wholesomes sensitive skin and stomach salmon dog food reviews
Consistency Issues
We had a great run with this food for our rescue dog with stomach sensitivities. She truly can't tolerate most proteins, like chicken, so a salmon only food is very important. I noticed each bag looked a little different, but tried to give the smaller company the benefit of the doubt. One bag of food we got in January 2024 again looked different and absolutely destroyed our dog's stomach. My hunch is there was a cross contamination issue with other foods but I can't know for sure. Unfortunately we'll no longer buy this food since our dog is so sensitive but our other pup did just fine on it regardless.
Stopped the Itching!
We've been using Wholesomes for about three years now. We switched over due to itching from another popular brand. The itching just never fully went away until I read the label on the beef and found that it contained chicken. We switched to the sensitive skin/salmon flavor and haven't had any itching since!
By Ashley on Apr 15, 2024
Gave my dogs diarrhea
Was looking for a cheaper alternative for purina and found this. My one dog has a sensitive stomach and does better on salmon so I figured Id give this a try. Well that dog is ok on it, still soft stool at times, but it gave my other 2 really bad diarrhea. I stopped feeding this and the diarrhea resolved almost immediately.
By goldendogmom on Feb 8, 2024
my dogs quit eating it
Ive used this dog food for well over a year and in the last six weeks both my dogs have quit eating it randomly. It Started out slow but then one wouldnt eat for two days and a few days later the other wouldnt and it just cycled like that, We also started seeing allergy issues, skin irritation in both. It could be unrelated, but I ran out of food yesterday and used my backup (different brand) and both dogs ate it immediately, today I got my delivery and my older golden refused to eat it. She took me to the treat cupboard multiple times until hours later after telling her no treats bc she didnt eat her dinner, did it click that I keep my backup dogfood in that cupboard. I dumped out half her dish and mixed it and she ate immediately. (With my other dog wanting an extra dinner haha) . . It could all be coincidence, so I will update my review once I find a suitable substitute and can compare for a reasonable period of time.
By Shannon on Mar 20, 2024
Complete Nutrition
This food is perfect for dogs with chicken allergies plus great for the skin and coat. My dogs love this food. I switched to this food after my dogs were getting ill from Purina pro plan sensitive skin and coat. Wish I would have known about this food earlier. Happy with my choice.
review
I would be happier If Fed Ex would deliver your package to the right address... the last two orders went somewhere else ,but I'm lucky that person is bringing them to my house .....
By Melissa on Mar 12, 2024
Will not purchase again
My Rott was hesitant but finally ate bits and pieces here and there. She now has horrible diarrhea. My Lab/Boxer will eat it but isn't excited about it. I will not purchase this food again.
By Bethany on Dec 14, 2023
something has changed
We have been feeding our pit-bull this food since he was 8 weeks old. all three dogs love the taste. one dog became allergic to the beef formula, and our 2 year old suddenly developed stomach issues. So we changed to the lamb formula thinking that would solve the allergy and the one with seriously loose stool. NOPE...after $700 vet bill, meds, tests, and one pup loosing 50 lbs (not because he wasn't eating, stools were ultra runny) we had to switch to perscription food. Now the other 2 dogs can eat this brand just fine, except the beef formula. But our 2 year old absolutely can not eat this brand anymore. Something has changed....he was eating it just fine for 2 years, then like over night with a new bag he couldn't eat it. Now I have to find something else, or continue to pay $90 for a 14lb bag of food every week. Something changed in the formula and I can not see us feeding our dogs this food anymore. very disappointed. I know all dogs bellys are different, I can only speak on ours.
whats different?!
Something is different in this food. This was the ONLY food my GSP could eat and now he has constant stomach issues. He only eats the whitefish kind and has for over a year. This last month hes been very bloated with diarrhea and looks like his skin is getting irritated.
By Kortney on Feb 11, 2024
dog is very hesitant on eating this food and itching terrible
Had to throw out a container of Purina due to whatever they switched. Dog kept throwing up everyday! Switched to this and now he is giving me a hard time to get him to eat. Pushes the bowl back at me and is itching terribly!! Ugh!
Wholesomes Dog Food Review: Rating, Pros & Cons, Recalls, and Ingredient Analysis
Wholesomes specializes in healthy and whole-grain pet food and offers different products catering to your pets specific nutritional needs. The brand uses quality ingredients to provide your furry friends with a balanced diet.
