From Bowl to Tail Maximizing Your Dog s Health with River Run Pet Food

River Run Dog Food Review (Dry)

River Run Dog Food Review (Dry)

By Mike Sagman

Updated: April 24, 2024

DogFoodAdvisor is reader supported See how

All reviews are 100% impartial but if you buy using links on this page, we may earn a referral fee.

Review of River Run Dog Food

River Run Dog Food receives the Advisors lowest-tier rating of 1.5 stars.

The River Run product line includes the 5 dry dog foods listed below.

Each recipe below includes its AAFCO nutrient profile when available Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.

Recipe and Label Analysis

River Run Hi Pro 27-15 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.

River Run Hi-Pro 27-15

Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content

Meat and bone meal, whole ground corn, wheat middlings, rice bran, animal fat (preserved with BHA), corn gluten meal, natural flavors, salt, vitamins (vitamin A supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E supplement, niacin supplement, d-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, menadione sodium bisulfite complex [source of vitamin K activity], biotin, vitamin B12 supplement), minerals (zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, copper sulfate, manganous oxide, ethylenediamine dihydroiodide, sodium selenite, iron oxide), propionic acid (a preservative), choline chloride

Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 4.5%

Red denotes any controversial items

Ingredient Analysis

The first ingredient in this dog food is meat and bone meal, a dry rendered product from mammal tissues, including bone, exclusive of any added blood, hair, hoof, horn, hide trimmings, manure, stomach and rumen contents.¹

Meat and bone meal can have a lower digestibility than most other meat meals.

Scientists believe this decreased absorption may be due to the ingredients higher ash and lower essential amino acid content.²

Whats worse, this particular item is anonymous. So, the meat itself can come from any combination of cattle, pigs, sheep or goats which can make identifying specific food allergens impossible.

Even though meat and bone meals are still considered protein-rich meat concentrates, we do not consider a generic ingredient like this to be a quality item.

The second ingredient is corn. Corn is an inexpensive and controversial cereal grain. And aside from its energy content, this grain is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

For this reason, we do not consider corn a preferred component in any dog food.

The third ingredient includes wheat middlings, commonly known as wheat mill run. Though it may sound wholesome, wheat mill run is actually an inexpensive by-product of cereal grain processing.

Unfortunately, the variations in nutrient content found in wheat middlings can be a critical issue in determining their suitability for use in any dog food or even livestock feeds.³

In reality, wheat middlings are nothing more than milling dust and floor sweepings and an ingredient more typically associated with lower quality pet foods.

The next ingredient is rice bran, a healthy by-product of milling whole grain rice. The bran is the fiber-rich outer layer of the grain containing starch, protein, fat as well as vitamins and minerals.

The fifth ingredient is animal fat. Animal fat is a generic by-product of rendering, the same high-temperature process used to make meat meals.

Since theres no mention of a specific animal, this item could come from just about anywhere: salvaged roadkill, spoiled supermarket meat even dead, diseased or dying cattle.

For this reason, we do not consider generic animal fat a quality ingredient.

Whats worse, this fat is preserved with BHA, a suspected cancer-causing agent.

The sixth ingredient is corn gluten meal. Gluten is the rubbery residue remaining once corn has had most of its starchy carbohydrate washed out of it.

Although corn gluten meal contains 60% protein, this ingredient would be expected to have a lower biological value than meat.

And less costly plant-based products like this can notably boost the total protein reported on the label a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

After the natural flavors, we find salt (also known as sodium chloride). Salt is a common additive in many dog foods. Thats because sodium is a necessary mineral for all animals including humans.

However, since the actual amount of salt added to this recipe isnt disclosed on the list of ingredients, its impossible to judge the nutritional value of this item.

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, iron oxide is a synthetic color additive used in industry to impart a reddish color to food and paint. In its natural form, this chemical compound is more commonly known as iron rust.

Were always disappointed to find any artificial coloring in a pet food. Thats because coloring is used to make the product more appealing to humans not your dog. After all, do you really think your dog cares what color his food is?

Next, this dog food contains menadione, a controversial form of vitamin K linked to liver toxicity, allergies and the abnormal break-down of red blood cells.

Since vitamin K isnt required by AAFCO in either of its dog food nutrient profiles, we question the use of this substance in any canine formulation.

In addition, we find no mention of probiotics, friendly bacteria applied to the surface of the kibble after processing to help with digestion.

