WholeHearted Dog Food Review 2023: A Closer Look (2023)

In your search for a dog food brand that offers maximum health benefits, you may have come across a brand called WholeHearted. Wondering if WholeHearted is the RIGHT brand of dog food for your pup? You're lucky.

Because WholeHearted offers a wide variety of dog food, we've compiled a list of WholeHearted's top rated dog food products.

Still can't decide? You will definitely find our WholeHearted Dog Food Review section particularly helpful. As a bonus, we're also here to answer common questions about this pet food brand.

• parent company:PetCo
• Founded in:August 2016
• Available at:PetCo- und Unleashed by PetCo-Standorte
• Product selection:Grain-free and grain-containing wet/canned dog food, dry dog ​​food, dog treats and toppers for all breeds, puppies, seniors and all stages of life
• Real meat in the first 5 ingredients:And
• Remembered in the past:NO

behind the brand

You may have heard of a pet product company calledPetCoas they have over 1,400 locations across the United States, Puerto Rico and Mexico. Well, WholeHearted Dog Food is PetCo's exclusive private label.

PetCo, a pet store company that has served both pets and fur parents for over 50 years, offers various pet products and services aimed at keeping your furry balls happy and healthy. WholeHearted is just one of the many products they offer.

WholeHearted was first launched on August 22, 2016. Developed in-house by PetCo's product innovation and nutrition experts, this affordable line of products includes cat and dog food recipes, treats and dental chews made with wholesome and quality ingredients for all breeds of age.

When it comes to WholeHearted dog food products, PetCo has made a point of giving picky customers a chancewide range of options- from wet and dry dog ​​food to grain-free and weight management recipes. In fact, they offer over 50 choices.

WholeHearted Dog Food Reviews

1. Whole-heart salmon and pea recipe for all life stages
2. WholeHearted Chicken and Pea Puppy Rezept
3. WholeHearted All Life Stages Beef and Brown Rice Recipe
4. Wholehearted, grain-free cooked chicken dinner
5. WholeHearted Chicken and Vegetable Puppy Rezept

1. Wholehearted Salmon Pea Recipe for all life stages

The first 5 ingredients:Salmon, Salmon Meal, Lentils, Pea Meal, Chickpeas

Evaluation:3,85/5

Guaranteed Analysis:

Designed for all life stages, these WholeHearted snack foods claim to provide complete and balanced nutrition.

Topping the list of ingredients are salmon and salmon meal (aka dried, ground salmon tissue) — both are good sources of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Because it's grain-free, it doesn't contain corn, wheat, or other grains. This type of diet is a good choice if your dog is allergic or sensitive to wheat and gluten.

It's worth noting that this WholeHearted recipe also includes canine probiotics and antioxidants. The former helps improve your dog's digestive health, while the latter promotes healthy immunity.

Advantages

• Helps stop/reduce itching
• Packed with omega-3 fatty acids
• Helped fix her mate's tummy issues, stool became noticeably firmer
• Its spicy salmon flavor is convincing
• A budget-friendly alternative

Con

• Contains carbohydrates (lentils, pea flour, chickpeas and peas, sweet potatoes)

This WholeHearted grain-free dog food formula is a PetCo Best Seller based solely on user reviews and would have scored a 4.7. Many reviews have been impressed with this grain-free dog food recipe when it comes to taste, price, and health benefits. However, we have to deduct points.

Select dog foods in the WholeHearted line (including this one) contain lentils, peas, and chickpeas. Yes, legumes are packed with protein, fiber and other vitamins.

However, a dog food formula with high quality animal protein sources in the first three ingredients is considered a better choice.

You may have heard of it tooFDA investigationson the possible link between legumes and potatoes with DCM or canine dilated cardiomyopathy – an enlargement of the heart caused by a disease of the heart muscle in dogs.

The connection between DCM and legumes/potatoes has not yet been fully clarified,We do not recommend throwing away dog ​​food products that have them in their ingredient list.

However, to be on the safe side, we recommend looking for kibble brands that don't have legumes and sweet potatoes as the first three ingredients.

