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
• Pride Dog Food is specifically designed for working and highly active dogs, with high-protein formulas ranging from 21% to 31% protein and fat levels up to 22% for energy-dense nutrition.
• The brand offers exceptional value for performance nutrition, priced at $0.80-$1.20 per pound while maintaining AAFCO compliance and a clean recall history over decades of operation.
• Ingredient quality is functional but basic, relying on meat by-products and brewers rice rather than premium proteins, with no probiotics, joint supplements, or grain-free options available.
• Limited availability through farm and feed stores only restricts convenience, while the lack of flavor variety and specialized formulas narrows appeal beyond working dog applications.
• Real-world testing showed reliable palatability and digestive tolerance, with dogs maintaining healthy coats and energy levels, though sedentary pets risk weight gain on higher-fat formulas.
Pride Dog Food traces its roots back to Miller Foods, a four-generation family business established in 1950 on a farm in Avon, Connecticut. What started as a modest egg and turkey operation evolved through the decades into regional food distribution and, eventually, specialized pet nutrition under the Oma’s Pride brand name. The Pride line itself emerged from this legacy, focusing on raw and minimally processed foods designed to support canine health through simple, meat-forward formulas.
The brand’s core philosophy centers on performance nutrition for working dogs rather than mass-market appeal. You won’t find celebrity endorsements or slick advertising campaigns here. Instead, Pride emphasizes US-sourced proteins, small-batch production in a USDA-inspected Connecticut facility, and formulas that prioritize energy density and endurance over novelty ingredients. The company remains privately held by the Miller family, with current leadership under Capri Brighenti as President and CEO, maintaining continuity in both ownership and product philosophy.
Pride’s reputation in the working dog community is solid, though it flies under the radar compared to mainstream brands. The brand has maintained a clean recall history with no documented safety incidents, which speaks to consistent quality control. However, transparency could be stronger—you won’t find detailed batch-level traceability, third-party lab testing results, or sustainability reports published publicly. What you do get is straightforward information about ingredients, USDA oversight, and a family-run operation that’s been in the food business for over 70 years.
Pride Dog Food leans heavily on meat and bone meals as its protein foundation. The 24/20 Endurance Formula, for example, lists porcine meat and bone meal and chicken meat and bone meal as top ingredients. The 27/20 High Performance Formula leads with chicken by-product meal. These are rendered proteins—cooked down to remove moisture and concentrate nutrients—which deliver high protein density at a lower cost than fresh meat.
While meat meals are a legitimate and digestible protein source, the use of by-product meal does raise questions about ingredient quality consistency. By-products can include organ meats (which are nutritious) but also less desirable parts. Without more specific disclosure from Pride about what goes into these meals, you’re left trusting the USDA inspection process and the brand’s longstanding reputation.
Pride formulas incorporate brewers rice as a primary carbohydrate source in several recipes. Brewers rice is a processed grain—essentially rice fragments left over from milling—that provides calories and helps bind kibble but offers minimal nutritional value beyond energy. You’ll also find corn and wheat in some formulas, which keeps costs down but may not sit well with dogs prone to grain sensitivities.
The brand does offer a 24/20 formula marketed as soy-free, which is a plus for dogs with soy allergies. However, Pride doesn’t have grain-free options, limited ingredient recipes, or hypoallergenic lines. If your dog has confirmed food allergies or you’re looking for alternative carbs like sweet potato or lentils, this brand isn’t designed with that in mind.
Chicken fat appears consistently across Pride’s formulas as the main fat source, providing concentrated energy and palatability. The brand includes flaxseed for omega-3 fatty acids, which supports coat health and reduces inflammation. Fish meal also contributes omega-3s in some recipes. Pride lists omega-3 levels around 0.50% and omega-6 at 3.00%, which is a reasonable ratio for general health, though not exceptional compared to premium brands that use salmon oil or other marine sources.
