Is The Dog Food Sold At Walmart Safe
The safety of the dog food is probably the most common concern when purchasing from low-cost stores such as Walmart.
Walmart sells some of the lowest-cost dog food products on the market, and its safety and quality are often brought into question.
Have dog food products sold at Walmart been recalled? Yes, far too many to count or list in this article. Recalls are surprisingly prevalent even among some of the most high-quality and premium brands.
But lower cost dog food products that are often sold at stores like Walmart are especially susceptible as their producers try desperately to cut their costs to stay competitive.
Id recommend checking our brand-specific pages for more specific details about any recent or past recalls.
However, on the flip side, many dog food brands and ranges that have never been recalled are also sold at Walmart.
It would be unfair to judge or bundle these brands with others just because they are sold at Walmart when many of them take the safety and quality of their products very seriously.
It is also important to remember that Walmart is extremely conscious of the safety of the products that are sold at its stores.
If the safety of any product or brand is called into question, you can bet it will be pulled from the shelves before you can even mutter the words recall.
In this regard, you can trust that as far as Walmart or yourself is concerned, all of the products sold in Walmart are currently considered safe.
Best Dog Food Of : What To Consider And The Top Picks
Pets are part of the family, and just like with any other family member, you want to make sure theyre eating the best dog food. With so many different dog food brands and varieties available, it can be hard as dog owners to know where to start. Whatre the best dog foods for your pup? Weve got the scoop on whats out there and what you should be feeding your furry friend. Keep reading to find out more.
The Were All About Cats Standardrating Blue Buffalo On What Matters
Weve rated the brand on six key criteria for quality. Heres how it rates in each of these six crucial areas.
- Recall History 3/10
Overall Score: 6.17/10
Overall, we give Blue Buffalo a C grade. It receives high marks for affordability and offers decent product variety, but many of the recipes arent species-appropriate and customer experience varies greatly. The brand has also had a significant number of recalls.
Also Check: Where Is Blue Dog Food Manufactured
How Can I Reduce My Dogs Yeast Infection
Topical treatments are highly effective and are usually recommended first for treating yeast infections in dogs. Antifungal shampoos and antifungal ointments or creams that contain miconazole or ketoconazole are often the most effective. In severe cases, your vet will prescribe antifungal oral medications to be used combined with topical treatments.
Artificial Colors And Dyes
There are additives to some dog foods to make them more eye appealing to humans. You will usually find these in brands that brag about their vegetable content or savory flavors.
The dyes are added to make the food look more like the flavor that was also added, so the kibble that tastes like carrots will be dyed orange to look more like a carrot piece.
The problem here is two-fold. First, the dyes can come off on your dogs fur, especially around the mouth and paws. It can also leach into their skin and discolor their fur. Lighter colored dogs will be more affected by this, but it can happen to any dog and any coat type or color.
The second and more serious problem is allergies. Food-borne allergies are generally triggered by these colors and dyes. It may not even happen right away, either. Some breed and individual dogs are allergic to the dyes from birth. Others will develop the allergy as they continue to ingest it.
For these two reasons, any time you see things on the ingredient list such as Red 40, Blue 2, Yellow 5 & 6, etc. you should avoid them completely. It is better to find an all-natural food without these additives than to chance an allergic reaction in your pup. We promise, that while the food may not be bright and colorful, your dog wont mind at all.
Recommended Reading: What Can Dogs Eat Besides Dog Food
Best Dry Dog Food At Walmart
Dog food brands are constantly changing. This is why you need to stick to a trusted brand that will provide the best quality for your pet and offer a variety of nutrition options.
This blog post will help you identify what type of diet your dog needs, the best quality brands available at Walmart, and how to feed them a healthy diet.
Pure Balance Pro Indoor Pate Chicken & Rice Formula Review
Wet cat food can be a lifeline for many as not only is it extremely appealing to many cats, but it can also help them take on sufficient moisture, which is a common issue.
The above recipe is designed for indoor cats, but Pure Balance also has wet cat food recipes with other groups such as senior cats, kittens, and those with sensitive skin or digestion.
Chicken and Chicken Liver are this formulas primary ingredients and are present in a substantial portion. The Chicken Liver is an excellent addition on top of the traditional Chicken cuts and can further enhance the flavor and palatability of the recipe.
Outside of this Chicken, the recipe contains a small portion of fish and yet smaller portions of Brewers Rice, Powdered Cellulose, and Dried Beet Pulp.
All three of these ingredients are worthy of their own discussion, and we have in-depth articles on them that you can refer to see the below links.
For long-time pet owners, brands like Crave and Pure Balance may be unfamiliar, but almost all pet owners are aware of Purina.
Purina is one of the giants of the industry and has been a staple of pet food stores and veterinary practices for decades. They produce a range of pet food at varying price points as well as food for specialized health problems that have to be prescribed by a vet.
