4 health dog foods

4Health Dog Food Review (Dry)

The 4Health product line includes the 11 dry dog foods listed below.

Each recipe includes its AAFCO nutrient profile: Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.

Recipe and Label Analysis

4Health Chicken and Rice Formula was selected to represent the other products in the line for detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.

Ingredients Analysis

The first ingredient in this dog food is chicken. Although it is a quality item, raw chicken contains up to 73% water. After cooking, most of that moisture is lost, reducing the meat content to just a fraction of its original weight.

After processing, this item would probably account for a smaller part of the total content of the finished product.

The second ingredient is chicken meal. Chicken meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken.

The third ingredient is barley, a starchy carbohydrate supplying fiber and other healthy nutrients. However, aside from its energy content, this cereal grain is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

The next ingredient is ground white rice, another name for rice flour. Ground rice is made from either white or brown rice and is considered a gluten-free substitute for wheat flour.

The fifth ingredient is chicken fat. This item is obtained from rendering chicken, a process similar to making soup in which the fat itself is skimmed from the surface of the liquid.

Chicken fat is high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid essential for life. Although it doesnt sound very appetizing, chicken fat is actually a quality ingredient.

The sixth ingredient is oatmeal, a whole-grain product made from coarsely ground oats. Oatmeal is naturally rich in B-vitamins, dietary fiber and can be (depending upon its level of purity) gluten-free.

The next ingredient is beet pulp. Beet pulp is a controversial ingredient, a high fiber by-product of sugar beet processing.

Some denounce beet pulp as an inexpensive filler while others cite its outstanding intestinal health and blood sugar benefits.

We only call your attention here to the controversy and believe the inclusion of beet pulp in reasonable amounts in most dog foods is entirely acceptable.

After the natural chicken flavor, we find flaxseed, one of the best plant sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Provided theyve first been ground into a meal, flax seeds are also rich in soluble fiber.

However, flaxseed contains about 19% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.

But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this 4Health product.

With 5 notable exceptions

First, we note the inclusion of ocean fish meal, another protein-rich meat concentrate.

Unfortunately, the phrase ocean fish is vague and does little to adequately describe this ingredient. Since some fish are higher in omega-3 fats than others, its impossible for us to judge the quality of this item.

Fish meal is typically obtained from the clean, dried, ground tissue of undecomposed whole fish and fish cuttings of commercial fish operations.¹

Next, chicory root is rich in inulin, a starch-like compound made up of repeating units of carbohydrates and found in certain roots and tubers.

Not only is inulin a natural source of soluble dietary fiber, its also a prebiotic used to promote the growth of healthy bacteria in a dogs digestive tract.

In addition, we note the use of taurine, an important amino acid associated with the healthy function of heart muscle. Although taurine is not typically considered essential in canines, some dogs have been shown to be deficient in this critical nutrient.

Next, this recipe contains sodium selenite, a controversial form of the mineral selenium. Sodium selenite appears to be nutritionally inferior to the more natural source of selenium found in selenium yeast.

And lastly, this food includes chelated minerals, minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.

Nutrient Analysis

Based on its ingredients alone, 4Health looks like an above-average dry dog food.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 29%, a fat level of 17% and estimated carbohydrates of about 46%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 27% and a mean fat level of 14%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 51% for the overall 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 above-average carbs when compared to other dry dog foods.

Even when you consider the protein-boosting effect of the flaxseed, this looks like the profile of a kibble containing a notable amount of meat.

4Health Dog Food Recall History

The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls related to 4Health through April 2024.

You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 here.

Our Rating of 4Health Dog Food

4Health is a grain-inclusive dry dog food using a notable amount of named meat meals as its dominant source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 4.5 stars.

Please note certain recipes are sometimes given a higher or lower rating based upon our estimate of their total meat content and (when appropriate) their fat-to-protein ratios.

4Health Dog Food Review 2024: Pros, Cons, Recalls & FAQ

Our Final Verdict

We give 4Health dog food a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

If you dont have a Tractor Supply Co. in your area, you might not have heard of their private label dog food brand, 4Health. The brand offers limited ingredient foods that include real meat and veggies in both grain-free and wholesome grain options. Though its a bit limited where you can find the brand as its a private label, the food should be suitable for most pups. However, including peas and legumes in nearly every recipe is a bit of a concern, as these ingredients may impact the health of a dogs heart.

