Big Canyon Dog Food Review
Choosing the right food for your dog is important. In this article, we take a deep dive into Big Canyon dog food and provide our expert feedback.
Most pet parents look toward kibble as their primary dog food for its convenience and affordability. If you’re considering which type of kibble will be best for your dog, it’s time to take a look at a higher-quality food than conventional kibble.
When it comes to choosing your dog’s kibble, it’s important to focus on a nutrient-dense product that is not loaded with fillers. The problem is, doing your own research on kibble can be overwhelming. How do you know what to look for? Which companies are reputable? Is it best to get kibble in a big box store or order it online? As you do your research, you may come across Big Canyon dog food and wonder what it is all about. Not sold in stores or on pet supply websites, Big Canyon Pet Food Co. is a direct-to-consumer business that cuts out the big box middleman.
Sold solely through its website, Big Canyon may be a brand that hasn’t been on your radar until now. This Big Canyon pet food review will give you a detailed look at their products, helping you decide if they are right for you and your pup.
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Who Is Big Canyon Pet Food Co.?
Big Canyon Pet Food Co. is a nutritionally-focused dog food company that began launching its kibble and treat products in 2025. This company focuses on nutritious food made in the USA and works to increase sustainability. Currently offering a few types of kibble and treats, Big Canyon recipes start with real proteins(chicken, ocean white fish, and venison) combined with whole grains, vegetables, and prebiotics that support digestive health. Their food does not use artificial colors, flavors, or fillers.
When compared to conventional, big-name kibble, Big Canyon Pet stands out in several areas. The first is ingredient transparency. Big Canyon dog food ingredients include whole foods, vitamins, natural oils, and extracts specifically chosen to support overall health for adult and senior dogs.
Big-name kibble products typically contain meat by-products and fillers that lack nutritional density. Some will advertise as being natural, but they still use lower-quality grains and proteins. Big Canyon uses high-quality proteins, grains, and vegetables for nutritionally dense dog food.
Big Canyon has thoughtfully chosen to not use beef as their protein in their products for lower greenhouse emissions and decreased water consumption. Their dried multigrains are sourced from surplus human-grade grains.
They also use suppliers with sustainable farming methods. They take environmental responsibility very seriously, with their kibble bags containing 20% post-consumer recycled materials (PCR), treat bags containing 50% PCR, and 100% recyclable shipping boxes.
Shop Big Canyon Pet Food Co. For Your DogSave 30 percent off your next order with code SMARTPET30
Plus receive a bag of free treats (any 3.5 oz. Big Canyon Bites)
A Closer Look at Big Canyon Dog Food and Treats
There are three types of kibble recipes available right now on the Big Canyon website: Chicken & Multigrain for adult dogs (1+ years), Ocean White Fish for adult dogs (1+ years), and Chicken & Multigrain for senior dogs (7+ years). Each piece of kibble is uniformly the size of a large pea, which is smaller than traditional kibble. They are nutrient-dense with an aroma that dogs respond positively to.
Ingredients in the Ocean White Fish Recipe
This is the full list of ingredients in the Ocean White Fish Recipe: Protein: White Fish, White Fish Meal
- Grains and Seeds: Dried Multigrains, Brown Rice, Grain Sorghum, Flaxseed
- Vegetables & Fruits: Lentils, Beet Pulp, Coconut Meal, Carrots, Blueberries, Cranberries
- Vitamins, Minerals & Trace Elements: Potassium Chloride, Salt, Di-Calcium Phosphate, Choline Chloride (Vitamin B4), DL-Methionine, Taurine, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Inulin (Pre-Biotic Fiber), Copper Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Sodium Selenite
- Extracts/Flavors: Natural Flavor, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract
- Oil: Salmon Oil
Big Canyon ingredients in the Ocean White Fish Recipe, as well as their other kibble recipes, are formulated to meet AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles. (1)
Freeze-Dried Treats: Big Canyon Bites with Chicken
There are also two types of treats available: Big Canyon Bites with Chicken and Big Canyon Bites with Venison. Let's take a closer look at the Big Canyon Bites with Chicken. These are designed to be used either as treats or as a food topper. These freeze-dried morsels only have six ingredients: Chicken Wholesome grains Cranberries Glycerin Sweet potato Vitamin E
These treats are not meant to be a meal replacement, so don’t feed them as such. However, each treat piece is less than 5 calories, so they’re great for training without adding a lot of calories to your dog's diet. These are about the size of a chickpea/garbanzo bean and are very light. They easily bounce if thrown as a treat, so be prepared! They also crumble easily, making them perfect for sprinkling over kibble or fresh food as a high-value meal topper.
How My Dogs Responded to Big Canyon Pet Food
Arrival of the Box
My order of Big Canyon food arrived fairly quickly in a large box. As soon as I brought the box into the house, my basset hound was all over it. When I started opening the box, he kept trying to get in there to get closer to the bags of food. I took his reaction to the food's aroma as a very good first impression!
