In this comparison article for Wag vs Castor & Pollux, we'll highlight the key differences between these two pet food brands. To properly compare Wag and Castor & Pollux, we'll use up-to-date nutritional and price information.
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best pet food brand for your pet. Factors such as ingredient quality, guaranteed analysis, product safety, brand history, and cost are among the most important factors to consider.
Throughout this Castor & Pollux vs Wag comparison, we've utilized average data to make general comparisons. If you'd like to see individual product reviews, visit our Wag Review Page or Castor & Pollux Review Page.
Guaranteed Analysis: Castor & Pollux vs. Wag
According to AAFCO, all pet food labels must provide a guaranteed analysis of nutrient content. The analysis must provide guaranteed minimum percentages of crude protein and crude fat, and maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture.
All percentages used in this comparison are averages reported on a dry matter basis.
Wag Dog Food vs. Castor & Pollux Dog Food
Dry Dog Food
Wag
Castor & Pollux
Crude Protein
39.1%
32.6%
Crude Fat
16.9%
17.1%
Crude Fiber
5.7%
4.2%
Crude Protein Comparison For Dog Food
Dogs require twenty-two amino acids to sustain life. Twelve of these amino acids are synthesized naturally, the remaining ten are consumed. Protein is the nutrient which provides some or all of these ten essential amino acids.
The table shows that Castor & Pollux provides far less protein than Wag. The difference in protein content is roughly 6.53%.
Crude Fat Comparison For Dog Food
Like protein, fats are an essential part of a dog's body. Fats are needed for the proper development and function of the canine body.
As you can see, Wag and Castor & Pollux guarantee a similar amount of crude fat.
Castor & Pollux and Wag both provide roughly the same amount of crude fiber.
Wag Pet Food Ingredients vs. Castor & Pollux Pet Food Ingredients
Wag and Castor & Pollux both use the following controversial ingredients in many of their products:
Pea Protein
Pea Protein
Pea protein is produced by removing the starchy parts of peas. Pea protein is considered controversial because it provides a substantial plant based protein boost. This boost is undesirable because plant based protein is typically lower in biological value when compared to meat based proteins.
Here are some of the controversial ingredients used only by Castor & Pollux.
Garlic
Garlic
Garlic in very small quantities can be an acceptable addition, however, garlic can also be toxic. Therefore many pet owners choose to completely avoid garlic.
Caramel
Caramel
Caramel is a widely used natural food colorant. The concentrated form of caramel is typically listed as caramel color and has been linked to cancer in laboratory animals. Since our pets do not care about food color, caramel is an unnecessary addition with possible health risks.
Garlic Powder
Garlic Powder
Garlic powder in very small quantities can be an acceptable addition, however, garlic can also be toxic. Therefore many pet owners choose to completely avoid garlic.
Tomato Pomace
Tomato Pomace
Tomato pomace is a by-product of tomato manufacturing. It's considered a controversial ingredient because many people believe it is an inexpensive low quality filler. However, tomato pomace provides a notable amount of dietary fiber, B vitamins, Lycopene, and vitamin A. Although it is a very inexpensive ingredient, it is not nutritionally empty.
Powdered Cellulose
Powdered Cellulose
Powdered cellulose is produced from minuscule pieces of wood pulp and plant fibers. Other than its fiber content, powdered cellulose lacks any nutritional contribution.
Organic Pea Protein
Organic Pea Protein
Organic pea protein is produced by removing the starchy parts of peas. Pea protein is considered controversial because it provides a substantial plant based protein boost. This boost is undesirable because plant based protein is typically lower in biological value when compared to meat based proteins.
Organic Caramel Color
Organic Caramel Color
Organic caramel color is a concentrated form of caramel, a natural food colorant. Caramel color has been linked to cancer in laboratory animals. Since our pets do not care about food color, caramel color is an unnecessary addition with possible health risks.