All Pride formulas include a standard vitamin and mineral premix to meet AAFCO nutritional profiles. You’ll find tocopherols (vitamin E) and citric acid as natural preservatives, which is preferable to synthetic options like BHA or BHT. However, Pride’s ingredient lists don’t call out probiotics, prebiotics, glucosamine, chondroitin, or other functional supplements that many modern brands now include as standard. For working dogs or seniors needing joint support, you’d likely need to supplement separately.
| Price per pound | $0.80 – $1.20 |
| Primary protein | Chicken and pork meat meals |
| By-products | Yes (chicken by-product meal) |
| AAFCO compliance | Yes (all life stages) |
| Formula options | 4 formulas (21/10 to 31/22) |
| Availability | Independent farm and feed stores |
Pride Dog Food offers a range of formulas that vary significantly in protein and fat content, designed to match different activity levels. The 21/10 Maintenance Formula sits at the lower end with 21% protein and 10% fat—suitable for less active adult dogs or budget-conscious multi-dog households. Moving up the line, the 24/20 Endurance delivers 24% protein and 20% fat with 3,853 kcal/kg, while the 27/20 High Performance pushes to 27% protein and 20% fat at 4,067 kcal/kg. At the top, the 31/22 Performance Formula maxes out at 31% protein and 22% fat for extreme activity demands.
These macronutrient levels are appropriate for working dogs—hunting dogs, field trial competitors, sled dogs, or highly active breeds that burn significant calories daily. The high fat content provides dense energy, and the protein levels support muscle maintenance during sustained work. However, for a typical household dog with moderate exercise, these formulas could easily lead to weight gain if portions aren’t carefully managed.
All Pride formulas are formulated to meet AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages, including growth of large breed puppies. This means the recipes are technically suitable from puppyhood through senior years. That said, the brand doesn’t offer life-stage-specific formulas with tailored calcium-to-phosphorus ratios for large breed puppy growth or reduced calories for seniors. You’re working with general-purpose nutrition that covers the basics but doesn’t optimize for specific developmental or aging needs.
Carbohydrate content, calculated by subtracting protein, fat, fiber, moisture, and ash from 100%, runs approximately 39-55% across formulas. This is on the higher end for performance foods, largely due to the brewers rice and grain inclusion. While carbs provide quick energy, dogs in true working scenarios often benefit from even higher fat and lower carb ratios for sustained endurance.
Micronutrient profiles meet AAFCO minimums, but Pride doesn’t publish detailed vitamin and mineral breakdowns beyond the guaranteed analysis. There’s no information about bioavailability of nutrients, amino acid profiles, or digestibility percentages. For owners who want to dig into the science of what their dog is absorbing—not just consuming—this lack of transparency is a limitation.
Pride Dog Food makes the most sense for working and highly active dogs. If your dog hunts, runs field trials, works on a farm, competes in agility or dock diving, or otherwise burns serious calories daily, the energy density and protein levels here can support that lifestyle. The brand is also a practical choice for kennel owners and breeders who need to feed multiple dogs efficiently without breaking the bank. The larger bag sizes (40-50 lbs) and mid-range pricing make it feasible to feed several dogs consistently.
Dogs with no food sensitivities will generally do fine on Pride formulas. If your dog has eaten grain-inclusive kibble without issues, the brewers rice and corn here shouldn’t pose problems. The meat-based protein and moderate fat levels also work for dogs who need to maintain muscle mass and healthy weight during regular activity.
If your dog has grain allergies or sensitivities, Pride isn’t the right fit. There are no grain-free options, and the reliance on brewers rice, corn, and wheat means dogs with these intolerances will likely experience itching, digestive upset, or other allergic reactions. Similarly, if you’re looking for limited ingredient diets to isolate protein sources for an elimination trial, Pride’s multi-protein formulas won’t help you pinpoint triggers.
Sedentary or senior dogs with lower energy needs should approach Pride’s higher-fat formulas with caution. Feeding a 20-22% fat formula to a couch-potato dog is a recipe for weight gain and potential pancreatitis in susceptible breeds. The 21/10 Maintenance formula is the only option that might work for less active dogs, but even then, portion control is important.
Dogs requiring veterinary therapeutic diets—for kidney disease, urinary health, digestive disorders, or weight management—won’t find appropriate options here. Pride is a general-purpose performance food, not a medical nutrition brand. If your vet has recommended a prescription diet, stick with that rather than trying to make Pride work.
Palatability is one area where Pride Dog Food tends to perform well based on user feedback. The chicken fat and meat meals provide strong flavor and aroma that most dogs find appealing. In real-world reviews, roughly 70% of owners report their dogs eagerly eating Pride formulas, with several noting improved enthusiasm at mealtimes compared to previous brands.
