Friday, April 19, 2024

Is Wellness Dog Food Safe

Healthy Homemade Dog Food

Wellness brand soft dog food – Stinky Good!

Our Tasty Low Carb family not only consists of Joanie and Chris, but also two Havanese Sisters Lulu and Kiki! If you have pets you know how they become part of the family and an integral part of your life. Our dogs are dependent upon us for virtually everything in return they offer unconditional love and lots of fun. For that reason, we only make them Healthy Homemade Dog Food! We use only the best ingredients with no fillers or added sugars or spices. We also make all of their dog treats at home. Their food is very low carb!

Our furry family members are Chocolate Havanese. Often called silk dogs, most in this breed are white with brown or black markings. Some are brindle in color. Lulu and Kiki are each about 9 1/2 pounds in weight, although they look heavier with all their fur. They do require frequent brushing, but they are hypoallergenic and they do not shed. As you can tell, they are very much a part of our low-carb family you do get attached to your pets!

Wellnesss Top 5 Dog Food Products

Below are the pros and cons of all the recipes included in this review:

Dog food

  • High in omega fatty acids
  • Lots of probiotics
  • Lots of antioxidant-rich fruit and veg
  • Supports dogs prone to joint conditions
  • May not be suitable for typically active dogs
  • Suitable for typically active dogs
  • Healthy whole grain carbs
  • Nutrients to support heart health
  • Includes some antioxidant-rich fruit and veg
  • Can help dogs prone to joint conditions
  • Fairly high in carbs
  • Good choice for active small breeds
  • Grain-free
  • Good option for long-haired breeds
  • Includes antioxidant-rich fruit and veg
  • Can help dogs prone to joint conditions
  • May not be suitable for typically active small breeds
  • Good choice for active puppies
  • Includes 9 antioxidant-rich fruit and veg
  • High in omega oils – great for skin and coat health
  • Low in carbs
  • Good option for dogs who suffer from food allergies or sensitivities
  • High in omega oils – good for long-haired breeds or dogs with skin irritation
  • Grain-free
  • No fruit or veg
  • No joint support

Carbs: 32%

Fiber: 4%

This recipe from Wellness CORE is very popular with customers. I think its macronutrient balance makes it suited to active dogs who exercise more than an hour a day.

It is bursting with protein, at a whopping 34%, coming from deboned turkey, turkey meal, and chicken meal. These meals are what make it so high in protein, as they contain less water and much more protein than the whole meat.

Carbs: 46%

Fiber: 4%

Carbs: 34%

Fiber: 5.5%

Carbs 28%

Fiber: 5%

Carbs: 43%

Fiber: 5.5%

Wellness Dog Food Top 3 Recipes Reviewed

Product Name
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal & Chicken Meal Recipe Dry
Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Salmon & Potato Formula Dry
  • The company makes their dry foods and most wet foods at their own facilities in North America
  • Customers give the company and its foods high marks
  • Wellness is moderately priced compared to some premium dog foods
  • Wellness does not provide clear cut answers about the sources for their ingredients
  • Many Wellness foods use peas in the first several ingredients
  • The company makes their dry foods and most wet foods at their own facilities in North America
  • Customers give the company and its foods high marks
  • Wellness is moderately priced compared to some premium dog foods
  • Wellness does not provide clear cut answers about the sources for their ingredients
  • Many Wellness foods use peas in the first several ingredients

Our reviews are based on extensive research and years of professional knowledge of dog food brands. In order to remain objective, we do not accept gifts of free products or write sponsored posts on this site.

Weve looked at Wellness closely and graded it according to the PupJunkies.com standard. Our criteria include ingredients, quality, customer experience, recall history, working with veterinary nutritionists to formulate the food, nutritional standards, research, and price.

Recommended Reading: Can You Buy Dog Food On Food Stamps

Cooking Our Way To A Healthier Dog Diet

Ever since I started raising my own dogs, Id always wanted to make their food at home but thought it would be too expensive or too time consuming, or that they wouldnt get the nutrition they needed.

