Activa dog food ingredients review & Karmy Active Medium

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Karmy Adult Dog Food Active Medium & Maxi “Turkey”

Dehydrated turkey meat (Dried Turkey) is a dry product made from the raw meat and skin of slaughtered turkeys (with or without bones, but definitely no feathers, heads, legs or innards). Synonyms are “dehydrated” or “dehydrated” turkey.

Brown Rice – This is regular rice, but uncooked. A good source of complex carbohydrates. Rich in protein, thiamine, calcium, magnesium and potassium. Virtually gluten-free – suitable for animals prone to allergies or gluten intolerant. Glycemic index of brown rice is 50, which is lower than that of white rice, so this type of grain does not cause a spike in blood glucose after a meal and is recommended for diabetics as well as overweight animals.

Rice is one of the oldest cereal crops, popular on all continents, especially in Asian countries. In small amounts, rice in dog and cat food is a useful source of carbohydrates. It is better digested than wheat or corn and contains less gluten, so it is recommended for animals with sensitive digestion or those prone to food allergies. However, if the ingredient is listed as one of the first foods, it serves as a cheap filler.

Salmon oil, or salmon oil, has a number of health benefits. Good quality salmon oil is rich in essential Omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), which have beneficial effects on literally all organs and systems of the body.

Brewers Yeast contains 50% protein, 25-40% carbohydrates, up to 3% fat and many other nutrients, including B vitamins. Brewers Yeast is a cluster of single-celled microorganisms, the yeast fungus Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is different from those used in baking.

activa dog food ingredients review & karmy active medium

Dried Apples – Dried whole fruits or slices of them.

Vitamins & Minerals (Vitamins&Minerals) – Most likely a complex vitamin and mineral premix that includes vitamins and minerals, micro- and macro-nutrients the body needs.

Glucosamine (Glucosamine) is a polysaccharide that binds the “bricks” of cartilage in the animal. It lubricates the joints, reduces inflammation and soreness of movement. Glucosamine is added to dog and cat food to prevent joint disease in healthy animals. Normally the body is able to produce glucosamine by itself, but at certain times it may not be sufficient.

Chondroitin (Chondroitine) is a structural component of cartilage tissue of animals, an important substance for the prevention and treatment of joint disease in healthy animals. The body of cats and dogs are normally able to synthesize chondroitin itself, but at certain times it may be lacking, and have to be added to the diet.

Yucca Schidigera is a plant of the Agave family. It is usually added to feed to reduce the smell of excrement. And yucca is quite capable of this task, as the substances it contains successfully fight bacteria, contributing to normal intestinal function.

Laminaria is probably the most famous algae in our country. It belongs to the class of brown algae, which has about 30 varieties. The most popular kelp species (for example, saccharine kelp) are called seaweed. Sea kelp has long been used as a food and is a useful product.

This ingredient is a mixture of live beneficial bacteria Bacillus subtilis (Bacillus subtilis) and Bacillus licheniformis (Bacillus licheniformis).

Mixed Tocopherols (a source of vitamin E) are a natural source of important vitamin E for dogs and cats. Tocopherols are fat-soluble vitamins that have similar properties and are grouped together (E).

Unfortunately, the body of carnivores is practically unable to synthesize vitamin A (retinol) from beta-carotene, which is rich in some plant foods, and must receive it either as part of meat products (liver, fish, eggs), or in synthesized form, in the form of vitamin supplements. It is not clear from the name of this ingredient in what combination of substances added vitamin A, in its pure form it can not be present.

