Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Dog Food

Brief Overview

Dr. Gary’s Best Breed was founded by Dr. Gary Cotton, DVM, in 1994. The company is a privately-held, family-owned business that specializes in making all-natural super premium pet foods. According to the company, Dr. Gary (as he’s known) was inspired to create the brand because of his work as a veterinarian in private practice where he encountered what he felt were nutritionally-related health issues in pets. He believed that changing their diet would improve their health. Per Dr. Gary, the founding philosophy of the company’s foods is based on Common Sense Nutrition: ingredients of the highest quality that must add up to the highest overall value in the diet; and no animal by-products, cheap fillers, any sort of gluten, and artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors. Today the company makes over a dozen kibble dog foods (with and without grain), cat foods, as well as supplements and treats. The company is based in Findlay, Ohio. Dr. Gary’s Best Breed has been annually listed on the Whole Dog Journal’s list of “Approved Foods.”

Who Manufactures Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Dog Food?

Dr. Gary’s Best Breed is co-packed by another company. According to our information the food is made by Ohio Pet Foods (now part of the BrightPet Nutrition Group). This is the same company that makes Blackwood and Adirondack foods. (Note that co-packing information is always subject to change. This is the last information that we had.)

Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Food Recalls

We did not find any recalls listed for Dr. Gary’s Best Breed dog foods in the FDA database or online.

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Best Breed is probably best known in Ohio, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, and some parts of Kentucky where it is sold by independent pet food retailers. It’s now available on Chewy.com so it’s become more widely known in the last few years. Being included on the Whole Dog Journal’s annual list of approved foods has also helped the food gain attention and become known to more pet owners.

Best Breed is a small, independent company. Foods are made in small batches using a unique, slow-cooking process at low temperatures that is said to make the carbohydrates easier to digest and ensure optimum absorption of the nutrients. The formulas are made using only EU (European Union)-approved ingredients, which sometimes have to meet a higher standard than USDA ingredients. The foods contain no animal by-products, cheap fillers, any kind of gluten, and no artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors. No corn or wheat. Best Breed uses only ethoxyquin-free sources of fish and chicken raised without antibiotics. (All poultry in the U.S. is raised free of added hormones.)

At the present time Best Breed makes seven holistic formulas, two grain free formulas, and six specialty holistic formulas for specific breeds and working dogs. The grain free foods contain no high glycemic ingredients such as potatoes or tapioca. The protein percentages in the foods range from 21-32 percent. Fat percentages range from 7 percent to 22 percent. Foods contain green-lipped mussels for natural joint health. All of the company’s dog (and cat) foods are dry kibbles. They do not make any canned foods at this time, though they do make supplements and treats.

Here’s a look at Best Breed’s product lines and formulas.

Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Holistic Dog Formulas

Chicken with Vegetables and Herbs Dog Diet

A holistic blend of chicken and duck, whole grains and vegetables.

First Five Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Millet, Pearled Barley, Duck Meal

Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein (min) 26 percent, Crude Fat (min) 15 percent, Crude Fiber (max) 4 percent, Moisture (max) 10 percent

Calorie Content: 468 Kcal/cup

Best Breed Chicken with Vegetables & Herbs Formula is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages. This formula will benefit dogs of all sizes and life stages (puppy through senior).

Lamb Meal with Fruits & Vegetables

The perfect holistic red meat and fish formula made with lamb, whitefish, whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

First Five Ingredients: Lamb Meal, White Fish Meal, Brown Rice, Millet, Pearled Barley

Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein (min) 26 percent, Crude Fat (min) 15 percent, Crude Fiber (max) 4 percent, Moisture (max) 10 percent

Calorie Content: 472 Kcal/cup

Best Breed Lamb Meal with Fruits & Vegetables is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance. This formula will benefit all sizes of adult dogs.

Salmon with Vegetables and Herbs Dog Diet

Hypoallergenic: a holistic blend of wild-caught salmon, whole grains and vegetables. Excellent for dogs with sensitive skin.

First Five Ingredients: Salmon Meal, Pearled Barley, Brown Rice, Canola Oil, Oatmeal

Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein (min) 23 percent, Crude Fat (min) 13 percent, Crude Fiber (max) 4 percent, Moisture (max) 10 percent

Calorie Content: 449 Kcal/cup

Best Breed Salmon with Vegetables & Herbs Formula is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages. This formula will benefit dogs of all sizes and life stages (puppy through senior).

All Breed Dog Diet

A complete and wholesome maintenance diet holistically formulated for all adult dogs.

