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PetNC Natural Care Hip & Joint Soft Chews

Dog

Rating

Updated Jun 2026
★︎★︎★︎★︎☆︎ 4.5 / 5
Protein Clarity

Protein Clarity

This measures how clearly the protein sources are identified on the label. "High" means ingredients like "chicken" or "salmon" are listed by name, so you know exactly what your pet is eating. "Low" means vague terms like "meat meal" or "animal by-products" are used, making it harder to know what's really inside.

Why does clarity matter?

According to AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials), pet food labels must follow specific naming standards. When a product uses a named protein like "chicken" it must contain at least 25% of that ingredient. Vague terms like "meat by-products" have no such minimum and can include lower-quality parts from any animal source — making it impossible to know what your pet is actually eating or to identify allergens.

High
Animal Protein

Animal Protein

This estimates how meat-forward the protein sources are from the ingredient label. Named animal proteins count strongly, plant protein concentrates count strongly against the score, and whole plant ingredients with some protein count more lightly. A "High" score means the recipe appears mainly animal-protein led. A "Low" score means the label shows a stronger reliance on plant protein signals.

This is an ingredient-label heuristic, not an exact lab measurement of protein grams.

Why does animal protein matter?

1. Contains irreplaceable essential nutrients Taurine and Arginine — which cats need to stay healthy — are only found in meat. Plants contain none at all.

2. Plant proteins are poorly utilized by the body Even though plant proteins (like corn gluten meal) may show 92.9–96% apparent digestibility, that does not mean high bioavailability. They lack adequate Lysine (only 1.7% vs. the ideal 6–7%) and contain phytic acid that blocks mineral absorption.

High
How we review →

Is PetNC Natural Care Hip & Joint Soft Chews dog food good?

PetNC Natural Care Hip & Joint Soft Chews is a dog food rated 4.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. The recipe lists most animal ingredients by name, giving good visibility into protein sources. However, most minerals are supplied in inorganic forms that may be less well absorbed. This recipe is free from Gluten grains, Egg, Legumes, Nuts, Poultry, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Fish.

Allergy Highlights

Contains:

Grains (gluten-free)DairyFish

Free From:

Gluten grainsEggLegumesNutsPoultryRed meatShellfishUnknown Meal

Pros

  • Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.
  • Includes plant ingredients that can provide fiber and natural antioxidants.

Cons

  • Relies mostly on inorganic mineral supplements, which may be less bioavailable.

Ingredients Analysis

30 of 33 matched

  • 1 Glucosamine Hydrochloride
    Supplement

    Description

    The most common joint supplement for reducing the level of pain and inflammation.

  • 2 Chondroitin Sulfate
    Supplement

    Description

    Derived from animal parts containing cartilage, as a supplement to support joint health.

  • 3 Methylsulfonylmethane
    Supplement

    Description

    Also known as organic sulfur, it is an antioxidant and often positioned as a nutritional supplement with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

    Why Concerned?

    A controversial supplement, there is no consensus of whether it should be included.

    Digestion Concern

    In some cases, Dogs / Cats consuming MSM may experience gastrointestinal discomfort and vomiting.

  • 4 Vitamin C
    Supplement

    Description

    Supplement for vitamin C, which can help to prevent oxidative damages by radicals, maintain healthy skin, and boost the immune system.

  • 5 Manganese
    Supplement

    Description

    An inorganic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% less absorption rate than the organic form. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body.

  • 6 Black Pepper Extract

    No match found in database

  • 7 Hyaluronic Acid
    Supplement

    Description

    Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring gel-like substance that mostly found in the connective tissue between joints. In pet foods, it is added as a joint supplement to help with potential hip and joint problems.

  • 8 Ascorbic Acid
    Supplement

    Description

    Supplement for vitamin C, which can help to prevent oxidative damages by radicals, maintain healthy skin, and boost the immune system.

  • 9 Brewers Dried Yeast
    Plant Protein Concentrate

    Description

    Made from fungus and often used to make beer, a rich source of minerals such as selenium. B-complex vitamins, and chromium. It contains around 40% protein.

    Why Concerned?

    A controversial ingredient, some believe it can support the immune system, while others say it can be linked to allergies and bloating. However, no scientific research can provide a concrete conclusion.

