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
• High palatability but digestive issues: Dogs readily accept the food due to high meat content, but many experience gastrointestinal distress from the rich, high-fat formulation despite included probiotics.
• FDA-flagged legumes in grain-free recipes: Contains peas, lentils, and chickpeas linked to canine DCM investigations, making grain-inclusive formulas the safer choice for heart health concerns.
• Caloric density requires careful portion control: At 411 calories per cup, feeding guidelines often exceed obesity prevention recommendations, particularly problematic for small or sedentary dogs.
• Limited transparency despite premium positioning: Lacks detailed ingredient sourcing, supplier information, and third-party audit results that justify the expensive price point compared to competitors.
• Canada-exclusive availability limits access: Only sold through Pet Valu stores in Canada with no larger bag sizes, making it expensive and inaccessible for most North American pet owners.
Performatrin Ultra is the flagship line within the broader Performatrin family, developed by Pet Valu, one of Canada’s largest specialty pet retailers. Launched over 30 years ago, the brand has evolved into three distinct lines: the standard Performatrin, the premium Performatrin Ultra, and the simplified Performatrin Naturals. The Ultra line is marketed as the holistic choice, emphasizing whole-food nutrition, science-backed formulas, and transparency—though as we’ll see, transparency has its limits here.
Pet Valu positions Performatrin Ultra as its top seller, designed by in-house nutritionists to meet the needs of dogs at every life stage. The brand claims to use North American proteins, non-GMO fruits and vegetables, and manufacturing facilities that are HACCP- and SQF-certified for food safety. All products are made in Canada, with some facilities also producing human-grade foods, which adds a layer of credibility to the quality control story.
Core values center on holistic nutrition, meaning the brand aims to support overall health rather than just meeting minimum nutritional requirements. Performatrin Ultra avoids fillers, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, and many recipes include probiotics and targeted ingredients for dental health, joint support, or weight management. The brand also emphasizes sustainability and ethical sourcing, though concrete details—like carbon footprint data or third-party sustainability audits—are notably absent.
In the Canadian market, Performatrin Ultra enjoys strong brand recognition and loyalty, partly because it’s exclusive to Pet Valu stores. That exclusivity can be a double-edged sword: it builds trust with Pet Valu customers, but it also limits price competition and availability. For U.S. pet owners, access is virtually nonexistent since Pet Valu exited the American market in 2020, making this review most relevant for Canadian readers or anyone curious about how it stacks up against more widely available brands.
| Price per pound | Premium pricing (exact price not disclosed) |
| Primary protein | Chicken, Salmon, Lamb, Turkey, Duck |
| By-products | None |
| AAFCO compliance | Yes (method not specified) |
| Formula options | 3 product lines (grain-free, grain-inclusive, limited ingredient) |
| Availability | Exclusive to Pet Valu stores (Canada only) |
Performatrin Ultra uses a variety of whole meats and meat meals as its primary protein sources, including chicken, salmon, lamb, turkey, and duck. Meat meals—like chicken meal or salmon meal—are concentrated forms of protein with moisture removed, delivering more protein per pound than fresh meat. This is generally a positive, as it means the recipes aren’t relying solely on fresh meat, which can be misleading due to high water content before processing.
In many formulas, you’ll see whole chicken or salmon listed first, followed by a meat meal. This combination is solid and suggests a genuine protein-forward approach. However, some recipes have drawn criticism for listing a meat meal first, then a carbohydrate source, which can indicate cost-cutting or reformulation. One community member noted they “wasn’t too impressed when they changed the formula to 1 meat meal before the carb source,” suggesting a shift that prioritized economics over ingredient quality.
This is where things get more complicated. Performatrin Ultra’s grain-free recipes rely heavily on peas, lentils, chickpeas, and potatoes—all ingredients flagged by the FDA in connection with investigations into canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). While the brand has only one reported DCM complaint on the FDA website, the inclusion of these legumes in multiple formulas is a legitimate concern for owners who follow veterinary guidance on grain-free diets.
