Protein runs lower than the average kibble we review (25.2% vs 30.1% on a dry matter basis).
Starch is higher than average, at 48% of the food as fed.
100% of recipes lead with a meat, fish or egg ingredient (89% across the site).
75% of recipes are grain-free.
this range, lowest to highest its average average of all 3,089 foods we review
Starch is our estimate from the guaranteed analysis, since no manufacturer prints it. How we work it out
Share of recipes that list each animal protein as an ingredient, not counting oils, fats or flavorings. Useful if your dog has a food sensitivity.
These are not unsafe. They are listed because readers ask about them.
MOST PROTEIN
Gentle Giants Wild Caught Salmon - Gentle Giants ‘Quality of Life’ Feast for Seafood Lovers - Dog and Puppy Food Natural, Non GMO Ingredients Dry Dog Food
26.7% dry matter
LEAST STARCH
Gentle Giants Gentle Giants ‘Quality of Life’ Feast for Meat Lovers - with Real Beef & Real Bacon - Dog and Puppy Food Natural, Non GMO Ingredients Dry Dog Food
49% as fed
Gentle Giants is a natural, non-GMO dog and cat food brand sold by Gentle Giants Products of Norco, California, led by actor Burt Ward (President) and his wife Tracy Ward (CEO). The founders also run Gentle Giants Rescue, which the company says has rescued more than 15,500 dogs. The company says its mission is to help pets live longer, healthier lives. 1, 2, 3
Gentle Giants uses outside manufacturers rather than its own plants. A 2017 Daily Republic report said Performance Pet Products in Mitchell, South Dakota, makes the brand's canned dog food. The company's 2025 Canada announcement says food for Canadian retailers is made in Canada. 4, 5
Burt and Tracy Ward created the food after years of running a giant breed dog rescue, which they say they started in August 1994. Sources disagree on when the food launched, giving 2005, 2008 or 2009. In 2024 the brand expanded into Canada through Walmart stores, followed by Canadian pet store chains in 2025. 3, 6, 7, 5
Petful's recall tracker lists no Gentle Giants recalls. The company says its suppliers certify in writing that its ingredients are non-GMO. 8, 3
Researched from the sources above. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
Our log holds FDA dog food recall notices from 2012 on, so this is not a guarantee that Gentle Giants has never had one. See the recall log
Ten everyday foods. Safe, In Moderation or Never. No googling, no second guesses. Then share your score with your friends, however embarrassing it turns out to be.
115 foods in the deck. Grapes are in there. So is cheese.
Ten foods, one at a time. Call each one Safe, In Moderation or Never, then flip the card to see if you had it right. The ones you miss are listed at the end.
Keys: 1 Safe 2 Moderation 3 Never Enter Next
Copied. Paste it anywhere your friends will see it.
Want the reason behind every answer? The 80-page e-book, $7.99
Now, is your dog's food any good?
Look it up: estimated starch, calories per cup and every ingredient, for 3,091 foods.
