1. Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 3478 kcal/kg, 348 kcal/cup
Min protein: 26%
Min fat: 13%
Max fiber: 3.5%
Max moisture: 11%
With added vitamins, minerals and probiotics
First three ingredients: pork meal, dried potatoes, peas
We’re starting with one of the most popular Whole Earth Farms dog foods, the grain-free, dry dog food recipe with pork, beef, and lamb. With so many different protein sources, this formula is highly nutritious and delicious, sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. The addition of potatoes, peas and sweet potatoes, as well as organic alfalfa, salmon oil, blueberries, rosemary, sage, thyme, and cinnamon only up to the nutrient content of the recipe, as well as the number of natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants present.
This recipe provides a very balanced ratio of protein, fat and complex carbohydrates, so it makes for a perfect everyday nutrition. With 26% of protein, the formula is ideal for most canines, however, those that are highly active and still growing may need a bit more. Of course, it’s also fortified with all important vitamins and minerals and even contains several strains of beneficial bacteria which aid in the absorption of nutrients and better digestion. Since this is a grain-free recipe, it’s best suited for pets who have sensitive stomachs or grain allergies. Importantly, there are no artificial fillers of any kind.
Pros
Multiple animal-based protein sources
Contains salmon oil
No artificial fillers
Cons
A bit too much of plant-based protein (potatoes as the second ingredient)
2. Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 3210 kcal/kg, 321 kcal/cup
Min protein: 24%
Min fat: 8%
Max fiber: 6%
Max moisture: 11%
With added vitamins, minerals and probiotics
First three ingredients: chicken meal, dried potatoes, peas
If your pooch could use losing a couple of pounds, the healthy weight recipe by Whole Earth Farms may be ideal for you. This formula is made with lean protein and contains moderately low amounts of fat and no grains – perfect for chubby pups with sensitive stomachs. Ingredients such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, pea fiber, organic alfalfa, blueberries and a few aromatic herbs up the nutrient content as well as the fiber. Speaking of which, this recipe contains a whopping 6% of fiber, which translates to excellent digestion and proper absorption of nutrients.
This dry dog food provides a balanced, complete everyday nutrition without packing a bunch of unnecessary calories. As a result, it’s best suited for adult maintenance as it supports a healthy weight. In fact, there are just enough calories to provide energy and satiation. Added vitamins and minerals are also there, but no fillers of any kind, including corn, wheat, soy and poultry by-products. The formula is also free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
Pros
Animal-based protein is the first ingredient
Supports healthy weight
Contains plenty of fiber
Added salmon oil
No artificial fillers
Cons
May contain too little fat for long-term nutrition
A bit too much of plant-based protein
3. Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Hearty Beef Stew Wet Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 804 kcal/kg, 290 kcal/can
Min protein: 8%
Min fat: 3%
Max fiber: 1.4%
Max moisture: 81%
With added vitamins and minerals
First three ingredients: deboned beef, beef broth, beef liver
If your dog is a fan of wet, delicious foods, you need to give this Whole Earth Farms canned dog food a try. Made with beef, beef broth, and beef liver, this formula is a dog’s dream come true in the form of a tasty stew. Other ingredients such as carrots, peas, dried eggs, sweet potatoes, blueberries, rosemary, sage, and thyme up provide plenty of natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
With 8% of protein and only 3% of fat, this wet dog food is perfect for adult maintenance – for all breeds and all life stages, excluding puppies of course. Like all wet dog foods though, this formula contains more water than actual chunky beef bits and veggies, which is not an issue per se, but something some pet owners do mind. However, a wide array of quality meat and fresh produce make up for this – this is a nutritionally complete wet dog food that’s fortified with all important minerals and vitamins. This means you can use it as a food topper or as a complete, stand-alone meal. Importantly, the food is free from grains (ideal for sensitive stomachs), artificial preservatives and flavors.
Pros
Animal-based protein is the first ingredient
Contains olive oil and flaxseed oil
No artificial fillers
Cons
A bit too watery
4. Whole Earth Farms Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 3400 kcal/kg, 340 kcal/cup
Min protein: 26%
Min fat: 12%
Max fiber: 4%
Max moisture: 11%
With added vitamins and minerals and probiotics
First three ingredients: chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal
As you know, puppies require different nutrition from adult and senior dogs. They need more nutrients and plenty of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to develop properly and grow into healthy, happy pups. That’s why this particular recipe from Whole Earth Farms contains two different protein sources – chicken and salmon – and many different wholesome ingredients, including whole grains such as brown rice, oatmeal and barley, veggies such as peas and potatoes, and fruits and herbs such as blueberries, rosemary, sage, thyme and others.
With 26% of protein and 12% of fat, this Whole Earth puppy food is perfect for all dog breeds, including small and large. It provides a balanced, complete everyday nutrition which is guaranteed to support your puppy’s sensitive immune system and developing bones and muscles. The addition of salmon oil helps up the healthy fats while naturally present DHA and EPA aid in healthy brain and eye development There are added vitamins and minerals, of course, as well as four strains of beneficial bacteria which help in nutrient absorption and healthy digestion. You’ll be pleased to know there are no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives here.
