Luvsome Information
Luvsome is a private label or own-brand pet food that is owned and sold by the grocery store Kroger.
Kroger is a huge player in the grocery industry, with almost 3000 locations, and has been operating in the United States since 1883.
Their huge customer base and retail footprint allow them to provide private label brands like Luvsome to their customers, with many taking advantage of the convenience of shopping for pet food along with their groceries.
Moreover, Kroger has deliberately priced the Luvsome pet food recipes at a very competitive and cost-effective price point which further increases its appeal.
While researching, we were unable to find a definitive date of when Luvsome products were first found on the store shelves of Kroger, but we believe they have been available for a number of years.
As you might imagine, Kroger is not in the pet food manufacturing business, and it is unlikely that they produce Luvsome products at their own facilities.
However, it is not clear where Luvsome products are produced and whether this production takes in the United States or is done by a large industry 3rd party.
Many grocery store brands use 3rd party manufacturers like Diamond to produce their pet food as they do not have the facilities themselves.
Luvsome Product Range
Dog Food
Luvsome has a moderately sized dog food product range when compared to other similar brands. This range includes a balanced mix of dry dog food and wet/canned dog food.
However, Luvsome doesn’t just stick to the basics and also produces some specialty recipes.
These specialty recipes include some for puppies and senior dogs and a recipe designed to aid dogs in improving the health of their skin and coat.
While not relevant to our site, Kroger also uses the Luvsome brand to sell some other dog-related products, such as dog toys.
Cat Food
Luvsome’s cat food range is also moderately sized and is similar to its dog food range. It consists of a balanced mix of dry cat food and wet/canned cat food.
Once again, Luvsome hasn’t just produced cat food for adult cats but also has some niche recipes within this range.
Some examples of these niche cat food recipes include one for kittens and younger cats, another for indoor cats, and one to help reduce hairballs.
As we mentioned further above, Kroger also uses the Luvsome brand to sell some non-cat-food-related items such as cat litter and cat toys.
Luvsome Nutrition
Dog Food
Based on our research, Luvsome dog food products provide, at best, average nutrition when compared to other dog food brands.
Their recipes often contain very high levels of carbohydrates, and this kind of nutrition is not appropriate for most dogs.
You can see an example of this below, which is the nutritional profile of their Adult Chicken dry dog food recipe.
As you can see, the carbohydrate proportion is estimated to be 46% which is almost half of the recipe’s nutritional content.
Instead of a nutritional profile like this, most dogs, especially those that are active, would excel on a more balanced nutrition profile with higher levels of protein and fat.
In addition to the high carbohydrate levels, a large portion of the protein found in Luvsome formulas is from plant-based sources.
Plant-based protein is considered by some to be inferior to animal or fish-based protein and does not contain the full range of amino acids.
It is also heavily utilized thanks to its reduced cost when compared to meat or fish ingredients.
If you’d like to read more about canine nutrition, we’d highly recommend you check out our Dog Food Guide.
Cat Food
The nutrition offered by many of Luvsome’s cat food recipes is similar to their dog food range. It has moderate levels of protein and fat and excessive levels of carbohydrates.
Cats do not need to consume a high proportion of carbohydrates in their diet as they obligate carnivores. This means that they thrive best on a diet of meat and fish with minimal plant matter.
However, their Chicken dry cat food recipe and some of Luvsome’s wet cat food recipes offer acceptable nutrition that is a better reflection of a cat’s natural diet.
You can see the nutrition profile of their Chicken dry cat food recipe below.
As you can see above, the sum of protein and fat in this recipe is almost 75% which is surprisingly high for a private-label grocery store brand.
We’d recommend checking the nutrition provided by the Luvsome cat food recipe you are considering to understand if it is satisfactory.
If you’d like to understand more about what it means to be an obligate carnivore, as well as other information related to feline nutrition, be sure to read our Cat Food Guide.
Luvsome Ingredients
High-Quality Meat & Fish Ingredients
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Beef
- Salmon
- Tuna
- Trout
- Whitefish
The above high-quality meat and fish ingredients are some of the most common to be found in dog and cat food recipes.
They are commonly used by brands and pet food manufacturers because they are affordable and very nutritionally dense.
Whole meat and fish ingredients such as these should be at the core of every dog and cat food recipe and preferably be the first listed ingredient.
By being present in high concentrations, they can effectively provide much-needed protein and fat that is highly digestible.
Other Notable Ingredients
Luvsome makes extensive use of grain ingredients in its recipes, such as Corn, Wheat, Brewers Rice, and Corn Gluten Meal.
