Wellness Core Grain Free Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal & Salmon Meal Recipe For Small Breed Puppies Review

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Review of Wellness Core Grain Free Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal & Salmon Meal Recipe For Small Breed Puppies

According to our data, this Wellness recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for growing puppies and pregnant/nursing dogs. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Wellness Core Grain Free Puppy - Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal & Salmon Meal Recipe For Small Breed Dogs is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growing puppies and pregnant/nursing dogs.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Wellness Core Grain Free Puppy - Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal & Salmon 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. 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.

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

  4. 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.

  5. Lentils are a high-quality, plant-based protein source that also provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, potassium, and magnesium. They are also rich in dietary fiber, which can support healthy digestion and help maintain a healthy weight for your dog.

  6. 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.

  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. Salmon meal is a high-quality protein source that also provides omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, as well as overall wellness.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. While salt is a necessary component of a dog's diet, providing essential minerals such as sodium and chloride for proper cellular function, it should be provided in moderation to avoid health issues like hypertension or kidney damage.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  19. 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.

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

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

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

  23. 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.

  24. 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.

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

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

  27. 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.

  28. 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.

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

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

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

  43. 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.

  44. 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.

  45. 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.

  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 38.00% is a high percentage, indicating that this puppy food is protein-rich, which is essential for the growth and development of small breed puppies. The primary contributors to this high protein content are the animal-based ingredients: deboned turkey, turkey meal, chicken meal, and salmon meal. These ingredients are concentrated sources of protein, with meals being even more concentrated than whole meats due to the removal of moisture during processing.

Crude Fat minimum of 18.00% is also substantial, which is important for providing energy as well as supporting healthy skin and coat. The fat content is likely to come from the chicken fat, which is a high-quality source of animal fat, as well as the salmon meal and salmon oil, which are rich in essential fatty acids, including omega-3s that are beneficial for cognitive development and overall health.

The Crude Fiber maximum of 4.50% reflects the amount of indigestible plant material in the food, which aids in digestion and stool quality. The ingredients contributing to fiber content include peas, lentils, ground flaxseed, tomato pomace, and various fruits and vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, carrots, apples, and blueberries. These ingredients provide not only fiber but also a range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Calories of 3927.00 per kg indicate the energy density of the food. The caloric content is influenced by the proportions of protein, fat, and carbohydrates in the food. Protein and fat are more calorie-dense than carbohydrates, so the high protein and fat content in this formula contribute to its overall calorie content.

Overall, the guaranteed analysis values reflect a diet formulated to meet the nutritional needs of growing puppies, with a particular emphasis on high-quality animal proteins and fats, balanced with a moderate amount of fiber from plant sources.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Wellness Core Grain Free Puppy - Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal & Salmon Meal Recipe For Small Breed Dogs costs approximately $4.32 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppy
5 lbs $15.07
10 lbs $25.35
15 lbs $34.36
20 lbs $42.63
30 lbs $57.78

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Many customers have expressed satisfaction with Wellness Core Grain Free Puppy food, noting that their puppies enjoy the taste and benefit from the quality ingredients. For instance, a Malshi owner praised the product, sharing that their puppy loves it, while a pug owner observed a noticeable improvement in their puppy's coat and skin health, attributing it to the food's nutritional value.

Some pet parents have found the small triangle-shaped kibble to be perfect for their small breed puppies, like a Yorkie owner who reported a smooth transition from another brand without any digestive issues. The grain-free formula was specifically chosen to prevent potential stomach sensitivities and allergies. Another customer mentioned that their American bully pup adores the food, although they wish it was available in larger bag sizes.

A Shih Tzu and a toy poodle owner both reported that the kibble size is ideal for their small dogs' teeth, and a customer who mixes the dry food with canned Wellness puppy food has observed their puppy's eagerness at mealtime. The brand has even attracted the attention of a feline friend, as one reviewer noted that their cat, along with their Teacup and Toy Schnauzers, loves the small bite sizes.

Negative reviews, often related to individual dogs' preferences or digestive issues, are contrasted by the positive experiences of other dogs, suggesting that while not every product is suitable for every pet, Wellness Core Grain Free Puppy food has been beneficial and well-received by many puppies and their owners.