Pet Nutritionist Reviews: Nutrience Dog Food

Nutrience is a Canadian pet food brand recognized for its focus on quality, safety, and nutritional integrity. As a certified companion animal nutritionist, my goal is to provide an unbiased, science-based evaluation of Nutrience dog food—highlighting its strengths, weaknesses, product options, ingredient quality, and overall value for pet owners.

About Nutrience

Background & Manufacturing

Nutrience is owned by Hagen, a well-established Canadian pet product company with over 60 years of experience in the industry. Their dog food is manufactured in British Columbia, Canada, in a dedicated, company-owned facility. This vertical integration allows for complete oversight of ingredient sourcing, production, and safety testing.

Nutrience emphasizes quality control and uses a “No Bad Anything” slogan, meaning their foods exclude artificial colors, by-products, and artificial preservatives. Many ingredients are sourced from Canadian farms, and the company maintains strict food safety procedures to ensure consistency across batches.

Product Line Overview

Nutrience offers a wide selection of dog food formulas, categorized into several product lines:

Nutrience Original

A budget-friendly line designed for everyday nutrition. These are basic but balanced formulas with moderate protein and fat levels.

Nutrience Grain-Free SubZero

One of their most popular lines, featuring high-protein, grain-free recipes with fresh meats, freeze-dried inclusions, and low-glycemic carbohydrates.

Nutrience Care

A specialized line targeting specific health needs such as skin & stomach, weight management, and joint care. Comparable to vet-directed diets but without requiring a prescription.

Nutrience Infusion

A line that blends Canadian-sourced fresh meats with freeze-dried raw-infused kibble for enhanced palatability and nutrient density. Suitable for dogs needing higher protein or improved digestibility.

Product Selection

Nutrience offers an impressive variety of recipes across all product lines, with options for:

Puppies
Adult dogs
Senior dogs
Small breeds
Large breeds
Dogs requiring grain-free food
Dogs with skin, digestive, or joint concerns

They also offer canned food and treats, giving pet owners flexibility when choosing toppers, mix-in hydration, or rotational feeding options.

Ingredients & Guaranteed Analysis

Below are three of Nutrience’s top-performing formulas with a breakdown of their key ingredients and nutrient profiles.

1. Nutrience SubZero Lamb & Pumpkin

Ingredients: Lamb, lamb meal, peas, lentils, chickpeas, pea protein, canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), pumpkin, sun-cured alfalfa meal, pea starch, natural flavor, freeze-dried lamb, dicalcium phosphate, ground Miscanthus grass, fish oil, calcium carbonate, salt, pea fiber, potassium chloride, choline chloride, taurine, DL-methionine, inulin, zinc proteinate, apples, blueberries, carrots, cranberries, ginger, vitamin E supplement, iron proteinate, L-ascorbyl-2 polyphosphate, niacin supplement, Yucca schidigera extract, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium bifidum fermentation product, d-calcium pantothenate, manganese proteinate, sunflower oil, copper proteinate, riboflavin supplement, vitamin A supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, menadione sodium bisulfite complex, pyridoxine supplement, thiamine mononitrate, biotin, sodium selenite, vitamin D3 supplement, calcium iodate, folic acid, rosemary extract.

Guaranteed Analysis:

Crude protein min.	28.0%
Crude fat min.	12.0%
Crude fiber max.	5.0%
Moisture max.	10.0%

2. Nutrience Care Sensitive Skin & Stomach

Ingredients: Salmon, chickpeas, hydrolyzed fish protein concentrate, sweet potatoes, peas, potato protein, lentils, canola oil, pumpkin, monocalcium phosphate, ground Miscanthus grass, calcium carbonate, tapioca, coconut oil, salt, natural flavour, pea protein, botanicals (ginger root, turmeric, carrot, broccoli, apple, cranberry, blueberry, butternut squash, spinach, licorice root, pomegranate, peppermint leaf), potassium chloride, minerals (zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, manganese proteinate, copper proteinate, sodium selenite, calcium iodate), flaxseed, salmon oil, DL-methionine, L-threonine, L-tryptophan, sunflower lecithin, choline chloride, yeast extract, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate, niacin supplement, d-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement, vitamin A supplement, thiamine mononitrate, vitamin B12 supplement, menadione sodium bisulfite complex, pyridoxine hydrochloride, biotin, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid), taurine, calcium propionate (preservative), L-tyrosine, sunflower oil, dried chicory root, L-carnitine, Yucca schidigera extract, dried Bacillus licheniformis fermentation product, dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation product, rosemary extract, preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid.

