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Shelter manager, certified canine nutritionist, and lifelong dog lover
• Under The Weather is designed exclusively for short-term digestive support, not daily feeding—it’s emergency nutrition that lacks complete AAFCO nutritional standards for long-term use.
• The convenience factor justifies the premium $30-per-pound price for pet owners who need immediate bland diet solutions without cooking chicken and rice from scratch.
• Dogs consistently eat this food even when refusing everything else, with the freeze-dried format rehydrating easily into a palatable meal that sick dogs actually want.
• Human-grade ingredients from US sources with clean safety record distinguish it from mass-market options, though transparency gaps exist regarding third-party testing and certifications.
• It occupies a unique niche between prescription diets and home cooking, offering more convenience than Dr. Harvey’s but less nutritional completeness than The Honest Kitchen’s daily formulas.
Under The Weather was born out of necessity. In 2015, Kyla Sternlieb, an artist and entrepreneur from Vermont, found herself constantly dealing with her dog Ruffy’s recurring digestive problems. Frustrated by the lack of convenient, trustworthy options for bland diets, she decided to create her own. What started as hand-mixed batches in her kitchen quickly grew into a small but focused brand with a clear mission: provide simple, human-grade, limited-ingredient foods for dogs with sensitive stomachs or temporary digestive upset.
The company remains privately held and woman-owned, partnering with Green Mountain Animal, LLC in South Burlington, Vermont for manufacturing. This isn’t a corporate giant—it’s a boutique operation with a tight focus on quality and transparency. The brand’s core values center on ingredient integrity, minimal processing, and supporting animal welfare through initiatives like the Ruffy Rescue Fund, which has helped rehome over 2,000 dogs from overcrowded shelters.
In terms of market positioning, Under The Weather sits firmly in the premium specialty segment. It’s not competing with Blue Buffalo or Purina for your dog’s daily bowl. Instead, it’s positioned alongside brands like Dr. Harvey’s and The Honest Kitchen as a functional, health-focused option for specific needs. The brand has built a strong reputation for reliability, with no recalls on record and consistent positive feedback from both veterinarians and pet owners who use it as directed—short-term, supplemental feeding during illness or digestive distress.
Under The Weather keeps things refreshingly simple. The primary protein sources are human-grade chicken, beef, and turkey, all sourced from USDA-certified facilities in the United States. The chicken is cage-free, and the beef and bison options are grass-fed. What I find impressive about this approach is the transparency—there are no vague terms like “poultry meal” or “meat by-products.” You get whole meat, minimally processed, which is exactly what you want when dealing with a sensitive stomach.
The protein content varies by recipe, but the Chicken & Rice blend—the brand’s flagship product—contains about 14.4% protein on a dry matter basis. That’s notably lower than what you’d expect from a complete daily diet, but it makes sense given the bland diet concept. The goal here isn’t to pack in maximum protein; it’s to provide easily digestible nutrition that won’t further irritate an already upset digestive system.
The carbohydrate base across all Under The Weather formulas is white rice, sometimes paired with sweet potato or oatmeal depending on the recipe. White rice is a classic choice for bland diets—it’s gentle, easily digestible, and unlikely to trigger sensitivities. Some recipes, like the Turkey, Oatmeal, Sweet Potato & Slippery Elm blend, swap in oatmeal for added soluble fiber, which can be helpful for dogs dealing with pancreatitis or inflammatory bowel issues.
There are no grain-free options in this lineup, which is actually a plus in my opinion. The grain-free trend has been linked to potential heart health concerns in some dogs, and for a bland diet specifically, grains like rice provide the gentle, starchy energy source that helps settle the stomach without overcomplicating digestion.
Beyond the basics, Under The Weather includes a few thoughtful additions. Pumpkin powder appears in several recipes, offering natural fiber to support healthy digestion and stool formation. You’ll also find electrolytes like potassium chloride and sodium chloride, which help with hydration—especially important when a dog has been vomiting or experiencing diarrhea. Some formulas include bone broth, which adds flavor, moisture, and a small boost of collagen and minerals.