And lastly, the minerals listed here do not appear to be chelated. And that can make them more difficult to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually associated with higher quality dog foods.

Nutrient Analysis

Judging by its ingredients alone, River Run Dog Food looks like a below-average dry product.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 30%, a fat level of 17% and estimated carbohydrates of about 45%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 29% and a mean fat level of 18%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 45% for the overall product line.

And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 64%.

Above-average protein. Above-average fat. And below-average carbs when compared to a typical dry dog food.

When you consider the protein-boosting effect of the corn gluten meal in this recipe, and the soybean meal contained in another recipe, this looks like the profile of a kibble containing a moderate amount of meat.

Is River Run a Good Dog Food?

River Run is a grain-inclusive dry dog food using a moderate amount of unnamed meat and bone meal as its main source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 1.5 stars.

Not recommended.

Has River Run Dog Food Been Recalled?

The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls since 2009 related to River Run.

You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 here.

Get Free Recall Alerts

Get free dog food recall alerts sent to you by email. Subscribe to The Advisors recall notification list.

Compare This Dog Food

How does this brand compare with The Dog Food Advisor's most recommended brands?

A Final Word

The Dog Food Advisor does not accept money, gifts, samples or other incentives in exchange for special consideration in preparing our reviews.

However, we do receive a referral fee from online retailers (like Chewy or Amazon) and from sellers of perishable pet food when readers click over to their websites from ours. This helps cover the cost of operation of our free blog. Thanks for your support.

For more information, please visit our Disclaimer and Disclosure page.

River Run Dog Food

River Run Dog FoodAll You Need to KnowRiver Run is a reputable, long-standing product line with long experience in making dog food formulas. In this article, were going to examine their food products and provide you with all the info you need in case youre planning to introduce them to your poochs diet.

We have no affiliation, sponsorship, or partnerships with any dog food brands. Our main goal is to help you find the best formula for your furry companion so that they can thrive and grow healthy.

How We Evaluated River Run Dog Food

Most health-conscious dog owners want to know everything about their dogs food. However, knowing how to choose the best formula for your pooch is a daunting undertaking. Thats when our team of hard workers swoops in!

A recipe is only as good as its ingredients. To understand the ingredients, we need to do some digging. We have consulted some people in the field and decided to share our findings with you. For this dog food evaluation, we talked to

• Our team of devoted vets
• Dog lovers community
• Dog owners

Veterinarians explained what kind of food is nutritionally adequate. They emphasized that each diet should be specific to your pets health status and stage of life. Even when you opt for a certain brand, you need to look for recipes that your pooch will thrive on. These experts evaluated River Run dog food with us, going through specific ingredients they use in the formulas.

Dog lovers community consists of members who are eager to help. We got to chat with fellow locals who told us all they know about this popular dog food brand.

Relying on dog owners gave us insight into many dog formulas available today, including River Run dog food. Dog parents are a reliable source of information as they own pups of different breeds and have gone through some feeding trials. We can gather information based on various food reactions.

We have no connections with dog food brands, including River Run dog food. Our goal is to evaluate their products, not promote them.

Which Products Should You Look for in River Run Dog Food

Apart from consulting with a team of experts and people in the field, we also strive to meet certain criteria set in our evaluation process. When choosing your pets food, there are many things you need to pay attention to.

The first five ingredients in any food product are the ones that weigh the most. They are arranged in descending order by their volume.

Here you will find the standards we follow when evaluating dog food products. The recipes:

1. List named meat sources in the top five ingredients
2. Dont contain meat and vegetable by-products, grain, corn, or soy
3. Are regulated by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)
4. Avoid ingredients that can cause allergies or food sensitivity
5. Dont use artificial preservatives, colors, or fillers

Always look for the recipes that satisfy your canines food requirements. Puppies should get puppy-tailored formulas that are rich in protein. If you own a smaller breed pooch, scan through the best dry dog food for small dogs. If your beauty is on the larger side, they should get the best large breed dry dog food. Our senior doggos deserve the best senior dry dog food available today.

Lets Learn about River Run Dog Food

Lots of dog owners have been using River Run dog food for years. If you check online reviews, youll find lots of divided opinions. We checked all these comments for you, and heres what we found out.

