Wellness Core Grain Free Large Breed Original Formula - Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal & Turkey Meal Recipe Review

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Review of Wellness Core Grain Free Large Breed Original Formula - Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal & Turkey Meal Recipe

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 Grain Free Large Breed Original Formula - Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal & Turkey Meal Recipe 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 Grain Free Large Breed Original Formula - Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal & Turkey Meal Recipe, we'll examine all 55 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. Chicken is a lean, easily digestible source of protein that provides essential nutrients for your dog's growth and maintenance. It's also a great source of vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

  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. 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.

  4. 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.

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

  6. Dried ground potatoes are a common ingredient in grain-free dog foods. They're a great source of digestible carbohydrates, providing energy for your dog, and also contain essential nutrients like potassium and vitamins C and B6.

  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. Pea fiber is a natural source of dietary fiber for dogs that helps support digestive health and overall well-being. It also aids in weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness, making it a valuable addition to dog food formulas.

  10. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

  17. 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.

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

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

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

  21. 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.

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

  23. L-carnitine is an essential nutrient that helps your dog's body convert fat into energy, promoting a healthy weight and supporting their overall well-being.

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

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

  26. 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.

  27. 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.

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

  29. 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.

  30. 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.

  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. 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.

  44. 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.

  45. 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.

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

  47. 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.

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

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

  50. 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.

  51. 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.

  52. 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.

  53. 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.

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

  55. 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 34.00% is primarily contributed by the Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, and Turkey Meal. These are all high-quality sources of animal protein that contribute to the high protein content of the food. The Chicken Meal and Turkey Meal also serve as sources of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate, respectively, which are beneficial for joint health.

The Crude Fat minimum of 12.00% is likely contributed by the Deboned Chicken and Chicken Fat. Chicken fat is a concentrated source of energy for dogs, and it also provides essential fatty acids for skin and coat health.

The Crude Fiber maximum of 6.00% is likely derived from the Lentils, Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes, Tomato Pomace, Ground Flaxseed, and Pea Fiber. These ingredients are all sources of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps to create a feeling of fullness.

The calorie content of 3492.00 per kg is derived from all the ingredients combined, but the primary contributors are likely the protein and fat sources (i.e., the deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, and chicken fat) as they are high in caloric value.

In addition, the fruits and vegetables (Spinach, Broccoli, Carrots, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries, Kale) provide essential vitamins and minerals, while the added supplements (e.g., Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, etc.) ensure a well-rounded nutrient profile. The fermentation products and extracts at the end of the ingredient list contribute to a healthy gut microbiome and provide antioxidant benefits.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Wellness Core Grain Free Large Breed Original Formula - Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal & Turkey Meal Recipe costs approximately $3.12 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Many customers praised the Wellness Core Grain Free Large Breed Original Formula for its high-quality ingredients and noticeable impact on their dogs' health. One customer noted that their rescue dog, who was overweight, slimmed down and became more active after a few months on this food. Another customer stated that their previously lethargic dog was full of energy and had a healthier coat after a week of eating this food.

Several customers mentioned that their dogs, who were previously picky eaters, loved this product. One customer pointed out that their dog, who typically turned up her nose at dry kibble, began eating Wellness Core immediately. Another customer noted that their dog, who had previously been a finicky eater, was eating this food as if it were a treat.

Customers also appreciated the added health benefits of the food. One customer noted that their German shepherd seemed to enjoy the food and appreciated that it contained glucosamine and chondroitin to help protect her joints. Another customer mentioned that they liked the fact that the food was grain-free, which prevented allergic reactions in their dog.

However, some customers had mixed experiences with the product. A few customers mentioned that while their dogs initially liked the food, they lost interest after a few months. Some customers also raised concerns about the freshness and quality of the food, noting that it seemed dull or dusty.

Despite some negative feedback, many customers remained loyal to the brand and would continue to purchase the product due to its high-quality ingredients and positive effects on their dogs' health. A few customers also mentioned that they appreciated the larger kibble size, which was hard to find in other brands.