Worst Dog Food Brands to Avoid!

Introduction to Canine Nutrition

The Significance of Choosing the Right Dog Food

Understanding what goes into your dog’s bowl is as essential as knowing what’s on your own plate. It isn’t just about gratifying hunger; it’s about filling your furry companion’s dietary requirements comprehensively.

High-quality dog food ensures they get the balance of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals that forge a robust immune system and support overall vitality. Make no mistake, the quality of the dog food you choose directly impacts your dog’s health and longevity.

Common Pitfalls in Commercial Dog Foods

Many commercial dog food brands out there promise the moon but, unfortunately, deliver less than stellar nourishments. These pitfalls can slide under your radar if you’re not vigilant.

For instance, some foods are packed with excessive unhealthy fillers – we’re talking grains and corn that might just pass straight through your pet’s digestive system without providing any real nourishment.

Keep a sharp eye out for ambiguous ‘meat by-products’ labels, which can hide a multitude of sins concerning protein quality. And be wary of synthetic preservatives like BHA and BHT, which can be unkind to your dog’s body.

Unveiling the Top 10 Offenders

#1: Ol’ Roy™ – Lacking Essential Nutrients

Ol’ Roy™ dog food might be gentle on the wallet, but it’s just as gentle on nutritional value, earning a regrettable rating of just 3.2 out of 10.

They tend to use cheaper ingredients to keep costs low, like corn, wheat, and soy—none of which spell ‘wholesome meal’ for your dog. Plus, Ol’ Roy’s recipe includes several meat by-products and artificial ingredients designed to enhance flavor rather than health.

Top 5 Features:

1. Presence of meat and bone meal for protein.
2. Inclusion of vitamins and minerals supplements.
3. Usage of preservatives like mixed tocopherols.
4. Availability in dry dog food, wet dog food, and treats.
5. Widely accessible as a Walmart-exclusive brand.

Five Benefits:

1. Highly affordable for dog owners on a budget.
2. Variety of product forms (dry, wet, treats).
3. Added supplements to attempt to balance nutrition.
4. Preserved with a blend of tocopherols to prevent spoiling.
5. Convenience in purchase due to wide availability at Walmart stores.

Two Cons:

1. Low-quality fillers contribute little to overall canine nutrition.
2. Uses artificial coloring and flavor enhancers, potentially harmful to dogs.

Best For: Budget-conscious pet owners who need an immediate and accessible choice should consider Ol’ Roy™ only as a temporary solution while they search for healthier, more nourishing options for their dog.

#2: Gravy Train® – Questionable Ingredients

Gravy Train® manages to stay under the radar by offering budget-friendly choices for dog owners, but your dog’s health may pay the price.

With ingredients lists laden with fillers like corn and soy, and the inclusion of unspecified ‘animal fats’ and artificial colors, meals from Gravy Train® fall drastically short of nutritional ideals.

Moreover, the 2018 recall linked to potential contamination with euthanasia drugs tarnished the brand’s reputation significantly.

Top 5 Features:

1. Available both as dry dog food and wet dog food options.
2. Infuses meals with gravy for enhanced palatability.
3. Incorporates a range of vitamins and minerals.
4. Preserved with mixed tocopherols, which are a safer alternative to some artificial preservatives.
5. Made in the USA.

Five Benefits:

1. Affordable pricing suits those on strict budgets.
2. Gravy infusion tempts even picky eaters.
3. Multiple product varieties cater to different tastes.
4. Accessible in many retail locations across the country for convenience.
5. Produces treats that are useful for behavior training practices.

Two Cons:

1. Contains questionable ingredients like ‘animal digest’ and ‘animal fat’.
2. Historical recall significant for the potential contamination of drugs used in euthanasia.

Best For: Gravy Train® might attract dog owners who need to manage expenses carefully and have dogs that aren’t fussy with their food. However, if your priority is quality and clarity of what goes into your dog’s system, it’s advisable to invest in better, more transparent options.

