4Health Grain Free Dog Food Review: Recalls, Pros & Cons
Review Summary
Our Final Verdict
We give 4Health Grain Free dog food a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Introduction
4Health Grain Free Dog Food is a collection of grain-free dog food recipes that comes from the 4Health Dog Food line, which is a solely made and sold at Tractor Supply Co. stores. 4Health is an above-average dog food brand that makes sure quality doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Their grain-free options are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals for a balanced diet, without the grain ingredients that may cause allergic reactions or digestive issues. If you’re looking for grain-free dog food, 4Health may be a good option to try for your companion.
At a Glance: The Best 4Health Grain-Free Dog Food Recipes:
4Health dog food is a line of dog products by the large farming and gardening retail giant, Tractor Supply Co. Founded in 1938 as a phone-in tractor parts supply company, the chain has over 1000 locations today. Although they’re mostly known for farming and agriculture supplies, Tractor Supply Co. has a large selection of pet foods, including their own brand.
4Health is solely owned by Tractor Supply Co. and is manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods, a U.S.-based manufacturer of multiple pet products. 4Health lined the shelves in select stores in 2010 and has launched several other products under the same name. It has since grown into a popular dog food choice due to its high-quality ingredients and affordable price.
Which Types of Dogs is 4Health Grain Free Dog Food Best Suited For?
4Health Grain Free Dog Food is a budget-friendly option for dogs that may need limited ingredients, especially to grain ingredients like wheat, corn, and soy. If your vet has recommended a grain-free diet, 4Health may be an option to consider. Although it’s not available except through Tractor Supply Co., the affordable price might be enough to change your mind.
Which Types of Dogs Might Do Better with a Different Brand?
Grain-free diets are not for every dog, so your dog may be better off with one of the original 4Health recipes. Alternatively, if your dog continues to show signs of allergic reactions or digestive issues, Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach Formula Dog Food may be a better option. Pro Plan is more expensive, but it’s not an exclusive brand and has top quality ingredients.
Credit: Chendongshan, Shutterstock
Recall History
4Health & Tractor Supply Co. Recalls:
2012: (FDA recall) All recipes of 4Health dry pet food
Reason: Possible salmonella contamination
2013: (FDA recall) 4Health All Life Stages Cat Formula dry food
Reason: Low thiamine levels
Note: There have not been any more recalls since these two incidents, but their manufacturer (Diamond Pet Products) has a long list of recalls. From FDA recalls to self-issued recalls, Diamond Pet Products has struggled with quality control and contamination issues.
What Ingredients are Found in 4Health Grain Free Dog Food?
Here are a few of the main ingredients found in 4Health Grain Free Dog Food:
Whole Meat: Good
Every 4Health Grain Free recipe has whole meat as the first ingredient, which is especially important when looking for high-quality dog food. Although whole meat is made up of 70% water and reduces in size after cooking, whole meats are still necessary for your dog’s protein and caloric needs. However, it should be stated that solely relying on whole meat as the first ingredient is required, but it should be one of the top 3 ingredients.
Poultry Meal: Great
Poultry Meal, such as chicken meal or turkey meal, sounds a lot worse than it is. Chicken meal is simply a dried product of ground chicken, skin, and bone. Chicken meal, for instance, is not a by-product (unless labeled as such) and does not contain any feathers, feet, or other unsavory body parts. In fact, meat meal products end up having more nutritional value than whole meats because they don’t reduce in size after processing.
Flaxseed: Okay
Flaxseed is a natural source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for your dog’s skin and coat health. While that may sound great, flaxseed does not agree with dogs that have sensitive stomachs. If your dog doesn’t have a digestive reaction to it, flaxseed can be an excellent and protein-free source of essential amino acids. For dogs that can’t have flaxseed, look for a dog food rich in salmon or fish for these vital nutrients.
Potatoes/Lentils/Beans: Potential Issue*
Because grain-free recipes can’t use whole grains in their recipes, another source of carbohydrates needs to be used. Many grain-free recipes, including 4Health Grain Free Dog Food, use potatoes, lentils, and beans as their main carbohydrate source. However, there have been recent studies linking heart problems* to these ingredients, as well as grain-free diets in general. [IMPORTANT NOTE: It is highly recommended to speak to a vet before putting your dog on any new food, even if it’s from the same brand, to keep your dog as healthy and safe as possible.]
Reviews of the 2 Best 4Health Grain Free Dog Food Recipes
1. 4health Grain Free Large Breed Formula Adult Dog Food
4Health Grain Free Large Breed Formula Adult Dog Food is a turkey and potato grain-free recipe from the 4Health line of dog food products. It’s a high-quality dog food that uses real meat as the first ingredient, with no fillers or by-products to cut costs. Additionally, 4Health Grain Free Large Breed Formula is not made with any grain ingredients like corn, soy, or wheat, making it an allergen-friendly dog food option. This brand is also very budget-friendly for a limited diet dog food, especially compared to popular name brands like Purina and Taste of the Wild. The only issue we found is that it contains two different sources of protein (turkey and fish), which is not recommended for dogs prone to food-based allergens. Otherwise, 4Health Grain Free Large Breed Formula Adult Dog Food is an excellent option for your grain-free buddy.
4Health Puppy Dog Food is a chicken and potato formula made for puppies and nursing dogs from the 4Health line of pet products. It’s a high-quality puppy food specifically formulated and fortified for growing puppies, as well as for nursing mothers. One of the best features this dog food has is that it contains real meat ingredients, with no by-products or artificial preservatives. Since it’s a grain-free recipe, it’s also free of fillers and grain ingredients such as corn, soy, and wheat. The only issue we have with this puppy recipe is that it’s made with chicken as the main protein source, which has been found to cause allergic reactions. Aside from the potential allergen issue, 4Health Grain Free Puppy Food is a top-notch dry puppy food that won’t have you spending over your budget.
While we stand by the products we review, it’s equally important to see what others are saying. Here are some recent comments about the 4Health Grain Free Dog Food line:
HerePup – “…premium and affordable, providing nutritional requirements for dogs of all ages and sizes for optimal health.”
Dog Food Guru – “each 4Health dog food formula provides the right balance of nutrients to the type of dog it’s designed for.”
Tractor Supply Co. Reviews – You can read these by clicking here and scrolling down to the bottom.
We hope our review of 4Health Grain Free Dog Food products has helped you find the best option for your dog. Although it may be a private label, we are pleasantly surprised by the high quality and dedication that Tractor Supply Co. has put into their dog food product. If you’re in the market for a grain-free diet for your dog, we highly recommend trying 4Health Grain Free Dog Food for a premium, yet affordable, dog food.
Nicole is the proud mom of Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway, and Baby, a Burmese cat. Originally from Canada, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband in New Zealand. Nicole has a strong love for all animals and has experience caring for all types of dogs, from Yorkies to Great Danes. Nicole even worked as a dog sitter during her travels through South America and cared for stray pups — something she holds close to her heart.
With a degree in Education and a love for writing, Nicole aims to share her and others’ expert knowledge with pet lovers worldwide with Hepper.