Checking Out the Freeze-Dried Treats
The packaging for both the kibble and the treats highlights all the wonderful things inside the bags, making me feel good about having my dogs give them a try. First, I gave them some of the Big Canyon Bites with Chicken as a treat. As soon as I opened the bag, all three dogs were in a frenzy of excitement. They quickly gobbled up the freeze-dried treats and waited eagerly to see if they could get more.
Trying the Kibble
When it was time for dinner, I gave each of them the recommended portion for their weight. With their regular kibble, they eat slowly, chewing a couple of pieces at a time. I expected a similar experience with the Big Canyon Ocean White Fish kibble, but I was wrong.
My two smaller (25 lb) dogs were excited. They chewed it, but much more quickly than usual, clearly loving the taste and texture. When they finished, they even sniffed around the bowl to see if any pieces had fallen on the floor.
On closer look, I noticed the kibble pieces are about half the size of their usual kibble (roughly the size of a large pea), which likely made it easier and more enjoyable for them to chew.
My Basset Hound chewed the kibble as usual, but it took him longer to chew than his other kibble. Big Canyon kibble seems to be firmer and crunchier. This didn’t bother him, but it was interesting to watch.
The next time I gave them the kibble, I decided to use their slow feeders. The slow feeders did slow down the eating pace for my smaller dogs, but they still seemed to be doing very little chewing. I watched them afterward, and they did not seem to be negatively affected by this. They showed no signs of bloat or GI discomfort. My basset hound ate the kibble in the slow feeder at a slower pace than with the regular bowl, but there was not much of a difference since he fully chewed the kibble when eating out of both types of bowls.
Save 30 percent off your next order with code SMARTPET30
Plus receive a bag of free treats (any 3.5 oz. Big Canyon Bites)
Impressions of Big Canyon Dog Food
I loved how excited my dogs were about this food. Their reaction was noticeably stronger than with their usual kibble, and it was genuinely fun to watch how eager they were at mealtime. My smaller dogs especially enjoyed it, and they chewed quickly because they were so enthusiastic, which tells me the taste and texture really worked for them.
The kibble pieces are smaller than what we typically use, roughly the size of a large pea, which seemed to make it easier and more enjoyable for all three dogs to eat. Once they finished, they were perfectly content. After each meal, all three dogs seemed full, satisfied, and happy, and we had no GI issues, which is always a good sign! Key Ingredients: White fish Brown rice Salmon Oil Lentils Beets Coconut Flaxseeds Vitamins & minerals
Why It’s Suitable: This product would benefit adult dogs needing balanced nutrition. It would also benefit picky eaters, as the aroma and taste attract dogs. Highlights: Attractive aroma and enjoyable taste Ingredient list with recognizable foods No artificial additives or cheap fillers Prebiotics for gut health Sustainable sourcing and eco-friendly mission Things to Consider: Higher cost than standard big box store kibble Currently only available online
- It has kibble consistency, not a fresh food substitute
- Smaller kibble size than standard
Is Big Canyon Safe & Healthy for Dogs?
Big Canyon recipes are formulated to meet AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles. (1) This means Big Canyon dog food contains, at a minimum, the required nutrients for the life stage indicated. The ingredients are high-quality, using whole meat, not meat byproducts. Big Canyon dog food does not contain fillers, additives, or artificial flavors. All ingredients are recognizable and clearly labeled on the bag, making you feel better about what is in the food.
If your dog has been eating a conventional kibble diet for an extended period of time, there are some things to do to prepare when switching to a nutrient-dense food like Big Canyon kibble. Switching the kibble, as with any food change, should be done gradually to avoid stomach upset. The ideal way to transition is to gradually mix in increasing amounts of new food with the old over 5 to 7 days (2). Nutrition Profile and Feeding Guidelines
Let’s take a closer look at the Ocean White Fish Recipe for adult dogs (1+ years). The bag of kibble says it contains a minimum of 30% crude protein, 13% crude fat, 5% crude fiber, 2% Omega-6, 1% Omega-3, and a maximum of 10% moisture. Feeding Guidelines based on your dog’s weight: Up to 10lbs - up to ½ cup per day 10 to 20lbs - 0.5 to 1 cup per day 20 to 40lbs - 1 to 1.5 cups per day 40 to 60lbs - 1.5 to 2.25 cups per day 60 to 80lbs - 2.25 to 2.75 cups per day 80 to 100lbs - 2.75 to 3.25 cups per day
- Over 100lbs - 3.25 cups plus 0.25 cups for each additional 25lbs of weight
You’ll notice that when compared to conventional kibble, you’ll need to feed significantly less for Big Canyon kibble. Conventional kibble, for example, recommends a 40 to 60lb dog be given 2.5 to 3.5 cups a day, compared to the 1.5 to 2.25 cups for Big Canyon kibble. This is something to consider when looking at the price difference between the two.
