Elevate Your Dog s Well Being Understanding River Run Pet Food Ingredients
Halo Elevate Dog Food (Dry)
Halo Elevate Dog Food (Dry)
By Mike Sagman
Updated: March 22, 2024
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Which Halo Elevate Recipes Get Our Best Ratings?
Halo Elevate Dog Food earns The Advisors top rating of 5 stars.
The Halo Elevate product line includes the 14 dry dog foods listed below.
Each recipe includes its AAFCO nutrient profile when available Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.
| Product | Rating | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| Halo Elevate Grain-Free Puppy | 5 | A |
| Halo Elevate Grain-Free Red Meat | 5 | M |
| Halo Elevate Grain-Free Salmon | 5 | M |
| Halo Elevate Grain-Free Small Breed Chicken | 5 | M |
| Halo Elevate Grain-Free Chicken | 5 | M |
| Halo Elevate Healthy Grains Small Breed Red Meat | 5 | M |
| Halo Elevate Healthy Grains Chicken | 5 | M |
| Halo Elevate Healthy Grains Lamb | 5 | M |
| Halo Elevate Healthy Grains Large Breed Chicken | 5 | A |
| Halo Elevate Healthy Grains Puppy | 5 | A |
| Halo Elevate Healthy Grains Red Meat | 5 | M |
| Halo Elevate Healthy Grains Salmon | 5 | M |
| Halo Elevate Healthy Grains Small Breed Chicken | 5 | M |
| Halo Elevate Healthy Grains Red Meat | 5 | M |
Recipe and Label Analysis
Halo Elevate Healthy Grains Chicken 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.
Halo Elevate Healthy Grains Chicken
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, oats, barley, tapioca, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), quinoa, natural flavor, salmon oil, potassium chloride, salt, sunflower oil, choline chloride, inulin, taurine, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, niacin supplement, d-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement, vitamin A supplement, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid, biotin), minerals (zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, sodium selenite, calcium iodate), mixed tocopherols (preservative), dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 3.5%
Red denotes any controversial items
| Guaranteed Analysis | 32% | 18% | NA |
| Dry Matter Basis | 35% | 20% | 37% |
| Calorie Weighted Basis | 29% | 40% | 31% |
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 turkey meal, another protein-rich meat concentrate.
The fourth ingredient includes oats. Oats are rich in B-vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber.
The fifth ingredient is barley, which is a starchy carbohydrate supplying fiber and other healthy nutrients. However, aside from its energy content, this cereal grain is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.
The sixth ingredient is tapioca, a gluten-free, starchy carbohydrate extract made from the root of the cassava plant.
The seventh 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 eighth ingredient is quinoa. Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is not a true cereal grain but a plant prized for its gluten-free seeds.
Compared to most other grain-type ingredients, it is high in protein (about 12-18%), dietary fiber and other healthy nutrients.
After the natural flavor, we find salmon oil. Salmon oil is naturally rich in the prized EPA and DHA type of omega-3 fatty acids. These two high quality fats boast the highest bio-availability to dogs and humans.
Depending on its level of freshness and purity, salmon oil should be considered a commendable addition.
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 6 notable exceptions
First, we find sunflower oil. Sunflower oil is nutritionally similar to safflower oil. Since these oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids and contain no omega-3s, theyre considered less nutritious than canola or flaxseed oils.
Sunflower oil is notable for its resistance to heat damage during cooking.
There are several different types of sunflower oil, some better than others. Without knowing more, its impossible to judge the quality of this ingredient.
Next, inulin is a starch-like compound made up of repeating units of carbohydrates and typically sourced from chicory root.
Not only is inulin a natural source of soluble dietary fiber, its also a prebiotic used to promote the growth of healthy bacteria in a dogs digestive tract.
In addition, we note the use of taurine, an important amino acid associated with the healthy function of heart muscle. Although taurine is not typically considered essential in canines, some dogs have been shown to be deficient in this critical nutrient.
Since taurine deficiency appears to be more common in pets consuming grain-free diets, we view its presence in this recipe as a positive addition.
Next, this food 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.