One standout ingredient in the pancreatitis-focused formula is slippery elm, an herb traditionally used to soothe the digestive tract. While the clinical evidence for slippery elm in dogs is limited, it’s a low-risk addition that many holistic veterinarians recommend. What you won’t find here: artificial flavors, dyes, meat by-products, gluten, or chemical preservatives. The ingredient list is short, readable, and reassuringly free of fillers.
| Price per pound | ~$30 |
| Primary protein | Human-grade chicken, beef, turkey |
| By-products | None |
| AAFCO compliance | No (supplemental use only) |
| Formula options | Limited (Chicken & Rice, Turkey varieties, specialty formulas) |
| Availability | Online retailers (Chewy, PetSmart, Walmart) |
Let’s be clear from the start: Under The Weather is not formulated to meet AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition. This is by design. These formulas are intended for short-term, supplemental feeding—typically a few days to a week while a dog recovers from digestive upset or illness. If you tried to use this as your dog’s sole diet long-term, you’d be setting them up for nutritional deficiencies.
Looking at the Chicken & Rice formula as an example, you’re getting approximately 14.4% protein and 2.2% fat on a dry matter basis. Compare that to AAFCO’s minimum recommendations for adult maintenance—18% protein and 5.5% fat—and you can see the gap. The low fat content is intentional; high-fat foods can exacerbate pancreatitis and digestive upset, so keeping it lean makes sense in this context.
The caloric density is relatively low as well, which means you’d need to feed quite a bit to meet a dog’s daily energy needs. For a 30-pound dog, you’d be looking at around a pound of food per day, which at roughly $30 per pound translates to a daily feeding cost that’s simply not sustainable for most households. But again, that’s not the point. This is emergency nutrition, not everyday fuel.
The recipes do include a modest vitamin and mineral premix to round out the nutrition, but the levels are calibrated for short-term use. Micronutrient breakdowns aren’t fully published, which is one transparency gap I’d like to see addressed. That said, for the intended use case—a few days of bland feeding while your dog’s stomach settles—the nutritional profile is appropriate.
Under The Weather shines in a few specific scenarios. If your dog has an acute bout of diarrhea or vomiting, this is a convenient, ready-to-go alternative to cooking chicken and rice at home. For dogs recovering from surgery or illness who’ve lost their appetite, the palatability and easy digestibility can help get them eating again. It’s also useful for dogs with temporary digestive sensitivity—maybe they got into the trash, ate something they shouldn’t have, or are stressed from travel.
This food works for dogs of all life stages and sizes, from puppies to seniors, because it’s not about meeting complete nutritional needs—it’s about providing gentle, short-term support. Puppies with upset tummies, adult dogs recovering from gastroenteritis, or senior dogs with age-related digestive slowdowns can all benefit from a few days on a bland diet like this.
This is not a food for long-term feeding. If your dog has chronic digestive issues, food allergies, or ongoing medical conditions, you need a complete and balanced diet formulated for those specific needs—think Hill’s Prescription Diet or a veterinary-supervised home-cooked plan. Under The Weather won’t provide the sustained nutrition required for those situations.
It’s also not ideal for dogs on grain-free diets due to allergies, since rice is a core ingredient across the board. And if you’re dealing with a dog who has pancreatitis, the Turkey, Oatmeal, Sweet Potato & Slippery Elm formula might be appropriate, but you should be working closely with your vet rather than self-managing with a non-prescription food.
Finally, if cost is a major concern, this isn’t your best bet. At $30+ per pound, even short-term feeding adds up quickly, and home-cooked chicken and rice will be significantly cheaper if you have the time.
One of the most consistent themes in customer reviews is that dogs actually eat this food willingly, even when they’re feeling miserable. That’s no small feat. When a dog is nauseous or recovering from illness, getting them to eat anything can be a battle. The freeze-dried format rehydrates easily with warm water, creating a soft, aromatic meal that many dogs find more appealing than dry kibble or even home-cooked bland diets.
The Chicken & Rice and Chicken & Pumpkin flavors seem to be the most popular, based on reviews and sales data. The addition of bone broth in some formulas appears to boost palatability even further. I’ve read multiple accounts from owners saying their picky eaters—dogs who typically turn their noses up at everything—dove into Under The Weather without hesitation.
That said, there are occasional reports of dogs refusing it, especially if they’re extremely unwell or have very specific taste preferences. But those cases are the minority. The acceptance rate is high, which is exactly what you need in a bland diet. If your dog won’t eat it, it doesn’t matter how well-formulated it is.
