Our verdict
Is Horizon Pet Food Pulsar Pork Whole Grain a good dog food?
We score it 52/100 (Average). This reflects the ingredient quality, composition and label transparency of the recipe as declared on the label.
100% of this recipe has no printed percentage. Estimated shares are model estimates, not label facts.
Who is this food for?
Suits
- Labelled by the manufacturer for all lifestages
- Single named protein: pork
- Doesn't list chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, fish, venison, duck as ingredients
Consider something else if:
- Your dog avoids grain: the label lists barley
These points are derived from declared ingredients and analysis, not a substitute for veterinary advice. If your dog has a diagnosed condition, food choice is a medical nutrition decision: speak to your vet. Find foods that fit your dog.
Ingredients (56)100% of the recipe is estimated
Estimated composition
- supplement 58.7%
- veg 17.0%
- carb 9.2%
- meat 4.7%
- mineral 2.6%
- oil 2.2%
- additive 2.1%
- fibre 2.0%
- unknown 1.5%
| # | As declared | Matched | Label reading | Declared % | Est. % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PORK MEAL | Dehydrated Pork Protein | meat · good | - | 2.4 |
| 2 | WHOLE GRAIN HULLESS BARLEY | Barley | carb · medium | - | 2.3 |
| 3 | WHOLE GRAIN RYE | Rye | carb · good | - | 2.3 |
| 4 | PORK | Pork | meat · medium | - | 2.3 |
| 5 | OATS | Oats | carb · medium | - | 2.3 |
| 6 | FLAXSEED | Linseed | veg · good | - | 2.3 |
| 7 | CANOLA OIL | Rapeseed oil | oil · good | - | 2.2 |
| 8 | QUINOA | Quinoa | carb · good | - | 2.2 |
| 9 | CARROTS | Carrots | veg · good | - | 2.2 |
| 10 | APPLES | Apples | veg · good | - | 2.2 |
| 11 | BROCCOLI | Broccoli | veg · good | - | 2.2 |
| 12 | BOK CHOY | Bok Choy | veg · good | - | 2.1 |
| 13 | CABBAGE | Cabbage | veg · good | - | 2.1 |
| 14 | BLUEBERRIES | Blueberries | veg · good | - | 2.1 |
| 15 | SALT | Salt | additive · poor | - | 2.1 |
| 16 | THREONINE | Threonine | supplement · medium | - | 2.0 |
| 17 | POTASSIUM CHLORIDE | Potassium Chloride | supplement · medium | - | 2.0 |
| 18 | INULIN | Inulin | fibre · good | - | 2.0 |
| 19 | CHOLINE CHLORIDE | Choline | supplement · good | - | 2.0 |
| 20 | TAURINE | Taurine | supplement · good | - | 2.0 |
| 21 | YUCCA SCHIIDIGERA EXTRACT | Yucca Schidigera | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 22 | HYRDOLYZED YEAST | Yeast | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 23 | L-LYSINE | Lysine | supplement · medium | - | 1.9 |
| 24 | DL-METHIONINE | Methionine | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 25 | DRIED ASPERGILLUS NIGER FERMENTATION EXTRACT | Dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Extract | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 26 | PINEAPPLE | Pineapple | veg · good | - | 1.8 |
| 27 | DRIED TRICHODERMA LONGIBRACHIATUM FERMENTATION EXTRACT | Dried Trichoderma Longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 28 | DRIED RHIZOPUS ORYZAE FERMENTATION EXTRACT | Rhizopus Oryzae Fermentation Extract | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 29 | DRIED ENTEROCOCCUS FAECIUM FERMENTATION PRODUCT | Enterococcus Faecium | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 30 | DRIED LACTOBACILLUS CASEI FERMENTATION PRODUCT | Lactobacillus casei | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 31 | DRIED LACTOBACILLUS ACIDOPHILUS FERMENTATION PRODUCT | Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 32 | DRIED BIFIDOBACTERIUM BIFIDUM FERMENTATION PRODUCT | Dried Bifidobacterium Bifidum Fermentation Product | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 33 | DRIED LACTOBACILLUS