health extension dog food puppy
Health Extension Dog Food Review (Dry)
Health Extension Dog Food Review (Dry)
By Mike Sagman
Updated: March 22, 2024
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Which Health Extension Recipes Get Our Best Ratings?
Health Extension Dog Food receives the Advisors second-highest tier rating of 4.5 stars.
The Health Extension product line includes the 6 dry dog foods listed below.
Each recipe includes its AAFCO nutrient profile when available Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.
Recipe and Label Analysis
Health Extension Chicken and Brown Rice Little Bites was selected to represent the other products in the line for detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.
Label and nutrient data below are calculated using dry matter basis.
Health Extension Chicken and Brown Rice Little Bites
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), pearled barley, menhaden fish meal, dried beet pulp, flaxseed, brewers dried yeast, dried egg product, coconut oil, organic apple cider vinegar, organic turmeric, organic black pepper, organic ginger, bovine colostrum, organic blueberries, cranberries, organic goji berries, organic tart cherries, organic pomegranate, organic pineapple, organic papaya, organic apple, dried kelp, dried seaweed meal, new zealand green mussel, organic carrots, organic pumpkin, green tea extract, sage extract, organic parsley, organic spinach, organic kale, sweet basil, thyme extract, organic ashwagandha, organic chaga, organic lions mane, organic reishi, organic turkey tail, organic shiitake, organic maitake, organic cordyceps, malted barley, vitamin A acetate, vitamin E supplement, riboflavin supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, niacin supplement, choline chloride, pyridoxine hydrochloride, thiamine mononitrate, folic acid, biotin, zinc polysaccharide complex, iron polysaccharide complex, manganese polysaccharide complex, copper polysaccharide complex, cobalt polysaccharide complex, calcium lodate, sodium selenite, yucca schidigera extract, dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried lactobacillus casei fermentation product, dried enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried bacillus subtilis fermentation product, dried bacillus licheniformis fermentation product, dried bacillus coagulants fermentation product, dried aspergillus oryzae fermentation product, dried aspergillus niger fermentation product
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 4%
Red denotes any controversial items
| Guaranteed Analysis | 24% | 18% | NA |
| Dry Matter Basis | 27% | 20% | 45% |
| Calorie Weighted Basis | 22% | 40% | 38% |
Ingredient Analysis
The first ingredient in this dog food is chicken. Although it is a quality item, raw chicken contains up to 73% water. After cooking, most of that moisture is lost, reducing the meat content to just a fraction of its original weight.
After processing, this item would probably account for a smaller part of the total content of the finished product.
The second ingredient is chicken meal. Chicken meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken.
The third ingredient is ground brown rice, another name for rice flour. Ground rice is made from either white or brown rice and is considered a gluten-free substitute for wheat flour.
The fourth ingredient is chicken fat. This item is obtained from rendering chicken, a process similar to making soup in which the fat itself is skimmed from the surface of the liquid.
Chicken fat is high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid essential for life. Although it doesnt sound very appetizing, chicken fat is actually a quality ingredient.
The fifth ingredient is lamb meal. Lamb meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh lamb.
The sixth ingredient is menhaden fish meal, another protein-rich meat concentrate.
Menhaden are small ocean fish related to herring. Theyre rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Whats more, in their mid-depth habitat, menhaden are not exposed to mercury contamination as can be typical with deep water species.
This item is typically obtained from the clean, dried, ground tissue of undecomposed whole fish and fish cuttings of commercial fish operations.1
The seventh ingredient is flaxseed, one of the best plant sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Provided theyve first been ground into a meal, flax seeds are also rich in soluble fiber.
However, flaxseed contains about 19% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.
The eighth ingredient is coconut oil, a natural oil rich in medium-chain fatty acids.
Medium-chain triglycerides have been shown to improve cognitive function in older dogs.2
Because of its proven safety3 as well as its potential to help in the treatment of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) and chronic skin disorders, MCT can be considered a positive addition to this recipe.
The ninth ingredient is beet pulp. Beet pulp is a controversial ingredient, a high fiber by-product of sugar beet processing.
Some denounce beet pulp as an inexpensive filler while others cite its outstanding intestinal health and blood sugar benefits.
