Amazon Wag Dog Food Review: What’s The Scoop With This Kibble?

Dog Food

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amazon wag dog food review

Gather ‘round, dog lovers. We’ve got some big news to share: The internet’s leading retail site has entered the dog food game. That’s right – Amazon has released their own dog food brand, appropriately called “Wag.”

Below, we’ll break down the recipes they currently offer and explain everything you need to know to make an informed decision for your pooch.

Best Wag Dog Foods: Quick Picks

  • #1 Wag 5-Pound Trail Bag [Best for Trying Wag Out]: Curious about Wag but don’t want to invest in 30 pounds of food yet? This 5-pound trail bag is the perfect choice (and you get select it in your choice of several flavors and puppy or adult formulations).
  • #2 Wag 30-Pound Bag of Adult Kibble [Best for Owners Ready to Switch Foods]: Ready to jump in with both feet? This 30-pound bag (which is available in your choice of several flavors) is the ideal pick and will save you a bit of money.
  • #3 Wag 15-Pound Bag of Puppy Kibble [Best for Owners Feeding a New Puppy]: Designed for your growing four-footer, this chicken-flavored kibble will help your pooch grow into a big, strong adult!
  • #4 Chicken & Vegetable Stew Wet Dog Food [Best Wet Option to Try]: Got a pooch who prefers canned foods to kibble? Or do you need a tasty topper to go with a Wag kibble? Either way, this should be a great choice.

History & Background of Wag Dog Food

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last 15 years, you’ve probably heard of Amazon.com. 

Founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos, the Seattle-based company started as an online bookstore. And shortly after dominating the book-sales business, Amazon branched out and began offering movies, music, and other types of media too.

But that was just the beginning, and the site quickly became a one-stop shop for everything you could possibly want to buy. Need a new set of kitchen knives? Need a toy for your kid’s birthday? Need a new minivan? Amazon’s got you covered. There’s not much you can’t buy there.

Amazon also markets a number of different products under their own brand labels (such as AmazonBasics, among others), and dog foods are one of their most recent additions (their pet foods became available for purchase in May 2018).

Note that Wag is only available for members of Amazon Prime, but that may change in the future.

However, even if you decide Wag isn’t right for your pet, you may still benefit from this new product line.

Amazon’s unparalleled buying power means that they can produce dog food for less than many other brands, which allows them to slap a pretty reasonable price tag on the product. This will likely have trickle-down effects throughout the pet foods market, resulting in lower prices for everyone.  

Is Wag a Private Label Dog Food?

While Amazon owns the Wag brand, that doesn’t mean Mr. Bezos is in a kitchen somewhere, butchering a chicken and cooking up some lentils. The foods are actually manufactured by a supplier that Amazon works closely with.

These types of products (those made by independent manufacturers) are often called private label products.

There is nothing wrong with this type of manufacturing relationship, and you’ve probably purchased other private label goods yourself.

If, say, you buy Kroger canned green beans, you’re likely buying green beans that are prepared by one of the large green bean distributors — they’re just branded differently.

Amazon’s Wag Recall History

recall history

Given that Wag has only been on the market for a matter of months, there are no recalls in the product’s history (that’d be pretty embarrassing). We’ll monitor the food’s entry into the market and update this section as appropriate.  

Wag Dog Food Formulas & Recipes

There are currently two formulas offered under the Wag brand name. They offer a kibble formula as well as a line of wet foods. Additionally, their kibble comes in grain-free and grain-inclusive recipes, while wet foods are available in both “stew” and “pate” forms, giving you a variety of options to choose from.

All of these foods meet the AAFCO’s guidelines, so just be sure to pick one for your dog’s life stage (puppy or adult) and your doggo will get all of the nutrition she needs.

We’ll look at each pet food recipe in greater detail below.

Some Wag Recipes Are Grain-Free

Many of Wag’s recipes are grain-free, which may give some owners pause.

In light of the fact that researches have demonstrated a correlation (but not causation) between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), many owners are electing to choose grain-inclusive foods unless their dog has a specific intolerance to grains (which is pretty rare — most dogs digest grains without issue).

As always, talk to your vet about your choice of dog food, and be sure to read our article on the connection between DCM and grain-free foods if you’d like to learn more.

Wag Recipe #1: Salmon & Lentil Dry Dog Food

Salmon-Flavored Kibble

This is a sponsored placement, in which an advertiser pays a fee to be featured in this article. Learn more

Amazon Brand - Wag High Protein Dry Dog Food Salmon and Lentil Recipe, Grain Free (5 lb. Bag)

Salmon & Lentil Dry Dog Food

A tasty and omega-3-rich salmon and lentil recipe for adult dogs.

About: Wag’s Salmon & Lentil Recipe is a fish-forward kibble that’s great for canines needing an alternative to chicken or lamb. Many dogs love salmon and, because it is rich in coat-nourishing omega-3 fatty acids, it is a great protein to include in dog food.

Nutritional Information

This kibble is formulated to meet or exceed the guidelines set forth by the AAFCO Dog Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages, including large-breed puppies.

  • Crude Protein: 35% Minimum
  • Crude Fat: 15% Minimum
  • Crude Fiber: 5.5% Maximum
  • Moisture: 10% Maximum
  • Zinc: 150 Milligrams/Kilograms Minimum
  • Selenium: 0.35 Milligrams/Kilograms Minimum
  • Vitamin E: 150 IU/Kilogram Minimum
  • Omega-6 Fatty Acid: 2.5% Minimum
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acid: 0.4% Minimum
  • Glucosamine: 750 Milligrams/Kilogram Minimum
  • Total Microorganisms: 2,000,000 CFU/Pound Minimum
  • Calorie Content: 3700 kcal ME/KG (346 kcal ME/cup)

Ingredients List

SALMON, SALMON MEAL, LENTILS, PEA PROTEIN, PEAS...,

CHICKEN FAT (PRESERVED WITH MIXED TOCOPHEROLS), BREWERS YEAST, DRIED PLAIN BEET PULP, FLAXSEED, NATURAL FLAVOR, SALMON OIL, SALT, CHOLINE CHLORIDE, TAURINE, DRIED CHICORY ROOT, YUCCA SCHIDIGERA EXTRACT, DRIED LACTOBACILLUS PLANTARUM FERMENTATION PRODUCT, DRIED BACILLUS SUBTILIS FERMENTATION PRODUCT, DRIED LACTOBACILLUS ACIDOPHILUS FERMENTATION PRODUCT, DRIED ENTEROCOCCUS FAECIUM FERMENTATION PRODUCT, DRIED BIFIDOBACTERIUM ANIMALIS FERMENTATION PRODUCT, VITAMIN E SUPPLEMENT, IRON PROTEINATE, ZINC PROTEINATE, COPPER PROTEINATE, FERROUS SULFATE, ZINC SULFATE, COPPER SULFATE, POTASSIUM IODIDE, THIAMINE MONONITRATE (SOURCE OF VITAMIN B1), MANGANESE PROTEINATE, MANGANOUS OXIDE, ASCORBIC ACID (PRESERVATIVE), VITAMIN A SUPPLEMENT, BIOTIN, NIACIN, CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE, MANGANESE SULFATE, SODIUM SELENITE, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE (SOURCE OF VITAMIN B6), VITAMIN B12 SUPPLEMENT, RIBOFLAVIN (VITAMIN B2), VITAMIN D3 SUPPLEMENT, FOLIC ACID.. 