The grain-inclusive line uses brown rice, oatmeal, and barley, which are more traditional and generally well-tolerated carbohydrate sources. These recipes offer a safer alternative for dogs whose owners are cautious about legume-heavy formulas. Fiber comes from ingredients like beet pulp, which is effective for stool quality but has been linked to low taurine levels in some research. Performatrin addresses this by adding taurine to many recipes, a proactive step that shows awareness of the issue.
Beyond legumes and beet pulp, Performatrin Ultra includes ingredients that appeal more to pet owners than to dogs. Blueberries, cranberries, spinach, and tomatoes appear in several recipes, marketed for their antioxidant properties. While these ingredients aren’t harmful, their nutritional value for dogs is minimal, and their inclusion often signals marketing over science. Dogs don’t need blueberries for health—they need balanced macronutrients and bioavailable protein.
Another concern is the lack of detailed sourcing information. The brand states that ingredients are North American where possible, but there’s no farm-level traceability or supplier transparency. For a premium brand emphasizing quality, this is a missed opportunity to build trust with ingredient-conscious consumers.
On the positive side, Performatrin Ultra includes probiotics (specifically Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product) in many formulas to support digestive health. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from fish oil and flaxseed are also standard, promoting skin and coat health. Some recipes include glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support, particularly in large breed and senior formulas, which is a thoughtful addition for dogs prone to mobility issues.
Taurine supplementation is another smart move, given the grain-free controversy. While supplementation doesn’t fully solve the bioavailability concerns with legume-heavy diets, it does show the brand is paying attention to emerging research.
Performatrin Ultra’s nutritional profile is generally above average compared to mainstream kibble. The grain-free line averages around 31% protein, which comfortably exceeds AAFCO minimums for both puppies and adult dogs. Fat content typically sits around 14-16%, which is moderate to slightly below average for premium brands. Estimated carbohydrates land in the 45-50% range, which is on the higher side due to the legume content in grain-free recipes.
The fat-to-protein ratio is approximately 46%, indicating a protein-forward formula. This is favorable for dogs needing muscle maintenance or active lifestyles. However, the caloric density is high—some recipes deliver 411 calories per cup, which can easily lead to overfeeding if you follow the brand’s feeding guidelines without adjusting for your dog’s actual activity level.
One significant issue is that Performatrin Ultra’s feeding recommendations sometimes exceed obesity prevention guidelines. For example, the brand suggests 1 cup per day for an 11-pound dog, but the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention recommends no more than 275 calories daily for that size—well below the 411 calories provided. If your dog often struggles with weight gain, you’ll need to carefully measure portions and possibly reduce the suggested serving size.
All formulas claim to meet AAFCO standards, but it’s unclear whether this is based on feeding trials or formulation alone. Feeding trials—where dogs actually eat the food and are monitored for health—are considered the gold standard, but Performatrin doesn’t publicly specify which products have undergone this level of testing. This lack of transparency is frustrating for owners who want to know exactly how the food was validated.
Performatrin Ultra works well for active adult dogs who need high protein and can handle the caloric density without gaining weight. The grain-inclusive line is a solid choice for dogs with no grain sensitivities, offering a balanced macronutrient profile with traditional carbohydrate sources like brown rice and oatmeal. These recipes are also suitable for puppies and young dogs, as they meet AAFCO standards for growth and reproduction.
If your dog is a picky eater, Performatrin Ultra’s strong palatability is a real advantage. Multiple reviewers report that dogs who typically refuse food readily accept these recipes, likely due to the high meat content and appealing aroma. The brand also offers limited ingredient diets for dogs with food sensitivities, featuring single-source proteins like salmon and simplified carbohydrate sources.
Large breed formulas with added glucosamine and chondroitin are appropriate for breeds prone to joint issues, such as German Shepherds, Labradors, and Golden Retrievers. Senior recipes with probiotics and moderate fat content can support older dogs with digestive sensitivities, though you’ll want to monitor portions closely to avoid weight gain.
Performatrin Ultra is not ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or a history of gastrointestinal issues. The high fat content in some recipes, combined with the caloric density, frequently triggers digestive upset, including loose stools and gas. This pattern is consistent across consumer reviews and suggests the formulation may be too rich for dogs with delicate digestion.