We only call your attention here to the controversy and believe the inclusion of beet pulp in reasonable amounts in most dog foods is entirely acceptable.
From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.
But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this product.
With 4 notable exceptions
First, brewers yeast can be a controversial item. Although its a by-product of the beer making process, this ingredient is rich in minerals and other healthy nutrients.
Fans believe yeast repels fleas and supports the immune system.
Critics argue yeast ingredients can be linked to allergies. This may be true, but (like all allergies) only if your particular dog is allergic to the yeast itself.
In addition, a vocal minority insists yeast can increase the risk of developing the life-threatening condition known as bloat. However, this is a claim weve not been able to scientifically verify.
In any case, unless your dog is specifically allergic to it, yeast can still be considered a nutritious additive.
Whats more noteworthy here is that brewers yeast contains about 48% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.
Next, this recipe contains sodium selenite, a controversial form of the mineral selenium. Sodium selenite appears to be nutritionally inferior to the more natural source of selenium found in selenium yeast.
In addition, we note the inclusion of dried fermentation products in this recipe. Fermentation products are typically added as probiotics to aid with digestion.
And lastly, this food also contains chelated minerals, minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredients alone, Health Extension Dog Food looks like an above-average dry product.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 27%, a fat level of 20% and estimated carbohydrates of about 45%.
As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 27% and a mean fat level of 15%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 50% for the overall product line.
And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
Above-average protein. Near-average fat. And near-average carbs when compared to a typical dry dog food.
Even when you consider the protein-boosting effect of the flaxseed and brewers yeast, this still looks like the profile of a kibble containing a notable amount of meat.
Our Rating of Health Extension Dog Food
Health Extension is a grain-inclusive dry dog food using a notable amount of named meat meal as its dominant source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 4.5 stars.
Highly recommended.
Health Extension Dog Food Recall History
The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls related to Health Extension through April.
No recalls noted
You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 here.
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More Health Extension Reviews
The following Health Extension dog food reviews are also posted on this website:
Compare This Dog Food
How does this brand compare with The Dog Food Advisor's most recommended brands?
A Final Word
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Merrick vs. Health Extension
Merrick vs. Health Extension
In this comparison article for Merrick vs Health Extension, we'll highlight the key differences between these two pet food brands. To properly compare Merrick and Health Extension, we'll use up-to-date nutritional and price information.
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best pet food brand for your pet. Factors such as ingredient quality, guaranteed analysis, product safety, brand history, and cost are among the most important factors to consider.
Throughout this Health Extension vs Merrick comparison, we've utilized average data to make general comparisons. If you'd like to see individual product reviews, visit our Merrick Review Page or Health Extension Review Page.
Guaranteed Analysis: Health Extension vs. Merrick
According to AAFCO, all pet food labels must provide a guaranteed analysis of nutrient content. The analysis must provide guaranteed minimum percentages of crude protein and crude fat, and maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture.
All percentages used in this comparison are averages reported on a dry matter basis.
Merrick Dog Food vs. Health Extension Dog Food
| Dry Dog Food | Merrick | Health Extension |
| Crude Protein | 35.9% | 27.6% |
| Crude Fat | 17.2% | 16.5% |
| Crude Fiber | 4.2% | 5.1% |
| Wet/Canned Dog Food | Merrick | Health Extension |
| Crude Protein | 43.9% | 40.2% |
| Crude Fat | 21.1% | 28.0% |
| Crude Fiber | 8.3% | 6.7% |
Crude Protein Comparison For Dog Food
Dogs require twenty-two amino acids to sustain life. Twelve of these amino acids are synthesized naturally, the remaining ten are consumed. Protein is the nutrient which provides some or all of these ten essential amino acids.
On average, Merrick dry dog food recipes contain 8.24% more protein than Health Extension recipes. Clearly, there is a significant difference between the protein content of Health Extension and Merrick. For wet dog foods, Merrick typically provides a little more protein (about 3.70% more).
Crude Fat Comparison For Dog Food
Like protein, fats are an essential part of a dog's body. Fats are needed for the proper development and function of the canine body.
As you can see, Health Extension and Merrick guarantee a similar amount of crude fat. For wet dog foods, Health Extension provides more fat (about 6.97% more).
