Quite recently, about two years ago, a completely new and unfamiliar product appeared on the Russian pet food market under the Savara brand - dog food, about which there were practically no reviews from real consumers and veterinarians, and dog lovers treated it with great skepticism . Savarra dog food is produced and packaged in the UK by Golden Acres Pet Food, a company that specializes in producing pet food and developing custom brands. The plant of this company is equipped with the latest modern equipment, uses advanced technologies, and also has its own laboratories to control the quality of products.
Today, reviews about Savarra dog food are becoming more and more common, and most of them are positive. The wary attitude of consumers gives way to interest in the new brand; many professional breeders, having tried Savara dry dog food, recommend it to other dog lovers.
Range of diets
The entire line of this brand consists of six formulations, each package states “hypoallergenic” and “super-premium”, as well as “holistic”. The owner of the mustache is offered a choice of food:
- Large breed puppies with lamb meat;
- Puppies of any breed with turkey;
- Adult small breeds with duck;
- Adult large dogs with lamb;
- Two types for dogs that have reached adulthood with turkey meat and lamb.
The menu of this brand contains only Savarra dry dog food, which, judging by the reviews, is very upsetting for fans of canned diets, and there is also no familiar Senior formula for elderly pets.
Packages available in weights of 1 kg, 3 kg, 12 kg and 18 kg. Some formulations may not contain 1 kg (large breeds) and 12 kg (puppies, small breeds) packaging. The most profitable purchase is, of course, a bag weighing 18 kg, as owners of large dogs say in reviews of Savara food.
In our opinion, the food range of this brand is more than modest, however, we will make allowance for the fact that Savarra is still a new product on our market and we hope to expand the line in the future.
Savarra Dog Food Review
Nowadays, pet stores (especially large ones) have ready-made food for dogs from many companies, produced in a variety of countries and belonging to different classes. Today we will take a look at the super-premium food Savarra, which is produced in the UK and which can deservedly be called holistic.
Read about other brands:
- Summit dog food - customer reviews, composition overview, price;
- Dry dog food Pronature Holistic - composition, reviews, price;
- Orijen dog food - reviews, composition, pros and cons, price.
Composition of Savarra feed
Let's look at the composition of Savarra food using the Puppy option (for puppies) with turkey and rice as an example. The first two ingredients are fresh turkey meat and dehydrated turkey meat, then three sources of carbohydrates - rice, oats and barley, and then again a source of protein - dehydrated salmon meat. After - turkey fat, flax seeds, peas, dehydrated egg.
The only protein-rich source of protein other than meat and eggs is peas, but given how far they are, there is no doubt that most of the 29% protein in the composition is of animal origin. After the main ingredients there are various vitamin and mineral supplements, followed by vegetables and fruits. But since they are at the end, their percentage is very small.
Pros and cons of Savara food
The advantages of this brand of food include:
- the main source of protein is meat, not legumes;
- rich in vitamins, minerals and other benefits;
- the price is lower than many analogues.
Among the disadvantages:
- The only way to buy Savarra dog food in a small town is to order it online.
Composition assessment and analysis
Before we look in detail at Savara dog food with a specific recipe, we note that the manufacturer draws our attention to the high percentage of meat ingredients in its product (from 63 to 80% in different diets). It looks really tempting, however, there is one “But”: in the finished product, that is, in dry food, the mass fraction of meat will be significantly less, because about 70% of the water will evaporate from fresh meat components during the drying process. Unfortunately, 80% meat is just a successful advertising ploy.