This is where things get tricky. Under The Weather is expensive—there’s no way around it. A single 6-ounce bag costs around $12, and a 3-pack runs about $34. That works out to roughly $30 per pound, which is steep even by premium dog food standards. For context, you could buy human-grade chicken breast and white rice at the grocery store and cook a bland diet yourself for a fraction of the cost.
So why would anyone pay this much? Convenience. If you’re dealing with a sick dog at 10 p.m. and don’t have the time or energy to cook, having a shelf-stable, freeze-dried option that rehydrates in minutes is genuinely valuable. It’s also portioned and formulated consistently, so you don’t have to guess at ratios or worry about whether you’re doing it right.
Compared to prescription bland diets like Hill’s i/d, Under The Weather is actually more expensive per ounce, but Hill’s is a complete and balanced food you can feed long-term. Under The Weather is only for short-term use, so you’re paying a premium for a product you’ll hopefully only need for a few days at a time. In that context, the price feels more justifiable—it’s emergency convenience, not everyday value.
Looking at competitors, Dr. Harvey’s offers more flexibility and customization at a similar price point, but requires you to add your own protein and involves more prep work. If you’re looking for something you can literally just add water to and serve immediately, Under The Weather wins on ease of use. Still, I wouldn’t call this a budget-friendly option by any stretch. It’s a premium product for a specific need, and you’re paying for that specificity.
Under The Weather manufactures its products in partnership with Green Mountain Animal, LLC in South Burlington, Vermont. All ingredients are sourced from the United States, with meats processed in USDA human-grade certified facilities. The freeze-drying process happens in-house, which helps maintain quality control and extends shelf life without the need for artificial preservatives.
One of the brand’s selling points is its transparency around ingredient sourcing. The chicken is cage-free, the beef and bison are grass-fed, and there are no by-products or fillers. That said, the company doesn’t publish detailed information about third-party lab testing, HACCP certifications, or independent audits. For a brand positioning itself as premium and trustworthy, that’s a gap worth noting.
On the positive side, Under The Weather has a clean safety record. There are no recalls on file, no FDA warnings, and no major consumer complaints about contamination or quality issues. For a small, privately held company operating since 2015, that’s actually quite impressive. The freeze-dried format itself reduces some of the contamination risks associated with wet or raw foods, which likely contributes to the strong safety profile.
Under The Weather scores well on animal welfare. The company’s Ruffy Rescue Fund donates a portion of each sale to help rescue and rehome dogs from overcrowded shelters, with over 2,000 dogs placed to date. That’s a meaningful commitment, and it aligns with the brand’s origin story of being founded to help a dog in need.
On the environmental side, things are less clear. The company doesn’t publish sustainability reports, carbon footprint data, or detailed information about packaging recyclability. The freeze-dried process is generally more energy-efficient than canning, but without transparency on sourcing practices, waste reduction, or renewable energy use, it’s hard to give a strong grade here. The packaging appears to be standard plastic laminate pouches, which aren’t particularly eco-friendly.
The brand’s small scale and US-based production do reduce the environmental impact of long-distance shipping, which is a plus. And the focus on human-grade, minimally processed ingredients suggests a cleaner supply chain than mass-market brands. But if sustainability is a top priority for you, you’ll want to look for brands that publish detailed environmental commitments and certifications.
I work at a dog shelter, so I have regular access to dogs with a variety of needs and backgrounds. For this test, I used Under The Weather’s Chicken & Rice formula with a dog named Jasper, a six-year-old Beagle mix who came to us after being surrendered by his previous owner. Jasper had been dealing with intermittent digestive issues—nothing severe, but enough that he’d occasionally have loose stools or skip meals, especially when stressed. He’s not a picky eater by nature, but when his stomach is off, he can be hesitant to eat anything.
When I first offered Jasper the rehydrated Under The Weather, he sniffed it cautiously, then ate the entire portion within a couple of minutes. That was a good sign. Over the next three days, I fed him the Chicken & Rice exclusively, following the package guidelines. His stools firmed up noticeably by day two, and he seemed more comfortable overall—less restless pacing and more willingness to settle down after meals.
What stood out to me was how easy it was to prepare. At the shelter, we’re constantly juggling feeding schedules, so having something that just required warm water and a quick stir was genuinely helpful. Jasper didn’t show any dramatic transformation—he wasn’t suddenly bouncing off the walls or developing a glossy coat—but that wasn’t the goal. His digestion stabilized, he ate consistently, and he seemed content. After the three-day trial, I transitioned him back to his regular shelter diet without issue.