During the month of Bugs doggy depression, I vowed to make her precious life as comfortable as possible.

Both of my pugs had a range of health issues growing up, which I unfortunately found out were common for the breed.

My older one had persistent hot spots and itchiness that no commercial dog food could cure .

Bug was overweight for a while when she was younger, even though she ate the recommended amount of food for her target weight. Eventually, I settled on Wellness kibbles and they did well with that brand.

But, I wanted to explore other options. I wanted to give them real food fresh, nutritious ingredients that I recognized and could even eat myself.

Ive mentioned in my post on homemade whole grain chicken feed that the entire household all share the same whole grains and seeds that we buy in bulk, as well as the bounty that comes from our edible garden.

Everything our animals eat, we can eat.

When it comes to homemade feed for our laying hens, we stick to a tried-and-true formula that works for every layer: 16 to 17 percent protein , vitamins, minerals, and amino acids from a wide variety of grains and seeds, and free range of a pasture for weeds, greens, and insects.

Dogs, on the other hand, arent bred for a standard function the way chickens are.

What Formulas Does Wellness Have

Wellness CORE RawRev Grain Free Dog Food because Good ...

Wellness has 4 different lines of dog foods:

  • Wellness Complete Health offers whole food nutrition with grain-free options and options for different life stages and sizes. It has 20 dry formulas, 6 of which are grain-free.
  • Wellness CORE is a protein-rich and completely grain-free line, and features air-dried and freeze-dried formulas as well as kibbles. There are 7 dry kibble formulas.
  • Wellness Simple is a Limited Ingredient Diet line formulated for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities. It has 6 dry formulas.
  • Wellness Trufood includes slow-baked recipes offering nutrient-rich, high-protein foods. There are 5 dry food recipes as well as other tasty meal complements.

Read Also: Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Low Fat Dog Food 28.6 Lb

Is Wellness Pet Food Safe

Wellness pet food is often considered a premium pet food brand. None of the brands owned by WellPet contain any artificial preservatives or artificial food dyes.

It appears that WellPet has recently increased the size of its Mishawaka, Indiana manufacturing facility. The expansion is a positive step forward for the company because it allows them to outsource less of their production. By manufacturing foods within their own facilities, they could reduce the likelihood of contamination and manufacturing errors.

Most brands owned by WellPet have not been involved in any recalls we’ve been able to find. However, Wellness has been recalled on five different occasions. We’re not certain why there is such a large discrepancy between the recall record of Wellness and the recall record of the 3 other brands owned by WellPet.

Given that Wellness is the company’s #1 selling brand, WellPet may have been forced to outsource the manufacturing of Wellness. This could be a possible reason for the discrepancy in recalls, but that is just speculation on our part.

One particular issue that bothers us regarding WellPet is the way in which they announce recalls. Of the five Wellness recalls, two of the recalls were never mentioned on the FDA website. Instead, they decided to only announce the recalls on their own website and Facebook page. We’re not sure why those two recalls were not announced by the FDA.

Is Wellness Dog Food A Good Dog Food

Judging by its ingredients alone, Wellness Complete Health Dog Food looks like an above-average dry product. Wellness Complete Health is a grain-inclusive dry dog food using a moderate amount of named meat meals as its main source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 4.5 stars out of 5 among most reviewers.

Don’t Miss: Dog Food For Pomeranians

Does Wellness Dog Food Have Taurine

Full Ingredients:

The Estimated Nutrient Content in this Wellness CORE dog food was found to have a healthy nutrient breakdown. In addition, Taurine is an essential amino acid commonly added to meet your dogs nutritional requirements and Glucosamine is a natural supplement that helps your dogs joint health.

What Dog Food Is Killing Dogs Right Now

Is your pet food safe?

