The 4Health Dog Food line, which is only produced and offered at Tractor Supply Co., includes a collection of recipes for grain-free dog food. stores. A superior brand of dog food, 4Health makes sure that superior ingredients don’t have to cost a fortune. Without the grain ingredients that could trigger allergic reactions or digestive problems, their grain-free options are packed with necessary vitamins and minerals for a balanced diet. The grain-free dog food brand 4Health might be a good choice to give a try for your pet.
Review of 4Health Dry Dog Food
Rating:
The Advisor rates 4Health Dog Food in the second-highest tier. 5 stars.
The ten dry dog foods listed below are among the 4Health product line’s offerings.
When available on the product’s official website, each recipe includes the corresponding AAFCO nutrient profile: Growth, Maintenance, All Life Stages, Supplemental, or Unspecified
| Product | Rating | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| 4Health Puppy Formula | 5 | A |
| 4Health Small Bites Formula | 5 | M |
| 4Health Large Breed Formula | 4.5 | M |
| 4Health Chicken and Rice Formula | 5 | M |
| 4Health Salmon and Potato Formula | 4.5 | M |
| 4Health Performance Formula | 5 | M |
| 4Health Mature Adult Formula | 3 | M |
| 4Health Lamb and Rice Formula | 3.5 | M |
| 4Health Healthy Weight Formula | 3 | M |
| 4Health Beef and Rice Formula | 4.5 | M |
For a thorough recipe and nutritional analysis, the 4Health Chicken and Rice Formula was chosen to represent the other products in the line.
Using a dry matter basis, the label and nutrient data below were calculated.
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient ContentProtein =
Ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, cracked pearled barley, white rice, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), oatmeal, dried beet pulp, natural chicken flavor, flaxseed, ocean fish meal, potassium chloride, salt, dl-methionine, choline chloride, taurine, dried chicory root, glucosamine hydrochloride, dried Lactobacillus plantarum, dried Lactobacillus subtilis,
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 4.4%
| Estimated Nutrient Content | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Method | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
| Guaranteed Analysis | 26% | 15% | NA |
| Dry Matter Basis | 29% | 17% | 46% |
| Calorie Weighted Basis | 25% | 35% | 40% |
The first ingredient in this dog food is chicken. Despite being a high-quality product, raw chicken can contain up to 73% water. Most of that moisture is lost during cooking, leaving the meat with only a small portion of its original weight.
After processing, this component would likely make up a smaller portion of the finished product’s overall content.
The second ingredient is chicken meal. As a meat concentrate, chicken meal has nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken.
Barley, a starchy carbohydrate that provides fiber and other beneficial nutrients, is the third ingredient. However, this cereal grain is only modestly nutritious to a dog, aside from its energy content.
Rice flour, also known as ground white rice, is the following component. White or brown rice is used to make ground rice, which is thought to be a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour.
The fifth ingredient is chicken fat. This product is made from rendering chicken, which is a method akin to making soup in which the fat is skimmed off the top of the liquid.
Linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid necessary for life, is abundant in chicken fat. Even though it doesn’t sound particularly enticing, chicken fat is a superior ingredient.
Oatmeal, a whole-grain product made from coarsely ground oats, is the sixth ingredient. Oatmeal is naturally high in dietary fiber, B vitamins, and, depending on its purity level, gluten.
The next ingredient is beet pulp. Beet pulp, a high-fiber byproduct of sugar beet processing, is a contentious ingredient.
While some criticize beet pulp as a cheap filler, others point out its remarkable advantages for blood sugar control and intestinal health.
We’re only bringing up the controversy here because we think it’s perfectly acceptable to include beet pulp in most dog foods in a reasonable amount.
We find flaxseed, one of the best plant sources of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, following the natural chicken flavor. Flax seeds are also high in soluble fiber, provided they have first been ground into a meal.
However, when evaluating the actual meat content of this dog food, one must take into account that flaxseed contains about 19% protein.
The list continues with a number of additional items after this.
But realistically, ingredients this low on the list (aside from nutritional supplements) are unlikely to have an impact on how this 4Health product is rated overall.
With 5 notable exceptions…
The inclusion of ocean fish meal, a different protein-rich meat concentrate, is the first thing to note.
Sadly, the term “ocean fish” is unspecific and falls short of adequately describing this ingredient. It’s impossible for us to evaluate the caliber of this item because some fish contain more omega-3 fats than others.
Typically, commercial fish operations’ “clean, dried, ground tissue of undecomposed whole fish and fish cuttings” is used to make fish meal.
Next, inulin, a starch-like substance made up of repeating units of carbohydrates and present in some roots and tubers, is abundant in chicory root.
