Dry dog ​​food “Dog Chow” - veterinarian reviews, composition and availability - Review

Features of the composition of Dog Chow feed

One of the features of Dog Chow food is its heterogeneous structure: the food contains both small and fairly large granules. This is done so that by thoroughly chewing the food, the jaw muscles are effectively developed and the dog’s teeth are cleaned.

IMPORTANT NOTICE! The original food, produced in the USA, belongs to the premium line. The manufacturer's factories for the domestic market are located in Russia, and this food is slightly inferior in quality to the original. It can rather be classified as an economy class line.

What is included in the food:

1. Cereals were the first to be noted as a source of carbohydrates. They make up 20% of the total feed volume. The company’s official website describes exactly what kind of grains these are: brewer’s rice, wheat, barley, corn. The highest quality of the above is barley. Brewer's rice is inferior in quality to whole rice. You need to be careful with corn and wheat, because... They can often trigger the development of allergies in pets.
2. Second on the list is protein. In Dog Chow, the protein source is meat, meat bone and poultry by-product meal (14%), processed fish products (4%), corn gluten and soybean meal. The share of vegetable protein here prevails over animal protein, but vegetable protein is less easily absorbed in the dog’s body, and its nutritional value is an order of magnitude lower compared to meat.
3. There are also flavorings and additives: dry mixtures from animal tissue, artificial flavors and salt.
4. The oils included in the composition supply fats to the pet’s body, which are needed to replenish energy during active physical activity.
5. Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids are also very useful. They provide strong bones, muscle tone, and healthy teeth. In addition, Omega-3 acids affect the development of the dog’s brain and vision. Biotin will add shine and silky coat. Calcium iodate is a mineral supplement for the thyroid gland, lysine promotes the absorption of calcium and is good for bones. The vitamin E contained in the food helps strengthen the natural strength of the pet’s body.
6. Natural dietary fiber is also present in the feed: such as chicory (1.1%) and beet pulp (1.1%), which are a source of fiber. Chicory contains probiotics, which stimulate the growth and development of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal microflora, and also help improve digestion. Beet pulp normalizes the motility of the pet's gastrointestinal tract.
7. Dog Chow food also contains a natural antioxidant - garlic. It reduces cholesterol levels in the blood and prevents the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system.

The product is intended for permanent nutrition of dogs of all ages and breeds.

Types and composition of feed

The premium class declared by the manufacturer requires a high content of meat products, but the information on the packaging does not correspond to this.

The first positions in the composition are occupied by corn and other cereals. The protein necessary for the growth and development of a dog in the form of poultry, lamb, and offal is in second place.

Detailed composition of Dog Chow food for puppies:

1. Cereals are a source of carbohydrates. But there is no detailed description or information on the packaging about what crops the manufacturer uses. Waste wheat, corn or barley will not benefit the animal.
2. Meat and processed products. The amount indicated is 8%, but the guaranteed figures are 28% protein. Vegetable protein is used, which is less easily absorbed by the animal’s body.
3. Oils and fats – replenish energy reserves and restore the animal’s strength after intense physical training. But neither the quality nor the degree of purification is known.
4. Vegetables. Only dry chicory root is indicated in an amount of 1.1%.
5. Minerals. Strengthen bones, keep muscles toned, affect brain development and vision formation, and ensure healthy and shiny coat.
6. Products of processing of raw materials of plant origin. Behind this wording, the manufacturer can hide sugar beets or another source of fiber.
7. Vitamin supplements.
8. Antioxidants.

Expert opinion
Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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Purina Dog Chow dry dog ​​food has a non-uniform structure. Granules of different sizes provide oral hygiene and strengthen the animal's jaw muscles.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of Dog Chow food:

• Quite affordable price
• It can be found in many specialty stores and even some supermarkets
• A large assortment
• Availability of vitamin and mineral supplements in the food (especially for representatives of the economy class line)
• Granules of different sizes

The disadvantages of these feeds are:

• Poor composition
• Low meat and animal protein content
• High vegetable protein content
• There is no indication which by-products are used for production
• It is based on cereals, some of which are allergens.
• No real vegetables
• Low nutritional value of the food - dogs simply cannot get enough of it

Why Dog Chow is better than other foods

• Many foods (for example, Pro Plan, Royal Canin, Pro Balance, Acana, Calibra, etc.) have different food sizes depending on the size of the dog's breed. Here the advantage of the Dog Chow granule structure is obvious. In addition to the above-mentioned advantages of such croquettes, they are easier to chew, and as a result, nutrients are better absorbed by the body.
• In addition to the main group of vitamins (A, D3, E), Dog Chow food contains B vitamins, which are involved in metabolic processes and also normalize the activity of the central nervous system and other vital systems in the body. For comparison, Pro Plan, Natures Protection and Purina One do not contain such amounts of vitamin B.

IMPORTANT! To compensate for the missing meat in the food, I added vitamins of this group to the composition.

• The wide range of Dog Chow food allows you to choose food individually, according to the size and age of your pet. For example, Purina One brand food is designed only for small breed animals, which sufficiently limits the choice of food for owners.

