Ruff Greens For Dogs Reviews: Is It Worth It?

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably seen the ads for Ruff Greens. You’ve heard the promises of a shinier coat, more energy, and better digestion, and you’re wondering the same thing I was: is this stuff for real, or is it just expensive, over-hyped lawn clippings in a bag? As a loving but skeptical dog owner, I was on the fence for months. My dog wasn’t sick, but he was getting older and lacked that ‘pep.’ If your dog’s food is missing… something… you need to stop wondering and just try this. It could be the simple, powerful boost you’ve both been waiting for.

My Experience With Ruff Greens

Let me introduce you to my co-reviewer, Buster. He’s a 10-year-old beagle mix who has entered his “grumpy old man” era.

His coat was dull, his energy was low—our walks were getting shorter—and his interest in his (very expensive, vet-approved) kibble was minimal.

He’d sniff it, sigh like he was carrying the weight of the world, and walk away.

He was the king of picky eaters. I’d tried everything: gravy toppers, wet food mixers, even warm bone broth.

He’d lick off the “good stuff” and leave the kibble. I was at my wit’s end.

I ordered the Ruff Greens “Jumpstart” trial, fully expecting him to turn his nose up at it. The package arrived, and I opened it. First impression? It smells… green. It’s a very potent, grassy, and vegetal smell. It doesn’t smell like bacon or chicken, and I thought, “There’s no way he’s eating this.”

Following the instructions, I started small. I’m talking a tiny “mini-pinch” mixed into his food with a splash of water to make a small gravy. Buster trotted over, sniffed the bowl, and looked up at me with utter betrayal. He refused to eat it. Day two, same thing. I was frustrated and ready to call it a failed experiment. But on day three, I tried the “gravy method” they suggested. I mixed a small pinch with a spoonful of plain, unsweetened yogurt (one of his few weaknesses) and then mixed that into his kibble.

He was hesitant. He circled the bowl. He sniffed. Then, he took one tentative lick. And another. And then… the bowl was clean. He had eaten his entire meal for the first time in weeks. I was floored.

We’ve been on the full, recommended dose for about two months now. The change is not just in his appetite. About three weeks in, I noticed I wasn’t having to sweep up tumbleweeds of dog hair every day. His coat, which had been wiry and dull, is now noticeably softer and shinier. My partner, who was the biggest skeptic, commented on it unprompted. But the biggest change is his energy. He’s annoying me to go on walks again. He brings me his ball. He has that “puppy pep” back in his step that I honestly thought was gone for good. It wasn’t an overnight miracle, but the gradual improvement has been undeniable. It’s like it filled in the nutritional gaps his “balanced” kibble was leaving behind.

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Pros Of Ruff Greens

• Amazing Palatability (For Most Dogs): My experience is a perfect example. While Buster was initially stubborn, once he tried it, he was hooked. Now, he won’t eat his food without it. I’ve read countless reviews from other owners of incredibly picky dogs who say the same thing. Because it’s a powder, you can mix it into gravy, yogurt, or broth, making it much harder for a picky dog to “eat around” it. It seems to act as a flavor enhancer for many dogs, turning a boring bowl of kibble into something they actively look forward to.
• A Tangible Boost In Energy And Vitality: This is especially true for senior dogs. Ruff Greens is packed with “live” nutrients—vitamins, minerals, and omega-fatty acids from whole-food, plant-based sources like barley grass, spinach, and flaxseed.¹ These are not the synthetic vitamin packs sprayed onto kibble. Many users, myself included, report a very real increase in their dog’s energy levels. It’s not a hyperactive, artificial energy, but a return to a more youthful, playful state. You see more tail wags, more interest in toys, and more stamina on walks.
• Drastic Skin And Coat Improvement: This is one of the first things you’ll probably notice. The blend of omega-3, -6, and -9 fatty acids from ingredients like flaxseed works from the inside out. I’m talking a visible reduction in shedding and dandruff. Many owners of dogs with dry, itchy skin or hot spots report that this supplement has significantly calmed that inflammation. Their coats become softer to the touch and develop a deep, healthy shine. It’s the kind of health you can literally see and feel.
• Supports Gut Health And Digestion: This is a huge one. Ruff Greens isn’t just “greens”; it’s loaded with over 20 digestive enzymes and 15 strains of probiotics.² Modern processed dog food is sterile. It’s cooked at such high temperatures that it kills all the beneficial bacteria and enzymes. This formula reintroduces them. For you, this means better, firmer, and less-stinky stools. For your dog, it means they are actually absorbing the nutrients from their expensive food, not just passing them. This improved gut health is the foundation for a stronger immune system.
• Human-Grade, Vegan, and Clean Ingredients: I love that I can read and understand every ingredient on the label. It’s all plant-based, which makes it a fantastic supplement even for dogs with common protein allergies (like chicken or beef). It contains no fillers, no artificial flavors, and no synthetic additives. It’s all high-quality, human-grade ingredients like organic wheatgrass, kale, and blueberry powder. You’re not paying for corn, soy, or meat by-products; you’re paying for pure, concentrated nutrition.

