9 out of 10 dog owners are feeding their dog the wrong food
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Shelter manager, certified canine nutritionist, and lifelong dog lover
• Unique customization approach: Base mixes allow owners to add their own protein source, providing complete control over meat quality and allergen management for sensitive dogs.
• Premium pricing with visible results: At $15-18 per pound, it’s expensive but owners consistently report shinier coats, better digestion, and increased energy in their dogs.
• Perfect safety record: No recalls since 1984, family-owned operation with in-house manufacturing in New Jersey, and A+ Better Business Bureau rating demonstrate consistent quality control.
• Ideal for problem dogs: Excels at managing food allergies, digestive issues, and picky eating through clean ingredients and whole-food nutrition without artificial additives.
• Requires effort and budget: Base mixes need protein preparation and mixing, while complete meals cost significantly more than conventional kibble, making convenience a trade-off.
Dr. Harvey’s began in the early 1980s when Dr. Harvey Cohen—a human nutritionist working in New York—grew frustrated with the quality of commercial pet food. He left his clinical practice to develop what would become one of the first all-natural, holistic dog food lines in the United States. The flagship product, Canine Health, launched around 1984 and pioneered the concept of a whole-food base mix that owners could customize with their choice of protein and oil.
Fast forward to 2025, and Dr. Harvey’s remains independently owned and family-run, with Dr. Cohen’s wife Wendy Shankin-Cohen serving as President and CEO, and their three sons involved in operations and research. The company operates out of a 30,000-square-foot facility in Eatontown, New Jersey, where all blending, packaging, and quality control happens in-house. This isn’t a faceless conglomerate—it’s a small team with deep roots in natural nutrition and a commitment to transparency, sustainability, and ingredient integrity.
The brand’s core philosophy centers on species-appropriate nutrition: real food, minimal processing, no artificial additives, and no animal testing. Dr. Harvey’s positions itself as a premium, holistic alternative to conventional kibble, appealing to owners who want to know exactly what’s in their dog’s bowl and have the flexibility to tailor meals to individual needs. The company has expanded its product lines over the years to include freeze-dried raw meals (the Oracle line), specialty diets for weight management and allergies, and even functional blends for dogs battling cancer or kidney disease.
Dr. Harvey’s reputation is solid. There are no recalls on record, no ethical controversies, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Customer service is frequently praised as responsive and helpful, and the brand enjoys strong loyalty among holistic-minded pet owners. That said, the company doesn’t publish detailed third-party lab results, formal certifications like ISO or HACCP, or comprehensive sustainability reports—so while the transparency is good, it’s not exhaustive.
Dr. Harvey’s takes a different approach than most brands. Many of their products are base mixes, meaning they provide the vegetables, grains, herbs, and supplements, but you add the protein yourself. This gives you complete control over the meat source, quality, and freshness—whether that’s chicken, beef, turkey, fish, or something more exotic for dogs with allergies.
For example, Canine Health Miracle Base Mix contains organic oats, quinoa, flaxseed, carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, and a blend of herbs and vitamins. No meat, no preservatives—just whole foods. You cook or add raw protein, mix in some oil (like salmon or coconut), and you’ve got a complete meal. It’s like making dinner from scratch, but with a premeasured, nutritionally balanced foundation.
The Oracle line, on the other hand, is a complete freeze-dried meal. Oracle Chicken, for instance, lists USDA-certified chicken as the first ingredient, followed by sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, pumpkin, and a vitamin-mineral blend. The meat content is around 20–25% by weight before freeze-drying, which is solid for this category. Oracle Beef follows a similar pattern with real beef as the base.
The Garden Veggies Whole Grain Complete Meal also includes real meat (chicken, beef, or salmon) as the primary ingredient, combined with brown rice, carrots, spinach, and other vegetables. This line is designed for dogs who do well on whole grains and prefer the convenience of a complete meal that just needs water added.
Dr. Harvey’s offers both grain-inclusive and grain-free options. Canine Health and Garden Veggies use organic whole grains like oats, brown rice, and quinoa—these are digestible, nutrient-dense carbs that provide energy and fiber. The grain-free lines, like Oracle and Veg-to-Bowl, rely on sweet potatoes, carrots, and peas instead.
