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Diamond Pet Foods and Tractor Supply Co partnered to launch the 4Health line of healthy dog food in 2010. Since then, this new line of dog kibble has increased in popularity, making it a staple in many households that have a canine family member. But should your dog in particular try this brand out?
4Health dog food is a great, healthy, and budget-friendly option. Though much cheaper than your average high-quality dog food, 4Health is renowned for its grain-free options and the use of whole foods rather than harmful fillers.
In the rest of this article, I will go over the pros and cons of feeding your dog 4Health, who should buy this brand, the reasons you should consider purchasing this dog food, and some of the most frequently asked questions about 4Health dog food.
Table of Contents
Pros of Feeding Your Dog 4Health Dog Food
First, I’ll talk about some of the pros you ought to know before deciding on a new pet food brand for your pup.
- Most of the formulas come in a grain-free version. Grain-free food can be an excellent option for dogs with health issues such as epilepsy. However, you should always consult a vet before putting your dog on a grain-free diet, as it can cause other health problems if not appropriately monitored.
- The food doesn’t contain any food fillers such as corn, wheat, or soy. These are often used to fill dog food more cheaply in place of quality ingredients such as meat and vegetables. Dogs also have a harder time processing corn, wheat, and soy.
- It’s made with all-natural whole ingredients. 4Health prides itself on including whole, healthy ingredients such as meat, tomatoes, kale, peas, potatoes, barley, blueberries, spinach, and eggs, just to name a few. Many of these are safe and easy for your dog to digest, though you should consult your veterinarian for more information.
- It comes in a wide variety of food types and flavors. 4Health comes in over 19 different formulas, and each one is specifically crafted for your dog’s different health needs, such as sensitive skin or weight loss. If you don’t want to go for the grain-free version, for example, you can find other varieties that have grain.
- High-quality food for a reasonable price. 4Health foods are packed with whole, healthy ingredients minus that high-end dog food price tag. Each formula is relatively affordable and comes in large quantities.
Cons of Feeding Your Dog 4Health Dog Food
As with any brand of dog food, there are a few drawbacks to feeding your dog 4Health dog food, so let’s learn exactly what they are.
- Some dogs dislike the flavor and will refuse to eat it. It’s pretty standard for some dogs to outright refuse a brand of dog food due to its taste. If your pup is used to highly processed dog food full of fillers, it may take some time for them to get used to this healthier meal.
- It may cause upset stomachs in some breeds of dogs. Whenever you introduce a new food, it’s essential to start slowly, as new foods can upset your dog’s stomach. Some owners observe this in their pups, so start small when deciding if 4Health is suitable for your pup.
- It may cause sudden and frequent diarrhea in some dogs. Some dogs experienced sudden episodes of diarrhea after switching to 4Health. However, it’s important to note that diarrhea can occur whenever you have switched dog food brands since their tummies aren’t used to the new formula. Ask your veterinarian about the best way to deal with diarrhea due to the introduction of new foods.
- You can only purchase this brand at Tractor Supply Co. Sadly, this excellent dog food is only available at TSC. That said, if you don’t happen to have a store in your area, you can always order this kibble online and have it directly shipped to your home.
- Grain-free formulas may be linked to heart disease in dogs. The FDA listed this brand’s grain-free dog food as a possible cause of heart disease in dogs, along with several other brands. It’s important to remember that you should never put your dog on a grain-free diet without first consulting your veterinarian.
Who Should Consider Buying 4Health Dog Food?
Anyone can consider buying 4Health dog food. In general, if you’re looking for kibble that has ample nutritional value and is reasonably priced relative to said value, 4Health dog food is a good choice. 4Health dog food is likewise formulated for dogs with specific health issues.
You should also consider this brand if your pet has a history of epilepsy or is prone to seizures, as a grain-free diet can help limit the severity of seizures your pet has. However, you should ALWAYS check with your vet before switching your canine to a new food brand.
You might also want to switch to 4Health dog food if you’re currently feeding foods with lots of fillers and additives, as those don’t provide the proper nutrition for your pup. Also, your dog may not be able to digest these fillers and additives properly, leading to health issues that warrant a visit to the vet.
Why Should You Feed Your Dog 4Health Dog Food?
It can feel overwhelming to choose the right food for your furry friend. There are hundreds of brands to choose from, and not all of them will fit into your budget. So it’s nice to know that there are high-quality brands out there that won’t break your bank.
You should feed your dog 4Health dog food because it comes in different varieties that suit your dog’s individual needs. Also, because fillers are kept to a minimum, your dog’s digestive system stays healthy. Lastly, 4Health dog food is relatively more affordable.
Let’s go into these reasons in more detail below.
4Health Food Is Full of Healthy Ingredients With Many Different Formulas
You have heard me talk about how healthy the ingredients in this brand of dog food are, but what exactly are those ingredients, and what different formulas can you expect to find?
