Wellness Core Ocean Formula With Wholesome Grains For Dogs Review

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Review of Wellness Core Ocean Formula With Wholesome Grains For 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 Ocean Formula With Wholesome Grains For 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 Ocean Formula With Wholesome Grains For Dogs, we'll examine all 53 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. Whitefish is a lean, easily digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients for your dog. It supports muscle development, a healthy coat, and overall wellness.

  2. Herring meal is a high-quality, concentrated source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids derived from herring fish. The omega-3 fatty acids found in herring meal can support your dog's skin and coat health, reduce inflammation, and promote cognitive function. As a protein source, herring meal helps build and maintain strong muscles and supports overall growth and development.

  3. Menhaden meal is a high-quality, concentrated source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids for dogs. It supports healthy skin, a shiny coat, and overall well-being, as well as providing essential nutrients for growth and development.

  4. Oatmeal is a highly digestible and nutritious source of carbohydrates that provides your dog with energy, fiber, and essential nutrients for a healthy digestive system and overall well-being.

  5. Barley is a nutritious, fiber-rich grain that helps promote healthy digestion and provides essential nutrients for your dog's overall health. It is also a great source of energy, vitamins, and minerals.

  6. Canola oil is a healthy source of fat that provides essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, to support your dog's skin, coat, and overall health. It is also a good source of energy and can help improve the taste and texture of your dog's food.

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

  8. 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.

  9. Quinoa is a nutrient-dense, gluten-free grain that provides your dog with essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. It supports healthy digestion and overall well-being, making it an excellent choice for a balanced and nutritious dog food.

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

  11. Natural fish flavor enhances the taste of your dog's food, making it more appealing and enjoyable for your pet.

  12. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

  25. 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.

  26. 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.

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

  28. 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.

  29. 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.

  30. 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.

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

  32. 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.

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

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

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

  36. 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.

  37. 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.

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

  39. 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.

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

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

  42. 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.

  43. 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.

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

  45. 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.

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

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

  48. 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.

  49. 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.

  50. 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.

  51. 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.

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

  53. 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 of 34.00% minimum crude protein is likely primarily contributed by the whitefish, herring meal, and menhaden fish meal listed at the beginning of the ingredient list. These are high-quality sources of animal protein, which tend to have high protein content. The herring meal and menhaden fish meal also provide glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, which are beneficial for joint health but are not directly related to the protein content.

The crude fat minimum of 15.00% is probably most influenced by the inclusion of canola oil and the natural fats present in the fish ingredients (whitefish, herring meal, and menhaden fish meal). Fish are generally good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to the fat content. Ground flaxseed is another ingredient that contributes to the overall fat content, including a good balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

A maximum of 4.00% crude fiber is relatively moderate and is likely derived from the oatmeal, barley, tomato pomace, and chicory root extract. These ingredients contain varying amounts of soluble and insoluble fiber. The whole grains (oatmeal and barley) and tomato pomace are particularly noted for their fiber content, which aids in digestion and promotes stool quality.

Regarding the caloric content of 3625.00 calories per kilogram, this is a measure of the energy the food provides. The caloric density is influenced by the protein, fat, and carbohydrate content of the food. In this case, the high protein and moderate fat levels contribute significantly to the calorie count, with carbohydrates from grains and other plant-based ingredients providing the rest of the calories. The specific caloric contribution from each ingredient is not detailed in the guaranteed analysis but is calculated based on the metabolizable energy of the combined ingredients.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Wellness Core Ocean Formula With Wholesome Grains For Dogs costs approximately $3.59 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $21.21
10 lbs $35.67
15 lbs $48.35
20 lbs $60.00
30 lbs $81.32
40 lbs $100.90
50 lbs $119.29
60 lbs $136.77
70 lbs $153.53
80 lbs $169.70
90 lbs $185.37
100 lbs $200.61

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Many customers have praised Wellness Core Ocean Formula with Wholesome Grains for its high-quality ingredients and the positive effects on their dogs' health. One dog owner noted that their lab, who has a sensitive stomach, has shown improved digestion and overall health since switching to this food. Another customer mentioned that their dog, which has a preference for "ocean" flavors, thoroughly enjoys this grain-inclusive diet as recommended by their vet.

Several reviews focused on the beneficial outcomes observed in their pets, including better coat condition, reduced allergies, and increased energy. For example, a German shepherd owner was pleased to report that their dog's skin and coat improved significantly, eliminating the need for allergy medication. Another review highlighted the food's high protein content and the absence of chicken byproducts, which was important for their dog with specific dietary needs.

The kibble size has also been a point of satisfaction among pet owners, with one customer attaching a photo to show that it is larger than typical small bites, which encourages their dogs to chew properly. Additionally, the inclusion of grains has been well-received by those who are mindful of recent veterinary advice regarding grain-free diets.

In response to concerns about the strong fish smell and initial digestive issues during the food transition, it's common for high-protein, fish-based foods to have a noticeable odor, and some dogs may take time to adjust to a new diet. However, most reviews indicate that their dogs eventually acclimated well, with improved stool quality and no lasting digestive problems. Despite some dogs experiencing loose stools initially, one owner of a dog with a rice allergy celebrated their pet's first normal stool in a long time after switching to this Wellness formula.

A few reviews did mention the food's higher price point, but these customers felt the cost was justified by the health benefits and quality ingredients. Lastly, pet owners with multiple dogs or those fostering found this food to be a hit across the board, with all their dogs enjoying the taste and experiencing no adverse reactions, highlighting its suitability for dogs with different sensitivities and preferences.