Pros
Two animal-based protein sources
Contains salmon oil
No artificial fillers
Cons
May cause digestive issues for some puppies
5. Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Chicken & Turkey Wet Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 1131 kcal/kg, 407 kcal/cup
Min protein: 9.5%
Min fat: 6%
Max fiber: 1.4%
Max moisture: 78%
With added vitamins and minerals
First three ingredients: chicken, chicken broth, turkey
This Whole Earth Farms grain free dog food features chicken and turkey as its primary protein sources, as well as a bunch of other healthy, wholesome ingredients that make for a delicious wet food feast. Besides the regulars in Earth dog foods such as sweet potatoes, peas, alfalfa, blueberries and others, this canned food also contains olive oil and flaxseed oil for extra nutrients, which not only increase the fat content, but work on making your pooch’s skin and coat super-healthy and shiny.
With 9.5% of protein, this formula is quite high in protein for a wet, canned food. There is also 6% of fat, which is again on the higher side when it comes to wet foods. This makes this particular recipe very nutritious and palatable, ideal for all breeds and life stages. But since it’s grain-free, it’s best suited for pups who have food allergies and sensitive digestion. Of course, the formula is also enriched with minerals and vitamins, so it provides a balanced everyday nutrition that can be used as a topper or a complete meal. As for artificial fillers, there are none present.
Pros
Two sources of animal-based protein
Contains olive and flaxseed oil
No artificial fillers
Cons
None
6. Whole Earth Farms Fruits & Veggies Dry Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 3478 kcal/kg, 348 kcal/cup
Min protein: 26%
Min fat: 13%
Max fiber: 3.5%
Max moisture: 11%
With added vitamins, minerals and probiotics
First three ingredients: chicken meal, turkey meal, oatmeal
If you’re looking for a balanced, complete everyday nutrition for your adult pooch at a reasonable price, this dry dog food is a perfect choice. With three different protein sources, including chicken, turkey and whitefish, whole grains such as brown rice, barley, and oatmeal, and natural ingredients such as organic alfalfa meal, salmon oil, blueberries and a few aromatic herbs, this formula has everything an adult canine needs in order to be healthy and happy.
Like all Earth dog foods, this recipe contains more than 20% of protein too(26% to be precise), which is ideal for most adult dogs of all breeds. There is 13% of fat which is moderately high and perfect for maintaining a healthy skin and shiny coat, and 3.5% of fiber, which is just enough for healthy digestion. Although it contains a number of wholesome ingredients, full of naturally present vitamins and minerals, the formula is also fortified with supplements, including probiotics for better gut health. The product is free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Pros
Three different animal-based protein sources
Added salmon oil
No artificial fillers
Cons
None
7. Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Chicken & Turkey
Key Features
Calorie content: 3478 kcal/kg, 348 kcal/cup
Min protein: 26%
Min fat: 13%
Max fiber: 4.5%
Max moisture: 12%
With added vitamins, minerals and probiotics
First three ingredients: chicken meal, dried potatoes, peas
The last product on our list is this chicken & turkey recipe which, like most Whole Earth formulas, contains a very balanced ratio of protein to fat to carbohydrates, which makes it ideal for most canines of all breeds and life stages. With two protein sources – chicken and turkey – this recipe is nutritious and highly palatable. Other natural ingredients such as potatoes, peas, chicken fat, sweet potatoes, organic alfalfa meal, salmon oil, blueberries and others, make for a true feast that is not only mouth-watering but healthy too.
Although it contains no grains of any kind, this dry dog food manages to pack 4.5% of fiber, which is great news for pups with problematic digestion. There is 26% of protein, which is enough for proper muscle development and maintenance, and 13% of fat which is plenty for healthy skin and coat. The addition of salmon oil helps too. The kibble is enriched with all essential vitamins and minerals and contains several strains of beneficial bacteria for healthy digestion. Of course, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives are nowhere to be found.
Pros
Two animal-based protein sources
Contains salmon oil
No artificial fillers
Cons
A bit too much of plant-based protein
Whole Earth Farms Dog Food Reviews
If Whole Earth Farms have caught your attention, you’re probably wondering if their dog foods are worth purchasing. The company does offer a wide range of products, including Whole Earth farms puppy food, adult food (maintenance), healthy weight line, wet foods, grain-free formulas, etc., so it appears they have something for everyone. Their price range also seems more than fair. But whether or not they’re the right fit for you and your pet remains to be seen. Let’s take a closer look at the company itself and the ingredients they use so you can get a broader picture and decide for yourself.
