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
• Parent company safety concerns: While Wholesomes itself has never been recalled, owner Midwestern Pet Foods faced serious FDA violations for contamination at other facilities between 2020-2021, raising quality control questions.
• Mid-market positioning with limitations: Offers decent ingredients like named meat meals and no artificial additives at $3-5 per pound, but lacks sourcing transparency and feeding trial verification found in premium brands.
• Strong palatability and digestive benefits: Most dogs enthusiastically eat the food, with many owners reporting improved coat quality, firmer stools, and reduced digestive sensitivity, particularly with the Sensitive line.
• Best for healthy, moderate-activity dogs: Suitable for typical family pets without special health needs, but insufficient for performance dogs or those requiring therapeutic nutrition due to moderate protein/fat levels.
• Adequate but not exceptional value: Provides better-than-budget ingredients without premium quality or advanced nutrition, making it a reasonable compromise for cost-conscious owners feeding larger or multiple dogs.
Wholesomes is manufactured by Midwestern Pet Foods, a family-owned company that’s been around since 1926. Started by the Nunn family as a small milling operation in Indiana, it’s now run by the fourth generation and operates four U.S.-based production facilities. The brand markets itself as a transparent, mid-market option that uses quality proteins and ingredients sourced from American farmland, with a portion of sales going to the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation—a charity supporting kids of military service members killed in action.
On paper, that sounds reassuring. A family business with nearly a century of experience, American manufacturing, and a charitable mission. But here’s where things get tricky: while Wholesomes itself has never been directly recalled, Midwestern Pet Foods faced significant FDA action between 2020 and 2021. Other brands in their portfolio were recalled for aflatoxin contamination—a dangerous mycotoxin—found at levels up to 28 times the safe limit. The FDA also cited unsanitary conditions at some facilities, leading to hundreds of reported pet illnesses and deaths.
Now, those recalls didn’t involve Wholesomes products, and the brand has maintained a clean safety record on its own. But when you’re buying from a company that had serious quality control failures elsewhere, it’s fair to ask whether the systems in place are truly robust across all lines. Midwestern Pet Foods has stated it made improvements and increased oversight, but detailed third-party audits or certifications aren’t publicly available, so you’re largely taking their word for it.
In terms of philosophy, Wholesomes aims to offer “wholesome” nutrition—real meat as the first ingredient, no artificial preservatives or flavors, and recipes formulated to meet AAFCO standards. The brand doesn’t position itself as ultra-premium or cutting-edge; instead, it’s about solid, straightforward nutrition at a price that’s more accessible than brands like Orijen or Acana. For many dog owners, that balance of quality and affordability is appealing, especially if you’re feeding a larger dog or multiple dogs and need to keep costs in check.
Wholesomes uses named meat meals as the primary protein source in most recipes—think chicken meal, beef meal, lamb meal, or whitefish meal. Meat meals are concentrated proteins with moisture removed, so they pack more protein per pound than fresh meat. That’s generally a good thing, as long as the quality is consistent. The brand lists these meals as the first ingredient in nearly all formulas, which is what you want to see.
However, there’s a catch: the sourcing details are vague. Wholesomes claims to use “selectively chosen” ingredients from “America’s farmland,” but there’s no transparency about which farms, suppliers, or regions those proteins come from. You don’t get the traceability you’d find with more premium brands that name specific suppliers or publish third-party audits. For a brand emphasizing transparency, that’s a meaningful gap.
The carbohydrate base varies by formula. Grain-inclusive recipes use brown rice, oatmeal, and pearled barley—solid, digestible options that provide steady energy and fiber. The grain-free lines rely on potatoes as the main carb source, avoiding peas, lentils, and legumes that have been linked to concerns around DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy) in dogs.
That’s a thoughtful choice. While the FDA hasn’t definitively proven a causal link between grain-free diets and DCM, the agency has noted that many cases involved foods with high levels of peas and lentils. By sticking with potatoes, Wholesomes sidesteps that controversy while still offering a grain-free option for dogs with sensitivities. That said, potatoes are a high-glycemic carb, so if your dog is prone to weight gain or has blood sugar concerns, a grain-inclusive formula might be a better fit.
Fat content sits around 16% on average, which is moderate and appropriate for most adult dogs. The brand uses chicken fat and flaxseed as primary fat sources. Chicken fat is highly palatable and provides essential fatty acids, while flaxseed adds omega-3s for coat and skin health. These are standard, functional ingredients—nothing fancy, but they get the job done.
