About Good Dog Food
A New Breed of Dog Food is Here!
What’s more delicious and wholesome than a home-cooked meal? Everyone loves a homemade meal, your dog included. As a loving pet owner, you naturally want the best for your pet – what better way to care for your dog than to provide them with a meal that’s as delicious as it is nutritious?
Many of us find that, in order to avoid the over-processed ingredients of the average dog food, we must cook our own meals for our dogs. Many dogs have food allergies that are not readily addressed by major dog food companies, and find it’s necessary for them to take matters into their own hands.
This can be time-consuming and stressful, though – there are many things to consider when cooking for a dog, and most people are too busy to even cook for themselves half the time! With The Good Dog Food Company on your side, you can spend less time at the stove and more time with your pup, assured that the food he’s eating is made with the same love and care you would provide.
Read on to learn about how we decided to create the most complete and balanced diet available to your dog!
In 2008, my husband, Ian, and I graduated from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Las Vegas. Soon after, we fell in love with our first bulldog, Trucker. With reports of dog food recalls plaguing the news, and research yielding sparse results for truly healthy dog food, we discovered that there was nothing that met our standards. We also found that watching Trucker eat dry kibble while we enjoyed home-cooked meals left us feeling guilty.
The solution was to begin cooking for Trucker ourselves, giving his meals the same love and attention we gave our own. Naturally, Trucker was thrilled to be fed fresh, delicious food each day, but Ian and I were concerned – did we know how to nourish Trucker properly? We wanted to avoid over-processed foods, but we also wanted to ensure that he was getting the necessary nutrients.
Our research had taught us a lot, and we knew that dogs had different needs than humans, so we began diligently studying and working, creating recipes based off guidelines provided by veterinarians. Once we had a few recipes written up, we sent them to a lab to find out how well they stood up against the nutritional needs of dogs.
It’s a good thing we did – our initial recipes were indeed lacking, falling short of many of the nutrient levels established by the AAFCO (The Association of American Feed Control Officials). The calcium/phosphorous ratios were incorrect, as well, which could lead to health problems later in Trucker’s life.
Realizing this made us think that there must be many loving dog owners who cooked for their pets, but did not know the proper ways to provide adequate nutrition to their dogs. We also knew how much time and effort it took to regularly prepare food for a pet, and recognized that many well-meaning pet owners likely couldn’t devote all that time and energy to creating a perfectly balanced meal for their dog each and every night.
And so, under the guidance of a knowledgeable Doctor of Veterinary Nutrition and with a clear goal to provide excellent food to dogs everywhere, we started The Good Dog Food Company!
We worked with our doctor, and he helped us improve our recipes, filling in any nutritional blanks we were lacking. We met with many veterinarians, veterinary nutritionists, dog owners, and even a master herbalist, all in order to develop a canine cuisine that was unmatched in quality, nutritional value, and taste.
Once our formulas were finalized, we set out to find the companies that would provide the very finest ingredients for our recipes – as avid cooks, we understand that a meal is only as good as the ingredients you use to prepare it.
Our philosophy was that if something wasn’t good enough for us to eat, then it wasn’t good enough for Trucker. We sought out companies who produce high-quality, all-natural food for humans, as pet grade ingredients are not fit for human consumption, and are not all-natural.
With that in mind, we went to local farmers for the majority of our meats, checking carefully to make sure that the animals were being raised without antibiotics and hormones. Our beef is grass-fed, which is healthier for the animals and better for the environment than grain-fed. Part of our goal with The Good Dog Food Company was to be conscious of the environment.
When we started this endeavor, we were making the food ourselves in a small sub-let kitchen. Today, our Good Dog Food is prepared at a USDA-inspected butchering facility in Northern California. Trusting our dog food to a top notch butcher has enabled us to spread the word and offer Good Dog Food to dogs in multiple states, so that we can improve the lives of dogs all around the country.
Don’t let your dog’s nutrition get overlooked – give them the best food available to ensure that they have a long, healthy life with you and your family. They deserve the best, and you deserve the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’ve given your pet the very best.
Thank you for visiting!
- Jillian
Good Dog Food is a fresh dog food that is lovingly made from scratch, and is closest to a wholesome, home-cooked meal.
