who makes health extension dog food
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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Health Extension Dog Food Review (2024)
Health Extension Dog Food Review
Regardless of whether you are a proud parent of a big muscular dog or a cute, cuddly pup, nutrition makes for one of the most integral aspects of rearing a pet. That being said, it is essential for you to ensure that your pet is getting the right amount of balanced nutrition by means of his/her regular meals. Health Extension is one of the few companies that focus majorly on creating premium dog food products that provide vital nutrients to your pet, build immunity, strengthen muscles and bones, and improve digestion.
Health Extension Company Overview
Health Extension manufactures dry as well as wet dog food (canned) along with dog treats, dog grooming products, vitamins and supplements, and lots of other premium products. Originally known as the Vets Choice, the company changed its name to Health Extension in 2015.
Established in the sixties, Health Extension is a family-owned business that has been in the dog food industry for three generations now. It is worthwhile to note that Health Extension was awarded the 2016 Pet Business Industry Recognition Award. In addition to being an active member of the Pet Sustainability Coalition, Health Extension has had several of its premium dog food products endorsed in the past by the America canine Association.Each of the dry as well as wet dog food products is designed with superior quality ingredients and are entirely free of artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors. The company is currently headquartered in Deer Park, Long Island. All its products are commercially manufactured in the companys two separate facilities in New Jersey and New York.
Given the quality of its directly-sourced ingredients and high standard of manufacturing processes, Health Extension has never had a product recall in the past. Health Extension dog food products are typically marketed as being holistic because they comprise of all the vital nutrients that are required to ensure all-round health and development of your pet friend. According to the company website, all the Health Extension pet food products have been formulated in a way that they align with the AAFCO Dog Food nutritional standards across all life stages.
Ingredients Found in Health Extension Dog Food
Health Extension produces premium dog food products that are free of any harmful artificial additives and preservatives. Here is an overview of the main ingredients used in the companys Original Dog Food recipe:
- Organic Deboned Chicken
- Chicken Meal
- Ground Brown Rice
- Oatmeal
- Chicken Fat
- Lamb Meal
- Menhaden Fish Meal
- Flaxseed
- Dried Beet Pulp
- Brewers Dried Yeast
- Egg Product
- Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
- Ginger
- Fish Oil
- Primrose Oil
Some of the other natural additives used to enhance the nutritive value of Health Extensive Original dog food include Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acid, glucosamine, and chondroitin. There is around 24% crude protein, 18% crude fat, 4% crude fiber, and 10% moisture in this dry dog food product. Health Extension dog food is a must buy for all those pet parents who are genuinely concerned about their dogs daily nutrition and health.
Health Extension Dog Food Product Line
Health Extension provides an excellent variety for small and large breed dogs, as well as grain-sensitive dogs. Health Extension product line consists of both wet and dry dog food brands.
12 Varieties of Health Extension Dry Dog Food
12 Varieties of Health Extension Wet Dog Food
Health Extension Dog Food 2023 Review, Rating & Recalls
Health Extension is a holistic pet food brand focused on creating nourishing recipes made with premium, whole food ingredients that pet owners will feel good about feeding to their pets. But is this brand of dog food right for your best friend? In this review, well take a closer look at the Health Extension brand, its recall history, and the nutrition content of its products.
Well also cover
- Is Health Extension dog food made in the United States?
- Have any Health Extension products been recalled?
- Which flavors and formulas get our top ratings?
Which Health Extension Sub-Brand Is Right for You?
Below, youll find Health Extensions 5 most popular sub-brand options, as well as descriptions of what each product has to offer.
