Whole Heart Dog Food: A Stunning Bargain Revealed

Feeding my dog used to feel like a guessing game. Dog food bags promised a lot, but I never felt sure. That changed when I tried WholeHearted dog food. I didn’t expect much at first. But after a few weeks, I saw real changes. My dog had a shinier coat, more energy, and fewer stomach problems. I wanted to learn more. What I found was a big surprise like Whole Heart Dog Food.

My Real Life Experience – Is Whole Hearted a Good Dog Food?

I’ve tried many dog food brands over the years. But for over 2 years now, I’ve stuck with WholeHearted. Here’s why.

I wanted a dog food that was both good and affordable. I didn’t expect much. But WholeHearted surprised me. It had clean ingredients and real results. My dog started feeling better. He had more energy and fewer stomach problems.

Yes, WholeHearted is a healthy dog food. My dog’s coat looked shinier. His digestion improved. His energy stayed strong. The salmon variety helped most. It calmed his itchy skin. It’s full of omega-3s from real fish. It reminded me of Open Farm’s dry food, but it costs less.

Some brands add too many fillers. But WholeHearted keeps it simple and real. Their recipes have a clear purpose. I like that Petco owns the brand. They are open about what goes in the food.

I even asked Petco, “Do you have vets on staff?” They said yes. That gave me peace of mind.

The food has the right balance of calories. It’s not heavy on fat or carbs. My vet said my dog was at a perfect weight.

So, is WholeHearted good dog food? Yes. It’s affordable but doesn’t cut corners. My only complaint? Some flavors are hard to find sometimes. But overall, I trust what I feed my dog each day.

Ingredients Analysis: Whole Heart Dog Food

(Open Farm, Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food)

I always check the ingredients before I buy dog food. WholeHearted impressed me. They use good proteins and smart carbs. Their lamb is raised with care. It’s rich in protein and easy to digest. It’s even G.A.P. Step 4 certified. That shows they care about animals.

Oats and millet are easy on the belly. My dog had less gas and bloating. The “easy digestion” formula lives up to its name. Fish meals like ocean whitefish and herring add omega-3s. These support skin, joints, and coat health. When I tried the salmon version, my dog shed less.

They also use real foods like pumpkin, carrots, apples, and quinoa. These add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. This food supports the whole body, not just the belly. I was also happy to see herbs like turmeric, cinnamon, and rosemary. They even add taurine and folic acid for heart and cell health.

Many minerals in this food are “chelated.” That means they are easy to absorb. You usually only see that in expensive foods.

In short, these ingredients don’t just sound nice—they work. My dog’s skin cleared up. His poop was more regular. His energy came back. At this price point, WholeHearted feels like a premium pick.

What I Like – Open Farm, Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food

I didn’t expect to love Open Farm’s ancient grains dog food. But it quickly became a favorite. WholeHearted, sold by Petco, came close. That says a lot.

I’ve used both in my dog’s routine. Here’s what I found.

Open Farm feels like a farmer’s market. Every ingredient seems carefully chosen. The blend of oats, quinoa, and barley helps with digestion. It’s clean and balanced. My dog never felt bloated or tired. Other grain-heavy foods didn’t do as well.

Still, WholeHearted impressed me. For the price, it delivers great value. Is WholeHearted healthy? Yes. Very much so. My dog’s coat stayed shiny. His weight stayed stable. He even got more excited about meals.

I really like the salmon flavor. It smells fresh and helps my dog’s skin. It’s a lot like Open Farm’s fish blends.

Here’s what I loved most:

• Easy on the stomach: The “easy digestion” recipe helped right away. My dog had less bloating and firmer stools.
• Healthier skin and coat: Both brands use fish and omega-3s. I saw less itching and scratching.
• Balanced calories: WholeHearted has the right amount of calories. My dog kept his weight and stayed active.
• Grain or grain-free: I’ve tried both types. The grain-free version worked great during allergy season.
• Clear ingredients: Open Farm leads in traceable sourcing. But WholeHearted is open about ingredients too.
• Formulated by vets: I asked if WholeHearted has vets on staff. They do. That gave me peace of mind.
• Great value: Open Farm is top-tier, no doubt. But WholeHearted gives you most of that quality at half the cost.

So, is WholeHearted a good dog food? Absolutely. I still use Open Farm when I want to treat my pup. But WholeHearted is my go-to. It’s like choosing between a fancy bakery and your favorite local café. Both are great. One is just easier to stick with.

Feeding Guidelines: Whole Heart Dog Food

When it comes to feeding, I always go by weight and activity, and this feeding chart made it super simple. Whether you’re raising a bouncy pup, managing an adult, or caring for a senior dog, WholeHearted lays it all out clearly.