Dogs with known heart conditions or breeds at risk for DCM—such as Golden Retrievers, Dobermans, and Cocker Spaniels—should avoid the grain-free line due to the legume content. While only one DCM complaint is on record, the FDA’s ongoing investigation into grain-free diets makes this a real consideration for cautious owners.
Small or sedentary dogs are also poor candidates due to the caloric density. Even with careful portion control, it’s easy to overfeed, leading to weight gain over time. If your dog is less active or tends to put on weight easily, a lower-calorie formula from a different brand may be a better fit.
Finally, if you’re looking for maximum ingredient transparency, Performatrin Ultra will disappoint. The brand doesn’t disclose specific sourcing details, factory addresses, or third-party audit results, which can be a dealbreaker for owners who prioritize traceability.
Palatability is one of Performatrin Ultra’s standout strengths. Consumer feedback consistently highlights that dogs readily accept and enjoy the food, even picky eaters who have refused other brands. The high meat content and appealing aroma likely drive this enthusiasm, making mealtime less of a battle for owners dealing with finicky dogs.
The brand offers a variety of protein sources—chicken, salmon, lamb, turkey, and duck—giving you options if your dog develops a preference or needs to rotate proteins for health reasons. The fish-based Performatrin Naturals Adult Salmon & Veggies Recipe is particularly notable, as reviewers mention it avoids the strong, unpleasant odor often associated with fish-based dog foods.
However, there are reports of formula changes affecting acceptance. One long-term user noted that after a label change, their dog—who had eaten the food exclusively for over 10 years—refused the new version. The ingredients appeared similar, but the food’s color and texture had changed, suggesting a reformulation that impacted palatability. This is a reminder that even well-loved brands can lose customer loyalty when they alter recipes without clear communication.
From a practical standpoint, the kibble size and texture are appropriate for most dogs, with small-bite options available for smaller breeds. The food doesn’t crumble excessively, and it stores well in a sealed container. If you’re transitioning from another brand, a gradual introduction over 7-10 days is recommended to minimize digestive upset, especially given the higher fat content.
Performatrin Ultra is positioned as a premium brand, and the price reflects that. While exact pricing isn’t publicly available due to the brand’s exclusive distribution through Pet Valu in Canada, consumer feedback consistently describes it as expensive. One reviewer specifically mentioned that the lack of larger bag sizes makes it even more costly for owners of large or multiple dogs, as you’re forced to purchase smaller, pricier packages more frequently.
When you compare Performatrin Ultra to competitors like Full Moon, the value proposition becomes less clear. Full Moon offers 100% human-grade, USDA-certified ingredients with transparent sourcing and a 90% meat and liver content in its air-dried line. While Full Moon is also priced at a premium, its ingredient quality, manufacturing transparency, and absence of controversial ingredients arguably justify the cost more effectively than Performatrin Ultra.
The high protein content and absence of fillers do add value, and the inclusion of probiotics, omega fatty acids, and joint supplements in targeted formulas shows thoughtful formulation. For Canadian pet owners who prioritize locally made products and appreciate the convenience of shopping at Pet Valu, the premium may feel justified. However, if you’re strictly evaluating cost per pound of high-quality, bioavailable protein, there are brands that deliver more for the same or less money.
The lack of trial packages or smaller sample sizes is another drawback. If you want to test whether your dog tolerates the food before committing to a full bag, you’ll need to purchase a 4-pound bag at full price, which can feel risky given the digestive issues some dogs experience.
All Performatrin Ultra products are manufactured in Canada, using facilities that are HACCP- and SQF-certified for food safety. Some of these facilities also produce human-grade foods, which suggests a higher standard of cleanliness and quality control than typical pet food plants. The brand emphasizes that ingredients are sourced from North American suppliers where possible, though specific details about farms, suppliers, or traceability systems are not publicly disclosed.
The production process for dry kibble uses extrusion, a standard method that cooks ingredients at high temperatures and shapes them into kibble. While this ensures safety and shelf stability, it can reduce the bioavailability of some nutrients compared to gentler cooking methods like those used by fresh or air-dried brands. Performatrin addresses this by supplementing with vitamins and minerals post-extrusion, but the overall nutrient absorption may still be lower than less-processed alternatives.
