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Shelter manager, certified canine nutritionist, and lifelong dog lover
• Mid-range premium positioning with 30% cost savings compared to Blue Buffalo while maintaining comparable ingredient quality and nutritional profiles for most dogs.
• Clean ingredient lists featuring named animal proteins as first ingredients, no artificial preservatives, and responsive formula adjustments addressing DCM concerns in grain-free recipes.
• Solid digestive and coat improvements reported by users, with shelter testing confirming firmer stools and shinier fur within two weeks of transitioning.
• Limited production transparency regarding facility locations and quality control protocols, though the brand maintains a generally clean recall history and AAFCO compliance.
• Practical choice for healthy adult dogs with moderate activity levels, offering grain-inclusive and grain-free options plus innovative cricket protein for sustainability-conscious owners.
When you pick up a bag of Redford Naturals, you’re holding a product that emerged from Pet Supplies Plus—a major U.S. pet retail chain founded back in 1988 in Redford, Michigan. The brand itself is a more recent addition to the company’s portfolio, designed to offer a premium, natural alternative to mainstream kibble without the premium price tag that often comes with it. Redford Naturals is produced by CJ Foods, a company known for its work in the super-premium dog food segment, though specific details about production facilities and founding dates for the brand remain somewhat vague.
The core philosophy here is straightforward: real meat as the first ingredient, no artificial preservatives or colors, and a range of recipes that cater to dogs with different needs—whether that’s grain-free, limited ingredient, or life-stage-specific nutrition. Redford positions itself as a brand for the thoughtful dog owner who reads labels and wants transparency, but who also appreciates not having to take out a second mortgage to feed their dog well. It’s a middle-ground play in a crowded market, aiming to deliver quality without the ultra-premium positioning of brands like Orijen or the mass-market ubiquity of Purina.
What stands out immediately is the brand’s commitment to responsibly sourced ingredients from the U.S. and select imports, alongside a no-nonsense approach to formulation. You won’t find lengthy ingredient lists full of hard-to-pronounce additives here. The brand has also responded to market trends—adding cricket protein recipes in 2025 for eco-conscious owners, adjusting pea levels in grain-free formulas in response to DCM concerns, and launching freeze-dried raw toppers to boost palatability. These moves show a brand that’s paying attention, even if it’s not always leading the charge.
That said, Redford’s parent company has had a bumpy ride. Pet Supplies Plus changed hands multiple times in recent years, with The Franchise Group filing for bankruptcy in 2024. While there’s no indication this has directly impacted Redford’s product quality, it does raise questions about long-term stability and investment in the brand. For now, the food is widely available through Pet Supplies Plus stores, Chewy, and Amazon, and the brand continues to expand its product lines.
Redford Naturals consistently lists real, named animal proteins as the first ingredient across its recipes. You’ll see chicken, lamb, salmon, beef, and even cricket protein leading the charge, rather than generic “meat meal” or by-products. This is a meaningful distinction—named proteins give you transparency about what your dog is actually eating and generally indicate better quality sourcing. For example, the Chicken & Brown Rice recipe starts with chicken, followed by chicken meal, which concentrates the protein content while keeping the ingredient list clean.
Protein percentages hover around 24–32% on a dry matter basis, depending on the recipe. The grain-free Red Meat & Potato formula, for instance, pushes toward the higher end, while the grain-inclusive Chicken & Brown Rice sits comfortably in the mid-20s. These numbers align well with AAFCO standards and are appropriate for most adult dogs. Active or working dogs might benefit from the higher-protein options, while less active or senior dogs can do just fine with the moderate formulas.
What impresses me here is the absence of anonymous protein sources. You won’t find vague terms like “animal fat” or “poultry by-product meal”—everything is clearly identified. This transparency matters, especially for dogs with sensitivities or owners who want to know exactly what they’re feeding.
