By admin 
Pet families know that choosing a good, healthy, and wholesome food for their dogs can be overwhelming and downright confusing at times. There are so many companies out there. Many pet food and treat recall alerts have pet parents wondering what the right choice is for buying their dog a healthy food they can trust (and one that their dog will actually eat).
In April, the U.S.-based company CUDDLY® launched a new line of dog food, developed in collaboration with board-certified small animal nutritionists to support dogs at every life stage.
The debut of their Salmon & Rice Dog Kibble has been an instant hit with canines. Plus, shelter dogs also benefit from their Buy A Bag —Give A Meal program. CUDDLY food is a healthy choice for your dog ~and~for every bag purchased, they donate a meal to a rescue animal who is waiting to be adopted by a loving, forever family. Now that’s a win-win!
Who is CUDDLY and What Are They All About?
I, myself, only recently learned of the company. Being a longtime supporter of rescues and shelters, I was first intrigued when I read about their purpose of giving back to shelter dogs in the form of donated meals. Plus, having shared my life with five Siberian Huskies and two adopted German Shepherd mixes, I know the importance of feeding them a top-quality food. Shelter dogs should have the same benefit. CUDDLY prides themselves on the fact that when you purchase a bag of their Salmon & Rice Dog Kibble, “You are not just feeding your pet—you’re joining a cause that helps create a world where all animals in local shelters and rescues are nourished and cared for while they await adoption,” according to a CUDDLY press release.
CUDDLY is much more than just another dog food company. CUDDLY made a name for itself in the animal welfare space as the first-ever fundraising platform exclusively dedicated to supporting 501(c)(3) animal welfare nonprofits. The platform has partnered with more than 4,000 animal shelters and rescue organizations to date. CUDDLY also has a line of animal care products, including blankets, toys, single-ingredient treats, and now, food. In just one year, their online CUDDLY Shop has helped donate over 5,430 meals to rescue animals in need through these partnerships. That’s impressive!
“We are thrilled to introduce the world to CUDDLY Food and to continue our work in supporting animal welfare through a nutritious pet food line that supports animals in need,” states John J. Hussey, Founder and CEO of CUDDLY. “This milestone reflects our commitment to leading the charge for better pet care worldwide.”
How to Know if a Dog Food is Nutritional?
When choosing a dog food, the first thing to look for is the stamp of approval from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), a non-profit organization that “sets standards for both animal feeds and pet foods in the United States.” The other key factor in selecting a dog food is to pay close attention to the food’s ingredient list on the labels. (For more information on figuring out what’s on the label, read the article, How Can We Accurately Assess Pet Food Labels by Dr. Debora Lichtenberg, VMD.)
What are the Ingredients in CUDDLY Salmon & Rice Dog Kibble?
CUDDLY is refreshingly transparent about what goes into their dog food—and it starts strong with salmon as the first ingredient, a rich source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. That’s followed by a thoughtful blend of whole grains and plant-based proteins:
- Oats
- Brown rice
- Fish meal
- Pea protein
- Sunflower oil
- Natural flavors
- Salt
- Flaxseeds, and
- Cultured yeast rounds out the top 10 ingredients.
Beyond that, the formula includes a mix of functional ingredients like salmon oil for skin and coat health, prebiotics like chicory root, essential vitamins and minerals (such as Vitamin A, E, D3, and B12), and natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols and citric acid. The result is a nutrient-dense, balanced food designed to support your dog’s health at every stage of life.
Nutrition is Key to a Dog’s Health
When it comes to feeding our canine companions, nutrition is everything—and CUDDLY delivers with their premium Salmon & Rice Dog Kibble, made from USA-sourced salmon and developed in partnership with trusted veterinarians and canine nutritionists.
This recipe contains no artificial ingredients and is thoughtfully formulated with prebiotics and probiotics to support gut health, which plays a vital role in maintaining a strong immune system. The kibble is easily digestible, making it a great choice for dogs of all ages—especially seniors or pups with sensitive stomachs. Rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, along with 26% crude protein, it also supports healthy skin, a shiny coat, and joint health. As always, CUDDLY’s recipes are free from corn, wheat, and soy, ensuring clean, wholesome nutrition in every bite.
The Importance of Prebiotics
Just like humans, dogs thrive when they’re fueled by high-quality nutrition. The right food supports strong muscles and bones, a healthy coat, and the energy to do all the things dogs love—running, working, playing, and living life to the fullest. To stay active and healthy, they need nutrient-rich meals that provide the fuel their bodies depend on every day.
