Picking the right food for your dog is a big deal, and Badlands Ranch Dog Food has been turning heads with its premium, air-dried recipes. Launched in 2022 by actress and animal lover Katherine Heigl, this brand promises top-notch nutrition with a focus on quality and animal welfare. But is it really good for your dog? Let’s dive into what Badlands Ranch dog food offers, its pros and cons, and whether it’s the right fit for your pup in 2025.
What is Badlands Ranch Dog Food?
Badlands Ranch is a USA-based pet food brand named after Katherine Heigl’s animal rescue ranch in Utah. Its main product, Superfood Complete, is an air-dried dog food available in three flavors: Beef, Chicken, and Lamb & Venison.
These recipes use high-quality proteins like grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, and wild-caught salmon, mixed with nutrient-packed fruits, veggies, and superfoods like lion’s mane mushroom and turmeric.
The air-drying process keeps nutrients intact, offering the benefits of raw food with the ease of kibble. The brand also sells single-ingredient treats and supplements for digestion and wellness, designed for adult dogs (not puppies). You can buy it online or at select pet stores, with a 90-day money-back guarantee.
The brand supports animal rescue through the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation, donating to help dogs in high-kill shelters with every purchase. All recipes meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards for adult dog maintenance, ensuring balanced nutrition.
Why Pet Owners Choose Badlands Ranch
Here’s why Badlands Ranch is gaining fans among dog owners:
Top-Notch Ingredients
Badlands Ranch uses 87% animal-based ingredients, like beef, beef heart, beef liver, and salmon, paired with 13% seeds, veggies, and fruits such as sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, and blueberries. It skips corn, soy, wheat, fillers, and artificial preservatives, making it great for dogs with food sensitivities.
The air-drying process preserves nutrients better than cooked kibble, and the chewy texture helps clean teeth by reducing plaque. Owners appreciate the humane sourcing from farms focused on animal welfare.
Picky Eater Approved
Picky dogs often love Superfood Complete. Owners say their dogs devour it, even when they’ve turned down other foods. For example, one owner shared that their rescue dog, who ignored other dry and wet foods, ate this food twice a day and showed a shinier coat and less itching. Another said their picky golden retriever gained energy and a glossier coat after a year. The meaty flavor from organ meats and salmon is a big draw.
Health Benefits
The recipes support digestion, skin, coat, energy, and immune health. Ingredients like salmon (rich in omega-3s), ginger, and lion’s mane mushroom help with inflammation, joints, and brain health. Owners report shinier coats, better digestion, and more energy, especially in older dogs.
One user said their 14-year-old dog with leg issues had better bowel movements and brighter eyes when using it as a topper. High protein (35–38%) and moderate fat suit active dogs, while fiber from veggies like pumpkin aids digestion.
No Recalls
As of July 2025, Badlands Ranch has had no recalls since its launch in 2022. This suggests strong quality control, a plus compared to brands with safety issues.
Animal Welfare Mission
The brand’s link to animal rescue strikes a chord with pet owners. Through its foundation, Badlands Ranch helps save dogs from high-kill shelters, with over 16,000 dogs supported since 2008. This makes owners feel good about their purchase.
Potential Downsides to Watch For
Despite its strengths, Badlands Ranch has some drawbacks:
Expensive Price Tag
Badlands Ranch is costly. A 24-ounce (680g) bag of Superfood Complete costs around $39.95–$43, or about $2.60 per cup. For big dogs, this adds up fast—one owner with two large dogs said they’d need a new bag every three days if used exclusively. Many mix it with cheaper kibble as a topper to save money. Budget-conscious owners may find it tough to afford.
Grain-Free Risks
All recipes are grain-free, using starchy carbs like sweet potatoes and pumpkin (estimated 17–24% carbs). Some vets warn that grain-free diets with high carbs may be linked to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs, though Badlands Ranch avoids legumes, a common concern. If your dog is at risk for DCM, check with your vet before choosing this food.
Mixed Results
Not every dog does well on Badlands Ranch. Some owners reported loose, smelly stools or more itching. One said their long-haired dog had soft poops that stuck to its coat, forcing a switch to another brand. Another noted their dogs refused it, calling the food “hard as rocks,” which can be tough for dogs with dental issues. These cases are uncommon but show that results vary.
Added Vitamins and Minerals
The food includes added vitamins and minerals, which some say suggests the base ingredients may need boosting. Too many vitamins (like vitamin D or copper) can be risky, though levels meet AAFCO standards.
Customer Service Hiccups
Some owners faced issues with subscriptions, like being double-charged or receiving damaged packages. One reported a bag left in the sun, with only a partial refund offered at first. Returning products can also cost shipping fees (e.g., $14.27 in one case), despite the 90-day guarantee. This suggests customer service can be inconsistent.
Limited Sourcing Details
While Badlands Ranch highlights humane sourcing, it doesn’t always clarify details, like whether salmon is wild-caught or farmed (wild-caught is better for nutrition). More openness would help owners make confident choices.
Is Badlands Ranch Right for Your Dog?
Badlands Ranch is a good fit if:
- Your dog is picky and loves meaty, air-dried food.
- You prioritize high-quality, humanely sourced ingredients and can afford the price.
- Your dog does well on grain-free diets with no corn, soy, or fillers, and your vet confirms it’s safe.
- You like supporting a brand that helps animal rescue.
It may not be ideal if:
- Your dog has health issues like DCM risk, where grain-free diets could be a concern. Always ask your vet.
- Your budget is limited, as the cost is high, especially for big dogs.
- Your dog has sensitive digestion or dental problems, as some reported loose stools or found the texture too hard.
- You want a brand with detailed sourcing info or WSAVA-compliant testing (Badlands Ranch doesn’t do feeding trials).
Tips for Choosing Badlands Ranch
- Check with Your Vet: Ensure a grain-free, high-protein diet suits your dog, especially for breeds prone to DCM or with sensitive stomachs.
- Test It Out: Start with a single 24-ounce bag to see if your dog likes it and handles it well. Transition slowly over 7–10 days, mixing with current food.
- Use as a Topper: Save money by mixing Superfood Complete with affordable kibble. One cup has 430 kcal, so adjust portions to avoid overfeeding.
- Watch for Changes: Monitor your dog’s coat, energy, and stools. Stop and consult your vet if issues like diarrhea or itching pop up.
- Manage Subscriptions: Be careful with autoship to avoid billing errors. Check terms and adjust or skip deliveries as needed.
- Consider Dog Size and Age: This food is for adult dogs, not puppies. For seniors with dental issues, the hard texture might be tough.
Final Thoughts
Badlands Ranch Superfood Complete is a premium, air-dried dog food with high-quality ingredients like grass-fed beef and nutrient-rich superfoods, earning praise for its taste and benefits like shinier coats and better energy. Its no-recall record and animal rescue mission add to its appeal, especially for picky eaters.
But the high cost, grain-free formula, and occasional digestive or service issues mean it’s not perfect for every dog or wallet. If you’re after a top-tier, humane option and your dog thrives on it, Badlands Ranch is worth a try—just start small and check with your vet.
Comments
Post a Comment