9 out of 10 dog owners are feeding their dog the wrong food
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Shelter manager, certified canine nutritionist, and lifelong dog lover
• Bare-minimum nutrition – Dog Chow meets AAFCO standards but uses low-quality ingredients like unnamed meat meals, corn, and wheat, with only 21% protein and 10% fat content.
• Budget-friendly but poor value – Costs $0.70-$1.20 per pound, making it affordable, but competitors like Kirkland Signature offer better ingredients at similar prices.
• High carbohydrate content – Contains an estimated 50-60% carbs from corn and wheat, leading to larger stool volume and less satiety compared to higher-fat formulas.
• Limited suitability – Only appropriate for healthy adult dogs with no allergies; not suitable for puppies, seniors, active dogs, or those with sensitivities to grains.
• Quality control concerns – Recent customer complaints about formula changes, strange odors, and batch inconsistencies, despite having a relatively clean recall history overall.
Dog Chow launched in 1957 under the Purina brand, which itself dates back to 1894 when William H. Danforth founded Purina Mills with an emphasis on product purity—hence the name. The brand was actually a pioneer in dry dog food, introducing the world’s first kibble back in 1926 with the original Purina Dog Chow. Since 2001, it’s been owned by Nestlé Purina PetCare, giving it the backing of one of the world’s largest food conglomerates.
Dog Chow positions itself as affordable, everyday nutrition for the average dog owner. The core values revolve around accessibility and reliability—this isn’t a premium brand making bold claims about exotic proteins or grain-free formulas. Instead, it’s designed for multi-dog households, budget-conscious families, and anyone who wants a straightforward, no-frills kibble that meets basic nutritional standards. The brand emphasizes its long history and scientific foundation, pointing to Purina’s research facilities and decades of feeding trials.
That said, Dog Chow’s reputation is decidedly mixed in 2025. Among traditional pet owners and veterinarians who value affordability and AAFCO compliance, it’s seen as a solid, if unremarkable, choice. But in the age of ingredient transparency and pet humanization—where owners scrutinize every component and compare brands like they’re shopping for their own dinner—Dog Chow falls short. Independent reviewers like Dog Food Advisor give it a one-star rating, citing unnamed meat sources, heavy reliance on grains, and below-average protein content. The brand’s market share is flat to slightly declining as consumers shift toward premium and specialty options.
Dog Chow’s protein lineup is where things get underwhelming. Depending on the formula—chicken, beef, or lamb—you’ll see “real chicken,” “real beef,” or “lamb” listed as the first ingredient. That sounds promising until you realize that whole meat contains about 70% water, so once it’s cooked and dried into kibble, it shrinks significantly. What follows in the ingredient list tells the real story: meat and bone meal, corn gluten meal, and soybean meal. These are all protein sources, but they’re far from premium.
Meat and bone meal is a rendered product—essentially leftover animal parts (bones, connective tissue, some meat) cooked down and dried. It’s not inherently dangerous, but it’s a lower-quality protein compared to named meat meals like “chicken meal” or “lamb meal,” which at least specify the animal source. Corn gluten meal and soybean meal are plant-based proteins used to boost the overall protein percentage on paper, but they don’t provide the same amino acid profile or digestibility as animal protein. For a dog, this means the 21% protein you see on the label isn’t as biologically valuable as 21% from, say, chicken and fish meal.
The carbohydrate load in Dog Chow is high—likely in the 50–60% range, though the brand doesn’t publish exact figures. The main culprits are whole grain corn, wheat flour, and soybean meal. These ingredients are cheap, shelf-stable, and provide bulk and binding for kibble production, but they’re not what your dog’s digestive system evolved to handle in large quantities. Dogs can digest grains, sure, but they thrive on diets higher in animal protein and fat.
Corn and wheat also raise red flags for dogs with sensitivities or allergies. While true grain allergies are less common than people think, these ingredients can contribute to itching, ear infections, and digestive upset in some dogs. The high carb content also means more stool volume—something you’ll notice when you’re picking up after your dog in the backyard.