The difference is that Good Dog Food is professionally formulated to meet all canine nutrient requirements, made from all-natural, organic ingredients and prepared in a family-owned USDA butcher facility in Eagle Point, Oregon, which allows us to get many of our ingredients locally, often from farmers and producers we’ve met personally. Our food was developed by chefs and is sold frozen, for convenience and freshness.
Each of our original recipes start with high-quality meat, such as truly free-range chicken or grass-fed beef. We then add a variety of organic and healthy vegetables and gourds, like pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and green beans. Some of our recipes include nutrient-dense whole grains such as brown rice and oats. Finally, we mix in our unique blend of beneficial nutrients, all of which are derived from natural sources. Our nutrient blend includes healthful oils, almond meal, dried kelp, wild-crafted herbs, and trace minerals.
The cooking process has been carefully arranged to retain maximum nutrients, gently cooking the meat before adding vegetables, so that they are never exposed to heat and never lose their nutrients. We take pride in the freshness and quality of our ingredients, and work to ensure that no corners are cut when it comes to creating the healthiest dog food available.
As valuable as the ingredients we include are, the ingredients we leave out are just as important. Each and every Good Dog Food product is made without by-products, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and is free of corn, wheat, and soy.
Simply put, this is the food you would make for your dog if you had the time and knowledge of how to make excellent, wholesome, balanced canine cuisine. After much research and experimentation, our recipes have been professionally formulated to meet the standards of the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials), allowing us to feel confident that we are giving dogs the fresh, balanced, nutritious, and tasty diet they deserve.
Trucker's Mutt-loaf
We are convinced that the benefits from our freshly-prepared, hand-packed dog food are far superior to canned food and kibble. Our special processes lock in nutrients and retain freshness in a way that isn’t possible with dry and canned foods. We add our supplements after cooking, so beneficial nutrients are never exposed to damaging heat, and we add no preservatives – our food is perishable and natural.
Menu
Our original complete nutrition recipe: Traditional meatloaf made with all-natural beef and beef liver, organic brown rice, oatmeal and oat bran, mashed organic sweet potatoes, pumpkin and organic vegetable medley. Like all our food, it is enhanced with nutritional supplements from natural sources, such as ground flax seeds, almonds, and kelp powder.
Ingredients: all-natural grass-fed beef, organic brown rice, organic sweet potatoes, organic pumpkin puree, all-natural beef liver, ORGANIC: green beans, peas, bell peppers, rolled oats, and oat bran, human-grade steamed bone meal, brewers dried yeast, Dolomitic Limestone, Cod Liver oil, dried kelp, ground whole flaxseed salt, dried barley grass, garlic, almonds, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E supplement, dried Slippery Elm Bark, Wild Yam Root, dried: rosemary, and thyme, oregano.
The benefits of these ingredients are listed at the bottom of this page.
Penelope’s Grain-free Freast
Our chicken based complete nutrition recipe: This delicious feast is made with all-natural, truly free-range chickens raised exclusively for this recipe. Organic sweet potato, pumpkin, and vegetable medley replace the grain. Fat content is kept below 7% for pups with special needs.
Ingredients: all-natural whole ground chicken, organic: sweet potatoes and pumpkin puree, all-natural chicken liver, organic: carrot, green beans, and peas, human-grade steamed bone meal, Dolomitic Limestone, Cod Liver oil, dried kelp, ground whole flaxseed, brewer’s dried yeast, salt, dried barley grass, almonds, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E supplement, dried Slippery Elm Bark, Wild Yam Root, dried: rosemary, thyme, and oregano.
The benefits of these ingredients are listed at the bottom of this page.
