Unlocking the Secrets of Holistic Puppy Food Maximizing Puppy Health

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated November 18, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Grain Free Adult & Puppy HealthSalmon Anchovy & Sardine Meal Recipe

Salmon, Potatoes, Peas, Menhaden Fish Meal, Dried Ground Potatoes, Canola Oil, Anchovy Meal, Sardine Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Pea Fiber, Flaxseed, Pumpkin, Natural Flavor, Cranberries, Apples, Brewers Dried Yeast, Salt, Papayas, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Blueberries, Pomegranates, Vitamin E Supplement, Inulin, Dried Kelp, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Zinc Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Niacin, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Ground Cinnamon, Ground Fennel, Ground Peppermint, Sodium Selenite, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Dried Lactobacillus delbrueckii Fermentation Product, Dried Streptococcus thermophilus Fermentation Product, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Dried Bacillus licheniformis Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus oryzae Fermentation Product, Dried Trichoderma reesei Fermentation Product, Dried Rhizopus oryzae Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.

Manufactured in a facility that also processes grains.

Large & Giant Breed Puppy HealthLamb Meal & Oatmeal Recipe

Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Barley, Peas, Chicken Fat, Oats, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Salmon Oil, Flaxseed, Pumpkin, Cranberries, Apples, Brewers Dried Yeast, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Papayas, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Blueberries, Pomegranates, Vitamin E Supplement, Inulin, L-Carnitine, Dried Kelp, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Zinc Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Niacin, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Ground Cinnamon, Ground Fennel, Ground Peppermint, Sodium Selenite, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Dried Lactobacillus delbrueckii Fermentation Product, Dried Streptococcus thermophilus Fermentation Product, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Dried Bacillus licheniformis Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus oryzae Fermentation Product, Dried Trichoderma reesei Fermentation Product, Dried Rhizopus oryzae Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract

Large & Giant BreedPuppy Health

Holistic Select Grain Free Dog Food Review (Dry)

Home Reviews Holistic Select Grain Free Dog Food Review (Dry)

Holistic Select Grain Free Dog Food Review (Dry)

By Mike Sagman

Updated: April 17, 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.

Which Holistic Select Recipes Get Our Best Ratings?

Holistic Select Grain Free Dog Food receives the Advisors top rating of 5 stars.

The Holistic Select Grain Free product line includes the 5dry 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

Holistic Select Grain Free Adult and Puppy Health Salmon Anchovy and Sardine Mealwas 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.

Holistic Select Grain Free Adult and Puppy Health Salmon Anchovy and Sardine Meal

Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content

Salmon, potatoes, peas, menhaden fish meal, dried ground potatoes, canola oil, anchovy meal, sardine meal, dried plain beet pulp, pea fiber, flaxseed, pumpkin, natural flavor, cranberries, apples, brewers dried yeast, salt, papayas, taurine, choline chloride, blueberries, pomegranates, vitamin E supplement, inulin, dried kelp, mixed tocopherols added to preserve freshness, zinc proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, niacin, iron proteinate, vitamin A supplement, yucca schidigera extract, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), ground cinnamon, ground fennel, ground peppermint, sodium selenite, copper sulfate, thiamine mononitrate, manganese sulfate, manganese proteinate, copper proteinate, D-calcium pantothenate, dried enterococcus faecium fermentation product, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin, vitamin D3 supplement, biotin, dried lactobacillus delbrueckii fermentation product, dried streptococcus thermophilus fermentation product, calcium iodate, vitamin B12 supplement, folic acid, dried bacillus licheniformis fermentation product, dried bacillus subtilis fermentation product, dried aspergillus oryzae fermentation product, dried trichoderma reesei fermentation product, dried rhizopus oryzae fermentation product, dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried lactobacillus casei fermentation product, rosemary extract, green tea extract, spearmint extract.

Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 5%

Red denotes any controversial items

Guaranteed Analysis	29%	14%	NA
Dry Matter Basis	32%	16%	44%
Calorie Weighted Basis	28%	33%	39%

Ingredient Analysis

The first ingredient in this dog food is salmon. Although it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, raw salmon 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 includes potatoes. Potatoes can be considered a gluten-free source of digestible carbohydrates. Yet with the exception of perhaps their caloric content, potatoes are of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

The third ingredient lists peas. Peas are a quality source of carbohydrates. And like all legumes, theyre rich in natural fiber.

However, peas contain about 25% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the meat content of this dog food.

The fourth ingredient includes menhaden fish meal, another protein-rich meat concentrate.

The fifth ingredient is dried potato, a dehydrated item usually made from the by-products of potato processing. In most cases, dried potato can contain about 10% dry matter protein which can have a slight affect on our estimate of the total meat content of this recipe.

The next ingredient is canola oil. Unfortunately, canola can be a controversial item. Thats because it can sometimes (but not always) be derived from genetically modified rapeseed.

Yet others cite the fact that canola oil can be a significant source of essential omega-3 fatty acids.