There’s been a lot of noise around grain-free diets and potential links to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), especially in foods heavy on peas and legumes. Dr. Harvey’s grain-free recipes do include peas and sweet potatoes, but they’re not loaded with pea protein or lentil flour the way some mass-market grain-free kibbles are. If you’re concerned about DCM, the grain-inclusive options are a safer bet, and you can always consult your vet.
In the base mixes, you add your own oil—typically salmon, coconut, or flaxseed oil—to meet fat and omega-3 requirements. This gives you flexibility to adjust based on your dog’s skin, coat, or energy needs. The complete meals like Oracle and Garden Veggies already include balanced fats from the meat and added oils, so no extra steps are needed.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are present through flaxseed and fish oils, supporting skin health, coat shine, and anti-inflammatory processes. The ratios aren’t published in detail, but the ingredient lists suggest thoughtful inclusion rather than token amounts.
This is where Dr. Harvey’s shines. There are no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. No BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, or synthetic additives. The only “additives” are natural vitamins and minerals needed to meet AAFCO standards—things like vitamin E, calcium, and zinc.
Some recipes include eggshells for calcium and glucosamine, which is a natural, effective source for joint support. There are no meat by-products, no corn or soy fillers, and no rendered meals. If you’re looking for a clean label, Dr. Harvey’s delivers.
One thing to note: because there are no preservatives, these products have a shorter shelf life once opened, and the freeze-dried meals need to be stored properly to avoid moisture and spoilage. It’s a trade-off for ingredient purity.
| Price per pound | $11 – $18 |
| Primary protein | USDA-certified chicken, beef, salmon (or customizable with base mixes) |
| By-products | None |
| AAFCO compliance | Formulated to meet (no feeding trials published) |
| Formula options | Multiple product lines (Oracle, Garden Veggies, Canine Health base mixes) |
| Availability | Specialty pet stores + online direct |
The nutritional profile varies depending on the product line. For the Oracle Chicken freeze-dried complete meal, you’re looking at roughly 28% protein, 18% fat, 4% fiber, and around 35% carbohydrates (calculated on a dry matter basis). Caloric density is approximately 4,000 kcal/kg, which is energy-rich and suitable for active dogs.
The Garden Veggies Whole Grain Complete comes in around 25% protein, 15% fat, and 55% carbs, making it a bit more moderate in protein and fat—good for less active or weight-conscious dogs. The Canine Health Base Mix on its own is very low in protein and fat (since you’re adding those yourself), but once you mix in meat and oil, you can hit whatever macronutrient target you want.
All recipes are formulated to meet AAFCO nutritional profiles for all life stages, meaning they should theoretically support puppies, adults, and seniors. However, there’s no published data on AAFCO feeding trials for most products, so they’re “formulated to meet” rather than “tested to meet” standards. That’s common in the natural/holistic space, but worth noting if you prefer brands with feeding trial validation.
Dr. Harvey’s includes a thoughtful blend of vitamins and minerals: calcium and phosphorus for bones, B vitamins for energy metabolism, vitamin E and selenium for immune support, and zinc for skin and coat health. The use of whole foods like carrots, beets, and pumpkin provides natural antioxidants, fiber, and phytonutrients that you won’t find in synthetic vitamin packs.
Some recipes also feature herbs like parsley, kelp, and turmeric, which are touted for their anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. While the dosages aren’t published, these ingredients are generally safe and potentially beneficial in moderate amounts.
There’s no added glucosamine or chondroitin in most recipes, but the eggshells in Canine Health provide natural glucosamine. If your dog needs serious joint support, you might want to add a dedicated supplement on top.
Dr. Harvey’s is an excellent choice for dogs with food sensitivities, allergies, or digestive issues. The ability to control the protein source makes it ideal for dogs who react to chicken, beef, or other common proteins—you can use turkey, duck, venison, or even kangaroo if needed. The clean ingredient lists and absence of fillers also make it a good fit for dogs with sensitive stomachs or inflammatory conditions.