Dog Chow includes animal fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols, a form of vitamin E) as its primary fat source. This is fine—it provides essential fatty acids and makes the kibble more palatable. However, the fat content is on the lower side, typically around 10–12%. For an active dog, that’s borderline inadequate. Fat is a crucial energy source and supports skin and coat health, so a higher percentage would be beneficial for most dogs.
The kibble is fortified with 23 vitamins and minerals, which is standard practice and necessary to meet AAFCO requirements. There are no artificial flavors or colors, which is a plus. But there’s also no evidence of functional additives like probiotics, glucosamine for joint health, or meaningful levels of omega-3 fatty acids beyond what’s naturally present in the ingredients. It’s a bare-bones approach—meeting minimums, not exceeding them.
| Price per pound | $0.70 – $1.20 |
| Primary protein | Real chicken, beef, lamb |
| By-products | Yes (meat and bone meal) |
| AAFCO compliance | Yes (adult maintenance) |
| Formula options | Limited (chicken, beef, lamb, small bites) |
| Availability | Widely available (grocery stores, Walmart, Target) |
Dog Chow’s guaranteed analysis typically shows around 21% protein, 10% fat, and less than 4.5% fiber, with moisture under 12%. These numbers meet AAFCO standards for adult maintenance, meaning the food is legally “complete and balanced.” But meeting the minimum isn’t the same as being optimal. Compare this to premium brands like Purina Pro Plan or Orijen, which often hit 30–40% protein and 15–20% fat, and the gap becomes obvious.
The protein-to-fat ratio is skewed toward protein, which isn’t inherently bad, but given that much of the protein comes from plant sources, the actual bioavailable protein for your dog is lower than the label suggests. The moderate fat content means this food is less calorie-dense, so you’ll need to feed larger portions to meet your dog’s energy needs—especially for active or working dogs. For a couch potato or a senior dog with low activity levels, this might actually be fine.
Carbohydrates, as mentioned, dominate the formula. While Dog Chow doesn’t publish exact carb percentages, you can estimate them by subtracting protein, fat, fiber, moisture, and ash from 100%. The result is likely 50–60% carbs, which is high even by kibble standards. This isn’t necessarily harmful, but it’s not ideal for dogs prone to weight gain, diabetes, or those who need sustained energy from fat and protein rather than quick-burning carbs.
Micronutrients are covered through synthetic supplementation—vitamins A, D, E, B-complex, and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. There’s no detailed breakdown of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid levels, and no mention of joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine or chondroitin. If your dog has specific health needs—joint support, skin issues, or digestive sensitivities—you’re not going to find targeted nutrition here.
Dog Chow makes sense for healthy adult dogs with no special dietary needs. If you have a medium to large breed, normal activity level, no allergies, and a tight budget, this food will keep your dog fed without breaking the bank. It’s also a reasonable choice for multi-dog households where feeding premium kibble to three or four dogs would cost a small fortune. The food is widely available—you can grab a bag at Walmart, Target, or any grocery store—so convenience is another factor.
For low-maintenance dogs who aren’t picky, don’t have sensitive stomachs, and aren’t prone to weight issues, Dog Chow will do the job. You’ll meet their basic nutritional needs, and many dogs will eat it without complaint. If your dog has been on this food for years with no problems, there’s not necessarily a reason to switch just because it’s not the trendiest brand on the market.
Where Dog Chow falls short is with puppies, seniors, and dogs with health conditions. There’s no puppy-specific formula in the Dog Chow line, and puppies have very different nutritional needs—higher protein, higher fat, and specific calcium-to-phosphorus ratios for proper growth. Feeding an adult maintenance formula to a growing puppy is asking for trouble.
Similarly, senior dogs benefit from formulas with joint support, lower calories (if they’re less active), and higher-quality protein to maintain muscle mass. Dog Chow doesn’t offer any of that. If your dog is entering their golden years, you’re better off looking at brands with dedicated senior lines.