Here’s the guide I follow:

Add ¼ cup for every 10 lbs over 100 lbs.

Puppies & Special Conditions

• Puppies need more calories—especially if active.
• Gestation: Increase by 25–50%.
• Lactation: Free-feed as needed.

For freshness, keep the food in the original bag and finish it within 2 months after opening.

What Could Be Better: Whole hearted Easy Digestion Dog Food?

Let’s Be Honest: WholeHearted Isn’t Perfect—But It’s Still a Solid Pick

No dog food is perfect for every pup. WholeHearted Easy Digestion Dog Food has a lot to like, but it’s not flawless. Think of it like a comfy pair of shoes—they work great, but maybe the laces slip now and then.

WholeHearted offers variety—from high-protein meals to simple chicken and rice. But there’s still room to improve, especially for picky eaters or dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Here’s what stood out to me:

• Some recipes are too plain. The chicken and beef options are fine, but they don’t stand out. A few more special ingredients—like superfoods or new proteins—could help.
• Grain-free isn’t always gentle. One of my dogs didn’t do well with the grain-free line. He’s sensitive to peas and lentils, and this recipe didn’t sit right with him.
• The “Plus” line feels basic. I expected more from WholeHearted Plus. Maybe extra supplements or unique features. But it seemed similar to the regular food.
• Sourcing could be clearer. Other brands show exactly where their meat and grains come from. WholeHearted is okay, but not as open.
• Bigger dogs need more options. Some high-protein meals don’t offer enough calories per cup. That means large dogs might need to eat more to stay full.

That said, none of these issues are major dealbreaker. For the price—and with Petco’s easy access—WholeHearted is still a great pick. Especially if your dog likes classic flavors and has a healthy gut.

Guaranteed Analysis: Whole Heart Dog Food

Here’s a quick look at the nutrition in one of their dry recipes. Most dogs will find it balanced and energizing.

• Calories: 3770 kcal/kg, 428 kcal/cup — rich, so watch portions

• Crude Protein (min): 26% — good for active dogs

• Crude Fat (min): 15% — gives energy without extra grease

• Crude Fiber (max): 4.5% — aids digestion, but might be too much for some

• Moisture (max): 10% — standard for dry dog food

• DHA (min): 0.11% — great for brain health

• Calcium / Phosphorus: 1.2% / 1.0% — supports bones and growth

• Vitamins A & E: Good for the immune system

• Omega-6 / Omega-3: 1.25% / 0.4% — helps skin and coat

• Taurine (min): 0.2% — supports heart function

If you have a large breed or want added joint support, consider using a topper or supplement. Still, WholeHearted covers the basics well. It’s a dependable, budget-friendly choice.

Pros and Cons of Whole Heart Dog Food

(Open Farm, Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food)

In the end, Wholehearted reminds me of a reliable home-cooked meal. It’s not fancy or flashy, but it’s warm, filling, and does the job. For dogs with normal needs and easy appetites, it’s a comforting go-to. Just don’t expect gourmet.

After feeding Wholehearted to my own dogs and digging into the brand, here’s what I’ve learned. It’s a mix of practical wins and a few things that could be better, but overall, I’ve found it to be a solid option worth considering.

Pros

• Affordable without cutting corners
  Whole Hearted offers quality at a fair price. It’s one of the few budget-friendly dog foods I’ve tried that still feels safe and nourishing.
• Plenty of recipes for picky eaters
  From grain-free to high protein, there’s something for every pup. My dog loves the chicken and brown rice blend, but there’s also beef, salmon, lamb—even Whole Hearted Plus Dog Food with extras like probiotics.
• Good for dogs with food sensitivities
  The easy digestion formulas helped my dog’s sensitive stomach settle down. It also worked well for a friend’s dog with mild allergies.
• No corn, wheat, or soy
  That’s a big deal for dogs that don’t handle fillers well. Whole Hearted skips the junk and keeps things cleaner.
• Easily available at Petco
  I love that I don’t have to hunt it down. Whether I’m shopping online or in-store, it’s almost always in stock.
• Grain-free and grain-inclusive options
  Some dogs do better with grains. Others don’t. Whole Hearted gives you both. That’s rare at this price point.
• Transparent labeling
  I like knowing what’s in my dog’s food. The ingredients and nutrition info are easy to read and not full of mystery.
• Supports skin and coat health
  I noticed shinier fur and less itching after a few weeks on their chicken-based formula. It wasn’t magic, but it helped.