More Brands That Fall Short on Quality

#3: Dog Chow – High in Empty Fillers

Dog Chow finds itself in the crosshairs for its heavy reliance on empty fillers such as corn and wheat, which make up the bulk of many of its formulas.

While they might fill your pooch’s belly, they offer scant nutritional value and could lead to weight gain and other health issues from a diet packed with carbohydrates and insufficient protein. Additionally, the inclusion of artificial colors and flavors aims more at attracting buyers rather than meeting the health needs of your dog.

Top 5 Features:

1. Many formula options, targeting different life stages and sizes.
2. Infused with 23 vitamins and minerals for supplemental nutrition.
3. Affordably priced across the line-up.
4. Easily found at many major retailers.
5. Recognizable brand with a long-standing market presence.

Five Benefits:

1. Specific formulas tailored to puppies, adults, and senior dogs.
2. Contains antioxidants for immune support.
3. Fortified with vitamins and minerals to try to offset ingredient shortcomings.
4. Includes crunchy kibble to support dental health.
5. Dog Chow Natural also offers a more natural, albeit still filler-heavy, option.

Two Cons:

1. High in non-nutritive fillers which contribute to obesity and other health problems.
2. Features artificial colors and flavors, which are of no benefit to dogs and could trigger allergies.

Best For: Dog Chow may appeal to those who trust longstanding brands and seek convenience and affordability above all else. Yet, for those proactive about their dog’s diet and long-term health, spending a bit more on higher-quality brands with fewer fillers will serve their canine companions better.

#4: Kibbles ‘n Bits® – Artificial Additives Galore

Kibbles ‘n Bits® is like the fast food of the dog world—appealing to the eyes and taste buds but falling short on healthy substance.

This brand leaves much to be desired with a myriad of artificial dyes such as Caramel Color, Yellow 5, and Red 40 splashed across its ingredient list.

Besides these unnecessary additives, the primary ingredients feature a parade of empty fillers, and the presence of BHA—a chemical preservative linked to health concerns—raises yet another red flag.

Top 5 Features:

1. Vibrantly colored kibble designed to attract pets and their owners.
2. Variety in texture, offering both crunchy kibbles and soft meaty bits.
3. Easy to find in most major grocery and pet stores.
4. Enriched with vitamins and minerals.
5. The J.M. Smucker Company’s branding, a familiar name in the food industry.

Five Benefits:

1. Affordable pricing makes it accessible to the majority of dog owners.
2. Attractive to dogs with a preference for mixed textures in their food.
3. The addition of some named meats provides a recognizable source of protein.
4. The brand has a wide variety of flavors and formulas.
5. Pre-packaged portion sizes are available for convenience.

Two Cons:

1. Contains six artificial food dyes, which are not only unnecessary but could be harmful.
2. Labeled proteins are outnumbered by non-nutritive fillers and artificial ingredients.

Best For: Owners who prioritize cost-saving and are drawn to colorful, visually pleasing dog food might be tempted by Kibbles ‘n Bits®.

However, those seeking quality nutrition for their dog, particularly with an eye to avoiding artificial additives, should consider other, more natural and wholesome alternatives.

Least Recommended for Puppy and Senior Dogs

Worst For Puppies: Purina Beneful Healthy Puppy

Purina Beneful Healthy Puppy appears as a popular choice on shelves, but it’s rife with concerns for growing pups.

Designed to appeal with labeled inclusion of real chicken, it’s the less desirable ingredients that follow which raise eyebrows. Corn, barley, rice, and wheat offer little in supporting a puppy’s rapid development and can lead to early-onset health issues.

Filler-laden and with questions lingering over the complete source of its poultry by-products, this food might have puppies missing out on the rich, whole nutrition they need.

Top 5 Features:

1. Real chicken is listed as the first ingredient.
2. Enriched with DHA for brain and vision development.
3. Includes a variety of textures and shapes to appeal to puppies.
4. Available in most pet stores and supermarkets.
5. Offers added calcium to help support teeth and bone health.

Five Benefits:

1. Affordable for puppy owners.
2. DHA addition is beneficial for cognitive development.
3. Various textures may entice picky eaters.
4. Accessible across a wide range of retailers.
5. Added vitamins and minerals to support growing bodies.