PLANTARUM FERMENTATION PRODUCT | Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 34 | VITAMIN A ACETATE | Vitamin A | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 35 | VITAMIN D3 SUPPLEMENT | Vitamin D3 supplement | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 36 | VITAMIN E SUPPLEMENT | Vitamin E | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 37 | VITAMIN B12 SUPPLEMENT | Vitamin B12 | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 38 | RIBOFLAVIN | Riboflavin | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 39 | NIACIN | Niacin | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 40 | FOLIC ACID | Folic acid | supplement · good | - | 1.5 |
| 41 | PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE | Pyridoxine hydrochloride | supplement · good | - | 1.5 |
| 42 | THIAMINE MONONONITRATE | unmatched | - | - | 1.5 |
| 43 | D-CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE | Calcium pantothenate | supplement · good | - | 1.5 |
| 44 | BIOTIN | Biotin | supplement · good | - | 1.5 |
| 45 | L-ASCORBYL-2-POLYPHOSPHATE (SOURCE OF VITAMIN C) | L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate | supplement · good | - | 1.4 |
| 46 | FERROUS SULFATE | Iron sulfate | supplement · good | - | 1.4 |
| 47 | IRON PROTEINATE | Iron Proteinate | mineral · good | - | 1.4 |
| 48 | ZINC SULFATE | Zinc sulfate | supplement · medium | - | 1.4 |
| 49 | ZINC PROTEINATE | Zinc Proteinate | supplement · good | - | 1.4 |
| 50 | MANGANOUS OXIDE | Manganese (II) Oxide | supplement · good | - | 1.3 |
| 51 | MANGANESE PROTEINATE | Manganese proteinate | supplement · good | - | 1.3 |
| 52 | COPPER SULFATE | Copper sulphate | supplement · good | - | 1.3 |
| 53 | COPPER PROTEINATE | Copper proteinate | supplement · good | - | 1.3 |
| 54 | CALCIUM IODATE | Calcium iodate | supplement · medium | - | 1.2 |
| 55 | SELENIUM YEAST | Selenium | mineral · good | - | 1.2 |
| 56 | MAGNESIUM OXIDE. | Magnesium Oxide | supplement · good | - | 1.2 |
- 1. PORK MEAL2.4% estimated
- 2. WHOLE GRAIN HULLESS BARLEY2.3% estimated
- 3. WHOLE GRAIN RYE2.3% estimated
- 4. PORK2.3% estimated
- 5. OATS2.3% estimated
- 6. FLAXSEED2.3% estimated
- 7. CANOLA OIL2.2% estimated
- 8. QUINOA2.2% estimated
- 9. CARROTS2.2% estimated
- 10. APPLES2.2% estimated
- 11. BROCCOLI2.2% estimated
- 12. BOK CHOY2.1% estimated
- 13. CABBAGE2.1% estimated
- 14. BLUEBERRIES2.1% estimated
- 15. SALT2.1% estimated
- 16. THREONINE2.0% estimated
- 17. POTASSIUM CHLORIDE2.0% estimated
- 18. INULIN2.0% estimated
- 19. CHOLINE CHLORIDE2.0% estimated
- 20. TAURINE2.0% estimated
- 21. YUCCA SCHIIDIGERA EXTRACT1.9% estimated
- 22. HYRDOLYZED YEAST1.9% estimated
- 23. L-LYSINE1.9% estimated
- 24. DL-METHIONINE1.9% estimated
- 25. DRIED ASPERGILLUS NIGER FERMENTATION EXTRACT1.9% estimated
- 26. PINEAPPLE1.8% estimated
- 27. DRIED TRICHODERMA LONGIBRACHIATUM FERMENTATION EXTRACT1.8% estimated
- 28. DRIED RHIZOPUS ORYZAE FERMENTATION EXTRACT1.8% estimated
- 29. DRIED ENTEROCOCCUS FAECIUM FERMENTATION PRODUCT1.8% estimated
- 30. DRIED LACTOBACILLUS CASEI FERMENTATION PRODUCT1.8% estimated
- 31. DRIED LACTOBACILLUS ACIDOPHILUS FERMENTATION PRODUCT1.7% estimated
- 32. DRIED BIFIDOBACTERIUM BIFIDUM FERMENTATION PRODUCT1.7% estimated
- 33. DRIED LACTOBACILLUS PLANTARUM FERMENTATION PRODUCT1.7% estimated
- 34. VITAMIN A ACETATE1.7% estimated
- 35. VITAMIN D3 SUPPLEMENT1.6% estimated
- 36. VITAMIN E SUPPLEMENT1.6% estimated
- 37. VITAMIN B12 SUPPLEMENT1.6% estimated
- 38. RIBOFLAVIN1.6% estimated
- 39. NIACIN1.6% estimated
- 40. FOLIC ACID1.5% estimated
- 41. PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE1.5% estimated