On the grain-inclusive side, Redford uses brown rice, oatmeal, and barley—whole grains that provide steady energy and are generally well-tolerated by most dogs. These ingredients also contribute fiber, which supports healthy digestion and stool quality. The grain-free recipes swap in sweet potatoes, peas, and potatoes as carbohydrate sources. While these are popular alternatives, they’ve been under scrutiny due to potential links to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs, particularly when used in high quantities.
Redford has responded to this concern by quietly reducing pea levels in some grain-free formulas in 2024, which shows they’re paying attention to the research and willing to adjust. Still, if you’re nervous about grain-free diets, the brand offers plenty of grain-inclusive options that sidestep this controversy entirely. Fiber content across the board sits around 3–5%, which is appropriate for digestive health without being excessive.
Fat content ranges from 14–18% depending on the recipe, with salmon-based formulas naturally offering higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Chicken fat is a common ingredient, which is a high-quality, easily digestible fat source that also enhances palatability. The inclusion of flaxseed and fish oil in several recipes boosts the omega-3 profile, supporting skin and coat health, joint function, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
For dogs prone to dry skin or dull coats, the Salmon & Quinoa wet food or the freeze-dried salmon recipes are particularly rich in these beneficial fats. The balance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids appears reasonable, though specific ratios aren’t always disclosed on the packaging—something I’d like to see improved for full transparency.
Redford includes a range of functional additives that go beyond basic nutrition. You’ll find probiotics for gut health, glucosamine and chondroitin in senior formulas for joint support, and DHA in puppy recipes to support brain development. These are all evidence-based additions that serve a real purpose, not just marketing fluff.
The brand also fortifies its recipes with vitamins and minerals to meet AAFCO standards, including vitamin E, zinc, and selenium. What you won’t find are artificial preservatives like BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin—Redford relies on natural preservation methods like mixed tocopherols (vitamin E). This is a big plus for owners concerned about long-term health effects of synthetic additives.
While Redford’s ingredient lists are generally clean, there are a few points worth noting. Some recipes include chicken meal or lamb meal, which are concentrated protein sources but can vary in quality depending on the supplier. Meal isn’t inherently bad—it’s a way to pack more protein into kibble—but transparency about sourcing would be reassuring.
The grain-free formulas, despite pea reductions, still contain legumes and potatoes, which have been flagged in FDA investigations into DCM. While Redford has adjusted levels, the risk isn’t zero, and I’d recommend consulting your vet if you have a breed predisposed to heart issues. Finally, the use of natural flavors in some recipes is vague—it would be helpful to know exactly what these flavors are derived from.
| Price per pound | $3.00 – $3.67 |
| Primary protein | Chicken, Lamb, Salmon, Beef, Cricket |
| By-products | None |
| AAFCO compliance | Yes (formulated to meet) |
| Formula options | Grain-free, grain-inclusive, limited ingredient, life-stage specific |
| Availability | Pet Supplies Plus stores, Chewy, Amazon |
Let’s talk numbers. On a dry matter basis, Redford Naturals recipes typically deliver around 24–32% protein, 14–18% fat, and 30–35% carbohydrates for grain-inclusive formulas. The grain-free options push carbs slightly lower (thanks to fewer starchy grains) but not dramatically so—sweet potatoes and peas still contribute a fair amount of carbohydrate energy.
This macronutrient profile is well-suited for most adult dogs with moderate activity levels. It’s not an ultra-high-protein formula like you’d find in some performance or working dog foods, but it’s also not skimping. The fat content provides sufficient energy and supports nutrient absorption, while the carbohydrate levels keep the food affordable and energy-dense without relying too heavily on protein alone.
For highly active dogs or those with specific performance needs, you might consider supplementing with additional protein or fat, or choosing one of the higher-protein grain-free recipes. Conversely, less active or senior dogs will find the moderate protein and fat levels appropriate for maintaining a healthy weight without excess calories.
Beyond the big three macronutrients, Redford packs in a solid array of vitamins and minerals. You’ll see vitamin A for vision and immune function, vitamin E as an antioxidant, B vitamins for energy metabolism, and minerals like zinc and selenium for skin health and immune support. Calcium and phosphorus ratios appear balanced for bone health, which is especially important for growing puppies and large-breed dogs.
