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Shelter manager, certified canine nutritionist, and lifelong dog lover
• Protein-first formulas with transparent ingredients – Real meat or fish leads every recipe, followed by named meat meals, avoiding vague terms like “meat by-products” that hide lower-quality ingredients.
• Grain-inclusive approach sidesteps DCM concerns – Uses digestible whole grains like millet and oats instead of legumes, offering a safer alternative to trendy grain-free formulas linked to heart issues.
• Excellent for dogs with poultry sensitivities – Fish and Pork recipes consistently resolve chronic itching and ear infections in dogs who struggle with chicken-based foods.
• Limited scope but strong execution – No specialized formulas for puppies, seniors, or health conditions, but delivers reliable nutrition for healthy adult dogs at competitive mid-premium pricing.
• Clean safety record with practical palatability – Zero recalls since 2019 launch, with Fish Recipe particularly praised for winning over picky eaters who refuse other brands.
Inception is a relatively young brand in the dog food world, launched in 2019 under the ownership of Pets Global, a California-based company. While the exact founding story and the individuals behind the brand remain largely undisclosed, the company’s approach is clear: deliver high-quality, ingredient-focused nutrition without unnecessary filler or marketing fluff. Inception manufactures all its products in the United States, sourcing proteins from regions like Iowa for pork and Washington and Georgia for fish, though some ingredients do come from international suppliers including Canada, France, Brazil, Taiwan, and Turkey.
The brand’s core philosophy centers on simplicity and quality. Every recipe—whether dry or wet—lists real animal protein as the first ingredient, followed by healthy grains like millet, milo, and oats. There are no artificial colors, flavors, or chemical preservatives, and the brand avoids common allergens like soy, wheat, and corn. This positioning appeals to owners who want a cleaner label without diving into the grain-free trend, which has faced scrutiny in recent years due to potential links to canine heart disease.
Inception’s reputation is solid, particularly among specialty pet store shoppers and online buyers who prioritize ingredient transparency. The brand has maintained a clean safety record with no recalls reported as of 2025, which is a significant point in its favor. However, it lacks the widespread recognition and veterinary endorsement that brands like Hill’s or Royal Canin enjoy. If you’re looking for a niche, quality-focused brand that doesn’t try to be everything to everyone, Inception fits that mold. Just don’t expect the breadth of specialized formulas or the mass-market convenience of bigger players.
| Price per pound | $2.00 – $2.75 |
| Primary protein | Chicken, Pork, Whitefish, Catfish |
| By-products | None |
| AAFCO compliance | Yes (adult maintenance & all life stages) |
| Formula options | Limited (Chicken, Pork, Fish dry + wet recipes) |
| Availability | Specialty pet stores + online retailers |
When you flip over a bag of Inception, the first thing you’ll notice is how straightforward the ingredient panel is. Real meat or fish leads every recipe—chicken, pork, whitefish, or catfish—followed by a named meat meal (like chicken meal or pork meal), which concentrates protein and adds nutritional density. This is a strong start, especially compared to brands that bury their protein sources several ingredients down or rely on vague terms like “meat by-products.”
Inception’s protein sources are named and traceable. The Chicken Recipe uses chicken and chicken meal; the Pork Recipe features pork and pork meal; and the Fish Recipe includes whitefish and catfish meal. This clarity matters because it tells you exactly what your dog is eating, and it avoids the ambiguity that can hide lower-quality ingredients. Meat meals are often misunderstood—they’re not inferior as long as they’re named. In fact, because moisture has been removed, they deliver concentrated protein and essential amino acids.
The Fish Recipe is particularly popular among owners dealing with poultry allergies, as it’s completely chicken-free. This makes it a practical choice for dogs with sensitivities, and many reviewers specifically mention switching to this formula after their dogs struggled with itching or digestive upset on chicken-based foods.
Inception takes a deliberate stance by using whole grains rather than legumes or potatoes. Millet, milo, and oats form the carbohydrate backbone across all recipes. These grains are easier on digestion for many dogs compared to the chickpeas and lentils found in grain-free formulas, and they provide steady energy without the blood sugar spikes that can come from high-starch ingredients like white rice or tapioca.
This grain-inclusive approach also sidesteps the concerns around dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) that have been linked to grain-free diets heavy in legumes. If your dog doesn’t have a grain allergy—and most don’t—this is actually a safer and more digestible choice than many trendy grain-free options.