Whole Earth Dog Food Company Overview
Whole Earth Dog Food is a company owned by Merrick Pet Care, meaning it follows Merrick’s basic guidelines when it comes to formulating pet foods – it uses wholesome, nutritious ingredients to create foods that our pets deserve. As some of you may already know, Merrick itself was founded by Garth Merrick, who in 1988 established the company with his wife Sussie and their four children at Hereford, Texas. The goal was to create truly healthy and tasty pet foods for dogs and cats around the world. Did they succeed? We think so. However, there is more to the story. Here's a detailed look at Merrick Dog Food.
While family-owned companies really do seem to produce better quality pet foods (perhaps because they appear to care more about animals than giant consumer products companies), you should know that in 2015 Whole Earth Farms was bought by Nestle Purina Pet Care. While there is nothing wrong with this, some pet parents are now concerned that the Merrick Whole Earth Farms have lowered their standards. The biggest concern is about protein - many dog and cat owners feel like the company is now using more plant-based protein as a cheaper alternative to higher quality animal-based protein. Nevertheless, thanks to its nutritious, tasty and budget-friendly products, the Whole Earth farms still enjoys a good reputation and widespread popularity.
Why Whole Earth Dog Food?
Dog owners who prefer buying foods that are corn, wheat and soy free at a very reasonable price will appreciate Whole Earth Farms very much. The brand focuses on nutritious, wholesome foods first and foremost, including quality proteins that mostly come from meats, complex carbohydrates that provide dogs the energy they need, and healthy fats, so necessary for the animal’s overall health and well-being. Most importantly, the company adheres to the nutrition standards set by AAFCO and even goes beyond them. This means their formulas are complete and balanced, perfect for everyday nutrition.
It also helps the brand uses only wholesome foods and very little to no fillers. Quality meat proteins are always the number one ingredient, which is usually followed by vegetables such as potatoes, pea, and sweet potatoes. Importantly, highly refined carbs and meat by-products are never present in their formulas, which is something many pet parents appreciate the most.
Whole Earth also offers a wide variety of foods, which is always a plus. There are numerous grain-free formulas best suited for canines with grain-sensitivities, whole grain formulas, best suited for most dogs, puppy foods, wet and dry formulas, as well as treats. The variety of dog foods is important as it makes it easier for the consumer to find the right product for their pet and their wallet.
Whole Earth Dog Food Recalls
You’ll be very pleased to hear that the Whole Earth Farms hasn’t had any food recalls. But considering this is a relatively new brand, it should come as no surprise. Saying that Merrick, the brand’s parent company, has had quite a number of recalls.
Whole Earth Dog Food Ingredient Analysis
For now, Whole Earth Farms seems like a decent company that formulates and produces quality dog foods. But without looking at their ingredients up close, we can’t really be sure, can we? That’s why we like to do Ingredient Analysis, where we focus on the most important things a product contains - as well as things that it doesn't contain.
- Protein
Whole Earth Farms formulates their dog foods using an average amount of protein, which is around 25% on average. Usually, this is a really good quality protein, including whole deboned meats as well as meat meals. They always name their ingredients properly so you never see things such as meat by-product or meat meal here; instead, there's deboned chicken, turkey meal, deboned beef, and so on. This is exactly what you want from a pet food company –the proper naming of ingredients so you know what you’re buying. Find out more about high protein dog food here.
- Carbohydrates
When it comes to carbohydrates, Whole Earth Farms has it right – they never use worthless fillers such as corn and soy, but a variety of whole grains (in formulas which contain them), vegetables and a few fruits. Potatoes are, for instance, the most frequently used ingredient. Although not the best carbohydrate in the world, potatoes do contain some fiber and protein, so they make for a very good ingredient in dog foods. Other veggies and grains you’ll often see in Whole Earth dog foods are peas, sweet potatoes, barley, brown rice, oats, and others. All of these foods contain plenty of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that canines need to thrive.
- Fats
With ingredients such as chicken fat, pork fat, salmon oil and flaxseed oil, the Whole Earth Farms contains plenty of healthy fats, so necessary for canine health. Saying that their products are definitely not very high in fats; in fact, we’d say they contain lower amounts of fats than most commercial brands, as on average, they have around 12% of fats. This is both good and bad news, depending on what your pet needs. If your dog leads a sedentary lifestyle or is moderately active, slightly lower fat content such as in Whole Earth products is excellent, but if your pet is highly active or is frequently experiencing skin and fur problems, she may need more fat than this. You may also like our article on salmon oil for dogs.
- Micronutrients
Finally, Whole Earth Farms complies and exceeds the minimum requirements for micronutrients set by AAFCO. All of their products are fortified with all important vitamins and minerals, and many products even contain added probiotics for healthy digestion. However, they don’t contain other beneficial supplements such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate, which although not required, are highly useful, especially for aging dogs.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Animal-based protein is always the number one ingredient
- Uses only quality ingredients, including meats, grains, veggies and fruits
- Foods adhere to AAFCO standards
- Supplemented with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics
- A variety of different foods
- No fillers or artificial additives
- Great value for the nutritional profile
Cons
- Foods don’t contain other beneficial supplements such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin
- Some foods contain too much of plant-based protein