Dogs with allergies, sensitivities, or chronic health issues should avoid Dog Chow. The corn, wheat, and soy are common irritants, and the unnamed meat sources make it impossible to pinpoint what might be causing a reaction. If your dog has itchy skin, ear infections, or digestive upset, this food could be making it worse. There are no grain-free, limited-ingredient, or hypoallergenic options under the Dog Chow brand—if that’s what you need, you’ll have to shop elsewhere.
Finally, highly active dogs or working breeds need more fat and higher-quality protein than Dog Chow provides. The low fat content means less energy density, so you’ll have to feed more volume to meet their caloric needs. That’s not only more expensive in the long run, but it can also lead to digestive issues and larger stools. A performance or active-formula kibble from a brand like Purina Pro Plan or Diamond Naturals would be a better fit.
Here’s where Dog Chow actually does okay. The majority of dogs—around 65% according to customer reviews—eat it willingly and seem to enjoy it. The chicken and beef flavors are the most popular, with lamb trailing a bit. The kibble is coated with animal fat, which boosts palatability, and the texture is standard for dry food—nothing unusual that would turn dogs off.
That said, there are plenty of reports of dogs refusing to eat Dog Chow, especially after a formula change. About 12% of negative reviews mention dogs turning their noses up at the food, and another 7% report dogs who loved it initially but then suddenly refused it. This could be due to batch inconsistencies or subtle recipe tweaks that Purina doesn’t always publicize. If your dog is picky, there’s a decent chance this won’t be their favorite.
Feeding Dog Chow is straightforward—no special prep, just scoop and serve. The kibble size is medium, which works for most breeds. Smaller dogs might struggle with larger pieces, but there’s a “small bites” version available. The food doesn’t smell particularly strong, which is a plus if you’re sensitive to dog food odors, though some reviewers have complained about a strange or rancid smell in certain bags—a potential sign of quality control issues.
Dog Chow is cheap—there’s no getting around it. You’re looking at roughly $0.70 to $1.20 per pound depending on where you buy and what size bag you choose. For a 30-pound adult dog eating about 2 cups a day, your annual cost is somewhere in the $100–$150 range. That’s about as low as you’ll find for a branded dry food.
The question is whether you’re getting good value or just getting what you pay for. In my opinion, it’s the latter. Yes, the food meets AAFCO standards and won’t poison your dog, but the ingredient quality is bottom-tier. You’re paying for corn, wheat, and unnamed animal by-products held together with just enough real meat to make the label look acceptable. Compare this to something like Purina Pro Plan, which costs about twice as much per pound but delivers significantly better protein sources, higher fat content, and functional ingredients like probiotics and omega fatty acids. Or look at Kirkland Signature from Costco, which is similarly priced to Dog Chow but often uses better ingredients.
If you’re genuinely stretched thin financially, Dog Chow is better than the absolute cheapest options like Ol’ Roy or some generic store brands. But if you can afford to spend even a little more—say, $200–$250 a year instead of $150—you’ll see a meaningful upgrade in quality. For most dog owners, that’s doable, and it’s worth it for better digestion, coat health, and long-term wellness.
Dog Chow is manufactured in the United States at multiple Purina facilities, including plants in Eden, North Carolina; Williamsburg Township, Ohio; Hartwell, Georgia; and Clinton, Iowa. Purina operates under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and claims to follow HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) protocols, though specific certifications per plant aren’t publicly detailed.
The brand has a relatively clean recall history, with no major incidents in recent years. That’s a point in its favor—some budget brands have been hit with salmonella or aflatoxin recalls, and Dog Chow has avoided that. However, in 2024, the FDA conducted an investigation after receiving around 1,300 complaints about Purina products, including Dog Chow. The investigation found no evidence of contamination or formula defects, though the company did receive a citation for failing to update its food safety plan after being notified of complaints. The issue was procedural, not a product safety failure, but it does highlight that customer complaints are frequent enough to warrant federal attention.
There are also scattered reports of batch inconsistencies—bags that smell off, kibble that looks different, or dogs getting sick after eating from a new bag. These aren’t widespread, but they’re common enough to suggest quality control isn’t as tight as it should be. For a brand backed by Nestlé, that’s disappointing.
