Wellness Core Grain Free Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal & Turkey Meal Recipe For Large Breed Puppies Review

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Review of Wellness Core Grain Free Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal & Turkey Meal Recipe For Large Breed Puppies

According to our data, this Wellness recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for growing puppies and pregnant/nursing dogs. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Wellness Core Grain Free Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal & Turkey Meal Recipe For Large Breed Puppies is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growing puppies and pregnant/nursing dogs.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Wellness Core Grain Free Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal & Turkey Meal Recipe For Large Breed Puppies, we'll examine all 56 ingredients and highlight the nutritional contribution of each ingredient.

While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.

  1. Chicken is a lean, easily digestible source of protein that provides essential nutrients for your dog's growth and maintenance. It's also a great source of vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

  2. Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of protein made from dehydrated and ground chicken. It provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle development, tissue repair, and overall growth, making it a valuable ingredient for maintaining your dog's health and well-being.

  3. Peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They can contribute to your dog's overall health and provide necessary nutrients.

  4. Dried ground potatoes are a common ingredient in grain-free dog foods. They're a great source of digestible carbohydrates, providing energy for your dog, and also contain essential nutrients like potassium and vitamins C and B6.

  5. Turkey meal is a high-quality, protein-rich ingredient that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for your dog. It supports lean muscle development, healthy organ function, and a strong immune system.

  6. Lentils are a high-quality, plant-based protein source that also provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, potassium, and magnesium. They are also rich in dietary fiber, which can support healthy digestion and help maintain a healthy weight for your dog.

  7. Ground flaxseed is an excellent source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. It can support your dog's skin and coat health, digestive system, and overall well-being.

  8. Tomato pomace is a fiber-rich ingredient that can help support healthy digestion and maintain a healthy weight in dogs.

  9. Chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a source of essential fatty acids like omega-6 which help to maintain a healthy skin and coat. The tocopherols act as natural preservatives.

  10. Salmon oil is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which support your dog's skin and coat health, immune system, and cognitive function.

  11. Natural chicken flavor is a dog food ingredient used to enhance the taste and aroma of the product, making it more appealing to your pet. It is derived from real chicken and does not contain any artificial additives or chemicals. This natural flavoring helps encourage your dog to eat and enjoy their meals.

  12. While salt is a necessary component of a dog's diet, providing essential minerals such as sodium and chloride for proper cellular function, it should be provided in moderation to avoid health issues like hypertension or kidney damage.

  13. Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.

  14. Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.

  15. Banana is a natural source of dietary fiber, potassium, and essential vitamins that can help support your dog's overall health and digestion.

  16. Spinach is a nutrient-rich vegetable that offers vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your dog's overall health and wellbeing.

  17. Broccoli is a nutrient-rich vegetable packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to promote overall health in dogs.

  18. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for your dog. They're rich in vitamin A, which supports healthy vision and immune function, and also provide fiber to aid in digestion and maintain a healthy weight.

  19. Parsley is a source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and it also supports fresh breath.

  20. Apple is a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support your dog's digestive health, immune system, and overall well-being.

  21. Blueberry is a nutrient-rich fruit that provides antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which can help support your dog's immune system and overall health.

  22. Kale is a nutrient-rich leafy green packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support a strong immune system, healthy skin, and coat in dogs.

  23. Sweet potato is a highly nutritious and easily digestible source of complex carbohydrates for your dog. It provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, promoting a healthy digestive system and immune function.

  24. Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.

  25. Zinc proteinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc. It helps support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat in dogs.

  26. Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.

  27. Zinc sulfate is a source of the essential mineral zinc, which supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall growth and development.

  28. Calcium carbonate is a valuable source of calcium, an essential mineral for strong bones and teeth, and for supporting proper muscle function in your dog.

  29. Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential for a dog's metabolism and energy production, and supports healthy skin and coat.

  30. Iron proteinate is a chelated form of iron that is more easily absorbed by your dog's body, supporting their red blood cell production and overall health.

  31. Ferrous sulfate is an important source of iron for dogs, a mineral essential for red blood cell production, oxygen transportation, and overall vitality. Adequate iron intake supports your dog's immune system and energy levels.

  32. Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.

  33. Copper sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports various bodily functions in dogs, including immune system health, skin and coat maintenance, and red blood cell production.

  34. Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.

  35. Copper Proteinate is a chelated form of copper that's easier for dogs to absorb, aiding in red blood cell formation and iron absorption.

  36. Manganese Proteinate is a chelated form of manganese, a mineral that supports bone health, metabolism and enzymatic reactions.

  37. Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy bones, joints, and metabolism in dogs. It also supports the production of collagen, which is vital for healthy skin, coat, and connective tissues.

  38. D-Calcium Pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid, a B-vitamin that helps in energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.

  39. Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.

  40. Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a source of vitamin B6, which is essential for your dog's nervous system function, immune health, and red blood cell production.

