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Finding the perfect dog food brand for your furry friend can be overwhelming with all the options lining store shelves. If you’re searching for a dog food that focuses on whole-food ingredients, ancient grains, and a legume-free formula, Unrefined Dog Food might just be what you’re looking for. Created by Earthborn Holistic, Unrefined offers thoughtfully crafted meals designed to support your dog’s overall health naturally. In this comprehensive review, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Unrefined Dog Food from ingredients and product lines to pros, cons, and real user feedback.
About Unrefined Dog Food
Unrefined Dog Food is a sub-brand under the well-respected Earthborn Holistic umbrella, a company known for producing premium pet foods with an emphasis on sustainability and nutrition. The “Unrefined” line reflects a return to natural, ancestral eating, with recipes packed with nutrient-rich superfoods, ancient grains, and real meat. What makes it stand out is its legume- and potato-free formulation, which appeals to pet parents seeking alternative carbohydrate sources without compromising on quality.
The philosophy behind Unrefined centers around clean eating for dogs. The brand avoids artificial additives, by-products, and anything synthetic. Instead, it embraces a wholesome, transparent approach that caters to dogs with sensitivities or those requiring more natural diets.
Product Lines and Variants
Unrefined offers a thoughtfully curated selection of recipes for both adult dogs and puppies. Each formula uses high-quality protein and is crafted to meet AAFCO standards for all life stages.
Available Recipes Include:
- Smoked Turkey
- Smoked Salmon
- Roasted Rabbit
- Roasted Lamb
- Roasted Quail
- Roasted Duck
- Puppy Recipe (Turkey)
These options provide a range of flavors and protein sources, making it easier to rotate meals or cater to picky eaters and dietary restrictions. Most recipes come in multiple bag sizes (4 lb, 12.5 lb, 25 lb), making them suitable for households with one or multiple dogs.
You can find Unrefined Dog Food at specialty pet stores, online retailers like Chewy and Amazon, and select brick-and-mortar shops across the U.S.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
One of Unrefined Dog Food’s strongest features is its ingredient transparency and quality. Here’s what you’ll typically find in a bag:
1. Real Animal Protein
All Unrefined recipes start with named meat proteins like turkey, salmon, rabbit, or lamb. These whole meats are USDA-inspected and provide essential amino acids for muscle development and repair.
2. Ancient Grains
Unlike many grain-free formulas, Unrefined includes a medley of ancient grains such as:
- Quinoa
- Chia seeds
- Oatmeal
- Buckwheat
- Barley These grains are nutrient-dense and high in fiber, helping promote better digestion and steady energy levels.
3. Fruits and Vegetables
Whole fruits and vegetables like carrots, apples, pumpkin, spinach, cranberries, and blueberries offer antioxidants and essential vitamins. They also enhance palatability and mimic a natural diet.
4. Superfoods & Functional Additives
Other inclusions like turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and coconut oil provide anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting benefits. Prebiotics and probiotics are also part of the formula to support gut health.
5. Free From Common Allergens
Unrefined is proudly legume-free, lentil-free, and potato-free a rarity in the current dog food landscape. It’s also free of corn, wheat, soy, and artificial colors or preservatives.
Nutritional Value and Guaranteed Analysis
Each recipe is designed to provide a balanced diet and meet the needs of dogs at all life stages. Here’s an example of the nutritional breakdown for the Unrefined Smoked Turkey Recipe:
- Crude Protein: 26%
- Crude Fat: 15%
- Crude Fiber: 7%
- Moisture: 10%
- Omega-6 Fatty Acids: 2.5%
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 0.5%
- Calcium and Phosphorus Balanced
- Taurine: Added for heart health
These nutrient profiles ensure dogs get the fuel they need for energy, coat health, muscle development, and digestive wellness.
What Makes It Different?
With so many premium dog food brands out there, what sets Unrefined apart?
- Ancient Grain Focus: While many brands are going grain-free, Unrefined returns to nutrient-rich grains with better digestibility.
