Identity Canned DOG FOOD Review

With a score of 7.2, Identity Canned is a moderate risk dog food by our criteria. There are 11 recipes that average 36% protein and 27% carbohydrates as calculated. We expect to see better levels in high quality canned dog foods. The website and labels say they use 95% of the named animal protein. But, this doesn’t make it a high protein food because of high moisture levels. 

Identity pet foods are grain-free, gluten-free, legume-free, potato-free but they have high carbohydrates. Dogs have no nutritional requirement for carbohydrate. Foods that are high in carbohydrate can raise insulin and cause obesity. Some studies also show that dogs fed a high carbohydrate diet have changes to their gut bacteria.  

Several recipes have high fat levels and one recipe has more fat than protein. You want to see twice as much protein as fat. Most fats, especially pork and poultry fats, are also high in omega-6 fatty acids. This can cause systemic, low-grade inflammation. These recipes also include an excessive amount of vitamins and minerals. It’s preferred that vitamins and minerals come from whole food sources. They include the full spectrum of cofactors, which makes them safe and bioavailable. A couple of added vitamins and minerals are acceptable. Five or more implies poor nutrition. 

These foods are ultra processed. Canned foods are heated many times during production. Heat will cause losses in some enzymes, vitamins, amino acids, and phytonutrients. The ingredients used are non-GMO but not organic. Ingredients like kale are susceptible to high pesticide use, which can pose a health risk.

The following do not cost points but should be noted. These recipes contain coconut oil. Studies show it can harm the gut lining. Recipes include Atlantic salmon and herring but don’t state whether it’s wild or farmed. Wild fish is more nutritious than farmed fish and has a healthier fatty acid balance.  

Identity Pet Nutrition doesn’t state the omega-6:omega-3 ratio in its recipes. This is unfortunate since AAFCO allows a very inflammatory ratio of 30:1.