Quality control protocols include batch testing for nutritional adequacy and safety, though the brand doesn’t specify whether every batch is tested or if testing is sample-based. Third-party audits are claimed, but certificate numbers, audit results, or detailed reports are not published, which limits the ability to independently verify these claims.
On the positive side, Performatrin Ultra has no documented recalls in the last 10 years, which is a strong indicator of consistent manufacturing quality and effective safety protocols. This clean record sets it apart from brands with recurring recall issues and provides some reassurance for owners concerned about contamination or safety incidents.
Performatrin Ultra’s official statements emphasize a commitment to sustainability and greener sourcing, with the brand claiming to work toward more environmentally friendly ingredient sourcing and packaging formats. However, these claims lack specifics. There are no published carbon footprint measurements, no detailed sustainability reports, and no third-party certifications like B Corp or Rainforest Alliance to validate the brand’s environmental impact.
The brand does not provide information about animal welfare standards for its protein sources, such as whether suppliers follow humane handling practices or whether certifications like Certified Humane or Global Animal Partnership are in place. For a premium brand positioning itself as holistic and ethical, this absence of detail is disappointing.
Packaging is standard for the industry—bags are not explicitly marketed as recyclable or compostable, and there’s no mention of initiatives to reduce plastic use or offset packaging waste. Compared to brands that have invested in transparent sustainability programs, Performatrin Ultra lags behind in this area.
The brand’s exclusive distribution through Pet Valu does mean a shorter supply chain for Canadian customers, which can reduce transportation emissions compared to brands that ship internationally. However, without concrete data, it’s impossible to quantify this benefit or assess the overall environmental footprint of the product.
At the shelter where I work, we tested Performatrin Ultra Grain-Free Adult Recipe with a dog named Clover, a four-year-old Beagle mix who came to us after being surrendered by her previous owner due to a move. Clover is a sweet, food-motivated dog with no major health issues, though she does have a tendency to gain weight if portions aren’t carefully managed. She’d been eating a mid-range grocery store brand before arriving at the shelter, and we wanted to see how she’d respond to a premium formula.
The transition went smoothly—we mixed Performatrin with her previous food over about a week, and Clover didn’t show any hesitation. She’s not a picky eater, so that wasn’t surprising, but she did seem more enthusiastic at mealtime than usual, finishing her bowl quickly and licking it clean every time. The kibble size was a good fit for her, and she didn’t have any trouble chewing or digesting it initially.
Over the course of three weeks, we noticed a few things. Clover’s energy level stayed consistent—she was already a playful, active dog, so there wasn’t a dramatic shift, but she maintained her usual enthusiasm during walks and playtime. Her coat, which was already in decent condition, developed a slightly shinier appearance, though it wasn’t a night-and-day difference. The more noticeable change was in her stool quality: her stools were firmer and more consistent than they had been on her previous food, which made cleanup easier for the shelter staff.
However, we did have to adjust her portions after about two weeks. Following the feeding guidelines on the bag, Clover started to put on a bit of weight—nothing alarming, but enough that we pulled back slightly on the amount we were giving her. Once we dialed it in, her weight stabilized, but it was a reminder that the caloric density of this food requires careful monitoring, especially for dogs like Clover who are prone to weight gain.
Overall, Clover did well on Performatrin Ultra. She liked the taste, her digestion was solid, and her coat looked good. There wasn’t anything groundbreaking or transformative, but it was a reliable, quality food that met her needs without causing any issues. For a shelter dog with no special dietary requirements, it worked as intended.
Consumer feedback on Performatrin Ultra is polarized. On one end, you have long-term users who swear by the brand, reporting that their dogs thrive on it for years with no issues. These owners often mention improved coat quality, consistent energy levels, and strong palatability. One cat owner noted their pet had been eating Performatrin for over a decade and refused all other foods, calling it a “relief” to have found something their picky eater would accept.
On the other end, there are consistent complaints about gastrointestinal distress. Multiple reviewers report that their dogs experienced loose stools, gas, or vomiting after switching to Performatrin Ultra, particularly the grain-free line. The high fat content—around 16% in some recipes—appears to be a common trigger for dogs with sensitive stomachs. One reviewer described their dog’s reaction as “overwhelming GI distress,” which aligns with the brand’s own acknowledgment that probiotics are included to help offset digestive issues.
