Wholesomes dog food, a product line from Midwestern Pet Foods, offers various dry food recipes, including grain-inclusive and grain-free options, as well as specialized formulas for dogs with sensitive skin and stomachs. They also provide two recipes tailored for active dogs. But Is Wholesomes Dog Food Good for your furry friend? This article will explore Wholesomes’ product range, flavors, brand history, customer reviews, and more to help you make an informed decision.
Wholesomes also produces a selection of dog treats, including oven-baked biscuits for puppies and adults and grain-free and gluten-free jerky snacks.
Wholesomes Dog Food Product Ranges and Flavors
Wholesomes focuses exclusively on dry dog food. The range includes both grain-free and whole-grain recipes, along with formulas for large breeds and large breed puppies. Currently, there are 17 distinct flavors and variations available. Let’s take a closer look:
Wholesomes Whole Grain Dog Food
Wholesomes’ grain-inclusive recipes are available in four primary flavors, with additional formulas designed for large breeds, puppies, and large breed puppies.
These recipes feature meat or fish as the primary protein source, complemented by brown rice, fruits, and vegetables. They exclude corn, soy, and wheat, making them suitable for dogs with specific dietary needs. The inclusion of Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to a healthy skin and coat.
Wholesomes whole grain dog food flavors:
- Beef Meal & Rice
- Bison Meal & Rice
- Chicken Meal & Rice
- Lamb Meal & Rice
- Whitefish Meal & Rice
In addition, Wholesomes offers three more grain-inclusive recipes specifically formulated for different breed sizes:
Large Breed Chicken Meal & Rice: Designed for dogs that will weigh over 50 lbs when fully grown, this formula includes glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joints.
Puppy Chicken Meal & Rice: This recipe provides the nutrients young puppies need during their first year. It’s calorie-rich for growth and energy and high in protein to help build muscles and strengthen bones.
Large Breed Puppy Chicken Meal & Rice: Specifically formulated for puppies destined to become large adult dogs (70 lbs+), this recipe includes chicken meal as a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin.
Wholesomes Grain-Free Dog Food
Wholesomes grain-free dog food is also gluten-free, making it an excellent option for dogs with food allergies. These recipes exclude corn, wheat, and soy, featuring beef meal, chicken meal, lamb meal, or whitefish meal as the primary ingredient, followed by potatoes, peas, and various fruits and vegetables.
Wholesomes grain-free dog food flavors:
- Beef Meal & Potatoes
- Chicken Meal & Potatoes
- Lamb Meal & Potatoes
- Whitefish Meal & Potatoes
Wholesomes Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dog Food
For dogs with sensitive stomachs or skin allergies potentially triggered by certain foods, Wholesomes offers a range of specially formulated recipes. These recipes contain easily digestible ingredients and are free of peas, lentils, and legumes, which can be difficult for some dogs to digest.
Wholesomes Sensitive Skin and Stomach dog food flavors:
- Lamb Protein
- Salmon Protein
- Salmon Large Breed
Wholesomes Energy Plus
Energy Plus products are designed for highly active dogs, such as working and sporting breeds. These recipes are high in protein and include glucosamine and chondroitin to help protect joints. The ingredients are formulated to maximize endurance and stamina.
Wholesomes Energy Plus dog food flavors:
- Beef Protein
- Chicken Protein
Why Wholesomes Dog Food Might Be a Good Choice
- Quality Ingredients: Wholesomes recipes feature a named protein as the first ingredient, such as chicken meal, beef meal, or salmon meal, supported by rice, fruits, and vegetables. The recipes are free from corn, wheat, and soy.
- Variety of Options: Wholesomes offers a wide range of dry dog food products, including grain-inclusive and grain-free options, as well as formulas for dogs with sensitive skin or stomachs, large breed dogs, large breed puppies, and highly active dogs.
- Charitable Giving: Midwestern Pet Foods donates a portion of every sale to the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation.
- Made in the USA: All Wholesomes dog food is manufactured in the United States at one of Midwestern’s four kitchen facilities.
- Affordable: Wholesomes is generally priced lower than many competitors, making it a more budget-friendly option.
Potential Concerns and Considerations
- No Specific Senior Food: While Wholesomes offers products for puppies and adults, it lacks a specific senior range. If your senior dog requires a formulated diet for their advanced years, you might need to switch to a different brand.
- Past Recalls: Midwestern Pet Foods has been subject to recalls in the past, including a Wholesomes dog food recall in March 2021.
What Pet Parents Are Saying
Many pet parents report positive experiences with Wholesomes dog food:
- One reviewer noted that their dog “likes this one more than all the others” and considers it a “good middle-range food.”
- Another pet parent mentioned that the food made their dog’s coat shiny and that their rescued dog “loves to eat it.” They also appreciate the “quality ingredients” and “affordable” price.
Wholesomes Dog Food History
Wholesomes is manufactured by Midwestern Pet Foods, a family-owned business founded in 1926. In addition to Wholesomes, Midwestern produces other pet food brands, including SPORTMiX, Earthborn Holistic, Ultimates, and Canine X.
Wholesomes Dog Food Recalls
As of the time of writing, there have been three dog food recalls related to Wholesomes dog food:
- December 30, 2020: Midwestern Pet Foods issued a voluntary recall for nine Sportmix pet food products due to potentially fatal levels of aflatoxin. No Wholesomes products were included.
- January 11, 2021: Midwestern Pet Foods expanded the recall to include additional products made in its Oklahoma facility. Wholesomes dog food products were not among those recalled.
- March 27, 2021: Midwestern Pet Foods issued a voluntary recall for multiple brands of its dog and cat food due to potential salmonella contamination, including Wholesomes dog food products manufactured at its Illinois facility.
It’s important to stay informed about any potential dog food recalls. Sign up for recall alerts from reputable sources like the Dog Food Advisor.
Conclusion: Is Wholesomes Dog Food a Good Choice?
So, is Wholesomes dog food good? Ultimately, the answer depends on your dog’s individual needs and preferences. Wholesomes offers a range of affordable dry dog food options with quality ingredients and formulas for various life stages and dietary requirements. However, it’s important to be aware of the brand’s recall history and the lack of a specific senior formula. Consider your dog’s age, activity level, sensitivities, and budget when deciding if Wholesomes is the right choice. Always consult with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations.