Wag Recipe #2: Beef & Lentil with Wild Boar Dry Dog Food

Beef-Flavored Kibble

This is a sponsored placement, in which an advertiser pays a fee to be featured in this article. Learn more

Amazon Brand - Wag High Protein Dry Dog Food Beef and Lentil Recipe with Wild Boar, Grain Free (5 lb. Bag)

Beef & Lentil with Wild Boar Dry Dog Food

Beef, lentils, and wild boar combine to make a lip-smackin’ kibble.

About: Wag’s Beef & Lentil Recipe tempts pupper palates with its hearty beef flavor. This protein-rich food powers muscles and keeps canines moving and grooving with added glucosamine and chondroitin.

Nutritional Information

This kibble is formulated to meet or exceed the guidelines set forth by the AAFCO Dog Nutrient Profiles for adults.

  • Crude Protein: 35% Minimum
  • Crude Fat: 15% Minimum
  • Crude Fiber: 4.5% Maximum
  • Moisture: 10% Maximum
  • Zinc: 150 Milligrams/Kilograms Minimum
  • Selenium: .35 Milligrams/Kilograms Minimum
  • Vitamin E: 150 IU/Kilogram Minimum
  • Omega-6 Fatty Acid: 2.5% Minimum
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acid: 0.4% Minimum
  • Glucosamine: 750 Milligrams/Kilogram Minimum
  • Total Microorganisms: 2,000,000 CFU/Pound Minimum
  • Calorie Content: 3700 kcal ME/KG (346 kcal ME/cup)

Ingredients List

BEEF, BEEF MEAL, LENTILS, PEA PROTEIN, PEAS...,

EGG PRODUCT, CHICKEN FAT (PRESERVED WITH MIXED TOCOPHEROLS), BREWERS YEAST, WILD BOAR, POTATO PROTEIN, DRIED PLAIN BEET PULP, FLAXSEED, NATURAL FLAVOR, SALT, CHOLINE CHLORIDE, TAURINE, DRIED CHICORY ROOT, YUCCA SCHIDIGERA EXTRACT, DRIED LACTOBACILLUS PLANTARUM FERMENTATION PRODUCT, DRIED BACILLUS SUBTILIS FERMENTATION PRODUCT, DRIED LACTOBACILLUS ACIDOPHILUS FERMENTATION PRODUCT, DRIED ENTEROCOCCUS FAECIUM FERMENTATION PRODUCT, DRIED BIFIDOBACTERIUM ANIMALIS FERMENTATION PRODUCT, VITAMIN E SUPPLEMENT, IRON PROTEINATE, ZINC PROTEINATE, COPPER PROTEINATE, FERROUS SULFATE, ZINC SULFATE, COPPER SULFATE, POTASSIUM IODIDE, THIAMINE MONONITRATE (SOURCE OF VITAMIN B1), MANGANESE PROTEINATE, MANGANOUS OXIDE, ASCORBIC ACID (PRESERVATIVE), VITAMIN A SUPPLEMENT, BIOTIN, NIACIN, CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE, MANGANESE SULFATE, SODIUM SELENITE, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE (SOURCE OF VITAMIN B6), VITAMIN B12 SUPPLEMENT, RIBOFLAVIN (VITAMIN B2), VITAMIN D3 SUPPLEMENT, FOLIC ACID.

Wag Recipe #3: Lamb & Lentil Dry Dog Food

Lamb-Flavored Kibble

This is a sponsored placement, in which an advertiser pays a fee to be featured in this article. Learn more

Amazon Brand - Wag High Protein Dry Dog Food Lamb & Lentil Recipe, Grain Free (30 lb. Bag)

Lamb & Lentil Dry Dog Food

A lamb-flavored kibble that’s great for dogs with food allergies.

About: Wag’s Lamb & Lentil Recipe is perfect for sensitive systems who may struggle with other proteins. Lamb is a favorite in dog food, as it’s a solid source of protein and amino acids.

Nutritional Information

This dry kibble is formulated to meet or exceed the guidelines set forth by the AAFCO Dog Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages, including large-breed puppies.

  • Crude Protein: 35% Minimum
  • Crude Fat: 15% Minimum
  • Crude Fiber: 5.5% Maximum
  • Moisture: 10% Maximum
  • Zinc: 150 Milligrams/Kilograms Minimum
  • Selenium: .35 Milligrams/Kilograms Minimum
  • Vitamin E: 150 IU/Kilogram Minimum
  • Omega-6 Fatty Acid: 2.5% Minimum
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acid: 0.4% Minimum
  • Glucosamine: 750 Milligrams/Kilogram Minimum
  • Chondroitin Sulfate: 250 Milligrams/Kilogram Minimum
  • Total Microorganisms: 2,000,000 CFU/Pound Minimum
  • Calorie Content: 3700 kcal ME/KG (346 kcal ME/cup)

Ingredients List

LAMB, LAMB MEAL, LENTILS, PEA PROTEIN, PEAS...,

CHICKEN FAT (PRESERVED WITH MIXED TOCOPHEROLS), DRIED PLAIN BEET PULP, BREWERS YEAST, POTATO PROTEIN, FLAXSEED, NATURAL FLAVOR, SALMON OIL, SALT, CHOLINE CHLORIDE, TAURINE, DRIED CHICORY ROOT, YUCCA SCHIDIGERA EXTRACT, DRIED LACTOBACILLUS PLANTARUM FERMENTATION PRODUCT, DRIED BACILLUS SUBTILIS FERMENTATION PRODUCT, DRIED LACTOBACILLUS ACIDOPHILUS FERMENTATION PRODUCT, DRIED ENTEROCOCCUS FAECIUM FERMENTATION PRODUCT, DRIED BIFIDOBACTERIUM ANIMALIS FERMENTATION PRODUCT, VITAMIN E SUPPLEMENT, IRON PROTEINATE, ZINC PROTEINATE, COPPER PROTEINATE, FERROUS SULFATE, ZINC SULFATE, COPPER SULFATE, POTASSIUM IODIDE, THIAMINE MONONITRATE (SOURCE OF VITAMIN B1), MANGANESE PROTEINATE, MANGANOUS OXIDE, ASCORBIC ACID (PRESERVATIVE), VITAMIN A SUPPLEMENT, BIOTIN, NIACIN, CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE, MANGANESE SULFATE, SODIUM SELENITE, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE (SOURCE OF VITAMIN B6), VITAMIN B12 SUPPLEMENT, RIBOFLAVIN (VITAMIN B2), VITAMIN D3 SUPPLEMENT, FOLIC ACID