Let's conduct a detailed analysis of the composition and find out what Savarra food for dogs of any breed over 1 year old with lamb consists of. Guaranteed nutritional value:
| Protein | 26% | Within normal limits |
| Fat | 15% | A little higher than normal |
| Cellulose | 3% | Lower limit of permissible quantity |
| Ash content | 9% | Normal indicator |
| Humidity | 8% | Within acceptable limits |
The declared energy value is 3550 Kcal per 1 kg. In general, all indicators are normal: for pets living in an apartment and with normal physical activity, these are optimal figures. Below is a list of the components declared in the composition and the following in descending order:
- Fresh lamb meat;
- Dehydrated lamb meat;
- Brown rice;
- Oats;
- Barley;
- Pea protein;
No data on the percentage of nutrients is published on the official website, nor is it indicated on the bag of food. Therefore, the overall picture of the balance of such a diet looks very vague and depends only on our imagination.
Squirrels
The first and second positions in the list of components are occupied by proteins of animal origin, the source of which is lamb. They are characterized by high nutritional value and ease of digestion. In addition, lamb, as the main meat component in Savara dog food, according to veterinarians, is one of the least allergenic products. It contains small amounts of dehydrated egg and salmon meat, which also play the role of healthy animal proteins and are perfectly digestible. There are also peas here, which provide the required percentage of vegetable protein.
Carbohydrates
Three cereal crops in a row - rice, oats and barley, as well as millet, standing a little further in the general list of ingredients, indicate that there are a lot of carbohydrates here. In terms of replacing allergenic grains like wheat and corn, brown rice and oats are by far the best alternatives. However, the value of grains for animal digestion is very low and the presence of these components in the composition of feed that claims to be “holistic” is unacceptable.
Fats
The role of fats here is given to salmon oil and lamb fat; they are perfectly digestible, and the presence of large quantities of Omega acids in fish oil has a beneficial effect on the condition of the dog’s skin and coat. In addition, fatty acids prevent many diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Additional components
All the ingredients listed towards the end of the composition do not have a big impact on the product, but they are also worth mentioning: flaxseed, vegetables (tomatoes, carrots), cranberries, medicinal herbs (chamomile, chicory), rosemary extract, seaweed, green tea , mussels. In addition, there are chelated forms of minerals and vitamin supplements.
Detailed characteristics of Savarra feed
Officially, Savarra food belongs to the super-premium class, but the manufacturer also leaves the Holistic mark on the packaging. This causes confusion. If you focus on quality, diets should be placed between the holistic and super-premium categories: they are slightly less than the former in composition, but they are better than most representatives of the latter class.
It would be better if the manufacturer removed the Holistic label from the packaging: this misleads buyers and causes justified complaints from animal owners
The assortment is not very large: they produce only 6 varieties of dry food. There are no pates or spiders. However, this is sufficient for most pet owners. Personally, I think that this is much better than marketing ploys in the form of imaginary line extensions. This is done, for example, by the Royal Canin brand. The manufacturer slightly changes the proportions of vitamins and minerals, and then presents it as a specialized diet for cats of different breeds. It wouldn’t be such a shame if food actually helped avoid health problems. I have two Persian cats living at home: one is almost 10 years old, the other recently turned 5. The first one has been eating specialized Royal Canin food for Persian cats since childhood. At the age of 4 she developed kidney problems, which are typical for this breed, but usually appear closer to old age. The second one eats Savarra food, we only visit the veterinarian for vaccinations. Perhaps this is due to individual characteristics, but in my impression, Savarra diets are universal and equally well support the normal state of health in representatives of different breeds.
