Reviews

Fromm Surf & Turf Review
5/5 paws

Fromm Surf n Turf

Price: 4lb, $15

Company
In the 1930’s, the Fromm Family introduced the first canine distemper vaccine. In 1949, they introduced the concept of premium pet food to the public.

Overview
A grain-free blend of fresh wild salmon, duck, chicken, hand-picked vegetables & fruit, eggs, and real Wisconsin cheese prepared with the proper balance of protein and fat avoiding excessive levels of protein and ash.

Recommended by Dog Food Analysis, rated 5/5 stars on Dog Food Advisor

Ingredients:
Salmon, Duck Meal, Potatoes, Pea Flour, Sweet Potatoes, Duck, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), Dried Tomato Pomace, Salmon Meal, Whole Dried Egg, Pea Protein, Chicken, Flaxseed, Cheese, Salmon Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Chicken Broth, Carrots, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Apples, Green Beans, Lecithin, Chicken Cartilage, Potassium Chloride, Cranberries, Blueberries, Salt, Chicory Root Extract, Alfalfa Sprouts, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Folic Acid, Parsley, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Bifidobacterium Longum, Lactobacillus Plantarum, Enterococcous Faecium, Vitamin A, D3, E, B12 Supplements, Choline Bitartrate, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Riboflavin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Cobalt Carbonate, Calcium Iodate, Sorbic Acid, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite.

Guaranteed Analysis
Protein 30% Min
Fat 19% Min
Fiber 3% Max
Moisture 10% Max
Ash 6.5% Max
Omega 6 Fatty Acids 3.2% Min
Omega 3 Fatty Acids 0.5% Min
Lactobacillus Acidophilus 100,000,000 CFU/lb Min
Bifidobacterium Longum 100,000,000 CFU/lb Min
Lactobacillus Plantarum 100,000,000 CFU/lb Min
Enterococcous Faecium 100,000,000 CFU/lb Min

kcal/lb: 2,000 | kcal/cup: 440

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Wysong freeze dried raw food
No paw rating yet

Wysong Raw Food for Dogs

Price per 4bags- 8lbs $40

Company
Since 1979, the company’s focus is researching the best holistic and organic dog food. Wysong was started by a health professional (Dr. R. Wysong) with the specific purpose in mind of preventing and reversing pet disease through proper pet feeding. Dr. Wysong has a B.S. in biology + chemistry and a DVM in veterinary surgery and medicine. The company started out with human products. Products are made in America with a manufacturing plant located in Lake Mills, WI.

Overview
Wysong has advised pet diet rotation and products designed that create the true holistic qualities of fresh, whole natural foods. According to the company’s research, any heat above 118 F destroys the living complexity of food and creates toxins. Ingredients are maintained at -20° F for an extended period of time to impede and destroy food-borne pathogens. This special process does not destroy important raw natural food attributes.

Rated 4/5 on Dog Food Advisor, but no recommendation on Dog Food Analysis (see Wysong’s defense to the review)

Likes
*** TBD I have not actually tried this food yet. If you have any strong recommendations or warnings, please advise *** This food caught my attention when I met a fellow customer at the pet store. He had several bags of this food and said he’s fed it to his dogs all their lives, which are now 16 years old! Products are complete with fresh meat, organs, bones, plant nutrients, collagen, proteo- glycans (chondroitin, glucosamine), vitamins and chelated minerals.

Dislikes
Wary of the high protein content. Higher protein sometimes results in intestinal distress. There doesn’t appear to be a lot of advertising or marketing behind the brand so not many are familiar with it. It appears they have had a few recalls in the past.

Ingredients (Archetype)
Chicken, Chicken Giblets, Ground Brown Rice, Ground Wheat, Ground Corn, Ground Oat Groats, Poultry Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols as a source of vitamin E), Eggs, Plums, Dried Wheat Grass Powder, Dried Barley Grass Powder, Whey, Dried Yogurt, Lecithin, Citric Acid, Sage Extract, Rosemary Extract, Dried Kelp, Fish Oil, Salt, Garlic, Black Pepper, Artichoke, L-Carnitine, Direct Fed Microbes (Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus lactis Fermentation Product, Dried Yeast Culture, Dried Aspergillus oryzae Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus niger Fermentation Product), Ascorbic Acid, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement.

Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (Min) 24.0 %
Crude Fat (Min) 12.0 %
Crude Fiber (Max) 4.5 %
Moisture (Max) 12.0 %

Very good reading on the Wysong website about pet nutrition and research.

