Rayne Nutrition Chunky Stew Dog Food Review

Rayne Nutrition Chunky Stew dog food has a score of 6.9/10 and is considered a moderate risk dog food. There are 4 recipes that average 46% protein and 7% carbohydrate as calculated on a dry matter basis. These recipes have low carbohydrate levels which is what we expect to see in a wet dog food.  

Rayne created these specialized diets with health issues in mind. They can be ordered by pet owners who need to provide their veterinary information for confirmation that the diet is suitable for their dog’s needs. However, the quality and safety of ingredients in these recipes could be improved to provide better quality and less processed ingredients that would be safer for dogs with existing health issues.. 

It is often repeated on the website that the company uses whole food ingredients, fresh meat and fruits and vegetables. While these recipes have been developed for at-risk dogs, there are very limited fruits and green leafy vegetables, along with their phytonutrients and antioxidants. 

After the first 5-6 ingredients, there is an extensive list of 25 or more added vitamins and minerals. It’s preferred that vitamins and minerals come from whole food sources that include the full spectrum of cofactors, which makes them safe and bioavailable for health-compromised dogs. While a couple of added vitamins and minerals are acceptable, five or more implies the food is of poor nutritional value.

It’s also worth noting that this 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.

These recipes lose additional ingredient quality points for including plant protein and seed oil. Plant proteins are a low cost substitute for quality animal protein. Animal sources of protein are preferred because they’re more digestible and contain a wider array of amino acids. Seed oils like canola and sunflower are highly processed and inflammatory as they’re rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which can cause systemic and gut inflammation. However, it’s good to see marine microalgae used as a source of omega 3 fatty acids.

On the ingredient safety side, these recipes lose a point for moderate processing. Heat used to cook foods will cause losses in some active enzymes, vitamins, amino acids and phytonutrients.

Potato starch is used in one recipe, which is a concern. In addition to being high in carbohydrates, potatoes are a common GMO crop. There are limited safety studies on genetically modified and Roundup Ready crops although they are lacking in nutrients compared to non-GMO foods. GMO crops also strip nutrients from soils, carry increased pesticide risk and may be involved in bee die-off. 

Red peppers, peas and potatoes are crops known for high pesticide/herbicide residues. Pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers pose a significant health risk to plants, animals and soils. Foods with the largest reported amount of residue are penalized, including crops that are known to be spray-dried with glyphosate. If peppers, peas and potatoes were organically sourced, it would remove the GMO risk and herbicide/pesticide risk for dogs with existing health issues.

The following concern doesn’t cause a loss of points,but should be noted.

Rayne doesn’t state the omega-6:omega-3 ratio in their foods. While this is true of most foods, AAFCO allows a very inflammatory limit of 30:1. It’s a concern because diets rich in omega-6 fats can cause chronic inflammation and disease.