Food

Halo Dog Food Reviews: Healthy Vegan Holistic Brand Worth The Hype?

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Dog next to bags of Halo dog food.

Health-conscious dog owners are always on the hunt for the healthiest dog food for their four-legged family members. Halo Pets is a brand that has been around for over 30 years. What is this holistic pet food brand all about? Is Halo dog food good? I did the research and looked behind the label at brand history, ingredients, product lines, and more. Find out if this brand is right for your four-legged family members in my Halo dog food reviews.

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Halo Dog Food Reviews

halo logo 250 png

Product Name: Halo Dog Food

Product Description: Halo Pets makes holistic dog food from premium ingredients. Recipes use no fillers and focus on high quality protein sources.

Summary

Our team rates dog food companies based on several factors: variety, nutritional value, pricing, customer support, and more.

Halo Pets makes premium dog food with clear ingredient transparency. The brand makes a variety of dog foods, including raw, freeze-dried recipes and vegan dog food. The brand offers a holistic approach to canine nutrition. 

Overall Score

4

Pros

  • Recipes for different age groups
  • Small breed nutrition
  • All-natural ingredients
  • Transparent sourcing
  • Non-GMO Ingredients
  • Recipes for a variety of needs
  • Freeze-dried raw and vegan recipes available
  • Made in USA

 

Cons

  • Higher price
  • Some recipes are not as transparent with ingredient sourcing 

Key Features

  • Made in the USA with high-quality ingredients
  • Veterinary and nutrition experts develop recipes
  • Includes vegan recipes
  • Responsibly sourced
  • Eco-friendly packaging
  • Meets Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines for complete and balanced dog food

Halo Brand History

Halo Pets got its start in 1986, right here in the United States. It was launched by a pet owner who needed food to help their sick cat. Ellen DeGeneres partnered with the brand for many years, though she is no longer an owner. In 2019, the brand was purchased by Animal CBD, a pet wellness, health, and CBD company. Halo Pets makes products for dogs and cats. These include a variety of foods, toppers, dental, treats, and chews. There are recipes for various stages of life and varying breed sizes. My review focuses on the dog food lines and dog products.

Has Halo Been Recalled?

The Halo brand has never had a recall on their dog food products. However, the company does sell some products formerly marketed under the TruDog name that have been subject to recall in the past. TruDog is a brand also owned by the Better Choice Company, which is the owner of Halo. Some of TruDog’s products were integrated into the Halo pet food line. These recalls occurred before these products were sold under the Halo brand.

  1. TruDog Treat Me Crunchy Beef Delight treats were recalled in February 2018 due to the possibility of contamination by salmonella.
  2. TruDog BoostMe Mighty Meaty Beef Topper Meal Enhancer was recalled in April 2018 due to the possibility of contamination with salmonella. This was a voluntary recall done by the company.

The Halo brand itself has not had any of its products recalled in its very long history. This is very good news as it means the company takes safety and quality seriously.

Halo Dog Food Ingredients

Halo claims to use premium ingredients with transparency in sourcing. They back this up on their website with links to ingredients and an explanation of their benefits and where they came from. On many recipes, this is very helpful, however, not all recipes have as much detail in the background information.

Halo uses several high-quality animal proteins in their recipes. These include salmon, chicken, beef, poultry, pork, and duck. Non-GMO fruits and vegetables include potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, blueberries, pumpkin, spinach, and more. Recipes also include superfood ingredients such as fish oil, flaxseed, and sunflower oil.

Halo Dog Food Reviews: Products & Price

Halo makes dry, wet, and freeze-dried dog food. The two main product lines are Halo Elevate and Halo Holistic. Elevate is the basic dog food line, and Holistic is the premium product line. Below, I break down some of the top picks from each line.

Halo Elevate Grain Free Red Meat Recipe Adult Dry Review

Halo Elevate Grain Free Red Meat Recipe Adult Dry

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The Halo Elevate line is developed by veterinary nutrition experts to support five top health needs: digestive health, heart and immunity support, strength and energy, healthy skin and coat, and hip and joint support. Recipes include live probiotics, taurine, antioxidants, leading omega fatty acid levels, and healthy doses of glucosamine and chondroitin. Additionally, recipes use 90% protein from animal sources.

This grain-free kibble is made with deboned beef, pork meal, salmon meal, sweet potatoes, tapioca, pork fat, pork, pumpkin, sunflower oil, and flaxseed, as well as a blend of vitamins and minerals. It includes taurine and vitamin E for the immune system and cardiac health. Live probiotics boost digestive health. This recipe contains no poultry, corn, wheat, soy, lentils, peas, or chickpeas. Additionally, the kibble has a freeze-dried raw meat coating to give it a boost of real meat flavor. It also has no artificial flavor, colors, or preservatives. The Elevate grain-free recipe is also available in chicken and salmon flavors, and there is a grain-inclusive option as well.

This recipe offers 31% crude protein (min), 18% crude fat (min), and 3.5% crude fiber (max). It has 9% moisture (max) and offers 463 kcal/cup.