Purina, as part of Nestlé, has corporate-level sustainability goals, including reducing carbon footprint, improving packaging recyclability, and sourcing responsibly. However, none of this is detailed at the Dog Chow brand level. You won’t find information about where the chicken or beef comes from, whether suppliers meet animal welfare standards, or what percentage of packaging is actually recycled.
The bags are standard multi-layer plastic, which isn’t recyclable in most municipal programs. There’s no mention of biodegradable or compostable packaging, and no take-back or recycling program for empty bags. If sustainability is a priority for you, this is a weak spot.
Purina conducts nutritional research using animals at its PetCare Center, which houses over 1,000 dogs and cats. The company states these animals live in a home-like environment and are used for feeding trials and palatability studies, but detailed welfare policies aren’t public. If you’re opposed to animal testing in any form, this may be a concern.
I tested Dog Chow Complete Adult with Real Chicken with a dog named Benny, a five-year-old mixed breed (looks like a Lab-Beagle cross) who’s been at the shelter for about three months. Benny’s a friendly, easygoing guy with no major health issues—no allergies, no digestive problems, just your average medium-sized dog who likes belly rubs and chasing tennis balls. He’d been eating a generic store-brand kibble before we switched him to Dog Chow, so this wasn’t a huge leap in quality, but I was curious to see if there’d be any noticeable difference.
The first thing I noticed was that Benny didn’t hesitate at all when we introduced the new food. We mixed it gradually over a week, and he ate it just as enthusiastically as his old kibble—no sniffing suspiciously or leaving food in the bowl. That’s a good sign for a shelter dog, since stress can make some of them picky eaters. His energy level stayed consistent throughout the test period, which is exactly what you’d expect from a healthy adult dog on a maintenance diet. No big boost, no drop-off, just steady.
His coat didn’t change much. It was already in decent shape—a little dull, maybe, but that’s common for shelter dogs who’ve been through a lot. After a few weeks on Dog Chow, I didn’t see any dramatic shine or softness improvement, but it didn’t get worse either. His stools were firm and regular, maybe slightly larger in volume than before, which tracks with the higher carb content. No diarrhea, no gas issues, just normal dog digestion.
The one thing I did notice was that Benny seemed hungrier than usual. He’d finish his meals quickly and then look at me like, “That’s it?” We were feeding him according to the guidelines on the bag, so it wasn’t an underfeeding issue—I think the lower fat content just meant he wasn’t feeling as satisfied. We adjusted his portions slightly upward, and that seemed to help. For a shelter environment where we’re managing costs across dozens of dogs, that’s not ideal, but it’s manageable.
Overall, Benny did fine on Dog Chow. It didn’t blow me away, but it didn’t cause any problems either. He ate it, digested it, and went about his day. If you’re looking for a food that will transform your dog’s health or energy, this isn’t it. But if you need something reliable and affordable that won’t upset your dog’s stomach, it gets the job done.
Customer reviews for Dog Chow are all over the map, which makes sense given the brand’s massive reach and budget positioning. Across major platforms like Chewy, Amazon, Walmart, and PetSmart, the average rating hovers around 4.3 out of 5 stars, based on tens of thousands of reviews. That sounds decent until you dig into the details.
The most common positive feedback centers on affordability and acceptance. About 65% of reviewers say their dogs eat Dog Chow willingly, with many praising the chicken and beef flavors specifically. Owners mention improvements in coat shine, firmer stools, and steady energy—pretty standard stuff for a kibble that meets basic nutritional needs. One long-term user on PetSmart wrote, “Been feeding Purina for 8 years. Never had a recall issue, and my vet still recommends the brand for regular maintenance.”
But the negative reviews are hard to ignore. About 12% of reviewers report dogs refusing to eat the food, either from the start or after a formula change. Digestive issues—diarrhea, vomiting, excessive gas—come up in roughly 9% of reviews, with the beef formula getting hit hardest. There are also complaints about strange odors, inconsistent kibble appearance, and even mold in a few bags. One frustrated owner on Walmart wrote, “Stinky stinky stinky. The whole bag had a strange odor and my dog refused to eat even a single kibble.”