If you want to know if this brand is best for your pet, this Wholesomes Dog Food review provides details and insights into the brand and its best products.
Rating
Stacey Hannem
Based on Wholesomes Dog Food's ingredients, nutrition, and overall quality, we give it 4.5/5.
Based on Wholesomes Dog Food's ingredients, nutrition, and overall quality, we give it 4.5/5.4501
Good
*Find out more about our editorial & review standards
Wholesomes Overview
Wholesomes offers nutritious dog and cat food recipes formulated for various nutritional needs. Its also called SPORTMiX Wholesomes Dog Food, as they come from the same manufacturer.
However, note that the brand doesnt co-pack for other pet food brands and mainly manufactures its recipes.
Midwestern Pet Foods, a subsidiary of the Nunn Milling Company that was founded in 1926, mainly manufactures Wholesomes Dog Food, plus other lines like SPORTMiX Dog Food.
The company has facilities located in the following areas:
- Monmouth, Illinois
- Waverly, New York
- Evansville, Indiana
- Chickasha, Oklahoma
This brand offers whole-grain dog food, grain-free formula, protein-rich meal, and food for sensitive skin and stomach. Some of the meat flavors they offer include chicken, lamb, beef, salmon, and whitefish.
Is Wholesomes Dog Food Good?
Wholesomes offers one of the healthiest food options for adult dogs, puppies, and large breeds. Its products provide a complete nutritional profile and offer protein-rich, gluten-free, and whole-grain choices.
However, we recommend that dog owners look at the ingredients list and see if it contains appropriate ingredients for their pets.
Here are some pros and cons of using Wholesomes Dog Food:
Pros
- Offers a wide range of meat flavors
- Adjusts ingredients based on specific dietary needs
- Offers grain-free products and pet food for dogs with sensitive skin and stomach
- Incorporates nutritional and quality ingredients
- Provides balanced nutrition according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) requirements
- Made by a company with over 90 years of experience in the industry
- Doesnt include artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors
Cons
- Has had recalls in the past
- Contains a few questionable ingredients, like beet pulp
Best of Wholesomes Dog Food Products
The following products score one of the best ratings for Wholesomes:
1. Wholesomes Chicken Meal and Rice
The Wholesomes Chicken Meal and Rice Dry Dog Food provides high-quality chicken protein for dogs who need high-energy food. Its also fortified with omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and hair and fiber for healthy digestion.
This chicken meal and rice recipe meets AAFCOs nutrient profile for Adult Maintenance.
Nutrient Content
| Method | Protein | Fats | Carbs |
| Guaranteed Analysis | 24% | 14% | N/A |
| Dry Matter Basis | 27% | 15% | 48% |
| Calorie Weighted Basis | 23% | 33% | 44% |
Ingredients List: Chicken meal, brown rice, peas, rice bran, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), beet pulp, flaxseed, salt (potassium chloride), Vitamin E supplement, folic acid.
Ingredients Analysis
Wholesomes Chicken Meal and Rice Dry Dog Food contains chicken meal as the main ingredient, which is a chicken concentrate packed with protein. Meanwhile, flaxseed produces omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.
It also contains brown rice, which is an easily digestible carbohydrate. Other ingredients are peas and rice bran, which are good sources of carbohydrates, natural fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
However, despite its quality ingredients, the product contains beet pulp, a fiber filler that can be difficult to digest. It also includes a tiny form of selenium that could be toxic in high doses.
Keep in mind that it contains chicken fat, which may not suit dogs with chicken allergies.
- Controversial Ingredients: Chicken fat, beet pulp, and sodium selenite
- Estimated Meat Content: Chicken meal and preserved chicken fat
2. Wholesomes Beef Meal and Rice
The Wholesomes Beef Meal and Rice uses a high-quality beef meal as a primary source of protein and removes high-moisture protein and common grains like soy. It also includes fiber, omega-6, and omega-3 fatty acids for a complete diet.
Luckily, it meets the AAFCOs nutritional standards for Adult Maintenance.