Wag Recipe #4: Turkey & Lentil Dry Dog Food

Turkey-Flavored Kibble

This is a sponsored placement, in which an advertiser pays a fee to be featured in this article. Learn more

Amazon Brand - Wag High Protein Dry Dog Food Turkey & Lentil Recipe, Grain Free (30 lb. Bag)

Turkey & Lentil Dry Dog Food

A poultry-flavored kibble to please your pooch’s palate.

About: Wag’s Turkey & Lentil Recipe is the perfect food for poultry-loving canines who can’t handle chicken. Turkey also contains slightly more of key nutrients like zinc than its fellow feathered friend, and some dogs prefer its flavor over other proteins.

Nutritional Information

This kibble is formulated to meet or exceed the guidelines set forth by the AAFCO Dog Nutrient Profiles for adults.

  • Crude Protein: 35% Minimum
  • Crude Fat: 15% Minimum
  • Crude Fiber: 4.5% Maximum
  • Moisture: 10% Maximum
  • Zinc: 150 Milligrams/Kilograms Minimum
  • Selenium: .35 Milligrams/Kilograms Minimum
  • Vitamin E: 150 IU/Kilogram Minimum
  • Omega-6 Fatty Acid: 2.5% Minimum
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acid: 0.4% Minimum
  • Glucosamine: 750 Milligrams/Kilogram Minimum
  • Chondroitin Sulfate: 250 Milligrams/Kilogram Minimum
  • Total Microorganisms: 2,000,000 CFU/Pound Minimum
  • Calorie Content: 3700 kcal ME/KG (346 kcal ME/cup)

Ingredients List

TURKEY, TURKEY MEAL, LENTILS, PEA PROTEIN, PEAS...,

CHICKEN FAT (PRESERVED WITH MIXED TOCOPHEROLS), BREWERS YEAST, DRIED PLAIN BEET PULP, FLAXSEED, NATURAL FLAVOR, SALMON OIL, CALCIUM CARBONATE, SALT, CHOLINE CHLORIDE, TAURINE, DRIED CHICORY ROOT, YUCCA SCHIDIGERA EXTRACT, DRIED LACTOBACILLUS PLANTARUM FERMENTATION PRODUCT, DRIED BACILLUS SUBTILIS FERMENTATION PRODUCT, DRIED LACTOBACILLUS ACIDOPHILUS FERMENTATION PRODUCT, DRIED ENTEROCOCCUS FAECIUM FERMENTATION PRODUCT, DRIED BIFIDOBACTERIUM ANIMALIS FERMENTATION PRODUCT, VITAMIN E SUPPLEMENT, IRON PROTEINATE, ZINC PROTEINATE, COPPER PROTEINATE, FERROUS SULFATE, ZINC SULFATE, COPPER SULFATE, POTASSIUM IODIDE, THIAMINE MONONITRATE (SOURCE OF VITAMIN B1), MANGANESE PROTEINATE, MANGANOUS OXIDE, ASCORBIC ACID (PRESERVATIVE), VITAMIN A SUPPLEMENT, BIOTIN, NIACIN, CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE, MANGANESE SULFATE, SODIUM SELENITE, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE (SOURCE OF VITAMIN B6), VITAMIN B12 SUPPLEMENT, RIBOFLAVIN (VITAMIN B2), VITAMIN D3 SUPPLEMENT, FOLIC ACID.

Wag Recipe #5: Chicken & Lentil (Puppy)

Chicken-Flavored Puppy Kibble

This is a sponsored placement, in which an advertiser pays a fee to be featured in this article. Learn more

Amazon Brand - Wag Dry Dog Food Grain-Free Chicken & Lentil Recipe for Puppies (15 lb bag)

Chicken & Lentil (Puppy)

A puptastic poultry recipe for your growing little pupperino!

About: Wag’s Chicken & Lentil Puppy Recipe is designed to provide your growing puppy with everything he needs to grow into a healthy adult. It does exhibit a few nutritional differences from the other recipes (such as containing a tiny bit more protein), but the differences are relatively minor.  

Nutritional Information

This kibble recipe is formulated to meet or exceed the guidelines set forth by the AAFCO Dog Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages, including large-breed puppies.

  • Crude Protein: 36% Minimum
  • Crude Fat: 16% Minimum
  • Crude Fiber: 5.5% Maximum
  • Moisture: 10% Maximum
  • Zinc: 150 Milligrams/Kilograms Minimum
  • Selenium: .35 Milligrams/Kilograms Minimum
  • Vitamin E: 150 IU/Kilogram Minimum
  • Omega-6 Fatty Acid: 2.8% Minimum
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acid: 0.4% Minimum
  • Total Microorganisms: 2,000,000 CFU/Pound Minimum
  • Calorie Content: 3700 kcal ME/KG (346 kcal ME/cup)

Ingredients List

CHICKEN, CHICKEN MEAL, LENTILS, PEAS, PEA PROTEIN...,

CHICKEN FAT (PRESERVED WITH MIXED TOCOPHEROLS), BREWERS YEAST, DRIED PLAIN BEET PULP, FLAXSEED, EGG PRODUCT, NATURAL FLAVOR, SALMON OIL, SALT, CHOLINE CHLORIDE, TAURINE, DRIED CHICORY ROOT, YUCCA SCHIDIGERA EXTRACT, DRIED LACTOBACILLUS PLANTARUM FERMENTATION PRODUCT, DRIED BACILLUS SUBTILIS FERMENTATION PRODUCT, DRIED LACTOBACILLUS ACIDOPHILUS FERMENTATION PRODUCT, DRIED ENTEROCOCCUS FAECIUM FERMENTATION PRODUCT, DRIED BIFIDOBACTERIUM ANIMALIS FERMENTATION PRODUCT, VITAMIN E SUPPLEMENT, IRON PROTEINATE, ZINC PROTEINATE, COPPER PROTEINATE, FERROUS SULFATE, ZINC SULFATE, COPPER SULFATE, POTASSIUM IODIDE, THIAMINE MONONITRATE (SOURCE OF VITAMIN B1), MANGANESE PROTEINATE, MANGANOUS OXIDE, ASCORBIC ACID (PRESERVATIVE), VITAMIN A SUPPLEMENT, BIOTIN, NIACIN, CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE, MANGANESE SULFATE, SODIUM SELENITE, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE (SOURCE OF VITAMIN B6), VITAMIN B12 SUPPLEMENT, RIBOFLAVIN (VITAMIN B2), VITAMIN D3 SUPPLEMENT, FOLIC ACID.