You can learn the fine details of Purinas newest brand as well as the Purina backstory in our Purina Beyond Brand Review.
Recommended Reading: When To Switch To Senior Dog Food
The Best Dog Food At Walmart: A Quick Peek
In this section of the blog, we will look at three of the best dog foods available to buy at Walmart. Later, we will review each of these in detail to help you figure out the right choice for your dog.
Lets get started.
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Now, lets take a closer look at each of these dog foods to help you determine whether or not theyre the right pick for your furry friend.
Here we go!
Best Wet Dog Food For Adults
Some dogs really prefer the taste or texture of wet food, says veterinarian Jamie Richardson, chief of staff at Small Door Veterinary in New York City. Of course, pet parents want their dogs to enjoy their meals, so it makes sense that this is a popular choice.
Other pros of wet food are that it tends to have a longer shelf life before it’s opened, and according to Richardson, some wet foods may be less “processed” or contain fewer preservatives, which can make them easier to digest.
Luckily, the same nutritional standards apply to both dry and wet food. But comparing their labels isn’t exactly apples to apples because wet food has much more water content. So in order to understand how a wet food’s nutrition compares to a dry food, you need to look at the percentages of protein, fat, and fiber on a “dry matter basis.” Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University has some handy instructions on how to calculate that yourself. Another option: Call the brand that makes the food or ask your veterinarian for help. For the foods we recommend in this guide, we contacted the manufacturer to get all the info.
Our picks for adult wet dog food:
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What Is A Good Low Cost Dog Food
10 Choices of Best Cheap Dog Food Brands
- 1 Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Dry Dog Food.
- 2 Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food, Hi Prairie Formula.
- 3 Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula.
- 4 Merrick Dry Dog Food.
- 5 Hills Science Diet Adult Advanced Fitness Formula.
- 6 Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets.
The Dogs Age And Health
A pitbull puppy usually needs extra energy and specific vitamins and minerals to support its growth spurts. So, its useful to get a formula made just for puppies if you have a little pitbull.
Older dogs may benefit from prescription food to address their health, and since many older dogs have some health problems, its usually best to talk to a vet to see what they suggest.
Recommended Reading: What Is In Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food
Best For Small Breeds: Royal Canin Small Adult Dry Dog Food
Royal Canins Small Adult Dry Dog Food is designed to meet the unique dietary needs of smaller dogs. This formula allows dogs to meet their high energy needs while helping them maintain a healthy weight with L-carnitine, which aids in metabolizing fat.
Royal Canins Small Adult Dry Dog Food also contains fatty acids like EPA and DHA to support skin and coat health, as well as a variety of additional vitamins and minerals. The recipe is made up of ingredients such as corn, chicken by-product meal, brown rice, fish oil, brewers rice, and chicken fat.
Royal Canin formulates the kibble in this recipe particularly for small dogs as well. Its smaller, to be palatable for smaller jaws, and the shape, texture, and smell are designed to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
Canidae All Life Stages Dog Dry Food
If you havent heard of Canidae, then you are missing out on one of the best brands of dog food out there. The main ingredients are chicken, turkey, lamb and brown rice.
The nice thing about the All Life Stages type of food is that you can use it for dogs of all sizes and ages. From older puppies to healthy seniors.
One of the other reasons Candae is on top of our list is their pet food recall track record it is one of the cleanest records of any brand you will find at Walmart so you can rest assured that the food is safe for your dog to eat.
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Rachel Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Turkey & Potato Recipe Review
Rachel Ray Nutrish may be a more familiar dog food brand for some and has been available at Walmart and other large retailers for some time.
As the name gives away, the brand was created and is still associated with the famous celebrity chef, Rachel Ray.
However, just because it is associated with a celebrity, doesnt mean it should be dismissed, and they have an impressive range of recipes, appealing to several price points.
While many dog owners stick to their core recipes thanks to their low prices, we are a big fan of their Zero Grain recipes including the above Turkey recipe.
These Zero Grain recipes have the key combination of impressive ingredients and nutrition that every dog owner should be on the lookout for.
Specifically, the Turkey recipe includes a portion of whole Turkey and Chicken Meal which when combined provide an ample sum of 26% protein and 14% fat.
While not as impressive as others like Crave, this nutritional profile is satisfactory for the average dog that isnt overly active or has a high-calorie requirement.
In addition, while many low-cost grain-free recipes rely on vegetable by-products or other questionable ingredients, Nutrish utilizes a mix of Potatoes and Peas, along with smaller portions of Flaxseed and Beet Pulp.
A brand we couldnt miss when discussing Walmart is Pure Balance which is a Walmart exclusive brand that features on the shelves of stores nationwide.