The addition of probiotics (like Lactobacillus species) in several recipes supports digestive health and can help dogs with sensitive stomachs or those transitioning from another food. Glucosamine and chondroitin in senior formulas are backed by research showing benefits for joint health and mobility, which is a thoughtful inclusion for aging dogs.
Caloric density typically ranges from 3,500 to 4,500 kcal/kg, depending on the recipe. The Salmon & Quinoa wet food sits on the higher end due to its fat content, while the standard grain-inclusive kibble is more moderate. This means you’ll feed slightly larger portions of the grain-inclusive recipes compared to the higher-calorie grain-free or wet options to meet your dog’s daily energy needs.
Feeding guidelines on the packaging are reasonably clear, though they’re always just a starting point. Your dog’s individual metabolism, activity level, and body condition will dictate the exact amount needed. I’d recommend monitoring your dog’s weight and adjusting portions accordingly rather than rigidly sticking to the chart. If your dog is gaining or losing weight unexpectedly, a small tweak in portion size usually does the trick.
Yes, Redford Naturals recipes are formulated to meet AAFCO nutritional profiles for their intended life stages—puppy, adult, or senior. This means the food has been designed to provide complete and balanced nutrition based on established guidelines. However, it’s worth noting that “formulated to meet” doesn’t always mean the food has undergone AAFCO feeding trials, which involve actually feeding the food to dogs over time to verify nutritional adequacy.
While formulation is a valid and widely used approach, feeding trials offer an extra layer of assurance. Redford mentions conducting ongoing feeding trials internally, but there’s no published data or peer-reviewed studies to back this up. For most dogs, meeting AAFCO standards through formulation is perfectly adequate, but if your dog has specific health concerns or you want maximum peace of mind, it’s something to be aware of.
Redford Naturals shines for dogs with sensitive stomachs or mild food sensitivities. The limited ingredient diets and clean ingredient lists make it easier to identify and avoid potential allergens. If your dog has been struggling with digestive issues on a food loaded with fillers and by-products, switching to Redford’s straightforward recipes can often lead to firmer stools, less gas, and better overall gut health.
It’s also a solid choice for adult dogs with moderate activity levels. The balanced macronutrient profile provides steady energy without excess calories, making it appropriate for dogs who aren’t running marathons but still need quality nutrition. Small-breed formulas with smaller kibble sizes and higher calorie density cater well to tiny dogs with faster metabolisms.
Senior dogs benefit from the glucosamine and chondroitin in the senior recipes, which support joint health and mobility. If your older dog is starting to slow down or show signs of stiffness, these functional ingredients can make a real difference over time. The moderate protein and fat levels also help maintain muscle mass without overloading aging kidneys or contributing to unwanted weight gain.
For eco-conscious owners, the cricket protein recipes offer a sustainable alternative to traditional meat sources. If your dog has developed sensitivities to chicken, beef, or lamb, cricket protein can be a novel option worth exploring—and it’s better for the planet to boot.
If you have a highly active or working dog—think herding breeds, sled dogs, or dogs competing in agility—Redford’s standard recipes may not provide enough protein and fat to support peak performance. These dogs often need 30%+ protein and 18%+ fat, which pushes beyond what most Redford formulas offer. You’d either need to supplement or look for a performance-specific brand.
Dogs with severe food allergies or diagnosed medical conditions should stick with veterinary-prescribed diets or true hypoallergenic formulas that use hydrolyzed proteins. While Redford’s limited ingredient diets are cleaner than many mainstream brands, they’re not on the same level as prescription foods designed for dogs with serious health issues.
If you’re nervous about grain-free diets and the potential DCM link, and your dog doesn’t have a specific need to avoid grains, you might prefer sticking with the grain-inclusive options or choosing a brand with more published research backing its grain-free formulas. Redford has adjusted pea levels, but the science is still evolving, and caution is reasonable.
