Wellness Core Grain Free Healthy Weight - Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal & Chicken Meal Recipe For Small Breed Dogs Review

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Review of Wellness Core Grain Free Healthy Weight - Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal & Chicken Meal Recipe For Small Breed Dogs

According to our data, this Wellness recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult dogs. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Wellness Core Grain Free Healthy Weight - Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal & Chicken Meal Recipe For Small Breed Dogs is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult dogs.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Wellness Core Grain Free Healthy Weight - Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal & Chicken Meal Recipe For Small Breed Dogs, 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. Turkey is a lean protein source that can help build and maintain muscle mass in dogs. It is also rich in essential nutrients like vitamin B6 and niacin.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

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

  5. 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.

  6. Pea fiber is a natural source of dietary fiber for dogs that helps support digestive health and overall well-being. It also aids in weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness, making it a valuable addition to dog food formulas.

  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. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.

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

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

  15. Spearmint is a natural herb that can provide a refreshing flavor to your dog's food. It may also have potential digestive benefits and contribute to overall wellness.

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

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

  18. Glucosamine hydrochloride is a vital supplement that supports joint health and mobility in dogs. It helps maintain the cartilage in joints, reducing inflammation and promoting overall joint comfort.

  19. Chondroitin sulfate is a vital component in maintaining healthy joints and cartilage in dogs. It helps to reduce joint inflammation, support joint mobility, and slow down the progression of arthritis.

  20. 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.

  21. 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.

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

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

  24. 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.

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

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

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

  28. 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.

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

  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. 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.

  42. 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.

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

  44. 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.

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

  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 Crude Protein minimum of 34.00% is a significant amount and is primarily contributed by the first three ingredients: deboned turkey, turkey meal, and chicken meal. These are high-quality sources of protein that provide the essential amino acids dogs need. Turkey meal and chicken meal are concentrated forms of protein because they have been rendered to remove moisture, which makes them more protein-dense than fresh meats.

The Crude Fat minimum of 13.00% is likely contributed by the chicken fat, salmon oil, and to a lesser extent the meats (deboned turkey, turkey meal, and chicken meal) listed at the beginning of the ingredient list. Chicken fat is a high-energy, quality source of fat that also provides essential fatty acids. Salmon oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for a dog's skin and coat health.

Crude Fiber maximum of 8.50% is relatively high for dog food, indicating that this formula is designed to support digestive health and weight management. The main contributors to this fiber content are likely the peas, pea fiber, dried ground potatoes, and tomato pomace. These ingredients are less digestible plant-based components that add to the overall fiber content of the pet food.

The Caloric Content of 3489.00 calories per kilogram is provided by the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the food. The protein and fat, being more calorie-dense, contribute significantly to this value, while the carbohydrates from ingredients like peas and dried ground potatoes also add to the overall energy content. The caloric content is important for understanding how much to feed a dog, especially for a weight management formula like this one, where controlling calorie intake is essential.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Wellness Core Grain Free Healthy Weight - Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal & Chicken Meal Recipe For Small Breed Dogs costs approximately $4.05 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $24.86
10 lbs $41.81
15 lbs $56.66
20 lbs $70.31
30 lbs $95.30

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers have expressed high satisfaction with Wellness Core Grain Free Healthy Weight dog food, particularly for small breed dogs. They appreciate the absence of harmful ingredients and have observed their pets showing more interest in their meals compared to other brands. An 11-year-old dog, for instance, has shown increased energy and good health after switching to this food, exemplifying the product's name.

Many pet owners have conducted extensive research to find the best food for their dogs, and Wellness Core has been a top choice due to its mostly USA-sourced ingredients and specific options for small breeds. One customer reported significant weight loss in their overweight dog since switching to this brand, while another mentioned their pet maintaining an ideal weight.

The food is also praised for its high quality, as reflected in reviews and ratings on dog food advisory websites. Dogs seem to love the taste, with one owner noting that their Jack Russell eagerly switched to Wellness Core. Even for picky eaters, the small kibble size and the option to mix it with other favorites like Greek yogurt have proven successful.

Despite some concerns about product availability and packaging preferences, such as the desire for a resealable bag, the overall health benefits and pet enjoyment are consistently highlighted. For instance, owners of Chiweenies have been feeding their dogs Wellness Core for years, and while they haven't noticed weight loss, they believe the food maintains their pets' health.

The brand is trusted for its reliable food sources and has been credited with helping dogs with specific health issues, such as gland problems, due to the high fiber content. Customers who have tried different brands often return to Wellness Core, citing both their dogs' preference for the taste and their own trust in the company's quality.