Grain ingredients can be extremely controversial, with many pet owners split on whether they are a great addition or should be avoided.
To make things worse, some of the grains used by Luvsome would be considered by many to be the worst grains when it comes to pet food ingredients.
Both Corn and Wheat are probably the least preferred grain ingredients and are so unpopular many brands openly advertise the fact that they do not utilize them.
Outside of their bad press, these grain ingredients can be very dense sources of carbohydrates, and the combination of these ingredients will lead to a disproportionate sum.
However, Luvsome does utilize some grains that are looked upon more favorably, such as Barley and Oat Meal.
These grains are considered by some to be ‘less processed’ and contain a broad range of nutrition, including dietary fiber.
You can learn more about Barley in our article Barley In Dog Food.
In addition to grains like Corn and Wheat, Luvsome also utilizes some grain-byproducts such as Brewer’s Rice.
Sadly Brewer’s Rice is considered by many to be a low-quality ingredient and is made up of discarded and fragmented rice kernels.
However, there are some niche uses for it in food for pets with digestive and stomach issues.
You can learn more about Brewers Rice in our article Brewers Rice In Dog Food.
While there are mixed opinions about grain ingredients, Animal Fat is a far scarier ingredient and should raise eyebrows.
The reason Animal Fat is so problematic is the fact that it is extremely vague and unaccountable.
It could contain fat from a whole range of animals, and the fact that the manufacturer is unwilling to state the exact source is a serious concern.
Peas occasionally feature in Luvsome recipes as a minor plant-based ingredient, and this is not a shock given how widespread their use has become.
Peas are one of the most popular plant-based ingredients to be used in pet food as they are affordable, easy to source, and offer favorable nutrition that is high in protein for a plant-based ingredient.
However, the portion size of Peas used in Luvsome recipes is extremely small, so their effect will be minor compared to grain-free foods that utilize them heavily.
You can learn more about Peas and why there have been concerns in recent years about their links to increased rates of Canine Heart Disease in our article Peas, Pea Protein, Pea Flour, and Pea Fiber in Dog Food.
In more positive territory, Brewers Yeast features in some Luvsome recipes in small quantities.
Brewers Yeast is typically added to pet food recipes because of the beneficial vitamins and minerals it contains.
However, many also believe that it can provide dogs and cats with other health benefits.
You can learn which vitamins and minerals are found in Brewers Yeast and their supposed health benefits in Brewers Yeast In Dog Food.
Luvsome Animal Testing
We currently have no information on whether Luvsome participates in animal testing for its product range.
This is not a great surprise, as many smaller or private-label brands do not disclose any detailed information about their testing regime.
This concerns some in the industry who fear that pet food may not have been suitably tested for long-term consumption.
However, we believe that laboratory or invasive forms of animal testing are a cruel and outdated practice that we hope will be eliminated or significantly reduced in the coming years.
Luvsome Recalls
Based on our research (FDA, AVMA, DogFoodAdvisor), we have no information that leads us to believe Luvsome dog or cat food has ever been recalled, which makes Luvsome a recall-free pet food brand.
While Luvsome may not be a massive pet food brand, this record is still impressive and shows that the manufacturer of their food takes their safety and quality processes seriously.
We hope that Luvsome can continue to maintain this recall-free record in the coming years.
Despite this current recall-free record, we encourage pet owners to be vigilant of any future recalls of Luvsome products or any other pet food to ensure their pets remain healthy and safe.
Best of Luvsome
Natural Formula With Chicken Review
Given the size of Luvsome’s dog food range, there isn’t a huge range of choices, and we thought the above Adult Chicken recipe was our safest bet for most dogs.
The recipe contains Chicken as its first listed ingredient, which means there is a substantial portion present.
This Chicken helps to contribute to a minimum proportion of protein and fat of 25% and 12%, which is average but satisfactory for some dogs, especially those who are less active.
In addition to this Chicken, the recipe utilizes a mix of grain ingredients like Corn, Wheat, Brewers Rice, and Pearled Barley.
This mix of grain ingredients provides a reliable source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber.
Turkey Stew With Noodles Review
The above wet dog food recipe could be a good choice for those dog owners looking to mix wet dog food into their dog’s diet but without splashing out on more premium choices.
The recipe utilizes a large portion of Turkey as the primary ingredient, which is a high-quality source of animal-based protein and fat.
Thanks to this Turkey, the recipe has a minimum of 8.5% protein, which Luvsome proudly displays on its packaging.