The main takeaway for me was that Under The Weather does what it’s designed to do. It’s not going to revolutionize your dog’s health, but if you need a reliable, palatable bland diet for a few days, it delivers. Jasper’s response was exactly what you’d hope for: steady improvement, no complications, and a return to normal.
Across platforms like Chewy, Walmart, and PetSmart, Under The Weather consistently earns ratings in the 4.2 to 4.5 out of 5 range. The most common positive feedback centers on palatability and effectiveness for digestive upset. Owners frequently mention that their dogs ate the food willingly even when refusing everything else, and that symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting resolved within a day or two.
One Chewy reviewer wrote, “Lucy would not eat her normal dog food while sick. However, she ate this and kept it down.” Another noted, “Casey has a sensitive stomach… He loved this food and he is a picky eater. He seemed to be back to normal after the second meal later in the day.” These types of testimonials are widespread, and they align with the brand’s intended use case.
On the negative side, the most frequent complaint is price. Multiple reviews mention that the food works well but is expensive, especially if you need to use it for more than a couple of days or for a larger dog. There are also occasional reports of dogs refusing the food or not seeing improvement, but those are in the minority—maybe 10-15% of reviews.
A few users mentioned shipping or packaging issues, such as receiving expired product or delays in delivery, but these seem to be isolated incidents rather than systemic problems. Overall, the user experience is positive when the product is used as directed—short-term, supplemental feeding for digestive support.
Under The Weather occupies a specific niche, so direct comparisons are tricky. It’s not competing with everyday kibble brands like Blue Buffalo or Purina. Instead, it’s closer to specialty brands like Dr. Harvey’s, The Honest Kitchen, and Stella & Chewy’s, though each of those has a broader product range and different positioning.
Compared to Dr. Harvey’s, Under The Weather is more convenient but less customizable. Dr. Harvey’s offers pre-mix blends where you add your own protein, giving you control over meat quality and sourcing. That flexibility is great if you’re feeding long-term or dealing with specific allergies, but it requires more prep work. Under The Weather is grab-and-go, which is a clear advantage for emergency situations. Price-wise, they’re comparable, with Dr. Harvey’s ranging from $16 to $30+ per pound depending on the formula. If you’re curious about how Dr. Harvey’s stacks up in more detail, check out our Dr. Harvey’s review.
The Honest Kitchen offers dehydrated, human-grade formulas that are complete and balanced, meaning you can feed them long-term. That’s a significant difference. If your dog needs ongoing dietary support, The Honest Kitchen is a better fit. But if you just need a few days of bland feeding, Under The Weather is simpler and often more palatable for dogs who are feeling unwell.
Stella & Chewy’s is another premium option, focusing on freeze-dried raw formulas. The protein and fat content are much higher, making it suitable for daily feeding, but that also makes it less appropriate for dogs with sensitive or upset stomachs. Under The Weather’s low-fat, low-protein profile is specifically designed to be gentle, which is why it works so well in its niche.
For owners considering fresh dog food subscriptions like The Farmer’s Dog, Ollie, or Nom Nom, Under The Weather isn’t a replacement. Those services provide complete, balanced daily nutrition with fresh ingredients and personalized plans. Under The Weather is for short-term, supplemental use only. If you’re looking for an everyday fresh food option, those brands are a better match.
Under The Weather is suitable for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes who are experiencing temporary digestive upset, illness, or loss of appetite. This includes puppies with sensitive stomachs, adult dogs recovering from gastroenteritis or surgery, and senior dogs dealing with age-related digestive slowdowns. Because it’s a bland, easily digestible formula, it works across life stages.
It’s particularly useful for dogs who are picky eaters when unwell, as the palatability is high even for dogs who typically refuse food. It’s also a good option for pet owners who travel frequently or want to keep an emergency bland diet on hand without the hassle of cooking.
However, it’s not appropriate for long-term feeding. If your dog has chronic digestive issues, food allergies, pancreatitis, or other ongoing medical conditions, you need a complete and balanced diet formulated for those needs. Under The Weather is a short-term solution—typically a few days to a week at most.
Here’s my honest take: Under The Weather is very good at what it does, but what it does is extremely specific. If you’re looking for a convenient, reliable, palatable bland diet to keep on hand for emergencies or to use when your dog’s stomach is upset, this is one of the best options on the market. The ingredient quality is solid, the palatability is high, and the safety record is clean. For short-term use, I’d absolutely recommend it.