Animal sources of protein

No fresh meat ingredients were used in the production of this food.
There is only one source of animal protein in the feed: “meat and meat products (8%).” According to the official website, this corresponds to 16% rehydrated (with restored moisture) meat. This statement in itself is a clever marketing ploy, since rehydration only restores moisture, and this does not make meat any more. After all, if you soak the food granules with water, then although they will become twice as large in volume, they will still contain 8 percent of the meat. Of course, the figure “16%” looks nicer, but it is misleading for dog owners.

Of the 8% “meat and meat products”, according to the same manufacturer, at least 4% is lamb. Obviously, this is a very small proportion even in the composition of this ingredient, and as a percentage of the entire composition of the food, the dosage of lamb in “Purina Dog Chow” is simply insignificant and it cannot be called a diet with lamb, although this is exactly what is written on the packaging. Rather, it is “feed with the addition of lamb” to the completely unknown components of the vague “meat and processed products.”

The official website claims that the food is made up of “meat, essential minerals and vitamins,” but a simple analysis of Purina Dog Chow's ingredients shows that this claim is simply a marketing ploy to make the product appear more natural and natural. an attractive diet in the eyes of buyers.

The presence of only 8% of some dried animal components in the feed indicates that the content and quality of animal protein in the feed is, in general, very low.

Power line

The wide range of Dog Chow foods meets the needs of a wide variety of pets at every stage of their life.

There is a specially formulated diet for:

• Puppies
• Mature and active dogs
• Pets with sensitive digestion
• Large individuals
• Pregnant and lactating animals

"Dog Chow" for puppies

This food is labeled "Puppy" and has the following features:

• It contains a large amount of biologically active and special nutrients that puppies need during their intensive growth from 2 to 12 months.
• To strengthen the bones and teeth of babies, the required amount of vitamin D is added to the food.
• To maintain immunity - vitamins C and E.

There are 4 types of puppy food:

• Suitable for any dog, based on chicken and rice.
• Suitable for all breeds, with the taste of lamb and rice: the food can also be used for pregnant and lactating individuals, for puppies up to one year old, it is also given to mature dogs of small breeds. The food contains: vitamin E, which protects the immune system, a prebiotic that improves digestion (chicory), Omega-3 fatty acid, which promotes brain development and vision formation.
• Turkey, Large Breed: Suitable for large breed puppies up to two years of age. The percentage of protein in this food has been increased to 28%, the content of vitamins has also been increased in order to achieve the required physical development during such an active period of growth.
• With chicken, for small breeds: this food is optimal for puppies that quickly reach their final adult size. It allows you to form a reliable and strong skeleton and correct food discipline, supplies the necessary amount of calories and helps maintain hygiene in the pet’s mouth.

"Dog Chow" for adults

This is a special line marked “Adult”, developed taking into account age-related changes and lifestyle features of dogs. The required energy level ensures good physical fitness for your pet.

The “Adult” line is designed for:

• All types of dogs. Thanks to the size of the granules, the use of food becomes possible for almost all breeds, taking care of the hygiene of the mouth. B vitamins promote the active production of energy from fats and proteins to maintain activity and health at a high level. The prebiotic normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

• Particularly large breeds (for example, the Caucasian Shepherd). Diet "Adult Large Breed". For individuals weighing more than 25 kg, with standard activity. The composition of this food maintains weight at an optimal level, regulates and reduces the likelihood of obesity. The dog's ligaments and joints are protected from inflammation thanks to glucosamine included in the food.

• Small breeds. Adult Small Breed diet - with increased fat content to meet the energy needs of miniature dog breeds. Mineral components give strength to teeth and bones, and Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are responsible for the shine of the coat.

• Adults (over 5 years old) and elderly individuals (over 9 years old). This food is lamb flavored. At this age, all dogs need a nutritious diet that, when satiated, avoids obesity, supports the dog’s skeleton and prevents heart disease. This is a special product of the Dog Chow brand.

• Very active dogs, keen on sports training. The diet is aimed at restoring the pet’s strength; accordingly, more nutritious and energy-rich food is needed. The protein content here is higher, the complex of vitamins and minerals is also much richer, which has the best effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and minimizes the risk of heart disease.

• Particularly sensitive pets from the point of view of dermatology and digestion. Diet "Dog Chow Adult". Here, one of the types is developed on the basis of lamb meat and is distinguished by its hypoallergenic properties, as well as excellent digestibility, as a result - the dog does not have a feeling of heaviness and overeating. This food is also suitable for inactive and sterilized pets.

In addition, there is a diet with salmon, which acts as a source of protein in the feed. And fish processing products are sources of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. To optimize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, the food contains more prebiotics, the source of which is dry ginger root.

Daily norm

On all Dog Chow packages, the manufacturer indicates the recommended daily food intake. It acts as an average guideline for dog owners.

ATTENTION! The diet of adults should have a good balance and be enriched with vitamins and minerals. The required dosage and selection of feed of suitable specificity is carried out on an individual basis. The habits and personal characteristics of the animal are taken into account.

Healthy Ingredients

This food does not contain any special beneficial ingredients other than dried chicory root.