  • 10 Calcium Propionate
    Supplement

    Description

    An organic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.

  • 11 Canola Oil
    Fat

    Description

    Oil extracted from canola seed, high in omega 6 fats and contains a small amount of trans-fats which is not optimal for health.

    Why Concerned?

    A controversial, less optimal choice of fat.

    Digestion Concern

    High amount of plant-based fat is not easily digested by dogs / cats, can cause obstruction and gastrointestinal upset.

  • 12 Caramel Color
    Food Additive

    Description

    A natural food dye that is added to "decorate" the pet foods. It offers minimum nutrition value.

    Why Concerned?

    A food additive that is likely to be safe but unnecessary.

  • 13 Corn Starch
    Carbs

    Description

    Starch extracted from corn, used as a binder and carbohydrate source.

    Why Concerned?

    A controversial filler with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.

  • 14 Disodium Phosphate
    Food Additive

    Description

    A phosphate salt used as an emulsifier and pH buffer in pet food.

  • 15 Dried Cheese
    Animal Protein

    Description

    A rich source of bioavailable calcium and phosphorus with meaningful levels of sodium and potassium. Reports show it is "loved" very much by dogs.

    Why Concerned?

    A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value. However, dairy products are best avoided for pets with sensitive digestion.

    Allergen Concern

    Contains lactose, which can cause skin rashes and discomfort for dogs / cats that are lactose intolerance.

    Digestion Concern

    Contains lactose, which can cause diarrhea and bloating for dogs / cats that are lactose intolerant.

  • 16 Green Tea Extract
    Others

    Description

    One of the most healthy tea in the world. It contains catechins, which are natural antioxidants that help prevent radical damages to the body and offer many health benefits.

  • 17 Liver Meal

    No match found in database

  • 18 Maltodextrin
    Carbs

    Description

    A processed starch used as a carbohydrate source and binding agent in pet food.

    Why Concerned?

    A highly processed starch with high glycemic index and minimal nutritional value.

  • 19 Mixed Tocopherols
    Food Additive

    Description

    A mixture of different types of vitamin E, usually found in plant oils, seed and green vegetables. They are powerful antioxidants used as a natural preservative to slow down the spoilage of food.

  • 20 Natural Flavors
    Food Additive

    Description

    Made of extracts from plant or animal sources to improve the taste of food.

    Why Concerned?

    Contrary to its name, natural flavors are highly processed and contain many chemical additives.

  • 21 Rosemary Extract
    Carbs

    Description

    A common herb used for cooking, it is rich in antioxidants to fight off radical damages in the body.

  • 22 Salmon Oil
    Fat

    Description

    The oil extracted from salmon, an excellent source of fat and omega 3s, which is important to reduce inflammation in the body.

    Why Prefer?

    A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.

  • 23 Salt
    Others

    Description

    Mainly added to enhance the flavor, might cause kidney and blood pressure issues in a larger dose. High-quality pet foods should get a sufficient amount from raw meat, additional salt is not necessary.

    Why Concerned?

    A controversial ingredient that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.

  • 24 Silicon Dioxide
    Food Additive

    Description

    A natural compound made of silicon and oxygen, a food additive as an anti-caking agent to prevent clumping.

  • 25 Sorbic Acid
    Food Additive

    Description

    A natural compound used as a food preservative to inhibit the growth of mold.

  • 26 Soya Lecithin

    (Detected): Soy Lecithin

    Fat

    Description

    An emulsifier, antioxidant, and flavor protector made of oils of soya beans.

  • 27 Soy Protein

    No match found in database

  • 28 Sunflower Oil
    Fat

    Description

    The oil derived from sunflower seeds, high in either omega 6 and 9 fats, low in saturated fat and is packed with natural anti-oxidant vitamin E.

  • 29 Vegetable Glycerin
    Food Additive

    Description

    The natural form of glycerin, usually made from soybean, coconut, or palm oil, a food additive for sweetening and binding free water, which improves the taste and prevents mold growth of pet foods. It is formed during the production of soap.

    Why Concerned?

    A food additive that is likely to be safe but unnecessary.

  • 30 Vegetable Oil
    Fat

    Description

    Could be oil extracted from any type of vegetables, usually refer to less appealing oils like grapeseed or corn oil, as a substitute for more expensive and nutritious like animal fats.

