Castor & Pollux Pristine Canned DOG FOOD Review

With a score of 7.6/10, Castor & Pollux Organix Dry Grain-Free dog food Is considered a moderate risk dog food. There are 4 recipes that average 48% protein and 13% carbohydrate as calculated on a dry matter basis. 

The carbohydrate level in the Beef Recipe is exceptionally highfor a canned food, at 27% as calculated on a dry matter basis. All of these recipes are grain-free but they include dried peas and tapioca which are starches and contribute to the carbohydrate content. Dogs have no nutritional requirement for carbohydrates. Excessive carbohydrate is an indicator of lower food quality as it can be used to reduce manufacturing cost. Large amounts of starch can increase insulin levels, cause obesity and negatively impact gut balance. 

However these recipes do maintain a high level of protein with the Chicken Stew Recipe at 56%. 

These recipes have excessive added vitamins and minerals. Ideally, these nutrients should come from whole food sources and their inclusion is usually due to poor quality or overly processed ingredients. Vitamin and mineral excesses, especially vitamin D and copper, can also result from vitamin premixes. However, there are no added amino acids. 

Plant protein is used in one recipe. This is a less expensive substitute for quality animal protein. Animal sources contain a wider array of amino acids than plant based protein sources, and are more digestible. 

The 2 Lamb Recipes also include sunflower oil which is a highly processed seed oil that is inflammatory.

The noteworthy thing about Castor & Pollux is that many of their products are made with organic produce, including recipes in the Pristine line although this line is not certified organic like its sister brand Organix. Organic ingredients are non-GMO and have minimal pesticide/herbicide risk compared to conventionally grown crops. 

But like all canned dog foods, Pristine Canned dog foods are highly processed. All canned dog foods undergo several stages of heating that can cause significant losses in some active enzymes, vitamins, amino acids and phytonutrients. 

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. 

There are also glam ingredients in one recipe. These are healthy sounding ingredients but they are listed below the salt, meaning they’re present in tiny amounts that aren’t likely to benefit your dog. 

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