Is Simply Nourish a Good Dog Food? Honest Review & Verdict

So, is simply nourish a good dog food? That’s the question every pet parent asks before tossing a bag into their cart at Petco. Let me cut through the marketing fluff and give you the real deal on this popular budget-friendly brand.

What Exactly Is Simply Nourish Dog Food?

Simply Nourish is Petco’s in-house dog food brand, and it’s positioned as an affordable, accessible option for everyday dog owners. It’s not a premium boutique brand with fancy packaging, but it’s also not the cheapest kibble on the shelf. Think of it as the middle-ground player—trying to offer decent nutrition without breaking the bank. The brand offers multiple formulas including grain-free, limited ingredient, and breed-specific options. If you’re curious about complementing their diet, check out our guide on healthy pet treats to see what pairs well with their meals.

Breaking Down the Ingredient List: The Good, Bad, and Meh

Here’s where things get interesting. Simply Nourish formulas typically list real meat (chicken, beef, or fish) as the first ingredient, which is a solid starting point. Most recipes contain around 18-22% protein for adult dogs, which meets AAFCO standards. However—and this is a big however—the ingredient quality varies depending on which formula you grab. Some versions use meat by-products and corn meal, while others are cleaner. It’s like buying a used car; you need to check the specific model, not just the brand name. The brand also offers organic pet treats options if you’re leaning toward more natural ingredients across the board.

Nutritional Profile: Does It Stack Up?

When evaluating dog food nutrition, you’re looking at protein, fat, fiber, and essential vitamins. Simply Nourish hits the baseline requirements for most adult dogs. Their standard formulas contain adequate levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for coat health, and they include probiotics in some versions. That said, they’re not adding fancy superfoods or novel proteins that command premium prices. It’s functional nutrition—your dog won’t be malnourished, but they’re not getting a gourmet experience either. Think of it like eating at a chain restaurant versus a Michelin-starred establishment.

Price Point: Budget-Friendly Without Sacrificing Too Much

This is Simply Nourish’s biggest selling point. You’re looking at roughly $25-35 for a 30-pound bag, compared to $50-70 for premium brands. For families on a tight budget or those with multiple dogs, this matters. The question becomes: are you getting 50% of the quality for 50% of the price? Generally, yes—though some premium brands do justify their costs through superior sourcing and manufacturing standards. If budget is your concern, Simply Nourish is genuinely competitive.

Digestibility and Palatability: Will Your Dog Actually Eat It?

Here’s the thing about dog food—it doesn’t matter how nutritious it is if your pup turns their nose up at it. Most dog owners report that their dogs enjoy Simply Nourish without issues. The kibble size is reasonable, and the flavor profiles are designed to appeal to dogs. Digestibility is generally good, though some dogs with sensitive stomachs might experience issues with certain formulas. If you’re planning to switch your dog to Simply Nourish, our article on pet diet transition advice can help you make the switch smoothly without GI upset.

Grain-Free vs. Traditional Formulas: Which Should You Choose?

Simply Nourish offers both grain-inclusive and grain-free options. Here’s the honest truth: grain-free isn’t inherently better for most dogs. In fact, the FDA has investigated potential links between grain-free diets and heart disease in dogs. Unless your vet specifically recommends grain-free due to allergies, the traditional formulas are perfectly fine and potentially safer. The grain-free versions cost more, so you’re paying extra for something your dog probably doesn’t need. Stick with their standard recipes unless there’s a medical reason otherwise.

Potential Allergens and Sensitivities: Know Before You Buy

Simply Nourish does make limited ingredient formulas for dogs with food sensitivities. If your dog has chicken allergies, they have beef and fish options. However, if you’re dealing with severe allergies, you might want to consult with your vet about more specialized diets. For dogs with multiple food sensitivities, our resource on human foods for pets with food allergies might help identify safe alternatives and complementary foods.

Recalls and Safety Record: What’s the History?

This is crucial information that often gets overlooked. Simply Nourish has had minimal recalls compared to some other brands, which is reassuring. Petco’s quality control isn’t perfect, but it’s generally reliable. That said, always check the FDA’s pet food recall database before purchasing any brand. One recall doesn’t mean a brand is terrible—it happens to premium companies too—but a pattern of recalls is a red flag.

Comparing Simply Nourish to Competitors: Where Does It Really Stand?