Cons Of Ruff Greens

The Price Tag And Subscription Model

• It Is An Expensive Product: Let’s be blunt: this is a premium supplement with a premium price. A single bag for a medium-sized dog can be a significant monthly expense, right up there with a bag of high-end dog food. This cost is the single biggest barrier for most people. You have to view it as a core part of your dog’s nutritional budget, not just a small add-on.
• The “Jumpstart Trial” Subscription: The popular “Jumpstart Trial” is an introductory offer, and it automatically enrolls you in a monthly subscription. This is a very common business model, and it’s one that can catch you by surprise if you’re not paying close attention. If you just want to try it without committing, you have to be proactive about canceling before the next shipment (and full-price charge) goes through. This auto-ship model is a major turn-off for people who prefer to buy products as-needed.

Potential For Picky Eaters

• It’s Not A 100% Success Rate: For every story like mine, there’s another from an owner whose dog took one sniff of the grassy-smelling powder and walked away, never to return. The strong vegetal smell is not for every dog. If your dog only likes meat-flavored things, this can be a very expensive gamble. It’s a powder, not a treat, so you can’t just trick them into eating it. You have to hope the flavor profile appeals to them.
• Some Ingredients Can Be Questionable For Sensitive Dogs: While the ingredient list is clean, it’s not perfect for every dog. For example, it contains wheatgrass and barley grass.⁵ While these are nutrient-dense grasses (not the gluten-containing grain), some dogs with very sensitive stomachs or specific grass allergies might react poorly. This can manifest as digestive upset, gas, or itching—exactly the things you’re trying to fix.

Skepticism And Practicality

• The Product Size Has Decreased: This is a major complaint from long-time users. At some point, the company reportedly reduced the bag size (from 14.8 oz to 13.8 oz) while keeping the price the same.⁶ This is a “shrinkflation” tactic that feels dishonest and makes an already expensive product even pricier per-serving. It’s a bad look that erodes customer trust.
• Is It Even Necessary?: This is the big question vets and nutrition purists will ask. If your dog is young, healthy, and eating a high-quality, AAFCO-compliant “complete and balanced” dog food, do they need this? Many experts would argue no, that you’re just paying for expensive urine. The counter-argument is that “complete and balanced” is a minimum standard and that processed kibble, by its very nature, is nutritionally dead. This product is for people who believe their dog’s food is missing that “live” element.

Maintenance Tips For Ruff Greens

How To Introduce It Successfully

• Start Slower Than You Think: Do not just dump a full scoop on your dog’s food. You will almost certainly be met with refusal, and you could give your dog digestive upset. You must start with what they call the “mini-pinch” method. For the first 2-3 days, add just a tiny pinch (like 1/8th of a teaspoon) to their food so they can get used to the smell and taste.
• Use A “Carrier” Fluid Or Food: This is the secret to success for picky eaters. Ruff Greens powder is meant to be mixed. Don’t just sprinkle the dry powder on dry kibble. The best “carriers” are a splash of warm water (to create a gravy), a spoonful of bone broth, some plain pumpkin puree, or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt. Mix the powder into the “carrier” first, and then mix that combination into the food. This distributes the flavor and prevents your dog from eating around it.
• The “Limiting” Trick: This is a tip from the company that I found interesting. They suggest that 24 hours before you first introduce Ruff Greens, you should limit your dog’s food intake slightly.⁷ This isn’t about starving them, but about ensuring they are genuinely hungry when they are presented with the new meal. A hungry dog is a much less picky dog. I didn’t try this, but it’s a good strategy if you’re really struggling.