Nutrient Content
| Method | Protein | Fats | Carbs |
| Guaranteed Analysis | 24% | 14% | N/A |
| Dry Matter Basis | 27% | 15% | 50% |
| Calorie Weighted Basis | 23% | 33% | 43% |
Ingredients List: Beef meal, brown rice, peas, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), pea starch, rice, beet pulp, flaxseed, salt, Vitamin B12 supplement, Vitamin D3 supplement.
Ingredients Analysis
The Wholesomes Beef Meal and Rice Dry Dog Food primarily uses beef meal, a beef concentrate thats high in protein. This ingredient makes it suitable for active dogs.
Meanwhile, it incorporates brown rice to provide digestible carbohydrates. Plus, the product includes peas for fiber, iron, and protein. And flaxseed offers omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.
It also includes nutrients like Vitamin E, Niacin (B3), Vitamin A, and Biotin for a healthy coat, skin, and nails.
However, like Chicken Meal and Rice Food, the product contains chicken fat, beet pulp, and sodium selenite.
- Controversial Ingredients: Chicken fat, beet pulp, and sodium selenite
- Estimated Meat Content: Beef meal and chicken fat
3. Wholesomes Sensitive Skin and Stomach With Lamb Protein
The Wholesomes Sensitive Skin and Stomach With Lamb Protein features pet food formulated to aid digestion and prevent skin irritation for pets with sensitive stomachs and skin. It uses lamb meal as its primary source of protein.
This product is suitable for All Life Stages, according to the AAFCO nutrient standard.
Nutrient Content
| Method | Protein | Fats | Carbs |
| Guaranteed Analysis | 23% | 13% | N/A |
| Dry Matter Basis | 26% | 14% | 50% |
| Calorie Weighted Basis | 23% | 32% | 45% |
Ingredients List: Lamb meal, brown rice, oatmeal, ground rice, dried eggs, pacific whiting meal, pearled barley, canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), dried beet pulp, rice bran.
Ingredients Analysis
The top ingredients contain proteins, like lamb meal, and alternatives to wheat and grain suitable for a dogs sensitive skin and stomach. Its fortified with DHA, Taurine, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and L-Carnitine.
The lamb meal provides the primary source of protein and L-Carnitine. Meanwhile, the pacific whiting meal offers a dose of DHA. Also, this pet food offers easily digestible carbohydrates like oatmeal, brown rice, ground rice, and pearled barley.
However, it includes dried beet pulp and sodium selenite, which can harm your dog. But the product contains small doses of these ingredients, making them safe for your canines to eat.
Note that the pacific whiting meal and dried egg content may trigger dogs with chicken, egg, or fish allergies.
- Controversial Ingredients: Dried eggs, pacific whiting meal, dried beet pulp, and sodium selenite
- Estimated Meat Content: Lamb meal and pacific whiting meal
Product Recalls 3 Recalls
As of writing, there have been three recalls from the FDA related to Wholesomes and its manufacturer. These include:
- Midwestern Pet Foods Voluntarily Recalls Pet Food Recall for Aflatoxin Health Risk (December 30, 2020)
- Midwestern Pet Foods Voluntarily Expands Recall of Pet Food for Aflatoxin Health Risk (January 11, 2021)
- Midwestern Pet Foods Voluntarily Recall Due to Possible Salmonella Health Risk (March 27, 2021)
The FDA has since terminated the completed recalls.
Although the company experienced a few recalls in the past, note that it only had three recalls in recent years. In addition, it has dealt with the recalls immediately and effectively.
Other Customer Reviews
Here are some online customer reviews from dog owners who have tried Wholesomes products:
Wholesomes Chicken Meal and Rice
Wholesomes Beef Meal and Rice
Wholesomes Sensitive Skin and Stomach With Lamb Protein
Wrap Up
Manufactured by a company with over 90 years in the industry, Wholesomes provides a range of dog foods that offer different flavors, grain-free options, balanced nutrients, and quality ingredients.
In addition, the brand steers away from artificial flavors, preservatives, and ingredients, making its pet food healthier and safer for dogs.
However, while Wholesomes provide exceptional pet food options, their recipes include controversial ingredients, such as sodium selenite and beet pulp. Fortunately, these are in small amounts, making them safe for dogs to consume.
Ultimately, we advise pet owners to look at the ingredients carefully.
We hope you find the best pet food for your furry friend. Let us know if you want more Wholesomes Dog Food reviews.