River Run Dog Food Pros

1. Its not expensive. This brand offers products at an affordable price. You need a dog food that gives your canine the nutrients they need but doesnt make you reconsider whether you can afford to own a pet.
2. It meets the nutritional standards established by AAFCO. These products are balanced to meet the requirements of the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles. Sufficient protein and fat are included to meet the needs of energetic dogs, while fiber is offered for good digestion.
3. It offers a variety of products. River Run offers a range of recipes that meet the nutritional needs of different breeds and dogs life stages. Later in this article, youll find the evaluation of their formulas.

River Run Dog Food Cons

1. Unknown meat source. River Run offers dog products whose dominant source of protein is unnamed meat. If the food product lists a meat source, such as chicken or salmon meal, you know exactly what your pooch is eating. These formulas have a high-quality protein source. However, if the recipe doesnt name the meat, youre taking the risk of buying low-quality food. Unspecified meat makes it difficult to avoid dog allergy or sensitivity.
2. Meat and bone meal. Weve already mentioned that you should avoid meat-by-products in your poochs diet, but what should you do if you come across a meat meal in the first five ingredients? Meat meals are not necessarily harmful to your dog, but they can be. The quality of a meat meal depends on the meat source. These meals can consist of waste materialsincluding animal hooves, bones, and headsthat you dont want your pup to eat.
3. Formulas are grain-inclusive. Corn and wheat feature high on the ingredient list for all recipes. Corn converts to sugar, which has an adverse effect on your pet. Sugar leads to obesity, puts stress on the body, and upsets the gastrointestinal tract. Pups who consume lots of grain usually have problems with digestion and allergies.
4. Too much protein. The formulas are made for highly energetic or working dogs. They include too much protein for many pet dogs, especially for senior canines. Dogs who have liver or kidney issues shouldnt have diets low in protein. Excess protein can be burned in energy or converted into fat. For couch potato doggos, high-protein dog food can lead to severe health problems.

River Run Dog FoodThe (River) Rundown

The brand has only five dry dog food recipes so there arent many options here for picky dogs. Despite that, River Run dog food boasts a set of ingredients that you should consider giving to your hairy one.

Below, youll find all five products with their nutritional information. Take a look if theres anything your pooch would like to munch on.

River Run Adult Formula 21-10 Dog Food

Source: nutrena river run

River Run Adult Formula 21-10 Dog Food is designed for pups with normal activity levels. It doesnt contain great levels of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, so in case your dog has dry skin, consider adding supplements to their nutrition. The formula itself is palatable, and dogs usually like it. Fiber is balanced, which helps with digestion.

The 21% crude protein against a minimal 10% fat gives your dog all of the protein they need to build strong muscles without extra fat to put on the pounds. If your energetic pet is prone to weight gain, you can consider feeding them this formula.

Our greatest concern is that the first ingredient on the list is whole ground corn, which means that this ingredient weighs the most. Whole grains are used in low-quality food products.

Also, meat and bone meal doesnt state the name of meat, which makes it harder for dog parents to know if its safe for their pets. In case your lovely pooch is allergic or sensitive to some meat, we dont recommend feeding them this product.

Ingredients:

Whole Ground Corn, Wheat Middlings, Rice Bran, Meat and Bone Meal, Dehulled Soybean Meal, Animal Fat (preserved with BHA), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex [source of Vitamin K activity], Biotin, Corn Gluten Meal, Calcium Carbonate, Natural Flavors, Salt, Vitamins (Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide, Sodium Selenite, Iron Oxide), Propionic Acid (a preservative), Choline Chloride Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate,Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Manganous Oxide.

River Run Adult Formula 21-10 Dog Food

Source: nutrena river run

River Run Adult Formula 21-10 Dog Food is tailored for dogs who are active and energetic. This is a high-protein diet, rich in fat, which keeps working dogs in peak condition.

This formula is completely free of soy. It relies on

• Whole ground corn
• Rice
• Wheat middlings

These ingredients give your dog the carbohydrates and fiber that their bodies require.

Meat and bone meal is the first ingredient, so your dog will get plenty of protein and calcium from animal products. However, meat source is not named in this formula either, which makes it hard to say if its high-quality protein that your pup will eat.

Ingredients:

Meat and Bone Meal, Whole Ground Corn, Wheat Middlings, Rice Bran, Animal Fat (preserved with BHA), Corn Gluten Meal, Natural Flavors, Salt, Vitamins (Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex [source of Vitamin K activity], Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide, Sodium Selenite, Iron Oxide), Propionic Acid (a preservative), Choline Chloride.

