Vibrant Life Dog Food Review: The Best Affordable Dog Food?

By: Andrew
Time to read: 15 min.

This post contains affiliate links.

When it comes to buying dog food, it can be difficult to know which product is best for your furry friend. With the vast amount of products available on the market today, all claiming to be the best for your pet, how do you know what brands you can really trust? Vibrant Life is a relatively new dog food brand on the market, but are they the best affordable option?

There are many factors you should be aware of before purchasing Vibrant Life dog food. While being one of the more affordable options when it comes to dog food, this brand is exclusively sold by Walmart. This brand also offers four different delicious formulas that your pup will be sure to enjoy.

In this article, we’ll be exploring more about Vibrant Life dog food and if it’s the best choice for your dog. If you’re interested in learning more about this topic, keep on reading.

About the Brand

Vibrant Life is a relatively new brand that hit shelves for the first time back in early 2018. As we stated above, their products are exclusively sold at Walmart, and also have a fairly limited product rage.

Most of the information you can find on this brand is available on Walmart’s website, but what is available may not answer all of the questions consumers may have. Information such as where these products are produced, as well as where their ingredients are sourced from, are not available online.

This might not be great news for some pet owners, as they’d like to be very well informed in terms of knowing where their dog’s food is coming from, and how it’s being processed. Some reviewers in the past have noticed that since Vibrant Life is a low-cost brand, it’s likely that their ingredients are sourced outside of the United States.

Aside from dog food, Vibrant Life also sells a variety of other pet supplies such as water bowls, crates, toys, and snacks. When it comes to their dog food, this brand offers four different formulas that include flavors such as chicken, beef, oatmeal, and sweet potato.

It’s clear to see that Vibrant Life offers consumers a large array of products aimed towards keeping your pet healthier and happier. While it’s still considered somewhat of a new brand, it’s definitely begun to grow in popularity amongst pet owners.

Now that you have a better understanding of the Vibrant Life brand, as well as what they offer, below, we’ll go in depth into what you can expect to find in their formula, and if it’s actually a healthy option for your pet.

What Are the Ingredients?

Understanding the ingredients that are inside your pet’s food is key to ensuring they receive all the required vitamins and nutrients they need. Below, we’ll explore what you can find within each formula, as well as what you won’t find.

What Each Formula Contains

So what does Vibrant Life dog food actually contain? You can find things such as chicken, beef, and chicken meal inside of this product, which are all great sources of protein and fat, making it suitable for your dog’s diet.

All of these formulas also include ingredients such as:

Brewers rice
Wheat mill run
Soybean meal

These ingredients are known as low-quality fillers and have no nutritional value. Excessive fillers found within your dog’s food can be quite high in carbohydrates, which are not needed in your dog’s diet.

Brewers Rice

Brewers rice consists of smaller pieces of rice kernels that were created during the milling process. Due to this, they are considered lower quality than whole brown rice and add unnecessary carbs to your furry friend’s meal. It’s an ingredient that adds no value and increases the amount of carbs your dog consumes.

Wheat Mill Run and Soybean

Wheat mill run and soybean are also byproducts of other whole based products that don’t serve your animal any positive nutritional value, so it’s best to avoid them. This product also claims to contain soy and wheat, as well as an array of other natural flavors.

There is some debate in terms of what “natural flavors” means, and what that really entails. Vibrant Life doesn’t go into a more specific debate in terms of what their natural flavors are, so that’s something to be mindful of.

Soy and wheat are also listed ingredients that you’ll find within Vibrant Life’s formula. While they are both listed as main ingredients, it’s vital to know that they both contain high amounts of glyphosate. Glyphosate is commonly added to certain weedkillers and is even linked to certain cancers.

It’s important to be mindful of all the ingredients that are listed and to do your research carefully before investing in new dog food. To ensure that your pet stays happy and healthy, it’s key that you educate yourself on exactly what your pet will be consuming long term.

What Each Formula Doesn’t Contain

What your dog food doesn’t contain is just as important as what it does contain.

Vibrant Life states that all of its formulas are absent of any meat by-products, corn, or any artificial colors or preservatives. This is a plus seeing how all these ingredients can be quite harmful to your pet, so it’s best to look out for dog food formulas that lack them.

You’ll want to ensure that harmful and useless ingredients known as fillers are absent from your dog’s food. It’s a good idea to check the labels before deciding on whether or not this brand is a good choice for your pet. You can also check the Walmart website if you’re looking for more information on Vibrant Life’s formula.

Nutritional Facts

Consumers will find that Vibrant Life is very transparent with the nutritional facts that they provide. The average calorie breakdown of all of their formulas is as follows: 26% protein, 36% fat, and 38% carbs.

