1. Iams Adult MiniChunks Small Kibble High Protein
Key Features
Calorie content: 3,650 kcal/kg or 380 kcal/cup
Min protein: 25%
Min fat: 14%
Max fiber: 4%
Max moisture: 10%
Omega 3 fatty acids (min) 0.14 %; omega 6 fatty acids (min) 2.15%
Fortified with vitamins and minerals
With L-Carnitine
First three ingredients: chicken, ground whole grain corn, ground whole grain sorghum
For pet parents who don’t shy away from corn, the Proactive Health Adult Minichunks is worth checking out. This recipe features real chicken as its first ingredient and a few healthy, nutritious foods, including grains, vegetables and fruits. Ingredients such as whole grain sorghum, beet pulp, chicken fat, dried eggs, flaxseed, carrots, tomatoes, spinach, apples and of course, chicken and whole grain corn, make for a delicious and satisfying meal that provides dogs with the energy they need to be healthy and happy.
With 25% of protein and 14% of fat, this is a balanced formula that is well suited for most moderately active dogs. Iams Proactive Health line is formulated to promote health and vitality at every stage of canine life, so it’s good for building muscles, promoting healthy skin and coat and general health and well-being. The recipe is enriched with all important supplements and contains L-Carnitine which helps burn excess fat and maintain a healthy metabolism. The food comes in smaller-sized kibble that many dogs prefer and is free from artificial preservatives, soy and wheat.
Pros
Animal-based protein is the first ingredient
Contains L-Carnitine
Has no artificial preservatives
Affordable
Cons
Contains added color
May contain too much of grains for sensitive canines
2. Iams ProActive Health Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 3,708 kcal/kg or 399 kcal/cup
Min protein: 26%
Min fat: 14%
Max fiber: 4%
Max moisture: 10%
Omega 3 fatty acids (min) 0.40%; omega 6 fatty acids (min) 1.88%
Fortified with vitamins and minerals
First three ingredients: chicken, ground whole grain corn, ground whole grain sorghum
If you have a large breed puppy, you want to make sure you’re providing him a diet that supports proper development and growth. Iams has got you covered here – the Proactive Health Smart Puppy Large Breed contains everything a growing pup needs in order to grow into a healthy, strong adult canine. With ingredients such as chicken (first ingredient!), fish, whole grains such as whole ground corn and sorghum , and fruits and veggies such as beet pulp, carrots, tomatoes, spinach, apples and blueberries, this formula will not only satisfy tiny picky eaters but nourish their growing bodies too. For a full list of our favorite options, see our round-up of the best puppy food.
Chicken, chicken by-product meal and fish meal make up the majority of protein in this recipe, which contains 26% of it – more than enough for growing puppies. There is 14% of fat, and what we particularly like is the moderately rich amount of omega-3 fatty acids, which help in healthy brain development, which in turn ensures puppies are sharper and easier to train. The formula is also fortified with vitamins and minerals, with calcium being quite high on the list as it’s important for proper bone and joint development. This kibble is free from artificial preservatives, soy and wheat.
Pros
Animal-based protein s the first ingredient
Contains fish oil
No artificial preservatives
Budget-friendly
Cons
Contains added color
3. Iams Proactive Health With Canned Wet Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 1,110 kcal/kg or 412 kcal/cup
Min protein: 8%
Min fat: 6%
Max fiber: 1%
Max moisture: 78%
Omega 3 fatty acids (min) 0.1%; omega 6 fatty acids (min) 0.8%
Fortified with vitamins and minerals
First three ingredients: sufficient water for processing, chicken by-products, meat by-products
For dogs that prefer wet over dry foods, the Proactive Health Beef and Rice Pate is a good option. With ingredients such as chicken, beef, rice, flaxseed and fish oil, this pate is not only super-delicious but quite nutritious too. Of course, there are other, less favorable ingredients in here too including unnecessary additives, but considering the price of the product (one of the cheapest wet dog foods out there), the formula is actually quite good.
This pate contains 8% protein which is great for wet dog foods, and 6% of fat, including small amounts of omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids, which are necessary for canine health and proper development, as well as healthy skin and coat. The recipe also contains added vitamins and minerals, so it’s a good option for a complete everyday nutrition that can be used as a topper or mixed with other foods, or as a stand-alone meal. Interestingly, besides rice, this wet dog food doesn’t contain any grains.
Read here our review of the Best Dog Food Toppers.
