BARF World’s frozen chubs are considered a low risk food with a score of 8.4. They offer 2 combinations plus beef, chicken and lamb for a total of 5 recipes. The company also offers frozen burgers and frozen nuggets which are the same recipes as the chubs covered in this review. 

This line of frozen foods average 45% protein and 6% carbohydrates. However, carbs are almost twice as high in the Meat Eater and the Land & Sea foods while they are negligible in the other 3 recipes. There aren’t any added starches, grains or legumes so the carbs are obtained from the fruits, vegetables and ingredients listed.

The Meat Eater Diet loses a point for several added minerals. This is not the standard pre-mix that is often added, but it’s still something to note. Five or more added minerals can indicate a lower quality food that’s lacking naturally occurring minerals from whole food sources. On the positive side, all the foods have acceptable vitamin and amino acid content from their whole food ingredients. 

The ingredient quality score loses a single point for the use of fish oil without naming the specific fish (eg salmon or herring, not “fish”). However, the company notes on its website that it uses wild-caught Pacific salmon in its recipes. Wild-caught fish contains a healthier fatty acid balance than farmed fish to provide the omega-3 fatty acids your dog needs. That said, the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids isn’t listed. It’s important to know since omega-6 fats are inflammatory and AAFCO allows a very high ratio of 30:1.

On the safety side, these foods lose points for using high pesticide/herbicide foods like celery and apples, and the use of GMO foods like alfalfa. Pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers pose a significant health risk to plants, animals and soils. Regarding GMOs, there are limited safety studies on genetically modified and Roundup Ready crops. They’re also lacking in nutrients compared to non-GMO foods. GMO crops also strip nutrients from soils, require increased pesticide risk and may be involved in bee die-off. 

It should be noted that this food includes a few glam ingredients. These are expensive or desirable ingredients like blueberries or kale that are often added to appeal to consumers but may be in minuscule amounts. If these foods are below salt or other low concentration ingredients, they contribute little or no nutritional value to your dog. In this case, only fish oil, garlic and kelp are listed but it’s preferred they be in higher amounts to benefit your dog.