Additionally, this recipe includes 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.
And lastly, we note the inclusion of dried fermentation products in this recipe. Fermentation products are typically added as probiotics to aid with digestion.
Halo Elevate Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredients alone, Halo Elevate looks like an above-average dry dog food.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 35%, a fat level of 20% and estimated carbohydrates of about 37%.
As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 35% and a mean fat level of 21%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 37% for the overall product line.
And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 60%.
Above-average protein. Above-average fat. And below-average carbs when compared to a typical dry dog food.
Even when you consider the protein-boosting effect of the quinoa, this still looks like the profile of a kibble containing a significant amount of meat.
Our Rating of Halo Elevate Dog Food
Halo Elevate is a freeze-dried, raw-coated dry dog food using a significant amount of named meat meals as its dominant source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 5 stars.
Enthusiastically recommended.
Halo Elevate Dog Food Recall History
The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls related to Halo through April.
You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 here.
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More Halo Brand Reviews
The following Halo dog food reviews are also posted on this website:
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What's In Dog Food
What's In Dog Food
Make the best choices for your pup and discover what is in dog food with UK Pet Food's free guide to the essential ingredients for a healthy dog diet.
It is important to remember that the nutritional needs of a dog are distinct and different to humans.
Did you know that a dog is an omnivore and requires37essential nutrients? These are classified into6main nutrient groups. They are water proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
To achieve the right balance of nutrients pet food manufacturers blend mixtures of ingredients including meat and fish, vegetables, cereals, vitamins and minerals to produce foods that will satisfy the nutritional requirements of your dog. Dog owners who feed a complete commercialdog food can have confidence they are addressing their dogs nutritional needs.
Over the decades pet food manufacturers have developed the nutritional expertise to ensure they incorporate the latest advances in pet nutrition. Pet food manufacturers produce products in line with the FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) Nutrition Guidelines and the NRC Guidelines (National Research Council). These guidelines detail the nutritional requirements of dogs at varying life stages and they are regularly reviewed by independent nutrition experts throughout Europe and the United States.
There is also strict legislation governing what ingredients can be used in the manufacture of pet food. This legislation is laid down by Europe and also applies to imported commercially prepared pet foods.
The broadening knowledge of pet nutrition and food technology has transformed the pet food industry remarkably over the years. It is now widely recognised by the veterinary profession that pets are living longer, healthier lives as a result of improved nutrition.
Dog food characteristics for a healthy dog diet
Complete provides adequate amounts of all the required nutrientsBalanced the nutrients are present in the correct proportionsDigestible your dog is able to digest the food and absorb the nutrientsPalatable appealing enough to be eatenSafe free of toxins or anything which could harm a pet
Dog Food Ingredients
Animal Derivatives
Meats are generally good sources of protein, essential fatty acids, iron and some B-group vitamins. They also increase the palatability of a product and have a high digestibility.
PFMA members use by-products of the human food industry that come from animals slaughtered under veterinary supervision.These materials meet the very high safety and quality criteria laid down by regulations.Please see the legislation section on our website: Pet Food legislation
Members only use materials from species which are generally accepted in the human food chain.The members use materials of beef, lamb, poultry, pork, fish, rabbit and game.A copy of our raw materials policy can be found on our website.
Fish
Fish is a good source of high quality protein.Fish muscle contains iodine. Because bones are frequently ground when preparing the fish, a good source of calcium and phosphorus is also provided. The flesh of oily fish contains vitamin A & D and omega 3. Fish are commonly divided into two groups;white fish- haddock, plaice, cod, whiting and sole;oily fish- herring, pilchards, mackerel, sardines, tuna, salmon and trout. If you would like to find out more about the specific fish used in a particular pet food, please contact the manufacturer.
Dairy products and eggs
Dairy products and eggs provide high quality and digestible protein.Dairy products also provide calcium and a number of vitamins. Examples of dairy products used in pet food include cheese and milk products.
Vegetables
Vegetables provide a great source of vitamins, minerals and fibre.Soya beans provide a source of protein and energy, omega 6, B vitamins fibre and minerals.