What’s missing is more detailed information about the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. Ideally, you want a balance that supports anti-inflammatory processes, but Wholesomes doesn’t publish that data. For dogs with chronic skin issues or joint problems, that lack of precision might be a limitation.
Wholesomes includes some functional additives, like chelated minerals for better absorption and mixed tocopherols (a natural preservative derived from vitamin E). Those are positives. But the brand also uses beet pulp, which is controversial. Some people see it as a cheap filler; others recognize it as a useful source of soluble fiber that supports gut health. In moderate amounts, beet pulp isn’t a problem, but it’s often a red flag for owners looking for “cleaner” formulas.
Another ingredient worth noting is sodium selenite, a synthetic form of selenium. While it’s an approved mineral source, some prefer organic selenium (like selenium yeast) for better bioavailability. Again, this isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s part of a pattern: Wholesomes uses functional but not premium ingredients.
| Price per pound | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| Primary protein | Chicken meal, Beef meal, Lamb meal, Whitefish meal, Salmon |
| By-products | None |
| AAFCO compliance | Yes (formulation only) |
| Formula options | Multiple lines including grain-inclusive, grain-free, and Sensitive Skin & Stomach |
| Availability | Pet specialty stores and online retailers |
To its credit, Wholesomes avoids artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. There are no by-products or unnamed meat sources, which is reassuring. The ingredient list is relatively short and straightforward, without a lot of the fillers or mystery ingredients you’d find in lower-quality kibble.
Wholesomes formulas are designed to meet AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles, which means they provide the minimum nutritional requirements for dogs at various life stages. However, it’s important to understand that AAFCO compliance can be achieved in two ways: through formulation (calculating nutrients on paper) or through feeding trials (actually testing the food with real dogs over time). There’s no public evidence that Wholesomes conducts feeding trials, so it’s likely they rely on formulation alone. That’s common for mid-market brands, but it means you don’t have independent verification that the nutrients are bioavailable and digestible.
Looking at a typical adult formula, you’ll see around 27-30% protein, 16% fat, and 50% carbohydrates (calculated on a dry matter basis). Protein levels are solid—high enough to support muscle maintenance and energy, but not so high that they’re excessive for less active dogs. Fat at 16% is moderate, appropriate for everyday activity without tipping into weight gain territory. Carbohydrates make up the bulk of the formula, which is standard for kibble but worth noting if you’re feeding a dog that does better on lower-carb diets.
Caloric density ranges from about 3,500 to 4,000 kcal/kg, depending on the formula. That’s in the middle range—not as calorie-dense as high-performance foods, but more concentrated than budget kibble. For most dogs, that means you’ll feed a reasonable amount without needing huge portions.
Wholesomes includes standard vitamin and mineral supplementation to meet AAFCO requirements. You’ll see things like vitamin E, vitamin A, B vitamins, zinc, and iron listed in the guaranteed analysis. The brand uses a mix of natural and synthetic sources, which is typical for this price point.
What’s not included in most formulas are advanced functional ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support, probiotics for gut health, or DHA for cognitive function. Some newer recipes—like the Sensitive Skin & Stomach line—incorporate natural fibers and easily digestible proteins, but you’re not getting the added supplements you’d find in premium or veterinary diets. If your dog has specific health needs, you may need to add those separately.
Wholesomes works well for healthy adult dogs with normal activity levels and no major sensitivities. If you have a dog that’s not picky, doesn’t have chronic digestive issues, and doesn’t need specialized nutrition, this food will likely meet their needs without breaking the bank. The grain-inclusive formulas are a good fit for dogs that tolerate grains well, while the grain-free options offer an alternative for dogs with suspected grain sensitivities—though true grain allergies are rare.
The Sensitive Skin & Stomach line, particularly the newer small breed formula with salmon protein, is designed for dogs prone to digestive upset or skin issues. By using a single animal protein and avoiding common triggers like chicken, it can be a helpful option during an elimination diet or for dogs with known sensitivities. The inclusion of ancient grains like oatmeal and barley provides gentle fiber without the potential irritation of corn or wheat.
For multi-dog households or larger breeds, Wholesomes offers solid value. The price per pound is lower than many premium brands, and the nutritional profile is adequate for everyday feeding. If you’re feeding two or three dogs, or you have a 70-pound Labrador, the cost savings can add up without sacrificing too much in terms of ingredient quality.
Wholesomes isn’t the best choice for dogs with serious health conditions that require specialized nutrition. If your dog has kidney disease, liver issues, pancreatitis, or severe food allergies, you’ll want a veterinary diet with precise nutrient control and clinical backing. Wholesomes is formulated for general health, not therapeutic management.
