Best Grain-Free Dog Food: Tally’s Ranch Freeze-Dried Chicken Review
Our Verdict
Tally’s Ranch Freeze-Dried Chicken Recipe earns a top 5-star rating as one of the best grain-free dog foods on the market. With only two vet-formulated recipes in their lineup, this brand focuses on quality over quantity, delivering premium nutrition with no fillers, artificial preservatives, or grains.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Vet-Formulated | |
| USDA-Sourced Meats | Limited recipe options (only two varieties). |
| Grain-Free & Nutrient-Dense | |
| Freeze-Dried for Freshness |
Recipe & Nutrient:
Primary Ingredients:
- Chicken (high-quality protein & amino acids)
- Chicken Liver (rich in iron, vitamin A & B vitamins)
- Flaxseed & Sweet Potatoes (omega-3s + digestible carbs)
Guaranteed Analysis (Dry Matter Basis):
- Protein: 34.2% (excellent for muscle maintenance)
- Fat: 22.8% (supports energy & coat health)
- Carbs: 30.3% (moderate, grain-free energy source)
- Fat-to-Protein Ratio: 67% – Ideal for active or athletic dogs.
Feeding Guidelines:
General Instructions:
Tally’s Ranch Freeze-Dried Dog Food can be served as a complete meal, mixer, or topper. For best results, rehydrate with warm water before serving to enhance flavor and aid digestion.
Daily Feeding Recommendations:
| Dog Weight | Amount Per Day (Complete Meal) |
| 5-15 lbs | 1/4 – 3/4 cup |
| 16-30 lbs | 3/4 – 1 1/4 cups |
| 31-50 lbs | 1 1/4 – 1 3/4 cups |
| 51-75 lbs | 1 3/4 – 2 1/2 cups |
| 75+ lbs | 2 1/2 – 3 1/2 cups |
Preparation Instructions:
- As a Complete Meal: Rehydrate 1 part food with 1 part warm water (let sit 3-5 minutes).
- As a Mixer/Topper: Crumble desired amount over kibble (no need to rehydrate).
Important Notes:
- Adjust portions based on your dog’s age, activity level, and metabolism.
- Always provide fresh water.
- Transition gradually over 7-10 days when switching foods.
- Store unopened bags in a cool, dry place; after opening, keep refrigerated and use within 2 weeks.
For Puppies:
Feed 2-3 times the adult amount, divided into 3-4 meals per day until 6 months old.
Consult your veterinarian for specific dietary needs, especially for:
- Pregnant/nursing dogs
- Dogs with medical conditions
- Senior dogs with reduced activity levels
- Calorie Content: Approximately 4,500 kcal/kg (35 kcal per piece)
Remember these are general guidelines. Monitor your dog’s weight and adjust portions accordingly to maintain ideal body condition.
Comparison to Other Grain-Free Dog Food Brands
| Brand | Protein Source | GMO-Free | Grain-Free | Key Distinguishing Feature |
| Tally’s Ranch | 100% Chicken | Yes | Yes | Single-ingredient, freeze-dried, no fillers |
| Open Farm | Chicken | Yes | Yes | Ethically sourced, human-grade ingredients |
| Blue Buffalo | Chicken | No | Some | LifeSource Bits® for added nutrients |
| Merrick | Chicken | Yes | Yes | High-protein, Texas ranch-inspired recipes |
| Hill’s Science Diet | Chicken | No | No | Vet-recommended, science-backed formulas |
Why Tally’s Ranch Stands Out:
✅ Purest Ingredients – Only chicken (no additives or synthetic preservatives).
✅ Freeze-Dried Freshness – Retains more nutrients than kibble or canned options.
✅ Ideal for Allergies – No grains, GMOs, or common irritants.
Best For: Pet owners seeking minimalist, high-protein nutrition without compromises.
Safety & Recall History
As of our latest research, Tally’s Ranch maintains a clean safety record with:
- No FDA recalls since launch
- No reported cases of diet-associated DCM
- Transparent sourcing and manufacturing in the USA
This strong track record provides peace of mind for cautious pet owners.
Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
| Criterion | Rating | Comments |
| Overall Satisfaction | ★★★★★ (5/5) | Consistently earns 5-star reviews for taste & digestibility |
| Nutrient Profile | ★★★★★ (5/5) | 34% protein, vet-formulated, grain-free, meets AAFCO guidelines |
| Ingredient Quality | ★★★★★ (5/5) | 100% USDA chicken, no fillers or artificial preservatives |
| Ethical Sourcing | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) | Transparent supply chain (no certification details available) |
| Price Value | ★★★★☆ (4/5) | Premium cost (~$2.50/oz), justified by freeze-dried quality |
| Variety & Safety | ★★★★☆ (4/5) | Only 2 recipes but zero recalls since launch |
Highly Recommended for pet owners seeking a grain-free, high-protein diet with transparent sourcing. While the limited flavors may not suit every pup, the clean ingredient list and vet-backed formulation make it a top-tier choice among the best grain-free dog foods.
Ideal For:
- Dogs with grain allergies or sensitivities
- Owners prioritizing minimally processed, whole food nutrition
- Training treats or meal toppers (since it’s not a complete standalone diet)
Pro Tip: Pair with a balanced kibble or supplement for full nutritional coverage.
200+ Amazon Review Summary
Positive Feedback (90% of Reviews):
- “My picky dog devours this!” – Most praise its palatability for fussy eaters.
- “No more allergy issues” – Owners of grain-sensitive dogs report fewer skin/ear problems.
- “Convenient & clean” – Freeze-dried format earns love for easy portioning/storage.
Negative Feedback (10% of Reviews):
- “Expensive for small bags” – Some note the premium price per ounce.
- “Wish there were more flavors” – Requests for beef or fish options.
Pro Tip: Many reviewers mix it with kibble to stretch servings while boosting nutrition.
About Tally’s Ranch:
Tally’s Ranch was founded by Michael Goldman, a former executive at The Farmer’s Dog, and named after his rescue dog Tally. The company specializes in producing high-quality, limited-ingredient freeze-dried dog food made with simple, wholesome ingredients.
The brand focuses on creating grain-free formulas using single-protein sources, starting with 100% USDA chicken as their primary ingredient. All recipes are developed with veterinary nutritionists to ensure complete and balanced nutrition for dogs. Tally’s Ranch products contain no artificial preservatives, fillers, or meat meals, making them particularly suitable for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.
Currently, the product line consists of two freeze-dried recipes that have earned top ratings from pet food review sites. The food is minimally processed using freeze-drying technology to preserve nutrients and flavor.
Where to Buy
Tally’s Ranch Freeze-Dried Chicken Recipe is currently available through several reputable retailers, both online and in select brick-and-mortar stores. Below is a detailed breakdown of purchasing options, availability, and tips for getting the best value.
- Official Online Retailers
Amazon (Primary Seller) - Tally’s Ranch Official Website
- Chewy (Limited Availability)
Final Verdict
After extensive evaluation, we confidently recommend Tally’s Ranch Freeze-Dried Chicken Recipe as a top-tier grain-free option. Its combination of premium ingredients, veterinary formulation, and freeze-dried convenience makes it particularly valuable for:
- Dogs with grain sensitivities
- Picky eaters who prefer intense meat flavors
- Owners seeking minimally processed nutrition
While the limited flavor selection and premium positioning may not suit every budget or preference, the quality justifies the investment for those prioritizing clean, simple nutrition.
Illustrative Image – Not Actual Product Packaging
This disclaimer informs readers that any images used in the blog are for illustration purposes only and may not reflect the actual packaging of the product. Always refer to the product page for the most up-to-date packaging information.