• Vitamin D (calciferol) is the common name for a group of fat-soluble biologically active substances. One form of this vitamin – D2 – comes into the body only from food, the other – D3 (cholecalciferol) – is formed in the skin after exposure to ultraviolet light. But not in cats and dogs. They absorb this vitamin exclusively with food. The richest sources of calciferol are: oily fish (herring, mackerel), eggs, cod liver oil and liver.
• Vitamin E, like vitamin C, is a natural antioxidant that prevents oxidation of fatty acids, vitamins (especially A) and some other nutrients, allowing dry food to be stored for a long time without losing its nutritional value.
• The ingredient is a synthesized vitamin supplement, a source of thiamine needed by animals. Pets who are fed “homemade,” non-industrialized food should be sure to get vitamin B1 (thiamine, aneurine) from natural sources (they need to be precisely balanced for this).
• Vitamin B2 belongs to the water-soluble B vitamins and is one of the most important participants in the biochemical reaction on which all organic life is based – the redox process. In addition, this vitamin plays an important role in the digestion of fats, proteins and carbohydrates, as well as in the production of red blood cells, the synthesis of hemoglobin. Vitamin B2 is especially necessary during the growth period of kittens and puppies.
• Vitamin B3 (niacin, nicotinic acid, nicotinamide, vitamin PP) (Niacin, Nicotinic Acid) is a water-soluble B vitamin. Vitamins of this group are vital for animals to maintain normal activity of cells and tissues, although the body is not able to synthesize most of them independently. So, while dogs get at least some niacin from the amino acid tryptophan, cats do not have this possibility by nature – which means it is essential for them to “get” this vitamin from food.
• Choline Chloride (vitamin B4, choline, choline chloride) is an important element of cell membranes (in phospholipids). As a component of lecithin and acetylcholine, vitamin B4 regulates fat metabolism and protects the skin from dehydration. Unfortunately, the body of animals synthesizes it in insufficient quantities and the “gaps” must be filled through food or artificially.
• Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) is very similar in structure to nicotinamide (vitamin B3 or PP). Pantothenic acid is involved in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and minerals. Thanks to her normal growth and development of puppies and kittens, improved cardiovascular and nervous systems, better liver function, and enhanced barrier properties of the intestinal mucosa.
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) belongs to the water-soluble group and is very important because it is used to synthesize amino acids, the basic building blocks of proteins. Part of the vitamin B6 is produced in the intestine by friendly microorganisms, but to a greater extent comes from food.
• Biotin (vitamin H) – also known as vitamin B7, coenzyme R (Vitamin B7 (Biotin, vitamin H)). It is a water-soluble B vitamin. One of the most important vitamins for healthy skin and a shiny coat, also directly affecting the proper functioning of the nervous system. Animals, especially cats, must receive biotin with their Kirkland food, since their intestinal microflora do not produce enough of it. Biotin is most often added as a supplement to prepared foods for dogs and cats.
• Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) is a water-soluble vitamin responsible for blood quality and is involved in the formation of nervous system tissues. In dogs and cats, folic acid is only partially produced by the intestinal microflora, so pets (especially cats) need to get vitamin B9 from food – it becomes active only during digestion.
• Vitamin B12 (cobalamin, cyanocobalamin) (Vitamin B12) is a water-soluble B vitamin that contains cobalt. This substance can only be found in animal products (liver, kidney, heart, lung, muscle tissue, dairy products), and if they are not enough in the feed, the addition of a synthesized form of the vitamin is used. B12 deficiency is uncommon because the body needs very little of it to function properly.
• Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) – belongs to the water-soluble group and is one of the most important substances in the body of mammals. In its deficiency is not possible normal formation of connective and bone tissue, the production of some hormones, the work of almost all organs and systems of the body. Vitamin C enters the body of cats and dogs only with food.
• Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin, which saturates the blood with oxygen, and myoglobin, which does the same work in the muscles. This trace element plays an important role in cellular respiration and actively participates in redox reactions of the animal body. Natural sources of iron for cats and dogs are liver, meat, fish, poultry and by-products.
• Copper (Copper, Cuprum) is naturally found in various proteins and enzymes. It is very important for the body of animals, even though very little of it is needed. This trace element is indispensable in mineral and carbohydrate metabolism as well as in liver function. Copper is usually added to feed in the form of salts – copper oxide (the most difficult to digest), copper sulfate, as well as copper amino acid chelate and copper proteinate (the most easily digestible forms).
• Zinc (Zinc) is found in minimal concentrations in the body. It is responsible for vitamin A metabolism, the formation of keratin and collagen proteins (essential for the skin and coat of animals) and wound healing. Zinc is most commonly added to feed in the form of salts, such as zinc oxide, zinc sulfate, and in the most bioavailable forms – zinc proteinate or zinc chelate. It is not clear from the name of this ingredient which compound, in this case, is the source of zinc in the feed.
• Manganese is a trace element that is involved in more than 300 metabolic processes. It is an antioxidant mineral that protects cells from free radicals. Along with calcium and phosphorus, manganese is an important component of bone tissue and teeth of animals. The most commonly used in feeds are manganese oxide, manganese sulfate and manganese proteinate.
• Iodine (Iodine) – a trace element, which, although in small amounts, is absolutely necessary for dogs and cats. It is an essential component of thyroid hormones, and is necessary for growth, development, and metabolic regulation. In dog and cat food iodine is usually added to natural components (e.g. seaweed meal) or in the form of synthesized compounds (e.g. calcium iodate).
• Selenium is a trace nutrient that is essential for dogs and cats in small doses, but toxic in larger doses. It acts as an antioxidant and prevents free radicals from destroying cells, thus maintaining muscle elasticity and slowing down aging. There is plenty of natural selenium in meat, by-products, fish and seafood.
• Lysine is an amino acid, one of the constituents of proteins. The letter L in the name refers to the digestible form of this amino acid. Lysine is extremely important and even indispensable – the body can not produce it itself, and must get it with food. The main source of lysine is meat, especially beef, but also fish and eggs.
• Calcium is a chemical active metal with a silvery-white color, one of the most common minerals on our planet (it is found in the Earth’s crust, in water and, of course, in living organisms). More than 90% of the calcium in animals is found in bones and teeth, to which this metal gives hardness. However, for proper growth and bone formation, calcium must be absorbed by the body in a certain balance with phosphorus.
• Phosphorus is a mineral, the exact compound of which is not specified in this case. It is most likely a salt of phosphoric acid, such as calcium phosphate, since phosphates are commonly added to farm and pet foods. Phosphorus is not always listed separately in prepared foods. It may be included in vitamin and mineral premixes, and is also found in corn, oats, meat and bone meal and fish and bone meal.
• The supplement is a complex of two amino acids: methionine, which is essential in animals and humans, and the related cystine. Although the latter can be synthesized in the body and not only through food storage container, it is very important in maintaining the health of mammals. Such a supplementation may be necessary in cases of animal protein deficiency. Cereals and legumes also contain it, but in smaller amounts.
• Potassium is a mineral element found in all fluids and soft tissues of animals, and its deficiency can be detrimental to their health. Together with sodium, this macronutrient maintains acid-base balance, is involved in the nervous system, helping nerve cells transmit signals to each other, as well as in protein synthesis. Potassium is essential for heart function, liver and kidney function, and hematopoiesis.
• Sodium is a mineral in all living organisms, and in animals it is concentrated in the intercellular fluid of cells. Sodium plays an important role in intracellular energy metabolism, participates in the generation and transmission of nerve impulses, in the contraction of muscle fibers. Some degree of sodium is present in almost all foods, and pets often get it artificially (from sodium chloride – common table salt). The latter is undesirable because it can lead to an excess of not only sodium but also chloride in the body.
• L-tryptophan (Tryptophan) is an essential amino acid, on the basis of which other substances involved in the work of the living organism are formed. Together with vitamin B6, magnesium and niacin, tryptophan is responsible for the production of serotonin in the brain (a mediator that regulates the activity of nerve cells and transmits signals between them). Tryptophan is also involved in the nucleation of hemoglobin and affects the reproductive function of animals.
• Omega-3 and omega-6 are essential unsaturated fatty acids that can only be ingested by dogs and cats.