Two Cons:

1. Use of multiple grains and fillers, potentially contributing to allergies and low nutritional value.
2. Contains ambiguous animal by-products rather than clearly identified meat sources.

Best For: While Purina Beneful Healthy Puppy might appear suitable for budget-conscious owners, pups with sensitive stomachs or those in need of specific nutritional care would likely fare better with higher-quality, grain-free formulas designed to support optimal growth and development.

Worst for Senior Dogs: Purina Senior 7+ Healthy Morsels

Purina Senior 7+ Healthy Morsels might seem like a considerate choice for your aging fur friend, aiming to cater to the more delicate digestion and nutrition needs of older dogs.

However, its formula is plagued with inadequacies—filled with low-protein corn and soy metrics that don’t do justice to senior dogs’ requirements. The crude fat level further complicates matters for less active senior canines who may struggle with managing their weight on such a diet.

Top 5 Features:

1. Soft and crunchy texture for easier chewing and digestion.
2. Specifically marketed to senior dogs aged 7 and over.
3. Fortified with added vitamins and minerals tailored for older dogs.
4. Contains antioxidants to aid in maintaining a healthy immune system.
5. Accessible in most pet food sale outlets.

Five Benefits:

1. Textured for senior dogs, making it easier to consume.
2. Marketed nutrient profile designed for older dogs’ metabolism.
3. Widely available at supermarkets and pet stores.
4. Can be a convenient option for emergency pet food.
5. Some positive customer reviews for palatability.

Two Cons:

1. Filled with potentially harmful ingredients like bone meal and animal fats, offering minimal nutritional content.
2. Elevated caloric content is unsuitable for the typically lower activity levels of senior dogs.

Best For: Purina Senior 7+ Healthy Morsels might attract those looking for a senior-specific dog food at a reasonable price point. However, if the well-being and specific dietary needs of an aging dog are a primary concern, investing in a senior dog food with higher quality protein and fewer fillers is essential to support their health in the golden years.

Dishonorable Mentions

Kal Kan Complete Adult Dog Food

Kal Kan Complete Adult Dog Food makes it onto the ‘dishonorable mentions’ list for several reasons. The ingredients reveal a preference for cost-saving over nutrition, with a high reliance on corn and soy as primary fillers.

Distressingly, there’s the use of artificial colors and a mysterious blend of ‘meat and bone meal,’ which could be anything from chicken to roadkill. Additionally, reports of kidney failure and other health concerns linked to this brand make it one to avoid for the conscious dog owner.

Top 5 Features:

1. Includes omega-6 fatty acids sourced from animal fat.
2. Proclaimed to be complete and balanced for adult dogs.
3. Features meat and bone meal as a protein source.
4. Provides a variety of package sizes.
5. Claims to contain natural flavors.

Five Benefits:

1. Affordability is a significant selling point for budget-conscious owners.
2. The convenience of finding it in many large retail stores.
3. Different package sizes can suit various household needs.
4. Advertised omega-6 fatty acids may benefit skin and coat, in theory.
5. Some dogs might find the flavor appealing.

Two Cons:

1. An abundance of artificial ingredients and cheap fillers like corn and soy overshadow any healthy components.
2. Lack of transparency regarding the source of meat products can lead to allergy concerns and health risks.

Best For: While Kal Kan Complete Adult Dog Food might seem economically advantageous, your dog’s well-being is likely to be better supported by foods with clear, quality protein sources and without the laundry list of artificial additives. It’s suitable for dog owners needing an immediate, short-term fix but should be replaced by a more wholesome diet swiftly.

Cesar Filets Delight – Misleading Labeling

Cesar Filets, with their enticing photos of juicy meat, may give the impression of a luxury meal for four-legged friends, but this is far from the case.

Known for including substantial amounts of unhealthy salt, these meals contain more meat by-products than actual meat, raising serious questions about their protein quality.

A flap of scandal in 2017 further undermined trust, following reports of foreign objects like plastic appearing in their food products.