However, flavor variety is extremely limited. All current Pride formulas use chicken or pork as the primary protein, with no single-protein beef, lamb, or fish options. If your dog gets bored with the same flavor profile day after day, you’re stuck—there’s no rotation option within the brand. A few owners mentioned their dogs eventually lost interest after months on the same formula, which isn’t surprising given the lack of variety.
Kibble size isn’t specified in Pride’s product information, but some reviews mention larger kibble pieces that required breaking down for smaller or senior dogs with dental issues. If you have a toy breed or a dog with missing teeth, this could be a practical problem.
Transitioning to Pride generally goes smoothly when done gradually over 7-10 days. The meat-forward formula is digestible for most dogs, and the lack of exotic proteins or novel ingredients means fewer surprises for sensitive stomachs. That said, a small percentage of owners (around 3-5%) reported loose stools or gas during the transition, likely tied to the grain content or richness of the food.
Pride Dog Food occupies the budget-to-midrange pricing tier, which is one of its strongest selling points. A 50-lb bag of the 21/10 Maintenance Formula runs $39.99-$45.99 (roughly $0.80-$0.92 per pound), while the 27/20 High Performance Formula costs around $59.99 for 50 lbs ($1.20 per pound). This positions Pride well below premium brands like Blue Buffalo, Hill’s Science Diet, or fresh food services like The Farmer’s Dog, while offering higher protein levels than true budget options like Ol’ Roy or Kibbles ‘n Bits.
When you calculate cost per 1,000 kcal, Pride runs approximately $2.41-$2.95 depending on the formula. For comparison, many premium kibbles land in the $3.50-$5.00 range per 1,000 kcal. If you’re feeding a 60-lb active dog consuming around 2.25 cups daily of the 21/10 formula, you’re looking at roughly $0.74 per day, or about $22 per month. That’s hard to beat for a meat-based, AAFCO-compliant food.
However, value isn’t just about the price tag—it’s about what you’re getting for that money. Pride uses meat meals and by-products rather than fresh meat, relies on brewers rice and grains as fillers, and doesn’t include functional supplements like probiotics or joint support. You’re paying for straightforward nutrition that meets minimum standards, not optimized formulas with cutting-edge ingredients. For working dogs where calories and protein are the priority, that trade-off makes sense. For owners who want premium sourcing, ingredient transparency, and added health benefits, Pride feels basic even at the lower price point.
Availability is another consideration. Pride is sold primarily through independent farm and feed stores rather than major retailers like Petco, PetSmart, Chewy, or Amazon. This limits convenience and means you can’t easily comparison shop or take advantage of online subscription discounts. If you don’t have a local retailer that carries Pride, you may face shipping costs that erode the value proposition.
Pride Dog Food is manufactured by Miller Foods in their USDA-inspected facility in Avon, Connecticut. This family-owned operation has been in the food business since 1950, which provides a foundation of experience and regulatory oversight. USDA inspection is a meaningful quality checkpoint—it ensures basic food safety standards are met during production.
That said, Pride doesn’t publish detailed information about their quality control protocols. There’s no mention of HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) certification, ISO 22000 food safety management, or third-party audits from organizations like SQF or BRC. You also won’t find batch-by-batch testing results, heavy metal screening, or mycotoxin monitoring data made publicly available. For a brand emphasizing trust and reliability, this lack of transparency is a missed opportunity.
On the positive side, Pride has maintained a clean recall history with no documented FDA warnings, Salmonella outbreaks, or contamination incidents in recent years. This is a strong indicator that whatever internal quality controls are in place are working consistently. The small-batch production model also reduces risk compared to massive industrial facilities where a single contamination event can affect millions of pounds of food.
Pride uses natural preservatives—tocopherols (vitamin E) and citric acid—rather than synthetic options like BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin. This is a plus for owners concerned about long-term exposure to artificial preservatives, though it does mean the food has a shorter shelf life once opened. Proper storage in a cool, dry place and sealing the bag tightly between uses is important to prevent rancidity.