What the Reviews Say
Since this is a new product, the only reviews available are on the Big Canyon website. (3) These are the key themes in those reviews: Many dogs seem to digest it well Picky eaters tend to like the taste Pet parents appreciate the healthy ingredients
- Customers appreciate the commitment to sustainability and giving back
- Many like the subscribe and save option
- Many are happy with the customer service
These positive reviews are promising. Paired with the high-quality ingredients, nothing about Big Canyon Dog Food Co.'s products stands out as a potential concern.
Where to Buy & Pricing
Unlike most kibble brands, Big Canyon dog food is only available on its website. (4) Customers have the option to do a one-time purchase or sign up for the subscribe and save option for automatic deliveries for a 5% discount.
The Ocean White Fish adult kibble and the Chicken & Multigrain adult kibble are both available in 8lb and 18lb bags. The Chicken & Multigrain senior kibble is only available in an 18lb bag.
Chicken & Multigrain adult kibble is $41.99 for an 8lb bag, and $72.99 for an 18lb bag.
Ocean White Fish adult kibble is $47.49 for an 8lb bag, and $84.19 for an 18lb bag.
Chicken & Multigrain senior kibble is $78.89 for an 18lb bag.
Both types of treats, the chicken and the venison, are available in a 3.5oz or 7.5oz bag. The 3.5oz bags are $13.99 for the chicken and $15.99 for the venison. The 7.5oz bags are $18.99 for the chicken and $22.99 for the venison.
The price of the kibble is in a similar range to other premium kibble brands, making it a good value given the quality of its ingredients. It is more expensive than conventional kibble, but it is important to remember that conventional kibble contains fillers that are not nutrient-dense. When compared to fresh or gently cooked food, Big Canyon Pet kibble is significantly cheaper.
Save 30 percent off your next order with code SMARTPET30
Plus receive a bag of free treats (any 3.5 oz. Big Canyon Bites)
A Final Verdict: Is Big Canyon Worth It?
- If you’re looking to upgrade your dog’s daily nutrition from conventional kibble, Big Canyon dog food should be at the top of your list. Big Canyon is a nutrient-dense, transparent ingredient kibble made with higher-quality ingredients than conventional kibble. The company is committed to sustainability and ethical USA-based sourcing and production.
- While still a young company, it is demonstrating dedication to fulfilling the promises it has made. So, is Big Canyon good dog food? In short - yes! Their food has high-quality proteins, grains, vegetables, and fruits. The kibble also has added vitamins and minerals to make it a well-balanced diet for pups.
- Big Canyon dog food is a good fit for dogs who do well with dry food but could benefit from a high-quality, nutrient-rich diet with clean ingredients. The higher price point for this premium kibble may not be a good fit for pet parents on a tighter budget; however, pet parents who want the higher-quality of fresh pet food without the high price tag may look to Big Canyon kibble as a potential alternative for better quality nutrition than conventional kibble or as a great complement to fresh food.
Pros
- Dog-approved taste and aroma
- Cleaner, high-quality ingredients full of beneficial nutrients
- No artificial additives or fillers
- Includes gut-friendly nutrients
- Sustainable sourcing and mission-driven brand
Cons
- Higher price point than standard kibble
- Only available online
Save 30 percent off your next order with code SMARTPET30
Plus receive a bag of free treats (any 3.5 oz. Big Canyon Bites)
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Big Canyon is a good dog food because it has high-quality ingredients that are nutrient-dense. This food has cleaner ingredients than conventional kibble, with a strong focus on a balanced diet with additional vitamins and minerals.
All three kibble recipes start with chicken or fish as the first ingredient, followed by a balanced mix of grains, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats and seeds. There are also a mix of vitamins and minerals that are included to give a more well-rounded diet with more health benefits than conventional kibble.
Yes, Big Canyon dog food is AAFCO approved.
No, Big Canyon dog food does not contain any fillers, artificial colors, or flavors. Ingredients are whole-food-based and include recognized supplements.
References
Kirsten Adams is a writer and educator based in the Philadelphia area. With a background in English and education—earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts and a master's from Lancaster University in England—Kirsten has built a career around creating engaging, informative, and educational content. In addition to contributing articles to pet websites, Kirsten develops courses for professionals working toward certification or continuing education credits in a variety of fields. She also helps businesses craft compelling marketing materials for their audience. At home, life is filled with the joyful chaos of three beloved dogs, fueling Kirsten’s enthusiasm for all things pet-related. Whether writing about training tips, pet health, or the special bond between people and their animals, Kirsten loves sharing insights that both help and entertain pet parents. Website: kadamswrites.com.
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