Let’s be real: finding decent dog food that doesn’t cost your entire paycheck feels like winning the lottery these days. That’s why Redford Naturals dog food kept popping up on my radar- and probably yours, too. When I Googled it last winter, Google’s queries like “Is Redford Naturals good?”, “What’s the deal with their recall?”, and “Where can I even buy this stuff?”. Sound familiar? You are not alone. As someone who’s cycled through 8 brands for my picky Lab mix, Duke, I will cut through the hype. And just real talk on ingredients, the 2025 recall drama, and whether it’s worth your cash in 2025.
Especially if you are eyeing their fan-favorite Redford Naturals dog food, salmon and sweet potato, or need Redford Naturals dog food small breed options. Grab a coffee- let’s get into it.
Redford Naturals: Not Your Average Kibble
I’ll admit—I initially mixed it up with that actor’s brand. Oops. Turns out, Redford Naturals is Pet Supplies Plus’s “hidden gem” line. Think premium-ish ingredients without the boutique price tag.
What won me over? Real chicken (not “meat by-products”) as the #1 ingredient in most bags. None of that neon-dyed kibble Duke used to ignore. But here’s the kicker: in early 2025, they quietly added cricket protein recipes (yes, bugs!) for eco-conscious pups. Bold move. My neighbor’s allergy-prone Aussie adores it—though I’m still working up the nerve to try it.
Inside the Bag: What You Are Feeding
Peeked at the ingredients lately? It’s like decoding a science class.
Where (and How) the Ingredients Are Sourced
Ever wonder where your dog’s dinner actually comes from? Redford Naturals crafts all their kibble stateside, but the individual ingredients? They are a mix of good old USA-grown and select imports. Don’t freak out about the global grab bag- think of it like assembling the Avengers of dog food components. Redford puts in the homework to make sure everything, whether it’s chicken from the Midwest or fish from across the Atlantic, meets their quality (and safety) checklist.
Bottom line: whether it’s raised in Ohio or halfway around the world, Redford insists on sourcing ingredients with care and responsibility. If it lands in their recipe, it’s passed the sniff test- literally and figuratively.
- The Protein Punch: Salmon. Beef. Lamb. Actual *named_ meats upfront—not vague “animal digest.” Huge plus.
- Carbs – Grain or No Grain?
- Grain-Inclusive: Oatmeal, barley. Good stuff! (Contrary to TikTok fearmongers, grains aren’t Satan for dogs.)
- Grain-Free: Sweet potatoes, peas. Heads up: The FDA *still_ links some grain-free diets to heart issues (DCM). Redford tweaked their pea levels in ‘24, but chat with your vet first.
- Fats & Extras: Salmon oil (shiny coat magic!), probiotics, blueberries. No fake colors—Duke’s poop is finally… predictably brown. Praise be.
Are Grain-Free or Raw Diets Safe- or Overhyped?
Let’s chew on this: Is grain-free better, or just a trend? Unless your vet raises a red flag about grains (cue: legit allergies), there’s usually no need to ditch them. The grain-free craze snowballed thanks to boutique marketing and side-eye at “fillers,” but recent buzz from veterinary circles says it’s not so black and white.
The real culprit in some heart issues appears to be what’s replacing the grains- hello, peas and potatoes, which pack plenty of carbs but might not play nice with certain doggo hearts. So, before jumping to grain-free because TikTok told you so, have a convo with your vet. Think of it as an ingredient “musical chairs”—moving pieces around isn’t always an upgrade.
And what about raw diets? Here’s where opinions get as heated as a chew toy tug-of-war. Some folks swear by feeding Fido raw, but most vets have paws-down concerns: possible nasties like salmonella (for both dogs and humans) and the risk you end up with a nutrient jigsaw puzzle missing some key pieces. Even freeze-dried raw is safer, but not risk-free. If you’re feeling curious about raw, definitely run it past your vet first- no shame in wanting the best for your furry friend, but let’s not risk a tummy ache (or worse).
Bottom line: Both grain-free and raw diets can have their place, but they’re best approached with some healthy skepticism and solid vet advice.
My Top Pick: Salmon & Sweet Potato
- Redford Naturals dog food, salmon and sweet potato saved Duke’s sensitive stomach.
- First 5 ingredients: Salmon, Salmon Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Potatoes.
- His coat went from dull to Disney-prince glossy in 8 weeks.
- Downside? Peas = potential DCM risk long-term. We rotate with their Lamb & Rice now.