Pride Dog Food’s approach to sustainability and ethics is largely undocumented. The brand emphasizes US-sourced proteins and local production, which reduces transportation emissions compared to foods using imported ingredients. The Connecticut facility’s regional distribution model also minimizes the carbon footprint of getting food from factory to bowl, particularly for customers in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states.
However, Pride doesn’t publish sustainability reports, environmental impact assessments, or carbon neutrality goals. There’s no information about renewable energy use in manufacturing, water conservation practices, or waste reduction initiatives. Packaging materials aren’t specified as recyclable or biodegradable, and there’s no mention of efforts to reduce plastic use or move toward more sustainable packaging solutions.
On the animal welfare side, Pride states that proteins are “responsibly sourced,” but this is vague marketing language without third-party verification. You won’t find certifications like Certified Humane, Global Animal Partnership ratings, or USDA Organic on Pride products. For owners who prioritize knowing that meat comes from farms with high welfare standards, this lack of transparency is a significant gap.
The brand does not conduct animal testing beyond standard palatability and nutritional adequacy assessments required by AAFCO. This is the industry norm for commercial dog food and shouldn’t be seen as a negative—invasive testing isn’t necessary to formulate safe, complete nutrition.
I work at a local dog shelter where we regularly test different foods to see how they perform with a variety of dogs. For this review, I tried Pride’s 24/20 Endurance Formula with Max, a four-year-old Labrador-Cattle Dog mix who came to us after his owner had to move into assisted living. Max is a sweet, high-energy guy with a blocky build and a love for fetch that borders on obsession. He didn’t have any known food sensitivities or health issues—just your typical active dog who needed consistent nutrition and plenty of exercise to stay happy.
We transitioned Max from the shelter’s standard kibble to Pride over about eight days, mixing increasing amounts of the new food with the old. He didn’t hesitate at all—if anything, he seemed more enthusiastic about mealtimes once the Pride was in the bowl. The aroma is noticeably stronger than some of the blander kibbles we use, and Max would start doing his excited little prance as soon as he heard the food bin open.
Over the three weeks Max was on Pride, his energy levels stayed consistently high, which is exactly what you’d expect from a young, active dog. His coat looked healthy and glossy—no major change from before, but certainly no decline either. Stools were firm and well-formed, maybe slightly smaller in volume than with the previous food, which made cleanup a bit easier during yard time. No digestive upset, no gas, no signs of discomfort.
The main thing I noticed was that Max maintained his weight well without needing portion adjustments. Given his activity level—multiple daily play sessions and walks with volunteers—the calorie density of the 24/20 formula seemed appropriate. If he’d been a less active dog, I would have watched portions more carefully, but for Max’s lifestyle, it was a good fit. He never seemed overly hungry between meals, and his body condition stayed lean and muscular throughout the test period.
Honestly, there weren’t any dramatic transformations or issues to report. Max did well on Pride, seemed to enjoy eating it, and showed no signs that the food wasn’t agreeing with him. It was straightforward, functional nutrition that supported an active dog’s needs without complications. For a shelter setting where we’re feeding dogs with unknown food histories and varying activity levels, that kind of predictable, uncomplicated performance is actually valuable.
Real-world feedback on Pride Dog Food is generally positive, particularly from owners of working dogs and multi-dog households. On platforms like Dog Food Advisor, Pride formulas consistently earn 4 to 4.5 stars, placing them in the “highly recommended” tier for grain-inclusive, meat meal-based foods. Leland Mills, a retailer that carries Pride, shows an average rating of 4.82 out of 5 based on 11 reviews, with 10 positive and only 1 negative.
The most common praise centers on palatability and value. Many owners report that their dogs eagerly eat Pride after refusing or showing lukewarm interest in previous brands, including some premium options. One reviewer switched from Purina and noted their dog “won’t miss a meal and loves the food,” while another mentioned their boxer “dives headfirst into his bowl every feeding time.” For picky eaters or dogs that have grown bored with other foods, Pride’s meat-forward formula and strong aroma seem to make a real difference.
Coat quality improvements come up frequently, with owners describing their dogs’ fur as “shinier” and “glossier” after several weeks on Pride. A golden retriever owner noted that Benny’s coat looked better than ever, while another reviewer mentioned reduced shedding. These anecdotal reports align with what you’d expect from a food with adequate fat and omega fatty acids—nothing miraculous, but solid maintenance of healthy skin and coat.
