Keto diets are designed to be low in carbohydrate content, with moderate protein levels and high fat. Around since the 1920s, they have been a popular choice for humans looking to lose weight and reduce fat. However, overweight and diabetic dogs are also known to benefit from these diets.
KetoNatural pet food is said to be the world’s first truly high protein low-carb kibble, with 75% meat products in its formulas that meet the requirements of the keto diet. When I heard about it, I knew I had to try it out for my pet beagle, Dex.
The high quality of the kibble and the ingredients reflect the research and effort put into designing this dog food. It’s definitely worth digging deep into all there is to this kibble!
I’ve noticed that there are very few options when it comes to low-carb kibble. KetoNatural’s kibble formulations are evidently designed to address this gap, which I really appreciate.
Dex, on the other hand, seems to really appreciate the flavor of both their chicken and salmon recipes, and finished his serving in record time. It’s a good thing these have a healthy composition with no hidden ingredients, so I don’t have to worry about his health being negatively affected!
While they do have a slightly higher price point, it’s well worth every penny because Ketona’s dog food ingredients are natural and high quality. Plus, this kibble is low in carb fillers, with more animal-based ingredients, which makes it a healthier option as compared to the cheaper kibbles with a high amount of fillers in them.
Overall, I would happily recommend this to other pet owners, and Dex gives a woof of approval too. You’ll find out why as you read my Ketona dog food review below.
KetoNatural Dog Food
Keto-friendly, low-carb dog food
>4.2 lb bag: $39.99
>8.4 lb bag: $65.99
>24.2 lb bag: $124.99
Meets all the nutritional requirements established by AAFCO, for all life stages except for growing large size dogs
Subscription’s refill frequency can be personalised, with free delivery over $20
330 KCal per cup
KetoNatural helps with ketosis, which can decrease insulin levels, making it an ideal kibble for diabetic dogs. It’s also great for overweight pets as it helps to increase fat burning, by using fat as an energy source instead of the glucose found in carbs. Its low fat content also makes it perfect for dogs with pancreatitis.
That’s not all, it can also be beneficial for dogs with cancer!
This is because cancer cells have a different metabolism which makes it impossible for them to use fat for energy.
Being a low-carb dog food designed for the ideal keto diet, the Ketona chicken dog food and the salmon recipes are both optimized to benefit your dog’s overall health.
With over 75% content of raw protein even after dehydration, it is one of the only kibbles around that has such a high ratio of animal products to starch. It has 85% less carbs than leading grain-free kibbles!
What’s more, KetoNatural offers all these benefits while the kibble price remains just around 20% of other raw diets with a similar nutritional content.
Ketona may seem too good to be true, and like all things, that is indeed the case because it’s definitely not perfect. Let’s look at what its major benefits and drawbacks are.
While KetoNatural does evidently have its flaws, its benefits far outweigh them.
However, as any responsible pet parent, you may not be fully convinced that this is indeed the best dog food for your pet.
I completely get that, so I’ve covered some more important points in this Ketona dog food review to help you make an informed decision.
It’s important to know what exactly your dog food consists of. I’ve made this nifty chart to help you see what goes into their formula to make this a comprehensive Ketona dog food review.
Ketona dog food has the same nutritional content as a raw diet, thanks to a cluster of ingredients such as grains, proteins, fruits, and vegetables that provide a perfect balance of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
I love the low-carb content of Ketona, but more than that, I am extremely happy to see that their protein content accounts for over 75% of the recipe!
Usually, when protein is included in a recipe, it is weight before it is cooked. The dehydration causes the actual protein amount to reduce in the final product. This means that nutritional labels may have an exaggerated amount of protein mentioned, as compared to what is actually in the food.
That’s not the case with Ketona, as I found that they add the meat, be it chicken or salmon, to their formulas after it has been dehydrated. This means that the protein content mentioned on their label is accurate, and not skewed by the presence of water. So, you really do get over 75% of chicken in their formula, matching up to their claims.
The main proteins in the Ketona recipes I’ve used are:
These are important because they help with muscle development, tissue repair, and generally contribute to Dex’s overall strength. Both these proteins are of high quality, and salmon is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and I’ve seen the difference in Dex’s coat because of this – it’s much healthier and shinier.
I know how healthy flaxseeds are and add them to my smoothies very regularly. Thanks to the flaxseed meal present in this dog food, I know Dex is benefitting from them too.
Flaxseed meal is essentially powdered flaxseeds, and helps to lower blood pressure, improve kidney functioning, and can also relieve arthritis symptoms as it reduces inflammation.
It’s also been great for Dex’s immunity, and coupled with the oat hulls I know he’s getting a healthy dose of fiber, which has been evident in his regular bowel movements and digestive health.
If there’s one thing that I think you may find lacking in the composition of this dog food, it’s the amount of fruits and vegetables, as Ketona primarily contains green peas.
However, this is understandable as they have offered supplements to make up for the lack of fruits and veggies, so the nutritional value is not impacted too much..