For highly active or working dogs, the protein and fat levels may be on the lower side. Performance dogs—like those doing agility, herding, or long-distance running—often need higher fat and protein to sustain energy and recovery. Wholesomes’ moderate macros are fine for everyday activity, but they won’t fuel intense work the way a high-performance formula would.
If you’re looking for cutting-edge nutrition or maximum transparency, Wholesomes will likely disappoint. The ingredient sourcing is vague, there are no published feeding trials, and the parent company’s recent safety issues raise questions about quality control. For owners who prioritize traceability, third-party testing, and detailed nutritional data, brands like Orijen, Acana, or fresh food services will be a better fit.
One of the most consistent pieces of feedback from dog owners is that their dogs like the taste of Wholesomes. Roughly 90% of reviews mention that dogs eat it enthusiastically, and many report success with picky eaters who turned their noses up at other brands. The chicken and salmon flavors seem to be particularly popular, while beef and lamb get mixed reviews depending on the individual dog.
That said, there are occasional reports of dogs refusing the food after an initial transition or after a formula change. Some owners suspect that batch-to-batch consistency might vary, leading to subtle differences in smell or taste that dogs pick up on. While these complaints are relatively rare—maybe 5% of reviews—they’re worth noting if you have a dog that’s especially sensitive to changes.
The kibble size is standard and appropriate for most breeds, though the small breed formula uses smaller pieces tailored to tiny mouths. The texture is typical for extruded kibble—crunchy and dry, which helps with dental health by providing some mechanical cleaning action as dogs chew.
Wholesomes sits in the mid-market price range, typically running between $3.00 and $5.00 per pound depending on the formula and where you buy it. For a 30-pound bag of the adult chicken meal and rice formula, you’re looking at around $45 to $60 at most retailers. That’s more affordable than premium brands like Blue Buffalo or Hill’s Science Diet, but noticeably more expensive than budget options like Purina Pro Plan or Diamond Naturals.
So is it worth it? That depends on what you value. If you’re comparing Wholesomes to true premium brands—those with detailed sourcing, third-party testing, and robust quality control—it falls short. You’re paying mid-market prices but not getting the transparency or advanced nutrition that justifies a higher cost. On the other hand, if you’re comparing it to budget kibble, Wholesomes offers cleaner ingredients, named meat meals, and no artificial additives for a modest price increase.
For many dog owners, that trade-off makes sense. You’re getting better-than-average ingredients without the premium price tag, which is particularly appealing if you’re feeding multiple dogs or a large breed. But if you’re feeding a small dog or you’re willing to invest more for maximum quality, you might find better value elsewhere.
Wholesomes is manufactured exclusively in four U.S.-based facilities owned by Midwestern Pet Foods, all located in the Midwest. The company emphasizes that it controls the entire production process in-house, which should theoretically allow for better quality oversight. However, the lack of detailed information about specific quality control protocols, third-party audits, or certifications is a significant gap.
Here’s where things get uncomfortable: while Wholesomes itself has never been recalled, other brands produced by Midwestern Pet Foods were involved in serious contamination incidents between 2020 and 2021. The FDA found aflatoxin levels up to 28 times the safe limit in some products, and inspections revealed unsanitary conditions at facilities, including the presence of rodents and inadequate cleaning procedures. These issues led to hundreds of reported illnesses and deaths among pets.
Midwestern Pet Foods has stated that it made corrective actions, but without independent verification—like published third-party audit results or certifications from bodies like SQF or HACCP—it’s hard to know how thorough those improvements have been. For a brand that markets itself on transparency, the lack of publicly available quality data is a red flag.
If you’re considering Wholesomes, it’s worth weighing that history. The brand’s own record is clean, but the parent company’s track record raises legitimate concerns about whether quality control is consistent across all product lines.
Wholesomes makes a few positive gestures toward sustainability and social responsibility. The brand participates in the Earthborn ReBorn program, which promotes 100% recyclable packaging. That’s a step in the right direction, though details about the actual recyclability of the bags—and whether consumers can easily recycle them through municipal programs—aren’t clear.
The company also donates a portion of sales to the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation, supporting college scholarships for children of military service members killed in action. That’s a meaningful charitable commitment, and it aligns with the brand’s emphasis on American values and community support.