Price

Halo Elevate Healthy Grains Salmon Recipe Adult Dry Review

Halo Elevate Healthy Grains Salmon Recipe Adult Dry

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This grain-inclusive kibble from the Halo Elevate line uses deboned salmon, salmon meal, pork meal, and fish meal to provide a punch of animal-based protein. This kibble also has a freeze-dried raw meaty coating to give it a flavor dogs crave. It has probiotics for digestive health, as well as taurine and vitamin E, to support immune and heart function. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids help coat and skin health, and glucosamine and chondroitin support the joints.

Healthy grains include oats and barley, and this recipe is fortified with healthy fats like sunflower oil, salmon oil, and pork fat. This recipe offers 31% crude protein (min), 18% crude fat (min), and 3.5% crude fiber (max). It has 9% moisture (max) and offers 469 kcal/cup.

Price

Halo Elevate Kettle Cooked Chunky Healthy Grains Chicken Stew With Carrots Pumpkin & Brown Rice Review

Halo Elevate Kettle Cooked Chunky Healthy Grains Chicken Stew With Carrots Pumpkin & Brown Rice

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The Halo Elevate line also makes several varieties of canned food. One popular pick is this thick and tasty country stew that is slowly cooked in gravy. This recipe is grain-inclusive but does not include corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Protein comes from chicken, chicken broth, salmon broth, whole egg, and salmon. It also includes carrots, potatoes, brown rice, natural flavor, tapioca, and a variety of vitamins and minerals.

This recipe provides 334 kcal/can and 6.5% crude protein (min), 2% crude fat (min), 1% crude fiber (max), and 80% moisture (max). It is suitable for adults and can be served as a completely nutritionally balanced meal or as a topper.

Price

Halo Holistic Complete Digestive Health Grain-Free Turkey & Sweet Potato Review

Halo Holistic Complete Digestive Health Grain-Free Turkey & Sweet Potato

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Halo Holistic recipes are formulated to use high-quality protein to provide energy, extra omega fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat, and prebiotics and probiotics to support healthy digestion and immunity. Along with that, the Halo Holistic line uses eco-friendly, recyclable packaging. Halo Holistic recipes are responsibly sourced and independently certified.

The Halo Holistic line uses responsibly sourced proteins and is formulated to boost a healthy gut and complete digestive health. This adult recipe dog food is designed for dogs who need to stay at a healthy weight. It is formulated with lower fat and includes L-carnitine to support a healthy metabolism. It does not contain any meat meal, GMO ingredients, corn, wheat, grains, soy, or artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

The recipe starts with deboned turkey, sweet potatoes, deboned chicken, chickpeas, potatoes, Brewers dried yeast, lentils, pork, and chicken fat. It also includes carrots, apples, whole flaxseed, peas, and a variety of vitamin and mineral supplements.

Halo Holistic has a variety of different recipes including those formulated for small breeds, puppies, senior dogs, and digestive health.

Price

Halo Holistic Vegan Complete Digestive Health Dog Food Review

Halo Holistic Vegan Complete Digestive Health Dog Food

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The Halo Holistic line also offers a variety of plant-based recipes. Made with superfoods that are rich in essential vitamins and antioxidants, these recipes offer 100% complete and balanced nutrition using no animal ingredients. They are formulated to provide complete digestive health and immune support. Halo’s vegan recipes use no corn, wheat, or soy.

The Halo holistic vegan dog food kibble uses a vegan blend of blueberries, cranberries, carrots, and apples. Other ingredients include oats, peas, chickpeas, potato protein, Brewer’s dried yeast, sunflower oil, whole flax seed, pea protein, sweet potatoes, and kelp. This recipe boosts 27% protein minimum, 15% crude fat, and 5% maximum crude fiber. It has 422 kcal/cup.

Halo also offers a canned plant-based recipe, the Garden Of Vegan, which is made for adult dogs. This recipe uses vegetable broth, chickpeas, potatoes, pea protein, carrots, olive oil, peas, spinach, flaxseed, and other superfood ingredients. The company also makes plant-based dog treats, which many dogs enjoy.

Price

Halo Grain-Free Chicken & Salmon Small Breed Canned Review

Halo Grain Free Chicken & Salmon Small Breed Canned

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This high-protein canned pate is designed especially for small breeds and uses real whole chicken, salmon, and non-GMO vegetables. It includes chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, salmon, carrots, peas, dried egg whites, and salmon oil, among other ingredients. The pate is highly digestible and is nutrient dense. It is also available in a turkey and duck recipe.

Price

Freeze-Dried Raw Beef Meal Bites Review

Freeze-Dried Raw Beef Meal Bites

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Halo’s Freeze-Dried Raw Meal Bites recipe is minimally processed, preserving natural flavor and nutrients. Dogs get high nutrition and taste in every bite. These use 99% real beef and organs. 100% of the protein in this recipe is from animal sources. The freeze-dried raw fruit bites use beef, beef heart, beef liver, beef lung, beef kidney, beef tripe, and herring oil, along with a few other ingredients. They contain no grain, corn, wheat, soy, artificial ingredients, or fillers of any kind. You can serve these to your pup as a complete meal or mix them with their regular kibble for an added boost of nutrition and meaty flavor.