Finally, if you’re on a very tight budget, Redford’s pricing—while competitive with premium brands—is still more expensive than true budget options like Pedigree or Purina Dog Chow. It’s a mid-range investment, and if every dollar counts, there are cheaper (if lower-quality) alternatives available.
One of the most practical questions: will your dog actually want to eat this food? Based on user reviews and my own observations, most dogs find Redford Naturals quite palatable. The use of real meat as the first ingredient and chicken fat for flavor enhancement tends to make the kibble more appealing than cheaper foods that rely on grain or plant-based proteins.
Flavor variety is decent, with options like Chicken & Brown Rice, Lamb & Brown Rice, Beef & Brown Rice, Salmon & Quinoa, and the newer cricket protein recipes. The freeze-dried raw toppers—like beef liver—add an extra layer of excitement and can be mixed into the kibble to entice picky eaters. If your dog is the type to turn their nose up at plain kibble, a sprinkle of these toppers can make a big difference.
That said, palatability can vary from dog to dog. Some owners report that their dogs inhaled the food from day one, while others mention a brief adjustment period or occasional reluctance. This is normal—dogs have individual taste preferences just like we do. If your dog is particularly finicky, starting with a small bag and mixing it gradually with their current food is the smart play.
Redford offers small-breed formulas with appropriately sized kibble, which is a thoughtful touch for tiny dogs who struggle with large chunks. The texture is fairly standard—crunchy and dry, as you’d expect from kibble—which helps with dental health by reducing plaque buildup as dogs chew. Some dogs prefer softer textures, and for those, the wet food or freeze-dried options provide more variety.
The grain-free kibble tends to be slightly lighter and more porous than grain-inclusive versions, which some dogs find easier to chew. If your dog has dental issues or missing teeth, the wet food or a mix of wet and dry can make mealtime more comfortable.
Any time you switch dog foods, a gradual transition is important to avoid digestive upset. Redford recommends mixing the new food with the old over 7–10 days, slowly increasing the proportion of Redford until it’s 100%. This gives your dog’s gut time to adjust to the new ingredient profile and helps minimize the risk of diarrhea or vomiting.
Most dogs transition smoothly, especially if they’re coming from a lower-quality food with lots of fillers. The cleaner ingredient list and higher digestibility often mean firmer stools and less gas once the transition is complete. A few dogs may experience temporary changes in stool consistency or appetite during the switch, but these usually resolve within a few days.
Redford Naturals is positioned as a mid-range premium brand, priced about 30% cheaper than competitors like Blue Buffalo or Taste of the Wild. A 15-pound bag of Chicken & Brown Rice typically runs $45–$55, which works out to around $3–$3.67 per pound. Compare that to Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection Formula at closer to $4–$5 per pound, and you’re looking at meaningful savings over time.
For a medium-sized dog eating about two cups a day, you’re spending roughly $60–$80 per month on Redford, versus $80–$100+ for more expensive premium brands. That difference adds up, especially if you have multiple dogs or a large breed. At the same time, Redford is noticeably more expensive than budget brands like Pedigree or Purina Dog Chow, which can run under $1 per pound but come with lower ingredient quality and more fillers.
Let’s break it down further. For a 50-pound adult dog with moderate activity, you’re typically feeding around 2.5–3 cups per day. At roughly $3.50 per pound and about 4 cups per pound of kibble, that’s around $2.60–$3.15 per day. Over a month, that’s $78–$95. For a smaller dog, say 20 pounds, you’re looking at more like $30–$40 per month.
The wet food and freeze-dried options are pricier on a per-feeding basis, but they’re often used as toppers or mixed feeding rather than exclusive diets, which makes them more affordable in practice. A can of Salmon & Quinoa wet food might cost $4–$5 and provide one to two meals for a medium dog, depending on how much you’re supplementing with kibble.