Here’s a table that goes over the most popular 4Health formulas, their ingredients, and their average satisfaction rating.
| 4Health Dog Food Flavors | Whole Ingredients Listed | Average Food Rating |
| Salmon and Potato with Grains | Salmon, ocean fish meal, potatoes, peas, cracked pearled barley, pea flour, egg product, canola oil, flaxseed, salt, taurine, dried chicory root, dried kelp, carrots, apples, tomatoes, blueberries, spinach, cranberries, rosemary extract, parsley flake, other ingredients and an assortment of vitamins. | 4.8/5 |
| Chicken and Rice with Grains | Chicken, chicken meal, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice, chicken fat, oatmeal, dried beet pulp, flaxseed, ocean fish meal, dried chicory root, salt, taurine, other ingredients, and an assortment of vitamins. | 4.8/5 |
| Lamb and Rice with Grains | Lamb, lamb meal, whole grain brown rice, oatmeal, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice, millet, egg product, chicken fat, dried beet pulp, flaxseed, ocean fish meal, taurine, dried chicory root, salt, other ingredients and an assortment of vitamins. | 4.8/5 |
| Large Breed with Grains | Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice, rice bran, chicken fat, dried beet pulp, flaxseed, egg product, ocean fish meal, dried yeast, salt, dried chicory root, taurine, other ingredients, and an assortment of vitamins. | 4.7/5 |
| Beef and Rice with Grains | Beef, beef meal, pork, brown rice, oatmeal, cracked pearled barley, chicken fat, white rice, dried yeast, dried beet pulp, natural flavor, flaxseed, salt, other ingredients, and an assortment of vitamins. | 4.7/5 |
| Puppy Formula with Grains | Lamb, lamb meal, whole grain brown rice, ground white rice, dried yeast, chicken fat, egg product, fish meal, tomato pomace, flaxseed, salmon oil, salt, taurine, dried chicory root, kale, chia seed, pumpkin, blueberries, oranges, quinoa, dried kelp, coconut, spinach, carrots, papaya, other ingredients, and an assortment of vitamins. | 4.8/5 |
As you can see, many of 4Health dog food formulas come with a wide range of healthy ingredients to promote your dog’s physical wellbeing. Visit the Tractor Supplies website for a complete list of ingredients.
Some other formulas 4Health makes include:
- Grain-Free Salmon and Potato Formula
- Grain-Free White Fish and Potato Formula
- Small Bites with Grains Formula
- Grain-Free Beef and Potato Formula
- Mature Adult With Grains Formula
- Grain-Free Large Breed Formula
- Healthy Weight With Grains Formula
- Sensitive Skin Formula Formula
- Grain-Free Chicken and Vegetables Formula
- Strive Endurace 90 Formula
- Strive Performance 87 Formula
- Strive High Energy 83 Formula
- Special Care Sensitive Stomach Formula
- Large Breed Puppy with Grains Formula
4Health offers a wide range of formulas, ranging from dogs with sensitive skin to dogs who need energizing food to increase physical performance (such as hunting dogs). Each formula is specially formulated to help give your dog the best nutrition possible.
Less Food Filler Equals Less Messy Poops To Clean Up
Another reason to purchase 4Health for your pup is that their formulas are free of most fillers. Fillers include things like corn, soy, and wheat since your dog doesn’t need these foods and has difficulty digesting them. When your dog is ingesting fewer foods they can’t digest completely, it’ll reduce how much your dog poops.
Also, since your dog’s digestion will likely be improved by 4Health dog food, they won’t need to poop as much.
Dogs on a grain-free diet also poop less due to improved digestion. However, it’s important to remember that not all dogs will thrive on a grain-free diet. Some dogs will be more prone to heart problems while eating grain-free, so be sure to do your research and consult a vet before switching to 4Health’s grain-free dog food.
4Health Is Reasonably Priced for the Quality
Finally, this brand of food is very cost-effective for how high-quality the ingredients are. Most high-end dog foods cost about $60-$100 a bag, while 4Health’s prices sit around the $25-$50 mark. Ultimately, you really can’t beat their prices for high-end dog food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lastly, I’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions about 4Health dog food, such as addressing the heat problem concern and whether this brand is truly safe for your furry friend.
Q: Does 4Health Dog Food Cause Heart Problems?
4Health grain-free dog formulas can cause heart problems, according to a study done by the FDA in June 2019. It’s important to note only a small portion of dogs on grain-free diets reported having heart issues, and this specific problem may have something to do with genetics.
Q: Is 4Health Safe for Dogs?
4Health is safe for most dogs to consume. However, always consult a veterinarian before switching food brands. It’s also important to note that not all dogs will thrive on a grain-free diet, so look at the grain formulas more closely.
Q: Is 4Health Puppy Food AAFCO Approved?
4Health Puppy Food is AAFCO approved as it meets the nutritional guidelines AAFCO has set in place. This means that 4Health puppy food has met specific nutrition values deemed sufficient for a puppy to consume.
Q: Is 4Health Dog Food Made in the USA?
4Health dog food is made in the USA. According to Veterinarians.org, the manufacturer’s headquarters are based in Brentwood, Tennessee. To date, the company that makes 4Health dog food has over a thousand locations across the United States.
Q: What Are the Best Alternatives to 4Health Dog Food?
One best alternative to 4Health Dog Food is Blue Buffalo dog food. Like 4Health, they claim to offer a variety of formulas. However, Blue Buffalo has had its food’s nutritional claims challenged several times in the past.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for high-quality dog food on a budget, 4Health’s many dog food formulas are an excellent option. They have several varieties which help promote healthier bodies and digestion for your dogs.
The only major drawback of 4Health dog food is that if you opt for a grain-free formula, your dog may be more likely to develop heart problems. However, 4Health offers a wide range of food with grains, so you don’t have to choose grain-free.
Ultimately, it’s best to ask for a veterinarian’s opinion before you switch dog food brands.
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