Wag Recipe #6: Chicken & Vegetable Stew Wet Dog Food

Chicken & Veggie Canned Food

This is a sponsored placement, in which an advertiser pays a fee to be featured in this article. Learn more

Amazon Brand - Wag Wet Canned Dog Food, Chicken & Vegetable Stew Recipe, 13.2 oz Can (Pack of 12)

Chicken & Vegetable Stew Wet Dog Food

A stew-style chicken-flavored food for your canine.

About: Chicken and veggies shine as star ingredients in Wag’s Chicken & Vegetable Stew. This large-dog-friendly option features nutrient-dense organ meat and fish oil rich in fatty acids.

Nutritional Information

This canned food is made to meet the AAFCO standards for large dog growth and maintenance. 

  • Crude Protein: 8% Minimum
  • Crude Fat: 5% Minimum 
  • Crude Fiber: 1.5% Maximum
  • Moisture: 82% Maximum
  • Linoleic Acid: 0.7% Minimum
  • Omega-6 Fatty Acids: 0.7% Minimum
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 0.08% Minimum
  • Calorie Content: 921 kcal/kg (344 kcal/can)

Ingredients List

CHICKEN, CHICKEN BROTH, BEEF BROTH, CHICKEN LIVER, DRIED EGG WHITES...,

CARROTS, PEAS, DRIED EGG PRODUCT, POTATO STARCH, NATURAL FLAVOR, GUAR GUM, DRIED PLAIN BEET PULP, GROUND FLAXSEED, SALT, FISH OIL, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, SODIUM CARBONATE, ZINC PROTEINATE, IRON PROTEINATE, COPPER PROTEINATE, MANGANESE PROTEINATE, SODIUM SELENITE, COBALT PROTEINATE, POTASSIUM IODIDE, CHOLINE CHLORIDE, VITAMIN E SUPPLEMENT, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, NIACIN SUPPLEMENT, d-CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE, VITAMIN A SUPPLEMENT, RIBOFLAVIN SUPPLEMENT, BIOTIN, VITAMIN B12 SUPPLEMENT, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE, VITAMIN D3 SUPPLEMENT, FOLIC ACID 

Wag Recipe #7: Lamb & Vegetable Stew Wet Dog Food

Lamb & Veggie Canned Food

This is a sponsored placement, in which an advertiser pays a fee to be featured in this article. Learn more

Amazon Brand - Wag Stew Canned Dog Food, Lamb & Vegetable Recipe, 13.2 oz Can (Pack of 12)

Lamb & Vegetable Stew Wet Dog Food

A lamb-based canned food that’s great for dogs with food allergies.

About: Wag’s Lamb & Vegetable Stew is a real palate pleaser with its tasty broth and chunked texture. Containing real lamb and vegetables and no corn, soy, or wheat, this grain-free stew is made with sensitive doggy digestive systems in mind.

Nutritional Information

This canned food is formulated to the AAFCO nutrient profiles suitable for canine maintenance. 

  • Crude Protein: 8% Minimum
  • Crude Fat: 5% Minimum 
  • Crude Fiber: 1% Maximum
  • Moisture: 82% Maximum
  • Calcium: 0.25% Minimum
  • Phosphorus: 0.20% Minimum
  • Omega-6 Fatty Acids: 0.50% Minimum
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 0.10% Minimum
  • Calorie Content: 983 kcal/kg (368 kcal/can)

Ingredients List

LAMB BROTH, LAMB, LAMB LIVER, POTATOES, DRIED EGG PRODUCT...,

LAMB BROTH, LAMB, LAMB LIVER, POTATOES, DRIED EGG PRODUCT, CARROTS, GREEN BEANS, PEAS, WILD RICE, NATURAL FLAVOR, RED PEPPERS, SUNFLOWER OIL, GUAR GUM, OAT FIBER, PEA FIBER, BREWERS DRIED YEAST, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE, CALCIUM CARBONATE, GARLIC, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, FLAXSEED OIL, PARSLEY, SALT, SODIUM CARBONATE, INULIN, DRIED KELP, MENHADEN FISH OIL, OREGANO, ROSEMARY, ZINC AMINO ACID CHELATE, IRON AMINO ACID CHELATE, DRIED CRANBERRIES, DRIED APPLES, DRIED BLUEBERRIES, CHOLINE CHLORIDE, YUCCA SCHIDIGERA EXTRACT, VITAMIN E SUPPLEMENT, COPPER AMINO ACID CHELATE, MANGANESE AMINO ACID CHELATE, SODIUM SELENITE, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, COBALT AMINO ACID CHELATE, NIACIN SUPPLEMENT, d-CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE, VITAMIN A SUPPLEMENT, RIBOFLAVIN SUPPLEMENT, BIOTIN, VITAMIN B12 SUPPLEMENT, POTASSIUM IODIDE, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE, VITAMIN D3 SUPPLEMENT, FOLIC ACID 

Wag Recipe #8: Turkey & Sweet Potato Stew Wet Dog Food

Turkey & Sweet Potato Canned Food

This is a sponsored placement, in which an advertiser pays a fee to be featured in this article. Learn more

Amazon Brand - Wag Stew Canned Dog Food, Turkey & Sweet Potato Recipe, 13.2 oz Can (Pack of 12)

Turkey & Sweet Potato Stew Wet Dog Food

An antioxidant-rich, turkey-based wet food for adult dogs.

About: Wag’s Turkey & Sweet Potato Stew offers a delicious grain-free mixture of real meat and vegetables in a savory sauce. Serve it on its own or mix it into your dog’s food for a delicious treat.

Nutritional Information

This wet food option is made to meet AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles for maintenance. 