River Run Hi-Energy 24-20 Dog Food

Source: nutrena river run

River Run Hi-Energy 24-20 Dog Food offers high levels of fat and various carbohydrate sources (rice and grain). It is recommendable for more active pups.

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from the fat content will provide your sweety with energy, a gorgeous shiny coat, and good mental health.

The formula contains high-protein levels, and most of it comes from its first ingredientmeat and bone meal. Unfortunately, the meat source remains unknown in this product as well.

Ingredients:

Meat and Bone Meal, Whole Ground Corn, Animal Fat (with mixed Tocopherols), Brewers Rice, Rice Bran, Corn Gluten Meal, Wheat Middlings, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavors, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex [source of Vitamin K activity], Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide, Sodium Selenite, Iron Oxide), Propionic Acid (a preservative), Choline Chloride Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Whole Flaxseed, Manganese Amino Acid Complex.

River Run Professional Formula 30-20 Dog Food

Source: nutrena river run

River Run Professional Formula 30-20 Dog Food provides extremely high protein levels. It is intended for working and sporting dogs.

Meat and bone meal is the first ingredient, followed by whole ground corn and corn gluten meal. Meat source is not specified, so we dont recommend it for dogs with allergies or sensitivities. Animal fat is the fourth ingredient which also gives your pooch energy to keep them going.

Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids promote a healthy and lustrous coat. If you wish to make the most of your buddys nutrition, you can find some ideas in the top 10 best dog dental chew.

This formula is also not tailored for inactive and senior pups, as it contains too much protein and fat.

Ingredients:

Meat and Bone Meal, Whole Ground Corn, Corn Gluten Meal, Animal Fat (with mixed Tocopherols), Brewers Rice, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Rice Bran, Wheat Middlings, Natural Flavors, Potassium Chloride, Whole Flaxseed, Salt, Vitamins (Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex [source of Vitamin K activity], Sodium Selenite, Iron Oxide), Propionic Acid (a preservative), Vitamin B12 Supplement), Minerals (Calcium Carbonate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide, Choline Chloride, Biotin.

River Run Puppy Food

Source: nutrena river run

River Run Puppy Food is tailored to provide puppies with the protein and energy to grow strong and healthy. The formula gives your high-energy puppy pup the building blocks they need to grow into a healthy adult doggo. In case your little one suffers from soy allergies, you can sleep tightthis is a complete soy-free product.

It contains 28% protein that provides plenty of muscle-building material. Fat quantity is low enough to protect your pup from obesity but high enough to give them lots of energy and sufficient amino acids.

This formula is not suitable for puppies with sensitive tummies. It contains large quantities of corn and grain, which are not easy to digest.

Ingredients:

Meat and Bone Meal, Ground Corn, Corn Gluten Meal, Animal Fat (preserved with BHA), Brewers Rice, Rice Bran, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Chicken Flavor, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Fish Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Propionic Acid (a preservative), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Folic Acid, Natural and Artificial Flavors Added, Choline Chloride, L-Threonine, Iron Oxide, Vitamin A Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate,L-Tryptophan, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide, Sodium Selenite Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of Vitamin K activity), Thiamine Mononitrate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate.

That Was All about River Run, Everyone

Your pups nutrition is important to us, and it allows us to be strict when evaluating dog food products. We dont want your pooch to miss out on anything, so we are always in the pursuit of well-balanced nutrition that we can recommend to you.

River Run doesnt rank high on our list of the best dog food available today. Our greatest concern with their formulas is that theyre rich in grains, which pups usually cant digest properly. Meat sources are also not named, which can be harmful to dogs who have a predisposition for allergies or suffer from sensitivities.

River Run dog food brand lacks products for senior dogs. Formulas that are offered should not be consumed by grandpa canines as they are too high in fat and protein.

In case you want to search for canned food for your pooch, take a look at the best-canned dog food available today.

References:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_food
2. https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-best-dog-food
3. Tjernsbekk, M. T., et al. Raw Mechanically Separated Chicken Meat and Salmon Protein Hydrolysate as Protein Sources in Extruded Dog Food: Effect on Protein and Amino Acid Digestibility. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, vol. 101, no. 5, 2017, doi:10.1111/jpn.12608.
4. Robertson, Debora. Bone appetit: 50 Clean Recipes for Healthier, Happier Dogs. Harper Design, 2019.