Formula changes have also frustrated loyal customers. Several reviewers mention that after a label or recipe change, their dogs—who had eaten the food for years—suddenly refused it. The ingredients appeared similar on paper, but changes in color, texture, or aroma made the food unacceptable to previously satisfied pets. This pattern suggests that even minor reformulations can have significant impacts on palatability and acceptance.
Price is a recurring complaint, with many reviewers describing the food as “very expensive” and expressing frustration over the lack of larger bag sizes. For owners of large or multiple dogs, the cost adds up quickly, and the limited size options force frequent purchases at a premium per-pound price.
On the positive side, many owners report weight management success and improved skin and coat condition, particularly with the salmon-based formulas. The limited ingredient line has also received praise from owners of dogs with food sensitivities, who appreciate the simplified ingredient lists and single-source proteins.
When you stack Performatrin Ultra against brands like Full Moon, the differences become clear. Full Moon offers 100% human-grade, USDA-certified ingredients with transparent sourcing and a 90% meat and liver content in its air-dried line. There are no legumes, no controversial ingredients, and no recalls on record. While Full Moon is also premium-priced, its ingredient quality and manufacturing transparency arguably justify the cost more effectively than Performatrin Ultra.
Compared to mainstream premium brands like Orijen or Acana, Performatrin Ultra holds its own in terms of protein content and absence of fillers, but it falls short on transparency and ingredient sourcing. Orijen, for example, publishes detailed information about its suppliers, facilities, and nutritional philosophy, while Performatrin provides only general statements about North American sourcing and HACCP certification.
For Canadian pet owners, Performatrin Ultra’s exclusive availability through Pet Valu is both a strength and a limitation. It builds brand loyalty and convenience, but it also eliminates price competition and makes it harder to compare costs directly with brands sold through multiple retailers. If you’re in the U.S., access is virtually nonexistent, making this a non-starter unless you’re willing to source it through specialty importers.
In terms of value for money, Performatrin Ultra is positioned at a similar price point to other premium kibbles, but the lack of larger bag sizes and the high caloric density mean you may go through bags faster and spend more over time. Brands like The Farmer’s Dog or Ollie offer fresh, human-grade alternatives with pre-portioned servings that eliminate guesswork and often result in better digestibility and nutrient absorption, though at a higher monthly cost.
Performatrin Ultra is best suited for active adult dogs with no digestive sensitivities who need high protein and can handle the caloric density without gaining weight. The grain-inclusive line is a solid choice for dogs with no grain allergies, offering balanced nutrition with traditional carbohydrate sources like brown rice and oatmeal. Puppies and young dogs can also do well on these formulas, as they meet AAFCO standards for growth.
If your dog is a picky eater, Performatrin Ultra’s strong palatability makes it worth considering. The high meat content and appealing aroma often win over dogs who refuse other brands. The limited ingredient diets are appropriate for dogs with food sensitivities, particularly those allergic to common proteins like chicken or beef.
Large breed formulas with added glucosamine and chondroitin are suitable for breeds prone to joint issues, such as German Shepherds, Labradors, and Golden Retrievers. Senior dogs with moderate activity levels can benefit from the probiotic-rich recipes, though you’ll need to monitor portions closely to avoid weight gain.
This food is not suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs, a history of gastrointestinal issues, or breeds at risk for DCM who should avoid grain-free diets. Small or sedentary dogs are also poor candidates due to the high caloric density, which can easily lead to overfeeding and weight gain. If your dog falls into any of these categories, I’d recommend exploring other options with lower fat content and more transparent ingredient sourcing.
Performatrin Ultra is a solid, above-average dog food that delivers on its promise of high protein and whole-food ingredients, but it’s not without significant drawbacks. The protein-forward formulas, inclusion of probiotics, and clean recall history are genuine strengths. For active, healthy dogs with no digestive sensitivities, this food can support consistent energy, a healthy coat, and good stool quality. The strong palatability also makes it a reliable choice for picky eaters.