Allergic reactions pop up in about 6% of reviews, with itching, scratching, and ear infections being the most common symptoms. This isn’t surprising given the corn, wheat, and soy in the formula. A handful of reviewers mention more serious health issues—pancreatitis, kidney problems—but it’s unclear whether the food was directly responsible or just coincidental.
What stands out is the spike in complaints after formula changes. In 2024 and 2025, there’s been a noticeable uptick in reviews mentioning that the food “isn’t what it used to be” or that dogs who loved it for years suddenly won’t touch it. Purina hasn’t publicly announced major reformulations, but something’s clearly shifted, and customers aren’t happy about it.
Dog Chow sits squarely in the budget segment, competing with brands like Pedigree, Kibbles ‘n Bits, and Walmart’s Ol’ Roy. Against those, it holds its own—slightly better ingredient transparency, a longer track record, and fewer recalls. But it’s not a standout. Pedigree, for example, is similarly priced and has comparable (if not slightly better) protein sources in some formulas.
Move up even one tier, and the differences become stark. Purina Pro Plan, which is made by the same parent company, costs about twice as much per pound but delivers named meat meals, higher protein and fat, probiotics, and omega fatty acids. If you can afford the extra $10–$15 a month, Pro Plan is a significantly better choice. Brands like Diamond Naturals, Kirkland Signature (Costco), and Nutro also offer better ingredient quality at only a modest price increase.
In the premium space—Blue Buffalo, Orijen, Wellness—Dog Chow doesn’t even compete. Those brands are two to three times the price, but they’re targeting a completely different customer: people who prioritize ingredient sourcing, grain-free options, and high meat content. If that’s you, Dog Chow isn’t on your radar anyway.
Curious how Dog Chow stacks up against another Purina product? Check out our Moist and Meaty review to see how this semi-moist option compares in terms of ingredients, nutrition, and value.
Dog Chow is best suited for healthy adult dogs with no special dietary needs. If you have a medium to large breed, normal activity level, no known allergies, and a budget that doesn’t allow for premium kibble, this food will meet your dog’s basic nutritional requirements. It’s also a practical choice for multi-dog households where feeding several dogs a high-end brand would be financially prohibitive.
It’s not suitable for puppies, as there’s no puppy-specific formula in the Dog Chow line, and growing dogs need higher protein, fat, and specific mineral ratios. It’s also not ideal for senior dogs, who benefit from joint support, higher-quality protein, and often lower calories. If your dog is entering their senior years, look for a brand with a dedicated senior formula.
Dogs with allergies, sensitivities, or chronic health conditions should avoid Dog Chow. The corn, wheat, and soy are common allergens, and the unnamed meat sources make it difficult to identify triggers. If your dog has itchy skin, ear infections, or digestive issues, this food could be contributing to the problem. There are no grain-free, limited-ingredient, or hypoallergenic options under Dog Chow.
Highly active dogs or working breeds will also struggle on this food. The low fat content (around 10%) means less energy density, so you’ll need to feed larger portions to meet their caloric needs. That’s not only more expensive, but it can also lead to digestive upset and larger stools. A performance kibble with 15–20% fat would be a better fit.
Honestly? Dog Chow is mediocre. It’s not dangerous, and it’s not going to make your dog sick if they’re healthy and tolerant of grains. But it’s not good, either. The ingredients are low-quality—unnamed meat sources, heavy reliance on corn and wheat, and minimal functional additives. The protein and fat levels are bare-minimum, and the high carb content means more stool volume and less satiety for your dog. You’re essentially paying for the cheapest kibble that can legally call itself “complete and balanced.”
Would I feed this to my own dog? No. Even on a tight budget, I’d spend the extra $10–$15 a month to move up to something like Kirkland Signature, Diamond Naturals, or Purina Pro Plan. The difference in ingredient quality and nutritional value is significant, and it’s worth it for better digestion, coat health, and long-term wellness. If I were genuinely broke and had no other option, sure, Dog Chow is better than feeding table scraps or the absolute bottom-barrel brands. But it’s not a choice I’d make if I had any flexibility in my budget.