- 42. THIAMINE MONONONITRATE1.5% estimated
- 43. D-CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE1.5% estimated
- 44. BIOTIN1.5% estimated
- 45. L-ASCORBYL-2-POLYPHOSPHATE (SOURCE OF VITAMIN C)1.4% estimated
- 46. FERROUS SULFATE1.4% estimated
- 47. IRON PROTEINATE1.4% estimated
- 48. ZINC SULFATE1.4% estimated
- 49. ZINC PROTEINATE1.4% estimated
- 50. MANGANOUS OXIDE1.3% estimated
- 51. MANGANESE PROTEINATE1.3% estimated
- 52. COPPER SULFATE1.3% estimated
- 53. COPPER PROTEINATE1.3% estimated
- 54. CALCIUM IODATE1.2% estimated
- 55. SELENIUM YEAST1.2% estimated
- 56. MAGNESIUM OXIDE.1.2% estimated
Nutrition and feedingProtein 24% · Fat 15%
Guaranteed analysis (as fed)
| Nutrient | As fed |
|---|---|
| Protein | 24% |
| Fat | 15% |
| Fibre | 4.80% |
| Ash | 8.90% |
| Moisture | 10% |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | 1% |
| Omega-6 fatty acids | 0.30% |
| Calcium | 1.30% |
| Phosphorus | 1% |
| Sodium | 0.19% |
Energy: 347.9 kcal/100g
Additives & feeding info
Feeding and storage
Feeding guide
Servings per day (standard 8 oz cups) by weight for Puppy/Adult/Senior: 5 lb (0.66/0.33/0.33), 10 lb (1/0.66/0.5), 20 lb (1.75/1.25/1), 40 lb (3/2/1.66), 60 lb (4/2.66/2.25), 80 lb (5/3.25/2.75), 100 lb (6/3.75/3.25), 120 lb (6.75/4.5/3.66).
Additives declared on the label
Nutritional additives
Vitamin A Acetate; Vitamin D3 Supplement; Vitamin E Supplement; Vitamin B12 Supplement; Riboflavin; Niacin; Folic Acid; Pyridoxine Hydrochloride; Thiamine Mononitrate; D-Calcium Pantothenate; Biotin; L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C); Ferrous Sulfate; Iron Proteinate; Zinc Sulfate; Zinc Proteinate; Manganous Oxide; Manganese Proteinate; Copper Sulfate; Copper Proteinate; Calcium Iodate; Selenium Yeast; Magnesium Oxide
Technological additives
Yucca Schidigera Extract; Hydrolyzed Yeast; Inulin; Choline Chloride; Dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Extract; Dried Trichoderma Longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract; Dried Rhizopus Oryzae Fermentation Extract; Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product; Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product; Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product; Dried Bifidobacterium Bifidum Fermentation Product; Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product
Trust and sourceNo recalls recorded in our database · checked 2026-09-19
Brand and contact: Horizon Pet Food
- Website
- https://horizonpetfood.com/
- Phone
- 1.306.500.7270
- Address
- Box 268 - 710 8th Street East, Rosthern, Saskatchewan, Canada S0K 3R0
- Contact page
- horizonpetfood.com
Trust and provenance
- Recall history
- No recalls recorded in our database
- Label data last checked
- 2026-09-19
- Scored with
- Model v3 (methodology)
- Product page
- horizonpetfood.com
Recall history is presentation-only and never affects the score. Dates are when we recorded the data, not when the manufacturer last changed the recipe.
Brand and retailer reviews
External platform ratings are not scores for this individual recipe.
Trustpilot: 3.7/5 · 1 reviews
Spotted a mistake in this listing? Report it here and we'll take a look.
Score details and methodologyCalculations, history and evidence
Recipe: how the 1-100 score is calculated
Why this score?
This recipe achieves an overall score of 52 out of 100 based on several key factors. The inclusion of ingredients without printed percentages contributed -10.6 points, while the overall quality of the ingredient list added +7 points. Additionally, the processing format adjusted the score by -6.7, and being labelled nutritionally complete contributed +2.3 points.