  • Crude Protein: 8% Minimum
  • Crude Fat: 5% Minimum 
  • Crude Fiber: 1.5% Maximum
  • Moisture: 82% Maximum
  • Calorie Content: 885 kcal/kg (331 kcal/can)

Ingredients List

TURKEY BROTH, TURKEY, CHICKEN LIVER, DRIED EGG WHITES, SWEET POTATOES...,

POTATO STARCH, DRIED EGG PRODUCT, GUAR GUM, SALT, PEAS, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, FLAXSEED MEAL, TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, ZINC AMINO ACID CHELATE, IRON AMINO ACID CHELATE, COPPER AMINO ACID CHELATE, MANGANESE AMINO ACID CHELATE, SODIUM SELENITE, COBALT AMINO ACID CHELATE, POTASSIUM IODIDE, VITAMIN E SUPPLEMENT, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, NIACIN SUPPLEMENT, d-CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE, VITAMIN A SUPPLEMENT, RIBOFLAVIN SUPPLEMENT, BIOTIN, VITAMIN B12 SUPPLEMENT, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE, VITAMIN D3 SUPPLEMENT, FOLIC ACID, CHOLINE CHLORIDE, XANTHAN GUM 

Wag Recipe #9: Beef & Vegetable Stew Wet Dog Food

Beef & Veggie Canned Food

This is a sponsored placement, in which an advertiser pays a fee to be featured in this article. Learn more

Amazon Brand - Wag Stew Canned Dog Food, Beef & Vegetable Recipe, 13.2 oz Can (Pack of 12)

Beef & Vegetable Stew Wet Dog Food

A hearty beef and veggie stew designed to nourish adult dogs.

About: Wag’s Beef & Vegetable Stew is a scrumptious addition to your dog’s bowl, pleasing even the pickiest of pups. Made with chunked beef and chicken in a rich broth, this mixed-protein formula has the taste your doggo craves.

Nutritional Information

This chunky stew is balanced to meet AAFCO standards for canine maintenance.

  • Crude Protein: 8% Minimum
  • Crude Fat: 4.5% Minimum 
  • Crude Fiber: 1.5% Maximum
  • Moisture: 82% Maximum
  • Calorie Content: 970 kcal/kg (363 kcal/can)

Ingredients List

BEEF BROTH, BEEF, CHICKEN, CARROTS, DRIED EGG WHITES...,

PEAS, POTATO STARCH, DRIED EGG PRODUCT, GUAR GUM, SALT, ADDED COLOR, DRIED POTATOES, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, DRIED PLAIN BEET PULP, GROUND FLAXSEED, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, NATURAL FLAVOR, CHOLINE CHLORIDE, FERROUS SULFATE, XANTHAN GUM, ZINC OXIDE, VITAMIN E SUPPLEMENT, COPPER PROTEINATE, SODIUM SELENITE, MANGANESE SULFATE, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, NIACIN SUPPLEMENT, d-CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE, VITAMIN A SUPPLEMENT, RIBOFLAVIN SUPPLEMENT, BIOTIN, VITAMIN B12 SUPPLEMENT, POTASSIUM IODIDE, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE, VITAMIN D3 SUPPLEMENT, FOLIC ACID 

Wag Recipe #10: Beef & Chicken Pate Wet Dog Food

Beef & Chicken Pate-Style Canned Food

This is a sponsored placement, in which an advertiser pays a fee to be featured in this article. Learn more

Amazon Brand - Wag Pate Canned Dog Food, Beef & Chicken Recipe, 12.5 oz Can (Pack of 12)

Beef & Chicken Pate Wet Dog Food

A tasty dual-protein pate that’s great for meat-lovin’ mutts.

About: Wag Beef & Chicken Pate Recipe has the smooth texture many dogs love. This mixed protein formula containing beef and chicken offers great flavor and a hefty serving of nutrients, including those from real organ meat. 

Nutritional Information

This canned pate meets the AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles for maintenance.  

  • Crude Protein: 9% Minimum
  • Crude Fat: 9% Minimum 
  • Crude Fiber: 1.5% Maximum
  • Moisture: 78% Maximum
  • Calorie Content: 1416 kcal/kg (501 kcal/can)

Ingredients List

BEEF, CHICKEN, WATER SUFFICIENT FOR PROCESSING, BEEF LIVER...,

CASSIA GUM, CARRAGEENAN, GUAR GUM, TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, SALT, ZINC AMINO ACID CHELATE, IRON AMINO ACID CHELATE, COPPER AMINO ACID CHELATE, MANGANESE AMINO ACID CHELATE, SODIUM SELENITE, COBALT AMINO ACID CHELATE, POTASSIUM IODIDE, CHOLINE CHLORIDE, INULIN, VITAMIN E SUPPLEMENT, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, NIACIN SUPPLEMENT, d-CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE, VITAMIN A SUPPLEMENT, RIBOFLAVIN SUPPLEMENT, BIOTIN, VITAMIN B12 SUPPLEMENT, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE, VITAMIN D3 SUPPLEMENT, FOLIC ACID 

Wag Recipe #11: Chicken Pate Wet Dog Food

Pate-Style Chicken Canned Food

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Amazon Brand - Wag Pate Canned Dog Food, Chicken Recipe, 12.5 Ounce (Pack of 12)

Chicken Pate Wet Dog Food

A tasty chicken-flavored, pate-style canned food for adult dogs.

About: Wag’s Chicken Pate is packed with flavor and nutrients, plus it mixes well if added to kibble. This chicken-forward canned food features a single protein, making it the perfect pick for sensitive systems.

Nutritional Information

This canned pate is designed to meet the standards for maintenance based on AAFCO’s dog food nutrient profiles. 

  • Crude Protein: 9% Minimum
  • Crude Fat: 9% Minimum 
  • Crude Fiber: 1.5% Maximum
  • Moisture: 78% Maximum
  • Calorie Content: 1427 kcal/kg (505 kcal/can)

Ingredients List

CHICKEN, WATER SUFFICIENT FOR PROCESSING, CHICKEN LIVER...,

CASSIA GUM, CARRAGEENAN, SALT, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, GUAR GUM, ZINC AMINO ACID CHELATE, IRON AMINO ACID CHELATE, COPPER AMINO ACID CHELATE, MANGANESE AMINO ACID CHELATE, SODIUM SELENITE, COBALT AMINO ACID CHELATE, POTASSIUM IODIDE, VITAMIN E SUPPLEMENT, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, NIACIN SUPPLEMENT, d-CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE, VITAMIN A SUPPLEMENT, RIBOFLAVIN SUPPLEMENT, BIOTIN, VITAMIN B12 SUPPLEMENT, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE, VITAMIN D3 SUPPLEMENT, FOLIC ACID, INULIN, CHOLINE CHLORIDE 

Wag Recipe #12: Turkey & Chicken Pate Wet Dog Food

Pate-Style Turkey & Chicken Canned Food

This is a sponsored placement, in which an advertiser pays a fee to be featured in this article. Learn more

Amazon Brand - Wag Pate Canned Dog Food, Turkey & Chicken Recipe, 12.5 oz Can (Pack of 12)

Turkey & Chicken Pate Wet Dog Food

A two-punch of poultry, prepared as a pate-style wet food.