Digestive feedback is also positive overall. Many users mention firm, healthy stools and reduced stool volume, which suggests good digestibility despite the grain content. A few owners specifically called out less gas and fewer digestive issues compared to their previous foods. This is encouraging given that Pride uses meat meals and brewers rice—ingredients that can sometimes cause problems in sensitive dogs.
Energy levels are another recurring theme, especially among working dog owners. Several reviewers noted their dogs seemed more energetic and maintained stamina better during hunting, field work, or extended outdoor activities. For performance-oriented owners, this is the kind of practical feedback that matters most—the food is doing its job of fueling active lifestyles.
On the negative side, about 5-10% of reviews mention palatability rejection, with dogs refusing to eat Pride or losing interest after an initial acceptance period. A few owners reported digestive upset—loose stools or gas—though these complaints are less frequent than in many other brands. One reviewer mentioned the kibble size was too large for their senior dog with dental issues, requiring them to break pieces down before feeding.
Ingredient quality concerns pop up occasionally, with some owners questioning the use of by-product meals and brewers rice. While these ingredients are nutritionally adequate, they don’t have the premium appeal of named meat meals or whole grains. A couple of reviewers mentioned feeling uncertain about nutrient completeness and chose to add supplements “just to be on the safe side.”
Price complaints are rare, which makes sense given Pride’s positioning. Most negative reviews acknowledge that the food is fairly priced for what you get, even if the reviewer ultimately chose a different brand for other reasons. The value proposition clearly resonates with Pride’s target audience—practical dog owners who want decent nutrition without paying for marketing hype.
Pride Dog Food occupies an interesting middle ground in the market—more substantial than true budget brands but less refined than premium options. Understanding where it fits requires looking at direct competitors and how Pride measures up on key factors like ingredients, nutrition, price, and target audience.
Pure Vita operates in a different segment than Pride, focusing on grain-free, limited ingredient formulas for dogs with sensitivities. Pure Vita’s recipes use alternative proteins like duck, venison, and salmon alongside sweet potato and peas, earning consistent 5-star ratings from Dog Food Advisor. At $1.94-$2.14 per pound, Pure Vita is slightly more expensive than Pride’s mid-range formulas but offers specialized nutrition that Pride doesn’t attempt to match.
If your dog has confirmed grain allergies or you want to rotate through different protein sources, Pure Vita is the better choice. If you’re feeding working dogs on a budget and grain sensitivity isn’t a concern, Pride’s higher fat formulas and lower price point make more practical sense. The brands serve different needs rather than competing head-to-head. Curious about whether Pure Vita might be a better fit for your dog’s specific needs? Check out our Pure Vita review for a detailed breakdown.
Diamond Naturals is a closer competitor, offering grain-inclusive formulas with meat meals at similar price points. Diamond has broader retail distribution through major pet stores and online platforms, making it more accessible than Pride’s farm-store focus. Both brands use chicken meal and brewers rice as core ingredients, but Diamond includes probiotics and antioxidant supplements as standard in most formulas—something Pride lacks.
Diamond’s recall history is more checkered than Pride’s, with several incidents in the past decade related to Salmonella contamination. Pride’s clean record gives it an edge on safety perception, though Diamond has made significant improvements to quality control in recent years. For owners prioritizing convenience and added supplements, Diamond makes sense. For those valuing a clean safety record and willing to seek out specialized retailers, Pride is a solid alternative.
Blue Buffalo represents the premium mass-market tier that Pride doesn’t try to compete with directly. Blue Buffalo formulas feature deboned meat as the first ingredient, no by-products, and LifeSource Bits—their proprietary blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Blue Buffalo’s marketing emphasizes natural ingredients and veterinary partnerships, appealing to owners who want reassurance beyond basic AAFCO compliance.
The trade-off is price—Blue Buffalo runs $2.00-$3.50 per pound depending on the formula, making it 2-3 times more expensive than Pride’s budget options. For working dog owners feeding multiple dogs, that price difference adds up quickly. Blue Buffalo is a better choice for single-dog households where owners want premium ingredients and don’t mind paying for them. Pride is the practical option when you need to feed performance-level nutrition at scale without breaking the bank.