Breakdown of Protein

It’s safe to say that based on this calorie breakdown, the nutrition for Vibrant Life’s dog food is above average. One of the most important factors, which is protein, is considered to be above average. It is important to note that while the protein levels are good, most of the protein found within Vibrant Life’s formula stems from low-quality plant based material.

Plant based protein is considered to be lower quality protein, compared to protein coming from meat and fish ingredients. Some plant protein ingredients are known to not be as digestible and can become a problem for your pet’s health down the line.

While protein is usually a healthy and beneficial ingredient to your pet’s dish, it’s important to consider where it came from. It’s also important to consider what kind of protein your animal may be consuming, as it may not be ideal for your pet in the long run.

Breakdown of Carbohydrates

It’s also important to note that while protein levels are decent, the amount of carbohydrates, which is listed at 35%, can be seen as quite high when you calculate how much carbohydrates your pet actually needs.

With dogs being carnivores creatures, their diet should consist solely of meat, with an even mixture of fruits and vegetables involved as well. This means the amount of carbs your dog should be intaking should also be very low, which does not seem to be the case here with Vibrant Life’s formula.

The last thing you want is your furry friend facing health problems such as obesity and diabetes, which can occur when your pet is consuming things like too many carbs in their diet. Studies have shown that the amount of carbs that your pet food should contain is half of what Vibrant Life offers, so that’s something to be mindful of.

Breakdown of Fat

Vibrant Life does contain a healthy amount of fat that’s ideal for keeping your pup energetic and healthy. You’ll find healthy fat content in ingredients such as beef, chicken, and chicken meal, which are all found in Vibrant Life’s formulas.

Your dog’s daily calorie intake should consist of 5.5% of healthy fats. This is another factor to be mindful of when feeding your pet their meals. Too much fat in your dog’s food can lead to health problems such as pancreatitis, which occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed.

Once again, it’s important that you take the time to read the labels that these brands provide, as it will give you key information that will help you decide if this brand is the right choice for your pet. If there isn’t enough information available for your liking, you may want to consider if this brand is transparent enough for your liking.

To ensure your pet lives a long and happy life, you must provide them with a healthy and balanced meal. Doing your research on some of the many dog foods available today is key to keeping your pet as healthy and energized as they can be in the long run.

Are Allergies an Issue?

Not only do you want to provide your pup with the best option available in terms of dog food, but when allergies are involved, you’ll want to be extra careful. Even the smallest amount of allergens within your dog’s food can cause a reaction.

Vibrant Life’s formulas rely heavily on grain, so this is not an ideal food for dogs who are sensitive to grain or are simply more allergy prone. While any food ingredient is capable of causing a reaction within your pet, it’s important to start out in smaller portions when introducing your pup to a new brand of food.

When feeding your dog any new food for the first time, it’s important to monitor their behavior, as well as their energy levels afterward. If your pet seems to become sluggish or begins behaving differently, their new diet may be having a negative impact on them.

The slightest bit of change in behavior could be a signal of some kind of allergic reaction. As we stated above, start on feeding your pup their new food in smaller portions, and be mindful of how they behave following their meals.

It’s recommended that you slowly begin mixing in their new food with the meals that they are already consuming on a daily basis. Do this for about the course of 6 days, and watch to see if there are any changes in your dog’s behavior.

If you’re still cautious about feeding your pet anything new in the chance that they could be allergic, it would be wise to speak to your veterinarian beforehand. Talking to your vet about how you should carefully switch dog foods, as well as what brands they trust, are ideal if you’re looking to keep your furry friend healthy and comfortable.

What’s the Best Formula for Your Pet?

As we stated previously, Vibrant Life has multiple formulas available that come in a variety of different flavors. But each formula is designed differently, and the choice you make should really depend on the age, as well as the breed of your dog.

Formulas for Your Larger, Adult Dogs

The first two recipes are designed for adult dogs, who are also classified as large or medium breed dogs. These two formulas offer just enough nutrition and beneficial ingredients that will keep a larger, adult dog happy and energized throughout the entire day.

If you’re looking for the right formula for your adult dog, this Vibrant Life’s Chicken and Rice Recipe is an ideal choice. All of the adults made formulas come in an array of different flavors, but you can’t go wrong with this delicious dry food combination of chicken and rice.

They also offer a beef and rice recipe if that better suits your dog and their dietary needs. It all comes down to what your pet positively responds to, and if they have allergies or not.

Formulas For Smaller Dogs/Puppies

The next two formulas that Vibrant Life offers are exclusively for puppies and smaller breeds of dog. This Vibrant Life Chicken, Oatmeal, and Egg Recipe is ideal for smaller dogs and is specifically formulated to supply the nutritional levels of dogs 70lbs or under.