Price

Halo Dog Treats

Halo also makes a variety of dog treats. These include meat-based and vegan treats.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve covered a lot already, but I know there are still more questions you may have. I’ve answered a few of the most common questions below, but if I missed yours or you have a specific Halo dog food product you have used and want to share your experience with us, just let me know in the comments.

Is Halo dog food good?

Yes, Halo makes an above-average product. This is due to their simple recipes using straightforward ingredients and no unnecessary fillers. The wide selection offers something for just about every dog, including puppies and seniors. The company uses high-quality ingredients and offers a high level of transparency regarding its sourcing. Additionally, all products are made right here in the United States.

Is Halo AAFCO approved?

Many of Halo’s recipes meet the nutritional guidelines set by the AAFCO dog nutrient profile for all stages of life. However, the AAFCO does not certify dog foods. It’s best to read the specific instructions and information on the product you are considering to be sure it meets the appropriate guidelines for your dog’s life stage. The majority of Halo’s recipes do meet the profile for adult maintenance. However, some, such as puppy food, are developed specifically to meet the nutritional guidelines set for puppies.

Is Halo dog food human-grade?

No, Halo is not human-grade. They use high-quality ingredients that are feed-grade. This does not mean the food is not high quality, it simply means the ingredients are not certified safe for human consumption.

Does Halo have a large or giant breed formula?

Currently, I am unable to find any of Halo’s recipes that have been formulated specifically to meet the needs of large breeds. However, the majority of their recipes are formulated to meet the needs of adult dogs. Halo has offered a line of kibble formulated to meet the needs of large breeds in the past; however, that recipe has been discontinued. Hopefully, it is under development, and the company will offer nutrition specifically formulated for large breeds again soon.

What’s Our Final Verdict?

Overall, Halo offers premium quality products. Compared to many grocery store options and lower-budget brands, it offers excellent nutrition, is nutrient-dense, and has a wide variety of recipes to meet the needs of many different dogs. The ingredient transparency is admirable, though some recipes could be more detailed. Recipes have average to high protein content, lower carbohydrates, and equitable fat compared to comparable dog food brands.

The company has a very positive and long history and has moved to incorporate new recipes, such as freeze-dried raw and vegan dog food, as these options have become more popular. The recipes are straightforward and do not use any unnecessary or unnatural ingredients. Price-wise, Halo is more expensive than some options but much more affordable than many premium brands.

Recipes are fortified with nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and healthy fats to help support your dog’s whole body health. These recipes can be served alone or combined to provide your pup with a wide variety of flavors and textures. Additionally, the company works hard to serve the needs of small breeds, older dogs, and puppies.

What About Fresh And Human-Grade Dog Food?

Halo makes a wide variety of recipes and can be an excellent choice. However, it’s understandable if you are still looking for that perfect fit. One possibility to consider is fresh and human-grade dog food, such as The Farmer’s Dog, Ollie, and Nom Nom. While these options are more expensive than traditional dog food, the nutritional quality and flavor are unbeatable due to the lower amount of processing. Even if you cannot offer your pet fresh nutrition as their sole diet, mixing it in as toppers and treats is a terrific way to add flavor variety and boost nutrition. If you have concerns about your dog’s diet, discussing them with your vet before making any major changes is best.

Our Methodology

We analyze hundreds of dog food brands and individual formulas to provide our recommendations for the best nutrition. Each of the following elements helps us determine the best dog food for any dietary need. Our in-depth research includes:

  • Scrutinizing all ingredients included in every formula
  • Having firsthand experience with our dogs for many of the foods we recommend
  • Assessing the guaranteed analysis for every formula, including protein, fat, fiber, and caloric content
  • Investigating the latest scientific studies on dogs’ nutritional needs and benefits of ingredients
  • Researching the specific dietary needs for breed sizes and health conditions
  • Reading hundreds of customer reviews
  • Staying informed on every dog food recall
  • Diving into every pet food brand’s history and reputation
  • Keeping on top of pet food trends

Unlike many other review sites, we give unbiased reviews based on countless hours of research. Our goal is to provide our readers with the healthiest options for their pups.

Why Trust Canine Journal?

Danielle has been a dog owner for over 30 years. She has a special place in her heart for rescue dogs and those with special medical needs. Her two rescue dogs, Daisy and Falkor, work hard and have helped her test and review over 100 different brands and varieties of pet food. As part of the Canine Journal team, Danielle works alongside a dedicated group of experts to bring pet owners the most accurate and valuable information to better their furkid’s lives.

Danielle DeGroot

Danielle graduated from Colorado State University Global with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and a specialization in Marketing. Her work has supported multiple small businesses, brands, and larger organizations, including the University of Denver. She is a lifelong supporter of rescue pets and has adopted almost every animal she has ever met that needed a home. Danielle is an expert in product reviews, pet food, dog names, pet behavior, and breeds. Her rescue dogs, Falkor, a Poodle Beagle mix, and Daisy, a Pitbull Lab mix, serve as Canine Journal’s in-house dog food testers and have tested over 50 kinds of dog food. She also has three rescue cats.

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