As a dog owner, I feel like I’m in a constant search for “the one”—the perfect food that keeps my furry friend both happy and healthy. It’s a real challenge. You want something packed with quality ingredients, but you also need your dog to actually want to eat it. This is especially true if you have a high-energy breed that burns through calories or a picky eater who turns their nose up at everything. That’s what led me to take a closer look at Go! Solutions Carnivore Grain-Free Chicken, Turkey + Duck recipe. It promises a high-protein, meat-rich diet that’s designed to fuel our dogs’ inner carnivore. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dig in.
What Makes Go! Solutions Carnivore Stand Out?
This isn’t just another bag of brown kibble. Go! Solutions seems to have put a lot of thought into what active and protein-loving dogs need. The ingredient list is long, but it’s packed with things I can actually recognize.
✅ Seriously High in Animal Protein: The first six ingredients are all meat or fish meal (chicken meal, turkey meal, salmon meal, de-boned chicken, de-boned turkey, de-boned trout). The company states that 85% of the protein comes from these animal sources, which is fantastic for supporting strong, lean muscles.
✅ Grain-Free & Full of Goodness: This recipe is completely free of grains, making it a great option for dogs with sensitivities. Instead of fillers, it uses potatoes, peas, and a whole host of antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies like pumpkin, cranberries, and broccoli to support a healthy immune system.
✅ Digestive Health Support: They’ve included prebiotics (from chicory root) and probiotics to help maintain healthy gut bacteria. This is a huge plus for any dog, but especially for those who can sometimes have sensitive stomachs.
✅ No Nasties: You won’t find any by-product meals, artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors here. It’s a clean formula that focuses on whole, natural ingredients like cage-free poultry and de-boned trout and salmon.
How to Introduce It to Your Dog
If you decide to give this food a try, remember the golden rule of switching dog foods: go slow! A sudden change can easily upset your dog’s digestive system.
- Start Small: On day one, mix about 25% of the new Go! Solutions food with 75% of their old food.
- Gradually Increase: Over the next 7-10 days, slowly increase the amount of the new food while decreasing the old food.
- Observe: Pay attention to your dog’s stool and energy levels. A little bit of change is normal, but if you notice significant issues, slow the transition down even more.
- Adjust Portions: Use the feeding chart on the bag as a starting point, but remember to adjust the amount based on your dog’s specific age, breed, and daily activity. An energetic Border Collie will need more fuel than a laid-back Basset Hound.
What Are Pet Parents Saying?
With an aggregate rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, most customers are very happy with this food.
- Sarah (5/5 stars) mentioned that her notoriously picky German Shepherd “finally licks her bowl clean.” She was thrilled with the ingredient quality and noticed her dog’s coat was shinier after about a month.
- Mike (4/5 stars) wrote that his active Australian Shepherd loves the taste and has great energy levels on this food. His only complaint was that it’s “on the pricier side,” but he felt the quality justified the cost.
- Jenna (5/5 stars) switched to Go! Carnivore for her dog with a sensitive stomach and was relieved that it “didn’t cause any digestive upset.” She credits the probiotics and quality ingredients.
- David (4/5 stars) found the food a little too rich for his less-active bulldog at first, but after adjusting the portion size down, he said it worked out perfectly.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Extremely high in animal protein | ❌ Higher price point than many other brands |
| ✅ Grain-free with no by-product meals | ❌ Might be too rich for some dogs |
| ✅ Includes probiotics for gut health | ❌ Kibble size may not be ideal for all dogs |
| ✅ Great for picky eaters and active dogs |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is this food suitable for dogs with grain allergies? A: Absolutely. This recipe is 100% grain-free, using ingredients like potatoes, peas, and lentils as carbohydrate sources instead. It’s specifically designed for dogs who may have sensitivities to grains.
Q: Is the high protein content safe for a less active or senior dog? A: While high protein is excellent for muscle maintenance, very sedentary dogs might gain excess weight if overfed. It’s crucial to feed the correct portion for their activity level. For older dogs, Go! Solutions also offers a specific CARNIVORE Senior recipe that is tailored to their needs.
Q: What is a “meal” ingredient, like “chicken meal”? A: A meal ingredient (like chicken meal or turkey meal) is simply the meat that has been cooked to remove water, creating a concentrated protein source. It’s a high-quality, dense form of the animal protein listed.
Final Verdict: Who Is This For?
Go! Solutions Carnivore Chicken, Turkey + Duck recipe is a top-tier choice for dog owners who prioritize a high-protein, meat-first diet for their companions. It is particularly well-suited for:
- Active and working breeds who need dense energy and muscle support.
- Picky eaters who are often tempted by the rich, meaty flavor.
- Dogs with sensitivities to grains.
While the price tag is higher than your average kibble, the quality of the ingredients and the thoughtful formulation with probiotics and antioxidants speak for themselves. If you’ve been struggling to find a food that satisfies your dog’s appetite and nutritional needs, this is definitely one to consider.
Ready to give it a try? You can find it on Amazon here.