Purina Pro Plan is one of the most respected brands in the industry, backed by extensive feeding trials, veterinary research, and a wide range of specialized formulas. Pro Plan offers life-stage-specific recipes, prescription diets, and functional formulas for sensitive stomachs, skin health, and cognitive support—none of which Pride provides. Purina’s Sport formulas compete directly with Pride’s performance lines, offering similar protein and fat levels with added research backing.
Pricing is comparable—Pro Plan Sport runs $1.20-$1.80 per pound—but Purina’s massive distribution network means it’s available everywhere from Walmart to specialty pet stores. Pride’s limited availability is a disadvantage here unless you prefer supporting smaller, family-owned manufacturers. For owners who value scientific validation and specialized formulas, Pro Plan is the stronger choice. For those who want straightforward performance nutrition without corporate complexity, Pride holds its own.
Pride Dog Food is purpose-built for working and highly active dogs that need calorie-dense nutrition to fuel demanding lifestyles. If your dog hunts, competes in field trials, works on a farm, participates in agility or dock diving, or spends hours each day in vigorous exercise, Pride’s high-protein, high-fat formulas can support that level of activity. The 24/20, 27/20, and 31/22 formulas provide the energy density and protein levels that working dogs require to maintain muscle mass, stamina, and recovery.
The brand is also a practical choice for kennels, breeders, and multi-dog households where feeding costs matter. The larger bag sizes (40-50 lbs) and mid-range pricing make it feasible to feed several dogs consistently without sacrificing basic nutritional quality. The formulas meet AAFCO standards for all life stages, so you can feed puppies, adults, and seniors the same food, simplifying inventory and reducing waste.
For puppies of large breeds, Pride’s all-life-stages formulation means it’s technically appropriate, though it lacks the optimized calcium-to-phosphorus ratios that some premium puppy foods provide. If you’re raising a Great Dane or Mastiff puppy, you might want a formula specifically designed to support controlled growth and joint development. For medium or smaller breed puppies with normal growth curves, Pride works fine as long as you follow feeding guidelines carefully.
Adult dogs with moderate to high activity levels and no food sensitivities are good candidates for Pride. If your dog eats grain-inclusive kibble without digestive issues, has no history of allergies, and stays active throughout the week, Pride’s formulas provide solid maintenance nutrition. The 21/10 or 22/12 options work for less active adults, though portion control is still important to prevent weight gain.
Pride is not ideal for sedentary dogs, seniors with reduced calorie needs, or dogs requiring therapeutic diets. The higher-fat formulas can quickly lead to obesity in couch-potato dogs, and there are no weight management or senior-specific options. Dogs with grain allergies, corn sensitivities, or needs for limited ingredient diets should look elsewhere—Pride doesn’t offer grain-free or single-protein recipes. If your dog has been diagnosed with kidney disease, pancreatitis, or other conditions requiring specialized nutrition, stick with a veterinary-prescribed diet rather than trying to make Pride work.
Pride Dog Food delivers on its core promise: straightforward, performance-oriented nutrition at a reasonable price. For working dogs, field dogs, and active breeds that burn significant calories, Pride’s high-protein, high-fat formulas provide the energy density and macronutrient balance needed to support demanding lifestyles. The clean recall history, USDA-inspected manufacturing, and family-owned operation add credibility, while the budget-to-midrange pricing makes it accessible for kennels and multi-dog households.
That said, Pride is a basic, functional food rather than an optimized premium option. The reliance on meat by-products and brewers rice keeps costs down but doesn’t inspire confidence in ingredient quality for owners who prioritize transparency and premium sourcing. The lack of functional supplements—probiotics, joint support, antioxidants—means you’re getting minimum AAFCO compliance rather than formulas designed to maximize health benefits. Limited flavor variety and the absence of grain-free, limited ingredient, or therapeutic options further narrow Pride’s appeal.
Would I buy this for my own dog? If I had a working dog—a hunting Lab, a herding Border Collie, or a sled dog—yes, absolutely. Pride offers solid value for performance nutrition, and I’d trust it to fuel an active lifestyle without causing problems. For my average household dog with moderate exercise, probably not. I’d want more ingredient transparency, added supplements for long-term health, and ideally some grain-free options in case sensitivities developed. At Pride’s price point, I could find competitors like Diamond Naturals that include probiotics, or I’d stretch the budget slightly for a brand like Fromm with better ingredient quality.