Overall, though, the dog food brand has good ingredients and several options, which is why weve given it 4.0 out of 5 stars. See below to find out more about 4Health and whether this food brand would be the right one for your pup!

At a Glance: The Best 4Health Dog Food Recipes:

4Health Dog Food Reviewed

4Health dog food has a focus on limited ingredients and recipes that are grain-free (though they have a wholesome grains line as well), so if your dog has allergies or sensitivities, this dog food could be an excellent fit.

However, they do seem to use peas and legumes in most, if not all, of their recipes which could be cause for concern. Peas and legumes have been linked to heart disease in dogs, though this link requires more research to determine the validity. Still, its something to be aware of.

Who makes 4Health dog food, and where is it produced?

4Health Dog Food is a private-label brand owned by Tractor Supply Co, a rural lifestyle store selling various products, including pet food. They have approximately 1,600 stores in all but one of the U.S. states and have been around since 1938.

Though 4Health is a Tractor Supply Co. brand, it is manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods Inc. This company is a family-owned and operated one in the U.S. that makes several different brands of dog food. They have plants in South Carolina, California, Kansas, Arkansas, and Missouri.

The 4Health brand was created in 2010.

Which type of dog is 4Health dog food best suited for?

4Health has about an equal amount of grain-free food and food with grains, making it suitable for most dogs. If your pet requires a grain-free diet, this dog food brand makes for a budget-friendly option. Not all dogs need to avoid grains, though, so if yours doesnt, you can go with their Wholesome Grains line. And if your pet has food allergies or sensitivities to common proteins, the 4Health Untamed line features meats such as lamb, venison, and buffalo, making it a good pick.

Which type of dog might do better with a different brand?

If your pup doesnt need a grain-free diet and doesnt like the 4Health Wholesome Grain recipes or is just a picky eater, you might want to try a food thats been dog-approved such as Purina Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend Beef & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food. And if your pets food allergies or sensitivities dont clear up on 4Health, wed recommend a food like Wellness Simple Natural Limited-Ingredient Grain-Free Dry Dog Food.

Discussion of the Primary Ingredients (Good and Bad)

You should always know whats in your dogs food, especially since some dog foods use ingredients that arent that great. Heres a quick look at the ingredients in 4Health dog foodthe good and the bad.

Protein Sources

As far as the quality of the protein in 4Health dog food goes, most recipes have real meat and listed as the first couple of ingredients, which is excellent. Real meat tends to be the number one ingredient, while meat meals seem to be added for an extra boost of protein. That means your pup will be getting quality protein that will help keep them healthy and strong.

Grain-Free vs Wholesome Grains

4Health dog food has a lot of grain-free recipes, which is excellent for dogs who require grain-free diets due to food allergies or sensitivities. However, not all our four-legged friends need a diet free of grains, so the fact that they have a nearly equal number of recipes in their Wholesome Grains line is wonderful. That means no matter which way your dogs diet needs to go, you have plenty of options.

When it comes to the Wholesome Grains line, the whole grains seem mainly to be brown rice, so there isnt much variety.

Flaxseed

Flaxseed seems to be used in the majority of 4Health dog food recipes, and while its a fabulous source of omega fatty acids that keep your pets coat and skin healthy, this ingredient doesnt always agree with dogs. If your pup has a sensitive digestive system, it might not do well with this brand. If they can stomach it, though, theyll get a boost of healthy omega fatty acids and amino acids.

Peas & Legumes

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 its a concern for you, then the 4Health brand isnt for you and your pet.

A Quick Look at 4Health Dog Food

Pros

• Limited ingredient
• Most recipes have real meat and meat meal as the first ingredients
• Grain-free recipes for those who need them
• Wide variety
• Budget-friendly

Cons

• Contains peas and legumes
• Has flaxseed, which may not be suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs
• Few targeted recipes, such as for those with sensitive skin, etc.

Recall History

4Health itself hasnt had many recalls.

There was one in May 2012when all of their dry food recipes were recalled for possible salmonella contamination.