Table: Savarra feed range
| Name of food | Peculiarities |
| Sensitive Cat | The food recipe has been developed taking into account the needs of animals with sensitive digestion. The manufacturer uses lamb as the main source of animal proteins. It is low in calories, easily digestible and low in fat. This allows you to minimize the load on the gastrointestinal tract and prevent the occurrence of digestive disorders. Cats with hypersensitivity often develop associated skin and coat problems. The manufacturer solved this problem by introducing an additional source of animal proteins - dehydrated salmon meat. It contains unsaturated fatty acids and vitamins A and E. Beneficial substances accelerate cell regeneration and help create a protective film on the skin. The latter allows you to retain moisture inside, which prevents drying out and peeling. By eliminating nutrient deficiencies, hair loss decreases. The fat film maintains natural shine. |
| Light/Sterilized Cat | Light/Sterilized Cat food is suitable for spayed and neutered male and female cats, as well as overweight animals. The composition of the diet helps solve several problems at once: the formulation prevents the formation of stones in the urinary system and the formation of excess fatty tissue. The manufacturer uses turkey, a dietary meat, as the main ingredient. It has a relatively high sodium content. It helps maintain normal water-salt balance. The preventative supplement L-carnitine reduces appetite and promotes the breakdown of fatty tissue. The composition contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which prevent joint destruction due to excess weight. Apple, cranberry and blueberry naturally regulate urine acidity, preventing mineral deposits from forming into stones. |
| Kitten | The food is given to kittens from 1 month to 1 year. The diet is characterized by a high concentration of vitamins, minerals and fats. This is due to the daily needs of kittens: babies require more nutrients, since their internal organs and systems are actively developing and growing. The manufacturer uses turkey as a source of protein. It is not only better digestible and less stressful on the gastrointestinal tract, but also hypoallergenic, so Savarra food is an excellent option for owners of kittens who are intolerant to chicken. Adding salmon oil helps strengthen the immune system and prevent central nervous system disorders. The food contains apple, blueberries and cranberries, so it can be given to spayed and neutered kittens, provided they are not overweight. |
| Indoor Cat | The food is intended for cats living indoors. Typically, such diets are low in calories, since inactive animals increase the risk of excess weight, but the manufacturer Savarra decided to take a different route. Indoor Cat food contains more easily digestible vitamins, amino acids and fatty acids. This helps improve vision, maintain cardiovascular health, prevent the occurrence of dermatological diseases, etc. This effect was achieved by using duck as the main ingredient. Most likely, such a decision is associated with risks caused by the cat’s inactivity and the lack of additional food in the diet: mice, poultry and other game that can be caught on the street. The disadvantages include too high calorie content (389 kcal per 100 g) and fat content (20%). This food is not suitable for overweight cats with digestive disorders. |
| Hairball Control | The manufacturer offers a comprehensive solution to the problem of hairball formation in the stomach. The main ingredient of the food is duck, which contains more different amino acids and has a higher concentration of vitamin A. Together with salmon oil, it reduces the intensity of shedding in cats. Additionally, the food contains more sources of fiber: alfalfa, carrots, oats, etc. Plant fibers prevent hairs from sticking together. This prevents the formation of large lumps that can block the intestines and cause obstruction. Fiber promotes the timely removal of hair from the stomach along with feces. Plant fibers are present in their natural form and are relatively delicate, so the risk of negative reactions even with increased sensitivity is minimal. |
| Adult Cat | Standard food for adult cats. Contains general preventive additives: brewer's yeast, flaxseeds, Yucca Schidigera, etc. The manufacturer classifies the food as hypoallergenic, although this is not entirely true. The composition contains several types of meat (lamb and salmon), as well as dehydrated eggs. There is no chicken, wheat or corn, but eggs can also cause allergies due to the presence of bird protein. Also, if a negative reaction occurs, it will be difficult to understand what exactly caused it, since the food contains several types of grains and animal ingredients. Hypoallergenic foods are more likely to contain one source of protein and carbohydrates. |
Compound
In general, the compositions of the feed are identical and differ only in the types of meat and the set of preventive additives, so it will be enough to consider one sample. As an example, we chose kitten food. Most often, it is the highest quality in the line, since babies need more nutrients and the most natural sources of nutrients.
The granules of all feeds differ in shape and size, so owners can choose the appropriate option based on the animal’s eating habits
Savarra Kitten food contains the following ingredients:
- fresh turkey meat;
- dehydrated turkey meat;
- brown rice;
- rice;
- oats;
- turkey fat;
- Brewer's yeast;
- peas;
- flax seeds;
- natural flavor;
- salmon oil;
- vitamin A;
- vitamin D3;
- vitamin E;
- amino acid chelate zinc hydrate;
- iron amino acid chelate hydrate;
- manganese amino acid chelate hydrate;
- amino acid chelate copper hydrate;
- methionine;
- taurine;
- Yucca Schidigera;
- apple;
- carrot;
- tomatoes;
- seaweed;
- cranberry;
- blueberry.
Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not indicate the percentage, although this is desirable for super-premium foods and mandatory for holistic people. The buyer can only guess about the real state of affairs, since the composition contains a lot of both cereals and meat components. The first place is occupied by fresh meat, but its share is significantly reduced after heat treatment. There are more plant components in total, since the manufacturer adds many different varieties: rice, brown rice, oats, etc. Most likely, the food contains about 35–40% meat, and 45–50% grains. Compared to other diets, this is a good indicator. Not the best, but not the worst either.
The color of the granules is not as dark as we would like: this is due to the excess of cereals in the composition
What is captivating is that the manufacturer uses pure meat without additives. Not all companies can boast of this. At best, corporations add whole carcasses without internal organs; at worst, they add a mixture of dubious offal. Cats absorb nutrients from muscle tissue well. They receive much less nutrients from other parts, which can cause amino acid deficiency. With Savarra food you don't have to worry about this. On the other hand, the manufacturer still adds taurine to the feed, which indirectly indicates a shortage of meat ingredients. Perhaps the company is simply playing it safe.
The packages have special fasteners, which prevents premature spoilage of the food.
There are practically no anonymous names in the list of ingredients. If it is yeast, then the manufacturer indicates that it is brewer's yeast. The type of meat and the source of fat have been specified. There is no exact information about the nature of the origin of the natural flavor, but this may be due to a production secret. Although, of course, it would be better if the company did not hide the composition. The owner of the animal must know what he is buying.
Some customers have reported that suppliers puncture the packaging to allow air to escape to make it easier to transport, so it is important to check the integrity of the bag before purchasing
There are preventive additives in the food, but there is nothing special on the list. Blueberries and cranberries prevent the development of urolithiasis. Carrots, apples and tomatoes improve intestinal motility. Yucca Schidigera reduces fecal odor. The manufacturer introduces most of the beneficial substances into the composition not in the form of separate additives, but together with whole ingredients. This is preferable for cats, since they better absorb vegetables, fruits and berries rather than vitamin-mineral complexes.
Cost and Availability
The average price for 1 kg is 650–700 rubles. Large bags (15 kg) have recently gone on sale. They are more profitable: on average, 1 kg in such packaging costs 550 rubles. However, it is recommended only for nursery owners to purchase large packages. Otherwise, the food will spoil before the cat eats it. This amount turned out to be a lot even for my two pets. On average, my cats eat 100 g of granules per day, i.e. 3 kg per month. Even when stored in airtight containers, the food remains fresh for a maximum of 2 months, then it begins to go rancid due to contact with air. I only found out about this when the cats suddenly refused food. I called a veterinarian I know and he advised me to buy another bag. This worked, the cats managed to get hungry and immediately pounced on the food. Eating spoiled food can cause poisoning and even infection, so it is important to monitor the freshness of the food.
Savarra food is sold only in the Russian Federation. It may be possible to purchase the company’s products from partners and resellers in other countries, but this will be problematic. You can’t find Savarra diets in all pet stores, so it’s better to order food online.
Advantages and disadvantages
Let's summarize all the advantages and disadvantages that Savara dog food has:
Pros of food:
- High-quality source of animal protein;
- Hypoallergenic ingredients;
- Does not contain wheat or corn;
- Availability of vegetables and special herbal ingredients.
The advantages that the manufacturer himself declares - see below (information from the official website src=»https://usatiki.ru/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/preimushestva-savarra-dlya-sobak.jpg» class=» aligncenter" width="812″ height="477″[/img]
Minuses:
- No variety of diets;
- A large number of grains in the recipes;
- Not available in all pet stores.
Food SAVARRA Light Cat 2kg for overweight cats and sterilized ind/rice
The price is valid only when placing an order in the online store.