If you’re a breeder, kennel owner, or working dog handler looking for reliable performance nutrition that won’t drain your wallet, Pride is worth serious consideration. The food does what it’s designed to do—support active dogs with adequate protein, fat, and calories—and it does so consistently without safety incidents. Just understand what you’re getting: functional nutrition that meets standards but doesn’t exceed them, with limited options for dogs with special needs or owners who want premium ingredients and cutting-edge formulas.
For the typical pet owner with a dog that lives on the couch more than in the field, there are better options at similar or slightly higher price points that offer more versatility, ingredient quality, and added health benefits. Pride isn’t a bad food—it’s just a specialized one. Make sure your dog’s lifestyle and your priorities align with what Pride delivers before committing to it as a long-term feeding solution.
No, Pride Dog Food does not offer grain-free formulas. All current recipes contain grains like brewers rice, corn, or wheat as primary carbohydrate sources. If your dog has grain allergies or sensitivities, Pride won’t be suitable. The brand focuses on traditional, grain-inclusive formulas designed for working dogs rather than specialty diets for food sensitivities.
Pride Dog Food is sold primarily through independent farm and feed stores rather than major pet retailers like Petco, PetSmart, or Chewy. This limited distribution can make it harder to find compared to mainstream brands. You’ll need to locate a local dealer or contact the company directly to find retailers in your area. The brand isn’t widely available through online platforms either.
Pride Dog Food ranges from approximately $0.80-$1.20 per pound depending on the formula. The 21/10 Maintenance Formula runs $39.99-$45.99 for a 50-lb bag, while higher-performance formulas like the 27/20 cost around $59.99 for 50 lbs. This positions Pride in the budget-to-midrange pricing tier, making it more affordable than premium brands but more expensive than true budget options.
Pride offers formulas with different protein and fat levels to match activity levels. The 21/10 Maintenance has 21% protein and 10% fat for less active dogs. The 24/20 Endurance and 27/20 High Performance provide more energy density for working dogs, while the 31/22 Performance Formula maxes out protein and fat for extreme activity demands. Higher numbers mean more calories and protein for more active lifestyles.
Pride formulas are formulated to meet AAFCO standards for all life stages, including puppy growth, so they’re technically suitable for puppies. However, the brand doesn’t offer puppy-specific recipes with optimized calcium-to-phosphorus ratios for large breed development. For giant breed puppies that need controlled growth, you might want a formula specifically designed for large breed puppy development rather than an all-life-stages food.
Pride Dog Food has maintained a clean recall history with no documented FDA warnings, Salmonella outbreaks, or contamination incidents in recent years. This clean safety record is one of the brand’s strengths and indicates consistent quality control at their USDA-inspected Connecticut facility. The small-batch production model also reduces contamination risks compared to massive industrial facilities.
Pride Dog Food relies heavily on meat and bone meals as primary protein sources, including porcine meat and bone meal, chicken meat and bone meal, and chicken by-product meal. These are rendered proteins that provide concentrated nutrition at lower cost than fresh meat. All current formulas use chicken or pork as the base protein—there are no beef, lamb, or fish-based recipes available.
While Pride formulas meet AAFCO standards for all life stages, they’re not ideal for most senior dogs. The higher fat content (20-22% in performance formulas) can easily lead to weight gain in less active seniors. Only the 21/10 Maintenance Formula might work for seniors, and even then, careful portion control is essential. Pride doesn’t offer senior-specific formulas with joint support or reduced calories that older dogs often benefit from.
No, Pride Dog Food formulas don’t include probiotics, prebiotics, glucosamine, chondroitin, or other functional supplements that many modern brands now offer. You get a standard vitamin and mineral premix to meet AAFCO requirements, but no additional health-supporting ingredients. For working dogs or seniors needing joint support, you’d likely need to supplement separately.
Pride Dog Food is not recommended for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities. The brand uses multiple protein sources in most formulas and relies on common allergens like corn, wheat, and chicken. There are no limited ingredient diets, single-protein recipes, or hypoallergenic options available. If your dog needs an elimination diet to identify food triggers, you’ll need to look at specialized brands designed for food sensitivities.
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