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Fromm Chicken Ala Veg (Four-Star Nutritionals Line)
4/5 paws

Fromm Chicken A La Veg

Price per 5lbs: $15

Company
In the 1930’s, the Fromm Family introduced the first canine distemper vaccine. In 1949, they introduced the concept of premium pet food to the public.

Overview
Each Four-Star Nutritionals® holistic recipe is formulated for all life stages suitable for puppies, adults, and senior dogs. Because each recipe has a similar blend of fresh fruits, vegetables, brown rice, and potatoes it is encouraged to switch between each variety as often as desired.

Likes
There does not appear to be any Fromm recalls. All ingredients for the dry dog food is made in America (Wisconsin). A rep responded to my inquiry about outsourcing:
No, all of our whole food ingredients are domestic sourced. Domestic includes the United States and Canada. We use only human quality meats, fresh produce, and whole grains. Always avoiding such ingredients as by-products, fillers, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.

Rated 5 stars on Dog Food Analysis and 4/5 stars on Dog Food Advisor. Tasty and scarfed down in minutes, can’t wait to try the other flavors! Also, the transition to this food was very easy without any intenstinal upset.

Dislikes
A tad smelly and the kibble size is small. Wish the larger 15lb bag had a seal to keep it fresh.

Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pearled Barley, White Rice, Chicken Broth, Sweet Potato, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Whole Dried Egg, Potato, Pea Protein, Dried Tomato Pomace, Salmon Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Chicken Liver, Flaxseed, Carrots, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Apples, Lecithin, Chicken Cartilage, DL-Methionine, Potassium Chloride, Cranberries, Blueberries, Salt, Chicory Root Extract, Alfalfa Sprouts, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Folic Acid, Parsley, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Bifidobacterium Longum, Lactobacillus Plantarum, Enterococcous Faecium, Vitamin A, D3, E, B12 Supplements, Choline Bitartrate, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Riboflavin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Cobalt Carbonate, Calcium Iodate, Sorbic Acid, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite

Calorie Content: Kcal/cup 420, Kcal/lb 1,702

Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein 24% Min
Crude Fat 15% Min
Crude Fiber 3.5% Max
Moisture 10% Max
Total Microorganisms 100,000,000 CFU/lb Min

Calorie Content
kcal/cup* 393.86

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Wellness Large Breed Puppy (LBP)
3/5 paws

Wellness Large Breed Puppy Dog Food

Price per 15lbs: $34
Company: Once part of Mother Hubbard but now a fully owned subsidiary of Berwind Corporation
True Wellness means every ingredient has a purpose in every food we make. We study until we’re confident of its health benefit… and then, we make sure to put in the right amount so you’ll see a difference in your animal— We never add ingredients just to have the newest ‘buzzword’ on the label.

Overview
With a longer growth cycle and faster potential growth rate, large breed puppies have a unique physical composition that creates special nutritional needs. The Large Breed Puppy Health Recipe for Dogs is designed to support the unique needs of larger dogs through nutrient-rich whole foods. Most importantly the food offers controlled energy intake for paced growth and precise calcium/phosphorus levels (larger breeds need to be wary of growing too fast too soon because of orthopedic issues).

Recommended by Dog Food Analysis and noted as an overall good dog food at Dog Food Scoop.

Likes
Dog food is easy to find in many of the large pet store chains. No problems transitioning to this food.

Dislikes
The company does not specify that products are made in the USA only, so some ingredients could be outsourced from other countries such as China.

Ingredients
Deboned Chicken, Whitefish, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Peas, Ground Barley, Ground Brown Rice, Salmon Meal (a source of DHA – Docosahexaenoic Acid), Tomato Pomace, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols, a natural source of Vitamin E), Tomatoes, Natural Chicken Flavor, Ground Flaxseed, Salmon Oil (a source of DHA – Docosahexaenoic Acid), Carrots, Spinach, Sweet Potatoes, Apples, Blueberries, Salt, Minerals [Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite], Vitamins [Beta-Carotene, Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B-12 Supplement], Choline Chloride, Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols (a natural preservative), Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation products.

Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein 26.0%
Crude Fat 12.0%
Crude Fat 13.50%
Crude Fiber 5.0%
Moisture 11.0%
Calcium 1.0%
Calcium 1.40%
Phosphorus 0.90%
Phosphorus 1.20%
Vitamin E 150 IU/kg
Omega 6 Fatty Acids* 2.50%
Omega 3 Fatty Acids* 0.50%
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)* 0.13%
Beta Carotene* 5 mg/kg
Lycopene* 0.25 mg/kg
Taurine* 0.09%
Total Micro-organisms 20,000,000 CFU/lb

3,520 kcal per kilogram or 366 kcal per cup

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Wellness Super 5 Mix Just for Puppy  – Chicken
3/5 paws

Wellness Super 5 Mix Just for Puppy

Price per 6lbs: $18

Company: Once part of Mother Hubbard but now a fully owned subsidiary of Berwind Corporation
True Wellness means every ingredient has a purpose in every food we make. We study until we’re confident of its health benefit… and then, we make sure to put in the right amount so you’ll see a difference in your animal— We never add ingredients just to have the newest ‘buzzword’ on the label.