So, is Redford good value? I’d say yes, for what you’re getting. You’re paying for real meat, no artificial preservatives, and a cleaner ingredient list than most mainstream brands, all at a price point that doesn’t require a second mortgage. If you compare it to ultra-premium brands like Orijen or Acana, you’re sacrificing some of the exotic proteins and ultra-high protein percentages, but you’re also not paying $5–$6 per pound.
For owners who want to upgrade from a grocery-store brand without breaking the bank, Redford hits a sweet spot. You’re getting better ingredients and more transparency than Purina or Pedigree, but you’re not paying the premium that comes with boutique brands or ultra-high-end formulas. If your dog does well on it—better coat, good energy, solid stools—then the value proposition is strong.
That said, if your dog has zero issues on a cheaper food and you’re not seeing any health or quality-of-life improvements, it’s fair to question whether the extra cost is necessary. Dog food is always a balance between budget, ingredient quality, and your dog’s individual needs.
Redford Naturals is produced by CJ Foods, a company known for its work in the super-premium dog food segment. However, specific details about production facility locations are scarce. The brand mentions that ingredients are responsibly sourced from the U.S. and select imports, but there’s limited transparency about exactly where the food is manufactured or which facilities are used.
This lack of detail is a minor red flag for me. In an era where consumers increasingly want to know where their food comes from—whether it’s for themselves or their pets—more transparency would be reassuring. That said, there’s no evidence of quality issues or recalls directly tied to production problems, so it’s not a dealbreaker, just an area where Redford could improve.
Redford emphasizes high-quality ingredients and fresh production methods, but again, specifics about quality control protocols aren’t publicly available. There’s no mention of third-party testing, Clean Label Project scores, or detailed information about how ingredients are traced through the supply chain. This is fairly common for mid-tier brands, but it’s worth noting if you’re someone who values maximum transparency.
On the positive side, Redford has a clean recall history in recent years, with the exception of a 2024 recall that appears to have been handled responsibly. The brand’s use of natural preservatives and avoidance of artificial additives suggests a commitment to safety, even if the documentation isn’t as robust as some ultra-premium competitors.
Redford states that ingredients are sourced from the U.S. and imported responsibly, but there’s no detailed breakdown of where specific proteins, grains, or supplements come from. For a brand positioning itself as premium, I’d like to see more information about supplier relationships, traceability, and quality standards for raw materials.
The use of named proteins (chicken, lamb, salmon) rather than generic terms is a good sign, as it implies some level of sourcing oversight. However, without published supply chain data or third-party audits, it’s hard to verify these claims fully. If ingredient traceability is a top priority for you, brands like Orijen or The Farmer’s Dog offer more detailed sourcing information.
Redford’s introduction of cricket protein recipes in 2025 is a notable step toward sustainability. Cricket farming requires significantly less land, water, and feed than traditional livestock, and it produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions. For eco-conscious owners, this is a meaningful alternative that doesn’t sacrifice nutritional quality.
Beyond that, specific sustainability initiatives aren’t well-documented. There’s no public information about renewable energy use in production facilities, carbon offset programs, or efforts to reduce water usage. Packaging is standard for the industry—plastic bags for kibble, which aren’t particularly eco-friendly but are also the norm for dry dog food.
Redford doesn’t publicly disclose detailed animal welfare policies or certifications for its protein sources. There’s no mention of free-range, grass-fed, or humanely raised claims on packaging or marketing materials. For a brand emphasizing quality and natural ingredients, this is an area where more transparency would strengthen its positioning.
The absence of by-products and artificial additives suggests a baseline commitment to quality, but without specific welfare certifications or partnerships with humane farming organizations, it’s hard to assess the full ethical picture. If animal welfare is a priority for you, you may want to reach out to the company directly or consider brands with more robust welfare commitments.
There’s limited public information about Redford’s corporate social responsibility efforts. As a brand owned by Pet Supplies Plus, which has changed hands multiple times and recently went through bankruptcy proceedings, the focus has likely been on business stability rather than community programs or charitable initiatives.
That said, Pet Supplies Plus stores often participate in local adoption events and support animal shelters, which indirectly benefits Redford’s brand reputation. If CSR and community engagement are important to you, this is another area where Redford could improve its public communication and transparency.