Top 5 Features:

1. Eye-catching packaging with images of appealing filet cuts.
2. Wide variety, including a ‘Gourmet’ line designed to mimic human foods.
3. Ready-to-serve trays that do not require portioning.
4. Claims of adding real meat and vegetables for a balanced diet.
5. Available in both wet and dry food options.

Five Benefits:

1. The convenience of single-serving trays can be very appealing for dog owners on-the-go.
2. A broad range of flavors and recipes might prevent palate fatigue in dogs.
3. Some formulas include added vitamins and minerals.
4. Appealing marketing and availability in various retail locations.
5. The Gourmet line offers an illusion of a higher-end dining experience for pets.

Two Cons:

1. Heavy in salt which can be problematic for dogs with heart conditions or blood pressure issues.
2. Misleading labeling might lead owners to believe the product contains more wholesome meat than it actually does.

Best For: Dog parents might be drawn to Cesar Filets for their convenience and variety, as well as the impression of providing a ‘premium’ food product.

However, those vigilant about the health implications of high salt intake and the quality of their dog’s protein sources should steer clear in favor of clearer, more responsibly-sourced food options.

The Criteria Behind Our Evaluations

How We Identified the Worst Dog Food Brands

When ferreting out the worst dog food brands, it required rolling up our sleeves and diving into extensive research. Armed with the nutritional guidelines for dogs, we sifted through ingredient lists, parsing the good from the bad.

To bolster our findings, we pored over the guaranteed analysis on each label, which sheds light on the percentages of protein, fat, fiber, and moisture.

Tallying up negative online reviews pointed us towards widespread concerns, while a study of recalls and controversial news surrounding these brands painted a broader picture of reliability—or lack thereof.

Collaborating with professionals like veterinarians and pet nutritionists offered invaluable insight into what constitutes harmful dog food.

These experts guided us through the maze of filler ingredients, ambiguous ‘meat by-products’, and artificial agents that are often stuffed into budget dog food.

To keep our objectivity razor-sharp, we also engaged with everyday dog owners who live the reality of these products.

Their hands-on experience and observations were crucial, rounding out dog food reviews with real-world implications. All these layers of scrutiny culminated in the list of dog food brands presented here.

What Makes a Dog Food “Bad”?

Swathes of dog food options lining store shelves can conceal what truly makes a dog food ‘bad’. It’s not just about a dog turning their nose up at their dinner; it’s the nefarious ingredients that could be lurking within.

High on the list of no-nos are artificial colors and flavors, which are unnecessary and can trigger allergies and other health issues.

Unidentified or poorly identified meat meals and by-products could be anything from low-quality animal parts to inedible scraps, a far cry from the wholesome protein your dog deserves.

A glaring absence of a clear, high-quality protein source at the beginning of the ingredient list is also indicative of a substandard product.

Dog foods with concerning ingredients or a high density of fillers rather than nutritionally dense food are best left on the shelf.

Recalls can happen to any brand, but frequent recalls are a red flag indicating potential quality control issues. And lastly, the country of origin matters – countries with lax safety regulations may lead to lower standards of product quality and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions: Worst Dog Food Brands

Q. What Are the Common Signs of a Low-Quality Dog Food?

Common signs that you’re dealing with a low-quality dog food include a lackluster coat, regular digestive upset, low energy levels, and sudden weight gain or loss.

If you notice these symptoms, it may be time to scrutinize the label on your dog’s food. Look out for excessive fillers, unnamed meat sources, and a list dominated by grain and by-products.

Your dog’s health can be a litmus test for their diet’s quality, so stay alert to these poor-quality indicators.

Q. How Can I Transition My Dog to a Better Food Brand?

Swapping to a higher-quality dog food should be a gradual process to prevent digestive distress. Start by mixing 25% of the new food with 75% of the current food.

Over the next 7-10 days, slowly increase the proportion of the new food while decreasing the old. Monitor your dog’s reaction to the change, and if signs of stomach upset occur, take a step back and slow the transition pace further.

This approach helps your dog’s digestive system adjust to the new food composition smoothly.