- Legume-Free: Unlike Orijen or Acana, which may still include legumes, Unrefined avoids these ingredients ideal for owners concerned about DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy) links.
- Clean Labels: No hidden ingredients or vague “meat meals.”
- Transparency: Earthborn Holistic is committed to traceability and sustainability, including recycling programs like TerraCycle.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
- High-quality animal proteins as the first ingredient
- Nutrient-dense ancient grains support digestion
- Completely legume- and potato-free
- Packed with superfoods and antioxidants
- Supports skin, coat, immune, and gut health
- Made in the USA with strict quality standards
❌ Cons:
- Price is higher than average kibble brands
- Grain-inclusive may not suit dogs with grain allergies
- Limited flavor variety compared to larger brands
- Can be hard to find in smaller pet stores
Palatability – Do Dogs Actually Like It?
One of the most common praises Unrefined receives is how much dogs genuinely enjoy it. The inclusion of fresh fruits, vegetables, and rich meats enhances the flavor and aroma. Pet parents often note that even picky eaters seem to prefer the smoked turkey or roasted rabbit options.
The kibble size is suitable for most medium to large breeds, and even smaller dogs appear to have no trouble chewing it.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Online reviews for Unrefined Dog Food are overwhelmingly positive across platforms like Chewy, Amazon, and Dog Food Advisor. Here’s a general breakdown of feedback:
⭐ Common Positive Themes:
- Noticeable improvements in coat softness and shine
- Fewer digestive issues and firmer stools
- Increased energy and enthusiasm at mealtime
- Dogs with food allergies tolerated it well
⚠️ Occasional Criticisms:
- Some customers reported their dogs didn’t love every flavor
- A few noted a higher price tag than expected
- Limited availability in rural or less-stocked areas
Overall, most customers rated the food 4.5 stars and up, citing both visible health improvements and satisfaction with ingredients.
Pricing and Value for Money
Unrefined falls into the premium kibble category, often priced around:
- $20–$25 for a 4-lb bag
- $45–$55 for a 12.5-lb bag
- $75–$85 for a 25-lb bag
While it’s not the cheapest option on the market, its ingredient quality, transparency, and health benefits provide strong justification for the cost. Plus, feeding guidelines tend to recommend smaller portions, which may make a bag last longer than expected.
Recall History and Safety
As of this writing, Unrefined Dog Food has no recalls, and its parent brand Earthborn Holistic has a solid reputation for quality control. The company is known for being proactive about sourcing and manufacturing safety, with most products made in USDA-inspected kitchens in the USA.
Is Unrefined Dog Food Right for Your Dog?
Unrefined is ideal for:
- Dogs with legume or potato sensitivities
- Owners seeking a high-protein, whole-food kibble
- Active dogs who need sustained energy
- Pet parents who want transparency and clean labeling
However, it might not be suitable for:
- Dogs with grain allergies (though grains used are hypoallergenic for many)
- Budget-conscious households
- Very small breeds that require tiny kibble size
If your dog has struggled with skin issues, inconsistent digestion, or simply refuses other kibble, Unrefined may be worth a try.
Final Verdict
Unrefined Dog Food is a thoughtfully crafted line that delivers on its promise of wholesome, natural nutrition. With its focus on real meat, ancient grains, superfoods, and a legume-free formula, it provides an excellent alternative to mainstream kibble. While the price might be a bit steep, the ingredient quality, palatability, and health benefits make it a smart investment for many pet parents.
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Unrefined dog food grain-free?
A: No. Unrefined is a grain-inclusive formula using ancient grains like quinoa, oatmeal, and barley.
Q: Does Unrefined help with allergies?
A: It can help dogs with sensitivities to legumes, potatoes, and artificial additives. However, it may not be suitable for grain-allergic dogs.
Q: Where can I buy Unrefined Dog Food?
A: It’s available online at Chewy, Amazon, and select pet supply retailers across the U.S.
Q: What flavor is best for picky eaters?
A: Smoked Turkey and Roasted Rabbit are often cited as favorites by dog owners.