Where Wholesomes falls short is in ingredient sourcing transparency. The brand claims to use ingredients from “America’s farmland,” but there’s no detailed information about farming practices, animal welfare standards, or environmental impact. You don’t know whether the chicken comes from farms that prioritize humane treatment or whether the grains are sourced sustainably. For owners who care about those issues, that lack of detail is frustrating.
There’s also no public information about animal testing policies. It’s unclear whether Wholesomes conducts feeding trials with live animals or relies solely on formulation. While feeding trials can provide valuable data, they also raise ethical questions about how animals are housed and treated during testing. The absence of a clear policy leaves that question unanswered.
I work at a local dog shelter, where we’re constantly testing different foods to see what works best for the wide variety of dogs that come through our doors. For this review, I decided to try Wholesomes with Mabel, a five-year-old mixed breed who’s been with us for a few months. Mabel’s about 45 pounds, with a blocky build that suggests some Labrador or pit bull mix, and she’s got a short, brindle coat that sheds more than you’d expect.
Mabel doesn’t have any major health issues, but she’s had some mild digestive sensitivity since she arrived—nothing dramatic, just slightly softer stools and occasional gas. We’d been feeding her a generic shelter kibble, and while she ate it fine, it wasn’t doing much for her coat or energy levels. I thought Wholesomes might be a good middle-ground option—better ingredients than the budget stuff, but not so expensive that it would blow our limited budget.
I transitioned Mabel over about a week, mixing Wholesomes with her old food in gradually increasing amounts. She didn’t hesitate at all when I first offered it—she dove right in, which was a good sign. The kibble has a mild, meaty smell that’s not overpowering but noticeable enough that it seemed to catch her attention.
Mabel ate the Wholesomes Chicken Meal & Rice formula enthusiastically from day one. She’s not a particularly picky eater, but she definitely showed more interest in this food than the shelter kibble. She’d finish her bowl quickly and lick it clean, which wasn’t always the case before. Over the three weeks I fed her Wholesomes, her enthusiasm stayed consistent—no signs of boredom or refusal.
The most noticeable change was in her stool quality. Within about a week, her stools firmed up noticeably and became more consistent. The gas improved too, which was a relief for everyone in the kennel area. I also noticed her coat looked a bit shinier and smoother by the end of the three weeks, though it’s hard to say how much of that was the food versus regular grooming and reduced stress as she settled in.
Energy-wise, Mabel stayed pretty much the same—she’s always been a moderately active dog who enjoys her walks but isn’t bouncing off the walls. I didn’t see a dramatic increase or decrease in energy, which is probably a good thing. She seemed content and satisfied after meals, without the restless “still hungry” behavior some dogs show on lower-quality food.
From a practical standpoint, feeding Wholesomes was straightforward. The kibble didn’t crumble or create a lot of dust, and the bag sealed reasonably well to keep it fresh. Mabel’s portions were easy to manage—about two cups a day split between morning and evening—and she maintained a healthy weight without any adjustments.
Overall, Mabel did well on Wholesomes. It wasn’t a dramatic transformation, but the improvements in digestion and coat were noticeable and appreciated. For a shelter dog with mild sensitivities, it was a solid, reliable choice that didn’t cause any problems and seemed to support her overall health.
Looking at reviews across platforms like Chewy, Amazon, and DogFoodAdvisor, Wholesomes generally scores around 4 to 4.5 out of 5 stars. The most common positive feedback centers on palatability—dogs like the taste, and many owners report success with picky eaters. Improvements in coat quality are frequently mentioned, with owners noting shinier, softer fur and less shedding after a few weeks on the food.
Digestive benefits also come up often. Owners of dogs with sensitive stomachs report firmer stools, less gas, and fewer episodes of upset after switching to Wholesomes, particularly with the Sensitive Skin & Stomach line. For dogs with mild food sensitivities, the limited ingredient formulas seem to help, though they’re not a cure-all for serious allergies.
On the negative side, a small but vocal group of owners report that their dogs experienced digestive issues—loose stools, vomiting, or increased itching—after switching to Wholesomes. These complaints are relatively rare (maybe 5-10% of reviews), but they’re consistent enough to suggest that some dogs don’t tolerate the food well. It’s unclear whether these reactions are due to specific ingredients, batch inconsistencies, or individual sensitivities.
Price is another common complaint. While Wholesomes is more affordable than premium brands, some owners feel it’s too expensive for what you get, especially when compared to brands like Purina Pro Plan or Diamond Naturals that offer similar or better nutrition at a lower cost. For budget-conscious owners, the value proposition isn’t always clear.