Best Redford Naturals Picks: Tried, Tasted, and Tails Wagged
So, after a year of rotating through their lineup- call me a kibble connoisseur- I’ve narrowed down the crowd-pleasers and “wish I’d skipped” bags. Here are the top Redford Naturals recipes that impressed both Duke’s palate and my inner ingredient snob:
- Chicken & Brown Rice:
The workhorse recipe and a fan favorite for a reason. Real chicken (no “mystery meat”), solid protein numbers, and grains like rice keep things gentle on most tummies. Bonus: there’s no cheap filler (you won’t find any corn, soy, or wheat lurking here). My only warning- watch out if your pup has chicken sensitivities. - Limited Ingredient Duck:
Single-source protein stars for our allergy squad. This formula goes all-in on duck, making it a solid bet if you need to eliminate the usual suspects (Duke’s best friend- an itchy Frenchie- thrives on it). There’s taurine for heart health, and- hallelujah- no “hidden” chicken slipping in at the bottom of the label. - Beef & Quinoa:
Imagine: beef-heavy aroma, a sprinkle of ancient grain cred from quinoa, and the kind of fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) that turn raggedy coats glossy. Sourced both locally and responsibly, with all the USA pride you’d want. - Lamb & Brown Rice:
A gentler option for pups who need a little extra TLC, with lamb as the star and wholesome grains to keep energy up. Plus, it skips the common allergen list and still packs those joint-and-coat-friendly omegas. - Freeze-Dried Salmon:
For anyone dabbling in raw- or just looking to topple boredom with meal toppers- this pure salmon bite is a hit. No added antibiotics or hormones, all the omega goodness, and zero sketchy extras. It’s limited-ingredient and potato- and legume-free, which makes it a rare win for highly sensitive pups.
Quick Takeaways
- Most formulas put a named meat first and cut the junk.
- Grain-inclusive and grain-free options both show up, but double-check FDA updates on grain-free and heart health just to be safe.
- Sensitive stomach? Pick a single-protein bag, and always peep at the back label for sneaky allergens.
Taste test with your own canine critic—Duke didn’t let a single crumb hit the floor.
The 2024 Recall: What Went Down & Should You Worry?
Alright, let’s address the elephant in the room. June 2024. A batch of Chicken & Brown Rice got recalled for too much Vitamin D. Scary? Absolutely. Duke was on that exact bag- I nearly had a heart attack.
But here’s why I didn’t ditch Redford:
- They yanked it fast. Texts, emails, even Instagram stories.
- Lot numbers were crystal clear (ours was safe- phew).
- By 2025? Rumor is they test every vitamin batch 3x.
Vet’s Take (Dr. Lena Rossi, DVM):
“Recalls happen. It’s how brands respond that matters. Redford’s transparency? Better than most big names I’ve seen.”
Still nervous? Fair. Bookmark the FDA recall page—I check monthly.
Picking the Right Formula (Small Breeds, Seniors & More)
Not all dogs eat the same! Redford’s lineup surprised me:
Redford Naturals Dog Food Small Breed
Teeny kibble for tiny teeth! Higher calories per cup (Chihuahuas burn energy fast). Duke’s BFF, a 5-lb Yorkie, inhales the Chicken & Brown Rice version.
Puppies/Seniors
Puppy blends pack DHA for brain growth. Senior recipes add glucosamine- my 12-yr-old foster pup Skip hops easier now.
2025’s Game Changer
Freeze-dried raw toppers. Duke does backflips for the beef liver bits. Mix ‘em with kibble—it’s like doggy Michelin dining.
The Good, The Bad & The “Meh”
After 6 months? Here’s my unfiltered take:
👍 PROS
- Price: 30% cheaper than Blue Buffalo/Taste of the Wild.
- Duke Approved: Even my picky eater licks the bowl.
- Clean Ingredients: No soy/corn/wheat. Real meat rules.
- Easy to Find: Pet Supplies Plus, Chewy, even Amazon Prime.
👎 CONS
- 2024 Recall: Still haunts some reviews.
- Grain-Free Risk: DCM isn’t worth gambling on.
- “Chicken Meal” Vague: Where’s it from? No clue.
- By-products: In some recipes (eh, not my fave).
Real Owners Spill the Kibble (2025 Reviews)
- Summary of forum, Facebook, and Chewy reviews
Positive: Improved coats, picky eaters satisfied
Mixed: Recall anxiety, wish for less peas and more protein variety
- Note: Always check specific formula reviews
So, What’s the Verdict?