Cons

• Some recipes feel basic
  The main proteins—like beef or chicken—are great, but not exciting. I wish they’d add more unique meats or superfoods.
• Grain-free may not work for every dog
  My senior dog had a little trouble with the grain-free blend. It might not suit dogs with pea or lentil sensitivity.
• Not ideal for giant breeds
  If you’ve got a 100-pound dog, you may need to feed more than average. The calories per cup are decent, but not high enough for big eaters.
• Not all formulas are protein-packed
  Some Whole Hearted High Protein Dog Food options are great, but others feel more “medium” in terms of protein levels.
• No info on ingredient sourcing
  I’d love to know more about where their meats and grains come from. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it would boost my trust.
• “Plus” line is a little vague
  I tried Whole Hearted Plus Dog Food expecting premium features. It’s good, but I’m not sure it’s that much better than the regular line.

If I had to sum it up, Wholehearted is like that dependable diner down the street. The food is always solid, the service is friendly, and the price is right. It’s not five-star gourmet, but for everyday feeding, it does the job well. My dogs are happy, and that’s what counts.

Alternative Option: Badlands Ranch Dog Food

I’ve been studying and testing dog food for over 15 years. I’ve tried more brands and recipes than I can count. I first used Open Farm for its clean and honest ingredients. But I also gave Badlands Ranch a fair shot. Both brands have strong points. Each one also comes with a few downsides.

Badlands Ranch Dog Food Reviews

I tested Badlands Ranch dog food after seeing lots of good reviews online. As a dog parent who always reads the label, I wanted to see how it stacks up next to Open Farm. I looked at taste, health value, and where the food comes from. Here’s what I found:

Quick Take:
Open Farm is cleaner and more eco-friendly. Badlands Ranch is soft, rich, and packed with nutrients, but it costs more.

Reviews on Badlands Ranch Dog Food

I read more reviews on Badlands Ranch and got curious. So I tried it with my Lab mix. After a few weeks, I saw more pep in his step. Still, I missed some things from Open Farm—like the ancient grains and simple crunch.

Quick Take:
Badlands Ranch is rich and strong. Open Farm is better for steady meals, especially for dogs with sensitive bellies.

Reviews for Badlands Ranch Dog Food

When I checked reviews for Badlands Ranch dog food, many owners said their dogs had more shine and bounce. I saw the same in mine. But over time, Open Farm gave my dog better balance and digestion.

Quick Take:
Badlands Ranch is like a superfood snack. Open Farm is steady, balanced, and works great long-term.

My Final Thoughts on Whole Heart Dog Food

If you like clean ingredients and a fair price, WholeHearted dog food is a good choice. It works best for dogs who are not picky and have no big allergies. But if your dog needs a special diet or has stomach issues, you might want to try something else. In my case, it worked well and saved money. Still, it may not suit every dog. Think of it as a good everyday meal, not a fancy treat.

FAQs on Whole Heart Dog Food

• Is Whole Heart Dog Food a good choice for picky eaters?
  It depends. Some picky pups love it, others walk away. It may work if your dog likes simple, clean flavors. Learn more about my experience.
• Does Whole Heart Dog Food help with sensitive stomachs?
  It helped my dog’s digestion stay regular, but it may not suit dogs with severe food issues. Explore how it compares to other gentle formulas.
• Is Whole Heart Dog Food grain-free, or does it have grains?
  They offer both! You can pick grain-free or whole grain options. Learn more about which type worked best for my dog.
• How does Whole Heart Dog Food compare to premium brands?
  It’s budget-friendly and decent, but not as rich as top-shelf brands. Learn more about what it offers for the price.
• Who owns Whole Heart Dog Food?
  WholeHearted is owned by Petco, and they sell it as their in-house brand. Learn more about the story behind it and what that means for quality.

Whole Heart Dog Food Recall

Let’s talk about something big—dog food recalls. We all care about what goes into our pets’ bowls. Before I gave my dog WholeHearted, I checked their recall history.

So far, there haven’t been any big recalls. That made me feel better. Still, no brand is perfect. The pet food world changes fast. Even good brands can make mistakes. That’s why I always check for updates. Petco, which owns WholeHearted, seems to keep things safe. And that matters.

To me, WholeHearted is like a simple car. It’s not fancy, but it works. I used it during busy weeks when I couldn’t shop at special stores. My dog had no issues—no upset belly, no itching.

Still, I stay alert. If a recall ever happens, I want to know. I follow Petco and check the FDA site sometimes. We can’t control everything, but we can stay ready.

There’s no need to worry. Just stay updated. Like checking bike brakes before a ride, a quick recall check keeps your dog safe.

Taslima Akter Sumaiya

Taslima Akter Sumaiya is a passionate pet mom and founder of PetFoodHubing.com. With real-life experience and insights inspired by USDA-ARS experts like Dr. Jitender P. Dubey, she writes honest, research-backed reviews to help dog and cat parents choose the best food. Trust her to simplify pet nutrition—with love and science. Read More…