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Five generations have produced Heartland dog food from the Fromm Family line of products. With so many different dog food items in the market, it can be hard to choose the right one for your pet. By exploring all of the positive and negative aspects of this brand, you will be well informed to make the right decision for your dog.
Heartland dog food is good for dogs but there have been some concerns. Dog owners worry about quality and this brand achieves this. Fromm Heartland dog food is grain-free and produced in the US. Containing many high-quality ingredients, it also contains fillers that give consumers concerns.
Depending on the nutritional needs of your dog, Fromm Heartland dog food might be the right choice. Several online reviews will state how great their pet is functioning on Fromm Heartland dog food, while others shy away from it. The Heartland brand has two product lines available, which we will discuss in this article.
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The Heartland Dog Food Product Line
The Fromm Family line of products has distinct advantages over other brands of dog food in the market. Formulated distinctively to be compatible with their additional variations, Heartland boasts that dogs will not suffer any digestive upset if switching from one line of product to another.
Heartland dog food products have two main product streams that cater to dogs of all ages and activity levels. You are sure to find something for your beloved pet in one of these product lines:
The Fromm Classic formula of dog food is generated with a balanced blend of quality ingredients to help digestion, increase energy, and minimize allergic reactions. The Fromm Gold line of products is individually created, for each stage of your dog’s life, with a holistic approach in mind for nutrition.
The Science Behind the Benefits
The leader of Fromm, Tom Neiman, a fourth-generation owner, has a degree in chemical engineering and took over the family business in 1984. Continually researching and exploring the nutritional needs of animals, Fromm strives to bring the best quality dog food to consumers through local independent retailers.
Specially formulated for dogs who have allergies and sensitivities, Heartland dog food is not only gentle for a dog’s digestion but also aids in immune health. A perfect blend of antioxidants, probiotics, prebiotics, and amino acids, this combination gives your pet an optimal advantage through their years.
Even though Heartland carries a wide variety of blends in its complete dog food line, Fromm has ensured consistency throughout all products. This safeguards against digestion issues for your pet if you need to switch lines at any time during their life.
Heartland dog food has years of research and science behind their recipes. The Fromm Family has perfected the balance of protein richness with carbohydrates and fat without sacrificing quality. This balance has made the Heartland brand a cut above its competition.
The Rundown of Heartland Dog Food Ingredients
Heartland dog food comes in three different varieties for the distinctive dietary needs of dogs. These selections include:
- Weight control
- Grain-free
- Grain-inclusive
The grain-free and grain-inclusive mixtures come in both dry and canned forms for dogs of all ages and needs. Alternatively, the weight control stream is only available in the dry formula. The Fromm Family line has been producing foods for your pets since 1949 and ensuring they are exclusively available through independent retailers.
These products can aid pets who have digestive issues, allergies, gluten sensitivities, or are poor eaters. By offering a better choice of meat protein, carbohydrates, and fats, your dog will enjoy this line of food.
The ingredients in Heartland dog food vary slightly from each variety, but the basics are the same. The main element is always animal proteins, and often it is the second substantial component as well. Heartland uses oatmeal and brown rice as quality grains in some of their product line, which many dogs respond to well.
Wisconsin cheese is also one of the main ingredients that you will find in Heartland dog food. Back in 2010, Fromm opened up the Wisconsin plant, which expanded its current business to aid the growing needs of its customers.
Questionable Ingredients in the Product Line
There are a few elements included in the Fromm Heartland food blends that raise a concern with some pet owners. Each ingredient has its benefits, but many consumers aren’t sure they outweigh the negatives:
- Pearled barley: a high fiber starchy carbohydrate
- Brewers dried yeast: a nutrient-rich by-product of the beer-making procedure
- Tomato pomace: a high fiber by-product of tomatoes
Some animal owners feel that pearled barley is a grain filler and see it as unnecessary. The low cost makes it an attractive additive that promotes fiber in a dog’s regular diet, even if it has a substantial amount of starch.
Brewers dried yeast comes from the process of making beer, which some dog owners might avoid. This ingredient is known to support proper digestive health in animals while being rich in antioxidants. From controlling diarrhea to helping your dog’s skin and hair remain healthy, brewers dried yeast is not as unfavorable as some may first believe. However, some dogs could develop an allergic reaction, so precaution is necessary.
Tomato pomace is the by-product from the manufacturing of tomato grocery items, such as ketchup, soup, juice, and others. It contains soluble fiber, which aids in digestion, lowers cholesterol, and maintains blood sugar levels. While some pet owners are concerned about the toxicity of tomatoes in their Heartland dog food, the amount that is present would not be significant enough to raise serious concern.
The Controversy Surrounding the Fromm Dog Food
The Heartland brand of dog food is not without some controversy. Although the Fromm Family line of products has been successful throughout the years, there have been some bumps in the road in more recent years.
But even with product recalls and recent FDA investigations, Heartland products are still one of the more sought-after dog foods today for quality and affordability. Fromm continues to be a family-run business that strives for excellence in their products.
Cutting Ties With Chewy
Chewy, an online pet food and product retailer, was acquired by the retail chain, PetSmart, back in 2017, creating a domino effect. Soon after, Tuffy’s Pet Foods and Champion Petfoods withdrew their product lines, with the Fromm organization the following suit.
Claiming that Chewy’s recent move now does not meet their standards of pet specialty requirements, Fromm announced the removal of their product lines, hoping that their consumers understand their position.
One Past Product Recall
In 2016, for the first time, Fromm voluntarily recalled all the lots of their 12-ounce Fromm Gold canned food. This recall was because of insufficient levels of vitamin D included in the product. Independent retailers received these canned products between December 2015 until February 2016.
Heart Disease Investigation
In 2019, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had identified several dog foods that can contribute to heart disease in dogs and cats. Fromm products were included in this list, making consumers nervous.
Tom Nieman, the President of Fromm Family Foods, responded to these concerns publicly on their website with a letter addressing those concerns. The FDA has noted that although Fromm and 15 other companies are listed in the investigation, diet is not the only deciding factor in heart disease in animals.
Conclusion
The Fromm Family Heartland dog food has something for every dog, no matter what its nutritional needs are. Whether you are looking for grain-free or weight management product lines, the Heartland dog food is one of the better items available in the market today.
If you are looking for a science-based dog food that is full of antioxidants, probiotics, and prebiotics, the Heartland product line could benefit your pet in many ways. Eliminate allergic reactions, finicky eating, and digestion issues by providing your dog with Heartland products.
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Sources
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