Inulin is a natural source of soluble dietary fiber that is also used as a prebiotic to encourage the development of good bacteria in a dog’s digestive system.
Additionally, we observe the addition of taurine, an essential amino acid linked to heart muscle health. Although taurine is not typically thought of as being essential in canines, it has been found that some dogs are lacking in this important nutrient.
Next, this recipe includes sodium selenite, a contentious selenium mineral form. In terms of nutrition, selenium yeast appears to be a more natural source of selenium than sodium selenite.
The food also contains chelated minerals, which are minerals that have been chemically linked to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.
Just by looking at its ingredients, 4Health appears to be a superior dry dog food.
The dashboard shows a reading of 29% for dry matter protein, 17% for fat, and an estimated 46% for carbohydrates.
The brand’s average protein content is 26%, and its average fat content is 14%. Together, these data point to a 52% carbohydrate content for the entire product line.
And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 53%.
Which means this 4Health product line contains…
Near-average protein. Below-average fat. And near-average carbs when compared to other dry dog foods.
This profile resembles a kibble with a moderate amount of meat even after taking into account the flaxseed’s ability to increase protein.
Review of 4Health Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Rating:
The Advisor awards 4Health Grain Free Dog Food its second-highest tier rating. 5 stars.
The 7 dry dog foods in the 4Health Grain Free product line are listed below.
When available on the product’s official website, each recipe includes the corresponding AAFCO nutrient profile: Growth, Maintenance, All Life Stages, Supplemental, or Unspecified
| Product | Rating | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| 4Health Grain Free Large Breed | 4 | M |
| 4Health Grain Free Puppy | 4.5 | A |
| 4Health Grain Free Beef and Potato | 3.5 | M |
| 4Health Grain Free Duck and Potato | 4 | M |
| 4Health Grain Free Whitefish and Potato | 4 | M |
| 4Health Grain Free Small Breed | 4.5 | M |
| 4Health Grain Free Chicken and Vegetables | 4 | M |
For a thorough recipe and nutrient analysis, 4Health Grain Free Chicken and Vegetables was chosen to represent the other products in the line.
Using a dry matter basis, the label and nutrient data below were calculated.
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient ContentProtein =
Ingredients: Dried chicory root, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, glucosamine hydrochloride, Yucca schidigera extract, chondroitin sulfate, dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation product, garbanzo beans, lentils, peas, potatoes, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), pea flour, egg product, tomato pomace, natural flavor,
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 5.6%
| Estimated Nutrient Content | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Method | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
| Guaranteed Analysis | 26% | 15% | NA |
| Dry Matter Basis | 29% | 17% | 46% |
| Calorie Weighted Basis | 25% | 35% | 40% |
The first ingredient in this dog food is chicken. Despite being a high-quality product, raw chicken can contain up to 73% water. Most of that moisture is lost during cooking, leaving the meat with only a small portion of its original weight.
After processing, this component would likely make up a smaller portion of the finished product’s overall content.
The second ingredient is chicken meal. As a meat concentrate, chicken meal has nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken.
It’s crucial to note that each of the following three ingredients in this recipe is a type of legume:
Despite the fact that they are a blend of high-quality plant ingredients, there is a crucial factor to take into account. And that’s the recipe design practice known as ingredient splitting.
This newer combination would probably rank much higher on the list if we were to combine all of these separate items and report them as one.
When evaluating the meat content of this dog food, one must also take into account the fact that legumes have an approximate 25% protein content.
The sixth item is potato. Potatoes can be considered a gluten-free source of digestible carbohydrates. However, potatoes have very little nutritional value for a dog, save perhaps for their caloric content.
The seventh ingredient is chicken fat. This product is made from rendering chicken, which is a method akin to making soup in which the fat is skimmed off the top of the liquid.
Linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid necessary for life, is abundant in chicken fat. Even though it doesn’t sound particularly enticing, chicken fat is a superior ingredient.
Pea flour, a powder made from roasted yellow peas, is the eighth component. When evaluating the meat content of this dog food, one must take into account the fact that pea flour contains up to 25% protein.
Egg product, a vague (wet or dry?) form of shell-free eggs, is the ninth ingredient. Quality can vary significantly. Even from commercial hatcheries, lower quality eggs can be obtained from eggs that did not hatch.
In any case, eggs are exceptionally high in biological value and are simple to digest.
The list continues with a number of additional items after this.
But realistically, ingredients this low on the list (aside from nutritional supplements) are unlikely to have an impact on how this 4Health product is rated overall.
With 6 notable exceptions…
First, we find tomato pomace. Tomato pomace, a byproduct left over after tomatoes are processed to make juice, soup, and ketchup, is a contentious ingredient.