Cereals and cereal by- products
Cereals provide an important source of energy, a proportion of protein and other nutrients including thiamine and niacin.Although dogs have no absolute dietary requirement for carbohydrates, they present an excellent energy source in an easily digestible form. Good sources of carbohydrates in pet foods are usually cereal based such as corn (maize), rice, wheat, barley or sorghum. Certain fibres ,for example, moderately fermentable fibres such as beet pulp or rice bran) can also have additional beneficial effects on the health of the digestive tract (Hand, Thatcher, Remillard, Roudebush: Small Animal Clinical Nutrition: 4th Edition, pp 1192)).
Fats and oils (animal and vegetable)
Fats and oils provide a supply of energy and essential fatty acids. They are important for optimal health, including kidney function, reproduction and a glossy coat. There are 2 different types of essential fatty acids (EFAs) omega 3 & 6. Some fats also supply a source of vitamins A, D, E & K.
Vitamin and mineral supplements
A supplementary supply of vitamins and minerals may be added to ensure dogs are receiving the required daily dietary intake.
Sodium and chloride
Sodium is an essential nutrient for dogs and along with chloride is important for fluid balance in the body.Good sources of sodium in dog food include meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. Sodium may also be included in prepared pet foods in the form of table salt (sometimes listed on the ingredients panel as salt) to enhance taste.
NBThe National Research Council lays down guidelines on sodium levels for dogs and cats. Although sodium levels in human food can present a human health issue due to the risk of hypertension, sodium levels in prepared pet food are not a cause for concern in healthy adult dogs and cats. The physiological make up of a pet animal is quite distinct from that of a human. Healthy dogs and cats are actually able to consume diets with higher sodium levels than those found in most prepared pet foods without any adverse effects such as increased blood pressure or gain in body water. While a higher sodium intake may cause increased thirst and water consumption, the extra sodium is excreted without problem in the urine (Luckschander. N, Iben. C, Biourge. V, Journal of Veterinary Medicine 16: 354 ). In pets with disorders such as heart or kidney disease reduced salt diets may be advised. Such disorders must be discussed with a vet and appropriate dietary advice followed.
Various sugars
The term "various sugars" is a category description, which may refer to sucrose (cane sugar, commonly known as table sugar), fructose and glucose, all of which are natural products present in fruit, vegetables and cereals.Some manufacturers may add sugar to pet foods as an energy source. Dogs can easily convert sugar in to usable energy through normal digestion.Manufacturers may also add very small amounts of sugar to assist with the cooking process. When sugar is cooked along with meat it results in browning of the meat and the production of natural sugars, (just the same as those produced in the cooking of the Sunday roast), this provides a pleasing colour and enhances palatability.If sugar is included in addition to that which naturally occurs in the ingredients, levels are carefully controlled to ensure nutritional balance and palatability.
Additives
Additives which can be used in pet foods include vitamins, flavours, preservatives, antioxidants and colours. Most of the additives used in pet food are also used in our foods.PFMA members only use legally permitted additives and only in the smallest amounts possible.
Preservativescan be artificial or natural, but either way they work by preventing the spoilage of food ingredients just like in our food.. It is therefore critical to have methods to prevent this deterioration and maintain high quality, nutritious, and palatable foods. Canned pet foods are protected from spoilage by their airtight storage in the can, but dry foods, even with modern packaging, must include preservatives to maintain the quality and safety of the food.Natural preservatives, tocopherols (vitamin E) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), are the most commonly used in pet food. All preservatives either artificial or natural must be included in the ingredient list on the food's label.AntioxidantsDietary antioxidants play a substantial role in the long term health and well being of dogs. Some manufacturers may add biological antioxidants e.g. vitamins C & E and selenium, to pet foods to help support good health and neutralise free radicals.
Any pet owner who is interested in obtaining further information on the ingredients of a specific pet food product should look at the label on the packaging. If there are any additives present this will be indicated by a statement such as, Contains EC permitted antioxidant. The enquirer should then contact the company directly, using the name and contact details on the packaging, to ask which additive it contains.