Dosing And Long-Term Storage

• Dosage Is Based On Weight: The instructions are simple and clear. For dogs under 40 pounds (like my beagle), the standard dose is 1 tablespoon per day.⁸ For dogs over 40 pounds, it’s 2 tablespoons per day. This is the maintenance dose. You should work up to this amount slowly over a period of 1-2 weeks.
• Keep It Fresh: This product is full of “live” enzymes, probiotics, and delicate oils.⁹ You can’t just leave it in the pantry for a year. It is highly recommended that you store the bag in the refrigerator or even the freezer, especially if you buy in bulk. This protects the fragile nutrients from heat, light, and air, which will degrade them over time. A “dead” supplement is a waste of money, so proper storage is key to getting the results you’re paying for.
• Be Patient And Consistent: You will not see a change in one day or even one week. The company itself tells users to wait 4-6 weeks to see real, noticeable changes. The “Jumpstart Trial” is really just to see if your dog will eat it. The real benefits, like a better coat and more energy, come from consistent, daily use over time as the nutrients build up in your dog’s system. Don’t give up after a few days.

Comparison With Other Brands

Ruff Greens Vs. The Farmer’s Dog

• Supplement Vs. Full Meal Replacement: This is the most important distinction. Ruff Greens is a supplement you add to your dog’s current food.¹⁰ The Farmer’s Dog is a complete meal replacement service. You stop buying kibble entirely and feed them the pre-portioned, human-grade fresh food that is delivered frozen to your door. You’re not comparing apples to apples; you’re comparing a vitamin pill to a whole new diet.
• Business Model And Cost: The Farmer’s Dog is significantly more expensive than adding Ruff Greens to kibble. You are paying for all the ingredients, cooking, portioning, and shipping of 100% of your dog’s food. It’s a major financial and lifestyle commitment. Ruff Greens is a way to “plus up” your current feeding routine without the hassle and extreme cost of switching to a 100% fresh-food subscription model.¹¹

Ruff Greens Vs. Zesty Paws

• Powder Vs. Soft Chew: This is a comparison of format. Ruff Greens is a green, plant-based powder that you mix into food.¹² Zesty Paws 8-in-1 Multifunctional Bites are a soft chew that is flavored like a treat (usually chicken or peanut butter).¹³ For dogs who won’t touch a “powder” but will happily gobble down a “treat,” Zesty Paws is a much easier sell.
• Ingredient Focus: Ruff Greens’ whole philosophy is built around “live” plant-based nutrients, enzymes, and probiotics.¹⁴ Zesty Paws’ 8-in-1 chews are more of a traditional “all-in-one” multivitamin.¹⁵ They contain many of the same vitamins, but their main draw is the inclusion of joint-support ingredients like Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM, which Ruff Greens lacks. If your primary concern is joint health, Zesty Paws is a more targeted choice.

Ruff Greens Vs. Dinovite

• A Battle Of Powdered Supplements: Dinovite is a much more direct competitor. It’s also a powdered supplement that you add to your dog’s food, and it also contains vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and probiotics.¹⁶ Both brands market heavily toward solving common problems like itching, scratching, and low energy.¹⁷
• Reputation And Guarantees: Both products are expensive, but they have very different reputations. Ruff Greens has a generally positive vibe, with most complaints centering on price. Dinovite, on the other hand, has a very polarized, “love it or hate it” reputation online. I’ve found many scathing reviews from users who said it did nothing for their dog and that its “90-day money-back guarantee” was a “joke” and impossible to actually redeem. Ruff Greens’ “Jumpstart Trial” seems to be a more straightforward way to test the product with less initial commitment.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

So, after all this, is Ruff Greens worth it? For Buster and me, the answer is a definite yes. It solved my picky-eater problem and, more importantly, gave my senior dog a new lease on life. His coat is shiny, his energy is up, and he’s just happier. However, it’s not a magic powder.

It’s an expensive, premium supplement that requires patience and a bit of trial and error. If you’re on the fence, I say do it. The cost is high, but the potential to see your dog thrive like mine has is priceless.