    Why Concerned?

    Unspecified plant products made of unknown sources. Its quality is highly concerned, often seen in low quality pet foods.

    Uncertain/Risky

    Without specifying the source, by-products and contaminated plant parts could be used to produce unnamed plant products.

  • 31 Water
    Others

    Description

    It is added in the pet food as a blending / thinning agent.

  • 32 Yeast Extract
    Plant Protein Concentrate

    Description

    Made from fungus and often used to make beer, a rich source of minerals such as selenium. B-complex vitamins, and chromium. It contains around 40% protein.

    Why Concerned?

    A controversial ingredient, some believe it can support the immune system, while others say it can be linked to allergies and bloating. However, no scientific research can provide a concrete conclusion.

  • 33 Yucca Schidigera Extract
    Carbs

    Description

    Yucca schidigera is a desert plant found in the arid southwestern US and Mexico. It has been shown to reduce fecal aroma (poop's smell) without any harmful effect.

Tips

  • Protein source needs review: animal ingredients are present, but named animal proteins are not prominent near the top.
  • Ingredients worth checking: Methylsulfonylmethane, Brewers Dried Yeast, Canola Oil.
  • Higher-caution ingredients: Vegetable Oil have caution notes in the ingredient database.
  • Possible allergy triggers: Dried Cheese have allergen notes; review them if your pet has sensitivities.
  • Possible digestion triggers: Methylsulfonylmethane, Canola Oil, Dried Cheese have digestion notes; watch tolerance if your pet has a sensitive stomach.

Protein Analysis

How this recipe earned its protein scores.

Protein Clarity

High
High
  • Named 100%

Strong clarity: 100% of PetNC Natural Care Hip & Joint Soft Chews's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named (like chicken or salmon). Only 0% use vague terms such as "meat meal" and 0% are by-products. Named protein ingredients let you verify the source and check for allergens.

Contributing ingredients

Named

Dried Cheese

Animal Protein

High
High
  • Animal 81%
  • Auxiliary 19%

Meat-forward: 81% of the weighted protein in PetNC Natural Care Hip & Joint Soft Chews comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (0% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.

Contributing ingredients

Animal

Dried Cheese

Auxiliary

Brewers Dried Yeast Yeast Extract

PetNC Natural Care Hip & Joint Soft Chews dog food Review

PetNC Natural Care Hip & Joint Soft Chews is a strong choice — rated 4.5 stars with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. A confident pick when the ingredient panel matches your pet's needs.

Best for

  • Owners who want clearly named protein sources

Avoid if

  • Your pet is allergic to dairy

Key takeaways

  • Named animal proteins make up 100% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
  • Contains common allergens: Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Fish.
  • 81% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
  • Free from Gluten grains, Egg, Legumes, Nuts, Poultry, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.
  • Overall rating: 4.5 stars, based on transparency, protein source, and macro balance.

Frequently asked questions

Is PetNC Natural Care Hip & Joint Soft Chews good for dogs?

Yes — rated 4.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content.

Does PetNC Natural Care Hip & Joint Soft Chews contain Dairy?

Yes — based on the ingredient list, PetNC Natural Care Hip & Joint Soft Chews contains Dairy, so pets sensitive to Dairy should generally avoid this product or consult a vet first.

Does PetNC Natural Care Hip & Joint Soft Chews contain Egg?

No — based on the ingredient list, PetNC Natural Care Hip & Joint Soft Chews doesn't include Egg or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid this allergen here.

Does PetNC Natural Care Hip & Joint Soft Chews contain Legumes?

No — based on the ingredient list, PetNC Natural Care Hip & Joint Soft Chews doesn't include Legumes or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Legumes can typically avoid this allergen here.

Does PetNC Natural Care Hip & Joint Soft Chews contain Nuts?

No — based on the ingredient list, PetNC Natural Care Hip & Joint Soft Chews doesn't include Nuts or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid this allergen here.

Is PetNC Natural Care Hip & Joint Soft Chews grain-free?

No — the recipe contains Grains (gluten-free).

What are the main protein sources in PetNC Natural Care Hip & Joint Soft Chews?

The top animal proteins are Dried Cheese — clearly named, so you can verify the source.

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