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Horizon Complete Whole Grain Large Breed Puppy Chicken Formula Dry Dog Food

Horizon Complete Whole Grain Large Breed Puppy Chicken Formula Dry Dog Food

proteinfatfibermoistureashstarch, derived

Starch works out at 38.4% of this cup, close to the site average. Protein comes in at 28.0%.

Protein
28.0%
Starch, derived
38.4%
Kcal / cup
380

Compare with another food

First five, and where the salt falls
  1. Chicken Meal Chicken that has been cooked, dried and ground into a concentrated meal,...
  2. Whole Grain Barley Barley with the bran and germ still on the grain rather than...
  3. Whole Grain Oats Oats with the bran and germ still on the grain rather than...
  4. Chicken The clean flesh of the chicken, with or without skin, used fresh....
  5. Whole Grain Rye Rye with the bran and germ still on the grain rather than...

Salt is listed at #21. The 35 ingredients after it are present in trace amounts.

The guaranteed analysis, as printed
Crude protein, minimum 28.0%
Crude fat, minimum 14.0%
Crude fiber, maximum 3.6%
Moisture, maximum 10.0%
Ash assumed, not published 6.0%
Starch, derived by us 38.4%
Calories 380 kcal/cup
59 out of 100

The Open Score

Computed from this food's own figures, not from an opinion. Every line below shows what it awarded and why. Read the full method.

  1. Protein, dry matter 31.1% 20/30

    Protein is 31.1% dry matter. As printed on the bag it reads 28%, but that figure includes the water. This food is between 26% and 32% dry matter, a typical mainstream level.

  2. Carbohydrate load 42.7% 9/25

    Estimated carbohydrate is 42.7% dry matter, between 40% and 50% dry matter, high. No manufacturer publishes this figure. We derive it by subtracting protein, fat, fibre, moisture and an assumed 6% ash from the total.

  3. First five ingredients 2 named 10/25

    The first five ingredients are Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Barley, Whole Grain Oats, Chicken and Whole Grain Rye. 2 of them are a named animal protein.

  4. Flagged additives none found 10/10

    None of the additives on our flagged list appear in the ingredients.

  5. Brand recall history none on record 10/10

    We have no FDA recall on record matched to this brand. That is not a guarantee that none exists, only that none is in our data.

A score is a summary of measurable things. It cannot tell you whether your dog will do well on this food, and it does not account for price, availability or a condition your vet is managing.

Nutrition, dry matter

The guaranteed analysis on the bag is measured "as fed", which includes the water. Converting to dry matter removes the water so this food can be compared with any other, wet or dry. This food is 90% dry matter.

Nutrient As fed Dry matter Reading
Protein 28% 31.1% high
Fat 14% 15.6%
Fibre 3.6% 4%
Carbohydrate (estimated) 38.4% 42.7% high

Carbohydrate is not published by any manufacturer. We estimate it by subtracting protein, fat, fibre, moisture and an assumed 6% ash from the total. This food carries 3,620 kcal per kilogram, or 380 kcal per cup.

How much to feed

We calculate this from your dog's weight and this food's actual calorie density (3,620 kcal/kg), using the resting energy formula vets use. It is a starting point to adjust from, not a prescription. A pregnant dog, a dog recovering from illness, or one on a prescription diet needs a figure from your vet.

Recall history: Complete

We have no FDA recall on record for Complete. This covers recall notices published by the FDA that we have matched to this brand. It is not a guarantee that none exists.

Get told if this changes

Recalls are announced without warning. We will email you when one is published. No newsletter, no sharing your address, one click to stop.

What to be alerted about

Horizon Complete Whole Grain Large Breed Puppy Chicken Formula Dry Dog Food: A Comprehensive Analysis

Choosing the right dog food for your furry companion is crucial for their overall health and well-being. As responsible pet owners, we want to ensure that our dogs receive the necessary nutrients to thrive, especially during their crucial growth stages. Today, we’ll be taking a closer look at Horizon Complete Whole Grain Large Breed Puppy Chicken Formula Dry Dog Food, assessing its ingredients and reviewing customer feedback to determine its impact on canine longevity.