  41. Riboflavin, also known as Vitamin B2, is essential for energy production, cell function, and fat metabolism in your dog's body.

  42. Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.

  43. Chicory root extract is a natural source of inulin, a prebiotic fiber that promotes healthy digestion and gut bacteria, supporting your dog's immune system and overall well-being.

  44. Yucca schidigera extract is a natural ingredient known for its ability to reduce unpleasant odors in your dog's waste. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help support joint health and overall well-being.

  45. Vitamin D3 supplement is an essential vitamin that supports bone health, immune function, and overall well-being in dogs. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus balance in the body, promoting strong and healthy bones.

  46. Calcium iodate is a source of iodine, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's thyroid function and overall metabolism. It helps maintain proper hormone production and is crucial for overall health and well-being.

  47. Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.

  48. Folic acid is a crucial B-vitamin that aids in the synthesis of DNA and supports healthy cell growth. It's essential for maintaining your dog's overall health, particularly during periods of rapid growth.

  49. Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system and helps reduce inflammation.

  50. The dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product is a probiotic that aids in maintaining a healthy gut flora.

  51. Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product is a beneficial probiotic ingredient used in dog food. It helps support a healthy digestive system by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This probiotic also aids in nutrient absorption and can improve your dog's overall immune system function.

  52. Dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product is a probiotic ingredient that helps maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria in your dog, promoting optimal digestion and immune system function.

  53. Dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product is a probiotic that can aid in maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in your dog's gut, supporting overall digestive health.

  54. Rosemary extract is a natural antioxidant that can help protect your dog's body from the harmful effects of free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can support your dog's overall health and well-being, particularly in regard to joint health.

  55. Green tea extract contains antioxidants that help protect your dog's cells from damage and support overall health.

  56. Spearmint extract provides a natural and refreshing flavor to dog food, as well as offering potential digestive and oral health benefits for dogs.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The guaranteed analysis value for Crude Protein (min) of 35.00% is quite high, indicating that this is a protein-rich food. The primary contributors to this protein content are the first three ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, and Turkey Meal. Both chicken meal and turkey meal are concentrated forms of protein because they are rendered and contain less water than whole meat. Deboned Chicken also provides a significant amount of protein but also includes water weight.

Crude Fat (min) of 14.00% reflects the level of fats in the food. The sources of fat in this pet food likely include Chicken Fat, which is preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, and Salmon Oil. These ingredients are high in essential fatty acids and contribute to the overall fat content necessary for a puppy's growth and energy.

Crude Fiber (max) of 5.50% indicates the amount of indigestible or partially digestible plant material in the food, which aids in digestion. Ingredients such as Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes, Lentils, Ground Flaxseed, and Tomato Pomace are likely contributing to the fiber content. These ingredients are less digestible carbohydrates and also provide some additional protein, vitamins, and minerals.

The caloric content of 3588.00 per kg gives an idea of the energy density of the food. The caloric content is influenced by the protein, fat, and carbohydrate levels in the food. High protein and fat levels, as seen in this product, typically contribute to a higher calorie count, which is important for growing large breed puppies that have higher energy needs.

Other ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and added vitamins and minerals contribute to the overall nutritional profile of the food but do not significantly impact the guaranteed analysis values of protein, fat, and fiber. They are included to provide a well-rounded diet with necessary micronutrients. The fermentation products and extracts listed at the end are for digestive and overall health support and do not contribute to the guaranteed analysis values.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Wellness Core Grain Free Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal & Turkey Meal Recipe For Large Breed Puppies costs approximately $2.84 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppy

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Many customers have expressed satisfaction with Wellness Core Grain-Free food for large breed puppies, highlighting improvements in their pets' digestion and stool quality. For instance, one owner noticed their rescued pup's flatulence disappeared and poops became solid after transitioning to this food. Another noted their 5-month-old puppy's impressive weight gain and beautiful coat after switching to Wellness Core, along with increased energy and attentiveness during training.

Several reviews praise the food's effectiveness in supporting rapid growth and development in large breed puppies. A sheepadoodle owner was pleased with how well their pup thrived on the food, and a Newfoundland puppy owner mentioned their dog's love for the food. Additionally, a Cane Corso owner has been using this brand since their dog was a puppy, and their pet has grown to a healthy 125 pounds.

Despite some negative reviews concerning individual dogs' preferences or digestive issues, the positive feedback often includes stories of puppies enjoying the taste and experiencing health benefits, such as a shiny coat and good energy levels. One Akita puppy, initially hesitant, ended up loving the kibble, and an owner of a Great Pyrenees pup found the food to be among the best after conducting thorough research.

Owners who faced challenges with their puppies not liking the food or experiencing digestive issues often provided context, such as the puppy having a picky nature or the need for a gradual transition to a new diet. However, these instances seem to be the exception rather than the rule, with many owners willing to recommend Wellness Core Grain-Free food based on their positive experiences.