You might already be familiar with CUDDLY, a company known for connecting donors with animal rescues. What you might not know is that the brand is expanding into nutrition.

Most online reviews emphasize the charitable side of CUDDLY. That is an important piece, but this CUDDLY dog food review will provide a thorough assessment of the Salmon and Rice Recipe Dog Food so you can decide if this veterinarian-developed formula is an optimal choice for your dog.

This article focuses specifically on the food’s quality, digestibility, and value. We’ll consider ingredient sourcing, nutrient balance, palatability, and–of course–the charitable mission.

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CUDDLY Dog Food Background & Formula Overview 

Formulated by a board-certified companion animal nutritionist, the Salmon and Rice Dog Food recipe provides high protein nutrition with salmon as the first ingredient. Optimized protein and fat levels help support an ideal body condition and lean muscle mass, which makes this recipe perfect for all life stages. 

The limited ingredient list helps reduce potential allergens, and the combination of salmon and rice makes it an easily digestible formula for sensitive stomachs. The vet-developed, made in the USA formula includes no corn, wheat, or soy, and avoids artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Added omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and chelated minerals round out the nutritional profile. 

And, with each purchase of a bag of food, CUDDLY will donate a meal to a rescue animal in need.

Fresh salmon, rice, and Cuddly dog food.

Ingredient Quality & Nutritional Analysis 

For pet owners looking to switch their dog to a food with clean ingredients, this could be a solid choice. While the price point is higher than grocery store brands, the nutrient-dense formula means smaller recommended servings, so you go through fewer bags over time, helping balance out the cost while delivering quality nutrition.

  • Salmon is the first ingredient in the Salmon and Rice Recipe. Salmon supports healthy skin and a shiny coat, plus the ingredient profile includes added Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids to further support healthy skin, shiny coat, and hip and joint health. 
  • Rice is a high-digestible carbohydrate, which is ideal for owners of newly-adopted dogs, seniors, or those with sensitive digestion or mild allergies.
  • Postbiotics and natural prebiotic fiber derived from chicory root helps support healthy, solid stool and supports the immune system. 
  • The recipe does not include any byproducts or fillers. 

This particular combination of digestible ingredients makes this food suitable for transitioning your dog from a heavily-processed kibble because it is easily digestible. If your dog has mild sensitivities to traditional kibble, transition incrementally onto the CUDDY food. 

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Safety & Health Considerations 

When assessing ingredient safety and suitability for feeding your dog a food for the long term, always start with the label. 

With the CUDDLY Salmon and Rice formula, you’ll notice the recipe avoids synthetic preservatives and controversial additives. The ingredients emphasize high-quality protein and digestible carbs. That combination makes the formula suitable for all life stages. 

However, the recipe is not tailored for complex medical diets, so if your dog has a medical condition that is supported with a specific diet, this might not be the right fit. 

My CUDDLY Dog Food Review 

My dogs’ number-one concern: Is CUDDLY dog food good? They don’t worry about the ingredient label–that’s my job–instead, they want to know how it tastes! 

Dog waiting eagerly beside bowl of Cuddly food.

In my house, I have two dogs with two vastly different approaches to mealtime. Four-year-old hound mix Penny will eat absolutely anything in her bowl. She’s not picky, and she has rock-solid digestion. Then there’s my one-year-old pit bull pup, Stola. Not only is she a picky eater, she also has a sensitive stomach that we need to monitor closely. She doesn’t have any specific food allergies, just sensitivities. While there aren’t any ingredients in this food she’s reacted to in the past, I always keep a close eye when we feed her anything new. 

As expected, Penny gobbled up the Salmon and Rice formula without any problems, and her stomach has been fine. 

​​Stola ate it right away, which was great to see since she can sometimes be a little finicky. We introduced it gradually, mixing small amounts with her previous food as directed. Day two brought a bit of sensitivity but by adjusting the portions more slowly, her stomach settled nicely within a day, and she continued eating it with enthusiasm.

Dog eating Cuddly Salmon and Rice dog food

I love that it’s a high-protein food for all life stages. We intentionally feed a high-protein diet because we live an active lifestyle. My girls thrive with lean muscle for hikes and trail runs. I appreciate being able to have one food that suits both of my dogs. I do wish the small bag came with a resealable top. My cats are professional dog food thieves, so bags that are easily sealed are always my preference. 

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CUDDLY Dog Food Availability & Pricing

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Primarily sold through CUDDLY’s online store, you have a couple choices for purchase: A one-time purchase gives you the opportunity to try the food, though you’ll pay a higher price. Subscriptions are available with a big discount on your first purchase and a consistent smaller discount on future bags. 

The pricing is above mass-market kibble, like what you’d find in your grocery store, but it’s a lower price point than fresh and frozen delivery services. Occasionally you can catch a deal with free shipping or a bundle discount. 

Along with price considerations is the charitable aspect. You’ll know that with each bag purchased, you’re giving a meal to a hungry shelter dog. You’re also supporting CUDDLY’s mission to feed rescue animals in need. 

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Final Verdict on CUDDLY Dog Food

The CUDDLY Salmon and Rice Dog Food has a number of key strengths that might make this food a great choice for your family. 

  • It’s a vet-formulated recipe with clean ingredients. 
  • The limited-ingredient approach and the highly digestible ingredients mean this recipe will suit most dogs, even those with sensitive stomachs. 
  • Plus, supporting CUDDLY’s mission by purchasing this food means you’re helping feed shelter animals. Your dog has to eat; buying a food that also feeds shelter dogs seems like a win-win. 

The cost is also higher than many dry kibble options; You can offset the higher price by setting up a recurring shipment. If you’re anything like me, remembering to place an order before you run out can be inconvenient, so this is a good option.

While this food might be less ideal for budget-conscious households or dogs with highly specialized diets, ultimately, it’s worth trying for owners who are seeking a premium, transparent brand that aligns with rescue support values. If you’re looking for an easy-to-digest, high-protein food to support any life stage, it’s a solid choice.

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Maggie Marton writes about dogs, cats, kids, and more on her amazing blog, OhMyDogBlog. She is a digital media pro, author, pet lifestyle expert, mama, reader, dog-obsessed cat lady, pit bull advocate, eco-friendly and cancer thriver.