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.
2 sources, cross-checked · prices re-checked 7 days ago
Ingredients
34 ingredients · tap any for its research notes
What 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.
1Chicken 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
3Chicken Fat (preserved with Natural Antioxidants)1 components▾
● Standard ingredientA named animal fat source providing energy and essential fatty acids.Sources: AAFCO ingredient definitions
The label breaks this entry into components, each classified on its own:
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
8Chicken DigestNatural flavour (named species)▾
● Standard ingredientA flavouring agent derived from a named animal species, providing more traceability than generic natural flavours. Note: chicken digest and similar named digests are relevant for allergen matching (a pet with chicken allergy should be flagged).Sources: AAFCO ingredient definitions
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
10Fish 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 conditions
Guaranteed analysis
as fed · compared to AAFCO adult dog maintenance minimums
AAFCO, the Association of American Feed Control Officials, publishes minimum nutrient levels for complete dog and cat foods. Each bar below compares this product's declared analysis to the AAFCO adult dog maintenance minimum, marked by the vertical tick.
✓Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles"Black Hawk pet food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Dog Food Nutrient Profile for the maintenance of adult dogs." (brand statement)
Protein28%AAFCO min 18% DM
Fat18%AAFCO min 5.5% DM
Fibre4.5%no AAFCO reference
Moisture10%no AAFCO reference
3,680 kcal/kg≈ 1,540 kJ / 100g energy density
Also declared on the label
Ash10%guaranteed maxPhosphorus1.4%guaranteed max
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
Part of EBOS Group (Masterpet) · 2 brands on Pawdit
Recall historyon record2019: Voluntary recall of Grain Free Salmon dog food due to contaminated salmon causing GI issues. 6 APOG consumer reports.
AS5812 accreditationAustralia's voluntary pet food manufacturing standardnot confirmed
PFIAA membershipPet Food Industry Association of Australiaconfirmed
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.
Customer reviews
4.7
67 reviews · aggregated from retailer listings across multiple sources
Where to buy
confirm prices and explore sizes on the retailer's site
● Standard ingredientA named plant oil providing energy and fatty acids.
12Chicory 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.
13Salt▾
● Contextual noteAn essential mineral present in all pet food. Flag only when appearing high on the ingredient list.Sources: NRC 2006
14Alfalfa▾
● 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
15Apple▾
● Standard ingredientA whole fruit providing fibre and vitamins.Sources: Nutritional composition data
16CarrotCarrots▾
● Standard ingredientA root vegetable providing beta-carotene and fibre.Sources: Nutritional composition data
17Brewer'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
19Pumpkin 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.
20Coconut OilCoconut oil / MCT oil▾
● Beneficial (supported)MCT oil is rich in the medium-chain triglycerides (C8 and C10) used in studies of cognitive support in aging dogs. Coconut oil contains some MCTs but is mostly lauric acid, so those findings apply mainly to purified MCT oil.Sources: Pan et al. 2010Position on the ingredient list suggests a small inclusion level.
21Yucca 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.
22SpinachSpinach / 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.
23Dried 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.
24Tomato PowderTomatoes▾
● Standard ingredientA fruit providing lycopene and vitamins.Sources: Nutritional composition data
25Emu 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.
26Yoghurt Powder▾
● Standard ingredientA dairy-derived ingredient providing protein and calcium. May contain beneficial cultures.Sources: Nutritional composition data
27Glucosamine HCl▾
● Contextual noteIncluded in many formulas for joint support. Early studies in dogs suggested cartilage support; a 2022 meta-analysis and a 2024 review found no clinical benefit for osteoarthritis pain. Quality and formulation vary across products.Sources: McCarthy et al. 2007 · Moreau et al. 2003 · Barbeau-Gregoire et al. 2022 · Pye et al. 2024
28Blueberries▾
● 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.
29CranberriesCranberry / cranberry extract▾
● Beneficial (supported)Contains proanthocyanidins, which some studies have associated with urinary tract health; most of that evidence comes from dogs and humans.Sources: Howell 2007Position on the ingredient list suggests a small inclusion level.
30Dandelion▾
● Standard ingredientA herb sometimes included in pet food formulations.Sources: Herbal references
31Parsley▾
● Standard ingredientA herb providing small amounts of vitamins and minerals.Sources: Nutritional composition data
32Peppermint▾
● Standard ingredientA herb sometimes included for flavour or as a breath freshener.Sources: Nutritional composition data
33RosemaryRosemary / rosemary extract▾
● Contextual noteGenerally regarded as a positive natural preservative alternative to synthetic options. No published study links food-grade rosemary extract to seizures in dogs; the reported concern involves concentrated rosemary essential oil, a different preparation.Sources: Goncalves et al. 2019 · Essential oils and seizure systematic review 2019
34Chondroitin SulphateChondroitin sulfate▾
● Contextual noteIncluded in many formulas for joint support, often combined with glucosamine; a 2022 meta-analysis and a 2024 review found no clinical benefit for osteoarthritis pain.Sources: McCarthy et al. 2007 · Barbeau-Gregoire et al. 2022 · Pye et al. 2024