2. WholeHearted Chicken and Pea Puppy Rezept

The first 5 ingredients:Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Chickpeas, Lentils

Evaluation:3.9/5

Guaranteed Analysis:

Another PetCo favorite, this recipe for whole grain, grain-free puppy food is specially formulated with puppies in mind. This dry puppy food also contains high-quality foods, canine probiotics (like dried chicory root), and omega-3 fatty acids.

However, instead of salmon, chicken and chicken flour are listed as the first two ingredients.

Advantages

• Small breed and large breed puppies are okay with their kibble size
• Gives the puppies the energy they need for the whole day
• improvement in bowel movements; regular poop
• Positive change in your puppy's skin and coat

Con

• Contains a decent amount of carbohydrates

This chicken and pea recipe contains legumes (making it similar to other dry pet foods when it comes to the amount of carbs). Legumes are commonly used as a substitute for grains and are typically found in grain-free dry dog ​​food.

While we don't often recommend foods with peas or other legumes in the first three spots on the ingredient list, we can't ignore the good things pet owners have been saying about this chicken and pea recipe.

Compared to expensive grain-free dog food products, this WholeHearted formula comes at an affordable price. Fur mums and dads also vouch for the quality and benefits of this recipe.

A pet food formula that mentions the specific types of meat and fat ingredients used in its recipe (like this one) gets a plus in our books. This gives you the assurance that your dog is eating real meat and not just animal by-products.

3. Whole hearted beef and brown rice recipe at all stages of life

The first 5 ingredients:Beef, Beef Meal, Brown Rice, Peas, Millet

Evaluation:4.25/5

Guaranteed Analysis:

Designed for dogs of all ages, this beef and brown rice recipe also contains omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and canine probiotics. Instead of salmon, the first ingredients are beef and beef meal — a high-quality source of protein.

In contrast to the first two dry dog ​​food options, whole grains (without corn and wheat) are added to the mix.

We thought it was good to add a grain option to the list, as some pet parents prefer this type. Grains are also packed with nutrients that reduce the risk of diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity.

It's also a good source of insoluble fiber, which helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Advantages

• Promotes healthy digestion and bowel movements
• Noticeable improvement in the dogs coat
• Perfect size croquettes
• Cost lower than most grain free dog food products

Disadvantages

• Some dogs developed rashes
• It uses canola oil

Grain-based pet food recipes like this beef and brown rice recipe are excellent choices, especially if your dog doesn't have any type of grain allergy.

PhD Animal Nutritionist Dr. Jennifer Adolpheonce mentioned that grains are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins and minerals such as selenium, magnesium and iron, which support digestive health.

This dry dog ​​food also gets plus points for using high-quality whole grains (like brown rice and millet) that contain fiber, B vitamins, and iron (natural nutrients not typically found in refined grains). Corn, a whole grain variety that provides empty calories, is also excluded from the formula.

Although this contains canola oil, we can't ignore the fact that this WholeHearted recipe is loaded with other natural components (like salmon oil and flaxseed). It's also worth noting that this formula has no lentils in the first three ingredients.

4. Whole hearted grain free dinner with cooked chicken

The first 5 ingredients:Chicken, Chicken Broth, Water, Carrots, Pumpkin

Evaluation:4.4/5

Guaranteed Analysis:

Fun fact:Every dog ​​prefers canned food. A high-quality canned food that offers sufficient protein and fat? Even better! WholeHearted's Boiled Chicken Dinner for Adults fills this recipe with easily digestible protein that promotes healthy digestion.

High-fiber ingredients (no grains) as well as vitamins and minerals are also mixed into the preparation to ensure a balanced diet.

Advantages

• Real chicken cutlets and carrot pieces
• Dogs with tummy problems now poop regularly with better looking stools
• Picky dogs love his taste

Disadvantages

• Contains more liquid than meat
• Tapioca (low grade filler) is included in the first ten ingredients of this recipe

Despite the fillers, this boiled chicken dinner is still a solid wet food choice for adult dogs because it features real meat and veggies as its top 5 ingredients.

Chicken, as we now know, is a good source of protein and high in omega-6 fatty acids. These essential nutrients provide dogs with the energy they need for the day ahead and help them develop healthy bones, skin and coat.

