Pawdit presents manufacturer-declared facts and attributes every note to its published source. We do not rate, grade or rank products. This assessment is generated by an algorithmic methodology based on published sources. It is not a guarantee of product quality or safety. Always consult your veterinarian.
Data completeness
100%
2 sources, cross-checked · prices re-checked 20 days ago
Ingredients
34 listed by weight, heaviest first · tap any ingredient for its research notes
16 beneficial9 contextual9 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.
1Fish MealNamed species meat meal▾
● Beneficial (well-established)Rendered meal from a named animal species: a concentrated protein source with water and fat removed. The species is identified, which supports traceability and allergy checking.Sources: AAFCO ingredient definitions · Veterinary nutrition references
2Field 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
3
Show all 34 ingredients ▾
9Essential Vitamins & Minerals (see tables)Minerals (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
10Canola Oil▾
● Contextual noteA refined vegetable oil used as a fat source in pet food. Modern canola contains very low erucic acid (<2%) and provides omega-6 and some omega-3 (ALA) fatty acids. The refining process (bleaching, deodorising) removes some naturally occurring compounds. FDA considers it generally recognised as safe.Sources: FDA GRAS status · Nutritional composition data
Guaranteed analysis
as fed · compared to AAFCO dog growth & reproduction minimums
✓Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles (puppies, pregnant bitches, lactating bitches)"Black Hawk Grain Free pet food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the Association of American Food Control Officials (AAFCO) Dog Food Nutrient Profile for the growth of puppies." (brand statement)
Protein27%AAFCO min 22.5% DM
Fat17%AAFCO min 8.5% DM
Fibre4.5%no AAFCO reference
Moisture10%no AAFCO reference
3,640 kcal/kg≈ 1,523 kJ / 100g energy densityBrand states 3,640 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.
Customer reviews
4.6
82 reviews · aggregated from retailer listings across multiple sources
Where to buy
confirm prices and explore sizes on the retailer's site
PetO1 size: 2.5kgCheck current pricechecked 20d agoVisit
Petbarn2 sizes: 2.5kg, 15kgCheck current pricechecked 21d agoVisit
Beef Fat
Named 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
4TapiocaTapioca / tapioca starch▾
● Contextual noteA carbohydrate source that provides energy but limited micronutrients.Sources: NRC 2006
5PotatoPotato / sweet potato▾
● Contextual noteDigestible carbohydrate sources. Not harmful in themselves. Often used in grain-free formulations.Sources: NRC 2006
6Sweet PotatoPotato / sweet potato▾
● Contextual noteDigestible carbohydrate sources. Not harmful in themselves. Often used in grain-free formulations.Sources: NRC 2006
7Beet Pulp▾
● Beneficial (supported)A well-studied moderately fermentable fibre source associated with stool quality benefits in dogs.Sources: NRC 2006 · Fahey et al. 1990
8Beef DigestAnimal digest▾
● Contextual noteHydrolysed animal tissue used as a flavour coating. Source animal is usually unspecified. Named digest (e.g., chicken digest) provides more traceability than generic animal digest.Sources: AAFCO 2024
11Chicory RootFOS (fructo-oligosaccharides)▾
● Beneficial (supported)A prebiotic fibre associated with gut microbiome support in published studies. Promotes beneficial bacteria growth.Sources: Swanson et al. 2002Position on the ingredient list suggests a moderate to small inclusion level.
12Fish OilEPA + DHA (marine-source omega-3)▾
● Beneficial (well-established)Marine-source omega-3 fatty acids associated with anti-inflammatory, skin/coat health, joint support, cognitive function, and cardiac and renal support in multiple peer-reviewed studies.Sources: Bauer 2011 JAVMA · NRC 2006 · Multiple RCTs in dogs for skin/joint conditionsPosition on the ingredient list suggests a moderate to small inclusion level.
13Sunflower Oil▾
● Standard ingredientA named plant oil providing energy and fatty acids.
