Understanding the Simply Nourish Ingredient Philosophy
Simply Nourish, a pet food brand available exclusively at PetSmart, markets itself with a focus on simple, natural, and wholesome ingredients. However, the actual ingredient list is far more detailed and varies significantly across its product lines, which include Original, Grain-Free, Limited Ingredient Diet (L.I.D.), and Source. These differences cater to a wide array of pet dietary needs and preferences. While the brand promotes recognizable ingredients, a closer look at specific recipes reveals more than just whole foods.
Decoding Ingredients in Simply Nourish Dog Food
Original Adult Recipes
Simply Nourish Original dog food, such as the Chicken & Brown Rice recipe, contains a mix of real meat, grains, and added nutrients. Deboned chicken or lamb is often the primary ingredient, providing a strong protein base. Whole grains like brown rice, oatmeal, and barley serve as key carbohydrate sources. The formulas are also supplemented with various 'superfoods' like dried carrots, pumpkin, and kale for additional vitamins and antioxidants.
Grain-Free & High-Protein 'Source' Recipes
The grain-free formulas, such as Chicken with Peas & Potatoes or Salmon, use alternative carbohydrate sources. Instead of grains, these recipes often rely on ingredients like dried sweet potatoes, peas, and lentils. It's important to note the FDA's ongoing investigation into a potential link between certain grain-free formulas and canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), which involves pet foods with legumes or potatoes as primary ingredients. 'Source' recipes feature high protein from multiple animal sources, such as pork, lamb, and boar.
Limited Ingredient Diets (L.I.D.)
For pets with food sensitivities, the L.I.D. recipes focus on a single animal protein source, like the Salmon & Sweet Potato variety. These recipes exclude common allergens like chicken and grains, using sweet potatoes and peas for fiber and energy instead.
Simply Nourish Wet Food
Simply Nourish also offers wet food options, like the Grain-Free Beef & Vegetable Stew. These products often feature real meat chunks in a broth and may include natural thickeners like guar gum. The ingredient list is typically shorter, with a strong emphasis on meat and vegetables.
Potential Concerns and Controversial Ingredients
Several ingredients found across various Simply Nourish formulas have raised questions among pet owners and food critics. One common additive is canola oil, which some reviews note is not an optimal source of fat for pets due to its omega-6 content and processing. Natural flavors, while not necessarily harmful, are an ambiguous ingredient that can be derived from various sources. Citric acid is sometimes used as a preservative but has been controversially linked to a higher risk of bloating in some studies, although more research is needed. The use of synthetic vitamins and minerals, while ensuring balanced nutrition, means the food is not entirely 'all-natural'.
Simply Nourish Cat Food Ingredients
Simply Nourish offers several cat food recipes with similar variations to the dog food lines. The Chicken & Brown Rice recipe for cats also features deboned chicken as the first ingredient, along with whole grains like brown rice. Grain-free options, like Chicken & Pea, use peas and potatoes as carbohydrate alternatives. Cat food recipes are typically formulated to support specific feline needs, such as urinary tract health, and are supplemented with taurine, an essential amino acid for cats.
Comparison of Simply Nourish Product Lines
| Feature | Simply Nourish Original | Simply Nourish Grain-Free | Simply Nourish L.I.D. | Simply Nourish Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Protein | Deboned Chicken, Lamb, etc. | Deboned Chicken, Salmon, etc. | Single animal protein (e.g., Salmon) | Multiple animal proteins (e.g., Pork, Boar) |
| Carbohydrate Source | Whole Grains (Brown Rice, Oatmeal) | Legumes & Tubers (Peas, Sweet Potatoes) | Tubers & Seeds (Sweet Potatoes, Flaxseed) | Legumes & Tubers (Peas, Potatoes) |
| Grain Content | Contains Grains | Grain-Free | Grain-Free | Grain-Free |
| Purpose | Overall Health | Allergy Management (avoiding grains), Specific Taste | Sensitivity Management (single protein) | High Protein, Flavor Variety |
| FDA Warning Relevant? | No | Yes (Potentially) | Yes (Potentially) | Yes (Potentially) |
Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision
Examining what are the ingredients in Simply Nourish reveals a complex picture. The brand provides a variety of options with different ingredient profiles, and while they emphasize natural components, formulas often include a mix of wholesome and potentially controversial additives. Pet owners should carefully read the ingredient list for the specific formula they are considering, pay attention to the potential risks associated with grain-free diets, and consult their veterinarian, especially for pets with sensitivities or health concerns. The 2021 frozen food recall serves as a critical reminder to stay informed about product safety and monitor pet health closely. To learn more about the FDA's ongoing investigation into potential links between DCM and grain-free pet foods, visit the FDA website.
Ingredient Lists for Various Simply Nourish Products
- Simply Nourish Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Canola Oil, Flaxseed, Dried Carrots, Dried Pumpkin, Vitamins, Minerals, Rosemary Extract.
- Simply Nourish L.I.D. Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food: Deboned Salmon, Salmon Meal, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Flaxseed Meal, Canola Oil, Dried Carrots, Vitamins, Minerals, Rosemary Extract.
- Simply Nourish Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Cat Food: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Rice Flour, Canola Oil, Flaxseed, Dried Cranberries, Dried Carrots, Vitamins, Minerals, Taurine.
Understanding the Ingredient Hierarchy
Ingredients are listed in order of predominance by weight. This means the first few ingredients make up the largest proportion of the food. Simply Nourish often lists a deboned meat or meat meal as the first ingredient, followed by grains or other starches.
The Importance of Additives
Beyond the main protein and carbohydrate sources, pet food includes various additives. These include vitamins and minerals (such as zinc sulfate and Vitamin E supplement), preservatives (like mixed tocopherols), and flavor enhancers. While some additives are synthetic, they are crucial for providing a complete and balanced nutritional profile for pets.
