Dr. Harvey’s produces 4 lines of food that range from low to moderate risk. They are raw freeze-dried foods that are minimally processed. These foods contain high amounts of carbohydrates which isn’t what you want to see in raw, freeze-dried foods. 

Dr. Harvey’s reports using regional, USDA-certified freeze-dried chicken, beef or fish and other whole foods that supply naturally occurring vitamins, minerals and essential nutrients. However, according to the ingredient list, most foods are supplemented with the addition of some vitamins and amino acids. This is a minimal list and not the typical pre-mix that many brands use. Still, it is preferable that vitamins, minerals and amino acids be obtained from whole food ingredients in the food.  

Some of the ingredients are also GMO foods including potatoes, alfalfa and lecithin. Genetically modified and Roundup Ready crops are 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. Other ingredients are known to be sprayed with pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. These sprays pose a significant health risk to plants, animals and soils. 

On the plus side, Dr. Harvey’s includes probiotics in its formulas, but it would be helpful to include a guarantee of the colony forming units (CFUs) as well. It’s also good to see that selenium yeast is listed. Dogs need selenium, and it’s usually added in very small amounts. Selenium yeast is the preferred form of this mineral, as included here, and not sodium selenium that might be associated with potential toxicity. 

Dr. Harvey’s doesn’t provide the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. They are not the only ones not providing this information. However it’s important to know since diets rich in omega-6 fats can cause chronic inflammation and disease, and AAFCO allows a very high ratio of 30:1. 

Click on the foods below for a complete review of Dr. Harvey’s dog foods.