While some hail tomato pomace for being high in fiber and nutrients, others scorn it for being a cheap filler in pet food.
However, there probably isn’t enough tomato pomace present for it to make a significant difference.
Next, one of the top plant sources of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids is flaxseed. Flax seeds are also high in soluble fiber, provided they have first been ground into a meal.
However, when evaluating the actual meat content of this dog food, one must take into account that flaxseed contains about 19% protein.
Additionally, we observe the addition of taurine, an essential amino acid linked to heart muscle health. Although taurine is not typically thought of as being essential in canines, it has been found that some dogs are lacking in this important nutrient.
Since taurine deficiency seems to be more prevalent in animals eating grain-free diets, we see its inclusion in this recipe as a plus.
We also find chicory root in this food. Inulin, a starch-like substance made up of repeating units of carbohydrates and present in some roots and tubers, is abundant in chicory.
Inulin is a natural source of soluble dietary fiber that is also used as a prebiotic to encourage the development of good bacteria in a dog’s digestive system.
Next, this recipe contains sodium selenite, a contentious selenium mineral form. In terms of nutrition, selenium yeast appears to be a more natural source of selenium than sodium selenite.
Last but not least, this food includes chelated minerals, which are minerals that have chemically been joined to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.
4Health Grain Free Dog Food appears to be an above-average dry product based solely on its ingredients.
The dashboard shows a reading of 29% for dry matter protein, 17% for fat, and an estimated 46% for carbohydrates.
The brand’s average protein content is 28%, and its average fat content is 16%. Together, these data point to a 48% carbohydrate content for the entire product line.
And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
Which means this 4Health product line contains…
Above-average protein. Near-average fat. Additionally, it has near-average carbs compared to a typical dry dog food.
This appears to be the nutritional profile of a kibble that still contains a sizable amount of meat when you take into account the protein-boosting effects of the garbanzo beans, lentils, pea products, and flaxseed.
Discussion of the Primary Ingredients (Good and Bad)
Knowing what ingredients are in your dog’s food is important, especially since some dog foods contain less-than-ideal ingredients. Take a quick look at the 4Health dog food’s ingredients below, both good and bad.
The majority of recipes in 4Health dog food have real meat listed as the first few ingredients, which is excellent in terms of the protein quality. While meat meals appear to be added for an additional boost of protein, real meat typically ranks as the first ingredient. That means your dog will consume high-quality protein, preserving their health and strength.
Many of the recipes in 4Health dog food are grain-free, which is great for dogs who need to avoid grains due to food allergies or sensitivities. But not all of our canine companions require a diet devoid of grains, so it’s wonderful that they have nearly as many recipes in their Wholesome Grains line. This implies that you have a wide range of options for your dog’s diet.
There isn’t a lot of variety in the Wholesome Grains line because the whole grains seem to be mostly brown rice. (But it’s better than something like white rice!).
The majority of 4Health dog food recipes appear to contain flaxseed, which, despite being a great source of omega fatty acids that maintain the health of your pet’s coat and skin, doesn’t always agree with dogs. This brand might not be suitable for your dog if it has a sensitive digestive system. However, they will receive a boost of beneficial omega fatty acids and amino acids if they can stomach it.
Possibly the biggest negative to the 4Health brand of dog food is the fact they use peas and legumes in almost every recipe. And in recipes such as the one for dogs with sensitive skin, peas and pea flour replace meat and meat meals as the first ingredients. Why is this a negative? Because there may be a link between dog foods with peas and legumes and heart disease in dogs. This has only been mildly researched thus far, so more needs to be known, but if it’s a concern for you, then the 4Health brand isn’t for you and your pet.
FAQ
Is 4health dog food high quality?
The Advisor rates 4Health Dog Food in the second-highest tier. 5 stars.
What is the number one healthiest dog food?
- Wellness – Best Brand Overall.
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection – Best Dry Dog Food.
- Royal Canin Veterinary Diet – Best Prescription Dog Food.
- Castor and Pollux Organix – Best Grain-Free Dog Food.
- Purina Pro Plan – Best Budget Dog Food.
Is Purina one better than 4health dog food?
An Early Look at the Winner: Purina Pro Plus Although no dog food brand is perfect, we advise Purina Pro Plan over 4Health because their food has been tested on actual animals in a controlled feeding trial; it complies with AAFCO and FDA standards; and it is completely balanced. It also offers many wet and dry dog food varieties.
Does 4health dog food have fillers?
We pledge to you and your pet that their food will always contain real meat, whole vegetables, no fillers, and essential nutrition as part of our 4health program.