In any case, plant-based oils like canola are less biologically available to a dog than fish oil as a source of quality omega-3 fats.

The next 2 ingredients are anchovy and sardine meal. They are considered a meat concentrate, fish meal contains almost 300% more protein than fresh fish itself.

Fish meal is typically obtained from the clean, dried, ground tissue of undecomposed whole fish and fish cuttings of commercial fish operations.¹

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 Holistic Select product.

With 6 notable exceptions

First, we find 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.

Next, 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.

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, 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.

This recipe also 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, 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.

Nutrient Analysis

Based on its ingredients alone, Holistic Select Grain Free looks like an above-average dry product.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 32%, a fat level of 16% and estimated carbohydrates of about 44%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 31% and a mean fat level of 14%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 46% for the overall product line.

And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 46%.

Which means this Holistic Select product line contains

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

Even when you consider the protein-boosting effect of the peas, brewers yeast and flaxseed, this looks like the profile of a dry dog food containing a significant amount of meat.

Our Rating of Holistic Select Dog Food

Holistic Select Grain Free is a 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.

Holistic Select Dog Food Recall History

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

No recalls noted.

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

Get Free Recall Alerts

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More Holistic Select Reviews

The following Holistic Select 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

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.

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Holistic Select Dog Food Review (Dry)

By Mike Sagman

Updated: March 22, 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.

Which Holistic Select Recipes Get Our Best Ratings?

Holistic Select Dog Food receives the Advisors second-highest tier rating of 4.5 stars.

The Holistic Select product line includes the 5 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

Holistic Select Adult Health Anchovy, Sardine and Salmon Meals 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.

Holistic Select Adult Health Anchovy, Sardine and Salmon Meals

Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content

Brown rice, oatmeal, rice, anchovy meal, sardine meal, salmon meal (source of glucosamine), canola oil, oats, flaxseed, dried plain beet pulp, pumpkin, salmon oil, cranberries, apples, brewers dried yeast, potassium chloride, papayas, choline chloride, taurine, blueberries, pomegranates, vitamin E supplement, inulin, dried kelp, mixed tocopherols added to preserve freshness, niacin, zinc proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, iron proteinate, vitamin A supplement, Yucca schidigera extract, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), ground cinnamon, ground fennel, ground peppermint, sodium selenite, copper sulfate, thiamine mononitrate, manganese sulfate, manganese proteinate, copper proteinate, d-calcium pantothenate, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin, vitamin D3 supplement, biotin, dried Lactobacillus delbrueckii fermentation product, dried Streptococcus thermophilus fermentation product, calcium iodate, vitamin B12 supplement, folic acid, dried Bacillus licheniformis fermentation product, dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation product, dried Aspergillus oryzae fermentation product, dried Trichoderma reesei fermentation product, dried Rhizopus oryzae fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product, rosemary extract, green tea extract, spearmint extract

Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 4.5%

Red denotes any controversial items

Guaranteed Analysis	25%	13%	NA
Dry Matter Basis	28%	14%	50%
Calorie Weighted Basis	25%	31%	44%

Ingredient Analysis

The first ingredient in this dog food is brown rice, a complex carbohydrate that (once cooked) can be fairly easy to digest. However, aside from its natural energy content, rice is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

The second ingredient is oatmeal, a whole-grain product made from coarsely ground oats. Oatmeal is naturally rich in B-vitamins, dietary fiber and can be (depending upon its level of purity) gluten-free.

The third ingredient is rice. Is this whole grain rice, brown rice or white rice? Since the word rice doesnt tell us much, its impossible to judge the quality of this item.

The next three ingredients include anchovy meal, sardine meal and salmon meal. Because they are considered meat concentrates, the fish meals contain almost 300% more protein than fresh fish itself.

Fish meal 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 canola oil. Unfortunately, canola can be a controversial item. Thats because it can sometimes (but not always) be derived from genetically modified rapeseed.

Yet others cite the fact that canola oil can be a significant source of essential omega-3 fatty acids.

In any case, plant-based oils like canola are less biologically available to a dog than fish oil as a source of quality omega-3 fats.

The eighth ingredient includes oats. Oats are rich in B-vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber.

The ninth 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.

From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.

But realistically, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this Holistic Select product.

With 6 notable exceptions

First, we find 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.

Next, 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, we note the inclusion of dried fermentation products in this product. Fermentation products are typically added as probiotics to aid with digestion.

This recipe also 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.

And lastly, this food includes 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, Holistic Select looks like an above-average dry dog food.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 28%, a fat level of 14% and estimated carbohydrates of about 50%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 27% and a mean fat level of 16%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 49% for the overall product line.

And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.

Which means this Holistic Select product line contains

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 looks like the profile of a dry product containing a notable amount of meat.

Our Rating of Holistic Select Dry Dog Food

Holistic Select is a grain-inclusive dry dog food using a notable amount of named meat meals as its dominant source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 4.5 stars.

Highly recommended.

Those looking for a wet food from the same company may wish to visit our review of Holistic Select canned dog food.