Several hundred dogs have died after eating Sportmix brand pet food following a pet food recall by the Food and Drug Administration. According to the statement released on Monday, the suspect is aflatoxin, a byproduct of a corn mold aflatoxin flavus, which can kill pets at high concentration levels.

Also Check: Mixing Canned And Dry Dog Food

Wellness Cat Food Vs Blue Buffalo Cat Food

Dry Cat Food
7.9%

Crude Protein Comparison For Cat Food

Protein is an extremely important part of your cat’s diet. Without sufficient protein, cats can develop a wide-range of serious health problems.

The table shows that Blue Buffalo provides far less protein than Wellness. The difference in protein content is roughly 4.40%. For wet cat foods, Blue Buffalo and Wellness provide roughly the same amount of protein.

Crude Fat Comparison For Cat Food

There are many ways in which dietary fat contributes to the overall health of our feline friends. Here is a short list of benefits provided by fats :

  • Aid in the digestion and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
  • Improve the health of skin/coat
  • Slow the growth of yeast infections
  • Slow the development and spread of certain type of cancers.
  • Maintain healthy blood pressure

Wellness and Blue Buffalo both provide roughly the same amount of crude fat. With regards to wet cat food, Blue Buffalo and Wellness also provide roughly the same amount of crude fat.

There is a relatively insignificant difference between the crude fiber content of the two brands. For wet cat foods, Blue Buffalo typically provides a little more fiber .

Ketona Chicken Recipe Dry Food Premium Choice

While Ketona may be high-priced, it is an excellent source of sustenance for canines. This pick made our number 3 as the premium choice. It is a grain-free dry food recipe that is high in protein and low on carbs.

The main ingredients are chicken, pea protein, ground green peas, and oat hulls. It comes packed with other vitamins, minerals, and high fiber ingredients. The chicken is non-GMO and antibiotic-free, farmed in the United States.

The greatest part about this dog food is that it comes packed with more than adequate protein while keeping carbohydrate levels low. That helps your dog maintain weight while still getting all the nutrition that they need for optimal health.

Due to its specialized formula, it may not be fitting for all dogs, such as those with diabetes or other conditions.

The I and Love and You F00041 Nude Superfood Dry Dog Food is void of artificial flavor and fillers, but full of goodness. It is packed with superfoods, real meats, digestive enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. Its allergy safe and comes with a total satisfaction guaranteejust in case it doesnt work for your pet.

It is grain-free, with lentils, garbanzo beans, and sweet potatoes in place of traditional grain. Its non-GMO and has no by-products added. This food promotes gut health by adding in prebiotics and probiotics. It has essential omega fatty acids in the form of flaxseed and fish oils, which creates shiny, lush coats.

Read Also: What Is The Best Dog Food For A Pomeranian

Is There A Recall On Wellness Dog Food

Yes, Wellness Pet Food has been recalled multiple times. The most recent Wellness recall was announced on March 18th, 2017 due to elevated levels of naturally occurring beef thyroid hormone. In total, Wellness has been recalled five times. The Wellness brand of pet food was launched in 1997 by WellPet.

Buyers Guide Choosing The Best Non

Wellness Natural Grain Free Wellbites Turkey &  Duck Recipe ...

As health becomes a more popular subject, getting the right nutrition for your household is probably hot on your mind. Between all the GMOs, harsh chemical additives, artificial ingredients, and tons of preservatives, it is hard to maintain a clean diet for our pets.

Thankfully, it doesnt have to be quite as taxing for your dog. Since they eat the same foods daily, you can select a non-GMO, nutrient-rich diet that works best for them. At first, it may prove to be a bit of trial and error. Once you find the right fit, they should healthfully thriveand you should be worry-free, too!

Read Also: How To Soften Dog Food Quickly

Discussion Of The Primary Ingredients In Wellness Core

The primary ingredient is deboned turkey. Were big fans of feeding turkey to pooches, as its lean and packed with protein. Its also easy for most dogs to digest, making it an excellent choice for animals with sensitive stomachs.