Green peas are packed with vitamins, especially vitamin A, vitamin K, and vitamin C. this helps to improve Dex’s immunity, enhance his vision, and encourage better cognitive function. It is also beneficial for his cardiovascular health.
Green peas are also rich in minerals like manganese, phosphorus, and iron. They also contain lutein, an antioxidant that improves Dex’s overall health and wellness, including his coat health.
| Nutrients | Phosphoric Acid, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride |
| Supplements | Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid Supplement, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Iodine Proteinate, Sodium Selenite |
| Miscellaneous Ingredients | Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed Meal, Gelatin, Chicken Liver Digest, Salt, Pea Fiber, Sunflower Oil, Vegetable Oil, Citric Acid (Preservative), Potassium Sorbate (Preservative), Lecithin, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Rosemary Extract |
Where does Ketona Dog Food stand amongst other brands in the market as far as its price is concerned?
It’s definitely amongst the more high-end kibbles. You might even consider it expensive, considering traditional kibble costs around $2 per lb on average for mid-range dog foods.
For a full-size bag of Ketona, you’ll be paying around $5 per lb, which is more than double. However, this is to be expected considering how unique and specialised the formula is.
Plus, it definitely has the lowest amount of carbohydrates as compared to any other dog food on the market. Royal Canin’s Vet Diet for Diabetic Dogs, possibly the closest in nutritional value, still has around 16.85% carbs.
Ketona costs only around 20-25% of a raw diet that is nutritionally similar to their dog food. This makes it well worth the price point, as you’re paying for the healthy, high-quality, nutritious ingredients included in their formulations which are free from cheap fillers.
Plus, if you consider the fact that switching an average 50-pound dog to Ketona will only add around $0.50 to $1 per day to your budget for dog food, it’s a marginal difference with a huge impact.
In my opinion, I would definitely consider Ketona worth its price, especially after seeing how happy Dex is with it.
KetoNatural dog food is created with extensive scientific research backing its formula, and offers a well-rounded diet with all the nutrition required to optimize your dog’s health.
Since it resembles their natural diet, you don’t really have to supplement the kibble with anything else, though you can add some broth to it to turn it into a wet food.
It is also a great diet for all dogs, particularly those with conditions such as diabetes, itchy skin, or obesity.
Just keep in mind that if you have a large breed up, this may not meet their nutritional requirements during the growing stage. I would suggest using a better suited kibble to meet their requirements initially, before switching to Ketona once your dog is grown.
KetoNatural’s feeding guidelines suggest that it is not required to slowly transition your dog to this kibble. Typically, dietary changes for canines are accompanied by some digestive issues like diarrhea or vomiting. However, since Ketona is so low in carbohydrates, your dog should not experience discomfort even if you switch over at once. But, that depends on what your dog is like, so I would suggest that you use your discretion.
Also remember that this diet contains a lot of protein and fiber, so your dog’s stool may look different, and they may consume more water than they previously did.
Their serving guidelines start at 10 lbs and go up to 100 lbs, so if you have a smaller dog you may have to adjust the serving size to meet your dog’s requirements.
On an average “as-fed” basis, a single cup of Ketona adds up to 452 calories, and contains less than 6 grams of carbs, with over 74 grams of protein and 11 grams of fat.
If your dog weighs 10lbs or more, the feeding recommendations are fairly straightforward:
How much you feed your dog ultimately depends on their age, sex, body composition, energy levels, and physical activity, but I find these guidelines quite helpful.
The guideline is also created by leading veterinary nutrition experts and is based on the latest knowledge surrounding canine metabolism.
As comprehensive as I’ve made my Ketona dog food review, I know it’s natural to want a second or even a third opinion as a responsible pet parent. So, here’s what others are saying about Ketona:
As seen on Chewy
My miniature pinscher started having mild seizures but I didn’t want to start him on hardcore medication so I decided to try a low carb diet first. I switched him over to this food a few months ago and he has not had a single seizure since. He loves it and is excited to eat it every day. We’ve had a couple friends visit and their dogs loved it, too. Highly recommended!
As seen on Amazon
My dog has been on this food for 4 or 5 months now with no seizures, not a single one. He’s super energetic and his coat is super soft and shiny. He had been losing the fur on his ears and chest, but it’s all grown back now. I added in a salmon oil supplement for him, too. I wouldn’t risk switching to another food. He’ll be eating Ketona for as long as it’s around.
As seen on KetoNatural
Our dogs are very picky eaters and so far have gone through a bag + of food that has made a big improvement in their energy levels and overall health. Nice change in stools too. They are retired livestock guardians who worked 24/7 and needed a lower calorie nutritious option that filled them up and nourished them. Highly recommend!
As seen on Chewy
One of my girls developed Diabetes after Acute Pancreatitis. I was making food for her and still could not get her blood sugar below 300-400. Finally found Ketona and thank God! She was doing great and within 3 days her blood sugar went down to the 200’s, so I switched our 3 other girls to Ketona as well.
