Hello, all dog owner’s out there! Today I will be reviewing dog food brands and comparing them to other’s.
Maybe you have tried the ones I am about to review for your dog or dogs. If you have, please let us know in the comments section.
In this review, I will be discussing Pedigree’s Small (size) Adult Dog Food—One Of Chances’ favorites, American Journey, Alpo and IAMS.
Then I will let you decide which one is the best product for your dog, based on the knowledge, experience and recommendations suggested in this review.
I realize this is quite a bit of information to absorb, so take your time going through it, so you can make an informed decision on which brand to choose, when it comes to your dog.
I may not be one of these, but with this information you can compare to the brand you are using and weigh the pros and cons.
When you ultimately choose a dog food brand for your dog, you want to make sure you choose one that is specific to your dogs breed, size and any issues that they may have such as sensitive stomach, allergies or diabetes.
There are many brands on the market that manufacture these types of foods.
Review Details – Pedigree Small Dog Food Review
Product: Pedigree Small Dog Dry Food
Manufacturer: Mars Incorporated
Variety: Roasted Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Flavor
Price: $4.87 – 3.5lb bag; $13.74 – 15.9lb bag.
Variety: Grilled Steak and Vegetable Flavor
Price: $4.87 – 3.5lb bag; $10.92 – 15.9lb bag
Average Customer Rank: 4.5/5
Where to buy: Chewy.com
What to Know Before Buying Any Dog Food?
There are many things to consider when selecting a brand. You must always consider the health and nutritional needs of your dog.
Do not just go by the company’s claims or advertisements that it is good for your dog. Make sure it meets with Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards.
Always look for the AAFCO statement on the bag or can.
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a voluntary membership association of local, state, and federal agencies charged by law to regulate the sale and distribution of animal feeds (including dog and cat foods) and animal drug remedies.
The organization defines and establishes regulations for pet food and feed ingredients, as well as sets standards for nutritional adequacy.
AAFCO requires that an adult dog food must contain at least 18 percent protein before the manufacturer can call it complete and balanced. Anything lower that the 18 percent can make your dog sick.
The AAFCO is a private organization. It has no regulatory authority, but does work to protect consumers, safeguard the health of animals and people.
The standards they develop are not laws; however, in America, some states have adopted these regulations into law in order to protect pets and consumers.
Buying only AAFCO-approved foods is certainly a good place to start. Try to buy brands that provide more than the recommended eighteen percent protein to ensure that your dog is getting the highest quality foods.
What to Know About Pedigree Dry Dog Food for Adult Small Dogs
If you are a dog owner like me, you might wonder which dog food to buy for your dog. Should it be wet food or dry food? I know myself I never know which to choose from.
Over the years, I have gone from one brand to the other buying what was on sale or the cheapest brand on the shelf. I soon realized this was not the greatest way to choose a food for my dog.
When thinking about what food you should get, start by asking your Veterinarian. He or she will know what is best for your dog.
Once you have done that, you can google search for the product that was suggested and see the reviews.
There have been some negative things referenced about a few of the ingredients but not any more than some of the other brands on the market.
Yes, there may be some better brands than Pedigree, but after some extensive research, reviews of several different brands of dog food, and trial and error, Wingman Chance has determined that the best fit for him is Pedigree Dry Food For Small Adult Dogs.
What Pedigree Dry Dog Food for Adult Small Dogs Contains
Give your petite pup the big nutrition she/he needs to thrive with Pedigree Small Dog Complete Nutrition Roasted Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Flavor Small Breed Dry Dog Food. Check out the video to the right of the page while you’re there.
Key Benefits
- Complete and balanced nutrition has antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to help maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Optimal levels of omega-6 fatty acid nourish the skin and help keep her coat shiny and healthy.
- Whole grains and a special fiber blend support healthy digestion with a delicious roasted chicken flavor.
- Small, crunchy pieces for small mouths help clean her teeth with every bite to support good oral health between bushings.
- Proudly made in the USA with the world’s finest ingredients; contains no high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors or sugar.