Pros
Properly balanced nutrition
No artificial preservatives
Budget-friendly
Cons
Animal-based protein is not the first ingredient
Use of unnecessary fillers
4. Iams Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 3,523 kcal/kg or 350/cup
Min protein: 22.5%
Min fat: 12%
Max fiber: 5%
Max moisture: 10%
Omega 6 fatty acids (min) 1.96%
Fortified with vitamins and minerals
With Glucosamine, Chondroitin and L-Carnitine
First three ingredients: chicken, ground whole grain corn, ground whole grain sorghum
Large breed dogs require lots of nutrients and a properly balanced diet that will help support their health and well-being, including their big energy needs. This Proactive Health recipe that features chicken as its first ingredient and a bunch of other nutritious foods such as whole grains, veggies and fruits, can help your pet achieve just that – good health and lots of energy. With a nicely balanced ratio of protein to fat to carbohydrates, this Iams large breed dog food is perfect for most big adult dogs.
Besides chicken, you’ll also find ground whole corn and sorghum here, as well as barley, beet pulp, dried eggs, flaxseed, carrots, tomatoes, spinach and blueberries. The kibble is quite rich in naturally present vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that large breed canines need, but it’s also fortified with all important supplements. It includes L-carnitine for a healthy metabolism and Glucosamine and Chondroitin for healthy bone and joint health. Although it’s packed with nutritious ingredients, it is not particularly rich in protein, which can be beneficial or detrimental depending on your dog and her lifestyle and current health concerns.
Pros
Animal-based protein is the first ingredient
No artificial preservatives
Contains all beneficial supplements
Budget-friendly
Cons
Protein may be too low for some pets long-term
5. Iams Proactive Health Senior Dry Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 3,431 kcal/kg or 333 kcal/cup
Min protein: 24%
Min fat: 10.50%
Max fiber: 5%
Max moisture:10%
Omega 6 fatty acids (min) 1.60%
Fortified with vitamins and minerals
With L-carnitine and Beta-carotene
First three ingredients: ground whole grain corn, ground whole grain sorghum, chicken by-product meal
Older dogs have different nutritional needs than their younger counterparts. For one, they need more vitamins and minerals to be healthy, and two, they may need a bit less calories in their daily diet as they’re usually not as active as younger pups. That’s why this Proactive Health Mature Adult recipe is a good dog food option – with plenty of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and just enough calories for a moderately active lifestyle, this formula supports aging metabolism and promotes well-being without packing a bunch of unnecessary calories.
Although it contains 24% of protein, this recipe doesn’t feature animal-based protein as its first ingredient. In fact, chicken by-product meal comes as a third ingredient, right after ground whole grain corn and ground whole grain sorghum. This is not an ideal formulation for most healthy canines, but may be perfect for dogs who have kidney issues and are advised to avoid eating too much meat. To provide a healthy and complete nutrition, the kibble is enriched with all important vitamins and minerals and even contains L-carnitine for maintaining a healthy metabolism. To see how it stacks up to the competition, see our article on the best senior dog food.
Pros
Proper ratio of macronutrients for older dogs
Contains beneficial supplements
No artificial preservatives
Affordable
Cons
Animal-based protein comes as a third ingredient
Iams Dog Food Review
If you want nutritious but affordable dog food for your pooch, you’re probably thinking about trying Iams. The company offers a wide range of dog food formulas, including nutrition tailored for dog’s specific age and size, breed and health concerns. However, the brand sometimes doesn't prioritize animal but plant-based protein, which not all pet parents like. So, is Iams the right pet food brand for you and your pooch? Let’s check out all the important info on the company itself and the ingredients they use in their formulas so you can make an informed purchasing decision today.
Iams Dog Food Company Overview
Iams was founded more than seven decades ago, in 1946 to be precise, by Paul Iams, whose name the brand still carries today. Back then, pet foods were not available in stores so people usually fed their dogs with whatever table scraps they had – not the best nutrition for canines, obviously. Iams was the first to introduce animal-based proteins in dry dog foods - a move that changed the whole canine nutrition history. Then, in 1969, Paul established Eukanuba, another dog food brand which quickly became as popular as Iams. However, in 1973 the company nearly went broke. Why? Because during the Arab oil embargo the costs for meats and bones went sky-high and at the same time, Richard Nixon, the then-president of the U.S., issued nationwide wage and price control, which only worsened the situation. Still, Iams refused to change their formulas and they continued producing animal-based protein rich pet foods. Although their move was commendable (they clearly didn’ t want to compromise when it comes to pet nutrition), it almost cost them their company. Luckily, the company was bought by Clay Mathile in 1982, who managed to greatly expand the business which he then sold to P&G in 1999. Finally, in 2014, P&G decided to sell its Iams, Eukanuba and Natura pet food brands to Mars Inc. However, its European business was sold to Spectrum Brands.
Although the brand has changed hands quite a number of times, one thing has remained the same throughout their history – using nutritious ingredients to formulate different types of pet foods. Today, there are three main formulas: ProActive Health, Healthy Naturals and Premium Protection. All of their products are developed by nutritionists and most of them are supported and recommended by veterinarians.
Why Iams Dog Food?