But—and this is important—it’s not a replacement for a complete diet, and it’s expensive for what you get. At $30 per pound, you’re paying a premium for convenience and shelf stability. If you have the time and inclination to cook chicken and rice at home, you’ll save a lot of money. If you don’t, or if you value the peace of mind that comes with a pre-formulated, vet-designed product, then the price is worth it.
Would I buy this for my own dog? Yes, but only to keep in my pantry for emergencies. I wouldn’t use it as an everyday food, and I wouldn’t rely on it for more than a few days at a time. For that specific use case, though, it’s excellent. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, gets car sick on road trips, or occasionally deals with digestive upset, having a bag or two of Under The Weather on hand is genuinely useful.
Would I recommend it to a friend? Absolutely, with the caveat that it’s for short-term use only. If they’re dealing with a dog who’s been vomiting or has diarrhea and they need something fast and easy, this is a solid choice. If they’re looking for a long-term diet solution, I’d point them toward complete and balanced options like The Honest Kitchen, Dr. Harvey’s with added protein, or a fresh food subscription.
In summary: Under The Weather is a high-quality, well-executed product for a very specific need. It’s not trying to be everything to everyone, and that focus is both its strength and its limitation. If you understand what it is—and what it isn’t—you’ll likely be very satisfied with it.
Under The Weather is designed for short-term use only—typically a few days to a week at most. It’s not formulated to meet AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition, so feeding it long-term could lead to nutritional deficiencies. If your dog needs ongoing dietary support for chronic issues, consult your veterinarian about a complete and balanced diet designed for long-term feeding.
Yes, Under The Weather can be used for dogs of all life stages and sizes when they’re experiencing temporary digestive upset. Because it’s a bland, easily digestible formula rather than a complete diet, it works for puppies, adults, and seniors alike. However, remember that it’s only for short-term supplemental feeding during illness or digestive distress.
Under The Weather is significantly more expensive at roughly $30 per pound. You could buy human-grade chicken breast and white rice at the grocery store and cook a bland diet yourself for a fraction of the cost. However, you’re paying for convenience, shelf stability, proper portioning, and the peace of mind that comes with a pre-formulated product. It’s essentially emergency nutrition you can prepare in minutes.
It depends on the specific allergies. Under The Weather uses limited, simple ingredients—typically just one protein source (chicken, beef, or turkey) plus rice and a few supplements. However, all formulas contain rice, so it’s not suitable for dogs with grain allergies. If your dog has protein allergies, check the ingredient list carefully to ensure the protein source is safe for your pet.
It’s incredibly simple. Just add warm water to the freeze-dried formula and stir. The food rehydrates quickly, creating a soft, aromatic meal. Follow the package guidelines for water ratios, and let it sit for a minute or two to fully absorb the water. That’s it—no cooking or lengthy prep time required.
Based on customer reviews and our own testing, most dogs eat this food willingly, even when they’re feeling unwell or are typically picky eaters. The high acceptance rate is one of Under The Weather’s strongest selling points. However, there are occasional reports of dogs refusing it, especially if they’re extremely ill or have very specific taste preferences, but these cases are in the minority.
No, the freeze-dried format is shelf-stable until you add water. You can store unopened packages in your pantry just like dry kibble. Once you rehydrate a portion, you should feed it immediately or refrigerate leftovers and use within a day or two. This shelf stability is one of the key advantages for emergency preparedness.
No, Under The Weather has a clean safety record with no recalls on file since the company was founded in 2015. There are also no FDA warnings or major consumer complaints about contamination or quality issues. The freeze-dried format reduces many of the contamination risks associated with wet or raw foods.
Prescription diets like Hill’s i/d are complete and balanced formulations that can be fed long-term, while Under The Weather is only for short-term use. Prescription diets are also typically less expensive per ounce. However, Under The Weather offers more convenience since you don’t need a vet prescription and can keep it on hand for emergencies. For ongoing digestive issues, prescription diets are usually the better choice.
While you technically can, it’s not the intended use. Under The Weather works best as a complete bland diet replacement for a few days while your dog’s stomach settles. Mixing it with regular kibble defeats the purpose of giving the digestive system a break from more complex ingredients. If you’re transitioning back to regular food, do it gradually over a day or two rather than mixing from the start.
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