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | Health Extension Turkey Stew Grain Free Wet Dog Food
| 10 | Check Price |
Best Value  | Health Extension Grain Free New York Style Canned Wet Dog Food
| 9.7 | Check Price |
Healthy Weight  | Health Extension Little bites Weight Control Dry Dog Food, Natural Food for Overweight Adult Dogs, Lite Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
| 9.8 | Check Price |
Grain-Free  | Health Extension Dry Dog Food with added Vitamins, Chicken & Turkey Recipe with Whole Vegetable & Berries
| 9.6 | Check Price |
Best for Small Breeds  | Health Extension Grain Free Buffalo & Whitefish Recipe Little Bites, 23.5-Pounds
| 9.5 | Check Price |
Health Extension Dog Food Reviews Overview
Health Extension Tasty Turkey Stew is a grain-free, limited-ingredient wet dog food made with quality protein from real turkey and nutrient-rich sweet potatoes that is perfect as both a meal and a dry dog food topper.
- Premium and flavorful Turkey Stew with fiber-rich sweet potatoes
- Formula enhanced by vitamins and minerals
- Does not contain gluten, corn, soy or artificial preservatives
- Dried egg product serves as a highly-digestible protein source
- Includes chelated minerals to support protein absorption
See Buyer Reviews
Health Extension New York Style Beef combines high-quality beef protein with nutritious fruits and vegetables to create a luxurious meal for your dog.
- High-quality protein from grass-fed beef makes for a delicious meal
- Whole food blend has chickpeas, carrots and flaxseed
- No hormones or antibiotics used
- Packed with beta-carotene from carrots to enable vitamin A production
- Omega-rich flaxseed provides skin and coat support
See Buyer Reviews
Health Extension Little Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dry dog food features a low-fat, bite-sized formula specially designed to meet the nutritional needs of overweight and senior dogs
- Recipe is the same great taste but with 50% less fat
- Made with real meat and packed with antioxidants, vitamins and amino acids
- No corn, wheat and soy ingredients makes this an easily digestible dog food
- Plenty of joint support from added glucosamine and chondroitin
- Dried beet pulp supplies gentle dietary fiber for good digestion
See Buyer Reviews
Health Extension Grain-Free Chicken & Turkey dog food packs quality, cage-free chicken and turkey protein, whole garden vegetables, and natural probiotics into tasty kibble suitable for dogs of all life stages.
- Premium protein from organically raised chicken
- Proprietary blend of apple cider vinegar, probiotics and coconut oil helps with whole body nutrition
- Available in 23.5lb bag
- Real meat protein supports muscle growth and development
- Coconut oil keeps your dogs coat shiny and healthy
See Buyer Reviews
Health Extension Little Bites Buffalo & Whitefish is specially designed for small breed, teacup, toy, and miniature dogs.
- Bite-sized kibble made with delicious whitefish and buffalo
- Prebiotics and probiotics help aid a healthy digestive system
- Wholesome vegetables and berries provide excellent nutrition for your dog
This recipe includes quality protein from free-range buffalo and omega-rich whitefish in a kibble that is perfectly sized for tiny jaws.
- Brown rice provides easily-digestible carbs to meet higher energy needs
- Fortified with calcium to build healthy bones
See Buyer Reviews
Who Makes Health Extension Dog Food?
Health Extension is a family-owned company based in New York. All Health Extension dog food, cat food, and dog treats are made in its New York and New Jersey facilities. The brand sources all of its food ingredients from the USA, with the companys website emphasizing that none of its ingredients come from China.
Has Health Extension Dog Food Been Recalled?
Health Extension has not experienced any product recalls in its history. This serves as a testament to the companys dedication to safety and quality standards in pet food production. The brands website attributes its food safety success to the brands quality ingredient selection of USDA-inspected meat and responsibly-sourced, non-GMO produce, as well as to its established food safety programs, which feature over 140 checkpoints.
Is Health Extension a Good Dog Food?
Rating:
Health Extension dog food receives our third-highest rating of 4 stars.
Individual Recipe Ratings
The Health Extension product line includes both dry and wet dog food varieties that can be found both in-store and through online retailers like Amazon and Chewy. Below, youll find the brands currently Amazon listings and their star ratings. Weve included links to each product so that you can check out prices and package sizes with ease.