I work at a local dog shelter, and we’re always testing new foods to see how they perform with a variety of dogs—different breeds, ages, and health backgrounds. For this review, I decided to try Redford Naturals Chicken & Brown Rice with a dog named Biscuit, a three-year-old mixed-breed terrier who came to us after being surrendered by his previous owner due to a housing situation. Biscuit is a scrappy little guy, weighing about 22 pounds, with a wiry coat and a ton of energy. He’s generally healthy, but he’s had some inconsistency with his stools on the shelter’s standard food—nothing severe, just softer than ideal and sometimes a bit gassy.
We transitioned Biscuit onto Redford gradually over about a week, mixing it with his previous food. The first thing I noticed was that he seemed genuinely interested in his meals right away. Biscuit isn’t the pickiest eater, but he’s also not the type to inhale his food without thinking. With Redford, he cleaned his bowl pretty quickly and didn’t leave any kibble behind, which was a good sign.
Within a few days, his stools firmed up noticeably. They were smaller, more consistent, and easier to clean up during yard time—something every shelter worker appreciates. The gas issue also seemed to improve, which made sharing a small kennel space with him a lot more pleasant. His energy level stayed steady, which was expected since he’s a young, active dog, but I did notice his coat looked a bit shinier after about two weeks. It wasn’t a dramatic transformation, but there was a subtle improvement in texture and shine that suggested the omega fatty acids were doing their job.
One thing I didn’t notice was any change in his behavior or activity level. Biscuit was already a high-energy dog, and Redford didn’t make him more or less active—it just seemed to support his baseline needs well. He didn’t have any digestive upset during the transition, which can sometimes happen even with gradual switches, so that was a plus.
Overall, Biscuit did well on Redford. It wasn’t a miracle food that solved problems he didn’t have, but it was a solid, reliable option that agreed with his system and kept him in good condition. For a shelter setting where we need affordable, quality food that works for a range of dogs, Redford held its own.
User reviews across platforms like Chewy, Amazon, and specialty forums are generally positive. Owners frequently mention improvements in coat quality—softer, shinier fur is a recurring theme. Digestive improvements are another big win, with many reporting firmer stools, less gas, and better overall gut health after switching from lower-quality brands.
Palatability scores high as well. Comments like “my dog finally eats without hesitation” or “she licks the bowl clean” are common. The freeze-dried raw toppers, in particular, get rave reviews for making mealtime more exciting for picky eaters. Several owners of dogs with mild food sensitivities mention that Redford’s limited ingredient diets helped reduce itching, ear infections, and other allergy symptoms.
The price-to-quality ratio is another frequent positive. Owners appreciate getting premium ingredients without paying Blue Buffalo or Orijen prices. For families with multiple dogs or large breeds, the cost savings add up quickly while still delivering noticeable health benefits.
On the flip side, some owners report that their dogs didn’t like the taste or refused to eat Redford after an initial trial. This seems to happen more often with dogs transitioning from very palatable (often lower-quality) foods that use heavy flavor enhancers. A gradual transition and mixing with toppers can help, but not every dog will take to it.
A handful of reviews mention formula changes that seemed to affect their dog negatively—loose stools, reduced appetite, or a return of previous issues. This is a common complaint across many brands when recipes are tweaked, and it underscores the importance of monitoring your dog closely when any food changes.
The 2024 recall, while handled responsibly, left some owners uneasy. Trust can be fragile, and even a single recall can make people reconsider their choice. A few reviewers also expressed concern about the pea and potato content in grain-free recipes, citing the FDA’s DCM warnings. While Redford has adjusted levels, the worry persists for some.
Finally, a small number of users wish for more exotic protein options like venison or duck, which are available in some competing brands. Redford’s protein variety is solid but not as extensive as some ultra-premium competitors.