Overview
Provides natural sources of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) to promomote brain development. Specially chosen ingredients to nurture bone and muscle development. The food is a smaller kibble size for puppy mouths.

Recommended by Dog Food Analysis but only a 6/10 from Dog Food Chat.

Likes
Dog food is easy to find in many of the large pet store chains. No problems transitioning to this food, but switched because I am on the border of being considered a large breed dog.

Dislikes
The company does not specify that products are made in the USA only, so some ingredients could be outsourced from other countries such as China. Average reviews.

Ingredients
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Barley, Salmon Meal (a source of DHA – Docosahexaenoic Acid), Ground Brown Rice, Canola Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols, a natural source of Vitamin E), Tomato Pomace, Rice Bran, Tomatoes, Natural Chicken Flavor, Rye Flour, Carrots, Spinach, Sweet Potatoes, Apples, Blueberries, Ground Millet, Ground Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins [Beta-Carotene, Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B-12 Supplement], Minerals [Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], Choline Chloride, Mixed Tocopherols (a natural preservative), Taurine, Chicory Root Extract, Garlic Powder, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Green Tea Extract, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation products, Rosemary Extract.

Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein 28.0%
Crude Fat 17.0%
Crude Fiber 4.0%
Moisture 11.0%
Calcium 1.30%
Phosphorus 1.00%
Vitamin E 150 IU/kg
Omega 6 Fatty Acids* 3.0%
Omega 3 Fatty Acids* 1.0%
Beta Carotene* 5 mg/kg
DHA* 0.13%
Lycopene* 0.25 mg/kg
Taurine* 0.09%
Total Micro-organisms* 20,000,000 CFU/lb

3,800 kcal per kilogram or 450 kcal per cup

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Nutro’s Natural Choice, Chicken and Rice Formula for Puppies
2/5 paws

Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Dog Food Chicken and Rice

Price per 5lbs: $13

Company
The company has been around for 80 years and now provides three main product lines for pets: Natural Choice, Max, and Ultra Holistic.

Overview
Like all NATURAL CHOICE® products, this formula contains no chicken heads, feet or intestines and no ground yellow corn. We use real lamb protein and high levels of linoleic acid for healthy skin and coat, and strong muscles.

Not recommended by Dog Food Analysis due to insufficient meat content, mixed quality ingredients, fat of unidentifiable origin, and controversial filler. Considered very average kibble on Dog Food Advisor.

Likes
I was only eating this dog food because the breeder started us out on it. It’s easy to digest – when mixed with the wet food version it makes it even tastier. Very easy to find in almost any pet store.

Dislikes
The first ingredient is chicken meal, not a whole protein source. Products are not claimed to be made in America, likely to be outsourced from other countries. The price is not considered reasonable for the quality of ingredients.

Ingredients
Chicken Meal, Ground Rice, Rice Flour, Rice Bran, Pea Protein, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Chicken, Poultry Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols, a source of Vitamin E), Oatmeal, Natural Flavors, Soybean Oil (preserved with mixed Tocopherols, a source of Vitamin E), Sunflower Oil (preserved with mixed Tocopherols, a source of Vitamin E), Fish Oil (preserved with mixed Tocopherols, a source of Vitamin E), Egg Product, Sodium Bicarbonate, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Dried Kelp, Taurine, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Choline Chloride, Ferrous Sulfate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Biotin, Copper Proteinate, Niacin Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (source of Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Source of Vitamin B6), Thiamine Mononitrate (source of Vitamin B1), Sodium Selenite, Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of Vitamin K activity), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid.

Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (minimum) 21.00%
Crude Fat (minimum) 12.00%
Crude Fiber (maximum) 5.00%
Moisture (maximum) 10.00%
Linoleic Acid (minimum) 3.50%
Zinc (minimum) 250 mg/kg
Vitamin E (minimum) 150 IU/kg
Ascorbic Acid (minimum)* 35 mg/kg
Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) (minimum)* 0.20%
Glucosamine (minimum)* 150 mg/kg
Chondroitin Sulfate (minimum)* 125 mg/kg

Calorie Content: 3515 kcal/kg, 330 kcal/cup

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