The next came in 2013 when their All Life Stages Cat Formula was recalled for low levels of thiamine.

There was also a voluntary recall in 2017 of canned pet foods due to the possibility of a foreign material.

However, Diamond Pet Foods, Inc. (the manufacturer of the brand) has had several recalls throughout its history, as they have had issues with both contamination and quality control.

Reviews of the 3 Best 4Health Dog Food Recipes

Heres an opportunity to take a closer look at the three best 4Health dog food recipes so you can see what their food is all about!

1. 4Health Wholesome Grains Adult Dog Food

This Wholesome Grains product is designed to meet the nutritional needs of most adult dogs and features salmon as the main ingredient, rather than the more common chicken or beef (which could be good for dogs with food allergies). Besides that, this dog food recipe is stuffed with good-for-your-dog things, including taurine for healthy hearts, probiotics for a healthy digestive system, glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints, omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, and a special antioxidant blend that includes vitamin E and zinc.

However, this product also contains peas and pea flour, so be wary of that.

Pros

• Salmon as the first ingredient
• Plenty of good-for-your-dog things

Cons

• Contains peas and pea flour

2. 4Health Wholesome Grains Puppy Formula

Puppies need food made to meet their specific nutritional needs, and thats what this recipe does with its balanced ratio of protein and fat. It also includes plenty of extras that will help your pup grow up healthy and strong, such as DHA to help keep the brain and eyes in good health, taurine for heart health, probiotics for healthy digestion, omega fatty acids for shiny coats and skin that isnt dry, and an antioxidant blend to support the immune system.

Plus, this one has no peas or legumes, so you dont have to be concerned about potential heart health implications!

Pros

• No peas or legumes
• DHA for healthy brain and eyes
• Well-balanced

Cons

• Flaxseed could potentially cause stomach upset in puppies with sensitive digestive systems

3. 4Health Grain-Free Puppy Formula

If your puppy requires a grain-free diet, then 4Healths Grain-Free Puppy Formula might be just the thing! It has the same balanced nutrition and extras to keep your little one growing up healthy and strong, just without the grains. Real chicken is the main ingredient and chicken meal the second, so your pet will get all the quality protein they need to maintain lean muscle mass. And the live, active cultures found within will help aid in keeping the digestive system working smoothly.

This recipe does contain garbanzo beans, peas, and pea flour, though, so if youre wary of the potential heart health implications, this may not be your best bet.

Pros

• Formulated to meet puppys nutritional needs
• Grain-free
• Real chicken as the first ingredient
• Plenty of good-for-your-puppy extras

Cons

• Contains garbanzo beans, peas, and pea flour

What Other Users Are Saying

You should have a relatively decent idea of what 4Health dog food is all about by now, but theres no better way to find out how much dogs actually like it than by reading reviews from other pet parents. Here are some things people have said about this brand.

• Tractor Supply Co. All of our dogs love this food. We have 4 bullies, 2 Cocker spaniels, and a husky. It is hard to find dog food fitting for all dogs. My husky is very picky and I had trouble with her eating a whole bowl. Now with 4Health strive her coat looks better and there are days where she does through two bowls. I have bought dog food well over the standard price for this bag and I do not feel like they compare. We are pleased with all aspects of this food.
• Pet Sense 4Health salmon and potato kibble is the ultimate best food Ive given my dogs. They love it so much that my westie Kenzie yells and jumps up & down like a jumping bean because Im not quick enough to get her meals to her. They both gobble up their meals very quickly.
• Amazon Amazon is always an excellent place to check what people say about a brand. You can read some of what theyre saying about 4Health here.

Conclusion

4Health dog food is a fairly decent brand. The use of limited ingredients and real meat or meat meals as the first ingredients is a plus, as is the price. And the addition of several grain-free recipes is wonderful for those pups who need a diet free of grains. However, the use of peas and legumes in nearly every recipe isnt as great, considering the potential heart health implications. The use of flaxseed may also be iffy, depending on the sensitivity of your pets stomach.

Overall, though, 4Health should be suitable for most dogs (if peas and legumes are not a concern), whether you go with the Wholesome Grains line or the Grain-Free line of recipes.