Product availability in the ZooPark retail chain as of: 02/05/2021 18:15:00
Warehouse - NO Novokuybyshevsk - YES TC Ladya - NO TD Zakhar - YES TC Samolet - YES TC Megacity - YES Chernorechenskaya 38 - YES 9-Proseka - YES Revolutionary 137 - YES Michurina 138 - YES Sadovaya 239 - YES Shvernika 19a - YES
Food SAVARRA LIGHT/STERILIZED Turkey wich Rice (Savara) for adult cats with excess weight and sterilized Turkey/Rice 2 kg. HOLISTIC Hypoallergenic food for overweight and sterilized adult cats. Complete food for cats that are overweight and sterilized is made on the basis of fresh turkey meat, as the most dietary and “tender” meat, with excellent digestibility and nutrient content. It is quite obvious that the benefit of turkey is that its meat contains large quantities of vitamins such as A and E. In terms of sodium content, turkey is significantly ahead of even beef and veal. It is thanks to sodium that plasma volumes in the blood are replenished and normal metabolic processes are ensured, which is very important for overweight and sterilized animals. SAVARRA LIGHT for a CAT also contains L-carnitine, an amino acid compound of lysine and methionine. L-carnitine has an effect on metabolism and helps optimize fat metabolism, which helps to lose excess weight. 67% MEAT INGREDIENTS. Ingredients: Fresh Turkey Meat, Dehydrated Turkey Meat, Brown Rice, Rice, Oats, Peas, Natural Flavor, Flax Seeds, Turkey Fat, Vitamin A (Retinol Acetate), Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol), Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol Acetate), amino acid chelate zinc hydrate, amino acid chelate iron hydrate, amino acid chelate manganese hydrate, amino acid chelate copper hydrate, methionine, taurine, yucca schidigera, glucosamine, methylsulfonylmethane, chondroitin, L-carnitine, apple, carrot, tomato, seaweed, cranberry, blueberry. Ingredients: Fresh turkey meat is the most dietary and “tender” meat, has excellent digestibility and nutrient content. It is quite obvious that the benefit of turkey is that its meat contains large quantities of vitamins such as A and E. In terms of sodium content, turkey is significantly ahead of even beef and veal. The benefit of turkey is that thanks to sodium, plasma volumes in the blood are replenished and normal metabolic processes are ensured. Brown rice is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, provides the body with necessary energy and contains a large amount of vitamin B. Peas are an excellent source of protein and fiber. Rice is the most preferred grain for cat food due to its low mineral content, especially magnesium. Controlling the mineral content in cat food is a very important aspect, since cats are prone to diseases of the genitourinary system. Oats are an excellent source of highly digestible carbohydrates, protein and fiber. Turkey fat is the main “energy carrier”. The benefit of turkey fat lies in the high level of vitamins E and D. Vitamin E plays a decisive role in the vital functions of the body. In addition, turkey fat contains selenium and choline. Turkey fat significantly improves not only the taste, but also the nutritional and beneficial properties of the finished dish. As a result of scientific studies of the chemical composition of turkey fat, it was found that this type of animal fat contains the least amount of cholesterol. Flax seeds are rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which improve the shine of your pet's coat, and have a high content of fiber that is beneficial for digestion. Seaweed is rich in important microelements, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. Seaweed helps cleanse the intestines of toxins, improve metabolism and nourish the body as a whole. Cranberries and Blueberries are exceptional sources of vitamins A and C, potassium, fiber and various carotenoids, which are valuable antioxidants, and are a unique natural source of tannins that help prevent the development of harmful bacteria in the animal’s genitourinary system. Yucca naturally aids digestion and reduces the odor of excrement. Yucca Schidigera is non-toxic and does not contain allergens, which makes it a safe component that destroys pathogenic bacteria and fungal mold spores. The plant is useful for inflammatory diseases, activates digestion and liver function, and promotes normal intestinal function. In addition, this component