It’s also well-suited for picky eaters. The freeze-dried meals rehydrate into something that looks and smells like real food, and many owners report that their finicky dogs eat it enthusiastically. The base mixes, when combined with fresh meat, have a homemade appeal that often wins over reluctant eaters.
If you’re a health-conscious owner who wants full transparency and ingredient control, Dr. Harvey’s is hard to beat. You can tailor meals to your dog’s exact needs, adjust protein and fat levels, and know exactly what’s going into every bowl. It’s also a solid option for dogs with chronic health issues like kidney disease or cancer, thanks to the specialty formulas like Paradigm Green Superfood and Advanced Nutrition for Critical Care.
Dr. Harvey’s might not be the best fit if you’re looking for maximum convenience. The base mixes require you to cook or source your own protein, weigh portions, and mix everything together—it’s more work than scooping kibble. Even the complete meals need water added and a few minutes to rehydrate. If you’re short on time or prefer grab-and-go feeding, this isn’t the brand for you.
It’s also expensive. At $15–$18 per pound for the complete meals, feeding a large or giant breed dog exclusively on Dr. Harvey’s can easily run $200–$300+ per month. If budget is a primary concern, you’ll find more cost-effective options elsewhere—though you may sacrifice some ingredient quality and transparency.
For dogs who need veterinary prescription diets for specific medical conditions (like urinary crystals, severe kidney failure, or hepatic disease), Dr. Harvey’s doesn’t offer those. You’ll need to stick with Hill’s, Royal Canin, or Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets.
Finally, if your dog is a very large or giant breed (over 90 pounds), the Oracle line specifically recommends supervision and careful portion management, as the high caloric density and rich profile can sometimes be too much for dogs prone to bloat or rapid eating.
One of the most consistent themes in reviews is that dogs love Dr. Harvey’s. The freeze-dried Oracle meals, once rehydrated, look and smell like actual stew—chunks of meat, visible vegetables, and a savory aroma that even picky eaters find hard to resist. Owners frequently mention that their dogs lick the bowl clean and show excitement at mealtime in a way they didn’t with previous foods.
The base mixes, when prepared with fresh meat and oil, also get high marks for palatability. The combination of real protein and the natural flavors from vegetables and herbs seems to hit the right notes. Some dogs take a day or two to adjust during the transition, but once they’re used to it, acceptance is generally excellent.
That said, there are occasional reports of dogs refusing the food, especially if they’re used to heavily flavored kibbles with added palatants. A small percentage of reviews mention that their dog “won’t touch it” or “loved it at first then stopped eating it.” These cases are rare, but they do happen—likely due to individual taste preferences or texture sensitivities.
Dr. Harvey’s offers a few flavor varieties: Oracle comes in Chicken and Beef, and Garden Veggies is available in Chicken, Beef, and Salmon. The base mixes are neutral in flavor since you’re adding your own protein. There are no limited-edition or seasonal recipes, so variety is somewhat limited compared to brands that offer a dozen different formulas.
Let’s be blunt: Dr. Harvey’s is not cheap. A 6-pound bag of Oracle Chicken or Beef runs around $109–$115, which works out to roughly $18 per pound. For a 30-pound dog, you’re looking at about $5–$7 per day, or $150–$210 per month. A 60-pound dog could easily cost $250–$300+ per month on a full Oracle diet. The base mixes are slightly more economical—around $11–$12 per pound—but you still need to buy and prepare the protein separately, which adds cost and effort.
Compare that to mainstream premium kibbles like Blue Buffalo or Wellness Core, which run $3–$5 per pound, or even other high-end freeze-dried brands like Stella & Chewy’s or The Honest Kitchen, which are in the $9–$14 per pound range. Dr. Harvey’s is at the upper end of the premium spectrum.
So is it worth it? If you value ingredient transparency, customization, and whole-food nutrition, then yes—you’re paying for quality sourcing, no fillers, and the ability to control exactly what your dog eats. Many owners report visible health improvements—shinier coats, better digestion, more energy, fewer allergy symptoms—that they feel justify the cost. For dogs with chronic health issues or severe food sensitivities, the investment can actually save money on vet bills and medications over time.
