Whole Earth Farms Wet Dog Food

Finding the Best Wet Dog Food for Your Furry Friend

As a dog owner, you want to make sure you’re feeding your pup the very best diet to keep them healthy and happy. But with so many dog food options on the market, how do you decide which wet food is right for your canine companion? In this comprehensive buying guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about Whole Earth Farms wet dog food – from ingredients and nutrition to cost and recalls – to help you find the perfect fit for your fur baby.

An Overview of Whole Earth Farms

Whole Earth Farms is a brand of natural wet and dry dog and cat foods produced by the Merrick Pet Care company. According to their website, their recipes start with high-quality proteins and wholesome grains combined with probiotics and natural ingredients. The wet food comes in cans and pouches with grain-free and classic recipes for puppies to seniors.

This brand promises to use real, whole foods with no corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. They state their recipes are crafted in the USA with the highest safety standards. As a newer brand, Whole Earth Farms aims to provide premium nutrition at a more affordable price point compared to some boutique brands.

What Are the Main Ingredients in Whole Earth Farms Wet Food?

When choosing any pet food, the first five ingredients are the most important ones to evaluate. Whole Earth Farms wet foods typically contain an animal-based protein source like beef, chicken, turkey, salmon or duck as the first ingredient.

Some recipes also feature whole grains like brown rice, barley or oatmeal. The foods include chicken broth, vegetables and fruits like carrots, sweet potatoes and apples. Oils like canola and flaxseed provide omega fatty acids.

You won’t find corn, wheat, soy, by-products, artificial preservatives or filler ingredients. They add in natural supplements like dried kelp, yeast cultures and green tea extract for nutritional benefits. Pay attention to the first 5 ingredients when comparing recipes to find the optimal protein sources for your dog.

Are the Formulas Grain-Free?

Whole Earth Farms offers both grain-inclusive and grain-free wet food recipes to suit different dogs’ needs. Some good grain-free options include:

• Beef & Turkey Stew Recipe
• Pork, Beef & Lamb Recipe
• Duck & Turkey Recipe
• Salmon & Chicken Recipe

If your dog doesn’t have grain sensitivities, they also produce recipes featuring nutritious whole grains like:

• Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
• Beef & Barley Stew Recipe
• Chicken, Turkey & Oatmeal Recipe

So whether you want to feed grain-free or not, you can find a recipe in their wet food line to match your preferences. Be sure to transition gradually between formulas to avoid digestive upset.

How Does It Compare to Other Premium Brands?

Whole Earth Farms is positioned as a more affordable alternative to premium and boutique brands like Blue Buffalo, Wellness, Merrick and Taste of the Wild. The ingredients are similar with meat-first recipes, but the brand has a lower average cost.

Compared to grocery store brands like Pedigree and Purina, Whole Earth Farms uses higher quality ingredients without fillers and by-products. The nutrition is more dense and natural. So it hits a nice sweet spot between budget brands and expensive foods.

The cans and pouches are comparable to Wellness Core and Nutro in terms of packaging. The textures and stew-like recipes are similar to brands like Rachel Ray Nutrish. Overall, it stacks up well against competitors with its natural, species-appropriate ingredients.

Is It Good for Dogs with Allergies or Sensitivities?

Since Whole Earth Farms excludes corn, wheat, soy and by-product meals, it can be a good option for dogs with food sensitivities. The grain-free recipes avoid ingredients commonly tied to allergies. Limited ingredient recipes with novel proteins like duck, salmon or venison are ideal choices.

Always transition gradually and watch for any digestive upset when switching foods. Keep note of all ingredients in case your dog has an unexpected reaction. If your pup has confirmed food allergies, consult your vet for diet recommendations. But this brand avoids many common allergens that can help limit reactions in sensitive dogs.

Where Can I Buy Whole Earth Farms Wet Dog Food?

Whole Earth Farms wet recipes are sold at major pet retail chains like PetSmart, Petco, Pet Supplies Plus, and online at Chewy, Amazon, and Walmart. You can find it at farm supply stores like Tractor Supply Co. as well.

Some independent pet stores and smaller chains may carry the brand too. Shop around locally or online to compare pricing. Buying in bulk or larger cases can help you save. This brand offers an affordable cost per meal compared to many competitors.

What Flavors and Recipes Are Available?

One great perk of Whole Earth Farms wet food is the diverse flavor and recipe options. They offer over a dozen grain-free and classic stews, servings, morsels and patties featuring tastes dogs love.