Owners who’ve fed Redford for months or years tend to report sustained satisfaction. Dogs maintain healthy weights, coats stay shiny, and energy levels remain consistent. Long-term users appreciate the predictability and reliability—the food does what it’s supposed to do without drama.
Some mention that their dogs have stayed on Redford for years without needing to switch due to quality issues or declining health, which speaks to the food’s consistency. That said, a few long-term users note that they occasionally rotate in other brands or flavors to provide variety, which is a reasonable approach to preventing food boredom or potential nutrient gaps.
Blue Buffalo is a household name with broad distribution and a strong marketing presence. It offers a wide range of recipes, including breed-specific and veterinary lines. However, Blue Buffalo is typically 30–40% more expensive than Redford, and it has a more extensive recall history in recent years. Ingredient quality is comparable, with both brands using named proteins and avoiding artificial additives, but Redford offers better value for money if your dog doesn’t need the specific formulas Blue Buffalo provides.
Taste of the Wild is known for its grain-free recipes featuring exotic proteins like bison and venison. It’s priced similarly to Redford, maybe slightly higher, and has a strong following among owners seeking novel proteins. Redford’s grain-inclusive options give it an edge for owners concerned about DCM, and the recent addition of cricket protein offers a unique alternative. If your dog needs exotic proteins, Taste of the Wild wins; if you want flexibility between grain-free and grain-inclusive, Redford is the better bet.
Victor is positioned as a performance and high-protein specialist, with formulas designed for active and working dogs. It’s generally cheaper per pound than Redford ($1.45–$3.00 vs. $2.25–$4.25), and it has a strong reputation among breeders and field dog owners. However, Victor experienced a salmonella recall in 2023, which dinged its reputation slightly. Redford’s cleaner recent history and slightly higher ingredient transparency give it an edge for owners prioritizing safety and peace of mind. Not sure whether to choose Redford or Victor? Read our detailed Victor dog food review to see how the two brands stack up side by side.
Compared to fresh, human-grade brands like The Farmer’s Dog or Ollie, Redford is a completely different category. Fresh food offers superior ingredient quality, digestibility, and often more dramatic health improvements, but it’s also significantly more expensive—often $150–$300+ per month for a medium dog. Redford is a practical, budget-friendly alternative that delivers solid nutrition without the cost or logistical challenges of fresh food. If you’re curious about fresh options but not ready to commit, Redford is a sensible stepping stone.
So, is Redford Naturals good dog food? Yes, I think it’s a solid choice for most dogs, especially if you’re looking to upgrade from a mainstream brand without paying ultra-premium prices. The ingredient quality is respectable—real meat, no artificial junk, and a cleaner label than many competitors at this price point. The nutritional profiles meet AAFCO standards, and the range of formulas (grain-inclusive, grain-free, limited ingredient, life-stage-specific) gives you flexibility to find something that works for your dog.
What I appreciate most is the value proposition. You’re getting better ingredients than Purina or Pedigree, comparable quality to Blue Buffalo or Taste of the Wild, and paying 30% less. For families with multiple dogs or large breeds, that difference matters. The clean recall history (aside from the 2024 incident) and responsive customer service also earn points for reliability.
That said, Redford isn’t perfect. The lack of transparency around production facilities, supply chain details, and third-party testing is a gap I’d like to see filled. The grain-free formulas, while adjusted for pea levels, still carry the same potential DCM concerns as other grain-free brands, so vet consultation is wise if you’re considering those recipes. And while palatability is generally good, it’s not universal—some dogs just won’t take to it, and that’s okay.
Would I buy this for my own dog? If I had a healthy adult dog with no special dietary needs and I wanted a mid-range premium food that didn’t drain my wallet, yes, I’d give Redford a shot. I’d probably start with the grain-inclusive Chicken & Brown Rice or Lamb & Brown Rice to avoid the grain-free controversy, monitor my dog’s response over a few weeks, and adjust as needed. If I saw improvements in coat, digestion, and energy—or even just steady maintenance of good health—I’d stick with it.