- Health Extension Grain-Free Adult, Tasty Turkey Stew (5 stars)
- Health Extension Grain-Free Adult, New York Style Beef Recipe (5 stars)
- Health Extension Healthy Weight Little Bites, Lite Chicken & Brown Recipe (5 stars)
- Health Extension Grain-Free Adult, Chicken & Turkey Recipe (4.5 stars)
- Health Extension Grain-Free Little Bites, Buffalo & Whitefish Recipe (4.5 stars)
- Health Extension Grain-Free Adult, Salmon Recipe (4.5 stars)
- Health Extension Adult, Original Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe (4.5 stars)
- Health Extension Grain-Free Adult, Buffalo & Whitefish Recipe (4.5 stars)
- Health Extension Healthy Weight Adult, Lite Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe (4.5 stars)
- Health Extension Grain-Free Adult, Duck Recipe (4.5 stars)
Recipe Ingredient Analysis
We chose Health Extension Grain-Free Adult, Chicken & Turkey Recipe to serve as the representative product for this brands recipe ingredient analysis. The ingredients listed below are organized based on their overall weight in the formula. This weight does include each ingredients water content.
The first ingredient in this recipe is organic deboned chicken. Chicken is a quality source of protein to support muscle development. It also contains glucosamine, which helps prevent joint inflammation. However, chicken can contain up to 80% of its weight in moisture, most of which will cook off when making this recipe. Thus, the actual protein contribution of this ingredient may be less than initially expected.
Chicken Meal is the second ingredient on this list. This concentrated powder is high in protein and is produced by rendering and drying chicken. Unlike fresh and raw meat ingredients, meat meals have most of their moisture removed before being added to dog food mixes. As such, meat meals can contain more protein per gram than real meat products, allowing pet food manufacturers to boost the protein content of a formula.
The third listed ingredient is deboned turkey. Deboned turkey is protein-rich to help your dog develop healthy muscles. It also provides key vitamins like riboflavin to assist food-to-energy conversion and essential minerals like phosphorus to support bone health. However, turkey has the same water content issues that we talked about with chicken before.
Turkey Meal is the fourth listed ingredient. Similar to chicken meal, turkey meal is a high-protein powder made in the turkey rendering process. This serves to further increase the protein content of this formula. Next, we have potatoes as the fifth ingredient.
Potatoes are primarily included due to their high carb content, which serves as fuel to energize your dog. However, ingredients that are high in carbs can be detrimental to dogs with weight issues, so this may not be the best inclusion for overweight pups.
Chickpeas, or garbanzo beans, are the sixth ingredient in this recipe. These fibrous beans will help your dog feel fuller while also promoting good gut and digestive health. Theyre also a great source of plant-based protein to go along with animal protein sources.
The seventh listed ingredient is chicken fat that is preserved with mixed tocopherols. Chicken fat is a by-product skimmed off during the chicken rendering process. Its used in dog foods to make kibble more flavorful while also adding healthy fats to the overall fat content of recipes. Chicken fat is particularly great because its rich in omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coats.
The mixed tocopherols listed with this ingredient are antioxidants that act as natural preservatives. They are used to keep the chicken fat in this recipe from spoiling. Whole sweet potatoes are the eighth ingredient listed for this food. Like plain potatoes, sweet potatoes are high in carbs for energy. Theyre also packed with dietary fiber to keep your dogs digestive tract running smoothly.
Additionally, these root vegetables offer essential B-vitamins for energy conversion, as well as vitamins A and C for visual support and immune health. The ninth ingredient in this formula is pumpkin. Pumpkin is high in easily-digestible dietary fiber to soothe your pets gut and encourage digestion.
These vegetables also supply the essential pigment beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A for use in multiple systems. Finally, coconut oil is the tenth ingredient in this mix. Coconut oil is added to enhance coat health and enhance its shine. This oil is preserved with mixed tocopherols to prevent spoilage.