About: Wag’s Turkey & Chicken Pate is jam-packed with tongue-pleasing flavor. A mixture of poultry proteins and real veggies packs a punch in this pate-style canned food that can be served on its own or mixed into your canine’s kibble.

Nutritional Information

This pate is made to meet the AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles for maintenance. 

  • Crude Protein: 9% Minimum
  • Crude Fat: 9% Minimum 
  • Crude Fiber: 1.5% Maximum
  • Moisture: 78% Maximum
  • Calorie Content: 1408 kcal/kg (498 kcal/can)

Ingredients List

TURKEY, CHICKEN, WATER SUFFICIENT FOR PROCESSING, TURKEY LIVER...,

CASSIA GUM, CARRAGEENAN, GUAR GUM, SALT, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, ZINC AMINO ACID CHELATE, IRON AMINO ACID CHELATE, COPPER AMINO ACID CHELATE, MANGANESE AMINO ACID CHELATE, SODIUM SELENITE, COBALT AMINO ACID CHELATE, POTASSIUM IODIDE, INULIN, VITAMIN E SUPPLEMENT, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, NIACIN SUPPLEMENT, d-CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE, VITAMIN A SUPPLEMENT, RIBOFLAVIN SUPPLEMENT, BIOTIN, VITAMIN B12 SUPPLEMENT, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE, VITAMIN D3 SUPPLEMENT, FOLIC ACID, CHOLINE CHLORIDE 

Primary Differences Between Wag Recipes

Because many of these recipes are remarkably similar, we’ve listed the primary differences between them below to save you some time.

Wag’s Wholesome Grains line of kibble contains less protein than the grain-free kibble recipes. The grain-free recipes have a minimum of 35% protein while Wholesome Grains range from a minimum of 22.5 to 27% protein.

The Turkey & Lentil and Beef & Lentil Recipes contain 1% less fiber than the other grain-free kibble recipes.

The Beef & Lentil Recipe does not contain salmon oil. Nevertheless, according to the nutritional information provided on the bag, it provides just as many omega-3 fatty acids as the other recipes do.

The Beef & Lentil Recipe, Wholesome Grains Lamb & Brown Rice, and the Wholesome Grains Chicken & Brown Rice Puppy contain egg product, which is missing from the other kibble recipes.

Wag Food (Dry Kibble): The First 6 Ingredients

salmon for dogs

The first half-dozen ingredients or so in a dog food are the most important ones to scrutinize when picking a food for your pup. Wag recipes are very similar to their grain-free or grain-inclusive counterparts, but the two lines differ a fair amount from each other.

That said, we’ve analyzed the first six ingredients in Wag’s Salmon & Lentil Recipe and Wag’s Wholesome Grains Chicken & Brown Rice below.

Wag’s Salmon & Lentil Recipe

  • Salmon – You usually want to see a whole protein at the top of the ingredient list, and each of the Wag recipes satisfies this criterion. All of the recipes feature a high-quality protein at the top of the ingredient list, and the differences between them are not terribly consequential for most healthy dogs.
  • Salmon Meal – As long as they are properly identified, meat meals are fantastic ingredients to include in dog food. They’re full of protein and nutrients, and dogs typically like the way they taste. In each recipe, the meat meal used is derived from the primary protein (for example, the Beef & Lentil Recipe features beef meal).
  • Lentils – Lentils are legumes, somewhat similar to peas. They’re used in place of corn, wheat, and other grains, to provide the carbohydrate content.
  • Pea Protein – Pea protein is comprised of the byproducts left behind when peas are processed. While perfectly safe, it is somewhat controversial among some dog owners (see discussion below).
  • Peas – Most dogs love peas, and they’re full of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, so they’re typically a welcome ingredient in most dog foods.
  • Chicken Fat – Animal fats are not only tasty to dogs, they are essential for proper health. As with meat meals, it is important to avoid those that aren’t properly identified (you want “chicken fat,” rather than “poultry fat” or “animal fat,”) as well as those that are not naturally preserved.

Wag’s Wholesome Grains Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

  • Chicken – As with Wag’s grain-free line, all of Wag’s Wholesome Grains products feature real meat as the first ingredient. Most are single-protein recipes, though Chicken & Brown Rice Puppy and Beef & Brown Rice feature a secondary protein. Chicken is a solid protein choice for most dogs.
  • Chicken Meal – Meat meals are included in each Wholesome Grains recipe in the second ingredient slot aside from the Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe, where it appears in the third position. Each is clearly identified and offers a good source of protein.
  • Whole Grain Brown Rice – Brown rice is an easy-to-digest carbohydrate that’s often used in dog food. It provides energy and fiber, keeping your canine satiated.
  • Barley – This cereal grain is another common ingredient in grain-inclusive kibbles. Like brown rice, it offers fiber and energy to fuel your pooch.
  • White Rice – Only Wholesome Grains Chicken & Brown Rice and Wholesome Grains Chicken & Brown Rice Puppy contain white rice. White rice often gets a bad rap in health circles because it has a higher glycemic index than brown rice, but it’s a good carbohydrate source for dogs. That said, it does cause blood sugar to rise, so it could be an issue with diabetic doggos.
  • Rice Bran – Rice bran is what is leftover after whole grain rice is milled. It’s an excellent source of fiber and key nutrients like protein and fat. Rice bran is used in all Wholesome Grains recipes except for Chicken & Brown Rice.

Controversial Ingredients

salt

By and large, Wag dog food recipes are made with very high-quality ingredients, and they don’t contain very many troubling items. However, like most other dog foods, they do contain a few items that may give some owners pause. These include:

  • Salt – Salt isn’t a “bad” ingredient; in fact, it’s necessary for life. The problem is that few dog foods – including Wag’s various recipes – disclose the amount of salt included in their recipe. Excessive amounts of salt can cause health problems for dogs.
  • Brewers Yeast – A byproduct of the beer-making process, brewers yeast is actually quite nutritious. However, some owners worry that it can trigger allergies or cause yeast infections. It will only cause allergic reactions in dogs who are sensitive to the ingredient, and there doesn’t appear to be any empirical data to support the contention that it causes yeast infections.
  • Beet Pulp – Beet pulp is typically included in dog foods to increase the fiber content and serve as a bulking agent. Some owners view it as a cheap filler, but it actually helps to regulate blood sugar levels.
  • Pea Protein – Pea protein is certainly not a hazardous ingredient, but it is relatively devoid of nutritional content aside from the protein it provides. Therefore, some owners prefer foods that provide protein via other, more nutritious ingredients – like whole peas.