Main Ingredients: A Solid Foundation

The foundation of any dog food lies in its main ingredients. In the case of Horizon Complete Whole Grain Large Breed Puppy Chicken Formula, the main ingredients include chicken meal, whole grain barley, whole grain oats, chicken, and whole grain rye.

Chicken, as a primary source of animal protein, is essential for supporting muscle development and providing energy. Combined with whole grain barley, oats, and rye, these ingredients offer a balanced blend of carbohydrates and fiber, promoting healthy digestion and sustained energy levels throughout the day.

One customer mentioned that their picky eater puppy loved this food, highlighting the palatability of the formula. Ensuring that your dog enjoys their food is crucial for their overall well-being, as it encourages consistent and adequate nutrient intake.

The Role of Grains in Puppy Growth

There is often a debate about the inclusion of grains in dog food, with some individuals believing that grain-free formulas are superior. However, it’s important to note that grains can play a vital role in a puppy’s development.

One customer mentioned that they switched to this formula after realizing the importance of grains for growing puppies. While specific details about the benefits of grains were not mentioned, it’s worth noting that whole grains like barley and oats are excellent sources of essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.

These nutrients contribute to various aspects of a puppy’s health, such as promoting healthy immune function, supporting digestive health, and providing the necessary building blocks for strong bones and muscles. Therefore, the inclusion of whole grains in Horizon Complete Whole Grain Large Breed Puppy Chicken Formula is a positive aspect to consider when evaluating its potential impact on a puppy’s overall well-being.

A Call for More Animal Protein Sources

While the main ingredients of this formula provide a solid foundation, one customer expressed a desire for more animal protein sources. They mentioned the importance of animal-derived collagen, phosphorus, chondroitin, and vitamins, suggesting the inclusion of ingredients like eggshell, liver, spleen, kidney, and heart.

Animal protein sources are indeed valuable for dogs, as they contain essential amino acids that support muscle development and overall health. Additionally, ingredients like collagen, phosphorus, and chondroitin play crucial roles in joint health and mobility, especially in large breed puppies that may be more susceptible to joint-related issues.

While the specific amounts of these ingredients in Horizon Complete Whole Grain Large Breed Puppy Chicken Formula are not mentioned, it’s worth considering the overall balance of nutrients provided by the formula. The inclusion of additional animal protein sources, as suggested by the customer, could potentially enhance the formula’s benefits for a puppy’s longevity.

The Importance of a Trustworthy Pet Food Producer

Another aspect highlighted by a customer is the difficulty in finding and trusting a pet food producer. It’s undeniable that the pet food industry can be complex and confusing, with numerous brands claiming to offer the best nutrition for our beloved companions.

However, Horizon, as the producer of Horizon Complete Whole Grain Large Breed Puppy Chicken Formula, aims to simplify things with their simple ingredient list. By avoiding fillers and confusing jargon, they provide pet owners with a clear understanding of what they’re feeding their dogs.

Choosing a reputable and trustworthy pet food producer is essential for ensuring the quality and safety of the food we feed our dogs. By selecting a brand like Horizon, pet owners can have peace of mind knowing that their puppy’s nutritional needs are being met.

Conclusion

Overall, Horizon Complete Whole Grain Large Breed Puppy Chicken Formula Dry Dog Food offers a solid foundation for a puppy’s growth and well-being. Its main ingredients, such as chicken meal, whole grain barley, oats, chicken, and rye, provide a balanced blend of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber.

The inclusion of whole grains supports healthy digestion and sustained energy levels, which are crucial for a growing puppy. However, there is room for improvement in terms of additional animal protein sources and specific nutrients like collagen, phosphorus, and chondroitin.

By considering customer feedback and the insights shared, pet owners can make informed decisions about the food they provide for their puppies. When it comes to canine longevity, nutrition plays a vital role, and selecting the right dog food can contribute significantly to a dog’s overall health and well-being.

Remember, every dog is unique, and it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian to determine the specific dietary needs of your large breed puppy.