14Salt▾
● Contextual noteAn essential mineral present in all pet food. Flag only when appearing high on the ingredient list.Sources: NRC 2006
15Alfalfa▾
● Contextual noteA legume plant used as a source of fibre, protein, and micronutrients including natural vitamin K1 (an alternative to synthetic menadione/vitamin K3). As a legume, it is within the broader scope of the FDA DCM investigation, though typically included at low levels.Sources: NRC 2006 · Nutritional composition data
16Apple▾
● Standard ingredientA whole fruit providing fibre and vitamins.Sources: Nutritional composition data
17Coconut OilCoconut oil / MCT oil▾
● Beneficial (supported)Contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Some studies have explored MCTs for cognitive support in aging dogs.Sources: Pan et al. 2010Position on the ingredient list suggests a small inclusion level.
18CarrotCarrots▾
● Standard ingredientA root vegetable providing beta-carotene and fibre.Sources: Nutritional composition data
19Brewer's Yeast▾
● Beneficial (emerging)A by-product of beer brewing that provides B vitamins, protein, and trace minerals. Some studies have explored its role as a source of mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) for gut health support and as a natural palatability enhancer.Sources: Nutritional composition data · Swanson et al. 2002Position on the ingredient list suggests a small inclusion level.
● Standard ingredientNatural preservation agents such as tocopherols or rosemary extract. Where the label names the agents in brackets, each is shown and classified below; 'including' wording means others may be present without being listed.Sources: AAFCO ingredient definitions
21Pumpkin SeedPumpkin▾
● Beneficial (supported)A source of soluble fibre widely recommended by veterinarians for digestive support.Sources: NRC 2006 · Veterinary digestive health referencesPosition on the ingredient list suggests a small inclusion level.
22Glucosamine 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.
23Yucca schidigeraYucca schidigera extract▾
● Beneficial (supported)Associated with faecal odour reduction in published studies. Some research has explored anti-inflammatory properties.Sources: Lowe & Kershaw 1997Position on the ingredient list suggests a small inclusion level.
24SpinachSpinach / kale▾
● Beneficial (emerging)Nutrient-dense leafy greens rich in vitamins K, A, C, folate, and iron. Flag for pets with history of calcium oxalate bladder stones (high oxalate content).Sources: NRC 2006Position on the ingredient list suggests a small inclusion level.
25Dried KelpKelp / seaweed meal▾
● Beneficial (supported)A natural source of iodine and trace minerals. Some studies have explored dental health benefits. Note: excessive iodine from kelp could affect thyroid function in cats with hyperthyroidism.Sources: NRC 2006Position on the ingredient list suggests a small inclusion level.
26Tomato PowderTomatoes▾
● Standard ingredientA fruit providing lycopene and vitamins.Sources: Nutritional composition data
27Yoghurt Powder▾
● Standard ingredientA dairy-derived ingredient providing protein and calcium. May contain beneficial cultures.Sources: Nutritional composition data
28Emu Oil▾
● Beneficial (emerging)An Australian-sourced oil containing a mix of omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids. Some preliminary research has explored anti-inflammatory and skin health properties.Sources: Australian ingredient research · Nutritional composition dataPosition on the ingredient list suggests a small inclusion level.
29Chondroitin SulphateChondroitin 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.
30Blueberries▾
● Beneficial (emerging)A whole-food source of anthocyanins, associated with antioxidant properties in published research.Sources: Prior et al. 2008Position on the ingredient list suggests a small inclusion level.
31CranberriesCranberry / cranberry extract▾
● Beneficial (supported)Contains proanthocyanidins, which some studies have associated with urinary tract health, particularly in cats.Sources: Howell 2007Position on the ingredient list suggests a small inclusion level.
32Dandelion▾
● Standard ingredientA herb sometimes included in pet food formulations.Sources: Herbal references
33Peppermint▾
● Standard ingredientA herb sometimes included for flavour or as a breath freshener.Sources: Nutritional composition data
34RosemaryRosemary / rosemary extract▾
● Contextual noteGenerally regarded as a positive natural preservative alternative to synthetic options. Some veterinary sources suggest rosemary may lower seizure thresholds in dogs with epilepsy.Sources: Goncalves et al. 2019
