If you’re researching Simply Nourish dog food and wondering whether it’s a good choice for your dog, this expert breakdown will help you figure it out with confidence. I’ve evaluated pet nutrition brands for years, and Simply Nourish stands out as a natural-leaning, mid-priced food option that uses real meat ingredients and avoids artificial additives. But there are also some nuances you should be aware of—especially regarding grain-free formulas and the brand’s recall history.
This review walks you through Simply Nourish product lines, ingredient quality, pricing value, pros and cons, nutritional performance, and whether it’s truly worth feeding to your dog.
What Makes Simply Nourish Different?
Simply Nourish is PetSmart’s private-label brand built around a “simple ingredients, simply healthy” philosophy. Their formulas often highlight real meat, limited fillers, and recognizable whole-food ingredients. Some strong points include:
- Real deboned meat as the first ingredient
- No artificial colors, flavors, or chemical preservatives
- Life-stage and breed-specific formulas
- AAFCO-certified for balanced canine nutrition
- Budget-friendly without looking “cheap”
For pet parents who want higher quality than grocery-store kibble—but without premium-brand pricing—Simply Nourish lands in a comfortable middle zone.
Ingredient Quality Analysis
The ingredient panels from Simply Nourish look reassuring compared to lower-tier dog foods. You’ll commonly find:
Proteins:
- Deboned chicken
- Salmon
- Lamb
- Turkey
- Meat meals (concentrated protein)
Carbohydrate sources:
- Brown rice
- Oatmeal
- Barley
- Sweet potatoes
- Peas
Nutrient-rich extras:
- Pumpkin
- Carrots
- Blueberries
- Spinach
- Flaxseed
- Fish oil
These “superfoods” contribute antioxidants, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids beneficial for digestion, joint support, and skin and coat health.
One critique: some formulas are carb-heavy, particularly those using grains and legumes. Dogs don’t require high amounts of carbohydrate, so this is something to evaluate depending on your dog’s weight and activity level.
Product Lines Explained
Simply Nourish offers several targeted feeding categories.
Original
Classic kibble with real meat and whole grains such as brown rice and oatmeal. Good for most dogs with no special dietary needs.
Limited Ingredient Diet (LID)
Uses a single animal protein source and eliminates common allergens like:
- Chicken
- Corn
- Wheat
- Soy
Ideal for dogs with food sensitivities or suspected allergies.
Source (High-Protein, Grain-Free)
High-protein formulas without grains, using peas and potatoes instead. Best for athletic or very active dogs.
However, grain-free diets have been linked to FDA-investigated DCM risks. Not all dogs are affected, but it’s important to note.
Healthy Weight & Senior Formulas
- Lower calories for overweight dogs
- Joint-support nutrients for older dogs
- Added fiber for digestion
Quick Comparison Table: Which Formula Fits Your Dog?
| Formula | Best For | Pros | Considerations |
| Original | Most dogs | Balanced nutrition, real grains | Moderate carb content |
| Limited Ingredient | Sensitive-stomach or allergy-prone dogs | Fewer allergens, single protein | Fewer flavor options |
| Source (Grain-Free) | High-activity or working dogs | High-protein, strong muscle support | Grain-free diets carry DCM caution |
| Healthy Weight | Overweight or low-activity dogs | Fewer calories, higher fiber | Less satisfying for very active dogs |
| Senior | Aging dogs | Joint and brain-support nutrients | Slightly softer kibble, less crunchy |
Price & Availability
Simply Nourish is sold exclusively at PetSmart and PetSmart-affiliated online platforms. International buyers may find it on UBuy.
In-store availability:
- PetSmart physical locations
- PetSmart online
Price range:
- Cheaper than Wellness, Merrick, and Blue Buffalo
- More premium than Pedigree, Purina Dog Chow, and Kibbles ’n Bits
This makes it a quality-to-value sweet spot.
Recall History: What You Should Know
In March 2021, Simply Nourish voluntarily recalled dozens of canned dog food products due to excessive Vitamin D levels. Extremely high Vitamin D can cause:
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive drooling
- Kidney issues
While the recall was responsibly executed, it’s still something worth noting for brand transparency.
No widespread kibble recalls have occurred.
Real-World Customer Feedback
Reported benefits
- Shinier, healthier coats
- Reduced stool odor
- Dogs enjoy the taste
- Good for picky eaters
- Affordable for multi-dog households
Reported negatives
- Some dogs experienced gas or softer stools on certain recipes
- A few formulas rely more on legumes than animal protein
- Some kibbles crumble faster, which can produce “dusty” bag bottoms
Like any dog food, individual results vary by dog metabolism, age, breed, and gut sensitivity.
How to Choose the Right Simply Nourish Formula for Your Dog
Ask yourself:
- Does my dog have food sensitivities?
Choose the Limited Ingredient line. - Is my dog highly active?
The Source high-protein line may be appropriate. - Is my dog overweight or neutered/spayed and low-activity?
Healthy Weight is a better option. - Is my dog a senior?
Senior-specific recipes support joint and cognitive health.
As a general rule:
- Avoid grain-free unless you have clear nutritional reasoning.
- Prioritize meat-led formulas with identifiable proteins.
Verdict: Is Simply Nourishing Good Dog Food?
Based on ingredient transparency, real-meat protein sourcing, targeted formulas, and affordability, Simply Nourish dog food is a solid mid-grade option that delivers strong quality for its price range. It’s not the absolute best on the market, and some formulas could improve protein-to-carb ratios, but it’s certainly above average and far better than many commercial grocery-store kibbles.
Dogs without high-sensitivities generally do well on the Original formulas, while dogs with allergies benefit from the LID line.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Simply Nourish dog food safe?
Yes, Simply Nourish is safe and AAFCO-approved. The 2021 recall was an isolated issue involving wet food Vitamin D levels and has since been resolved.
2. Is Simply Nourish a good brand for dogs with allergies?
Yes. The Limited Ingredient Diet offers single-protein, low-allergen options designed specifically for sensitive dogs.
3. Does Simply Nourish use real meat?
Yes, deboned meat is typically the first ingredient, which is a positive marker of protein quality.
4. Is Simply Nourish grain-free?
Some formulas are grain-free, specifically the Source line. If you’re concerned about DCM, stick to grain-inclusive recipes.
Final Thoughts
Simply Nourish dog food provides balanced nutrition with real ingredients and thoughtful recipe variety, making it a dependable option for many dogs. If you want a brand that skips artificial additives, focuses on quality proteins, and offers formulas for different dietary needs—without breaking your budget—Simply Nourish is well worth considering.