Scored with model v3 on 2026-10-25. Each component is the feature value for this product multiplied by the model's published coefficient.
| Component | Input | Coefficient | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base score | - | 30.909 | +30.91 |
| Average ingredient quality | 0.8 | 9.191 | +7.04 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 10.3% | -0.115 | -1.19 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 2.8% | -0.092 | -0.26 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 5.4% | -0.005 | -0.03 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 2.4% | 0.163 | +0.39 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 69.0% | -0.012 | -0.84 |
| Unrecognised share of dry matter | 1.0% | -0.027 | -0.03 |
| Recipe graded poor | 2.1% | -0.065 | -0.13 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 1 | -0.876 | -0.88 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 2.1% | 0.060 | +0.12 |
| Undeclared quantities | 100.0% | -0.106 | -10.56 |
| Complete diet | yes | 2.294 | +2.29 |
| Low meat (under 10% of dry matter) | yes | -3.158 | -3.16 |
| Additive penalty | -2.53 | 0.222 | -0.56 |
| Processing multiplier | 0.98 | 33.786 | +33.11 |
| Processing: Dry Extruded | yes | -6.713 | -6.71 |
Show all 40 components
| Component | Input | Coefficient | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base score | - | 30.909 | +30.91 |
| Average ingredient quality | 0.8 | 9.191 | +7.04 |
| Meat share of dry matter | 0.0% | 0.096 | +0.00 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 10.3% | -0.115 | -1.19 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 2.8% | -0.092 | -0.26 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 5.4% | -0.005 | -0.03 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 2.4% | 0.163 | +0.39 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 69.0% | -0.012 | -0.84 |
| Other share of dry matter | 0.0% | -0.375 | +0.00 |
| Unrecognised share of dry matter | 1.0% | -0.027 | -0.03 |
| Recipe graded poor | 2.1% | -0.065 | -0.13 |
| Poor-quality meat in recipe | 0.0% | -0.179 | +0.00 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 1 | -0.876 | -0.88 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 2.1% | 0.060 | +0.12 |
| Undeclared quantities | 100.0% | -0.106 | -10.56 |
| Prints ingredient percentages | no | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Complete diet | yes | 2.294 | +2.29 |
| Frozen or chilled fresh | no | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| High meat (30%+ of dry matter) | no | 0.707 | +0.00 |
| Low meat (under 10% of dry matter) | yes | -3.158 | -3.16 |
| High carb and low meat | no | -1.180 | +0.00 |
| Meat share × printed percentages | 0.0 | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Meat share × fresh | 0.0 | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Fresh × high meat | 0.0 | 11.084 | +0.00 |
| Additive penalty | -2.53 | 0.222 | -0.56 |
| Processing multiplier | 0.98 | 33.786 | +33.11 |
| Processing: Raw | no | -0.054 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Chilled | no | -2.354 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Frozen | no | -2.354 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Refrigerated | no | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Shelf | no | -0.672 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Freeze Dried | no | 6.629 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Air Dried | no | 6.331 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Cold Pressed | no | -6.713 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Baked | no | -6.713 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Extruded | yes | -6.713 | -6.71 |
| Processing: Dry Semi Moist | no | -6.174 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Muesli | no | -10.146 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Wet Pate | no | -0.672 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Wet Chunks | no | -0.672 | +0.00 |
- Processing-type offset
- +0.02
- Additives declared on label
- +2 transparency bonus
- Subtotal
- 51.5
- Final score
- 52/100
Contributions are rounded to two decimals, so they may not sum exactly to the subtotal. The full coefficient table is published on the methodology page.
Nutritional: declared analysis vs reference ranges
How the declared analysis compares with FEDIAF reference ranges for adult dogs. The label prints as-fed values; we convert to a dry-matter basis before scoring, and the bands are dry-matter ranges. Scores rise to 100 at the band midpoint: the reference is adequacy, not maximisation. Nutrients with a published upper limit taper again above it; fat is policed through calorie density rather than a direct penalty.
