Pulsar Salmon Dry Dog Food
Verified Aug 30, 2026
This is a legume-based, grain-free dry dog food that uses salmon meal and fresh salmon as its single animal protein source. It provides moderate-to-high protein and fat levels with added omega-3s, taurine, probiotics, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. The formula is designed to be suitable for dogs of all ages and sizes, including large-breed puppies, who do well on a salmon-focused diet.
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Strong Choice
Nutritionally, this is a solid, mid‑to‑higher protein dry food that is fully AAFCO-complete for all life stages, including large-breed growth. It relies on salmon and salmon meal for protein, with lentils and peas as the main carbohydrate sources, and has added taurine and probiotics. It can work well for many healthy dogs, but the grain-free, legume-heavy profile is something to weigh carefully, especially for breeds with heart concerns.
Computed from 4 of 4 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.
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At a Glance
Where these benefits come from
Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Salmon meal and salmon provide good-quality animal protein, with 28% protein and 15% fat appropriate for most dogs.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages, including large-breed puppies.
- Includes probiotics, prebiotics, and a variety of fruits and vegetables to support gut health and provide antioxidants.
- Contains added taurine and relatively high omega-3 levels, which are helpful for heart, skin, and coat health.
Considerations
- This is a grain-free, legume-heavy formula with red lentils and peas high on the list, which some studies have linked to heart issues in certain dogs.
- Dogs with fish allergies or sensitivities will need to avoid this salmon-based diet.
- The relatively high protein and calorie density may not suit dogs who need a lower-calorie or kidney-sensitive diet without veterinary guidance.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Salmon
Salmon is commonly used as a high-quality animal protein and rich source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) in dog and cat foods, supporting skin and coat condition, joint and cognitive health, and overall muscle maintenance. While very nutritious, salmon can be an allergen for some pets and raw salmon may pose risks from parasites, thiaminase-related thiamine loss, and region-specific pathogens (e.g., salmon poisoning); owners should avoid feeding uncooked bones and consider sourcing to minimize contaminant and sustainability concerns.
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02
Red Lentil
Red lentils are a plant-based source of digestible protein, complex carbohydrates, and soluble and insoluble fiber that are used in pet foods to boost protein and fiber content and provide micronutrients such as folate and iron. They can support digestive health and weight management, but are lower in some essential amino acids compared with animal proteins, may contain antinutrients that are reduced by cooking/processing, and because high-legume diets have been scrutinized in relation to diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs and lack certain nutrients (e.g., taurine) important for cats, they should be included only as part of a complete, balanced formulation.
03
Pea
Pea is a plant-based ingredient used in pet foods as a source of protein, soluble and insoluble fiber, and micronutrients (often included as whole peas, pea flour, or pea protein concentrate) to boost protein content and improve texture. While peas can provide digestible carbohydrates, fiber, and some plant protein useful especially for dogs, they are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and — when overused, particularly in concentrated forms or as a major component of grain‑free diets — have been scrutinized for a possible association with canine dilated cardiomyopathy and can contribute to nutrient imbalances or excess calories, so balanced formulation and compliance with AAFCO nutritional profiles are important.
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04
Pea Starch
Pea starch is used in pet foods primarily as a carbohydrate binder, thickener and texture agent to help form kibble and provide readily digestible energy, rather than as a protein or fiber source. It is a gluten‑free, highly digestible starch that can increase calorie density and glycemic load (important for overweight or diabetic pets) and, like other pea/legume ingredients used in high amounts in some grain‑free diets, should be part of a balanced formulation chosen with veterinary guidance for pets with special health concerns.
05
Salmon
Salmon is commonly used as a high-quality animal protein and rich source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) in dog and cat foods, supporting skin and coat condition, joint and cognitive health, and overall muscle maintenance. While very nutritious, salmon can be an allergen for some pets and raw salmon may pose risks from parasites, thiaminase-related thiamine loss, and region-specific pathogens (e.g., salmon poisoning); owners should avoid feeding uncooked bones and consider sourcing to minimize contaminant and sustainability concerns.
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Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Not sure how much of this to feed?
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Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.Brand
Pulsar features single-protein, limited-ingredient recipes with pulses (lentils and peas) as sustainable carbohydrate sources, offering affordability while maintaining Horizon’s Canadian quality standards.
Manufacturer
All products are manufactured in Horizon’s own human-grade production facility in Rosthern, Saskatchewan. The company maintains strict quality control, source traceability, and adheres to Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) standards, AAFCO nutritional guidelines, and HACCP-based food safety practices.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
No recall is listed for Pulsar Pulsar Salmon Dry Dog Food.
Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Sep 1, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Pulsar ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Pulsar. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
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