Guaranteed Analysis:

Crude protein min.	30%
Crude fat min.	12%
Crude fiber max.	5.5%
Moisture max.	10%

3. Nutrience Infusion Adult: Beef

Ingredients: Deboned beef, pork meal, steel cut oats, pearled barley, green peas, red lentils, pork fat, lamb meal, natural pork flavour, sun-cured alfalfa meal, freeze-dried beef liver, salmon oil, coconut oil, calcium carbonate, pumpkin, butternut squash, carrots, spinach, broccoli, apples, blueberries, cranberries, pomegranate, juniper berry extract, ginger, fennel, chamomile, peppermint leaf, licorice root, turmeric, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, vitamin A supplement, niacin, calcium pantothenate, riboflavin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, thiamine mononitrate, biotin, vitamin B₁₂ supplement, vitamin D₃ supplement, folic acid), minerals (zinc sulfate, zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, ferrous sulfate, copper proteinate, copper sulfate, manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, calcium iodate, sodium selenite), potassium chloride, salt, lecithin, choline chloride, chicory root extract, yeast extract, DL-methionine, L-lysine, glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulfate, rosemary extract, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium bifidum fermentation product, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product.

Guaranteed Analysis:

Crude protein min.	26.0%
Crude fat min.	16.0%
Crude fiber max.	3.5%
Moisture max.	10.0%

In-Depth Nutrience Nutrition Review

A closer look at Nutrience’s ingredients and nutrient profiles reveals what the brand does well—and where there may be room for improvement. let’s dive into the nutritional breakdown of the ingredients and guaranteed analysis for some of their top products. This section will highlight the pros and cons associated with the ingredients used and their guaranteed nutrient levels.

Key Nutritional Components

1. Protein Sources

Nutrience Protein Pros:

Nutrience uses high-quality animal proteins as the first ingredient in all of their diets, such as deboned beef, fresh chicken, or turkey. This is a strong indicator of ingredient quality, as fresh animal proteins provide essential amino acids that support muscle development, immune function, and overall vitality in dogs. Prioritizing whole, fresh meats at the top of the ingredient list also suggests that the brand values biologically appropriate nutrition and strives to create formulas that align more closely with a dog’s natural dietary needs. While fresh meats do contain moisture that cooks out during processing, their inclusion still contributes significantly to the flavor, palatability, and nutritional integrity of each recipe.
To balance nutrition with affordability, Nutrience also incorporates animal protein meals—such as salmon meal or chicken meal—into many of their formulas. This practice is common in the pet food industry and is not inherently negative; in fact, high-quality meat meals can be an excellent source of concentrated protein because they contain significantly less moisture than fresh meats. As a result, meat meals offer a dense, nutrient-rich protein source that helps maintain consistent amino acid levels throughout the final product. Their inclusion allows Nutrience to keep costs reasonable for consumers while still providing a diet that meets a dog’s protein requirements effectively.
Importantly, Nutrience does not use any by-product protein meals, such as generic “meat and bone meal,” in their diets. This is a notable positive because by-product meals are generally considered lower quality, are more variable in nutrient composition, and are often less digestible than named meat meals like chicken meal or lamb meal. By avoiding these lower-quality protein sources, Nutrience ensures better consistency, digestibility, and overall nutrient absorption in their formulas. This choice reflects a commitment to higher ingredient standards and contributes to better long-term health support for the dogs consuming their products.