Natural Review
Flaked Trout Dinner Review
Luvsome Featured Articles
The 10 Worst Dog Foods – Sadly, we don’t look at Luvsome too favorably in comparison to other brands, which has resulted in it featuring in our round-up of the worst brands in the industry.
You can learn about why Luvsome was categorized like this and what other brands are featured in this informative article.
Luvsome Full Product Range
Dog Food
Dry Dog Food
Healthy Weight Formula
Natural Formula With Beef
Natural Formula With Chicken
Puppy Formula With Chicken
Senior Formula With Beef & Egg
Original Recipe
Skin & Coat Formula With Salmon
Wet/Canned Dog Food
Filet Mignon Flavor
Porterhouse Flavor
Grilled Chicken Flavor
With Chicken And Liver
Turkey Stew With Noodles
Dog Treats
Beef Flavor Jerky Sticks
Canine Oral Care Dental Sticks
Cat Food
Dry Cat Food
Grilled Medley Recipe
Hairball Formula
Indoor Formula
Kitten Formula
Natural
Seafood Delight With Oceanfish Meal
Sensitive Systems Formula
Wet/Canned Cat Food
Chicken Dinner In Gravy
Chicken Stew With Vegacatfoods Cuts In Gravy
Cod, Sole & Shrimp Dinner
Flaked Fish & Shrimp Dinner
Flaked Trout Dinner
Flaked Tuna Dinner
Gourmet Chicken Dinner
Liver And Chicken Dinner
Ocean Whitefish Tuna Dinner
Salmon Dinner
Sliced Beef Feast
Sliced Chicken Hearts & Liver Dinner
Tuna Entree Flaked In Gravy
Turkey & Giblets Dinner
Turkey Dinner In Gravy
Cat Treats
Salmon & Trout Flavor Sticks
Chicken & Liver Flavor Sticks
Salmon Puree Lickable
Chicken Puree Lickable
Seafood Medley Flavor Center-Filled Treats
Chicken Flavor Center-Filled Treats
my dog will only the one with chicken and liver she only like liver.
MY dog has skin allergies and a lot of brands make him chew at himself. The salmon dog food actually works with my dog very well for a lower end dog food. his coat has gotten shiny and he stopped chewing. My cats also love to try to snag this dog food for themselves. Salmon is the first ingredient but then the second is corn so its win loose. If your working on a budget though, in my opinion this food is better than Alpo or Pets Pride.
I have two small dogs and it has been a hugh problem finding a dog food both of them would eat. I have tried the supposedly great high priced foods on down the price range. Luvsome is on the lower range and I am told it has a lot of carbs. Well both my dogs love this food. It is one that when I open it I actually think how good it smells. They eat it up and immediately start playing. I will continue to buy this for them.
My cat ate the turkey dinner and immediately threw up. I think it is bad cat food
The cat treats put my cat into a very anxious mood. Don’t waste your money.
Absolute waste of my money…literally fertilizer in a dog food bag! BOTH my dogs were peeing out their butts! No other way to explain the way it upset their tummies. My stupid self bought not one but two bags before i went back to SPORTSMIX
I have visited several Kroger stores and I cannot find them to look for Luvsome dog biscuits peanut butter and blueberry. My kiddos love them. This is the only biscuit my babies can eat without having allergies. I have not been able to find them. When are you putting them back on the shelves? Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeee? Thank you
This made my cat severely sick!!!!!!! He was not able to process the food and besame impacted took him to the Vet and it was over 500 in bills!!!!! I have tried to get a hold of the company with no luck just always sends me to Kroger and they can not tell me anything about it!!! meanwhile my cat is staying overnight at the Vet and he is still not passing anything after three different attempts!!!! DO NOT BUY THIS FOOD IT IS POISON
The cat treats put my Lillie into a stupor-like mode and scared the heck out of me . . . Poisonous.
The cat flea treatment is totally USELESS…A WASTE OF MONEY….
My poor kitties got absolutely no relief !! Next time I’ll do FRONTLINE…IT WORKS. I had to take my kitties to the VET for treatment after using that flea treatment. It’s absolutely HORRIBLE
Just purchased the canned dog food for the first time. The brand I use was totally removed from Kroger. Don’t know why. I bought the Luvsome canned food. Did not know anything about it. My dog loves it but after reading the ingredients, concerned that it is not the best for our dog. So far no problems and don’t want any. I would like to know where the ingredients come from, what country it is made in. All products made outside of the USA should be stated on the product,.