Their postbiotics and natural prebiotic fiber are derived from chicory root and support the overall immune system. Prebiotics are potentially beneficial for dogs with many conditions. According to the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP), prebiotics help to “Improve digestive function and stool quality, support the body’s natural defenses and reduce infection risk, help regulate your pet’s energy balance and glucose metabolism, boost numbers of specific microbes associated with improved health, (and) reduce fecal odor.”
The ISAPP also notes that you won’t always see “the word prebiotic” on a label. It may be listed under different names on dog food labels, such as: Fructooligosaccharides, Chicory Root/Chicory Fiber, Inulin, and Oligofructose. And, as you can read on the CUDDLY ingredient list above, Chicory Root and Inulin are their sources for prebiotics.
We Know How Important Protein and Prebiotics Are, But What About Fatty Acids?
At CUDDLY, pets are their priority when preparing recipes. Optimized protein and fat levels help support an ideal body condition and lean muscle mass, while the Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon help support healthy skin, shiny coat, as well as hip and joint health.
According to DogCancer.com, “Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids have many different bodily functions, including serving as a fuel source, transporting vitamins, supporting cell membranes, and aiding in cell signaling and regulation.” These fatty acids also play a big role with regard to inflammation. “Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids affect inflammation in the body and can positively affect dogs with cancer.”
Inflammation can come from a variety of causes including injury, illness, and allergies, all of which can have an adverse effect on a dog’s immune system. That’s why a food, like CUDDLY’s Salmon & Rice Dog Kibble, with its healthy list of limited ingredients, such as the salmon, can help contribute to your dog’s overall health.
Do Dogs Like Eating CUDDLY Salmon & Rice Dog Kibble?
When the bag of CUDDLY Salmon & Rice Dog Kibble arrived, I could not wait to test it out. First I checked the label and salmon was indeed the top-listed ingredient. I was immediately impressed upon opening the resealable bag at the freshness and quality of the bite-sized kibble.
I enlisted “Arlo,” Cassandra Maille’s four-year-old, 85-pound Boxer, to assist with a taste-testing. When presented with the bag of Salmon & Rice Dog Kibble, Arlo was eager to dive his nose into the bag as soon as it was opened, even before a single kibble hit his dish! As a matter of fact, Arlo sniffed out the delectable and fresh smell of the salmon, and tore right into the bag! Once a serving was placed in his bowl, he eagerly wolfed it down, and both Cassandra and I were impressed.
I caught up with Cassandra since Arlo first tried the Salmon & Rice Dog Kibble, and she was happy to report, “Arlo has looked forward to meal times since switching! He’s been eating every little crumb and definitely seems to enjoy it.”
CUDDLY Salmon & Rice Dog Kibble is not only appealing to dogs like Arlo right from the moment the resealable bag is opened, but what goes into the kibble is important to a caring dog-parent, like Cassandra, such as their USA-sourced salmon, all-natural ingredients, and the omission of corn, wheat, and soy. Their clean ingredients all help in maintaining and supporting a dog’s joints, muscles, and coat, which is critical to their overall health and longevity.
“Since animals are family, it’s pretty important that they eat ingredients that are healthy for them,” says Cassandra. “I want Arlo to live a long, happy and active life and part of that is making sure he’s eating good food.”
How To Transition Your Dog to CUDDLY Salmon & Rice Dog Kibble
Transitioning a dog to a new food is not difficult, however, it should always be done in small increments. Slowly and gradually is the way to pave a path to a successful change in food. It is gentler to your dog’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract while s/he becomes accustomed to the new food, while the previous food is being weaned out.
If you’re not sure how to conduct this changeover in your dog’s diet, I recommend checking with your dog’s vet and reading the article “What Makes a Healthy Diet for Your Pet” written by the Director of Social & Branding at CUDDLY team. In the section titled, “How to Transition to a New Diet,” theyshe suggests, “Over the course of about 7-10 days, mix small amounts of the new food with your pet’s current food. Start with about 25% of the new food and 75% of the old food, and increase the proportion of the new food each day. By the end of the 7-10 days, your pet should be fully transitioned.”