But if your dog is healthy, does fine on a mid-range kibble, and you’re not dealing with allergies or digestive problems, the premium might be hard to justify. There are solid, affordable options that meet AAFCO standards and use decent ingredients without the high price tag. Dr. Harvey’s is a luxury choice, and it’s worth evaluating whether the benefits align with your dog’s specific needs and your budget.
One way to make it more affordable is to use Dr. Harvey’s as a partial feeding strategy—mix it with a high-quality kibble or rotate it in a few times a week. You’ll still get some of the benefits without the full cost. The brand also offers subscription discounts (10–15% off) if you commit to auto-ship, which can help soften the blow.
Dr. Harvey’s manufactures all its products in-house at a 30,000-square-foot facility in Eatontown, New Jersey. The company moved to this larger space in 2018 to scale up production while maintaining strict quality control. Ingredients are manually weighed and blended in advanced rotary batch mixers, and the facility undergoes frequent deep cleaning to prevent cross-contamination—especially important when handling meat-based freeze-dried products.
The company follows FDA and state guidelines for animal food production, as well as NASC (National Animal Supplement Council) standards for supplements. However, there’s no public disclosure of ISO, HACCP, or other formal certifications, and no third-party audit results are published. This doesn’t necessarily mean quality is lacking—small, family-run operations often have tight controls—but it does mean you’re taking the company’s word for it rather than relying on external validation.
Ingredient sourcing is primarily U.S.-based, with a focus on organic and human-grade materials. The freeze-dried meats are USDA-certified, and the vegetables and grains are sourced from reputable suppliers. That said, there’s no batch-level traceability published, so if you want to know the exact farm or facility your carrots came from, that information isn’t readily available.
Dr. Harvey’s has a spotless recall record—no FDA warnings, no Salmonella or Listeria incidents, no foreign object contaminations. For a brand that’s been around since 1984, that’s impressive and speaks to consistent quality control and ingredient safety.
Dr. Harvey’s emphasizes organic, locally sourced ingredients where feasible, and the company’s philosophy aligns with environmental responsibility and humane animal treatment. There’s no animal testing involved in product development, and the brand avoids chemical additives and unnecessary interventions.
However, the company doesn’t publish detailed sustainability reports, carbon footprint analyses, or third-party environmental audits. Packaging is primarily recyclable plastic and foil, but there’s no information on whether it’s made from post-consumer recycled materials or whether the company has specific waste reduction goals. For a brand that markets itself as holistic and natural, more transparency on sustainability would be a welcome addition.
The focus on U.S. sourcing does reduce transportation emissions compared to brands that import ingredients from overseas, and the emphasis on whole foods means less industrial processing and fewer synthetic inputs. But if sustainability certifications or detailed environmental impact data are important to you, Dr. Harvey’s doesn’t currently offer that level of disclosure.
I work at a dog shelter, so I see a wide range of dogs with different backgrounds, temperaments, and dietary needs. For this review, I tested Dr. Harvey’s Oracle Chicken with a dog named Benny, a seven-year-old mixed breed (looks like a Lab-Shepherd cross) who came to us about three months ago after his owner passed away. Benny’s a solid, friendly dog—about 55 pounds, calm demeanor, no major health issues, but he’s been a bit picky about food since arriving. He’d eat his kibble, but without much enthusiasm, and his coat was a little dull, likely from stress and the transition.
I started Benny on Dr. Harvey’s Oracle Chicken by mixing it with his regular kibble over the course of a week, gradually increasing the proportion. The first thing I noticed was his immediate interest when I opened the bag—he came over to sniff and actually sat politely waiting, which wasn’t typical for him. Once I rehydrated the food and mixed it in, he ate it without hesitation. No circling the bowl, no sniffing and walking away—just steady, focused eating.
Over the next two weeks, Benny’s coat started to look noticeably shinier and softer. His stools were consistently firm and smaller than before, which made cleanup easier and suggested better digestibility. He also seemed a bit more alert and willing to engage during playtime—nothing dramatic, but a subtle shift in energy that several volunteers commented on.
