The Story and Mission Behind Gentle Giants Dog Food
Gentle Giants Dog Food was created from a personal mission to extend the lives of dogs. Founded by Burt Ward, best known as Robin from the 1960s Batman TV series, and his wife Tracy Ward, the company reflects their lifelong passion for rescuing and caring for dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes.
Founders With a Purpose
Burt and Tracy Ward established Gentle Giants after rescuing and housing over 15,000 dogs. Their goal was to find a way to make dogs live longer, healthier lives through proper nutrition. Displeased by the poor quality and additives in most commercial dog foods, they partnered with nutrition experts to develop a formula that promotes health and longevity without fillers or harmful ingredients.
Quality Ingredients and Formulas
All Gentle Giants formulas are made using natural, non-GMO ingredients. The dry and canned foods are designed to be suitable for dogs of all breeds, life stages, and activity levels. Each product is distinguished by its quality ingredients and nutritional integrity:
- Chicken Classic 'Quality of Life' Feast: Chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, flaxseeds, fruits, vegetables, and Green Mussel for joint health.
- Meat Lovers Feast: Beef and bacon-based formula free of poultry, with a similar mix of nutrient-rich components.
- Salmon Feast: Grain-free formula with wild-caught salmon and digestible vegetables like tapioca and sweet potatoes.
Nutritional Highlights
Each recipe is crafted with a moderate protein and fat content to avoid over-nutrition, a common problem that can shorten a pet’s life span. Here are some key guaranteed analysis metrics:
- Chicken and Meat Lovers: 22% protein, 9% fat, 4% fiber
- Salmon Feast: 24% protein, 10% fat, 5% fiber
They also provide Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin to support joint, skin, and coat health.
Feeding Recommendations
Gentle Giants advises pet owners to gradually transition their pets onto the food over seven days. They also recommend feeding multiple small meals daily and elevating food and water bowls for better digestion and comfort.
Veterinarian and Customer Praise
Veterinarians note Gentle Giants has a lower fat content than many mainstream brands, making it potentially beneficial for weight control and longevity. Testimonials from dog owners have reported dogs living into their 20s on this diet—a testament to its claimed benefits.
Manufacturing and Safety
- Made in the USA
- No recalls reported through 2025
- No artificial preservatives or colors
- No wheat, soy, corn, BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin
Formulated for All Life Stages
Gentle Giants products are designed to meet or exceed AAFCO nutritional standards for all life stages, including large breeds. They include chelated minerals for better nutrient absorption and prebiotics and probiotics for digestive health.
Cat and Kitten Food Options
The same philosophy is applied to their growing line of cat food, which avoids artificial additives and includes high-quality meats like salmon, tuna, chicken, and beef. These are intended to support feline health and are recommended by veterinarians.
Conclusion
Gentle Giants Dog Food is more than just pet nutrition—it's a mission-driven product rooted in love and science. Developed by pet lovers with decades of hands-on rescue experience, the food aims to give dogs longer, happier lives through balanced and natural diets. Though product options are focused and limited, they cover essential dietary needs and offer strong nutrition backed by real-world results and expert endorsements.