Flaxseed appears in every recipe, contributing omega-3 fatty acids that support skin, coat, and joint health. You’ll also find added taurine and L-carnitine, two amino acids that play important roles in heart function and metabolism. Taurine has become a standard addition in quality dog foods following research into DCM, and its inclusion here is a smart, proactive move.
Natural mixed tocopherols (a form of vitamin E) serve as the preservative, and rosemary extract adds antioxidant support. There are no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors—a clean profile that aligns with the brand’s no-nonsense positioning.
Inception doesn’t include probiotics or prebiotics in its formulas, which is a noticeable gap compared to some premium competitors. These ingredients can support digestive health and immune function, and their absence means you might need to add a separate supplement if your dog has a sensitive stomach or needs extra gut support. Additionally, there are no novel proteins like venison or duck, and no hydrolyzed protein options for dogs with severe allergies.
Inception’s dry recipes deliver 25% minimum protein and 15% minimum fat on a guaranteed analysis basis. When you convert these figures to a dry matter basis (removing moisture), protein climbs to around 28% and fat to approximately 17%. These are solid numbers that meet and exceed AAFCO standards for adult maintenance and all life stages, though the brand notes that its formulas are not suitable for large-breed puppies or seniors.
The protein levels are competitive with premium brands like Purina Pro Plan and Blue Buffalo, and the fat content supports energy needs without pushing into the high-fat territory that can be problematic for less active dogs or those prone to pancreatitis. Estimated carbohydrate content sits around 47% on a dry matter basis, which is moderate and typical for grain-inclusive kibbles.
Caloric density ranges from approximately 3,670 to 3,700 kcal/kg across the dry recipes, translating to roughly 365–410 kcal per cup depending on the formula. This makes portion control straightforward, and the energy density is appropriate for active adults without being so calorie-dense that you risk overfeeding a less active dog.
Inception includes a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals to meet AAFCO requirements, with particular attention to omega fatty acids, taurine, and L-carnitine. The omega-3 and omega-6 balance from flaxseed and animal fats supports skin and coat health, which is a common benefit mentioned in user reviews. However, the brand doesn’t publish detailed micronutrient breakdowns or third-party lab testing results, so you’re relying on the guaranteed analysis and AAFCO compliance rather than independent verification.
Inception’s wet recipes follow the same protein-first philosophy, with 9% minimum protein and 6% minimum fat on an as-fed basis. These figures are lower than the dry food when you look at them directly, but that’s because wet food contains significantly more moisture. On a dry matter basis, the wet formulas are nutritionally comparable to the kibble, making them a solid choice for mixed feeding or for dogs who need extra hydration.
Inception is designed for adult dogs of all sizes, with some recipes labeled for all life stages. However, the brand explicitly states that its formulas are not appropriate for large-breed puppies or senior dogs, which limits its versatility if you have a growing Great Dane or an aging Labrador with specific joint or kidney needs.
If your dog has poultry allergies or sensitivities, the Fish or Pork recipes are worth serious consideration. Many owners report that switching to these formulas resolved chronic itching, ear infections, or digestive upset that persisted on chicken-based foods. The grain-inclusive approach also makes Inception a smart choice for dogs who don’t tolerate legume-heavy grain-free diets, and the straightforward ingredient list is ideal for owners who want to know exactly what they’re feeding without decoding a long list of additives.
Active adult dogs will appreciate the protein and fat levels, which support energy and muscle maintenance without the need for a performance-specific formula. And if you’re dealing with a picky eater, the Fish Recipe in particular has a strong track record of winning over dogs who turn their noses up at other brands.
Large-breed puppies need carefully balanced calcium and phosphorus to support healthy bone development, and Inception doesn’t offer a formula tailored to these needs. Similarly, senior dogs often benefit from lower protein and phosphorus levels to ease the burden on aging kidneys, as well as added joint support—none of which Inception provides in a dedicated formula.
If your dog requires a grain-free diet due to a genuine grain allergy (which is rare), Inception won’t work for you. The brand also doesn’t offer veterinary therapeutic diets, so dogs with conditions like kidney disease, obesity, or severe food allergies will need to look elsewhere for specialized nutrition.
One of the most consistent themes in Inception reviews is that dogs actually like eating it. The Fish Recipe, in particular, gets high marks from owners of picky eaters, with many reporting that their dogs dive into their bowls with enthusiasm after months of reluctant nibbling on other brands. The Chicken and Pork recipes also score well, though a small percentage of dogs refuse the Pork formula, which isn’t unusual—taste preferences vary, and pork can have a stronger flavor that not all dogs enjoy.