Luvsome flea and tick for cats waste of money 🙁
I have been feeding feral cats for several years, but didn’t want to go broke buying the really expensive grain-free food. I found luvsome brand, and love the fact that it has chicken as the main ingredient. Then I though, why not see if my dog likes it. He is very picky, and turned his nose up at most dry dog food brands. I bought a bag of Luvsome chicken, and he thought he was getting a bowl full of treats. Scarfed it down and didn’t care that there wasn’t hidden in a mound of wet food. I’ll monitor his skin to make sure he doesn’t break out. But, so far, I’m happy with Luvsome Brand.
Any comments on the lickable cat treats? My cats seem to like them. I looked at the ingredients listed on the side & there’s only 4, with salmon listed first. One ingredient I’m not familiar with & probably couldn’t pronounce if my life depended on it. It’s carrageenan? The other 2 are tapioca starch & taurine. Those 3 (salmon, tapioca starch & taurine seem harmless enough. I know cats need taurine. Anyway .. any experience with these treats?
Recently after buying numerous bags of cat treats (chicken flavor) and putting them on the shelf at home,as I walked by I started to smell a foul odor eminating from that area thinking my cat had deficated in the area I searched for his poop. However while searching for the source I noticed some of the indivual tubes of cat treats were opened (not sealed correctly) . I had found the source of thge odor . Out of the n12 bags I bought, 6 had tubes that were rotting creating a stench
My dog’s really like the Luvsome plastic cups with foil lids.. the problem is that they are extremely difficult to open. Sure I can take a knife and open, but I don’t want to leave the foil on the cup for the dogs to eat..
Any suggestions?? Shouldn’t be that difficult to open..
My cats usually are not picky but both refuse to eat this!
Bought a package of the hickory smoke flavor pill treats. The package contained a solid block of some black, tarry substance that reminded me of licorice. The expiration date is Oct 2022 so being old isn’t the problem. I almost couldn’t get them apart to even try to use one. When I did pry one from the lump of “treats”, my dog wouldn’t touch it. I failed to keep the receipt so I can’t return them. I checked two other bags on the shelf and they felt exactly the same. Do not buy these. Kroger needs to remove them from their stores.
Bought a competitor’s product from Kroger and have no problems giving my dog her medicine.
Got a senior dog that is really picky, a little low on teeth as well☺, but he will not touch any of the *pate* from LUVSOME. His thing is the *turkey stew with noodles* and lately it’s always out of stock. I have friends and family checking the stores nearby their homes to see if we can find more.
hope we find more soon. Hate to try and present different food and waste money on rejections.
I bought the chicken and salmon flavor and it messed my cat up. He’s been battling uti infections and horrible bowel movements. This stuff is awful
Just bought a large bag of the Luvsome chicken dry cat food. None of my 7 cats at house and barn like it.
I plan to return it to Kroger as $15.99 is expensive if they won’t eat it.
My cat loves the Luvsome™ Tuna Entree Flaked in Gravy Cat Food. I have had the worst time finding it since March of 2021. When I do find it I practically buy it at every Kroger store in the city I live in, as it’s been so hard to find. If Kroger or Luvsome representatives may be reading this post, can you comment on why it’s so hard to find? I can easily find the chicken, the salmon and the flaked tuna, but not this one. It’s the only one my cat really will eat. He will eat other brands but gives me mean faces.
All pets died. I had two dogs (14years old) and one senior cat. The dogs ate the food for 6 months and one passed from liver failure/ cancer and another passed from liver failure/ cancer. Cat passed from the same thing and he would always eat the dog food (no matter what we did he’d find a way to eat it). Both dogs and cats got sick and within a couple days was so severely sick we had to put them down. At first we all just thought it was weird timing but after looking up this brand with the words liver failure it says one of the ingredients in it is know to cause this. Please if you love your animals don’t give them this food 😞.
Is anyone else having issues with the cat food? I can’t figure out if they are getting into something (I have indoor cats) or is it the food. I lost one to kidney failure last month. I just noticed another cat is starting to have the same symptoms… white nose (not yellow like liver issues).
My labrador has a sensitive stomach and I Tried several of the high dollar dog food brands,,,, but I go with Luvsome all the way, because he likes it, sometimes I mix half can and half dry. to change it up.
Our cats (3 of the 5 we have, and a few of the out back feral cats we feed) have been throwing up after eating this cat food. This cat food is a huge waste of money since the cats can’t eat it. Then the costs and time wasted cleaning up after they throw up. Cats throwing up on our huge comforters, blankets, and couch cushions. We have to take laundry to laundry mat. Three largest washing machines, at $7.50 each.
My cats love this food but we have to make a 60 mile round trip to get to a Kroger and they are almost always out of it. I may have to switch cat foods that I can count on them being stocked and hopefully closer to where I live.