increases the level of immunity in animals and strengthens the general condition of the body. Vitamin A plays a huge role in supporting good vision and also strengthens the body's immune system. Vitamin D3 ensures the body's absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin E is an antioxidant and prevents the formation of free radicals, improves immunity, promotes the healing of wounds, burns, ulcers, and improves physical activity. Methionine is an essential amino acid that prevents the formation of kidney stones. Taurine - this amino acid is necessary for the digestion of fats in the cat's body. The taurine synthesized in the cat’s body is not enough for full life, so this amino acid must additionally be supplied to the animal’s body from products containing animal protein. Taurine supports the animal's vision throughout its life, and it is also very important for cardiac function. Carrots contain vitamins B, PP, C, E, K, and contain carotene, a substance that is converted into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A promotes growth, it is necessary for normal vision, and it keeps the skin and mucous membranes in good condition. Whole tomatoes contain significant amounts of vitamin C and are an important antioxidant. L-carnitine is an amino acid compound of lysine and methionine. L-carnitine has an effect on metabolism, helps optimize fat metabolism and get rid of excess weight. Glucosamine and Chondroitin help maintain joints and ligaments in a healthy condition, which is especially necessary for overweight animals or cats over 7 years old. Mineral chelates are special compounds of microelements that allow them to be absorbed as completely as possible in the animal’s body. Nutritional value: Proteins - 30%, oils and fats - 12%, fiber - 2%, ash - 8.5%, moisture - 7%, omega-6 - 2.20%, omega-3 - 0.66%, calcium - 1.83%, phosphorus — 1.37%, vitamin A (retinol acetate) — 19667 IU/kg, vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) — 1573 IU/kg, vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol acetate) — 87 mg/kg, amino acid chelate zinc hydrate — 583 mg/kg , amino acid chelate iron hydrate - 437 mg/kg, amino acid chelate manganese hydrate - 175 mg/kg, amino acid chelate copper hydrate - 44 mg/kg, methionine - 1866 mg/kg, taurine - 1389 mg/kg, glucosamine - 170 mg/kg kg, methylsulfonylmethane - 170 mg/kg, chondroitin - 120 mg/kg, L-carnitine - 461 mg/kg, natural antioxidants (rosemary extract and a mixture of tocopherols - a source of vitamin E). Energy value: Kcal/100 g = 349 Benefits: The first and main ingredient is FRESH MEAT. 67% meat ingredients. MONOMEAT COMPOSITIONS. The meat component of each type of food is selected taking into account the specifics of this recipe. Does not contain wheat, corn, soy, by-products, added gluten, GMOs, artificial colors, harmful chemical additives, artificial antioxidants or preservatives. Does not contain chicken or chicken fat. Hypoallergenic product. Zip lock on all packages. Made in England.
Reviews of Savarra food
There are still few real buyers on the Internet who have decided to leave their reviews about Savara dog food, so it is quite difficult to understand how owners evaluate this brand based on their feeding experience. We came across the following impressions from dog lovers:
Katya, Pomeranian Spitz
: “We recommended Savarra at a pet store, I bought 1 kg for the puppies, try it and see. I like the smell, and the granules are not large, just right for a puppy to eat. So far she is eating with pleasure, the stool is normal, only three weeks have passed, of course, but the baby is cheerful and playful. So far everything is going well, I’m happy with the result.”
Nina, Vestik
: “We have a lot of experience in selecting different foods, our dog is picky, so he eats new food well for a month or two, then refuses. I've already looked through many brands, saw Savarra, but didn't find any reviews, so I bought it at my own risk. My gourmet sniffed it and doesn’t eat it... It’s a shame, I’ll have to rack my brains again in search of something tasty.”
Veterinarians' opinion
Due to the fact that this brand has only recently been on the market, we were unable to find veterinarian reviews about Savarra dog food. If you have the appropriate competencies and skills to write an expert opinion about Savara dog food, please write to our contacts.