The Actual Ingredients
Nutritional Info
Ingredients
Ground Whole Grain Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal (source of Glucosamine & Chondroitin Sulfate), Corn Gluten Meal, Animal Fat (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids [preserved with BHA/Citric Acid]), Meat And Bone Meal (source of Calcium), Soybean Meal, Ground Whole Grain Wheat, Natural Flavor, Brewers Rice, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Monocalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Dried Peas, DL-Methionine, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, L-Tryptophan, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Dried Carrots, Blue 2, Red 40, Niacin [Vitamin B3], D-Calcium Pantothenate [source of Vitamin B5], Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement [Vitamin B2], Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate [Vitamin B1], Vitamin D3 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride [Vitamin B6], Folic Acid.
Caloric Content
13.374 cal./oz. x 8 oz cup = 106.8 cal./cup
What Pedigree Dry Dog Food for Adult Small Dogs Does Not Contain
No high fructose corn syrup, no artificial flavors, and no added sugar.
It no longer comes in the convenient zip-lock closure bags.
Controversial Reviews and Recalls
The reviews have been controversial to say the least. Some say there is too much grain, yet my veterinarian says grain-free foods are not good for dogs because they lack certain nutrients and can cause heart disease.
Others say that they use corn because it is an inexpensive cereal grain and not good for dogs, yet it provides energy.
They also say that the meat and bone meal can have a lower digestibility than most other meat meals and this is bad.
Even though meat and bone meals are still considered protein-rich meat concentrates, they do not consider it to be a quality item.
Other’s claim that, although corn gluten meal contains 60% protein, it has less biological value than meat.
With this all said, I believe you have to take everything you read in reviews with a grain of salt, ask your Vet what is right for us dogs and then decide what to choose.
Unless you make food in your own kitchen with fresh, healthy ingredients (you still need to be cautious when doing this), you might as well pick any brand on the market.
One review you read may say one thing and another may contradict it.
When doing research on a previous article regarding dog foods, I discovered many things, many of which surprised me.
However, Pedigree Brand Dog Foods were not on the list of recalls, nor were they on the FDA’s list of sixteen dog food brands that cause heart disease and they do not contain any of the harmful ingredients on the list we captured either.
One Final Note
Always check with you Veterinarian to see what food they suggest for your dog. Whether you choose Pedigree or another brand, make sure it is age and size appropriate for your dog.
It is important that your dog likes it, or you have wasted your money.
As long as the food is not harming your dog in any way and they enjoy it, we advise to stay with it.
Changing your dog’s diet every few months because your read somewhere that it contained a not so good ingredient, is more harmful to your dog than the so-called questionable ingredient.
Changes can upset your dog’s stomach and change his/her bowl habits.
Chance is a small breed adult dog, who is just over the age of three, so puppy food is not quite right for me at this stage.
He has been enjoying Pedigree for more than a years now. Sometimes I mix it with something wet. All I know is that Chance scarfs it down in no time. So, he must enjoy the taste.
I have had no issues with this food. My theory has always been “Don’t Fix What Isn’t Broken”, so unless I see signs of distress in Chance from eating this food, I’ll be sticking with Pedigree.
American Journey Dry Dog
Product: American Journey Dry Dog Food
Manufacturer: Chewy.com
Variety: Salmon and Brown Rice Recipe
Price: $34.99 – 28 bag
Variety: Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe
Price: $34.99 -28lb bag
Average Customer Rank: 4.5/5
Where to buy: Chewy.com
What American Journey Dog Food Contains?
Salmon and Rice Recipe
American Journey is full of nutritious ingredients that fuel your pet’s everyday adventures.
The Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food formula features real, deboned salmon as the first ingredient, plus wholesome grains and premium fruits and vegetables like carrots, blueberries and cranberries.
This tasty recipe delivers protein for lean muscles and powerful antioxidants to help keep your dog feeling his best.
You will find everything your dog needs to stay healthy tons of natural fibers for good digestion and plenty of omega fatty acids from several sources for skin and coat support.
And it is made without poultry by-product meal, wheat, corn or soy—just the best ingredients with the most benefits for your dog.
Some dogs do well with this particular recipe. However, I have tried it for Chance and although he ate it, it made his stools very soft and even runny at times.
Chance is back on Pedigree. This seems to work the best for him.
Key Benefits
- Nutritious dog food that provides energy to last throughout any daily adventure with fulfilling, wholesome grains like brown rice and barley.
- Real, deboned salmon is the first ingredient, which delivers a healthy dose of protein for lean muscle maintenance.
- Full of natural dietary fiber from sources like flaxseed, carrots, blueberries, oatmeal, brown rice and barley to encourage easy digestion.