Merrick and Health Extension both provide roughly the same amount of crude fiber. With regards to wet dog food, Merrick and Health Extension also provide roughly the same amount of crude fiber.
Merrick Cat Food vs. Health Extension Cat Food
| Dry Cat Food | Merrick | Health Extension |
| Crude Protein | 40.5% | 38.6% |
| Crude Fat | 15.7% | 18.3% |
| Crude Fiber | 5.1% | 6.7% |
| Wet/Canned Cat Food | Merrick | Health Extension |
| Crude Protein | 46.9% | 54.6% |
| Crude Fat | 21.3% | 20.3% |
| Crude Fiber | 6.0% | 6.3% |
Crude Protein Comparison For Cat Food
Cats require twenty-two amino acids to sustain life. Eleven of these amino acids are synthesized naturally, the remaining eleven are consumed. Protein is the nutrient which provides some or all of these eleven essential amino acids.
There is a relatively insignificant difference between the crude protein content of the two brands. For wet cat foods, Health Extension provides more protein (about 7.65% more).
Crude Fat Comparison For Cat Food
There are many ways in which dietary fat contributes to the overall health of our feline friends. Here is a short list of benefits provided by fats (not exhaustive):
- Help transport nutrients across cell membranes
- Fats produce metabolites, which help control inflammation
- Maintain healthy blood pressure
- Slow the growth of yeast infections
- Fats improve the taste/texture of food.
If you look at the average percentages of crude fat, you'll notice that Health Extension typically guarantees 2.59% more fat. This is a fairly small difference between Health Extension and Merrick, but still worth mentioning. For wet cat foods, Merrick and Health Extension provide roughly the same amount of fat.
Both brands provide roughly the same amount of crude fiber. With regards to wet cat food, Health Extension and Merrick also provide roughly the same amount of crude fiber.
Merrick Pet Food Ingredients vs. Health Extension Pet Food Ingredients
Merrick and Health Extension both use the following controversial ingredients in many of their products:
GarlicGarlic in very small quantities can be an acceptable addition, however, garlic can also be toxic. Therefore many pet owners choose to completely avoid garlic.
Canola OilCanola oil is a plant-derived oil from the seeds of canola plants. Although fat is an essential component of any diet, canola oil is controversial in pet food. Proponents claim that canola oil provides a better fat profile in comparison to other plant based oils. However, opponents claim that canola oil is typically produced with genetically modified rapeseed and that rapeseed oil has multiple adverse health affects.
Pea ProteinPea protein is produced by removing the starchy parts of peas. Pea protein is considered controversial because it provides a substantial plant based protein boost. This boost is undesirable because plant based protein is typically lower in biological value when compared to meat based proteins.
Here are some of the controversial ingredients used only by Merrick.
Caramel ColorCaramel color is a concentrated form of caramel, a natural food colorant. Caramel color has been linked to cancer in laboratory animals. Since our pets do not care about food color, caramel color is an unnecessary addition with possible health risks.
Meaty Femur BoneMeaty femur bone is controversial because the source animal is not specified. Anonymous meats and ingredients derived from them are typically very low quality and may contain almost any animal, including dogs and cats!
Powdered CellulosePowdered cellulose is produced from minuscule pieces of wood pulp and plant fibers. Other than its fiber content, powdered cellulose lacks any nutritional contribution.
Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)Canola oil is a plant-derived oil from the seeds of canola plants. Although fat is an essential component of any diet, canola oil is controversial in pet food. Proponents claim that canola oil provides a better fat profile in comparison to other plant based oils. However, opponents claim that canola oil is typically produced with genetically modified rapeseed and that rapeseed oil has multiple adverse health affects.
Here are some of the controversial ingredients used only by Health Extension.
LiverLiver is a controversial ingredient because the source animal is not specified. Anonymous animal ingredients are typically very low quality and may contain almost any animal, including dogs and cats!
Beet PulpBeet pulp is the by-product which remains once sugar has been extracted from sugar beets. The primary contribution of beet pulp is dietary fiber.
We'd also like to note that beet pulp is fairly controversial in pet food. Proponents claim that beet pulp can promote intestinal health and regulate blood sugar. However, opponents claim that beet pulp is an inexpensive filler.