By the end of the month, Benny was fully transitioned to Dr. Harvey’s, and he’d gained about a pound—bringing him to a healthier weight for his frame. His eyes looked brighter, and he was more interactive with people and other dogs. I can’t say for certain that all of this was due to the food—shelter dogs often improve as they settle in—but the timing and the visible changes in coat and stool quality strongly suggest the diet played a role.
From a practical standpoint, preparing the food was straightforward. I measured out the recommended portion, added warm water, let it sit for five minutes, and it was ready. It took a bit more time than scooping kibble, but not enough to be a burden. The smell was pleasant—like real chicken stew—and Benny consistently licked his bowl clean.
One thing I did notice: on a couple of occasions when I added too much water, the food was a bit soupy and he ate it more slowly. Finding the right water-to-food ratio took a few tries, but once I got it down, it was smooth sailing. Benny didn’t experience any digestive upset during the transition, which is always a relief.
Dr. Harvey’s enjoys a strong reputation among real dog owners, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars across major platforms like Chewy, Amazon, and DogFoodAdvisor. Over 80% of reviews are positive, with owners frequently praising the brand for visible health improvements, ingredient transparency, and high palatability.
Common positive themes include shinier coats, firmer stools, increased energy, and resolution of allergy symptoms. Many owners specifically mention success with picky eaters—dogs who refused other foods but eagerly ate Dr. Harvey’s. One owner wrote, “This food has been nothing short of a miracle for my dog and all my friends’ dogs I recommended it to.” Another shared, “After months of vet visits for itching and upset stomach, we switched to Dr. Harvey’s and within a week the symptoms vanished.”
On the flip side, the main complaints center on cost and preparation time. Some owners find the price prohibitive, especially for larger dogs, and a few mention that their dog refused the food or had loose stools during the transition. There are also occasional reports of formula changes affecting palatability, particularly with the Garden Veggies line in late 2024, though these complaints are relatively rare and often resolved after the company made adjustments.
A small number of reviews mention quality control issues—bags arriving with a strange smell or visible mold—but these are isolated incidents, and the company’s customer service is consistently praised for quickly offering replacements or refunds.
Overall, the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with most users feeling that the health benefits and ingredient quality justify the higher price. The brand has a loyal following among holistic-minded owners, and repeat purchase rates appear to be high based on subscription data and long-term user reviews.
Dr. Harvey’s occupies a unique space in the dog food market, but it’s helpful to see how it stacks up against similar brands. Not sure whether to choose Dr. Harvey’s or something more mainstream? Read our detailed Optim Plus dog food review for a closer look at a mid-range alternative.
The Honest Kitchen is probably the closest competitor, offering dehydrated whole-food meals with a similar philosophy. The Honest Kitchen has a broader product line, more retail presence, and slightly lower prices ($10–$14 per pound). Both brands have excellent ingredient transparency and no recall history. The main difference is that Dr. Harvey’s offers more customization through its base mixes, while The Honest Kitchen is more convenient with its complete meals.
Stella & Chewy’s is another premium freeze-dried brand, known for raw-focused recipes with higher protein (32–38%) and fat (18–26%). Stella & Chewy’s is slightly less expensive than Dr. Harvey’s Oracle line and offers more flavor variety, but it’s less focused on whole grains and vegetables. If you’re committed to a raw or high-protein diet, Stella & Chewy’s might edge ahead; if you prefer balanced whole-food nutrition, Dr. Harvey’s is the better choice.
Spot & Tango and The Farmer’s Dog are fresh, human-grade subscription services that deliver gently cooked meals. They’re more convenient than Dr. Harvey’s (no prep needed) and offer personalized meal plans, but they’re also more expensive on a per-pound basis and require significant freezer space. Dr. Harvey’s freeze-dried format is more shelf-stable and travel-friendly, which some owners prefer. If you want to explore fresh dog food options, check out our Farmer’s Dog review for a detailed comparison.
Optim Plus, on the other hand, is a mid-range kibble brand positioned around affordability and solid nutrition. It’s nowhere near Dr. Harvey’s in terms of ingredient quality or customization, but it’s far more budget-friendly ($2–$3.50 per pound) and easier to use. If you don’t have specific health concerns and want a decent kibble without breaking the bank, Optim Plus is a practical choice. But if your dog has allergies, sensitivities, or you simply want the cleanest possible diet, Dr. Harvey’s is in a different league.