Nutrience Protein Cons:

Nutrience does use some processed plant-protein ingredients, such as pea protein concentrate and potato protein, in several of its recipes. While these ingredients are considered safe and nutritionally viable, they are not as high-quality or as bioavailable as animal-based proteins like chicken, turkey, or fish meals. Plant proteins tend to have lower digestibility and may lack certain essential amino acids that dogs require for optimal muscle maintenance, immune function, and overall health. Additionally, because plant protein concentrates can artificially inflate the total protein percentage on the guaranteed analysis, they don’t always reflect the same nutritional value as protein derived from animal tissue. For most healthy dogs, these ingredients are not harmful, but from a nutritionist’s perspective, diets that rely more heavily on animal-based proteins are generally preferable for supporting long-term wellness.

2. Carbohydrates & Fibre

Nutrience Carb Pros:

Nutrience’s carbohydrate sources are generally less processed than those found in many competing brands, as they avoid using highly refined ingredients such as flours, corn meal, or other heavily milled plant products. Instead, their formulas rely on more intact carbohydrate ingredients that preserve natural fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This approach supports better digestion and helps maintain more stable energy levels throughout the day. By steering clear of overly processed carbohydrate fillers, Nutrience enhances the overall nutritional quality and bioavailability of their diets, making them a more wholesome option for dogs.
Their grain-free formulas focus on low-glycemic ingredients such as lentils, chickpeas, and sweet potatoes—carbohydrates known for their slower digestion and steadier impact on blood sugar levels. These ingredients also contribute plant-based protein, fiber, and micronutrients, helping support sustained energy and digestive health. In their grain-inclusive diets, Nutrience opts for whole grains like brown rice, barley, and oats. These grains are highly digestible for most dogs and offer soluble and insoluble fibers that promote healthy bowel movements, balanced gut flora, and overall gastrointestinal health. This thoughtful selection of carbohydrate sources makes the formulas suitable for a wide variety of dogs, including those with sensitivities to refined grains.
Nutrience further strengthens the digestive and immune-support benefits of their recipes by including functional ingredients such as pumpkin, chicory root, and kelp. Pumpkin is rich in soluble fiber, which aids digestion and helps regulate stool consistency. Chicory root provides natural prebiotics—specifically inulin—that nourish beneficial gut bacteria and support digestive efficiency. Kelp contributes valuable trace minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients that support immune function, thyroid health, and overall metabolic balance. Together, these ingredients enhance nutrient absorption and help promote long-term wellness in dogs.

Nutrience Carb Cons:

There are a number of fiber sources with relatively low digestibility in some of Nutrience’s recipes, and these ingredients contribute little to the dog’s overall nutritional profile. Components such as Miscanthus grass and alfalfa are often added primarily as bulking agents or fillers rather than meaningful nutrient contributors. While these fibrous ingredients can help increase stool volume and may play a minor role in supporting digestive regularity, they do not provide essential nutrients, amino acids, or significant health benefits. For dogs with sensitive stomachs or those requiring higher-quality, more digestible fiber sources, these ingredients may be less desirable compared to options like pumpkin, beet pulp, or oats, which offer both functional fiber and nutritional value.

3. Fats

Nutrience Fat Pros:

Nutrience includes high-quality fats such as salmon oil and coconut oil in many of their formulas, which are excellent sources of both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids play a critical role in maintaining healthy skin and a shiny, lustrous coat, supporting the structural integrity of cell membranes, and promoting overall immune function. Omega-3s, in particular, help modulate inflammation, which can benefit dogs with joint concerns, skin irritations, or other inflammatory conditions. Meanwhile, omega-6 fatty acids support skin barrier function and contribute to coat softness and sheen.

Nutrience Fat Cons:

Some of Nutrience’s diets include animal fats, such as chicken fat, primarily to enhance the flavor and palatability of the kibble. While these fats do contribute some energy in the form of calories, their inclusion is largely aimed at making the food more appealing and enjoyable for dogs, rather than providing significant nutritional benefits. Chicken fat is relatively low in essential fatty acids compared to sources like salmon oil or flaxseed, so it doesn’t substantially contribute to omega-3 or omega-6 intake. However, from a practical standpoint, palatability is important in ensuring that dogs consistently eat their meals, particularly for picky eaters or dogs transitioning between foods, making the inclusion of small amounts of animal fat a useful strategy from a feeding perspective.