Carrots and pumpkin are also blended into this formula. You probably heard from your mother that this vegetable is good for your eyesight. The same goes for your dogs.

5. WholeHearted Chicken and Vegetable Puppy Recipe

The first 5 ingredients:Chicken, Chicken Broth, Fish Broth, Chicken Liver, Dried Egg Product

Evaluation:4.35/5

Guaranteed Analysis:

This WholeHearted grain-free chicken and vegetable dog food is specially formulated for growing puppies and has an irresistible flavor that both large and small dog breeds will enjoy.

It also states that it contains levels of protein ideal for this stage of life.

Advantages

• Dogs love its chicken and vegetable flavor
• Rich in animal protein sources

Con

• Although grain free, some puppies suffered from an upset stomach

This dog food from WholeHearted is a puppy food recipe that has been rated 5 stars by fur babies and pet parents alike for its reasonable price, delicious taste and health benefits. It deserves a second look.

In addition to high-protein meat sources in the first five ingredients, the ingredient list of this WholeHearted puppy food also includes various vitamins and supplements that promote a balanced diet.

The downside to this product is that it also contains peas, potato starch, and pea protein. Since they are not included in the first five items on the ingredients list, you can be sure that you will only find small amounts of these ingredients.

However, it's still best if you can talk to your vet if you decide to make changes to your dog's diet.

Is WholeHearted made in the USA?

When it comes to WholeHearted's ingredients, PetCo offers limited information on their sources. The packaging only mentions that the ingredients are sourced from all over the world.

However, it's good that the brand has made it a point to name the meats they use in their recipes, rather than just naming generic names like meat meal and animal by-products. So you know that the Wholehearted range of dog food consists of high-quality meats, oils and fats.

Aside from the protein sources, you're likely to find unfamiliar ingredients. Here are some found in some of WholeHearted's recipes. We've also included their pros and cons as a bonus.

• Fermentationsprodukt von Lactobacillus acidophilusand Lactobacillus reuteri fermentation product. Both are types of probiotics, or good bacteria, that are added in select recipes. These promote healthy digestion.
• beet pulp.Found in sugar beets, this is added as a dietary supplement. This ingredient promotes digestive health.
• chicory root.Rich in simple sugars, this plant promotes regeneration of good bacteria in the gut.
• Tomato remains. This ingredient comes from ripe tomato fruit and includes skin, seeds and pulp. Tomato pomace and tomatoes are generally not toxic to dogs. On the other hand, tomatoes and tomato pomace contain tons of insoluble and soluble fiber, which aids in digestion. It also contains vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium and antioxidants.
• L-Carnitine. Select WholeHearted formulas like their weight management recipe include this to keep active dogs alert.
• potassium iodide. This is used in veterinary medicine to treat chronic skin diseases and selected bacterial infections in dogs.
• Thiaminmononitrat. Known simply as thiamine or vitamin B, this supplement helps convert fat and carbohydrates into usable energy. It also supports normal growth and development and aids in the proper functioning of the heart, digestive system, and nervous system.
• Cholinchlorid.With the help of this essential nutrient, brain development, heart health, and proper muscle and liver function are all achieved.
• Natriumselenit.This ingredient, used in pet food recipes, is fraught with controversy. High doses of this ingredient can be toxic. However, for a dog food to be considered complete, some selenium needs to be added as its absence can also be harmful.
• other mineralssuch as zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, copper sulfate, copper proteinate, zinc proteinate, manganese sulfate and manganese proteinate. These are commonly seen in pet foods like WholeHearted's. Proper amounts of these mineral supplements provide essential nutrients for dogs. Some must be included in a recipe to meet AAFCO's nutritional profiles. However, some of these can be toxic when consumed in high doses.

Is this brand of pet food expensive?

Most of this dog food brand's recipes are already reasonably priced, ranging from $6 to $53. PetCo also offers discounts for repeated deliveries.

Remember the story

With products meeting AAFCO's nutritional profiles, it's reassuring to know that WholeHearted currently has no record of them

With products that meet AAFCO's nutritional profiles, it's reassuring to know that WholeHearted currently has no record of product recalls. Note, however, that this is a relatively new product line.

Hopefully, PetCo will be able to maintain a recall-free record for years to come.