Tomato PomaceTomato pomace is a by-product of tomato manufacturing. It's considered a controversial ingredient because many people believe it is an inexpensive low quality filler. However, tomato pomace provides a notable amount of dietary fiber, B vitamins, Lycopene, and vitamin A. Although it is a very inexpensive ingredient, it is not nutritionally empty.
Buffered GarlicGarlic in very small quantities can be an acceptable addition, however, garlic can also be toxic. Therefore many pet owners choose to completely avoid garlic.
We believe that certain pet food ingredients are linked to adverse health affects; these ingredients are classified as harmful.
Merrick and Health Extension both use the following harmful ingredients in many of their products:
Menadione Sodium Bisulfite ComplexMenadione sodium bisulfite complex is a synthetic version of vitamin K that has been linked to many health concerns. Research has suggested possible toxic reactions in liver cells and red blood cells among other serious problems. In fact, one large chemical supplier warns, "The substance is toxic to kidneys, lungs, liver, mucous membranes. Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage."
Here are some of the harmful ingredients used only by Health Extension.
Added ColorThe ingredient "added color" is ambiguous and may include various artificial dyes. Most artificial dyes have been linked to various chronic diseases.
Product Safety: Recall History of Merrick & Health Extension?
Merrick has been recalled 6 times.
- Jan. 28, 2011: Salmonella
- Aug. 8, 2011: Salmonella
- July 2, 2010: Salmonella
- Aug. 3, 2010: Salmonella
- Aug. 13, 2010: Salmonella
- May 23, 2018: elevated levels of beef thyroid hormone
According to our records, Health Extension has never been recalled.
Price Comparison: Which Brand Is More Expensive?
| Dry Dog Food | Merrick | Health Extension |
| Per Pound | $6.15 | $2.99 |
| Per Calorie | $0.0036 | $0.0018 |
| Dry Cat Food | Merrick | Health Extension |
| Per Pound | $4.09 | $2.74 |
| Per Calorie | $0.0025 | $0.0016 |
| Wet Dog Food | Merrick | Health Extension |
| Per Pound | $5.97 | $3.61 |
| Per Calorie | $0.0126 | $0.0084 |
| Wet Cat Food | Merrick | Health Extension |
| Per Pound | $7.55 | $6.66 |
| Per Calorie | $0.0168 | $0.0138 |
The average cost-per-lb is heavily influenced by the varying amounts of moisture present in each brand's food products (wet vs. dry food, dry vs. freeze-dried food, etc). However, the average cost-per-kcal eliminates the influence of moisture. Therefore, the average cost-per-kcal is the better metric to consider.
If you'd like to calculate the average cost-per-day or cost-pet-year of feeding Merrick or Health Extension, input your pet's weight into our cost analyzer widget.
Averages price data can identify whether or not there exists a significant price difference between two brands. However, the actual price that you'll pay for Merrick or Health Extension will depend on your shopping habits.
Pet owners who use our price comparison feature typically save more than 25% off retail prices for Merrick and Health Extension. In addition, we currently have some great coupons for our readers.
Disclosure: PawDiet has an affiliate relationship with stores featured (or linked-to) in this article. We are compensated for referring customers. Thank you for shopping with our retail partners!
Where To Buy Merrick Pet Foods
You can purchase Merrick pet foods from the following stores:
136 Recipes In-Stock Today
107 Recipes In-Stock Today
104 Recipes In-Stock Today
17 Recipes In-Stock Today
Where To Buy Health Extension Pet Foods
You can purchase Health Extension pet food products from these retailers:
44 Recipes In-Stock Today
38 Recipes In-Stock Today
3 Recipes In-Stock Today
Type Of Pet Foods Available
| Product | Merrick | Health Extension |
| Dry Dog Food | 53 Recipes | 15 Recipes |
| Wet Dog Food | 58 Recipes | 15 Recipes |
| Dog Treats | 35 Treats | 19 Treats |
| Dry Cat Food | 18 Recipes | 2 Recipes |
| Wet Cat Food | 50 Recipes | 13 Recipes |
| Cat Treats | None | 2 Treats |
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