Of course, Purina Dog Chow food contains a variety of vitamin and mineral supplements, but they are necessary partly due to the lack of minerals and vitamins in the raw materials, partly due to the peculiarities of the technological process for the production of dry food (this is the industry norm, and therefore is not direct indicator of high or low diet quality).

In the main composition they are indicated in general terms (“vitamins”), and in the analysis data some vitamins and minerals are precisely deciphered - we have placed their list at the very end of the food composition to provide more accurate information about the product.

Price and where to buy

In addition to professional pet stores and supermarkets, Dog Chow food can also be purchased in online stores. Costs will vary depending on regions, product markups and individual outlets. When purchasing an imported product, the price tag will also vary depending on the dollar exchange rate.

Approximate cost of Dog Chow food:

• Packaging 800g – 200-300 rubles
• Packaging 2.5 kg – 600-800 rubles
• Packaging 14kg – 2500-2700 rubles

Reviews from veterinarians

For the most part, veterinarians do not recommend Dog Chow as the basis of a dog’s diet, but are of the opinion that it is the best economy class food.

Anna: “Dog Chow dog food is in the middle between the premium segment and economy. There is very little real meat in it, and the by-products included are quite questionable, since the manufacturer does not say what kind of products they are. The main ingredients are cereals - this is also a big minus, because for predators, meat is the primary product. But Dog Cow also has its advantages. The food contains amino acids that are extremely important for the proper functioning of the heart, fatty acids necessary for coat and skin, natural prebiotics for better functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and other essential minerals and vitamins. I will not recommend this food, but if the owner has the opportunity to purchase only inexpensive food, then Dog Chow will do an excellent job.”

Alexey: “When a dog breeder selects a premium line of food, “Dog Chow” becomes for him a kind of compromise between price and quality. This food is superior in composition to others in economy class. But there is not enough real meat in the composition. The basis of this diet is cereals, and in general the composition is quite poor. There are animal by-products, vegetables and fish are presented in the same form. But the vitamin and mineral composition is normal. In my opinion, Dog Chow does not pose a health risk. And, if I can recommend it, it is only in combination with more expensive food. You can try this option, and the doctor will tell you in what proportions you need to give each type of food to your dog.”

Victor: “In working practice, I adhere to the approach - the pet chooses the food itself. In the absence of allergies and other negative reactions of the body, when the dog eats the food with appetite, it means that it is suitable for her. I advise you to mix wet food of the selected brand with dry food to make the food more rich and satisfying. In addition, you need to select additional vitamin and mineral complexes. Many dog ​​breeders choose this food because of its affordable price, which is quite logical.”

Stanislav: “If we consider inexpensive food, Dog Chow is very good. It has a pleasant aroma and optimal humidity - pets eat it with appetite. But, due to the poor content of animal protein, the standard portion is not enough. Therefore, you have to add meat directly to the norm. If your pet is very active and energetic, then “Dog Show” will be practically useless for him. One option is to use large pellets of food as a reward for completing tasks during training. But if your dog is a couch potato and not a fan of long walks, Dog Chow is his option.”

Owner reviews

Nina: “Our Basenji has a sensitive stomach, so frequent feeding of dry food is contraindicated. But as a periodic measure it is sometimes necessary. Before that, I had a bad experience with Pedigree, but then we decided to try Dog Chow. The dog liked the food, there was no diarrhea or vomiting, everything was fine with digestion. Another advantage is the affordable price. The composition, of course, is not ideal, but it contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Now we only buy “Dog Chow” from dry food and don’t plan to change it for anything.”

Tamara: “I’ve been giving my terrier food from the Dog Chow line his entire life, which is almost 4 years now. He eats very well, there have never been any problems with the stomach, fur or various allergies. In terms of cost, the food turns out to be very economical, and the consumption suits me - two 14 kg bags are enough for 10 months (I chose chicken and lamb according to tastes), this is with a dog weighing about 7 kg.”

Maria: “We are currently looking for new food for our St. Bernard. The dog is big, so it requires a lot of food. Before this, they used Royal Canin, but after a couple of years, the dog’s hair began to fall off, his eyes started to run, and scratches appeared on his skin. They began to try other types of food, and the pet himself chose “Dog Chow”. Allergic reactions have passed. The price of the food suits us, but the composition is not surprising for the money. We selected the appropriate vitamin complex.”

Conclusions about food

In accordance with its price category and as a representative of the economy class, Dog Chow food has mostly neutral and good reviews, it is not dangerous for the pet and is often not dangerous in terms of allergic reactions, unlike other foods in this segment . But it is still not recommended by veterinarians as the basis of a dog’s diet. The composition does not reach a complete nutritional level; it lacks meat and animal protein.

It is recommended to mix the food with wet products of this brand, making the diet more nutritious, and also supplement it with various vitamin and mineral complexes.

Dog Chow food for dogs - disadvantages

But there is no less list of disadvantages of nutrition:

• poor nutritional composition;
• a small portion of real meat;
• lack of information about by-products on the packaging;
• a large proportion of cereals;
• minimal proportion of real vegetables;
• low calorie and nutritional value.

We also note that cereals can cause allergies in many animals, especially puppies. Therefore, before use, it is better to consult a veterinarian.