However, the high fat content and caloric density are real concerns, particularly for dogs prone to weight gain or digestive upset. The brand’s feeding guidelines often exceed obesity prevention recommendations, which means you’ll need to carefully measure portions and possibly reduce the suggested serving size. The frequent reports of gastrointestinal distress—despite the inclusion of probiotics—suggest the formulation may be too rich for many dogs.
The inclusion of FDA-flagged legumes in the grain-free line is another significant issue. While only one DCM complaint is on record, the ongoing investigation into grain-free diets makes this a legitimate concern for cautious owners, especially those with breeds at higher risk. The grain-inclusive line is a safer bet, but it still lacks the ingredient transparency and third-party validation that define truly premium brands.
From a value perspective, Performatrin Ultra is expensive for what you get. The lack of larger bag sizes, limited ingredient sourcing transparency, and absence of detailed quality control documentation make it hard to justify the premium price compared to competitors like Full Moon, which offers human-grade ingredients and transparent sourcing at a similar or lower cost per pound.
Would I buy this for my dog? If I lived in Canada, had an active, healthy dog with no digestive sensitivities, and valued locally made products, I’d consider it—but I’d watch portions closely and stick to the grain-inclusive line. For most owners, especially those in the U.S. or those prioritizing transparency and ingredient quality, I think there are better options at this price point. Performatrin Ultra is good, but it’s not great, and in the premium dog food market, “good” isn’t always enough.
No, Performatrin Ultra is exclusively sold through Pet Valu stores in Canada. Pet Valu exited the U.S. market in 2020, so American pet owners cannot easily purchase this brand unless they source it through specialty importers, which is impractical and expensive.
The grain-free line contains legumes like peas, lentils, and chickpeas that have been flagged by the FDA in connection with canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) investigations. While Performatrin Ultra has only one reported DCM complaint, dogs at risk for heart conditions—especially breeds like Golden Retrievers, Dobermans, and Cocker Spaniels—should avoid the grain-free formulas and stick to the grain-inclusive line instead.
The high fat content (around 16% in some recipes) and caloric density frequently trigger digestive upset in dogs with sensitive stomachs. Despite the inclusion of probiotics, many owners report loose stools, gas, and vomiting after switching to Performatrin Ultra. If your dog has a history of gastrointestinal issues, this food is likely too rich for their digestive system.
Be cautious with the feeding guidelines on the package—they often exceed obesity prevention recommendations. For example, the brand suggests 1 cup daily for an 11-pound dog, but that delivers 411 calories, well above the recommended 275 calories. Start with smaller portions than suggested and adjust based on your dog’s body condition and activity level.
That depends on your priorities. The high protein content, probiotics, and clean recall history add value, but the lack of ingredient transparency, limited bag sizes, and frequent digestive issues make it expensive for what you get. Competitors like Full Moon offer human-grade ingredients and transparent sourcing at similar or lower cost per pound.
The grain-inclusive line is generally safer than the grain-free formulas. It uses traditional carbohydrates like brown rice and oatmeal instead of FDA-flagged legumes, making it a better choice for dogs at risk of heart conditions or those whose owners want to avoid the grain-free controversy entirely.
No, Performatrin Ultra has no documented recalls in the last 10 years, which is a strong indicator of consistent manufacturing quality and effective safety protocols. This clean record sets it apart from brands with recurring recall issues.
Probably yes. Palatability is one of Performatrin Ultra’s standout strengths. The high meat content and appealing aroma consistently win over picky eaters, even dogs who have refused multiple other brands. However, be aware that formula changes have occasionally caused previously satisfied dogs to refuse the food.
The large breed and senior formulas include glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support, which can benefit dogs prone to mobility issues like German Shepherds, Labradors, and Golden Retrievers. However, this is a supportive measure, not a treatment for existing joint problems—consult your vet for dogs with diagnosed conditions.
It holds its own in terms of protein content and absence of fillers, but falls short on transparency compared to brands like Orijen or Full Moon. While the nutritional profile is solid, the lack of detailed ingredient sourcing, limited availability, and frequent digestive issues make it harder to justify the premium price compared to more transparent competitors.
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