Other:

Nutrience includes “natural flavors,” such as natural pork flavor, in some of their diets to act as palatants, enhancing the taste and aroma of the kibble to make it more appealing to dogs. These ingredients are typically added in small amounts and do not provide meaningful nutritional value; their primary function is to encourage dogs to eat the food. The need for added palatants suggests that the base formula itself may not be inherently highly palatable, despite containing fresh meats and animal meals. While this is common practice in the pet food industry, it highlights that palatability is being chemically or flavor-wise enhanced rather than relying solely on the natural appeal of the primary ingredients. For most dogs, this is not harmful, but it is a consideration for pet owners who prefer foods that rely solely on whole food sources for taste.

Guaranteed Analysis Highlights

Protein: 24–36% depending on line (moderate to high—generally strong levels).
Fat: 14–18% (healthy range—suitable for most dogs).
Fiber: 4–5% for most formulas; higher fiber in Care line benefitting digestion.
Moisture: ~10% as typical for dry kibble.

Recalls & Safety

Nutrience has no recent recalls in Canada or the U.S., and their safety record is strong. Their facility follows strict quality control practices, including:

Raw ingredient testing
Mycotoxin screening
Bacterial testing (e.g., Salmonella)
Post-production audits

Their long-standing production history and vertical integration support reliability.

Price & Value

Nutrience is priced as a mid-premium to premium brand.

Approximate pricing in Canada for 25 lb bags:

Original: $55–$65
Infusion: $65–$75
Care: $70–$85
SubZero Grain-Free: $85–$100

Is Nutrience Worth the Price?

It depends on the formula:

SubZero and Care lines: Generally worth the higher price due to strong protein content, functional ingredients, and good digestibility.
Original line: More basic nutritionally, making the price less competitive compared to other mid-range brands.
Infusion line: A good middle ground with balanced nutrition and raw-infused palatability.

For budget-conscious owners, similar nutrition can often be found for less, particularly outside the SubZero and Care lines.

dog with piggy bank , a dollar tie and glasses

Sustainability Efforts

Nutrience shows commitment to environmental responsibility through:

Local Sourcing: They source many ingredients from Canadian farms, minimizing transport emissions.

Energy-Efficient Manufacturing: Their BC facility uses modern, efficient equipment designed to reduce waste and energy use.

Eco-Conscious Packaging: Some product lines use recyclable bags and reduced-plastic packaging.

Animal Welfare: They work with suppliers that follow ethical, humane livestock practices.

Consumer Education: The brand regularly shares information about sustainability, pet nutrition, and responsible ingredient sourcing.

Pet Nutritionist Approved?

As a certified canine nutritionist, I take dog food selection very seriously. So—does Nutrience meet my standards?

Yes—with some considerations.

What I Like:

Use of whole proteins as the first ingredient in all their diets.
Great nutrient balancing, reflected in their guaranteed analysis by moderate protein and lower fat.
Excellent omega-3 content with salmon oil as a staple ingredient.
Good safety record and Canadian manufacturing.

What I Would Improve:

Public availability of complete nutrient breakdowns (full panel, not just guaranteed analysis).
I would suggest the replacement of plant proteins with animal meats or meals as a better protein source.
Remove the use of filler fibres like miscanthus grass in some of the recipes.
Remove the inclusion of added flavors – even if they are “natural flavors”
Prices for the Original line should be lower based on moderate protein and ingredient inclusion.

Overall, Nutrience is a solid option for many dogs, particularly those needing grain-free, higher-protein, or sensitivity-support diets.

Andrea Geiger is a certified companion animal nutritionist with a master’s degree in Veterinary Toxicology and Nutrition. With over five years of experience in product development and consulting, Andrea specializes in creating science-based nutrition plans and formulating recipes that prioritize pet health, ensuring optimal nutrition for dogs and cats alike.

Final Rating: 8.5/10

Nutrience earns an 8.5/10 for its commitment to quality nutrition, strong safety standards, and wide variety of formulas. While some product lines offer better value than others, the brand remains a trustworthy option for pet owners looking for a Canadian-made, nutritionally sound dog food.

AGeiger Companion Animal Nutrition