Almo Nature stands out in the premium pet food market with a unique approach to quality and sustainability. Founded in 2000 by Pier Giovanni Capellino, this Italian brand has established itself as a pioneer in pet nutrition by using human-grade ingredients and maintaining an unwavering commitment to environmental conservation.
What makes Almo Nature different?
The most distinctive aspect of Almo Nature is its ownership structure. In 2019, the company transferred ownership to Fondazione Capellino, a non-profit foundation dedicated to biodiversity and environmental projects. This means that 100% of profits after tax go toward conservation initiatives rather than shareholders, creating what they call a “Reintegration Economy” model.
Their cornerstone philosophy revolves around HFC (Human Food Chain) ingredients—essentially, using meats and fish originally intended for human consumption. This approach significantly differs from many competitors who use meat meals or by-products in their formulations. If you’re interested in exploring other high-quality alternatives, check out our Markus Muehle review, another brand focusing on natural ingredients.
Product range and ingredients
Almo Nature offers several product lines to cater to different needs and preferences:
HFC range
The flagship collection features single-protein recipes with exceptionally high digestibility (up to 98.93% for animal protein). These formulations avoid artificial additives, colours and preservatives. Available in both wet and dry varieties, HFC products contain 26-30% whole muscle meat or fish in wet formulations, complemented by organic vegetables and essential minerals.
What’s particularly impressive about the HFC kibble is its nutritional profile. Without using artificial palatants, the food remains highly appealing to dogs while delivering excellent digestibility. This can reduce stool volume and potentially improve gut health over time.
BioOrganic range
For those seeking certified organic options, the BioOrganic line offers complete nutrition for both puppies and adult dogs. These recipes feature meat from free-range, organically raised animals, enriched with omega-3 fatty acids and beneficial probiotics to support overall health.
Daily range
The Daily line provides a more affordable entry point to the Almo Nature philosophy. While more budget-friendly, these products maintain the brand’s core standards, using natural preservatives like rosemary extract instead of synthetic alternatives such as BHA or BHT. The range includes gluten-free options for dogs with specific sensitivities.
Nutrition and quality standards
Almo Nature’s nutritional approach focuses on high-quality animal proteins rather than fillers. Their recipes typically feature named protein sources as the first ingredient, whether that’s North Atlantic pollock, free-range chicken or pasture-raised beef.
The absence of artificial additives aligns with current nutritional science suggesting that minimally processed foods may benefit long-term canine health. Additionally, their wet food’s high moisture content supports proper hydration, particularly valuable for dogs prone to urinary tract issues.
Protein levels in their kibble formulations generally range between 26-30%, with moderate fat content of 14-18%. This macronutrient profile suits most adult dogs while avoiding excessive calories that could contribute to weight gain.
Environmental commitment
Almo Nature’s environmental initiatives extend beyond just ingredient sourcing. They’ve committed to achieving zero biodiversity impact by 2030 through several targeted strategies:
- Transitioning to fully recyclable polyethylene packaging for dry foods
- Using aluminum and tinplate for wet food containers, both highly recyclable materials
- Funding wildlife corridors like the Yellowstone to Yukon project and the Kilombero Elephant Corridor in Tanzania
Their “Reintegration Economy” model represents a fundamental rethinking of corporate purpose. By channeling profits into biodiversity projects, each purchase effectively becomes an investment in environmental conservation, allowing pet owners to align their values with their spending.
Pricing and availability
In the UK market, Almo Nature positions itself as a premium product, with prices reflecting its high-quality ingredients and ethical practices. The HFC kibble typically costs between £12-£18 per kilogram, placing it above mainstream brands but below ultra-premium raw options.
The brand maintains a selective distribution strategy, available primarily through specialty pet retailers and online stores rather than supermarkets. This approach preserves its exclusive image while ensuring the product reaches informed consumers who value its unique attributes.
When evaluating value, it’s worth considering that the higher digestibility may mean feeding slightly less compared to brands with lower-quality ingredients, potentially offsetting some of the price difference over time.
Consumer feedback
Customer reviews consistently highlight exceptional palatability, particularly for the single-protein wet foods. Many owners report improved coat condition and digestion after switching to Almo Nature products.
Common criticisms include the limited variety in grain-inclusive formulas and occasional supply chain delays. Some customers also note that the high-quality protein sources can be too rich for certain sensitive dogs, requiring a gradual transition period.
The ethical dimension appears to resonate strongly with UK pet owners, with surveys suggesting that 62% prefer brands supporting environmental causes—aligning perfectly with Almo Nature’s mission.
What kind of dogs is this food suitable for?
Almo Nature offers formulations suitable for dogs across various life stages and needs. Their HFC range works well for adult dogs of all breeds, with specific options for different activity levels. The high protein digestibility makes it especially beneficial for dogs with sensitive digestions or those recovering from illness.
Their puppy varieties provide appropriate nutrition for growing dogs, with balanced calcium-phosphorus ratios and DHA for cognitive development. For senior dogs, their moderate protein levels support muscle maintenance without overworking aging kidneys.
The single-protein recipes make Almo Nature an excellent choice for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies, allowing for precise identification of well-tolerated protein sources. Active dogs benefit from the highly digestible animal proteins, though extremely high-energy working dogs might require supplementation with additional calories.
Dogs with specific health conditions like obesity or diabetes can benefit from the grain-free options, which have lower glycemic impacts. However, as with any premium food for medical conditions, consultation with a veterinarian is advised before making dietary changes.
Is this dog food good? A specialist’s conclusion
As a dog nutrition specialist, I consider Almo Nature to be among the top-tier commercial pet foods available in the UK market. The use of human-grade ingredients ensures exceptional quality control, while the high protein digestibility translates to improved nutrient absorption and reduced waste.
The brand’s commitment to avoiding artificial additives aligns with current nutritional science suggesting potential long-term benefits of minimally processed diets. Their transparent sourcing and detailed ingredient declarations build confidence in the product’s integrity.
Where Almo Nature truly excels is in combining nutritional excellence with environmental responsibility. Few pet food companies can match their holistic approach to sustainability and biodiversity conservation.
That said, the premium pricing places it beyond the budget of many pet owners, and the limited availability of certain specialized formulas (such as therapeutic diets) means it may not suit every dog’s needs. Additionally, some dogs might require an adjustment period when transitioning to these protein-rich formulations.
On balance, I would rate Almo Nature as an excellent choice for pet owners who prioritize ingredient quality, digestibility and ethical production practices—and who can accommodate the higher price point. It represents thoughtful nutrition with purpose beyond profit.
While Almo Nature offers superb quality, it’s worth noting that Butternut Box came out as number 1 in our comparison of the best dog food options available in the UK. If you’re looking to provide your canine companion with fresh, human-grade ingredients delivered in convenient portions, you might want to explore our in-depth Butternut Box review to see why so many dog owners are making the switch to this revolutionary feeding approach.