Would I recommend it to a friend? Only if they’re in a tough financial spot and need something readily available. For everyone else, I’d say look at fresh dog food options if you can afford it, or at least step up to a mid-tier kibble. Your dog deserves better than the bare minimum, and the long-term health benefits of higher-quality food will likely save you money on vet bills down the road.
Dog Chow is what it’s always been: a mass-market, budget kibble that gets the job done for healthy, non-picky dogs with no special needs. It’s not a scam, and it’s not going to hurt your dog in the short term. But there are better options out there, even at similar price points, and I think most dog owners would be happier with something else.
Dog Chow is mediocre at best. While it meets AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition, the ingredient quality is low—featuring unnamed meat sources, heavy reliance on corn and wheat, and minimal functional additives. It’s cheap and won’t harm healthy dogs, but there are significantly better options available even at similar price points. If you can afford to spend an extra $10-15 per month, brands like Kirkland Signature or Purina Pro Plan offer much better nutritional value.
The primary ingredients include whole meat (chicken, beef, or lamb) as the first ingredient, followed by meat and bone meal, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, wheat flour, and soybean meal. The protein content is around 21% and fat is about 10-12%, with estimated carbohydrates making up 50-60% of the formula. It’s fortified with 23 vitamins and minerals but lacks functional ingredients like probiotics or joint support supplements.
No, Dog Chow is not suitable for puppies. There’s no puppy-specific formula in the Dog Chow line, and puppies have very different nutritional needs than adult dogs—they require higher protein, higher fat content, and specific calcium-to-phosphorus ratios for proper growth and development. Feeding an adult maintenance formula to a growing puppy can lead to developmental issues.
Absolutely not. Dog Chow contains common allergens including corn, wheat, and soy, which can trigger reactions in sensitive dogs. The unnamed meat sources also make it impossible to identify specific protein triggers if your dog has food allergies. If your dog has allergies, sensitivities, or chronic health conditions like itchy skin or ear infections, this food could make the problems worse.
Dog Chow is very budget-friendly at roughly $0.70 to $1.20 per pound, making annual feeding costs around $100-150 for a 30-pound dog. However, you get what you pay for—the ingredient quality is bottom-tier. Premium brands cost 2-3 times more, while mid-tier options like Purina Pro Plan cost about twice as much but deliver significantly better nutrition and ingredients.
This is surprisingly common. About 12% of customer reviews mention dogs refusing to eat Dog Chow, either from the start or after apparent formula changes. There’s been a noticeable spike in complaints in 2024-2025 about the food “not being what it used to be,” suggesting subtle recipe modifications that dogs can detect even when not publicly announced by Purina.
Dog Chow has a relatively clean recall history with no major incidents in recent years. However, in 2024, the FDA investigated after receiving around 1,300 complaints about Purina products, including Dog Chow. While no contamination was found, the company did receive a citation for procedural issues related to their food safety plan updates.
No, Dog Chow isn’t ideal for senior dogs. Older dogs benefit from formulas with joint support ingredients like glucosamine, higher-quality protein to maintain muscle mass, and often lower calories if they’re less active. Dog Chow offers none of these senior-specific nutritional considerations and uses lower-quality protein sources that aren’t optimal for aging dogs.
Dog Chow is Purina’s budget option, while Purina Pro Plan (made by the same company) costs about twice as much but delivers named meat meals, higher protein and fat content, probiotics, and omega fatty acids. The quality difference is significant—if you can afford the extra cost, Pro Plan is a much better choice from the same manufacturer.
Yes, Dog Chow is actually designed with multi-dog households in mind, as feeding several dogs a premium brand can be financially prohibitive. However, this only works if all your dogs are healthy adults with no special dietary needs, allergies, or sensitivities. If any of your dogs have health issues or are at different life stages (puppy, senior), you’ll need different formulas anyway.
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