Some best-selling recipes include:

• Beef & Turkey Stew: With carrots, peas and barley in savory gravy
• Pork, Beef & Lamb Formula: With sweet potatoes and broccoli in turkey broth
• Chicken & Turkey Pate: Smooth pate with cranberry and ginger
• Duck & Turkey Morsels in Broth: With potatoes, zucchini and alfalfa sprouts
• Salmon & Chicken Stew: With tomatoes, carrots and rice
• Beef & Barley Stew: With green beans and carrots over barley

From stews and morsels to loafs and pates, you can satisfy even picky pups. Try samples to determine your dog’s favorites.

Is It Suitable for Puppies?

For growing puppies, Whole Earth Farms offers specially formulated recipes to support development. Options like the Puppy Chicken & Turkey Recipe feature higher protein with balanced calcium and phosphorus for bone growth.

The wet puppy foods contain DHA for brain and eye health. They are more energy dense to fuel their active lifestyles. The small, bite-sized pieces are easy to chew and digest.

Follow feeding guidelines on the label based on your puppy’s projected adult weight. Mixing some wet food with dry kibble can help with hydration too. But consult your vet if concerned about suitability, especially for large breed puppies with special nutritional needs.

What About Artificial Preservatives?

Many pet owners want to avoid artificial preservatives like BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin in dog foods. Whole Earth Farms states their wet recipes are naturally preserved with mixed tocopherols, a natural form of vitamin E.

Their FAQ explains:

“We use mixed tocopherols (a natural form of vitamin E) rather than artificial preservatives to preserve the quality and safety of our products while they are on the shelf.”

So you can feel good about feeding natural recipes without controversial synthetic preservatives. Always check labels to confirm any formula you select is artificially preserved. But in general their brand avoids these additives.

What Do Customers Say in Their Whole Earth Farms Wet Dog Food Reviews?

Across retailers like Chewy and Amazon, Whole Earth Farms wet foods earn an average of 4 out of 5 stars from most customers. Here’s a sample of positive feedback:

• “My dog loves the taste and has less tear staining now.”
• “The ingredients are high quality and my pup’s coat is so soft.”
• “It’s more affordable than premium brands but with the same great nutrition.”
• “I mix the beef stew with my dog’s kibble and he gobbles it right up.”

Some dogs seem to prefer certain recipes over others, so try a few flavors. For the price, most pet owners are very pleased with the quality and results.

Is It Made in the USA?

Yes, Whole Earth Farms proudly states on their website and packaging that their pet foods are “Made in the USA”. Their wet recipes are produced in their own manufacturing facilities in California and Kansas.

Their FAQ explains their commitment to domestic production:

“We insist on preparing our recipes in our own kitchens so that we can control the quality and safety of our products. This means we’re able to provide cat and dog foods that are crafted in the USA.”

So you can have confidence the recipes are held to American standards and regulations.

What’s the Nutritional Value?

Whole Earth Farms wet dog food provides complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs including protein, fat, carbs, vitamins and minerals. Here are some average nutritional percentages based on the formulas:

• Protein: 9-11% minimum
• Fat: 5-8% minimum
• Fiber: 1-4%
• Moisture: 78% average

The carb sources come from premium grains, fruits and vegetables. Levels vary based on recipe. But the limit on carbs helps dogs stay satisfied. The high moisture content also supports hydration.

Feeding trials confirm the food provides for all life stages per AAFCO standards. Consult your vet if you have questions about the nutritional breakdown.

Is It a Good Choice for Senior Dogs?

For older dogs, Whole Earth Farms has a line of Senior Recipes designed to support aging bodies and activity levels. These formulas feature lean proteins that are gentle on kidneys along with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.

The wet senior recipes also contain omega fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins to nourish the immune system and vital organs. They are very palatable and easier to chew for dogs with dental issues. The lower calories help maintain ideal weight too. It’s a great option to nurture your senior pup.

Can It Be Used As a Meal Topper?

The wet food from Whole Earth Farms works wonderfully as a meal topper over dry kibble! Many pet owners find adding a spoonful boosts flavor and interest at mealtime.

The smaller tubs and pouches make it convenient to use as a topper. And your dog gets the benefits of the extra moisture and protein from the wet food along with the dental perks of crunchy kibble.

Try different flavors to keep your dog excited about eating. Just be sure to follow the combined feeding guidelines on the labels to prevent overfeeding. But as an occasional topper or daily mix-in, it’s a healthy practice to enhance nutrition.

Is It Safe for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs?

Since Whole Earth Farms excludes common allergens and uses easily digestible ingredients, it can be a good choice for dogs with sensitive tummies. The wet foods contain less fiber and fat that may cause stomach upset in some pets.

The Limited Ingredient and grain-free recipes are ideal for keeping digestion regular. Always transition gradually by mixing in increasing amounts of the new food over a week. This allows the stomach to adjust.

Monitor stool consistency when switching recipes. Stop feeding if you notice diarrhea or vomiting. But for most sensitive dogs, the gentle nutrition of Whole Earth Farms wet food keeps tummies happy.

