Everyone knows the series of Chicken Soup books so it was a huge surprise when I came across their Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover’s Soul dog food in the pet store one day. It was the packaging that caught my eye and, of course, I laughed it off thinking it was just another company wanting to get rich through the dog owner’s pockets. A few weeks later, the company happened to contact me – not knowing I had mocked their dog food in the store recently – and asked me if I would like some samples. I’m never one to pass up free samples so I happily accepted them not knowing that they would prove once again that you shouldn’t judge a book, or dog food bag, by its cover!
The package arrived with a few packets of Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover’s Soul dry dog food and some canned dog food as well. Being the Lab Brats mommy and responsible dog owner that I am, I sat down and read the entire packaging – from ingredients onward. I was in shock when I found the following listed in the ingredients:
“Chicken, turkey, chicken meal, ocean fish meal, cracked pearled barley, whole grain brown rice, oatmeal, millet, white rice, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), potatoes, egg product, tomato pomace, duck, salmon, flaxseed, natural chicken flavor…”
What? This stuff was healthy?? No way!
Yes way!
What people don’t seem to see when glancing at the package is that there is a banner that states: “Holistic for Health”. Don’t let the book looking packaging fool you – this is holistic dog food people! The entire packaging lists their slow cooked method, the balance of the major food groups, antioxidants, promotion of healthy skin and easily absorbed minerals.
Upon further inspection of their dog food-feeding guide, you can tell that it is a higher quality food and not loaded with fillers because you don’t have to feed a lot to your dog.
After my due diligence was complete, I let the Labradors try the dry dog food to see what their thoughts were on this new food. Although many Labrador Retrievers will eat anything, my Dakota is a very picky eater and couldn’t wait for me to get the bag open before giving her a few kibbles.
Surprisingly, the Lab Brats love it for the taste and I love it for the quality and health benefits.
Will I switch from my Holistic Select dog food to the Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover’s Soul dog food? No – I would not switch at this time simply for the fact that my dogs have done so well on their current dog food that there is no need to switch. However, I now may have an alternative should my other dog food ever come under question. Of course, I would do more research before switching but the initial review looks promising!
Have you tried Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover’s Soul dog food? What are your thoughts? Did the package deter you from wanting to try the product?
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve been feeding CSFTDLS to my beagle/Jack mix since we brought her home and it’s been great for her. She hasn’t had any unusual amount of gas, just the occasional “toot”, and she loves it. She has a beautiful soft coat.
I recently switched my 3 large breed dogs onto this dog food. Not only am I going through less food, they love it and are eager and motivated to work for it. One large bag lasts approximately 18 days. I have noticed that they do pass gas the odd time but nothing drastic. It seems to have what they need as far as nutrients and a and Im happy that they like it.
That is great! Thanks for the feedback!
I am a licensed breeder of Shih Tzu’s and I also own a few Shepherds I have had all mine on Chicken Soup now for 3 months and I am not pleased with the product. The food DOES NOT fill them up and their bowels are always loose I wouldn’t reccomend it For the price they are asking the results are terrible
I’ve been feeding my four dogs this food for about a year. They were doing fantastically on it, BUT recently the packaging changes (about mid-August) and the protein content has changed to what I believe reads as more turkey. Two of my dogs, are no longer doing well on it and have incredible gas. I believe it’s due to the added protein. Probably the same problem the other Kelly’s mother’s dog. I’ll need to find a new food for the Weimaraners, but the Danes are still doing wonderfully.
Chicken soup for the Dog, that’s hillarous
Hi!! Now You can get the perfect Pet food store food for your pet and only from Pet food store!!
I checked at our neighborhood pet stores – can’t find the product here (Western Canada). But the ingredients certainly sound healthy. It would be interesting to know what ingredient in the food gas Kelly’s parents dog such terrible gas?
I used to feed the cat version of this to my pet hedgehog! I was planning on feeding it to Gibson when I got him, but no stores around me sell it
I suggested my mom feed it to her lab, but it gave her terrible TERRIBLE gas. Like, my parents were gagging and had to leave rooms! Not sure why she had such a bad reaction to it. I do think it’s a good food
Kelly – Did your parents slowly move their Lab over to the new food. Gas and stomach issues can definitely happen if they are switched to a new dog food too quickly.