The kibble is on the smaller side, which works well for small and medium breeds but is also manageable for larger dogs. The texture is firm without being rock-hard, and it doesn’t crumble excessively in the bowl or during handling. Some owners mention a noticeable smell, especially with the Fish Recipe—it’s not unpleasant, but it’s definitely more aromatic than milder chicken formulas. If you’re sensitive to strong food odors, that’s something to keep in mind.
Inception’s wet food comes in a pâté texture that’s easy to serve and mix with kibble. It has a strong meat smell, which most dogs find appealing, and it doesn’t separate or get watery when you open the can. The 13-ounce cans are a convenient size for topping kibble or feeding as a standalone meal for smaller dogs, and the pre-portioned packs make it simple to manage feeding without waste.
Most dogs transition to Inception smoothly over the standard 7–10 day period, gradually mixing increasing amounts with their old food. A few owners report loose stools during the first few days, which is typical when switching any food, but this usually resolves as the dog’s digestive system adjusts. If your dog has a particularly sensitive stomach, taking a slower transition—closer to two weeks—can help minimize any upset.
Inception sits firmly in the mid-premium price range, typically running around $2.00 to $2.75 per pound for dry food depending on the size of the bag and where you buy it. A 24-pound bag of the Chicken Recipe, for example, might cost around $47 at an online retailer like Chewy, while the Fish Recipe can run slightly higher at $49 for the same size. Wet food averages about $3.00 per 13-ounce can, which translates to roughly $3.70 to $3.80 per pound.
When you stack Inception against other premium brands, the value proposition is solid. Purina Pro Plan, which is often considered the benchmark for quality at a reasonable price, runs in a similar range, but Inception’s ingredient list is cleaner with fewer by-products and no corn or wheat. Blue Buffalo, another popular premium brand, is often more expensive per pound and includes more plant-based proteins, which some owners prefer to avoid. If you’re comparing to ultra-premium brands like Orijen or Acana, Inception is noticeably cheaper while still delivering high protein and quality ingredients—though those brands do offer more specialized formulas and higher meat inclusion.
For a 50-pound adult dog eating about 3 cups per day, you’re looking at roughly $60 to $75 per month on Inception dry food, which is manageable for most budgets without being a bargain-bin option. If you mix in wet food, costs will climb, but the nutritional benefits and palatability boost can justify the extra expense for dogs who need it.
Retailers like Chewy and Amazon offer subscription discounts ranging from 5% to 15%, which can bring the per-pound cost down meaningfully if you’re feeding Inception long-term. Buying larger bags also improves the value—24-pound bags offer better per-pound pricing than 4-pound or 12-pound options. Just make sure you can use the food within six weeks of opening to maintain freshness.
Inception produces all its dog food in the United States, which is a reassuring point for owners concerned about overseas manufacturing standards. The brand sources proteins from specific regions—pork from Iowa, fish from Washington and Georgia—though some ingredients do come from international suppliers. This level of transparency is better than many competitors, but it’s not as detailed as brands that publish full ingredient traceability or batch-level sourcing information.
As of 2025, Inception has no reported recalls, which is a strong indicator of consistent quality control. This is particularly noteworthy in a market where even well-established brands have faced recalls for contamination or nutritional imbalances. The absence of recalls doesn’t guarantee perfection, but it suggests that Inception’s manufacturing and testing protocols are effective at catching issues before products reach shelves.
Inception states that its formulas meet AAFCO standards, which is the baseline for nutritional adequacy in the United States. However, the brand doesn’t publish third-party lab testing results, HACCP certifications, or detailed quality control protocols. This isn’t unusual for a smaller brand, but it does mean you’re relying on the manufacturer’s claims rather than independent verification. Brands like Hill’s and Royal Canin, by contrast, publish extensive testing data and maintain veterinary partnerships that add an extra layer of credibility.
Inception’s approach to sustainability and ethics is understated. The brand doesn’t publish environmental impact reports, carbon footprint data, or detailed sustainability goals, which is common among smaller pet food companies but leaves a gap for environmentally conscious buyers. Packaging is standard—recyclable bags for dry food and metal cans for wet food—but there’s no emphasis on eco-friendly materials or reduced packaging waste.
While Inception highlights that some ingredients are sourced from specific U.S. regions, the brand doesn’t make claims about regenerative agriculture, humane animal welfare standards, or sustainable fishing practices. This isn’t necessarily a red flag, but it does mean that if these factors are priorities for you, you’ll need to weigh Inception against brands that explicitly commit to and report on these issues.