Let’s be real: Simply Nourish sits between budget brands like Purina Pro Plan and premium brands like Orijen. If you compare it to Iams or Pedigree, Simply Nourish is actually superior in ingredient quality. If you compare it to brands like Primal or Stella & Chewy’s, it falls short. The real competition is mid-tier brands like Blue Buffalo or Wellness Core. Simply Nourish often wins on price while matching or slightly trailing on ingredient quality. Check out protein sources from human food if you’re considering supplementing their diet with whole foods for added nutrition.

The Verdict: Is Simply Nourish Worth It?

Here’s my honest take: Simply Nourish is a solid B+ dog food. It’s not A-tier premium nutrition, but it’s far from the bottom of the barrel. For most healthy adult dogs without special dietary needs, Simply Nourish will keep them fed, healthy, and happy. Your dog won’t develop deficiencies, and they’ll likely enjoy eating it. The affordability factor makes it genuinely accessible for people who can’t drop $100+ monthly on fancy kibble.

Where Simply Nourish struggles is with dogs that have specific health conditions, severe allergies, or owners seeking optimal nutrition. If your dog has pancreatitis, diabetes, or other serious health issues, work with your vet on prescription or therapeutic diets. If you want the absolute best ingredients sourced from ethical suppliers, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

For the average dog owner? Simply Nourish is a practical, reasonable choice that balances cost and quality. It’s not going to win any awards from veterinary nutritionists, but it won’t disappoint either. If you’re transitioning from a lower-quality budget brand, your dog will likely see improvements. If you’re downgrading from premium brands, you might notice a slight difference, but it’s not dramatic for most dogs.

Final Recommendations and Tips

If you decide to go with Simply Nourish, here are some practical tips: First, choose the standard formula over grain-free unless your vet recommends otherwise. Second, rotate between their different protein options occasionally to provide variety. Third, always transition slowly when switching foods to avoid digestive upset. Fourth, monitor your dog’s coat, energy levels, and stool quality—these are good indicators of how well the food is working. If your dog thrives on it, stick with it. If you notice dull coat, lethargy, or digestive issues, it might not be the right fit.

Consider supplementing with plant-based pet food options or whole food additions if you want to boost nutritional variety without switching brands entirely. Many dog owners find that adding a small amount of fresh vegetables or lean proteins enhances their dog’s overall diet quality without breaking the budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Simply Nourish better than Purina Pro Plan?

They’re comparable in many ways, but Simply Nourish typically has cleaner ingredient lists with fewer by-products. Purina Pro Plan is backed by more research and veterinary recommendations. For most dogs, either works fine—it depends on your dog’s individual needs and your budget.

Can I feed Simply Nourish to puppies?

Simply Nourish does make puppy formulas, but they’re not as specialized as some premium puppy foods. Large breed puppies especially benefit from more carefully balanced calcium and phosphorus ratios. Check with your vet before choosing Simply Nourish for a growing large breed dog.

Why is Simply Nourish cheaper than other brands?

Lower marketing costs, simpler sourcing, and Petco’s direct distribution keep prices down. It’s not because the food is inferior—it’s because they’re not spending millions on celebrity endorsements and fancy packaging.

Do vets recommend Simply Nourish?

Most vets don’t actively recommend it, but they don’t discourage it either. It’s not on their preferred list like Hill’s or Royal Canin, but it’s not considered problematic. Your vet’s opinion matters most for your specific dog’s health.

Will my dog’s coat improve on Simply Nourish?

For dogs currently on lower-quality food, yes—you might see noticeable improvements. For dogs already on decent food, changes will be minimal. Coat quality depends on overall nutrition, genetics, and grooming.

Is Simply Nourish grain-free safe?

The grain-free formulas don’t have major safety issues, but grain-inclusive formulas are equally nutritious and potentially safer. Unless your dog has a specific grain allergy, stick with traditional recipes.

How does Simply Nourish compare to Wellness Core?

Wellness Core is a step up in ingredient quality and specialization, but costs 40-50% more. Simply Nourish is more budget-friendly while still being nutritionally adequate. Wellness Core wins on premium ingredients; Simply Nourish wins on value.

Can I mix Simply Nourish with other brands?

Yes, you can mix brands, but transition slowly to avoid digestive upset. Many owners blend Simply Nourish with slightly higher-quality foods to improve nutrition without doubling their budget.