Blue Buffalo and Wellness Core are mainstream premium kibbles that offer grain-free options and decent ingredient lists, but they rely on meat meals, synthetic vitamins, and some fillers. They’re more affordable and widely available, but they can’t match Dr. Harvey’s on transparency or whole-food nutrition. For most healthy dogs, Blue Buffalo is perfectly fine; for dogs with special needs, Dr. Harvey’s is worth the upgrade.
Dr. Harvey’s is formulated for all life stages, meaning it’s technically suitable for puppies, adults, and seniors. However, the brand’s real strength lies in its flexibility and customization, which makes it especially valuable for specific types of dogs.
It’s ideal for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities. If your dog reacts to chicken, beef, or common grains, the base mixes let you choose an alternative protein source—turkey, duck, venison, rabbit, or even novel proteins like kangaroo. The clean ingredient lists also minimize the risk of triggering sensitivities to fillers, artificial additives, or rendered by-products.
For picky eaters, the freeze-dried complete meals and freshly prepared base mixes often succeed where other foods fail. The real-food appearance, aroma, and taste appeal to dogs who turn their noses up at kibble or canned food.
Dr. Harvey’s is also a strong choice for senior dogs. The digestibility of whole foods, the absence of hard-to-chew kibble, and the functional ingredients (like glucosamine from eggshells) support aging joints, energy levels, and overall vitality. Many owners report that their senior dogs regain a “spark” after switching to Dr. Harvey’s.
For active, working, or athletic dogs, the Oracle line’s high caloric density and balanced macronutrients provide sustained energy without fillers or empty calories. The protein and fat levels support muscle maintenance and recovery.
It’s less ideal for very large or giant breed dogs due to cost and the Oracle line’s supervision recommendation for dogs over 90 pounds. It’s also not the best fit for owners who prioritize convenience over ingredient control—if you want a quick, no-fuss feeding routine, a traditional kibble or fresh delivery service will be easier.
Here’s my honest take: Dr. Harvey’s is an excellent dog food, but it’s not for everyone.
If you’re dealing with a dog who has chronic allergies, digestive issues, or food sensitivities, Dr. Harvey’s offers a level of ingredient transparency and customization that’s hard to find elsewhere. The ability to control the protein source, combined with clean, whole-food ingredients and zero artificial additives, makes it a powerful tool for managing health problems that don’t respond well to conventional kibble. I’ve seen real, visible improvements in dogs like Benny—shinier coats, firmer stools, better energy—and countless owner reviews back that up.
The quality is undeniable. No recalls, no questionable ingredients, no shortcuts. The freeze-dried Oracle meals look and smell like actual food, and the base mixes give you the flexibility to create a truly personalized diet. For health-conscious owners who want to know exactly what’s going into their dog’s bowl, Dr. Harvey’s delivers.
But—and this is important—it’s expensive and requires effort. At $15–$18 per pound for complete meals, feeding a medium or large dog exclusively on Dr. Harvey’s can easily run $200–$300+ per month. The base mixes are cheaper but demand time and planning: you need to source, cook, and mix in your own protein. If you’re short on budget or time, or if your dog is perfectly healthy on a mid-range kibble, the premium might be hard to justify.
Would I buy this for my own dog? If I had a dog with serious food allergies, recurring digestive problems, or a chronic health condition like kidney disease, absolutely—I’d consider it worth every penny. If I had a picky eater who refused everything else, I’d give it a shot. If I simply wanted the cleanest, most transparent diet available and had the budget to support it, yes, I’d use Dr. Harvey’s.
But if I had a healthy dog who was thriving on a solid mid-range food like Wellness Core or even Optim Plus, I’d probably stick with what’s working. Dr. Harvey’s is a premium choice for specific needs, not a necessity for every dog.
Would I recommend it to a friend? It depends on their situation. If they’re frustrated with their dog’s health issues and nothing else is working, I’d say, “Try Dr. Harvey’s—it’s expensive, but it might be the answer you’re looking for.” If they’re just shopping around for a good kibble, I’d point them toward something more affordable and convenient first.