- This hearty meal gives your pup antioxidants that are found naturally in sweet potatoes, dried kelp, blueberries and cranberries, to help support overall well-being.
- Loaded with omega-3 and 6 fatty acids from both plant and animal sources to nourish your dog’s skin and coat, and there are guaranteed levels of DHA to support brain and vision development.
Nutritional Info
Ingredients
Deboned Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal, Brown Rice, Peas, Pea Protein, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Rice Bran, Brewers Rice, Barley, Natural Flavor, Tomato Pomace, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Sun cured Alfalfa Meal, Potato Protein, Flaxseed, Dicalcium Phosphate, Dried Egg Product, Carrots, Oatmeal, Sweet Potatoes, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, L-Threonine, Blueberries, Cranberries, Dried Kelp, Dried Chicory Root, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Ferrous Sulfate, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Zinc Oxide, DL-Methionine, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Caloric Content
35.3 cal./oz x 8oz = 282.4 cal./cup
Chicken and Rice Recipe
American Journey is full of nutritious ingredients that fuel your pet’s everyday adventures.
The Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food formula features real, deboned chicken as the first ingredient, plus wholesome grains and premium fruits and vegetables like carrots, blueberries and cranberries.
This tasty recipe delivers protein for lean muscles and powerful antioxidants to help keep your dog feeling his best.
You will find everything your dog needs to stay healthy tons of natural fibers for good digestion and plenty of omega fatty acids from several sources for skin and coat support.
And it is made without poultry by-product meal, wheat, corn or soy—just the best ingredients with the most benefits for your dog.
Key Benefits
- Nutritious dog food that provides energy to last throughout any daily adventure with fulfilling, wholesome grains like brown rice and barley.
- Real, deboned chicken is the first ingredient, which delivers a healthy dose of protein for lean muscle maintenance.
- Full of natural dietary fiber from sources like flaxseed, carrots, blueberries, oatmeal, brown rice and barley to encourage easy digestion.
- This hearty meal gives your pup antioxidants that are found naturally in sweet potatoes, dried kelp, blueberries and cranberries, to help support overall well-being.
- Loaded with omega-3 and 6 fatty acids from both plant and animal sources to nourish your dog’s skin and coat, and there are guaranteed levels of DHA to support brain and vision development.
Nutritional Info
Ingredients
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Peas, Rice Bran, Brewers Rice, Barley, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Pea Protein, Tomato Pomace, Sun cured Alfalfa Meal, Flaxseed, Dicalcium Phosphate, Fish Oil, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Dried Egg Product, Carrots, Oatmeal, Sweet Potatoes, Salt, Potassium Chloride, L-Threonine, Choline Chloride, Blueberries, Cranberries, Dried Kelp, Dried Chicory Root, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Ferrous Sulfate, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Zinc Oxide, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Caloric Content:
36.75 cal./oz. x 8 oz. = 294 cal./cup
Purina Alpo Prime Cuts
Product: Purina Alpo Prime Cuts
Manufacturer: Purina.com
Variety: Savory Beef Dry Dog Food
Price: $9.74 – 16lb bag, $27.93 – 47lb bag
Average Customer Rank: 4.5/5.0
Where to buy: Chewy.com
Purina Alpo Prime Cuts Details
Dogs go head-over-tail for ALPO’s Prime Cuts Savory Beef Flavor Dry Dog Food! Each fun shape delivers the satisfying crunch dogs love and the big meaty taste they can’t resist.
This 100% complete and balanced canine kibble contains high-quality protein to help fuel muscles, along with 23 vitamins and minerals including calcium to support strong bones.
But the goodness doesn’t stop there, because this recipe also contains linoleic acid to support healthy skin and a lustrous coat. So, serve up and bowlful and watch your furry friend thank you by licking his bowl completely clean!
Key Benefits
- Features a hearty shapes and crunchy textures with savory beef flavor — that is sure to have your best friend sprinting to his bowl to savor every single bite
- High-quality protein sources and 23 essential vitamins and minerals
- Calcium is added to help support strong bones and linoleic acid to help support healthy skin & coat
- Contains 23 vitamins and min Dogs go head-over-tail for ALPO’s Prime Cuts Savory Beef Flavor Dry Dog Food! Each fun shape delivers the satisfying crunch dogs love and the big meaty taste they can’t resist. This 100% complete and balanced canine kibble contains high-quality protein to help fuel muscles, along with 23 vitamins and minerals including calcium to support strong bones. But the goodness doesn’t stop there, because this recipe also contains linoleic acid to support healthy skin and a lustrous coat. So, serve up and bowlful and watch your furry friend thank you by licking his bowl completely clean!