Wag Dog Food Special Notes

Note that while many Wag dog food recipes are appropriate for all life stages, the Beef & Lentil and Turkey & Lentil Recipes are designed for adults. The Chicken & Lentil Puppy Recipe and Wholesome Grains Chicken & Brown Rice Puppy are designed for puppies.

In any case, all Wag recipes provides nutrition that exceeds the requirements set for all of the categories listed on the bag. For example, the AAFCO recommends crude protein content of 18% for adult-maintenance diets and 22.5% for growth-and-reproduction diets; Wag provides protein levels of 35% or more.

Similarly, each Wag recipe contains at least 14% fat, whereas the AAFCO’s recommended minimum fat content is only 5.5% for adults and 8.5% for puppies and reproductively-active females. Each Wag recipe also contains more Vitamin E and Zinc than recommended by the AAFCO guidelines, and they satisfy the Selenium requirements too.

However, not all Wag dog foods indicate the content of many other vitamins and minerals, including Calcium, Phosphorus, Sodium, and others. This is not unusual – relatively few dog foods provide all of the nutritional information owners may like – but it is unfortunate, and we’d like to see Wag (and all other brands that fail to do so) address this issue moving forward.

WAG DOG FOOD PROS

There’s a lot to like about the Wag dog food recipes available. Some of the most noteworthy characteristics include the following:

  • All Wag dog foods are made in the USA.
  • Each recipe meets the AAFCO guidelines.  
  • Each recipe contains a whole protein at the top of the ingredient list.
  • Five probiotic strains are included in each recipe.
  • Each recipe is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Wag foods are more affordable (sometimes significantly so) than comparable recipes produced by most other manufacturers.

WAG DOG FOOD CONS

While Wag’s recipes appear to be very well-conceived and made with plenty of nutritious ingredients, there are a few potential drawbacks to be aware of:

  • Aside from peas and lentils, there aren’t any whole fruits or vegetables included in the grain-free recipes.
  • Each of the recipes, aside from Beef & Lentil, contains salmon oil, which may be problematic if your dog is allergic to salmon or doesn’t like the taste.
  • Each recipe includes a few controversial ingredients, which may be concerning to some owners.
  • The recipes and brand are very new, so there isn’t a long track record to consider.
Don’t Forget to Switch Foods Gradually

It’s always important to transition your dog’s food slowly to help prevent stomach upset and other digestive problems.

So, you’ll want to mix increasingly large portions of Wag in with your dog’s current food. For example, the first day, you may want to fill your dog’s bowl 90% of the way with his current food and 10% of the way with Wag food. The next day, you’ll fill the bowl 80% of the way with his old food and 20% of the way with Wag food.

The exact proportions you use can vary a bit, but the entire process should take about 7 to 10 days in total.

Final Thoughts on Amazon’s Wag Dog Food

dog likes food

We’re quite excited about Amazon’s entrance into the dog food business. Wag dog food recipes appear to be very nutritious and comprised of high-quality ingredients, and they all exceed the minimum AAFCO nutritional guidelines.

They each contain a delicious whole protein at the top of the ingredient list, and their kibbles all contain five different probiotic strains to help ease your dog’s dietary transition and promote intestinal health. You also have the option between grain-free and grain-inclusive kibbles.

The grain-free recipes lack blueberries, cranberries, and other antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, but that’s a relatively minor concern. There’s also only one grain-inclusive canned option, which may be a bummer to some pup parents.

It’s always wise to consider the track record of a dog food brand before purchasing it for your dog, but that’s not possible in this case. However, Amazon has typically excelled in most avenues they’ve pursued, so we’d consider their Wag dog food initiative to be a low-risk gamble.

Always consult your veterinarian before making a significant dietary change for your dog, but we’d bet that most will agree that Wag appears to be a very attractive option, which should provide your beloved bestie with the nutrition he needs and deserves.

***

Have you tried Wag dog food yet? We’d love to hear about your experiences! Is it one of your dog’s favorite pet foods? Are there things you really like about it? Has it caused any problems for your pooch? How do you feel about a private label pet food in general?

Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Ben Team

Ben is the managing editor for K9 of Mine and has spent most of his adult life working as a wildlife educator and animal-care professional. Ben’s had the chance to work with hundreds of different species, but his favorite animals have always been dogs. He currently lives in Atlanta, GA with his spoiled-rotten Rottweiler named J.B. Chances are, she’s currently giving him the eyes and begging to go to the park.

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  1. Mary O. Paddock Avatar
    Mary O. Paddock

    I suspect you should check the recent reviews on Wag Dog Food on Amazon’s site. About 1/3 of the recent reviews are reporting diarrhea and vomiting in their dogs after introducing this food. For some of them, they’d fed their dogs the same food previously with no issues.

    I had this problem with my six as well (it didn’t manifest the same all of them) and one of mine wound up at the vet with bloody vomit and diarrhea. Vet called it “Garbage Gut” (food poisoning). He is better now. But this was an instructive experience and I will not feed this food again. I received a refund from Amazon and threw this food out. I’m now feeding another brand and everyone is tolerating it without any drama.

    1. Ben Team Avatar

      Hey, Mary.
      We’re so sorry the food didn’t work out for your pups, but we’re glad they’re doing better and sincerely appreciate you sharing your experiences (we’d also love to hear which brand you switched to).

      If your vet actually diagnosed the dogs as having food poisoning, that seems most likely due to a one-off manufacturing issue that resulted in bacterial contamination. That’s certainly not great, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it was the actual recipe that caused the problem.

      Also, regarding the reviews, it is important to realize that there’s a strong tendency for owners to leave negative reviews when things go wrong, while owners feel less compelled to share stories when things went well (or they simply go as expected).

      Thanks again for sharing! Give your pack some scritches for us!

  2. Denise Stubbs Avatar
    Denise Stubbs

    I purchased Wag Chicken and Waffle dog treats from Amazon. They are an Amazon brand. I opened them for the first time yesterday. The dogs LOVED them. I have a hard time getting Jakob to eat anything and he gobbled this up. I let him have 2 full treats. I went online and ordered more because everyone went so crazy for them so I thought they’d be great to have for training as well.

    The salt in these treats killed my Jakob. He’s had a heart murmur for many years. I’m very cautious about what he eats because of sodium. For food, he eats Weruva pouches, they don’t contain any sodium. If he got any people food, it was always salt free. I never would’ve expected dog treats to have salt as the 4th ingredient. That’s a pretty high level.