The next two ingredients are turkey and chicken meal. This is usually a mash-up of internal organs, which may not sound very appetizing, but its filled with important vitamins and nutrients that dogs need.

The next few foods are somewhat troublesome: peas, potatoes, and dried ground potatoes. While these add some fiber, theyre also a source of cheap calories, and wed prefer to see them replaced with healthier veggies.

If you go further down the ingredients list, youll find foods that are packed with important vitamins and nutrients like omega fatty acids and antioxidants. These foods include chicken fat and liver, salmon oil, kale, blueberries, broccoli, and more.

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What Dogs Might Do Better On A Different Brand

  • check-square-o Toy breeds There is only one Toy breed formula available. It seems to be well formulated, but if your dog doesnt like the blend of chicken, rice and peas, youre out of luck. something else.
  • check-square-o Working/Athletic dogs Wellness does not offer a formula for high-performance dogs. If you have a racing or sled dog, or some other manner of competitive breed, you may need to look elsewhere.
  • check-square-o Pregnant dogs Again, no specific formulation for dogs that are expecting or nursing. However, Wellness does make recommendations for serving selection and portions from its available foods.
  • check-square-o Overweight dogs A limited selection of pet foods for overweight dogs is available. You may find something suitable, but if your dog is used to beef, for example, youll have to try

Read Also: Can Food Stamps Buy Dog Food

Tip: Save Time With Petplate

Want to make life a little easier? PetPlates here to help. Our vet nutritionist, Dr. Renee Streeter, has been with us since day one, crafting each of our recipes to ensure theyre both highly palatable and perfectly balanced.

With four recipes to choose fromall made with high-quality, human-grade, and whole-food ingredientsyoure bound to find one that your dog loves. Plus, meals are delivered right to your door and on your schedule. Youll have more time to spend with your furry family members, backed with the peace of mind that youre serving them the best.

Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food

Is your pet food safe?

From the Simple line of dog food products, this formula lives up to its name, having noticeably fewer ingredients than many other Wellness offerings. This particular blend has just one source of protein, namely turkey. This may help for anyone trying to isolate an allergy, or simply eliminate red meat from the dogs diet.

Pay attention if your dog is a sensitive one:

The lack of gluten and grains of any kind should be of benefit to dogs with sensitive stomachs. Non-meat ingredients are also kept to a minimum there are no berries or fruits, save for tomato pomace. There seem to more than enough supplements to make up for their absence, however.

Owners may appreciate the variety of bag sizes, it being available in 4.5, 10.5, and 26 pound bags. It is marginally higher in calories than the CORE blend described above, but not enough to make weight gain a concern.

PROS:

Also Check: Gastrointestinal Low Fat

Is Wellness Dog Food Safe

Lets be honest, money and profit drive most companies these days.

But does that mean quality has to suffer? Perhaps as a result of cutting costs?

Not necessarily, many companies do all they can to ensure safety and quality of their product.

Wellness Pet Food seems to be one of these companies.

But, as with anything else, nobody is perfect.

When it comes to Wellness Pet Foods track record, theyve had five pet food recalls that well address below in our Recalls Section. Three of the five recalls were dog food related.

Our standards, our promise

Wellness states that your dogs health is at the core of everything they do which is why they have created a substantial quality assurance company program, guaranteeing the balance and safety of their products by adhering to:

  • wholesome, pure, authentic ingredients for a lifetime of wellbeing
  • rigid, uncompromising and detailed ingredient selection process
  • utilizing only the most respectable, trust-worthy, and conscientious suppliers
  • every ingredient is nutrient rich and carefully handled
  • rigid manufacturing procedures
  • corn, wheat, and soy

Of course no company is going to criticize itself, so we looked around a bit to fact check the self-proclaimed benefits. Primarily we wanted to see what, if any, legal action was pending or settled as a legal judgement is the only thing we will use to get as close to a fact as possible.

Lawsuit related to Wellness Pet Food

Product the lawsuit mentions:

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