The Best Dog Food According To Experts And Veterinarians
Select is editorially independent. Our editors selected these deals and items because we think you will enjoy them at these prices. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn a commission. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
Dogs provide humans with unconditional love and emotional support, which pet owners might be especially thankful for during the stressful times we are living through. Feeding your dog a nutritious diet is just one way to show them how much you care, in addition to providing them with the right dog bed, toys to play with and the occasional dog treat. Simply put, dogs deserve to eat well in fact, appropriate food is fourth in the American Veterinary Medical Associations Guidelines for Responsible Pet Ownership.
SKIP AHEAD How to shop for dog food
Aiming for the best food for dogs gives them distinct health advantages, too, said Jennifer Freeman, DVM, resident veterinarian and pet care expert at PetSmart. Premium dog food will include meat for protein, vitamin-packed vegetables and fruit, and omega fatty acids for a shiny coat, Freeman said, adding its also likely to have fewer fillers such as corn, wheat, and soy.
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Best Dry: Lifes Abundance All Stage Dry Dog Food
Lifes Abundance All Stage dry dog food is designed to accommodate the needs of dogs of all different life stages as its name implies. The recipe includes high-quality ingredients, such as chicken meal and egg for protein, blueberries for antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids and flaxseed for healthy fats to support the skin, coat and general wellness.
This dry dog food also contains ground brown rice and oat groats as a form of carbohydrates for energy, as well as a source of minerals and vitamins. The Lifes Abundance All Stage recipe does not have artificial flavors or colors, nor does it have corn, wheat, or corn/wheat glutens.
Your dog will receive both prebiotic fiber and probiotics from this dry food and theyll enjoy a crunchy premium kibble, no matter how old or young they are.
Best Dry Dog Food For Seniors
Typically, you might consider a senior dog food around age 6 or 7 for a large breed, and around 10 or 12 for a small, says Richardson. The right food for a senior dog depends on the specific senior and how they’re doing, says Shepherd. If they’re maintaining a healthy weight and muscle tone, their stool is well-formed, and they’re enjoying their food, you may not even need to change their diet.
That said, there are lots of dog foods tailored specifically to the needs of older dogs who may have certain health issues. “Senior diets are formulated to target some of the common ailments of older pets, such as joint health, digestive health, immune health, and possibly others,” says Swanson.
Senior dog food is usually easier to digest and may be lower in calories since older dogs aren’t always as active. Food for senior dogs may be higher in protein to help maintain their muscle, fiber to help them stay regular, and extra antioxidants to limit oxidative stress and keep their immune system healthy. You may also see omega-3 fatty acids for cognitive performance because some senior dogs suffer from cognitive dysfunction, aka “doggy dementia.”
For older dogs, a bit of extra protein is a plus. As long as your dog doesn’t have any health conditions, look for a senior dog food that’s lower in fat and calories and has extra protein beyond the AAFCO minimum of 18%.
Our senior dog food picks are protein packed and have nutritional boosters that can support an older dog’s changing needs.
Also Check: Blue Buffalo Large Breed Puppy Food
Best Wet Dog Food For Seniors
Wet foods offer a tasty option for senior dogs to continue receiving complete and balanced nutrition in their golden years and have several specific benefits for this age group. For example, senior dogs with advanced dental disease will have an easier time chewing and swallowing wet food than kibble.
Wet food’s high moisture content is good for senior dogs with urinary stones. “If a senior dog has recurring urinary stones, maximizing water intake by soaking kibble or replacing kibble with wet food may be ideal,” says Dr. Shepherd. The extra water intake will encourage urination, which helps reduce the risk of stone formation.
Wet food’s strong flavor and aroma can stimulate appetite in senior dogs that may feel lousy from a chronic illness, such as chronic kidney disease.
Shepherd advises dog owners to consider calorie count when feeding wet food to senior dogs. One cup of wet food has fewer calories than one cup of kibble, meaning that your dog would need to eat more wet food to maintain the proper calorie and nutrient intake. Fat content is also worth considering. “Compared with dry food, canned food tends to be higher in fat,” she adds. Not all senior dogs can tolerate a high-fat diet.
You may see various age designations on senior dog wet food labels, such as “mature adult,” “adult 7+,” or “senior.” As long as the food meets the AAFCO standards for maintenance , it will be nutritionally appropriate for your senior dog.
Our picks for senior wet dog food:
Best For Seniors: Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Bright Mind
Just like puppies need a diet that promotes their growth and development, senior dogs can benefit from a diet that supports their bodies and minds as they age. The Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Bright Mind Chicken and Rice Formula is a dry food designed specifically to promote alertness and mental sharpness in older dogs.
This food contains a proprietary blend of brain-supporting nutrients, including DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, B vitamins, and arginine. It also includes glucosamine, which is great for promoting joint health and mobility in senior dogs.
Chicken is the first ingredient in the Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind dry dog food, followed by poultry by-product meal, rice, and whole-grain corn. This Purina recipe also includes probiotics for digestive health, as well as vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids that nourish the skin and coat.
And, though this is the standard Bright Mind formula, Purina does offer this senior dog food in other varieties, including wet food, large breed formula, and small breed formula.
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