Organic Garlic Powder
Organic Garlic Powder
Organic garlic powder in very small quantities can be an acceptable addition, however, garlic can also be toxic. Therefore many pet owners choose to completely avoid garlic.
Pea Protein Concentrate
Pea Protein Concentrate
Pea protein concentrate is produced by removing the starchy parts of peas. Pea protein concentrate is considered controversial because it provides a substantial plant based protein boost. This boost is undesirable because plant based protein is typically lower in biological value when compared to meat based proteins.
Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)
Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)
Canola oil is a plant-derived oil from the seeds of canola plants. Although fat is an essential component of any diet, canola oil is controversial in pet food. Proponents claim that canola oil provides a better fat profile in comparison to other plant based oils. However, opponents claim that canola oil is typically produced with genetically modified rapeseed and that rapeseed oil has multiple adverse health affects.
Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols And Citric Acid)
Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols And Citric Acid)
Canola oil is a plant-derived oil from the seeds of canola plants. Although fat is an essential component of any diet, canola oil is controversial in pet food. Proponents claim that canola oil provides a better fat profile in comparison to other plant based oils. However, opponents claim that canola oil is typically produced with genetically modified rapeseed and that rapeseed oil has multiple adverse health affects.
We believe that certain pet food ingredients are linked to adverse health affects; these ingredients are classified as harmful.
Here are some of the harmful ingredients used only by Castor & Pollux.
Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex
Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex
Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a synthetic version of vitamin K that has been linked to many health concerns. Research has suggested possible toxic reactions in liver cells and red blood cells among other serious problems. In fact, one large chemical supplier warns, "The substance is toxic to kidneys, lungs, liver, mucous membranes. Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage."
Product Safety: Recall History of Wag & Castor & Pollux?
According to our records, Wag has never been recalled.
Castor & Pollux has been recalled once.
May 23, 2018: elevated levels of beef thyroid hormone
Price Comparison: Which Brand Is More Expensive?
Dry Dog Food
Wag
Castor & Pollux
Per Pound
$2.62
$5.01
Per Calorie
$0.0016
$0.0030
The average cost-per-lb is heavily influenced by the varying amounts of moisture present in each brand's food products (wet vs. dry food, dry vs. freeze-dried food, etc). However, the average cost-per-kcal eliminates the influence of moisture. Therefore, the average cost-per-kcal is the better metric to consider.
If you'd like to calculate the average cost-per-day or cost-pet-year of feeding Wag or Castor & Pollux, input your pet's weight into our cost analyzer widget.
Averages price data can identify whether or not there exists a significant price difference between two brands. However, the actual price that you'll pay for Wag or Castor & Pollux will depend on your shopping habits.
Cost Analyzer Widget
Cost of Feeding Wag
Cost Per Day:
Cost Per Year:
Cost of Feeding Castor & Pollux
Cost Per Day:
Cost Per Year:
Pet owners who use our price comparison feature typically save more than 25% off retail prices for Wag and Castor & Pollux. In addition, we currently have some great coupons for our readers.
Disclosure: PawDiet has an affiliate relationship with stores featured (or linked-to) in this article. We are compensated for referring customers. Thank you for shopping with our retail partners!
Where To Buy Wag Pet Foods
You can purchase Wag pet foods from the following stores:
5 Recipes In-Stock Today
Where To Buy Castor & Pollux Pet Foods
You can purchase Castor & Pollux pet food products from these retailers:
46 Recipes In-Stock Today
10 Recipes In-Stock Today
35 Recipes In-Stock Today
Type Of Pet Foods Available
Product
Wag
Castor & Pollux
Dry Dog Food
5 Recipes
17 Recipes
Wet Dog Food
None
28 Recipes
Dog Treats
None
22 Treats
Dry Cat Food
None
6 Recipes
Wet Cat Food
None
18 Recipes
Cat Treats
None
1 Treats
Top Rated Wag Recipes
Dog Food
Wag (An Amazon Brand) Dry Dog Food Chicken & Lentil Recipe For Puppies