Let’s be honest, feeding our dogs can sometimes feel like a chore, especially when you have a picky eater on your hands. Staring at a full bowl of untouched kibble is a familiar frustration for many pet parents. We want to give them something they’ll not only eat but genuinely enjoy, something that feels more like a treat than just another meal. That’s where I found myself before stumbling upon the Rachael Ray Nutrish Savory Favorites Variety Pack. I was looking for a way to spice up my dog’s mealtime, and the idea of serving him something that looks like a hearty, homestyle stew was too good to pass up.
This isn’t your average canned dog food. When you peel back the lid, you see real chunks of meat and identifiable vegetables in a savory gravy. It promises a natural, nutritious meal without the nasty fillers, and the variety pack means my dog doesn’t get bored. But does it live up to the hype? Here’s my deep dive.
What’s Inside the Tub? Key Features
What sets this food apart is its commitment to quality ingredients that you can actually see. It’s designed to be simple, wholesome, and delicious.
✅ Real Meat is the #1 Ingredient: Each recipe, whether it’s the Hearty Beef Stew, Chicken Paw Pie, or Savory Lamb Stew, starts with real beef, chicken, or lamb. No mystery meats here. ✅ No Junk Ingredients: You won’t find any poultry by-product meals, fillers, corn, wheat, or soy in these recipes. It’s also free from artificial flavors and preservatives. ✅ Visible Veggies & Nutrients: These stews are packed with real vegetables like peas, carrots, and sweet potatoes, plus added vitamins and minerals to ensure a complete and balanced meal for your adult dog. ✅ Exciting Variety Pack: The pack includes three different flavors, which is a lifesaver for preventing flavor fatigue. My dog gets visibly excited to see which “stew” is on the menu for the day.
How to Serve It Up
Using this food is incredibly straightforward. The 8-ounce tubs are the perfect size for my medium dog, but the serving suggestions can be adjusted for any breed.
You can serve it in two main ways:
- As a Full Meal: For my 40-pound dog, one tub is about right for one of his two daily meals. The official guidelines suggest feeding about 2 to 3.5 tubs per day for a 25-50 pound dog, but always adjust for your dog’s activity level and metabolism.
- As a Topper: On days when I want to stretch it out or just add some excitement to his dry food, I’ll mix half a tub in with his kibble. He goes crazy for it, and it ensures he cleans his bowl every time.
A quick tip: Once opened, make sure to cover the tub and pop it in the fridge. It’s best to use it up within three days to maintain freshness.
What Other Pet Parents Are Saying
I’m not the only one who’s given this food a try. Looking at reviews, the response is overwhelmingly positive, though it’s not a perfect fit for everyone.
Jessica (5/5 stars): “My senior chihuahua is the pickiest eater on the planet, and he absolutely loves this stuff! The Chicken Paw Pie is his favorite. It looks and smells like real food, and I feel good giving it to him.”
David (4/5 stars): “Great product and my dog enjoys the variety. The tubs are convenient. My only complaint is that the Hearty Beef Stew can be a bit watery sometimes compared to the others.”
Maria (3/5 stars): “My dog liked the chicken and beef flavors but wouldn’t touch the lamb. It’s a bit of a gamble with a variety pack. Also, it gave my dog slightly loose stools for the first couple of days, but he adjusted.”
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-quality, natural ingredients | Higher price point than some other brands |
| Real chunks of meat and veggies | Picky dogs may not like all three flavors |
| Great for picky eaters | Some owners reported a watery consistency |
| Convenient, easy-to-serve tubs | One flavor (Lamb Stew) contains brown rice |
| No artificial fillers or by-products |
If you think this might be the mealtime solution you’ve been looking for, you can find it here: Buy on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Rachael Ray Nutrish wet food grain-free? A: It depends on the flavor. In this specific variety pack, the Chicken Paw Pie and Hearty Beef Stew recipes are grain-free. However, the Savory Lamb Stew recipe contains brown rice. If your dog has a grain sensitivity, be sure to check the ingredients for each specific flavor.
Q: Can I use this as a topper for my puppy’s food? A: This food is formulated for the nutritional needs of adult dogs (“All Life Stages” is listed, but the feeding guide is for adults). While a small amount as a treat is likely fine, it’s always best to stick with puppy-formulated food for their main meals to ensure they get the right balance of nutrients for growth. Always check with your vet first.
Q: Does the food need to be heated up? A: No, it’s designed to be served at room temperature right out of the tub. Some people like to warm it slightly to enhance the aroma, but it’s not necessary.
The Final Verdict
The Rachael Ray Nutrish Savory Favorites Variety Pack is a fantastic option for pet owners who want to feed their dogs a high-quality, natural wet food that looks and smells like a homemade meal. It’s especially well-suited for owners of picky dogs who need variety to stay interested in their food, or for those looking to add a nutritious and delicious topper to their dog’s dry kibble.
While it might be a bit pricier than budget brands, the quality of the ingredients speaks for itself. The only owners who might want to pause are those on a very strict budget or those whose dogs have known sensitivities to specific grains, as the lamb recipe is not grain-free. Overall, it’s a product that delivers on its promise of a simple, wholesome, and tasty meal your dog will thank you for.