In the end, Dr. Harvey’s is a high-quality, thoughtfully made dog food that excels at solving specific problems. It’s not a magic bullet, and it’s not the best value for every dog, but for the right dog and the right owner, it can make a real, meaningful difference. That’s a recommendation I can stand behind.
Feeding amounts depend on your dog’s weight, age, and activity level. For Oracle freeze-dried meals, the general guideline is about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of dry product per 10 pounds of body weight daily. For base mixes like Canine Health, you’ll use about 1/4 cup of mix plus 2-4 ounces of protein per 10 pounds. Always start with the manufacturer’s recommendations on the package and adjust based on your dog’s body condition and energy needs.
The Oracle line and Garden Veggies Complete Meals are nutritionally complete—you just add water and serve. However, the base mixes like Canine Health require you to add protein (cooked chicken, beef, fish, etc.) and oil (salmon, coconut, or flaxseed oil) to create a balanced meal. The package instructions will tell you exactly what and how much to add.
Because Dr. Harvey’s contains no artificial preservatives, it has a shorter shelf life than conventional kibble. Once opened, use within 6-8 weeks for best quality and store in a cool, dry place in the original bag or an airtight container. The freeze-dried products are more shelf-stable than the base mixes, but both should be consumed relatively quickly after opening.
Yes, Dr. Harvey’s is formulated for all life stages, meaning it meets AAFCO requirements for puppies, adults, and seniors. However, puppies may need larger portions to support growth, and senior dogs often benefit from the easier digestibility of the rehydrated meals. Always consult your vet before switching a puppy or senior dog to a new diet, especially if they have specific health concerns.
Absolutely. Many owners use Dr. Harvey’s as a topper or partial feeding strategy to make the cost more manageable while still providing quality nutrition. You can mix it with kibble, rotate it in a few times per week, or use it as a special treat. Just make sure to adjust portions so you’re not overfeeding overall calories.
The high price reflects several factors: human-grade, whole-food ingredients, small-batch production, no fillers or by-products, USDA-certified meats, and the specialized freeze-drying process. You’re paying for ingredient quality, transparency, and customization options that mass-market brands can’t match. However, it’s definitely a premium product with a premium price tag.
Like any diet change, transition gradually over 7-10 days. Start by mixing 75% of your dog’s current food with 25% Dr. Harvey’s, then gradually increase the Dr. Harvey’s proportion while decreasing the old food. This helps prevent digestive upset and allows your dog to adjust to the new taste and texture.
While most dogs love the taste, some can be picky, especially if they’re used to heavily flavored kibble. Try adjusting the water ratio for texture, mixing it with a small amount of their favorite treat, or trying a different protein if you’re using base mixes. Dr. Harvey’s also has responsive customer service and may work with you on returns or exchanges if your dog simply won’t eat it.
Yes, Dr. Harvey’s is actually excellent for dogs with food allergies. The base mixes let you choose your own protein source, avoiding common allergens like chicken or beef. The clean ingredient lists contain no artificial additives, fillers, or by-products that often trigger sensitivities. Many owners report significant improvement in allergy symptoms after switching to Dr. Harvey’s.
For Oracle meals, start with about 1 cup of warm water per 1/2 cup of dry food. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to fully rehydrate, then stir. You can adjust the water amount to achieve your dog’s preferred consistency—less water for a firmer texture, more for a stew-like consistency. Some dogs prefer it slightly soupy, others like it thicker.
Once you’ve added water to freeze-dried meals or prepared base mixes with meat and oil, treat it like fresh food. Use within 2-3 days if refrigerated, or serve immediately and discard any leftovers after a few hours at room temperature. The lack of preservatives means it won’t keep as long as kibble or canned food once moisture is added.
Dr. Harvey’s can work for weight management, but you’ll need to carefully measure portions and adjust for your dog’s caloric needs. The Oracle line is quite calorie-dense, so it may not be ideal for overweight dogs unless portions are reduced. The base mixes give you more control—you can use leaner proteins and adjust fat content by choosing your oil type and amount.
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