First Five Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Pearled Barley, Dried Beet Pulp, Sorghum

Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein (min) 25 percent, Crude Fat (min) 12 percent, Crude Fiber (max) 4.5 percent, Moisture (max) 10 percent

Calorie Content: 445 Kcal/cup

Best Breed All Breed Diet is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages. This formula will benefit dogs of all life stages (puppy through senior).

Large Breed Dog Diet

Formulated to promote the health and happiness of all large breed dogs – excellent for dogs with sensitive digestive systems.

First Five Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat [Preserved with Natural Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)]

Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein (min) 25 percent, Crude Fat (min) 13 percent, Crude Fiber (max) 4.5 percent, Moisture (max) 10 percent

Calorie Content: 456 Kcal/cup

Best Breed Large Breed Diet is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages. This formula benefits dogs of all life stages (puppy through senior).

Puppy Diet

All-natural and balanced food specially formulated for both large breed and small breed puppies.

First Five Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat [Preserved with Natural Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)]

Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein (min) 25 percent, Crude Fat (min) 13 percent, Crude Fiber (max) 3 percent, Moisture (max) 10 percent

Calorie Content: 466 Kcal/cup

Best Breed Puppy Diet is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages. This formula will benefit puppies and dogs of all sizes.

Senior Dog Diet (Reduced Calorie)

Low-fat dog food formulated to help maintain the health and vitality of older and less-active dogs.

First Five Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Sorghum, Dried Beet Pulp

Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein (min) 21 percent, Crude Fat (min) 7 percent, Crude Fat (max) 9 percent, Crude Fiber (max) 4.5 percent, Moisture (max) 10 percent

Calorie Content: 371 Kcal/cup

Best Breed Senior Dog Diet is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance. This formula will benefit all sizes of adult dogs.

Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Holistic Grain Free Dog Formulas

Grain Free Chicken with Fruits & Veg.

Hypoallergenic: a grain free blend of chicken, duck, fruits and vegetables. Excellent for dogs with sensitivities to grains.

First Five Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Red Lentils, Chickpeas, Green Peas, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Natural Mixed Tocopherols)

Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein (min) 32 percent, Crude Fat (min) 17 percent, Crude Fiber (max) 4 percent, Moisture (max) 10 percent

Calorie Content: 455 Kcal/cup

Best Breed Grain Free Chicken Formula is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages. This formula will benefit dogs of sizes and life stages (puppy through senior).

Grain Free Salmon with Fruits & Veg.

Hypoallergenic: a grain free blend of salmon, whitefish, fruits and vegetables. Excellent for dogs with sensitivities to grains.

First Five Ingredients: Salmon Meal, Red Lentils, Chickpeas, Green Peas, White Fish Meal

Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein (min) 30 percent, Crude Fat (min) 16 percent, Crude Fiber (max) 4 percent, Moisture (max) 10 percent

Calorie Content: 437 Kcal/cup

Best Breed Grain Free Salmon With Fruits and Vegetables formula is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Holistic Specialty Dog Formulas

Poodle Dog Diet

Naturally formulated dog food for Poodles and other fair-skinned dogs with hair coats, including toys.

First Five Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat [Preserved with Natural Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)]

Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein (min) 25 percent, Crude Fat (min) 12 percent, Crude Fiber (max) 4.5 percent, Moisture (max) 10 percent

Calorie Content: 456 Kcal/cup

Best Breed Poodle Dog Diet is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages. This formula will benefit dogs of all sizes and life stages (puppy through senior).

Working Dog Diet (High Calorie)

Formulated for hard working and active dogs. Also excellent for overly-lean dogs and pregnant and nursing females.

First Five Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat [Preserved with Natural Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)], Rice Flour, Oatmeal, Brown Rice

Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein (min) 24 percent, Crude Fat (min) 22 percent, Crude Fiber (max) 3.5 percent, Moisture (max) 10 percent

Calorie Content: 587 Kcal/cup

Best Breed Working Dog Diet is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance.  This formula will benefit all sizes of adult dogs.

German Dog Diet

Naturally formulated dog food for large and giant breeds including German Shepherds, Rottweilers and Dobermans. Excellent for dogs with sensitive digestive systems.

First Five Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat [Preserved with Natural Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)]

Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein (min) 25 percent, Crude Fat (min) 12 percent, Crude Fiber (max) 4.5 percent, Moisture (max) 10 percent

Calorie Content: 456 Kcal/cup

Best Breed German Dog Diet is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages. This formula will benefit dogs of all life stages (puppy through senior).

Field Dog Diet

Naturally formulated dog food for field dogs including Labrador and Golden Retrievers, Hounds, and Setters. Excellent for those dogs that require slightly more protein in their diet.