A few owners have also expressed concern about the parent company’s recall history, even though Wholesomes itself hasn’t been affected. That’s a fair worry—when you’re buying from a company that had serious quality control failures, it’s natural to question whether you can trust all their products. Midwestern Pet Foods’ lack of transparency about corrective actions doesn’t help ease those concerns.
When you stack Wholesomes up against other mid-market brands, the picture is mixed. Compared to Purina Pro Plan, Wholesomes uses cleaner ingredients and avoids by-products, but Purina has decades of clinical research, published feeding trials, and a robust quality control system that Wholesomes can’t match. Purina also offers more specialized formulas for specific health conditions, which Wholesomes doesn’t.
Against Blue Buffalo, Wholesomes is more affordable and uses similar quality ingredients, but Blue Buffalo has better transparency around sourcing and more extensive product testing. Blue Buffalo also offers a wider range of formulas, including life stage-specific and breed-specific options that give you more flexibility.
Compared to Diamond Naturals, Wholesomes is slightly more expensive but uses fewer fillers and more recognizable ingredients. However, Diamond Naturals has a stronger track record of consistent quality and better value for money, especially for larger dogs.
If you’re looking at premium brands like Orijen or Acana, Wholesomes doesn’t compete on ingredient quality, sourcing transparency, or nutritional density. Those brands use fresh, regional ingredients with detailed traceability and higher protein levels. But they also cost significantly more—often double or triple the price per pound. For many owners, that premium isn’t justified unless their dog has specific needs that require it. If you’re weighing options in that tier, check out our Evolve dog food review for another mid-market alternative with a different approach to ingredients and pricing.
For owners considering fresh food services, the comparison shifts entirely. Brands like The Farmer’s Dog, Ollie, Nom Nom, and The Pets Table offer human-grade, gently cooked meals with visible, whole ingredients and personalized nutrition plans. They’re dramatically more expensive than Wholesomes—often $5 to $10+ per day depending on your dog’s size—but the ingredient quality, digestibility, and convenience are on a different level. If budget allows and you value maximum transparency and nutrition, fresh food is worth considering. If you’re feeding multiple dogs or a large breed, though, the cost can be prohibitive, and that’s where a mid-market kibble like Wholesomes makes more sense.
Wholesomes is best suited for healthy adult dogs with moderate activity levels and no major health issues. If your dog is a typical family pet—goes for daily walks, plays in the yard, doesn’t have chronic digestive problems or allergies—this food will likely meet their needs without any drama. The grain-inclusive formulas work well for dogs that tolerate grains, while the grain-free options offer an alternative for dogs with suspected sensitivities.
The Sensitive Skin & Stomach line is worth considering if your dog has mild digestive upset or occasional skin issues. It’s not a therapeutic diet, but the single animal protein and easily digestible ingredients can help during an elimination trial or for dogs with known sensitivities to common proteins like chicken.
For puppies, Wholesomes offers formulas designed for growth, though they’re fairly basic. If you have a large-breed puppy, you’ll want to pay close attention to calcium and phosphorus levels to support proper bone development—Wholesomes meets AAFCO standards, but it doesn’t offer the precision you’d find in a veterinary growth formula.
For senior dogs, Wholesomes can work if your dog is healthy and doesn’t need joint support or reduced calories. However, the lack of added glucosamine, chondroitin, or other functional ingredients means you’ll likely need to supplement separately if your dog has arthritis or mobility issues.
For highly active or working dogs, Wholesomes probably won’t provide enough fuel. The moderate protein and fat levels are fine for everyday activity, but performance dogs need higher energy density and more robust macros to sustain intense work.
Wholesomes is not suitable for dogs with serious health conditions—kidney disease, liver issues, pancreatitis, severe allergies, or other conditions that require therapeutic nutrition. For those cases, you need a veterinary diet with precise nutrient control and clinical backing.
Here’s my honest take: Wholesomes is a solid, middle-of-the-road option that will work fine for many dogs, but it’s not a standout in any particular area. The ingredients are decent—named meat meals, recognizable carbs, no artificial additives—but the sourcing is vague and there’s no independent verification of quality. The nutritional profile meets AAFCO standards, but without feeding trials, you don’t have confirmation that those nutrients are actually bioavailable and digestible. The price is reasonable, but you’re not getting premium quality or advanced nutrition for what you’re paying.
What concerns me most is the parent company’s recent history. Midwestern Pet Foods had serious contamination and safety issues at some of their facilities, and while Wholesomes wasn’t directly affected, the lack of transparency about corrective actions and quality control makes me uneasy. For a brand that markets itself on trust and transparency, that’s a significant gap.