Tummy Tamer
Supplemental Recipe*: Great for dogs with sensitive stomachs
Ingredients & Benefits:
Rabbit- cooling energy, support the liver, cools the blood, sedates Yang, low calorie, anti-allergenic
Sweet Potato- neutral energy, tonifies Qi and blood, strengthens spleen and stomach; commonly used for constipation, vomiting and other gastrointestinal problems; contains vitamins B1 and B2, vitamin A, protein, carbohydrate, calcium and iron
Russet Potato- neutral energy, treats digestive weakness, acts as a Qi tonic; contains protein, and vitamin C
Papaya- neutral energy, tonifies Qi and blood, supports digestion, disperses blood stagnation, resolves dampness; treats indigestion, diarrhea, persistent cough and intestinal parasites; contains antioxidants, minerals and vitamins
Yogurt- neutral to cooling energy, moisturizing, nourishes blood, heat and lungs, high in protein, contains live enzyme probiotics which are beneficial for overall gastrointestinal health
Sugar Buster
Supplemental Recipe*: Helpful for dogs with yeast issues or diabetes
Ingredients & Benefits:
Beef- neutral energy, tonifies blood, yin and chi, strengthens bones and tendons, nourishes spleen and stomach, dispels dampness
Zucchini- cooling energy, clears inflammation, detoxifies, mild diuretic, contains phytonutrients, folate, magnesium, potassium, and high levels of fiber, vitamins A and C, and manganese
Green Beans- neutral energy, tonifies kidneys and Qi, improves digestion, low calorie
Asparagus- neutral energy, tonifies Yin, Qi and blood, clears inflammation, clears the lungs; detoxifies, anti-cancer properties contains high amounts of selenium, B and E vitamins, iron and fiber
Spinach- neutral to cooling energy, supports digestion, treats Yin deficiency, nourishes the blood, and contains iron, folic acid, vitamin K, protein, carotene, and many other minerals
Kale- warming energy, restorative, strengthens digestion, treats stomach ulcers and vision problems, touted as one of the most highly nutritious vegetables, contains high amounts of antioxidants and carotenoid; lutein and zeaxanthin helps with vision and can prevent cataracts
Parsley- slightly warming energy, improves digestion, removes stagnant food; treats abdominal discomfort and indigestion, detoxifies food poisoning, contains antioxidants, Super Oxide Dismutase, carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin, beta carotene, chlorophyll, and potassium
Healthy Spot
Supplemental Recipe*: May be helpful for cancer patients
Ingredients & Benefits:
Chicken- Warming energy, Qi tonic, nourishes blood, treats weakness and kidney dysfunction, benefits spleen and stomach
Yam- neutral energy, tonifies lungs, kidneys and digestion, tonifies Qi, strengthens spleen and stomach function, clears heat, detoxifies, contains hormone precursors, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents
Asparagus- neutral energy, tonifies Yin, Qi and blood, clears inflammation, clears the lungs; detoxifies, anti-cancer properties contains high amounts of selenium, B and E vitamins, iron and fiber
Green Beans- neutral energy, tonifies kidneys and Qi, improves digestion, low calorie
Yogurt- neutral to cooling energy, moisturizing, nourishes blood, heat and lungs, high in protein, contains live enzyme probiotics which are beneficial for overall gastrointestinal health
Watercress- cooling energy, benefits Qi clears inflammation, removes blood stagnation, treats and lubricates lungs, mild diuretic, touted as one of the most highly nutritious vegetables, contains vitamins B6, B1, B2, C, E, manganese, copper, calcium, and fiber
Flax Seed Oil- cooling energy, great source of lignans, fiber and omega 3 fatty acids
Blueberries- warming energy, tonifies kidneys, nourishes blood, astringes Qi, rich in antioxidants, vitamins C, E, A, B complex, selenium, zinc and copper
Itchy Scratchy
Supplemental Recipe*: For dogs with food allergies
Ingredients & Benefits:
Whitefish- cooling energy, tonifies Qi, Yin and blood, moisturizes dry conditions, rich in essential fatty acids but more suitable for sensitive tummies than salmon or mackerel
Sweet Potato- neutral energy, tonifies Qi and blood, strengthens spleen and stomach; commonly used for constipation, vomiting and other gastrointestinal problems; contains vitamins B1 and B2, vitamin A, protein, carbohydrate, calcium and iron
Yogurt- neutral to cooling energy, moisturizing, nourishes blood, heart and lungs, high in protein, contains live enzyme probiotics which are beneficial for overall gastrointestinal health
Garlic- warming energy, anti-viral, anti-fungal, detoxifies meat and seafood, removes stagnant blood and food, anti-cancer, improves immune system function
Primrose Oil- contains a high concentration of the fatty acids gamma-linolenic acid and linolenic acid, natural anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory
Parsley- slightly warming energy, improves digestion, removes stagnant food, treats abdominal discomfort and indigestion, detoxifies food poisoning, contains antioxidants, Super Oxide Dismutase, carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin, beta carotene, chlorophyll, and potassium
Lemon Juice- cooling energy, regenerates body fluids, harmonizes the stomach, regulates Qi, high in antioxidants, detoxifies, diuretic, relieves symptoms of IBS, improves liver function
Beat the Heat
Supplemental Recipe*: A Seasonal diet that would most resemble what dogs would naturally eat this time of year.