If you do notice any signs of discomfort, which includes “diarrhea, constipation, or excessive gas…slow down the transition process and give your pet’s digestive system time to adjust.” And their Pro Tip? “Mixing in some sugar-free pumpkin puree should help your pet’s bowel habits return to normal.”
What is CUDDLY’s “Buy A Bag—Give A Meal” Program?
Overcrowding at shelters across America is sadly at epidemic proportions. With rescuers, fosters, and adopters all trying their best to help save and care for the large number of shelter pets, the welfare of these homeless animals is critical. All too often, we read on social media how shelters, which rely on volunteers and donations, are in desperate need of food for their canine residents. While all donations are appreciated, many times the food is of varying sources and quality. Shelter dogs deserve wholesome and consistent food, the same as any family dog.
According to the folks at CUDDLY, their dog food was born from this need. “One of the most significant struggles shelters and rescues face is having a much-needed supply of food that is consistent and high-quality. Through the CUDDLY giveback program, pet owners can now bring a healthy option home for their dogs, while supporting the nutritional needs of shelters and rescues all over the country.”
Who is CUDDLY Not An Ideal Dog Food For?
If you are looking for a cheap dog food with questionable ingredients you are not concerned about, or care where they are sourced from, this is not the food for you. If your dog has specific dietary needs, this may not be the right food, so please review the ingredient list with your dog’s veterinarian.
Where is CUDDLY Salmon & Rice Dog Food Available?
This dog food is currently available for single purchase or subscription, and can be purchased along with other items (freeze-dried treats, leashes, fleece blankets, and toys) online in the CUDDLY Store.
How Much Does CUDDLY Salmon & Rice Dog Kibble Cost?
Comparing CUDDLY Salmon & Rice Dog Kibble to another well-known quality brand I fed my own dogs, the prices, in my opinion, are comparable. CUDDLY offers their food in three weights—5, 25, and 40-pound bags. Plus, if you take them up on their generous 30% discounted subscription offer, it’s a great savings, even less than what I paid for the brand I used to purchase by subscription.
They also offer an installment payment plan through Shop Pay. Another bonus for me is CUDDLY offers that big 40-pound bag selection, which, having had five Siberian Huskies to feed, I most definitely would have purchased. The 40-pound bag is a wonderful, more economical choice for multi-dog homes and large breeds.
In CUDDLY’s online store, the following are their current price breakdowns:
Single Purchase Price 30% Off Subscription Plan Price
| 5-pound bag | $17.00 | $11.90 |
| 25-pound bag | $55.00 | $38.50 |
| 40-pound bag | $82.00 | $57.40 |
What Are the Pros of CUDDLY Salmon & Rice Dog Kibble?
The benefits of this new dog food are plenty, and include:
- It is sourced, manufactured, and packaged right here in the United States.
- It was developed with input from veterinarians and small animal nutritionists.
- The transparency of their clean and healthy ingredients listed on the label.
- The omission of soy, corn, wheat, and artificial colors.
- The availability and convenience of three sizes: 5, 25, and 40-pound bags.
- The price is comparable to other specialty dog kibble food brands.
- Offering a 30% discount on subscription plans.
- CUDDLY’s giveback program of donating a meal to a rescue animal for each bag of dog food purchased.
Are There Any Cons to Purchasing CUDDLY Salmon & Rice Dog Kibble?
While I would not necessarily consider these “cons,” the following are things buyers should note:
- The food is not currently available in stores, only in the online CUDDLY Shop.
- While the price is comparable to other specialty dog foods, it is more expensive than other brands of dog food.
- The Salmon & Rice is their only flavor/recipe at the time of this article (but more are coming soon).
- The ingredient rosemary *may be a trigger* for some dogs with epilepsy (Epi-dogs) and/or seizures. However, rosemary as an ingredient is not necessarily a trigger for all Epi-dogs. My Gibson, who was diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy, had no issues with rosemary in foods and treats.
My Final Verdict: Is CUDDLY Salmon & Rice Dog Kibble a Good Choice for Dog Food?
Yes! The folks at CUDDLY obviously put canine family members as a top priority by creating a wholesome food that features USA-sourced and vet-approved ingredients and offering options of bag sizes and payment plans that can fit into a pet family’s budget.
This food not only benefits your own pup, but also gives back to the community by helping feed rescue dogs in need, one meal at a time. What a wonderful concept that is real…and it’s CUDDLY. So give the Salmon & Rice Dog Kibble a try! I believe your dog, like Arlo, will thank you.
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