Guaranteed-analysis FEDIAF score: crude minimums and maximums are bounds, not typical values; moisture (a maximum) uses the processing median where available; experimental US score.
| Nutrient | As fed (label) | Dry matter (scored) | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | 24 | 26.5 (band 18 to 40%) | 93.2 |
| Fat | 15 | 16.6 (band 5.5 to 20%) | 100 |
| Fibre | 4.8 | 5.3 (band 0.5 to 5%) | 100 |
| Calcium | 1.3 | 1.4 (band 0.5 to 2.5%) | 98.1 |
| Phosphorus | 1 | 1.1 (band 0.4 to 1.6%) | 100 |
| Sodium | 0.19 | 0.2 (band 0.1+%) | 100 |
| Calcium:phosphorus ratio | 1.3 | 1.3 (band 1 to 2%) | 88 |
| Omega fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-3) | - | - | 17.6 |
| Energy (kcal/100g) | 347.9 | 384.4 | 100 |
Omega fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-3): scored as the mean of its declared components (omega-6 17.6). The FEDIAF minimum for omega-6 is linoleic acid specifically.
Scored over 9 declared nutrients (combined weight 105); undeclared nutrients do not affect the score. Moisture was not declared and was estimated at 9.5% from the food type.
Declared fortification: 23 nutritional additives on the label
- Vitamin A Acetate
- Vitamin D3 Supplement
- Vitamin E Supplement
- Vitamin B12 Supplement
- Riboflavin
- Niacin
- Folic Acid
- Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
- Thiamine Mononitrate
- D-Calcium Pantothenate
- Biotin
- L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C)
- Ferrous Sulfate
- Iron Proteinate
- Zinc Sulfate
- Zinc Proteinate
- Manganous Oxide
- Manganese Proteinate
- Copper Sulfate
- Copper Proteinate
- Calcium Iodate
- Selenium Yeast
- Magnesium Oxide
Medium confidence: the full five-part analysis is on file; where moisture was not declared it was estimated from the food type.
This measures agreement with published reference ranges, not suitability for an individual dog. For medical conditions, follow veterinary guidance.
Transparency: what the label discloses
How much the manufacturer discloses, measured against the FEDIAF Code of Good Labelling Practice and Regulation 767/2009. Mandatory items dominate the weighting.
| Item | Points |
|---|---|
| Ingredient list on the label (mandatory) | 10/10 |
| Printed percentages on the label (voluntary) - not on file | 0/20 |
| Analytical constituents declared (mandatory) | 15/15 |
| Additives declared (mandatory) | 10/10 |
| Energy value declared (voluntary) | 5/5 |
| Complete/complementary designation (mandatory) | 5/5 |
| Feeding guidance given (mandatory) | 10/10 |
| Manufacturer identity and address (mandatory) | 10/10 |
| Country of manufacture stated (voluntary) | 10/10 |
| Batch and date labelling (mandatory) - not on file | 0/5 |
Capped at 60: mandatory items missing (Batch and date labelling).
Safety: recall history
Recall and safety-notice history, time-decayed. This dimension is shown alongside the score and never feeds the headline number.
No recalls recorded in our database.
Evidence: what the brand claims, and what supports it
The claims made on the pack and product page, checked against the declared label. We record claims as stated; "consistent" means our stored label data supports the claim, "contradicted" means it conflicts with it. Functional claims are recorded but never scored.
100/100 · moderate — 1 checkable claim: 1 consistent, 0 contradicted.
Consistent with the label
- "Meat concentrated formula with pork protein as single animal protein source" — supported by the declared single protein data.
9 further claims on file that we cannot check against the label.
Moderate: every checkable claim is consistent with the declared label.
| Claim | Type | Check | Substantiation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Added quinoa for moderating blood sugar spikes and improving digestion (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Meat concentrated formula with pork protein as single animal protein source (on page) | Content | consistent | Manufacturer assertion |
| Whole grain carbohydrates utilizing quinoa, barley, rye and oats (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Yucca schidigera for joint health and inflammation mitigation (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Hydrolyzed yeast for healthy skin and shiny coat (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Added taurine for heart health (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Low glycemic ingredients to minimize blood sugar spikes (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Fully rotational with all Pulsar formulas appropriate for all breeds & all life stages (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Boosted anti-oxidants with added fresh fruits & vegetables – no powders (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages including growth of large size dogs (70 lbs or more as an adult) (on pack) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
The full scoring method is published. See the methodology for exactly how the headline score and each dimension are calculated.
Alternatives to Pulsar Pork Whole Grain
Similar on ingredients, protein, format or nutrition, using the same stored data.
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