Ingredients & Benefits:
Rabbit- cooling energy, supports the liver, cools the blood, Yin tonic, Qi tonic, low calorie, anti-allergenic
Cucumber- cooling energy clears inflammation, quenches thirst, promotes urine flow, contains iron, calcium, carotene, thiamine, riboflavin and vitamin c
Papaya- neutral energy, tonifies Qi and blood, supports digestion, disperses blood stagnation, resolves dampness; treats indigestion, diarrhea, persistent cough, and intestinal parasites; contains antioxidants, minerals and vitamins
Zucchini- cooling energy, clears inflammation, detoxifies, mild diuretic; contains phytonutrients, folate, magnesium, potassium, and high levels of fiber, vitamins A and C, and manganese
Spinach- neutral to cooling energy, supports digestion, treats Yin deficiency, nourishes the blood; contains iron, folic acid, vitamin k, protein, carotene and many other minerals
Banana- cooling energy, clears heat, Yin tonic, lubricates intestines, detoxifies; treats constipation, bloody diarrhea due to food poisoning and hemorrhoids; contains chromium, copper, potassium and B vitamins
Cottage Cheese- neutral energy, moisturizing, nourishes blood, heart and lungs, high in protein, low in fat and carbohydrates, contains live enzyme probiotics which are beneficial for overall gastrointestinal health
Honey- cooling energy, nourishes Yin, lubricates dryness, tonifies weakness, harmonizes, strengthens spleen; treats constipation, ulcers, dry cough, and burns
Parsley- slightly warming energy, regulates flow of Qi, improves digestion, removes stagnant food; treats abdominal discomfort and indigestion, detoxifies, contains antioxidants, Super Oxide Dismutase, carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin, beta carotene, chlorophyll and potassium
Body Builder
Supplemental Recipe*: May be a good diet for dogs with immuno-suppresive disorders
Ingredients & Benefits:
Steelhead- cooling energy, tonifies Qi, Yin and blood, moisturizes dry conditions, excellent source of vitamin B12, niacin, pantothenic acid, selenium and omega 3 fatty acids
Brown Rice- neutral to cooling energy, strengthens spleen, nourishes stomach, quenches thirst, relieves irritability, astringes intestines, mild diuretic, detoxifies, strengthens digestion; good source of fiber and B vitamins
Asparagus- neutral energy, tonifies Yin, Qi and blood, clears inflammation, clears the lungs; detoxifies, anti-cancer properties contains high amounts of selenium, B and E vitamins, iron and fiber
Watercress- cooling energy, benefits Qi, clears inflammation, removes blood stagnation; treats and lubricates lungs, mild diuretic actions, touted as one of the most highly nutritious vegetables, contains vitamins B6, B1, B2, C, E, manganese, copper, calcium and fiber
All our healthy treats are lovingly hand-made at the Butcher Shop or at The Good Dog Food Company kitchen. You can see a complete list of ingredients at our online store.
Jerky Treats
Our mouth-watering, smoky jerky treats come in three excellent varieties – chicken breast, chicken and organic carrot, and rabbit and organic carrot. There are no more than three ingredients in all our varieties, and the only preservative is a dash of sea salt.
Doggie Truffles
These hand-rolled truffles are as healthy as they are adorable. By using alternative flours, such as rye, garbanzo, and coconut, we’ve made these tasty treats safe to be enjoyed by dogs with wheat allergies.
At The Good Dog Food Company, we use only the very best ingredients in our dog food.
All-Natural Grass-Fed Beef and Beef Liver: The beef used in our recipes comes from cattle raised in open pastures, and never exposed to growth hormones or antibiotics. The farmers lovingly tend to their heard, taking pride in the quality of their farms.