Pets Global, Inception’s parent company, doesn’t publish corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports or transparency scores. There are no public records of ethical controversies, labor issues, or environmental violations, which is a positive sign, but the lack of proactive communication on these topics means the brand isn’t leading the conversation on sustainability in the pet food industry.
I work at a local dog shelter, and we’re always looking for foods that work well for dogs with varied backgrounds and health histories. When Inception offered to send samples, I decided to test the Fish Recipe with Maple, a three-year-old Beagle mix who came to us with a history of chronic ear infections and mild skin irritation. Her previous owner had fed her a grocery-store brand with chicken as the main protein, and while she wasn’t severely allergic, her symptoms suggested a sensitivity that might improve with a dietary change.
Maple is not a picky eater—most Beagles aren’t—but she’s also not the type to get overly excited about food. When I first mixed a small amount of Inception Fish Recipe into her usual kibble, she sniffed it carefully, then ate without hesitation. By the third day, when the ratio was about 50/50, she was finishing her bowl faster than she had with her previous food, which was a good sign.
Over the two-week transition period, Maple showed consistent enthusiasm for the food. The fish smell was noticeable when I opened the bag—strong enough that I could tell it was real fish, not just fish flavoring—but it didn’t bother her or the other dogs in the shelter. She never refused a meal, and there were no signs of nausea or discomfort after eating, which can sometimes happen when switching proteins.
The most noticeable change was in Maple’s ears and skin. Within about three weeks, the redness inside her ears had faded significantly, and she wasn’t scratching as much. Her coat, which had been a bit dull and flaky, started to look shinier and felt softer to the touch. Her stools were firm and consistent—no diarrhea, no excessive volume—which made cleanup easier and suggested good digestibility.
Energy-wise, Maple was about the same. She’s a moderate-energy dog to begin with, so I wasn’t expecting a dramatic shift, and I didn’t see one. She was playful and engaged during her walks and playtime, but not noticeably more or less energetic than before. For a dog without major health issues, that’s exactly what you want—steady, reliable nutrition that supports normal activity without causing problems.
Feeding Maple on Inception was straightforward. The kibble size was easy for her to chew, and the bag stayed fresh without any rancid smell or clumping, even after a few weeks. I appreciated that the ingredient list was simple enough that I didn’t have to second-guess what I was feeding her, and the lack of recalls or safety concerns gave me confidence that I wasn’t taking any unnecessary risks.
Would I keep Maple on Inception long-term? If she were my dog, yes. The improvement in her ear and skin issues alone would make it worth the cost, and the fact that she ate it willingly without any digestive upset sealed the deal. It’s not a miracle food—she didn’t suddenly become a different dog—but it did what good food should do: support her health without causing problems.
Inception’s user reviews are generally positive, with most owners praising the ingredient quality and digestibility. On Chewy, the brand averages around 4.2 out of 5 stars across its core recipes, with the Fish Recipe consistently ranking highest. Common compliments include shinier coats, firmer stools, and reduced itching, particularly among dogs switching from chicken-based foods.
About 62% of reviewers mention that their dogs eat Inception enthusiastically, which is a strong palatability score. Many owners specifically note that picky eaters who refused other brands took to Inception without issue, especially with the Fish and Pork recipes. Roughly 17% of reviews highlight improvements in coat quality—shinier, softer fur with less shedding—and about 21% mention better stool consistency.
Energy and vitality also come up frequently, with around 10% of reviewers noting that their dogs seem more active or alert after switching. This is particularly common among older dogs, where even a modest boost in energy can make a noticeable difference in daily quality of life. Weight management is another recurring theme, with owners reporting that their dogs maintain a healthy weight without the constant hunger that can come from lower-quality foods.
About 8% to 10% of reviews mention palatability issues, with some dogs refusing to eat Inception even after a gradual transition. This seems to be more common with the Chicken and Chicken & Pork recipes, though it’s hard to pinpoint why. A small number of owners report digestive upset—loose stools or diarrhea—during the transition period, which is typical when switching any food but worth noting if your dog has a particularly sensitive stomach.
There are occasional complaints about the strong fish odor in the Fish Recipe, with some owners finding it off-putting even if their dogs don’t mind. A few reviewers also mention that their dogs developed itching after starting Inception, though this is rare and could be due to individual sensitivities rather than a widespread ingredient issue.