    Eating this salt caused Jakob to accumulate fluid around his heart. He was drowning when we woke up this morning. Had I not fed him these treats yesterday, he’d still be here now. That’s on me, I didn’t check the ingredients. I saw the made in America, no added blah blah blah, and trusted them. Sodium isn’t included in the guaranteed analysis and being the 4th ingredient, I feel that it should be.

    I recently started purchasing Wag dog food, it too contains salt. I will not purchase more. I’m very disappointed in Amazon and their products. This is my warning to y’all. I hope no one else loses their baby due to these products.

    1. Ben Team Avatar

      That’s terrible, Denise! We’re so sorry to hear about your pooch passing away.
      We hope that your story may help other owners avoid such a tragedy in the future.
      We thank you for sharing and wish you the best.

  3. Laura Avatar
    Laura

    I bought enough Puppy Wag to feed my English Shepherd from the second half of her pregnancy until the pups were ready to go home, so about 8 of the 15lb bags. She liked it just fine and it kept her in excellent condition while nursing 11 babies. The pups liked it a lot too: I soaked it and added extra stuff to it while they were little, but by the time they were 8 weeks they preferred it dry. All 11 puppies stayed chubby and soft-coated on it. I would definitely buy it again. I think it made an excellent pregnancy ration.

    1. Ben Team Avatar

      Thanks for sharing your experiences, Laura! Glad it worked out well for you.
      Oh, and congrats on the puppies!

  4. Carol Avatar
    Carol

    Lentils, peas and legumes are found to cause DCM. So I will not feed if they have these ingredients, as I had a dog pass from this.

    1. Ben Team Avatar

      Hey there, Carol.
      First of all, we’re so sorry to hear about the loss of your pooch.

      But it’s important that readers understand that we don’t yet know what is causing DCM in dogs. The FDA explains as much in their release, but we break it all down in our article about the connection between DCM and taurine.

      Thus far, all we know is that there’s a correlation between dogs eating BEG (foods made by boutique manufacturers, with exotic proteins, or without grains) and DCM. Causation has yet to be established.

      And while that sounds like a minor distinction, it’s not. If researchers are ever able to demonstrate that BEG diets cause DCM, then we’ll still have to figure out whether it is because these foods contain problematic ingredients (assuming legumes, etc., turn out to be the problem) or if it is the absence of grains that are causing the problem.

      Given all of this, we encourage owners to pick a food in consultation with their vet and err on the side of caution regarding BEG diets. If your dog doesn’t have a specific intolerance to grains (which is pretty rare), we recommend sticking with a grain-inclusive food.

      Again, sorry about your dog. We just want to make sure everyone understands what we know and don’t yet know about BEG diets and DCM.

  5. Carole A Charlebois Avatar
    Carole A Charlebois

    Because of the controversial findings about grain-free dog food, I hesitate to buy this brand of food. Do you know if they will be producing any dog foods that are not grain free?

    1. Ben Team Avatar

      Hey, Carole.
      We haven’t heard anything suggesting that, but it wouldn’t be surprising.
      But you can check out a few of our favorite grain-inclusive dog foods here!

  6. Lynn n Brown Avatar
    Lynn n Brown

    I need food for small breed dogs

  7. John Avatar
    John

    The latest ingredient list shows (not shown above here but is in present list) a good part of the protein mix is derived from a cheap ingredient that seems to contribute to allergies in dogs that being potato protein.

  8. Marsha Avatar
    Marsha

    I have an 8 month old German Shepherd and the breeder gave me Royal Canin GS puppy food. She goes through periods where she refuses to eat it. Can’t blame her cause I’m not a fan. Thinking of switching to Wag but I don’t know what chicken meal — or any meal for that matter — means. Would appreciate explanation. Thanks

    1. Ben Team Avatar

      Hey, Marsha. Great question.

      Basically, chicken meal (or any other meat meal) is produced by cooking chicken meat in a liquid, and then simply continuing to cook it until the water all evaporates.
      You’re essentially left with cooked chicken, minus the water content.

      It doesn’t sound terribly appetizing to many people, but it is quite nutritious and perfectly safe for dogs (assuming that it is properly identified; “chicken meal” is fine, but “meat meal” is too vague and should be avoided).
      In fact, because the water is removed, chicken meal contains more protein per unit weight than whole chicken breast (for example) does.

      You’ll see a lot of fear-mongering about the ingredient online, but rest assured, it is a safe, nutritious ingredient, and most dogs would probably eat it by the muzzle-full if you allowed them to.

      Finally, the Royal Canin recipe you referenced actually contains chicken by-product meal, which is similar, but less desirable. Instead of just chicken meat, “by-products” includes other, less appetizing portions of the bird. It’s still fine (again, as long as its properly identified), but chicken meal is better.

      Best of luck! Give Wag a try and let us know what your pooch thinks!

  9. Betty Wallace Avatar
    Betty Wallace

    It would be nice to buy a small amount (5lbs)for dogs to taste test.

  10. Shawn Avatar
    Shawn

    My 7 year old lab/ hound mix likes the food but has a hard time with the dry food. We switched her back to her old food and all corrected itself. Gas, diarrhea, and dry flaky skin. However we are still using Way canned food. She hasn’t had any issues on any of the flavors. And she eats every bite of it. However we have recently noticed that her poops have been really small for a large breed. Just as regular… Only significantly smaller.

  11. Andyk Avatar
    Andyk

    So far, so good. Four dogs seem to really live it but it also fills them up quicker than other brands. So far, I’m sold.

  12. Justin B Avatar
    Justin B

    We have 2 dogs that have been on nutrisca for years and decided to switch over to Wag. We are on the second or third bag and out male dog that has a iron clad stomach vomits almost every meal up. I think we are going to switch back over to Nutrisca for a while.

    1. Meg Marrs Avatar

      Wow- that’s not a great sign. Thanks for the info Justin. It’s really important to hear directly from owners who have tried this food, considering it is so new on the market.

  13. Alice Avatar
    Alice

    Have tried Wag turkey/lentil with two Shiloh Shepherds; both have had diarrhea since the changeover, which was done over a week. Ow feeding chicken & rice just to settle gastric systems . Previous food Royal Canin mobility and dental support formulas didn’t cause problems, changed largely due to significant cost and convenience differentials. Any thoughts?

    1. Meg Marrs Avatar

      Hard to say, but sounds like something in the Wag Turkey & Lentil is not sitting well with them! It may be worth trying another formula. If you’re still having issues then, you’re probably best sticking with what your pooch can handle well.

  14. Randy Carey-Walden Avatar
    Randy Carey-Walden

    The “no added grains” is probably more descriptive than “grain free.” I have a dog with severe wheat and soy allergies that are so bad that even animals fed with either grain can trigger a reaction. While there are no grains in the formula, we have no idea what the animals that make up the food were fed.

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