Ketona Dog Food Review 2024: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary

Ketona is a dog food company that clearly puts its heart and knowledge into creating the best possible dog food. They believe carbs are bad for dogs and deserve to eat better. What makes them unique is that they are dedicated to empowering and educating dog owners with resources to make better decisions for their dog’s health.

The founder of Ketona wrote a book he researched for 4 years about the relationship between carbs and modern-day chronic diseases. He provides the eBook on their website for free, along with a library of information and resources for you to peruse and educate yourself about nutritional science. The founding team of Ketona spent hundreds of thousands of dollars working with a veterinary nutritionist, two animal nutrition PhDs, and some of the world’s best food scientists to create the first low-carb dog food.

They are a small company who have come a long way with their dog recipes that contain 90% fewer carbs and twice the amount of meat. Ketona’s mission is to be the most progressive and selfless pet food company in the world, and in this review, you will see why.

 

At a Glance: The Best Ketona Dog Food Recipes

Ketona Dog Food Reviewed

About Ketona Dog Products

Ketona dog food is the first of its kind. It is a low-carb recipe made up of 5% digestible carbohydrates, which is 90% less than other premium brands. They include twice as much animal-based protein, and their overall nutritional content is better than raw meals or fresh fish. Ketona is supported by extensive scientific research and is intended to improve your dog’s overall health by optimizing blood sugar levels, building strong muscles, and reducing inflammation and itching.

Who Makes Ketona Dog Food and Where Is It Produced?

It all began in 2012 when the founder, Daniel Schulof, started writing his book on the link between carbs and chronic disease in modern pets called Dogs, Dog Food, and Dogma. It was highly acclaimed with many positive reviews. In 2017, the founding team worked beside a team of nutritional scientists, as well as a veterinary nutritionist and two animal nutrition experts, to create the first truly low-carb dry dog food. KetoNatural was then launched in 2018.

Every portion is produced in the United States. Most of it is manufactured in Kansas, but some are also manufactured in Nebraska, Pennsylvania, and Missouri. Most of their ingredients are also sourced in the United States, and all the chickens used in their recipe are raised in the U.S by American ranchers. The salmon is sourced from Chile.

Which Type of Dog Is Ketona Dog Food Best Suited For?

Ketona is suitable for any breed of dog, except large breed dogs that are still growing. All their recipes are considered complete and balanced by the AAFCO for all life stages, except for large breed dogs that will weigh about 70 pounds as adults.

Their recipes are also suitable for puppies, with the exception of very large breed puppies such as Great Danes. Large breed puppies grow so quickly that they require special calcium-restricted diets to reduce the risk of growth abnormalities, so Ketona is not suitable for them. Other pups will love Ketona thanks to their small kibble size, which makes it easy to consume.

Which Type of Dog Might Do Better with a Different Brand?

As mentioned previously, Ketona is not suitable for very large breed dogs that are still growing. Orijen Puppy Large Dog Food is a great recipe for you to try as it contains 85% animal ingredients, including fresh meat, organs, and bone, and it is designed for the needs of growing large-breed puppies.

 

 

Discussion of the Primary Ingredients (Good and Bad)

KetoNatural has two formulas that contain 5% digestible carbohydrate and twice as much protein. Before we get into the individual ingredients, let’s discuss the principles of low-carb, high-protein meals.

Low Carb Content

Carbohydrates make up approximately 30%−70% of most dog food. They are sourced mainly from plants and grains such as rice, potatoes, corn, and barley. Carbohydrates’ primary function is to provide adequate energy. They give dry kibble structure and texture and extend the shelf life.  It is also high in fiber, and although fiber is not a required nutrient for dogs, it is included in most dog foods because it helps your dog feel full, aids digestion, and assists blood sugar levels.

High Protein Content

Both of KetoNatural’s recipes are high in protein, containing twice as much as other commercial dog foods. Meat-based proteins are better for dogs than plant-based proteins, and 90% of the protein in KetoNatural dog foods comes from meat, specifically chicken or salmon.

The high protein content in Ketona may cause some concern, but there is no reason for that. Dogs are omnivores, and they need meat in their diet, just like nature intended. Dogs can eat dog food with a protein content of 30% or higher by dry weight. Furthermore, 95% of overweight dogs, as well as those with itchy, flaky skin, brittle coats, and low energy, eat a diet high in plant-based proteins rather than animal-based proteins.

Main Ingredients Discussed

Grain Free and DCM controversy

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a heart muscle disease that causes an enlarged heart that does not function properly. Over the years, claims have been that a grain-free diet is linked to DCM in dogs. The FDA has discovered no conclusive link between diet and dilated cardiomyopathy. Ketona is highly confident that its food will not cause DCM. Their founder, Daniel Schulof, has written substantially on the matter and is one of the leading critics of the DCM scandal. DCM can be caused by a dog’s inability to consume enough of the amino acids cysteine and methionine. The most common source of these essential amino acids is meat. Ketona’s amino acid content is high because it contains so much animal-based protein.

They have never received a complaint or report of DCM from their food.

Grain-free food is not for every dog, so it is always important to consult with your vet to help determine the best diet for your dog.

A Quick Look at Ketona Dog Food

Recall History

Based on our research, there have been no recalls for KetoNatural Dog food.

 

Reviews of the 2 Best Ketona Dog Food Recipes

1. Ketona Chicken Recipe Dog Food

Ketona Chicken Recipe dog food is a grain-free, low carb, high protein recipe with the carbohydrate content of a raw ingredient diet but is convenient and cost-effective because it is kibble. It includes 85% fewer carbohydrates than other premium grain-free dog foods and less than 5% digestible carbohydrates. This recipe has a minimum protein content of 46%, which is much higher than other dog foods but more closely resembles a dog’s natural diet.

Chicken is the animal protein source and is the first on the list of ingredients. Their chicken is non-GMO, antibiotic-free, and raised by American ranchers using environmentally friendly methods. It contains less than 5% starch and 0.5% sugars, and a minimum of 16% fat. This grain-free dog food contains no wheat, corn, potato, rice, barley, or soy. KetoNatural allows you to try the product for 30 days, and if you are not satisfied, they will refund 100% of your money.

This recipe is unsuitable for large breed puppies as it does not have the right nutritional balance for their growth rate.

---

2. Ketona Salmon Recipe Dog Food

Ketona Salmon Recipe dog food is a natural, low carb, grain-free formula. Its high protein, low carb formula means that it contains 90% less carbohydrates than other leading brands and twice the amount of protein with a total content of more than 50% sourced from salmon. It is made in the U.S using natural ingredients that promotes strong lean muscles, reduces itching and inflammation, and lowers blood sugar levels. There is no wheat, corn, potato, rice, barley, or soy in this grain-free dog food. KetoNatural allows you to try the product for 30 days and offers a refund if you are not satisfied.

This recipe is not appropriate for large breed puppies because it lacks the proper nutritional balance for their growth rate.

 

What Other Users Are Saying

 

Conclusion

Ketona is a high-quality dog food formulated by animal nutrition experts and backed by science and extensive research. Its creators have a passion for educating dog owners, which is something that other dog food companies lack. They are also a transparent company with nothing to hide, which really earns our trust. Because of the extensive research, great reviews, and the fact that Ketona’s recipes closely resemble a dog’s natural diet, we think Ketona is a nutritious choice of dog food that your dog will benefit from.