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Our Verdict
Bramble Fresh Vegan dog food is made up of two recipes which are not rated. This is because our review methodology favors dog foods rich in meat, and judging a plant-based diet against this criteria would always give a low rating. Studies of plant-based diets for dogs are showing some great results, as well as providing preferable options for many dogs with allergies or those wanting to choose more environmentally sustainable options.
These two whole food recipes are made with fresh, high quality ingredients which are easily digestible and gently cooked.
Pros
- Vet formulated recipes
- Human-grade ingredients sourced in the USA
- Recipes contain superfoods
Cons
- No recipes for puppies
The table below shows each recipe in this range including our rating and the AAFCO nutrient profile: Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.
| Product line | Rating | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| Bramble Fresh Vegan - The Cowbell | Unrated | M |
| Bramble Fresh Vegan - The Roost | Unrated | M |
Recipe and Label Analysis
Bramble Fresh Vegan – The Cowbell was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.
Bramble Fresh Vegan - The Cowbell
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
Protein
Fat
CarbsCarbohydrates
Organic pea protein, sweet potato, lentils, carrots, organic sunflower oil, peas, apple, malt extract, nutritional yeast, tapioca starch, organic flax oil, nutrient and minerals [choline chloride, potassium chloride, l-methionine, tricalcium phosphate, taurine] Vitamins [d-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B12, vitamin A acetate, vitamin E supplement, folic acid, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D2 supplement], trace minerals [ zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, calcium iodate, selenium yeast] salt
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 1%
Red denotes any controversial items
| Estimated Nutrient Content | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Method | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
| Guaranteed Analysis | 11% | 7% | NA |
| Dry Matter Basis | 31% | 20% | 41% |
| Calorie Weighted Basis | 26% | 40% | 34% |
Ingredients Analysis
The first ingredient is pea protein, what remains of a pea after removing the starchy part of the vegetable.
Even though it contains over 80% protein, this ingredient would be expected to have a lower biological value than meat.
The second ingredient is sweet potato. Sweet potatoes are a gluten-free source of complex carbohydrates in a dog food. They are naturally rich in dietary fiber and beta carotene.
The third ingredient is lentils. Lentils are a quality source of carbohydrates, which contain about 25% protein. Plus (like all legumes) they’re rich in natural fiber.
The fourth ingredient is carrots. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, minerals and dietary fiber.
The fifth ingredient is organic sunflower oil. Sunflower oil is nutritionally similar to safflower oil. Since these oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids and contain no omega-3s, they’re considered less nutritious than canola or flaxseed oils.
Sunflower oil is notable for its resistance to heat damage during cooking.
There are several different types of sunflower oil, some better than others. Without knowing more, it’s impossible to judge the quality of this ingredient.
The sixth ingredient is peas. Peas are a quality source of carbohydrates and rich in natural fiber. They also contain about 25% protein.
The seventh ingredient is apple, a nutrient-rich fruit that’s also high in fiber.
From here the list goes on to include a number of other items. But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of the product.
This recipe has three notable exceptions.
Taurine, an essential amino acid with the healthy function of heart muscle. Although taurine is not typically considered essential in canines, some dogs have been shown to be deficient in this critical nutrient.
We view the presence of taurine in this recipe as a positive addition.
Next, flaxseed oil, one of the best non-fish sources of omega-3 fatty acids — essential to a dog’s health.
In addition, this food includes chelated minerals, minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.
Nutrient Analysis
Bramble is a fresh plant-based dog food company.
So, although we recognize the desire of some pet parents to feed their pet a meat-free diet, we also respect a dog’s natural carnivorous bias.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 31%, a fat level of 20% and an estimated carbohydrate level of 41%.
As a group, the brand features a protein content of 34% and a mean fat level of 21%. Together these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 37% for the overall product line, alongside a fat-to-protein ratio of 64%.
Bramble Dog Food Recall History
The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls related to Bramble through January 2025.
No recalls noted.
You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 here.
Our Rating of Bramble Fresh Vegan Dog Food
Bramble Fresh Vegan recipes are meat-free, one food is grain-free, the other grain-inclusive that uses pea protein as its main source of protein.
Formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists and expert animal nutritionists, the recipes are packed with whole food ingredients such as lentils, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash. The human-grade ingredients are gently cooked to maintain maximum nutrition.
About
Amanda Rolat founded Bramble, a company that specializes in plant-based dog food, in 2021. She started the brand after struggling to find pet food that aligned with her values for her dogs, Bryn and McGruff.
Bramble is located in New York and all Bramble dog food recipes are manufactured in a USDA commercial kitchen.
Compare Bramble Fresh Vegan Dog Food
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A Final Word
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