Dr. Harvey's Healthy Weight DOG FOOD Review

Dr. Harvey’s Healthy Weight diet is considered moderate risk and scores 6.75 points. It offers 2 recipes with average protein of 21% and average carbohydrate of 43%. It retains an acceptable score due to minimal processing but because of high carbs, it loses substantial points. 

Dogs have no nutritional requirement for carbohydrates. Foods that are high in carbohydrates can raise insulin and cause obesity which is ironic considering this is a diet designed to maintain healthy weight. Some studies also show that dogs fed a high carbohydrate content have changes to their gut bacteria and subsequently diminish the immune system. As much as 90% of a dog’s immune system is found in the gut. 

These foods also have added vitamins and additional amino acids instead of relying on the ingredients to obtain necessary nutrients. 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. However, there are no added minerals. 

These foods also have added probiotics 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. 

There is one issue regarding ingredient safety and that’s the inclusion of ingredients known to contain higher pesticide/herbicide residues including oats found in the top 5 ingredients. Cabbage, celery, barley and apples are also heavily sprayed. Pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers pose a significant health risk to plants, animals and soils. These foods also have added probiotics but it would be helpful to include a guarantee of the colony forming units (CFUs) as well. 

Oysters and green lipped mussels are seafoods that are included but it’s not stated whether they’re from farmed or wild caught sources. Wild caught seafood is more nutritious and has a healthier fatty acid balance providing healthy omega-3s. That said, Dr. Harvey’s does not provide the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. This is 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.