to My Dog?
Yes, you can.
Conclusion
If you are looking to provide your picky and sensitive furry buddy with a food option that will suit them the best, you can always go for Carna4 dog food.
They have high quality and are specially made for picky dogs with sensitivity issues.
So, are you ready to feed your dog with Carna4 dog food? Do you think this brand is good for your four-legged friend?
Let me know in the comments!
Ankita is a passionate pet lover and head of content at Pet Food Brands. With her extensive knowledge and research, she provides pet owners with top-quality information on dog food and nutrition. Her dedication to improving the lives of dogs makes her a leading voice in the industry.
