Is Wholesomes Dog Food Good? My Honest Verdict
Finding the right kibble can be stressful. I often asked myself, Is Wholesomes dog food good when I needed a budget-friendly option. My dog had very itchy skin. Prices for premium brands were simply getting too high. I needed something healthy that would not empty my wallet.
I spent weeks reading labels and tracking my dog’s digestion. And I learned a lot about what makes this brand stand out. I also learned where it falls short. In this guide, I will share exactly what I found. This will help you decide if it fits your pet.
Is Wholesomes Dog Food Good
Yes, it is a very solid choice. This is especially true if you are on a budget. When people ask me, Is Wholesomes dog food good, I point to my own dog. She used to scratch her paws all day long. We switched to the Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon recipe. Within three weeks, the scratching completely stopped.
The brand focuses on high-quality meat meals. It skips cheap fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. I also love that they do not use peas or legumes. Many popular diets pack their bags with legumes. This can be bad for canine heart health over time.
My active farm dog also tried their high-energy blend. She kept her weight on easily. The kibble is dense and packed with fat. It puts a lot of calories into a small cup. You feed less, so the bag lasts longer.
Pros and Cons of Wholesomes
Here is a quick look at what I liked and what I did not like about this brand.
| Type | Feature | My Experience |
| Pro | No peas or legumes | I worry less about diet-linked heart issues. |
| Pro | Single-source protein | It stopped my dog from scratching her paws. |
| Pro | Great price point | I save roughly twenty dollars a bag now. |
| Con | 2021 safety recall | It made me nervous to try them at first. |
| Con | Not WSAVA compliant | I wish they did more clinical feeding trials. |
| Con | Basic packaging | The bag does not seal back up well at all. |
Ingredient Quality: Is Wholesomes Dog Food Good
Let us look closely at what is inside the bag. The ingredient list is surprisingly clean for the low price.
Meat meal is always the very first ingredient. This is actually a good thing. Meat meal contains much more protein than fresh meat because the water is removed. They also use ancient grains like oatmeal and brown rice. I prefer these grains over cheap corn. They digest slowly and keep my dog full.
| Myth | Reality |
| Meat meal is bad filler. | It is a highly concentrated, healthy protein source. |
| All grains cause allergies. | Ancient grains like brown rice soothe the gut. |
| Cheap food uses soy. | Wholesome uses zero corn, wheat, or soy. |
Nutritional Value: Is Wholesomes Dog Food Good
The food provides a complete, balanced diet. It has many added vitamins and minerals. I was very happy to see taurine on the list. Taurine keeps a dog’s heart muscle strong.
They also include omega fatty acids. These come from canola oil and flaxseed. These fats make your dog’s coat shine. My dog’s fur became very soft after just one month. People at the dog park actually started asking what I fed her.
| Feature | Benefit |
| Added Taurine | Supports long-term heart muscle health. |
| Omega Fatty Acids | Clears up dry, flaky skin and dull coats. |
| Vitamin E | Boosts the immune system naturally. |
Protein Content: Is Wholesomes Dog Food Good
Dogs need protein to build muscle. Wholesomes does a great job here. They do not use cheap plant proteins to inflate their numbers. The protein comes directly from the meat.
If your dog runs a lot, they need more protein. The standard lines have basic protein levels. The sport lines have much more. I used the High Energy bag during the summer when we hiked a lot. It kept my dog’s energy up.
| Comparison Point | Option A (Sensitive Line) | Option B (High Energy) |
| Protein Level | Around 22 percent. | Around 26 percent. |
| Best Fit For | House pets and older dogs. | Working dogs or nursing moms. |
| Main Source | Salmon or lamb meal. | Chicken or beef meal. |
Digestibility: Is Wholesomes Dog Food Good
This is where the food really shines for me. My dog used to have very loose stools. It was a nightmare to clean up the yard.
We switched to the lamb and rice formula. Her digestion fixed itself in just four days. The lack of legumes makes a huge difference. Legumes often cause gas and bloating in dogs. The simple recipe gave her stomach a break.
| Issue | Troubleshooting Step |
| Loose stools | Switch to a single-source protein like lamb. |
| Excess gas | Avoid foods heavy in peas or lentils. |
| Transition sickness | Mix new food with old food for seven days. |
Flavor Appeal: Is Wholesomes Dog Food Good
My dog can be very picky. She will walk away from boring food. However, she loves the smell of the salmon recipe. It has a strong, fishy scent. Dogs go crazy for it.
The kibble pieces are a good size. They are crunchy but not too hard. Even my older dog can chew them easily. If you have a picky eater, this brand might surprise you.
| Scenario | Recommendation |
| Dog hates dry food. | Add a splash of warm water or bone broth. |
| The dog eats too fast. | Put the kibble in a slow feeder bowl. |
| The dog ignores the chicken. | Try the strong-smelling salmon recipe. |
The 2021 Safety Recall Reality
I must talk about safety. In early 2021, the parent company had a massive recall. It involved mold and salmonella in the factory. This scared a lot of owners away. It scared me, too.
Since then, they changed their safety rules. They upgraded their testing methods. I feel safe feeding it now. Still, cautious owners should know this history. It is a valid concern. If you buy a bag, just store it in a cool, dry place.
Final Thoughts
So, is Wholesomes dog food good overall? Yes, I truly believe it is. It saved me money and fixed my dog’s skin issues. The lack of peas and legumes is a huge win for heart health.
You just need to weigh the value against the brand’s past recall. For me, the current ingredient quality is worth it. Start with a small bag. Mix it slowly with your current food. Watch how your dog reacts. I bet you will see great results.
FAQs for Is Wholesomes Dog Food Good
Is Wholesomes dog food grain-free?
No, most of their best recipes are grain-inclusive. They use healthy ancient grains like brown rice and oatmeal. This supports better digestion and heart health.
Who makes Wholesomes dog food?
Midwestern Pet Foods makes this brand. They are a family-owned business based in the USA. They make the kibble in their own local kitchens.
Does Wholesomes dog food have peas in it?
No, they do not use peas, lentils, or legumes. This makes the brand a great choice for owners worried about diet-related heart issues in dogs.
Is Wholesomes dog food good for puppies?
Yes, they offer specific puppy formulas. Their all-life-stages food also works well. Always check the bag to ensure it meets puppy growth standards.
Was Wholesomes dog food recalled?
Yes, a major recall happened in early 2021. The parent company recalled foods due to mold and salmonella. They have since updated their safety testing protocols.
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