Now that weve discussed this products first ten ingredients, were going to look further down the list at some of the less prevalent ingredients. Despite their lower weight in this recipe, these ingredients can still impact your dogs health and should be considered when you go to make a purchase.
Less Prevalent Ingredients
This recipe includes whole carrots, which provide another source of beta-carotene to fuel vitamin A production. This dog food also contains dried seaweed meal. Seaweed is rich in iodine, which is used in metabolic functions. Its also full of omega-3 fatty acids for brain and eye health.
We also find pomegranates and beets further down this list. These are both excellent sources of immune-boosting vitamin C, easily-digestible dietary fiber, and nerve-supporting potassium. Pomegranates and beets also both contain the B-vitamin folate, which is an essential component of metabolic functions and blood cell production.
This formula also uses chicory root extract as a source of inulin. Inulin helps improve gut and digestive health in your dog. Two other notable inclusions are bovine colostrum and organic apple cider vinegar. Both colostrum and apple cider vinegar support digestive and immune health.
Nutrient Summary
Nutrient data used in this summary is calculated based on the products dry matter content. The Guaranteed Analysis panel is used in these calculations to compare protein, fat, fiber, and moisture content in pet food products. Due to the nature of this process, it is difficult to compare dry, kibble-based dog food with highly-moist wet dog food. As such, this information should primarily be used when comparing this product with other dry food options.
Health Extension Grain-Free Adult, Chicken & Turkey Recipe has a protein content of 27%. A large portion of this protein is sourced from real chicken and turkey, as well as from chicken meal and turkey meal. Next, we have a fat content of 18%. Chicken fat contributes significantly to the overall amount of fat in this formula.
Finally, this product has an estimated carbohydrate content of 37%, with potatoes and sweet potatoes supplying most of the carbs. This is a fairly average carb percentage that is appropriate for most adult dogs. This product is notable for its inclusion of pumpkin and carrots as dual sources of the essential pigment beta-carotene. Omega-rich chicken fat and seaweed meal also provide additional skin, coat, and vision support. Additionally, fermentation products serve as powerful natural probiotics for gut health and digestive maintenance.
Our Rating of Health Extension Dog Food
As a whole, Health Extension brand dog food products contain an average of 27% protein, 15% fat, and 50% estimated carbs. This suggests a fat-to-protein ratio of roughly 57%. It also indicates an average fat and carb content as well as an above-average protein content compared to other brands.
We consider Health Extension dog food to be a higher-grade pet food brand. This brand offers both wet and dry food options, as well as grain-inclusive and grain-free varieties of each. Health Extension products are gluten-free with no wheat, corn, or soy included.
All of their USDA-inspected meat ingredients are free of antibiotics, steroids, and hormones. Additionally, the brand uses no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives and no fillers in its dog food recipes. Given all this, we rate the Health Extension brand at 4 stars.
What Do Others Say About Health Extension
Health Extension brand dog food products have Amazon star ratings that fall between 3 and 5 stars. Our selected representative product, Health Extension Grain-Free Adult, Chicken & Turkey Recipe dog food, currently has a 4.5-star rating. Fans of these products are pleased to find that even finicky and picky eaters enjoy these recipes and praise the foods digestive support. Here is a review from an actual customer:
Been using these guys for a few years. Never had a problem with diarrhea or a dog not wanting to finish. Its a bit less expensive than other premium brands so good for us. The vet is always happy and impressed when I mention I use this brand. I have no problems with other premium brands but again these guys are a bit cheaper. I would highly recommend!
Final Thoughts
Nutritious dog foods made by brands like Healthy Extension are meant to help prevent health conditions and their unpleasant symptoms. What should you do if your dog is currently dealing with unsettling symptoms though? Check out our articles on dogs coughing up white foam and dogs breathing heavily to find out what you can do to relieve these issues.