First Five Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat [Preserved with Natural Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)]

Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein (min) 28 percent, Crude Fat (min) 13 percent, Crude Fiber (max) 3 percent, Moisture (max) 10 percent

Calorie Content: 466 Kcal/cup

Best Breed Field Dog Diet is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.  This formula will benefit dogs of all sizes and life stages (puppy through senior).

Schnauzer Dog Diet

Naturally formulated dog food for Schnauzers, Terriers and other small breeds.

First Five Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat [Preserved with Natural Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)]

Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein (min) 25 percent, Crude Fat (min) 12 percent, Crude Fiber (max) 4.5 percent, Moisture (max) 10 percent

Calorie Content: 456 Kcal/cup

Best Breed Schnauzer Dog Diet is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages. This formula will benefit dogs of all sizes and life stages (puppy through senior).

Cocker Spaniel Dog Diet

Naturally formulated dog food for all Spaniel breeds and other small breeds.

First Five Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Pearled Barley, Oatmeal, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat [Preserved with Natural Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E)]

Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein (min) 25 percent, Crude Fat (min) 12 percent, Crude Fiber (max) 4.5 percent, Moisture (max) 10 percent

Calorie Content: 445 Kcal/cup

Best Breed Cocker Spaniel Dog Diet is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages. This formula will benefit dogs of all sizes and life stages (puppy through senior).

You can readily see that Best Breed’s foods rely on chicken meal and salmon meal as meat sources of protein in their foods. The company rightly points out that there are different grades of chicken meal available and used by pet food companies. According to Best Breed, they only use the highest grades of chicken meal and other ingredients in their foods.

“For example, there are many grades of chicken meal, all of which can legally be called “chicken meal” on the ingredient list, but are significantly different in terms of nutritional value and digestibility. Best Breed’s formulas contain only the highest grade of ingredients available, helping ensure the health and vitality of your faithful friend…Best Breed only uses premium, all-natural sources of protein, including the flesh and organ meat from named sources such as chicken, salmon and duck. All of Best Breed’s formulas are meat-based. And we only use meat meals, such as “chicken meal” versus just “chicken” or “real chicken,” which contain up to 70% water. Using such meals ensures that each diet’s MEAT protein does not shrink below the weights of non-meat ingredients after water is removed during the cooking process.”

Likewise, Best Breed uses healthy fat sources such as chicken fat, fish oils, and flaxseed, as well as canola oil. These are highly digestible sources of energy and rich in essential fatty acids like linoleic and alpha linoleic acids. (Actually, opinions are mixed about canola oil for dogs but it’s a common fat source in dog foods.)

In terms of carbohydrates, Dr. Gary is frank about saying that he believes that healthy grains have a place in the diet of dogs that are able to eat them, but the company does make two grain free foods for dogs that are sensitive to grains. None of their formulas use corn or wheat. Instead, they use some healthy grains such as oats, barley, and brown rice. They also use low-glycemic grain alternatives such as chickpeas, red lentils, and green peas. These ingredients are high in essential vitamins and nutrients and provide a source of fiber.

The company uses chelated minerals in their formulas which makes it easier for dogs to absorb the nutrients. None of their vitamins, minerals, or other ingredients are sourced from China.

According to Best Breed, the company pays more to use non-GMO grains from the U.S. and Canada. They also pay more to use low-ash meats from accredited U.S.-based suppliers. All of their formulas are produced in the U.S. in facilities that are EU-approved and USDA-inspected. The company also packages their foods in high oxygen barrier poly bags with resealable zippers to keep oxygen out and preserve freshness.

From everything we see here, Best Breed appears to have very good quality foods with high quality ingredients.

We can take a closer look at one of the Best Breed foods in the next section.

Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Holistic Salmon with Vegetables and Herbs Diet

Dog Food Review

Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Holistic Salmon with Vegetables and Herbs Diet is one of Best Breed’s top selling dog foods. It gets stellar reviews on Chewy.com, so we thought it deserved a closer look.

According to Best Breed, this food is a hypoallergenic food that is particularly good for dogs with sensitive skin. The first five ingredients in this food are: Salmon Meal, Pearled Barley, Brown Rice, Canola Oil, and Oatmeal. As already mentioned, Best Breed prefers to use meals like salmon meal instead of whole salmon because the moisture has already been removed. This way the amount the salmon in the food remains the same after cooking. The company also uses ethyoxyquin-free sources for their fish. Salmon is an excellent source of protein for dogs. It has about 46 percent protein and it’s a good source of thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and phosphorus. It’s also a wonderful cold water source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

This food does contain grains such as pearled barley. Barley is a low-glycemic food and it’s low in gluten. Pearled barley provides several vitamins and minerals such as manganese. It has 7 percent protein, 3 percent fat, and about 90 percent carbohydrates. These are complex carbohydrates so they take longer to break down in your dog’s system, making pearled barley a good dietary fiber.

