Sportmix Wholesomes Chicken Meal and Rice Formula Dog Food Review

If you are a dog parent concerned about feeding only the best dog food, you're not alone. In the last decade, more "natural" dog food brands have come on the market; from grain-free food inspired by the diet of wolves to formulas with Omega 6 and 3 fatty acids to ensure your pet's diet is balanced and healthy.

The most popular natural dog food brands have omitted corn, wheat, soy and other fillers, which is a good thing. Canine digestive tracts are not designed for food like corn or wheat. Canines are carnivores. A wolf's diet ranges from big game, like elk, to berries and insects like grasshoppers and even earthworms. (Which explains why your dog eats a bug occasionally!)

There are many brands of corn, wheat and soy free dog food. Some brands are very expensive. Which is the best? Does a higher price reflect a more superior product?

We feed our dogs the same kibble, which is a natural and healthier dog food. When Tractor Supply had Sportmix Wholesomes Chicken Meal and Rice Formula dog food in a 40 pound bag on sale, we tried it for the first time. I had never heard of the brand before, but it was on the shelf next to Blue Buffalo, 4Health and other popular premium brands, so I thought why not?

Roscoe, Shelby, Lucy and Max emptied their food bowls. The chicken meal and rice formula was a hit with all of our dogs, which is amazing because usually someone is a finicky eater. They even ate it dry (without warm water or wet food mixed in).

The first five ingredients are chicken meal, brown rice, rice flour, rice bran and chicken fat preserved with mixed Tocopherals. Tocopherols are vitamin E compounds naturally found in nuts, leafy vegetables, vegetable oils and fish. The nutritional benefits of Vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol) and its importance as part of the human and canine daily diet has been well documented.

Other ingredients include dried beet pulp, flaxseed, dried egg product, as well as vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin D3 supplement and Niacin.

The guaranteed analysis is as follows:

Crude protein, not less than 26.0 percent
Crude fat, not less than 16.0 percent
Crude fiber, not more than 4.0 percent
Moisture, not more than 10.0 percent
Calorie Content (calc. ME) 3,650 kcal/kg, 370 kcal/cup
Omega 6 Fatty Acids, not less than 3.75 percent
Omega 3 Fatty Acids, not less than 0.40 percent

The company notes that the Omega 3 Fatty Acids are not recognized as an essential ingredient by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles.

The current retail price for a 40 pound bag of the Chicken Meal and Rice Formula is $29.99, which is a bargain.

Sportmix Wholesomes Chicken Meal and Rice Formula is manufactured by Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. in Evansville, Indiana. The company makes a line of Sportmix brand dog foods, dog biscuit treats and cat food.

The Hound and Home dogs give Sportmix Wholesomes Chicken Meal and Rice Formula five stars.

Have you tried this brand? If so, how did your dog like it?