Iams pet foods may not produce the highest quality dog foods on the market, but their formulas are definitely worth checking out. The company properly names their ingredients for the most part and formulates their recipes in a balanced way, providing complete nutrition. Most of their foods boast animal-based protein as the first ingredient and they usually use quality meats. However, there are several formulas that don’t feature animal-based protein as their first ingredient, and some include added color as well. This is not a bad thing per se– some canines, especially those that have poor kidney health, should avoid consuming too much meat anyway, so for such pets, these types of foods may be in fact perfect. As for added color, additives in small amounts are for the most part perfectly fine for healthy pets. Still, this is not an ideal nutritional situation for most canines, and it’s good to keep that in mind when buying dog foods. Still, all Iams pet foods adhere to the nutritional standards set by AAFCO, meaning they’re complete and balanced.
The company offers a wide range of dog formulas - from Iams dry dog foods, to wet formulas, to foods formulated for specific breeds, life stages, and health issues, you can find pretty much anything you and your pooch need here.
All in all, these are solid dog foods that contain a balanced ratio of macronutrients, and they’re currently one of the best affordable options on the market.
Iams Dog Food Recalls
Like most big pet food companies, Iams has had a number of recalls, but we’ll stick to dog foods only and recalls that happened after 2010.
- December 2011: there was an involuntary recall (FDA-issued) for Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy dry food because of potential aflatoxin contamination.
- March 2013: voluntary recall for Iams Shakeables Dog Treats because of potential mold growth.
- August 2013: involuntary recall (FDA-issued) for several dry dog foods, including Healthy Naturals Weight Control Adult, Healthy Naturals Chicken Adult, ProActive Health Small Breed, ProActive Health Large Breed, ProActive Health Large Chunks and Premium Protection Chicken Adult because of potential salmonella contamination.
You may also like our article on Dehydrated Dog Food.
Iams Dog Food Ingredient Analysis
Generally speaking, Iams offers good value for the nutritional profile. Sure, they use plenty of grains, but these are mostly whole grains, known to contain vitamins and minerals that dogs thrive on. Their formulas usually contain a good ratio of protein to carbohydrates to fats, and although they could use more animal-based proteins in their dog foods, they definitely adhere to the standards set by canine nutrition authorities. In fact, Iams dog foods are generally recommended by most veterinarians. But what about Iams ingredients themselves? Are they great, just alright or downright bad? Let’s check out the stuff their formulas are made from.
- Protein
Usually, Iams uses animal-based protein in their formulas first and foremost. You’ll most often see real chicken as the first ingredient, but chicken by-products, fish meals, beef meals and so on, are also frequently present in both dry and wet foods. Although there is absolutely nothing wrong with meat by-products, we prefer when brands properly named them. So, instead of poultry by-product, we like to see turkey by-product, and instead of fish meal, we like to see salmon meal. Iams is pretty good about labeling their proteins, but they often do include unnamed meats in their formulas. For more options head over to our guide on high protein dog food.
- Carbohydrates
Iams uses quite a lot of grains in their recipes, although these are usually whole grains such as whole corn, sorghum and barley - grains that contain plenty of nutrients that canines do well on. Although many pet parents prefer dog foods that don’t contain many (or any) grains, there is nothing wrong with whole or indeed even refined grains in dog foods. In fact, there is no proof that grain-free diets are better for healthy dogs. Our canine pets are omnivores who have evolved to eat all kinds of foods, including grains. The only time you should avoid grains in your dog’s diet is if your veterinarian has advised you to due to your pet’s digestive issues or food sensitivities. For more options, check out our detailed review of the best grain free dog foods.
- Fats
Iams dog foods contain just the right amount of fats, and they’re usually the good kind. You’ll frequently see chicken fat and fish oil in their formulas, which are more than good in canine diet. However, they’re never very high in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Granted, they’re not particularly low in omega 6 and 3 fatty acids either, but we feel like they could use more of these essential fatty acids in their recipes. Check out our guide on fish oils for dogs for more info.
- Micronutrients
All Iams dog foods are supplemented with important vitamins and minerals, so they provide a complete and balanced everyday nutrition. Some formulas even contain other beneficial supplements, such as L-carnitine, Beta-carotene, Glucosamine and Chondroitin, although not all of their dog foods contain these. Generally speaking, these supplements are not a must have in your dog’s diet anyway as some foods naturally contain them, but it’s always a plus when a brand includes them in their formulas.
Pros & Cons
In the end, let’s weigh some of the most important pros and cons of the Iams dog foods so you can decide if they're the dog food brand for you and your pet.
Pros
Foods adhere to nutritional standards set by AAFCO
Most formulas use animal-based proteins as their first ingredient
All formulas are supplemented with vitamins and minerals
A variety of different dog foods
Good value for the nutritional profile
Cons
Animal-based protein is not the first ingredient in all formulas
Artificial colors are present in some foods
Usage of grains can be problematic for some dogs.