A small cluster of negative reviews from late 2023 and early 2024 mention that the formula seemed to change, with dogs who had eaten Inception for years suddenly refusing it or experiencing digestive issues. However, there’s no official confirmation from Inception that any recipe changes occurred, and these reports are isolated rather than widespread. It’s possible that batch-to-batch variation or changes in ingredient sourcing played a role, but without more information, it’s hard to say definitively.
Inception occupies a unique space in the dog food market—it’s more affordable than ultra-premium brands like Orijen or Acana, but it delivers cleaner ingredients and higher protein than many mid-tier options like Iams or Eukanuba. To understand where it fits, it’s helpful to compare it directly to a few key competitors.
Purina Pro Plan is often considered the gold standard for quality at a reasonable price, with extensive veterinary backing and a wide range of specialized formulas. Inception matches Pro Plan on protein levels and beats it on ingredient transparency—Pro Plan includes chicken by-products and corn, which some owners prefer to avoid. However, Pro Plan offers far more variety, including formulas for sensitive stomachs, weight management, joint health, and breed-specific needs. If you need a specialized diet, Pro Plan is the better choice. If you want straightforward, high-quality ingredients for a healthy adult dog, Inception is competitive and often slightly cheaper per pound.
Blue Buffalo markets itself as a natural, high-quality brand, and its ingredient lists are similar to Inception’s in terms of real meat and whole grains. However, Blue Buffalo tends to be more expensive per pound, and it includes more plant-based proteins like pea protein, which can inflate the overall protein percentage without delivering the same amino acid profile as animal protein. Inception’s simpler formulas and lower price make it a stronger value for owners who don’t need the extensive flavor variety that Blue Buffalo offers.
Hill’s Science Diet is a veterinary-backed brand with decades of research and a strong reputation for therapeutic diets. If your dog has a specific health condition—kidney disease, obesity, joint problems—Hill’s is the better choice, hands down. But for healthy adult dogs, Inception’s ingredient quality is arguably higher, with real meat leading the list and no chicken by-products or corn. Hill’s also tends to be more expensive, especially in the prescription diet line. If you’re comparing the two for a dog without health issues, Inception offers better ingredients at a similar or lower price. However, Hill’s extensive research and veterinary endorsement give it an edge in credibility and trust, which matters to many owners. For a deeper look at how Hill’s positions itself in the market, check out our Hill’s dog food review.
Brands like Taste of the Wild or Zignature built their reputations on grain-free formulas, which were trendy a few years ago but have since faced scrutiny due to potential links to DCM. Inception’s grain-inclusive approach is now seen as a safer choice for most dogs, and the use of whole grains instead of legumes improves digestibility. If your dog has a genuine grain allergy, Inception won’t work, but for the vast majority of dogs, the grain-inclusive formulas are both healthier and more affordable than grain-free alternatives.
So, is Inception good dog food? In my opinion, yes, it’s a solid choice for healthy adult dogs, particularly those with poultry sensitivities or owners who want a cleaner ingredient list without paying ultra-premium prices. The protein-first approach, grain-inclusive formulas, and clean safety record make it a reliable option that delivers on its core promises. It’s not perfect—there are no specialized formulas for puppies, seniors, or dogs with specific health conditions, and the lack of third-party testing data means you’re trusting the manufacturer’s claims more than you might with a brand like Hill’s or Royal Canin.
But for what it is—a straightforward, quality-focused brand aimed at healthy dogs—it does the job well. The Fish and Pork recipes are particularly valuable for dogs with chicken allergies, and the ingredient transparency is better than many competitors in the same price range. If you’re feeding a healthy adult dog and you’re tired of wading through marketing hype or decoding ingredient lists full of fillers, Inception is worth considering.
Would I buy this for my own dog? If I had a dog with a poultry sensitivity or a picky eater who needed a change, absolutely. The Fish Recipe, in particular, has a strong track record of palatability and digestibility that’s hard to argue with. For a dog with specialized health needs—kidney disease, joint problems, obesity—I’d look elsewhere, probably toward Hill’s or a veterinary-supervised diet. But for a typical adult dog in good health, Inception offers strong value and reliable nutrition without unnecessary complications.
Inception is designed for adult dogs of all sizes, with some formulas labeled for all life stages, though the brand explicitly states its foods are not suitable for large-breed puppies or senior dogs. This makes it a good fit for the broad middle of the dog population—healthy adults who don’t need specialized nutrition but benefit from high-quality ingredients and balanced macronutrients.