Most pet parents seem to agree: Redford Naturals lands just shy of perfection, hovering around a glowing 4.5 out of 5 stars across Chewy, Pet Supplies Plus, and Facebook groups. That’s the kind of tail-wagging score that makes you slide an extra biscuit into the bowl.
Redford vs. Top Brands (2025 Price Check)
| Brand | Price ( 30lb) | First Ingredient | Recall History |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redford Naturals | $48 | Real Chicken | 2024 ( Vit D) |
| Taste of the Wild | $62 | Real Buffalo | 2012 ( Salmonella) |
| Blue Buffalo | $68 | Deboned Chicken | Multiple ( 2021, 2023) |
| Purina Pro Plan | $58 | Real Salmon | 2024 (Vitamin D) |
Verdict: Redford ties Diamond Naturals for best bang-for-buck. Premium quality at mid-tier prices.
Value for Money: Is Redford Worth the Price Tag?
Short answer? Yep. For what you’re paying, you’re getting quite a bit: responsibly sourced protein, no filler nonsense, and nutrition on par with top names—without destroying your wallet.
Compared head-to-head, Redford slashes 20–30% off what you’d cough up for Blue Buffalo or Taste of the Wild, but your pup still scores quality real meats, veggies, and vitamins. I’d call it “premium lite”- all the essentials, minus the painful price. In other words, you’re not just paying for a fancy bag; you’re getting real nutrition at a price your accountant would actually smile about.
Where to Buy Redford Naturals Dog Food
No more wild goose chases! Here’s where I grab it:
- Pet Supplies Plus: Their “home turf.” Use the Redford dog food website simply by searching google→ “Store locator”. Pro tip: Join their Perks program for $10 off.
- Chewy: Auto-ship saves 5%. Duke’s salmon bag arrives like clockwork.
- Amazon: Prime shipping + occasional coupons.
- Tractor Supply Co.: Lifesaver for rural folks!
→ Avoid sketchy eBay sellers. Stick to authorized spots.
Switching Foods? Do THIS to Avoid Disaster
Learned this the hard way with Duke’s… explosive aftermath.
🚨 Transition Schedule:
- Days 1-3: 75% old + 25% Redford
- Days 4-6: 50/50
- Days 7-10: 100% Redford
Watch for: Runny poops, itching, or lethargy. Duke had mild gas on Day 3—it passed (pun intended).
See Also: WSAVA and AAFCO Approved Dog Food: Your 2025 Nutrition Blueprint
FAQs
Q: Did Redford Naturals fix the recall problem?
A: Yes, they implemented stricter testing and supplier checks by late 2024. No recalls have occurred since I check FDA reports monthly.
Q: Is the grain-free formula safe long-term?
A: Consult your vet, especially for DCM-prone breeds. Redford reduced peas/potatoes in 2024, but I mix it with grain-inclusive to be safe.
Q: Will it help my dog’s allergies?
A: Their salmon or lamb recipes often work for sensitivities. Duke’s itching stopped, but track reactions- every pup’s different.
Q: How does the cricket protein taste?
A: Shockingly, dogs love it! My neighbor’s Aussie prefers it over chicken. It’s eco-friendly and great for allergy-prone pups.
Q: Is Redford Naturals really worth switching to?
A: For quality + value? Absolutely. Try their small bags first- Duke’s energy and coat improved within 3 weeks.
Final Verdict: Would I Buy It Again?
Short answer: Yes—but strategically.
If you want:
✅ Quality ingredients on a budget
✅ Happy, non-picky pups
✅ Grain-inclusive OR grain-free options
…Redford’s a stellar pick.
Avoid if:
❌ You are still uneasy post-recall
❌ Your dog needs exotic proteins (duck, venison)
❌ You hate peas/potatoes
My Personal Stance: We still use Redford 4 days/week. Duke’s thriving, and my wallet’s happier. The recall sucked- but they earned back my trust. Always prioritize your dog’s reaction over any review.
Your Turn!
Tried Redford? Sound off below!
- Did your dog adore the salmon and sweet potato?
- Found it cheaper than $48? Spill your secrets!
- Still nervous after 2024? Let’s chat.
👉 P.S. Need the Redford Naturals dog food ingredients list? DM me- I will send photos of our bags!
Sources Checked (Because I’m Neurotic):
- FDA DCM Update (March 2025)
- Pet Supplies Plus Product Guides
- Dr. Karen Becker’s Nutrition Podcast (Ep. 210)
- 125+ Chewy Reviews (Sorted by “Most Recent”)