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After studying several different Karmy products for dogs, we concluded that their formulations are very similar to each other. The ingredients and formulation are almost identical. This description focuses on the food, which the manufacturer positions as a food for active dogs of medium and large size. Its name is Karmy Adult Dog Active Medium & Maxi “Turkey”. We tried to review in detail all the pros and cons of the Karmy Active food and even compared it with other Karmy products, so that the product characteristics were as useful as possible for our readers.

Let’s meet “by the clothes”

Since “Karmy” is a USA brand, and the product is produced on the territory of our country, almost all information on the package is in USA only. The target characteristic of Karmy Adult Dog – for agile dogs of medium and large size – is marked with orange color coding and the words Medium & Maxi.

Judging by the feeding chart printed on the back of the pack, the product should also be suitable for giant breeds. We felt it necessary to indicate this in the explanation of the name of the diet, although the manufacturer does not focus on this.

Three icons on the package indicate that:

• This diet has “balanced energy levels”;
• It’s immune-boosting;
• can improve joint health.

The explanations on the back of the package mention clinical studies on the effects of the food only in regard to immune protection. If other claims are supported by research, it would be great if the manufacturer gave specific facts on the subject rather than generalities.

Analyzing the composition of “Carmi Active”: the first 5 components of the food

The basic components here are exactly the same as in a number of other Karmy formulas: dried turkey meat (in this case its 33%) is combined with two kinds of rice – white and brown, with salmon fat and with the addition of beer yeast.