The food also contain brown rice. Brown rice is a whole grain rice with the inedible outer hull removed. It is considered to be more nutritious than white rice. It has 8 percent protein, 7 percent fat, and 85 percent carbohydrates. It’s also a good source of manganese. It’s low in calories, high in fiber, and gluten-free.

We’ve already mentioned canola oil briefly. Canola oil is frequently used in dog foods today with the blessing of the FDA. It’s very high in omega-6 fatty acid and has lots of plant-based omega-3 fatty acid – the kind that is not as easy for dogs to use. The Mayo Clinic says health concerns about canola oil (for humans) are unfounded. As for dogs, Susan Thixton (and others) have a different opinion. While there are numerous sites that claim canola oil is not healthy for dogs (or people), there is not much research backing up these claims. Until there is, you will probably continue to see canola oil in dog foods. You’ll have to use your own judgment about whether or not to feed these foods. Again, canola oil is a very common ingredient in dog foods today and we really can’t condemn Best Breed for using it at the moment.

The fifth ingredient in this food is oatmeal. Oatmeal has 12 percent protein, 14 percent fat, and 74 percent carbohydrates. It’s a good source of phosphorus and manganese. A minimally processed whole grain, oats also provide complex carbohydrates so your dog digests them slowly. They are a good source of soluble dietary fiber for your dog. They make your dog feel full after eating so he’s not hungry again in half an hour.

Other ingredients of interest in this food include tomato pomace – an antioxidant, a source of soluble fiber, and a good source of B vitamins and vitamin A. The food also has kelp meal – a source of iodine, B vitamins, Vitamins C, E, and K, and magnesium, sodium, and zinc. New Zealand sea mussels (green-lipped mussels) are used for their benefits for dogs with inflammation (such as arthritis). The food also has various sources of pre- and probiotics (fermentation products) to aid digestion and amino acids, as well as natural preservatives.

The food does list “natural flavor” among the ingredients. This is a flavor enhancer but it’s vague and could be anything approved by the FDA, including some ingredients that many dog owners find less desirable.

Overall, we think Best Breed Salmon with Vegetables & Herb Formula looks like a good food with good ingredients.

Calorie Content: 449 kcal/cup

Nutrition Statement

Best Breed Salmon with Vegetables & Herbs Formula is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages. This formula will benefit dogs of all sizes and life stages (puppy through senior).

GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

Crude Protein (min)……………………..23.0%
Crude Fat (min)…………………………….13.0%
Crude Fiber (max)………………………….4%
Moisture (max)…………………………….10.0%

The dry matter basis (DMB) figures for this food are: 25.6 percent protein; 14.4 percent fat; 4.4 percent fiber; and 48.9 percent carbohydrates.

This food has average protein for a super premium dog food and average fat compared to many super premium dog foods. It has average fiber and above average carbohydrates.

Where can you buy Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Dog Food?

You can purchase Dr. Gary’s Best Breed dog food from Chewy.com. You can also check the retail locator on the Best Breed web site to find retailers near you.

Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Dog Food Coupons

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We haven’t seen any coupons or specials from Best Breed online but you can check their Facebook page for any special offers and to find out where their representatives will be visiting local pet stores.

Final Thoughts

We think Dr. Gary’s Best Breed foods look very good based on their ingredients, manufacturing standards, customer comments, and other factors. You should note that their foods with grains do have modest protein percentages. However, they do use low-ash meat proteins and we took this into account when figuring the DMB for their foods. (Likewise, when figuring the DMB for grain free foods, it’s important to be aware that plant proteins will increase the protein percentages.) We think these are quality foods which have been formulated with careful consideration. Recommended.

Below is a list of Products reviewed in this article

1. 1. Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Holistic Dog Formulas
   2. Lamb Meal with Fruits & Vegetables
   3. Salmon with Vegetables and Herbs Dog Diet
   4. All Breed Dog Diet
   5. Large Breed Dog Diet
   6. Puppy Diet
   7. Senior Dog Diet (Reduced Calorie)
   8. Grain Free Chicken with Fruits & Veg.
   9. Grain Free Salmon with Fruits & Veg.
   10. Working Dog Diet (High Calorie)
   11. German Dog Diet
   12. Field Dog Diet