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2 sources, cross-checked · prices re-checked 12 days ago
Ingredients
17 listed by weight, heaviest first · tap any ingredient for its research notes
11 beneficial1 under research review3 contextual2 standard ingredientsWhat do these mean? ▾
Beneficial. Linked to benefits in published research. Tiers show evidence strength.
Restricted or banned. Restricted or banned by a regulator in at least one country.
Under research review. Being studied or re-evaluated by researchers or regulators.
Contextual. Not flagged, but there is a note worth reading.
Standard. Everyday components like vitamins and minerals.
Not yet classified. Not in our dictionary yet. Always still listed.
Counts include what's inside compound entries like vitamin premixes, so they can add up to more than the label's ingredient count.
1LambNamed single-species whole meat▾
● Beneficial (well-established)Whole meat from a named animal species. Both the species and the form are identified, which supports traceability and allergy checking. Published nutrition references associate named whole meats with high protein quality.Sources: AAFCO 2024 · NRC 2006 · Amino acid bioavailability studies
2chickenNamed single-species whole meat▾
● Beneficial (well-established)Whole meat from a named animal species. Both the species and the form are identified, which supports traceability and allergy checking. Published nutrition references associate named whole meats with high protein quality.Sources: AAFCO 2024 · NRC 2006 · Amino acid bioavailability studies
● Beneficial (well-established)Whole meat from a named animal species. Both the species and the form are identified, which supports traceability and allergy checking. Published nutrition references associate named whole meats with high protein quality.Sources: AAFCO 2024 · NRC 2006 · Amino acid bioavailability studies
10chicken brothNamed single-species whole meat▾
● Beneficial (well-established)Whole meat from a named animal species. Both the species and the form are identified, which supports traceability and allergy checking. Published nutrition references associate named whole meats with high protein quality.Sources: AAFCO 2024 · NRC 2006 · Amino acid bioavailability studies
This product lists 2 separate pea derivatives (peas, pea protein). When listed separately, each appears lower on the ingredient list than they would if combined as a single entry.
Guaranteed analysis
as fed · compared to AAFCO adult dog maintenance minimums
✓Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles (Adult)"Guaranteed Analysis Black Hawk Mature Lamb & Vegetables in Broth is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for Adult Maintenance." (brand statement)
Protein8.5%AAFCO min 18% DM
Fat2%AAFCO min 5.5% DM
Fibre2%no AAFCO reference
Moisture81%no AAFCO reference
920 kcal/kg≈ 385 kJ / 100g energy densityBrand states 920 kcal/kg
Values as declared by the manufacturer (as fed). AAFCO minimums are published on a dry-matter basis and converted using the declared moisture before comparison; the comparison is shown for context only. Consult your vet for diet decisions.
Brand transparency
Black Hawk · what the manufacturer discloses, not a rating
Recall historyon record2019: Voluntary recall of Grain Free Salmon dog food due to contaminated salmon causing GI issues. 6 APOG consumer reports.
AS5812 accreditationnot confirmed
PFIAA membershipconfirmed
Quality certificationsconfirmedHACCP
Parent companydisclosedEBOS Group (Masterpet)
A factual disclosure checklist from public records and the brand's own statements. Items we haven't verified show as not confirmed: a data gap, not a judgment. Are you Black Hawk? Claim your brand to confirm or correct this record, free.
Where to buy
confirm prices and explore sizes on the retailer's site
● Contextual noteA generic term for substances used to create gel-like textures in wet food. The specific gelling agent(s) are not identified, limiting traceability. Common gelling agents include carrageenan, agar, and various gums.Sources: AAFCO ingredient definitions
4chicken liverNamed organ meats▾
● Beneficial (well-established)Organ meat from a named animal species, with both the species and the organ identified. Published nutrition references describe named organ meats (e.g. chicken liver, beef heart) as nutrient-dense, naturally rich in vitamins A and B12, iron, copper, and folate. Where the label names only the organ (e.g. "liver"), the animal species is not identified.Sources: NRC 2006 · Nutritional composition data
5eggWhole eggs / dried egg product▾
● Beneficial (well-established)Egg protein has the highest biological value of any common protein source, providing a complete amino acid profile.Sources: NRC 2006 · Protein biological value studies
6green peasPeas / lentils / chickpeas▾
● Contextual noteWhole legumes provide protein, fibre, and micronutrients. The FDA investigated (2018-2022) a potential association with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs when legumes are used as a primary ingredient, did not establish a causal link, and has paused public updates pending new science.Sources: FDA DCM Investigation 2018-2022 · Freeman et al. 2018 JAVMA
7pumpkin▾
● Beneficial (supported)A source of soluble fibre widely recommended by veterinarians for digestive support.Sources: NRC 2006 · Veterinary digestive health references
8pea proteinPea protein / pea starch / pea fibre▾
● Contextual noteFractionated legume derivatives that can be used to increase the protein reading on a guaranteed analysis without providing a complete amino acid profile. More relevant than whole peas to the FDA's DCM investigation (2018-2022, no causal link established).Sources: FDA DCM Investigation 2018-2022
11vitamins and mineralsMinerals (generic)▾
● Standard ingredientA generic term for a mineral premix. Where the label lists the specific mineral compounds in brackets, each is shown and classified below; otherwise the individual minerals are not disclosed. European-style labels declare added trace minerals as numbered additives with doses (e.g. "E4 (copper): 10 mg").Sources: AAFCO ingredient definitions
12algae oilAlgal oil (DHA source)▾
● Beneficial (emerging)A plant-based source of DHA omega-3 derived from microalgae (often Schizochytrium sp.). Provides DHA without fish-derived ingredients.Sources: Algal oil DHA bioavailability studiesPosition on the ingredient list suggests a moderate to small inclusion level.
13celluloseCellulose / powdered cellulose▾
● Under research reviewA plant-derived insoluble fibre. Provides bulk but limited nutritional value. Acceptable in small amounts; when present as a primary fibre source (top 10 ingredients), it may indicate a high proportion of nutritionally inert filler.Sources: NRC 2006 Nutrient Requirements · Nutritional composition data
14choline chloride▾
● Standard ingredientCholine chloride: a standard added nutrient for normal cell and nerve function.
15D-glucosamineGlucosamine HCL▾
● Beneficial (supported)Some peer-reviewed studies in dogs have associated glucosamine with joint cartilage support. Quality and formulation vary across products.Sources: McCarthy et al. 2007 · Moreau et al. 2003Position on the ingredient list suggests a small inclusion level.
16chondroitin sulfate▾
● Beneficial (supported)Often studied in combination with glucosamine. Some studies report benefits for joint mobility in dogs.Sources: McCarthy et al. 2007Position on the ingredient list suggests a small inclusion level.
17L-carnitine▾
● Beneficial (emerging)L-carnitine is associated with fat metabolism support in some studies, particularly in weight management contexts.Sources: Gross et al. 2000Position on the ingredient list suggests a small inclusion level.