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.
PFIAA
Data completeness
100%
2 sources, cross-checked · prices re-checked 17 days ago
Ingredients
33 listed by weight, heaviest first · tap any ingredient for its research notes
14 beneficial6 contextual12 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.
● 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
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
Show all 33 ingredients ▾
9beet pulp▾
● Beneficial (supported)A well-studied moderately fermentable fibre source associated with stool quality benefits in dogs.Sources: NRC 2006 · Fahey et al. 1990
● 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
11
This product lists 2 separate pea derivatives (peas, pea starch). When listed separately, each appears lower on the ingredient list than they would if combined as a single entry.
This product lists probiotics. Standard processing temperatures for dry food may exceed the survival threshold for live bacteria unless a validated delivery method is used.
Guaranteed analysis
as fed · compared to AAFCO adult dog maintenance minimums
✓Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles"Black Hawk Healthy Benefits Sensitive Skin & Gut is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Dog Food Nutrient Profile for maintenance." (brand statement)
Protein28%AAFCO min 18% DM
Fat17%AAFCO min 5.5% DM
Fibre6%no AAFCO reference
Moisture10%no AAFCO reference
3,700 kcal/kg≈ 1,548 kJ / 100g energy density
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
4.8
234 reviews · aggregated from retailer listings across multiple sources
Where to buy
confirm prices and explore sizes on the retailer's site
Petstock2 sizes: 2kg, 12kgCheck current pricechecked 17d agoVisit
Petbarn2 sizes: 2kg, 12kgCheck current pricechecked 19d agoVisit
PetO1 size: 12kgCheck current pricechecked 17d agoVisit
3chickpeasPeas / 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
4faba beans▾
● Contextual noteA legume protein and carbohydrate source. As a legume, it falls within the scope of the FDA investigation into a potential association between legume-heavy grain-free diets and DCM in dogs. Research is ongoing.Sources: FDA DCM Investigation 2018-present · Nutritional composition data
5chicken 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 lists this premix's contents, each piece classified on its own:
6sweet potatoPotato / sweet potato▾
● Contextual noteDigestible carbohydrate sources. Not harmful in themselves. Often used in grain-free formulations.Sources: NRC 2006
7pea starchPea 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
● 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
essential vitamins
Vitamins (generic)
▾
● Standard ingredientA generic term for a vitamin premix. Where the label lists the specific vitamins in brackets, each is shown and classified below; otherwise the individual vitamins are not disclosed.Sources: AAFCO ingredient definitions
12mineralsMinerals (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
13amino acids (see table)Amino acids (generic)▾
● Standard ingredientA generic term for an amino acid supplement blend. Where the label lists the specific amino acids in brackets, each is shown and classified below; otherwise the individual amino acids are not disclosed.Sources: AAFCO ingredient definitions
14fish 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.
15carrot fibreCarrots▾
● Standard ingredientA root vegetable providing beta-carotene and fibre.Sources: Nutritional composition data
16dried yeast extractsBrewer'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.
17sea 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.
● Beneficial (supported)A chelated zinc form associated with better bioavailability and skin/coat health benefits.Sources: NRC 2006Position on the ingredient list suggests a small inclusion level.
21algae ?-glucan
22coconut 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.
23emu 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.
24D-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.
25selenium yeastSodium selenite▾
● Standard ingredientA standard added selenium (mineral) supplement.
26Yucca 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.
27blueberries▾
● 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.
28carrots▾
● Standard ingredientA root vegetable providing beta-carotene and fibre.Sources: Nutritional composition data
29cranberriesCranberry / 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.
30peppermint▾
● Standard ingredientA herb sometimes included for flavour or as a breath freshener.Sources: Nutritional composition data
31pumpkin seedsPumpkin▾
● 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.
32dandelion▾
● Standard ingredientA herb sometimes included in pet food formulations.Sources: Herbal references
33rosemaryRosemary / 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
