Unveiling the Secrets of River Run Dog Food What Makes It Special

River Run Dog Food Review (Dry)

River Run Dog Food Review (Dry)

By Mike Sagman

Updated: April 24, 2024

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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.

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River Run Dog Food Review (2023, Updated)

Keeping a pet dog has its joy, but yes, it definitely comes with a lot of challenges too. If youre a dog owner, you would know what Im talking about, dont you?

Yes, its finding the right food for your little canine companion. With numerous brands of dog food in the market and each offering countless recipes, it can become daunting to pick one.

A lot of people are talking about River Run dog food. Are you planning to give it a try? Are you wondering if River Run could be the right fit for your pet? Then youre in the right place.

I came across the brand a few years ago and did a little research before buying it for my dogs, which I have used for this updated review. Dive right in to learn everything about River Run dog food.

At a Quick Glance: River Run Dog Food

Before you, and I embark on an informational journey of River Run dog food, lets take a quick glance at the key factors of the brand.

Dont fret; Ill discuss these points in detail later in the review.

• Includes high protein and fatty acids
• Best suited for active dogs
• Might have controversial ingredients

About River Run Dog Food

While theres not enough information available about the brand, what we know for sure is that River Run is a dry dog food brand. The company formulates recipes for active, energetic dogs keen on sporting activities and working out.

River Run offers you and your pet dog a wide range of food formulas abundant with nutritional qualities. Many pet parents like me who research extensively about food options would know River Run as a well-established canine food brand that provides recipes for every age and size.

I think River Run stands out because it focuses on using wholesome ingredients to offer a nutritional balance. The brand tries to cater to your dogs nutritional needs and promote its overall health and vitality.

5-Factor Analysis of River Run Dog Food

Now that you are acquainted with this not-so-mainstream dog food brand, its time to see where it stands against my 5-factor analysis. So, should we begin?

1. Recipes

River Run offers a good range of options with 5 uniquely crafted dog food recipes. Here Im discussing the three most popular ones.

River Run Professional Formula 30-20

Do you have an overly active and sporting dog? If yes, then the River Run Professional Formula 30-20 might be a good pick. It provides more protein and fat for these breeds that tend to work overtime.

This recipe is a quick favorite of dogs because it comes in delicious and bite-sized chunks. Since it has nutrients, like vitamins and minerals, this recipe will help you keep your pet healthy and also keep hunting dogs like Terriers and Hounds in peak health.

River Run Hi-Energy 24-20

With a healthy mix of a few carbohydrate sources, like rice and grain, and a high-fat level, the River Run Hi-Energy 24-20 recipe is a great option for active dogs. This food will give your canine companion a much-needed energy boost for short and highly intense activities or even for hunting and working throughout the day.

River Run tries to create tasty chunks that contain abundant nutrients like vitamins and minerals. Whether you want to train your dog or just ensure overall well-being, this is the right recipe for you!

River Run Puppy Food

You thought River Run made an inclusive range of recipes and didnt offer anything for your cute, doe-eyed puppies? Well, thats not the case.

River Run offers a specially formulated blend for puppies that is abundant with protein and energy that will help them grow healthy and strong. You can put your little furballs on this formula to ensure they get a balance of essential vitamins and minerals.

Our Rating

Although River Run has limited options when it comes to recipes, they are diverse and cover the needs of almost every dog. You might not like it if your pup prefers different flavors, but the recipes are decent.

2. Ingredients

Now that weve covered recipes, lets move on to the common ingredients in popular recipes.

Meat and Bone Meal

River Run lists meat and bone meal as the first ingredient. It is a dry-rendered product that includes mammalian tissues and bone. You can rest assured as it doesnt include blood, horn, hoof, hair, hide trimmings, and manure.

Even though it is a protein-rich concentrate, the meat and bone meal might be less digestible than other meat meals. It could be because of the decreased absorption rate.

Corn

Next up is corn, which is an inexpensive cereal grain and comes with a lot of controversies. If youre wondering why, its because this grain doesnt provide your dog with a lot of nutrients except a boost of energy.

Due to this, many pet parents, including myself, prefer dog food free of cereals like corn.

Wheat Middlings

Wheat mill run, also called wheat middlings, is commonly present in River Run dog foods. You might assume that its wholesome, but wheat mill run is another inexpensive by-product of cereal grain processing.

Wheat middlings include milling dust and floor sweepings, which you might often find in lower-quality dog foods.

Rice Bran

Next up on the list of ingredients is rice bran. It is a healthy by-product of the process of milling whole-grain rice.

Bran, the outer layer of the grain, is rich in fiber, protein, starch, fat, vitamins, and minerals.

Animal Fat

Some River Run recipes also include animal fat, which is a by-product of the process used for making meat meals. As the brand doesnt specify, animal fat can include meat from any animal, regardless of quality.

Our Rating

While River Run impressed me in terms of recipes, the ingredients were a letdown. The brand uses controversial ingredients and doesnt specify what kind of animal meat and fat goes into the recipes.

3. Nutritional Analysis

Let us discuss the most important thing now the nutritional profile. Here are the nutrients present in River Run dog food.

Our Rating

River Run dog food is a good choice in terms of nutrients. Given the numbers, the protein and fat levels offered by the brand are above the average, while carbohydrates are below the average compared to dry dog food.

4. Price

Besides nutrition, are you also concerned about the price? Well, I know keeping a dog can be expensive, so its natural for you to wonder how much River Run you can afford without breaking the bank.

A 50 lbs bag of River Run Professional Formula will cost you $42.99.

Our Rating

Compared to other dry dog foods available today, River Run is an affordable option. It ensures your dog can get the required balance of nutrients at an economical price.

You can get your moneys worth with these dog food variants from River Run!

5. Recall History

There have been several recalls of River Run due to excessive aflatoxin levels. Aflatoxin is a harmful chemical produced by molds that can cause sickness and even severe harm to your pup.

A few River Run recipes produced at the Cargill plant in Lecompte, Louisiana, were recalled. Cargill Animal Nutrition also advised pet owners to return unused recalled dog food for a full refund.

Our Rating

Given River Runs recent recalls and controversies, it might not be the safest dog food brand available today. I recommend you be cautious about this aspect of the brand to keep your pup safe.

Should You Purchase River Run Dog Food?

River Run is a brand that offers special recipes formulated for highly active dogs that require more energy. These dog food formulas have an abundance of protein, fiber, and even carbs and give your pup a balance of nutrients.

Our Rating

River Run Feeding Guide

We have also compiled a feeding guide for some of the younger pet parents who might not have the requisite experience handling this dog food brand. This guide will help you feed your canine properly and cater to its nutritional needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Ingredients In River Run Dog Food?

Whole ground corn, meat and bone meal, corn gluten meal, brewers rice, and dried beet pulp are some ingredients in River Run recipes.

What Happened To River Run Dog Food?

There was a voluntary recall of River Run dog food by Cargill.

Which Dog Food Has The Highest Rating?

Royal Canin has the highest rating when it comes to dry dog food.

Final Thoughts

River Run is a good dog food brand, especially considering the range of recipes and affordability. Although it contains controversial ingredients, with the high protein content and energy boost, it is a good choice for active dogs running around the entire day.

You can still contact your vet to know if River Run dog food will suit your pup and benefit them!

Ankita is a passionate pet lover and head of content at Pet Food Brands. With her extensive knowledge and research, she provides pet owners with top-quality information on dog food and nutrition. Her dedication to improving the lives of dogs makes her a leading voice in the industry.