If I had a healthy adult dog with no special needs and I was on a budget, would I buy Wholesomes? Probably, with some hesitation. It’s a step up from generic grocery store kibble, and most dogs seem to do well on it. But I’d keep a close eye on my dog’s health and be ready to switch if I noticed any issues. I’d also make sure to rotate proteins and consider supplementing with fresh food or toppers to fill in nutritional gaps.
Would I recommend it to a friend? That depends on their priorities. If they’re looking for affordable, straightforward nutrition and their dog doesn’t have special needs, Wholesomes is a reasonable choice. But if they care deeply about ingredient sourcing, want maximum transparency, or have a dog with health issues, I’d steer them toward brands with better track records and more robust quality control—even if it means spending more.
Ultimately, Wholesomes is a decent but not exceptional dog food. It’s not bad, but it’s also not great. For many dogs, it’ll be perfectly adequate. For others—and for owners who want peace of mind about quality and safety—there are better options out there at similar or slightly higher price points. If you do choose Wholesomes, go in with your eyes open, monitor your dog closely, and don’t hesitate to switch if something doesn’t feel right.
Wholesomes itself has never been recalled and maintains a clean safety record. However, its parent company Midwestern Pet Foods faced serious FDA warnings between 2020-2021 for contamination issues with other brands in their portfolio, including aflatoxin levels up to 28 times the safe limit. While the company claims to have made improvements, the lack of publicly available third-party audit results makes it difficult to verify current quality control standards across all facilities.
Wholesomes uses decent ingredients at a mid-market price point—named meat meals, no artificial preservatives, and AAFCO-compliant nutrition. However, premium brands typically offer better sourcing transparency, published feeding trials, higher protein content, and more rigorous quality control systems. You’re essentially trading some quality and transparency for affordability with Wholesomes.
Unless your dog has a confirmed grain sensitivity (which is actually quite rare), the grain-inclusive formulas are generally the better choice. They use digestible grains like brown rice and oatmeal, while the grain-free versions rely heavily on potatoes as the main carbohydrate. Wholesomes does avoid peas and lentils in their grain-free recipes, which is good since these ingredients have been linked to potential DCM concerns.
The Sensitive Skin & Stomach line can work for dogs with mild digestive issues, particularly the salmon-based formula that uses a single animal protein. Many owners report improvements in stool quality and reduced gas. However, it’s not a therapeutic diet, so dogs with serious digestive conditions would be better served by a veterinary-prescribed formula with clinical backing.
Wholesomes typically costs $3.00 to $5.00 per pound, putting it in the mid-market range. It’s more expensive than budget options like Purina Pro Plan but less costly than premium brands like Acana or Orijen. Whether it’s worth the price depends on what you value—you’re getting better-than-average ingredients but not the transparency or advanced nutrition that justifies premium pricing.
Wholesomes offers life stage-appropriate formulas that meet AAFCO standards for puppies and adults. However, these are fairly basic formulations. For large-breed puppies, you’ll want to carefully monitor calcium and phosphorus levels, and for seniors, you may need to supplement separately for joint support since Wholesomes doesn’t include glucosamine or chondroitin in most recipes.
The moderate protein and fat levels (around 27-30% protein, 16% fat) are adequate for everyday activity but insufficient for working or performance dogs. Highly active dogs need higher energy density and more robust macronutrients to sustain intense activity and support proper recovery. Wholesomes is formulated for typical family pets, not athletes.
It’s a legitimate concern. While Wholesomes itself hasn’t been recalled, Midwestern Pet Foods’ other brands had serious contamination issues including dangerous aflatoxin levels. The company’s lack of transparency about corrective measures and the absence of published third-party audits means you’re largely taking their word that improvements have been made across all product lines.
Transition gradually over 7-10 days, mixing increasing amounts of Wholesomes with your current food. Monitor for any digestive upset, changes in stool quality, or skin reactions. While most dogs do well on Wholesomes, about 5-10% of owners report issues like loose stools or increased itching. If you notice any concerning changes, don’t hesitate to switch back or try a different formula.
Not really. While Wholesomes claims to use ingredients from “America’s farmland,” they don’t provide details about specific suppliers, farms, or regions. You won’t find the traceability information that more premium brands offer, which is frustrating for a company that markets itself on transparency. If knowing exactly where your dog’s food comes from matters to you, you’ll want to look elsewhere.
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