Nutritional Info
Ingredients
New: Ground Yellow Corn, Meat And Bone Meal, Soybean Meal, Beef Fat Preserved With Mixed-tocopherols, Corn Gluten Meal, Egg And Chicken Flavor, Natural Flavor, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Minerals [Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Biotin (Vitamin B-7)], L-tryptophan, L-lysine Monohydrochloride, Red 40, Yellow 5, Calcium Carbonate, Blue 2, Garlic Oil. J502019.
Caloric Content
35.74 cal./oz x 8 oz. = 283.76 cal. per cup
IAMS
Product: IAMS Pro Active Health
Manufacturer: Spectrum Brands
Variety: Beef and Rice
Price: $10.92 – 7lb bag, $19.84 – 15lb bag, $31.64 – 30lb bag
Average Customer Rank: 4.5/5.0
Where to buy: Chewy.com
IAMS Pro Active Health
Say “bone” appetit with the IAMS Proactive Health With Beef & Rice Dry Dog Food. Made for dogs who love the taste of real beef, this recipe offers all the yumminess they deserve plus the nutrition they need.
Promoting healthy skin and a soft coat thanks to omega fatty acids, as well as L-carnitine to burn fat and maintain a healthy metabolism, this food is crafted from real, wholesome ingredients.
Plus, it’s recommended by veterinarians and is made with real beef, which mean you’ll feel just as good as your dog does when it’s dinnertime.
Key Benefits
- Made with real beef to nourish active dogs with complete and balanced nutrition.
- Tailored fiber blend with prebiotics and beet pulp supports healthy digestion.
- Nourishes the heart and supports the immune system with essential nutrients and antioxidants.
- L-carnitine helps to burn fat and achieve a healthy metabolism and omega-6 promotes a healthy coat and skin.
- No added sugars, dyes, or artificial preservatives with crunchy kibble that cleans the teeth with every bite. Both dog foods have about the same measures of the primary nutrients needed by dogs to live.
Nutritional Info
Ingredients
Chicken, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken By-Product Meal, Dried Beet Pulp, Beef, Brewers Rice, Natural Flavor, Dried Egg Product, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed, Caramel Color, Potassium Chloride, Carrots, Choline Chloride, Fructooligosaccharides, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Brewers Dried Yeast, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Mixed Tocopherols (a preservative), Zinc Oxide, L-Carnitine, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (source of Vitamin B1), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, Niacin Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (source of Vitamin B2), Inositol, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Rosemary Extract, Manganous Oxide, Potassium Iodide, Folic Acid.
Caloric Content
36.65 cal/oz x 8 oz = 293.2 cal./cup
Final Summation
I just wanted to let you good folks out there know, that even though each dog prefers different foods, Chance is well nourished and healthy and your dog can be too, if he/she gets the proper food.
All of the foods apparently taste about the same because dogs eat all equal fervor. IAMS and American Journey cost considerably more than Purina Alpo and Pedigree and I have heard that IAMS has been recalled twice for salmonella.
That’s not a good thing! That could make the your dogs, very sick. I wouldn’t want that to happen to any animal out there. So make sure you also check recall lists before choosing a food for your dog.
At the end of the day, the experts would have you believe that more expensive dog food is the answer, when, in fact, that is not always the case!
The United States has good standards in place to assure that dog food produced is safe. Dog owners need to do their own research and read the labels to determine which to choose.
A final determining factor needs to be whether or not your dog or dogs even like the food! In fact, it could be argued that this might be the sole determining factor!
I can also tell you, if a dog hungry enough, they will eat anything, even if it is not so healthy for them.
Have you tried any of these brands for your dog? Which does your dog like the best? Maybe he/she likes another brand. I would like to hear your thoughts about the brands reviewed here . You may share your questions and comments in the section below and I will be happy to respond.
All the best,
Barbara
Founder/Creator: Love A Rescue Dog 🐶
lovearescuedog93016@gmail.com
“Saving one animal won’t change the world, but for that one animal, the world changes forever”