Would I recommend it to a friend? Absolutely, with context. If they’re upgrading from a low-quality food and want something better without the premium price tag, Redford is a smart pick. If they have a dog with serious allergies or medical issues, I’d steer them toward veterinary-prescribed diets. If they have a high-performance dog, I’d suggest looking at higher-protein options or adding supplements. But for the average dog owner who reads labels, cares about ingredient quality, and wants good value, Redford Naturals checks the boxes.
In the crowded dog food market, Redford occupies a practical middle ground—not the cheapest, not the most expensive, not the flashiest, but reliably good at what it does. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
Yes, Redford Naturals is a solid mid-range premium dog food that offers good ingredient quality at a reasonable price point. It features real meat as the first ingredient, no artificial preservatives or colors, and meets AAFCO nutritional standards. While it’s not an ultra-premium brand like Orijen, it provides better ingredient transparency and quality than mainstream grocery store brands at about 30% less cost than competitors like Blue Buffalo.
Redford Naturals is produced by CJ Foods, a company known for working in the super-premium dog food segment. However, specific production facility locations aren’t clearly disclosed by the brand. The company states that ingredients are responsibly sourced from the U.S. and select imports, but more transparency about manufacturing locations would be beneficial for consumers who want full traceability.
Redford Naturals has a generally clean recall history in recent years, with the exception of a 2024 recall that appears to have been handled responsibly by the company. This is actually better than many competitors in the premium dog food space, some of which have experienced multiple recalls. The brand’s clean track record is one of its selling points for safety-conscious pet owners.
The grain-inclusive recipes use brown rice, oatmeal, and barley as carbohydrate sources, while grain-free formulas substitute sweet potatoes, peas, and regular potatoes. Redford has quietly reduced pea levels in their grain-free recipes due to concerns about potential links to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. If you’re concerned about the grain-free DCM issue, the grain-inclusive options are a safer choice that still provide quality nutrition.
Redford offers limited ingredient diets that can help dogs with mild food sensitivities, and the clean ingredient lists make it easier to identify potential allergens. However, for dogs with severe food allergies or diagnosed medical conditions, veterinary-prescribed hypoallergenic diets that use hydrolyzed proteins would be more appropriate. Redford is a good stepping stone for dogs with minor sensitivities but isn’t a medical-grade solution.
Redford typically costs around $3-$3.67 per pound, which is about 30-40% less expensive than competitors like Blue Buffalo ($4-$5 per pound) while offering comparable ingredient quality. For a medium-sized dog, you’re looking at roughly $60-$80 per month, compared to $80-$100+ for more expensive premium brands. It’s positioned as affordable premium nutrition rather than ultra-premium.
Redford uses named animal proteins as the first ingredient across their recipes, including chicken, lamb, salmon, beef, and even cricket protein in their newer sustainable formulas. You won’t find vague terms like “meat meal” or “animal by-products”—everything is clearly identified. The cricket protein recipes, introduced in 2025, offer a novel protein source for dogs with sensitivities to traditional meats and appeal to eco-conscious owners.
Yes, Redford offers life-stage-specific formulas. Their puppy recipes include DHA for brain development, while senior formulas contain glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support. The nutritional profiles are formulated to meet AAFCO standards for their intended life stages. However, highly active puppies or working dogs might benefit from higher protein options, and dogs with specific medical conditions should consult with a veterinarian.
Most dogs find Redford quite palatable due to the real meat first ingredient and chicken fat for flavor enhancement. The freeze-dried raw toppers are particularly popular for enticing picky eaters. However, palatability varies by individual dog—some transition easily while others may need a gradual introduction or mixing with toppers. Dogs coming from heavily flavored lower-quality foods might need more time to adjust to the cleaner ingredient profile.
Yes, you can mix Redford with other foods, and this is actually recommended during the 7-10 day transition period when switching from another brand. Some owners also rotate between different brands or use Redford as a base while adding wet food toppers or freeze-dried supplements. Just ensure any mixed feeding still provides balanced nutrition and monitor your dog for digestive changes during transitions.
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