Yes, Ketona dog food is good for diabetic dogs are a keto diet can help manage their insulin and blood sugar levels. This is because carbs metabolize differently and cause your dog to burn glucose instead of fat.
Plus, this food resembles the natural, all-meat diet of our dogs’ ancestors, and meets their nutritional requirements without any extra fillers.
Reducing your dog’s carbohydrate intake while maintaining their diet otherwise is good for dogs as they are not essential nutrients.
In fact, your dog may thrive on a low-carb diet as it helps with managing diabetes, obesity, and other health concerns. Plus, canines, especially wild canines naturally don’t eat carbohydrates as they are not required for optimum health.
KetoNatural is the brain child of Daniel Schulof, who wrote his groundbreaking book “Dogs, Dog Food, and Dogma” in 2012, which revolutionized our understanding of canine nutrition.
Schulof spent four years researching evidence on carbohydrates and their link to chronic diseases in modern pets. During this time, he realised that pet parents had very limited dog food options, and none that were genuinely as low-carb as required.
And, that’s how KetoNatural was born – to bridge the gap in the market, and develop a science-based dog food that had the lowest carb content possible.
Schulof’s founding team for KetoNatural included two animal nutrition PhD experts, a veterinary nutritionist, and the world’s best food scientists. Once the kibble was formulated and developed in 2017, they fed it to their own dogs. Encouraged by the improvement in digestion, vitality, muscularity, and leanness, KetoNatural was officially launched in early 2018.
Now, they not only work to provide healthy, nutritious kibble to tens of thousands of customers, but they also advocate for improvements in the dog food industry as a whole. This has included a lawsuit against the FDA’s Center For Veterinary Medicine to disclose emails between Big Kibble and their regulators in the government.
KetoNatural have had zero recalls so far, and have established themselves as a substantive, progressive, transparent company, proudly based in the USA.
From what I’ve seen, KetoNaturals focuses on quality, rather than quantity, and has a limited range of high-quality products that deliver holistic benefits.
I know there are certain downsides to this, especially when it comes to picky dogs that like different flavors, but personally I quite like what they have to offer:
Dog treats aren’t meant to be all that healthy, they’re treats after all, right? Well, Ketona’s Chicken Liver dog treats are designed to be delicious without compromising on your pet’s health.
They have absolutely no carbohydrates, 100% freeze-dried chicken liver, and a minimum of 52% protein. Each treat pouch also weighs 2 ounces, with 122 KCal per oz.
You can feed your pet these treats while ensuring their overall well-being, so it doesn’t have to be a guilty pleasure and you can be forthcoming with your indulgence.
Dex really looks forward to getting these treats because he loves the flavor, meanwhile I love the composition so I can give him his treats without worrying about his health!
As a pup, Dex would get stressed by thunder and other loud noises, and also experienced a lot of separation anxiety. I really wish I had the Ketona Calming Chews to help him out!
Each jar has 120 chews of a delicious natural duck flavor that your dog will love. For small breeds, this will last you around 4 months, and 2 months for medium breeds. For large breeds this makes for a month’s supply of chews.
They are meant for dogs over 12 weeks of age.
The active ingredients in each chew are specially selected to aid in relaxation, and reduce stress and anxiety. They also support your dog’s overall well-being.
This includes valerian root and chamomile powder, both of which have calming effects and can help soothe your dog.
An amino acid which serves as a precursor to serotonin, L-tryptophan helps to regulate your dog’s mood when they get excessively stressed and anxious.
Further, Hemp Seed Oil and Hemp Protein Powder are rich in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which promote your dog’s brain health and reduce inflammation, while also enhancing their muscle health.
All these ingredients combine to help soothe your dog and improve their mental well-being, which can also translate to better physical health.
Adult and senior dogs require a little more love and care to remain nimble and keep their joints healthy. Ketona’s daily mobility chews are designed with this in mind, for dogs over 12 weeks of age.
With 120 soft chews in each jar, it will last you 4 months for small breeds, and 2 months for medium breeds. For larger dogs, this is approximately a 1 month supply of chews.
The natural duck flavor of the chews is extremely appealing, and Dex really enjoyed chowing down on them.
The ingredients are specially selected to promote healthy mobility and lubricate your dog’s joints: Glucosamine, supports cartilage formation and cushions the joints, while MSM alleviates pain.
Chondroitin Sulfate further improves mobility by maintaining cartilage integrity, while organic turmeric root powder acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant to reduce joint discomfort.
All of these ingredients provide comprehensive care for your dog’s joint health and allow them to remain active and mobile as they age.
Meet Paul, a devoted dog dad to the delightful French Bulldog, Cofi. With a flair for humor and a deep understanding of Frenchie quirks, Paul brings a lighthearted touch to his writings. His relatable stories and practical insights are a blend of laughter and valuable advice and resonate with fellow dog owners.
Through his words, Paul aims to celebrate the joys and challenges of being a dedicated pet parent, reminding you that life is simply better with a four-legged, snorting sidekick by your side.
