Answers Dog Food Review

Answers Detailed Raw foods are considered low risk dog foods. Answers offers five raw recipes that all score 9.5/10. The foods are higher in fat than most raw foods with 13% fat equal to 13% protein on an as fed basis (41% protein on a dry matter basis).  While fat is a valuable macronutrient, it’s relatively devoid of vitamins and minerals and high fat diets can lead to unwanted changes in the gut flora. Each recipe includes a single source protein from pastured and grass-fed livestock and organic vegetables. 

Answers also produces a line of 5 limited ingredient foods that includes meat, organs and bone. The company notes these can be served as a balanced diet by adding their fermented raw milks and bone broths.

The company prides itself on its sourcing, both animals and produce. Their animals are pasture-raised on local Pennsylvania family farms. They state that their livestock is pasture-raised, grass-fed and grass-finished without antibiotics or added hormones. They follow Global Animal Partnership (GAP) rated sourcing, which certifies animals are humanely raised and handled. It is worth noting, that often producers achieve the first level, with minimal conditions, to attain the certification. But Answers uses suppliers that have achieved the higher levels of 3, 4 and 5+ GAP certification. 

Answers doesn’t use synthetic vitamins, chemicals, preservatives or genetically modified (GMO) ingredients. All vegetables are organic so the risk of pesticide residue is low. The lack of added vitamins and minerals indicates high quality ingredients that don’t need added ntrients. Vitamin E is added as a preservative. 

Answers doesn’t use High-Pressure Processing to eliminate pathogens. Instead, vegetables are fermented, which leads to the creation of good bacteria that restricts pathogens in the food. The company states that fermentation supports digestive enzymes, antioxidants, and lactic acid that address harmful bacteria. Fermentation is also a source of probiotics that are present in all of their foods. However, a steady diet of fermented foods is not always advisable. It can lead to intestinal issues like SIBO from too much bacteria.

They also use recyclable carton packaging whenever possible to minimize the use of plastic. 

The company doesn’t state whether their added cod liver is wild-caught or farmed. Wild-caught fish is more nutritious and has a better fatty acid balance, which is important if the purpose of salmon oil is to add omega-3 fatty acids. 

It’s also worth noting that the company doesn’t provide the omega-6:omega-3 ratio. AAFCO allows a very inflammatory ratio of 30:1 so this is an unfortunate omission by a company that’s committed to quality.