What Are the Feeding Guidelines?

Whole Earth Farms provides a feeding guide on their website to help determine the ideal daily amounts. Recommendations are based on your dog’s weight, life stage and activity level. Here are some general guidelines:

• Small breed adult dog: 1/2 to 1 cans/day
• Medium breed adult dog: 1 to 2 cans/day
• Large breed puppy: 2 to 4 cans/day
• Senior dog: Feed 20% less than adult amount

Remember these are just estimates. Start on the low end and adjust gradually. Feed twice daily rather than one large meal. Monitor your dog’s body condition and energy levels. An active dog or one needing weight gain may need more.

Does It Help Hydrate Dogs?

One advantage of wet dog food is the higher moisture content compared to dry kibble. Whole Earth Farms wet foods contain around 78% moisture versus only 10% in their dry foods.

This extra hydration helps maintain fluid balance and keeps dogs feeling their best. It can make the food more palatable and flavorful too. For dogs that don’t drink enough water separately, wet food provides a big hydration boost.

Even just adding some daily as a topper helps increase moisture intake. So while kibble is more convenient, incorporating wet recipes provides key hydration, especially for senior dogs or those with kidney issues.

Have There Been Any Recalls or Controversies?

As a newer brand, Whole Earth Farms has not faced any significant recalls, complaints or controversies yet according to the FDA and other watchdog sites. Their FAQ states:

“Our meticulous safety protocols allow us to proudly stand behind every one of our products. All of our foods are prepared in human grade facilities in the USA.”

Their parent company Merrick has faced a few isolated recalls in the past prior to Whole Earth Farms’ founding in 2015. But overall, this appears to be a safe and conscientious brand. Be sure to always check the FDA site for the latest recalls regardless of brand.

How Much Does Whole Earth Farms Wet Dog Food Cost?

As a mid-priced brand, Whole Earth Farms falls nicely in between budget foods and ultra premium brands when it comes to cost per day or per ounce. Some average costs are:

• 5.5 oz can: $1.20 to $1.80
• 12.7 oz can: $2.20 to $2.80
• 24 oz tub: $4 to $6

For a 30 lb dog eating 1 can per day, expect to budget around $35 to $55 per month. Larger dogs and heavier feeding would be more. But it’s very affordable compared to many competing brands.

Factor in discounts for buying in bulk, sales and coupons too. Overall it’s a great value for the ingredient quality. Budget-wise it fits most owners nicely.

Is It a Good Pick for Picky Eaters?

Getting a finicky dog to enjoy mealtime can be so frustrating! But the tasty flavors, meaty proteins and enticing textures of Whole Earth Farms wet recipes make it a top choice to tempt picky pallets.

The stews, morsels and pates provide variety in tastes and formats many dogs love. You can mix it with kibble or try different recipes until you find the one that excites your pup. Starting with a topper is a great way to transition picky eaters.

Pet owners say even their choosy dogs devour Whole Earth Farms food. So turn that nose up into a nose down at bowl time with their delicious recipes!

What Are the Main Benefits of This Brand?

To recap, here are the major benefits of feeding your dog Whole Earth Farms grain-free and classic wet recipes:

• Natural, high-quality ingredients: Features real, whole foods like meat, veggies and wholesome grains without artificial additives
• Grain-free and classic options: Formulas to suit both grain-free and grain-inclusive diet needs
• Rich, enticing flavors: Choices like stews, morsels, pates and loafs that even picky dogs love
• Affordable pricing: Costs less than most premium brands, making quality nutrition accessible
• Made in the USA: Manufactured in American-based facilities under strict quality control
• Complete nutrition: Provides balanced nutrition tailored to puppies, adults and senior dogs
• Hydration benefits: Higher moisture content than dry food helps boost water intake
• Trusted brand: Merrick pet food company has a strong reputation for natural, safe recipes

The Verdict: An Affordable, Natural Wet Food Worth Trying

In the search for a nutritious and appetizing wet dog food at a reasonable price, Whole Earth Farms brand earns a top spot. Made by trusted pet food maker Merrick, their grain-free and classic recipes offer complete meals and mixers using quality ingredients tailored for your dog.

With umpteen formulas featuring tasty proteins like beef, chicken, duck and salmon, even picky pups delight in the flavors. No artificial additives ensures you’re feeding only natural nourishment. Though a newer brand, they have built a good name providing quality recipes at an affordable cost.

For wet food that hits all the marks – premium ingredients, proven nutrition, exciting flavors and budget-friendly pricing – Whole Earth Farms is a great choice for most dogs. Check out their website or local stores to browse options and samples. With healthier, tasty food that dogs love and owners feel good about, it’s a winning recipe for wet dog food success!