When formulating and labeling this food, they used a split of the two carbohydrate ingredients. In this case, the fact that two varieties of rice were added at once – brown rice (which is more healthy) and white rice (which is more processed and less healthy) – shows that the manufacturer wants to put the dried source of animal protein (turkey dehydrate) at the top of the formula.

This is a logical marketing move, because many customers read only the first line of the composition, but we as experts are not ready to support such a decision. Our opinion is: the more quality meat in the food, the better, and in this case, rice obviously prevails, because the turkey is only a little more than a third.

But we support the choice of salmon fat as a source of animal fatty acids. True, if turkey fat were added here, this product could be considered a 100% animal protein mono diet. If the fat is from another species of animal, bird or fish, it may also contain protein molecules of the corresponding species. However, allergic and sensitive pets, who tolerate both turkey and salmon well, such a product may well suit.

What else did the manufacturer add here?

The number of additives, as the review of the composition of the food Karmy Adult Dog Active for adult dogs of medium, large and giant breeds shows, is quite limited here. We see dried apple (a source of fiber to stimulate intestinal peristalsis), the already mentioned brewer’s yeast (carries MOS to feed the intestinal flora), the expected glucosamine and chondroitin (after all, the food is for very large pets, who need extra support for their joints) and even probiotics – two species, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis.

Admittedly, the exact form in which this probiotic supplement comes into the diet is not reported – we assume it’s lyophilically dried microorganisms. As for several other supplements, you can read more about them in our feed ingredient articles (click on the links in the feed or go to the ingredient database).

The manufacturer has printed the entire premix of vitamins, minerals and amino acids in great detail on the label and also mentions that vitamin C and a source of vitamin E, a mixture of natural tocopherols, help to keep the food fresh.

Guaranteed analysis of Karmy Adult Dog with turkey: a comparison

This product is only slightly different from the other two formula options, turkey and veal, labeled as Karmy Adult Maxi.

Karmy Adult Medium&Maxi Active has slightly higher protein and fat values in its guaranteed analysis (28% instead of 26% and 15% instead of 14%, respectively) and contains the same chondroprotectors, glucosamine and chondroitin. Their dosages are the same in all of these foods.

We must make a special comment about chondroprotectors. Their efficacy in the diet for different pets may differ, because all manufacturers have different dosages. Therefore, if you have a really active large or particularly large dog, we recommend that you consult further with a good veterinary orthopedist. He can assess the situation and suggest some additional supplements for the joints, properly distribute and correct the load.

The difference between Karmy Adult Dog Medium&Maxi Active and Karmy Adult Dog Medium is also small. This active dog food has 3% more protein content than the medium breed product for dogs with normal activity, and the fat content is no different.

Interestingly, the fat and protein percentages in the guaranteed analysis for this active dog food were the same as those found in the Karmy Adult Dog Mini. But the diet for medium- and large-sized active pets, to which this review is devoted, has slightly less calcium (1.3% instead of 1.5%) and less phosphorus (0.9% instead of 1%). This is correct because excessive calcium and phosphorus intake is harmful to large animals both during growth and as adults.

The energy value of this diet is 3660 kcal/kg. The manufacturer believes that this caloric value is sufficient for active dogs. Note that we have encountered similar diets where the energy value is higher. In any case, when choosing a food for sports, hunting and other active pets, it is necessary to compare not only the quality of ingredients, but also the daily feeding norms, and only then to understand how many kilocalories a day the dog will get with this or that diet, and whether they compensate for the energy expended specifically for its types of activity.

Conclusion: rating of dog food Karmy Adult Active Medium & Maxi

The features of the composition allow you to highlight a number of pluses: pre and probiotics, tocopherol as a preservative, the complete absence of soy and any other grains except rice. As for the minuses, they include a split of rice, the advertising statement “High meat content” on the package and not too significant differences from Karmy formulas for medium and large dogs with normal mobility.

We rated the Karmy Adult Active Medium & Maxi food for placement in our rating based on the sum of the scores of the first five components. There is no reason to award any penalties or bonuses in this case. The total score of the product turned out to be 26 points. If you take into account that the maximum number of points that can earn food in our evaluation system is 55 units, it is quite an average, not a bad option, winning against many foreign brands.

Photo of Karmy Adult Dog Active Medium & Maxi “Turkey”

This conclusion, like all the others, we suggest you read and take note at your discretion. We created it to arm you with knowledge and help you make a more informed decision when purchasing dry food for your pet. Read more about what we do here.