Addiction Raw Alternative DOG FOOD Review

With an average score of 5.3/10, Addiction Raw Alternative dog food is considered a moderate risk dog food. There are 6 recipes that average 22% protein and 41% carbohydrate as calculated.

These are described as being grain-free recipes and have an impressive list of whole food ingredients. Unfortunately the recipes are carbohydrate heavy with almost twice the level of carbs than protein, along with a lengthy list of added vitamins and minerals. 

Grain-free does not mean low carbohydrates. The carbs are derived from starches that include potatoes and oats. Excessive carbohydrates are an indicator of low quality foods as they’re often used to keep costs down. Large amounts of starch can increase insulin levels, cause obesity and negatively impact gut balance. Foods high in carbohydrates are often low in protein as is the case here.  

This line has excessive added vitamins and minerals. This usually reflects poor quality or overly processed ingredients. When vitamins come from whole food sources, they include the full spectrum of cofactors, which makes them safe and bioavailable. While a couple of added vitamins are acceptable, five or more implies the food is of poor nutritional value. Vitamin and mineral excesses, especially vitamin D and copper, can also result from vitamin premixes. 

It’s also worth noting that the line contains sodium selenite as a source of selenium. Dogs need selenium, and it’s usually added in very small amounts. However, some research suggests that sodium selenite may be associated with potential toxicity, so selenium yeast is the preferred form of this mineral.

This is a dehydrated dog food but the ingredient safety score is lower than expected. Dehydrated dog foods are moderately processed but some heat is used during processing which causes a loss of some nutrients. 

Addiction ingredients are GMO-free, but that doesn’t mean they are pesticide-free. These recipes use ingredients known for high pesticide or herbicide residues, like potatoes and oats, in the top 5 ingredients. Pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers pose a significant health risk to plants, animals and soils. Foods with the largest reported amount of residue are penalized, including crops that are known to be spray-dried with glyphosate. Addiction would improve the ingredient safety rating by using organic ingredients, which offer reduced pesticide/herbicide exposure as well as being non-GMO.

The use of natural flavor also costs points. Natural flavors are often animal digest or MSG, both low quality ingredients with limited safety studies.

The following concerns don’t cost points but should be noted. 

These recipes contain coconut oil. This ingredient is rich in saturated fats and lauric acid, which some studies show can increase gut inflammation and permeability.  

The label doesn’t provide the omega-6:omega-3 ratio, which is a concern since AAFCO allows a very inflammatory ratio of 30:1.