All-Natural Chicken and Chicken Liver: Our Oregonian farmers raise truly free-range chickens, meaning that, rather than being locked in a coop, they roam open patches of land. The chickens are not fed growth hormones, antibiotics, or corn, and are raised exclusively for our recipes.
Almond Meal: Almonds are high in protein, fiber, calcium, magnesium, potassium, Vitamin E, and other antioxidants. In addition to all this, they also help prevent osteoporosis and keep blood pressure regulated.
Organic Brown Rice: A fantastic source of fiber for colon health and bran for essential B vitamins and minerals, this natural whole grain provides high-quality complex carbohydrates for energy.
Flax Meal: Flax is the most easily absorbed vegetable fatty acid for dogs, and is rich in Omega 3s, protein, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. It also helps keep your dog’s coat and skin soft and shiny.
Organic Oats: These oats provide healthy whole grains and B-complex vitamins, fiber, and complex carbohydrates for healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Organic Whole Grains: Our whole grains contain all three parts of the grain – the bran, germ, and the endosperm. Whole grains contain phytochemicals and B vitamins, Vitamin E, magnesium, iron, and fiber, as well as other valuable antioxidants that you can’t find in most fruits and vegetables, all of which are extremely beneficial to your dog. Our whole grains include barley, brown rice, bulgur, oatmeal, and oat bran.
Barley Grass Juice: A super green food, barley grass juice contains large amounts of Vitamins C, A B1, B2, B6; biotin; folic acid; choline; pantothenic acid; nicotinic acid; iron; chlorophyll; potassium; calcium; magnesium; manganese; zinc; proteins; and enzymes, all of which contribute to a healthy dog.
Slippery Elm Bark: We use this as a protecting and lubricating herb, to help reduce inflammation and assist with pet problems like constipation, bronchitis, or excessive coughing.
Wild Yam Root: This ingredient is used to aid in the easing of symptoms such as inflammation, spasms, osteoporosis, and other health conditions that might affect your dog.
Human-Grade Steamed Bone Meal: our finely ground domestic cattle bones have been pasteurized for complete safety, and are in fact high enough quality for human consumption. This provides an excellent source of phosphorous and calcium.
Brewer’s Yeast: These probiotics, identified as “live microbial supplements,” benefit the host by improving their natural microbial balance.
Cod Liver Oil: This rich source of DHA, EPA, and Vitamins A and D is beneficial to dogs’ skin, bones, teeth, joints, cardiovascular system, and digestive tract. Our Cod Liver Oil comes directly from the pure waters of Norway, and is bottled right at the source.
Garlic: Garlic is a fantastic source of allicin, which is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial that is capable of warding off many kinds of infection, and promotes a healthy immune system.
Glucosamine Hcl: This ingredient helps to build collage, which supports cartilage and keeps joints fluid and healthy.
Organic Kelp: This is a great source of minerals, such as iodine, iron, and Vitamins B1, B2, C, and E. These vitamins are important for maintaining proper healthy and are responsible for bone growth, heart health, and maintaining muscle strength. Kelp also acts to increase metabolism and balance blood lipid concentrations.
Dolomitic Limestone: This is the most complete source of naturally-occurring combinations of primary and essential minerals and trace elements known to man.
Salt: We do not use salt as a flavor enhancer, but rather to meet the necessary iodine levels that your dog needs, as determined by the AAFCO.
Organic Sweet Potatoes and Pumpkin: High in beta-carotene and rich in the Vitamins C, E, B1, B2, B5, and B6, as well as calcium, iron, potassium, and manganese, these organic vegetables and gourds are a wonderful addition to your dog’s diet.
Zinc Sulfate: An essential element for all plant and animal life, zinc sulfate is a fantastic source of zinc in animal feeds and is the ideal nutritional source of zinc due to its biological availability.
Local Farmers (No website, call for more information)
Organic Vegetables: An excellent way to provide a multitude of nutrients and fiber to support digestive function. We gather our vegetables from local farms whenever possible
With our extensive research, guidance from nutritionists, and the help of the great farmers and butchers we work with, our dream of Good Dog Food has become a wonderful reality!