The Fish and Pork recipes are particularly well-suited for dogs with poultry allergies or sensitivities. If your dog has struggled with chronic itching, ear infections, or digestive upset on chicken-based foods, these formulas are worth trying. The grain-inclusive approach also makes Inception a smart choice for dogs who don’t tolerate legume-heavy grain-free diets, and the straightforward ingredient list is ideal for owners who want transparency without the guesswork.
Active adult dogs will appreciate the protein and fat levels, which support energy and muscle maintenance without requiring a performance-specific formula. And if you’re dealing with a picky eater, especially one who’s turned up their nose at other brands, the Fish Recipe has a strong track record of winning over reluctant eaters.
However, Inception is not the right choice for large-breed puppies, who need carefully balanced calcium and phosphorus for healthy bone development, or for senior dogs, who often benefit from lower protein and added joint support. If your dog has a genuine grain allergy, Inception won’t work, and dogs with serious health conditions like kidney disease or obesity will need a veterinary therapeutic diet that Inception doesn’t offer.
Yes, Inception dog food has a clean safety record with no reported recalls as of 2025. This is particularly noteworthy in a market where even well-established brands have faced recalls for contamination or nutritional imbalances. All Inception products are manufactured in the United States, and the brand maintains consistent quality control protocols, though they don’t publish third-party lab testing results like some larger competitors do.
Inception focuses on simplicity and ingredient transparency without trendy buzzwords or complicated formulas. Every recipe lists real animal protein as the first ingredient, uses whole grains instead of legumes, and avoids common allergens like soy, wheat, and corn. The brand takes a grain-inclusive approach, which sidesteps the DCM concerns linked to grain-free diets while providing better digestibility for most dogs.
The Fish Recipe is completely chicken-free and is the most popular choice for dogs with poultry allergies or sensitivities. It features whitefish and catfish meal as the primary proteins. The Pork Recipe is another option for dogs who can’t tolerate chicken, though some dogs find the pork flavor too strong. Many owners report that switching to these formulas resolved chronic itching, ear infections, or digestive upset that persisted on chicken-based foods.
Inception explicitly states that its formulas are not appropriate for large-breed puppies or senior dogs. Large-breed puppies need carefully balanced calcium and phosphorus for healthy bone development, while senior dogs often benefit from lower protein levels and added joint support—neither of which Inception provides in specialized formulas. The brand is designed for healthy adult dogs of all sizes.
Inception and Purina Pro Plan are similarly priced, typically running $2.00 to $2.75 per pound, but Inception offers cleaner ingredients with no chicken by-products or corn. However, Pro Plan provides far more variety with specialized formulas for different health needs and has extensive veterinary backing. If you need a specialized diet, Pro Plan is better. For straightforward, high-quality ingredients for a healthy adult dog, Inception is competitive and often slightly cheaper.
Yes, palatability is one of Inception’s strengths. About 62% of reviewers mention enthusiastic eating, with the Fish Recipe consistently ranking highest for picky eaters. Many owners report that dogs who refused other brands took to Inception without issue. However, about 8-10% of dogs refuse it, particularly with the Chicken and Pork recipes, so individual preferences do vary.
No, Inception is grain-inclusive by design. The brand uses whole grains like millet, milo, and oats as carbohydrate sources instead of legumes or potatoes. This approach provides better digestibility for most dogs and avoids the DCM concerns associated with grain-free diets heavy in chickpeas and lentils. If your dog has a genuine grain allergy, Inception won’t be suitable, though true grain allergies are quite rare.
Inception is available through specialty pet stores and online retailers like Chewy and Amazon. It’s not typically found in grocery stores or big-box retailers. Subscription services through these online retailers often offer 5-15% discounts, which can make the per-pound cost more affordable for long-term feeding. Larger bag sizes also offer better per-pound pricing than smaller options.
Most dogs transition to Inception smoothly over the standard 7-10 day period, gradually mixing increasing amounts with their old food. Some dogs may experience loose stools during the first few days, which is normal when switching any food. If your dog has a particularly sensitive stomach, taking a slower transition closer to two weeks can help minimize any digestive upset.
No, Inception doesn’t include probiotics or prebiotics in its formulas, which is a noticeable gap compared to some premium competitors. If your dog has a sensitive stomach or needs extra digestive support, you might need to add a separate probiotic supplement. The brand focuses on straightforward nutrition rather than functional additives, which keeps the ingredient list simple but may require supplementation for some dogs.
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