It’s clear to see that no matter what kind of dog you have, Vibrant Life has something to offer dog owners everywhere. They have formulas designed specifically for your dog in mind, no matter how big or small, and no matter what kind of breed they are.

Vibrant Life also offers this chicken, brown rice, and sweet potato recipe for adult dogs of a smaller breed, which they’ll be sure to enjoy. It’s also important to note that all of Vibrant Life’s dog foods are only available in dry food, with no announcement or plans to sell wet food anytime soon.

If any of the options we listed above sound like a good fit for your pet, you can pick up a bag of one of Vibrant Life’s many flavors and formulas today at your local Walmart, or even order online.

What Are the Recommended Feeding Instructions?

To ensure that your pet consumes a healthy amount of food on a daily basis, it’s recommended that you follow the feeding instructions that Vibrant Life provides for you online.

Feeding Instructions for an Adult Dog

It’s recommended that the amount of food you provide for your adult dog varies based on their weight. When providing your dog with their meals, it’s ideal to use an 8oz measuring cup in order to properly measure out how much they’ll be receiving.

For a dog that weighs anywhere from 3-12 lbs, it’s recommended that they receive anywhere from ½ to 1 ½ cups per day. For a dog that weighs around 13-25 lbs, 1¼ cups are ideal, and a max of 2 cups is fine if your dog has a bigger appetite.
If your dog weighs between 26-50 lbs, anything from 2¼ – 3 ½ cups is an ideal daily serving for your bigger dog. If your dog weighs up to 51-100 lbs, it’s recommended to feed them anywhere between 3½ -6 cups a day.
If your dog is over 100 lbs, it’s ideal to feed them anywhere between 6-6½ cups per day. Following these instructions will ensure that your pet consumes the necessary amount of food per day that will keep them content and energized throughout the day.

Feeding Instructions for a Puppy

Vibrant Life recommended the same feeding instructions for puppies as they do for adults.

It’s crucial that you take the time to measure your dog’s food to ensure they are consuming enough. As your puppy begins growing, it’s okay to slowly add more food to their bowl as time goes on.

By doing this, you’re ensuring that your puppy is continuously consuming enough food as their small bodies begin to grow and become stronger. While doing this, it’s vital to go to the feeding instructions to make sure your puppy is always left satisfied during their growing stages.

Providing your dog with too much or too little at one time can have negative effects on your dog’s health and energy levels, so it’s vital you take the recommended feeding instructions to heart.

Feeding Instructions for Pregnant Dogs

Vibrant Life recommends doubling, if not quadrupling the amount of food intake, your dog should be consuming while pregnant, and even during the lactation period.

While you’ll want to increase the amount your dog is eating, it’s important to gradually increase their food intake for the best results. It’s important to remember that a good amount of food is required for a female dog to remain in good body health during pregnancy and even thereafter.

While it’s important to consider all of the feeding instructions we have listed above for every kind of dog, it’s vital to remember that feedings can vary based on your dog’s activity levels, age, and environment.

Having this kind of information readily available makes it clear to see that Vibrant Life cares about their consumers, and is passionate about ensuring that your dog receives the right amount of food on a day to day basis that will keep them active and healthy for the long run.

Any History of Recalls?

There’s no information available that proves any Vibrant Life products have ever been recalled. This is definitely a good sign, and it’s something you should always look into before purchasing a new product, such as dog food.

However, it’s important to know that Walmart has recalled many of its dog food products in the past, so it’s good to be mindful of that. While this may be the case, Walmart is always quick to pull products from the shelf once they’ve been recalled.

It’s good to keep an eye out, as you don’t want to feed your beloved pet anything that could potentially be harmful to them. Many products can end up being recalled for a variety of different reasons, so if you choose to continuously serve your pet Vibrant Life products, ensure that no recalls occur before you go shopping.

Keeping yourself updated on this kind of information is instrumental in keeping your furry friends safe, healthy, and happy while they enjoy their delicious meals and snacks.

What Vibrant Life Can Do for You

We explore many factors within this article, and hopefully, now you have a better understanding of what this brand can offer you and your furry friend. Vibrant Life gives you the opportunity to supply your pet with protein-packed formulas that your pet will be sure to enjoy.

Specially Designed Formulas

No matter what breed or age your pet is, Vibrant Life has a formula designed specifically for your pet, that will ensure your dog stays happy and healthy. Available in four different flavors, Vibrant Life is sure to keep your dog energized and content throughout the day.

While some criticize the ingredients found within Vibrant Life, it’s clear to see every formula is overall very healthy and is packed with just the right amount of proteins and healthy fats for your friend.

The amount of carbohydrates may seem a tad high, but most dog foods on the market are rich in carbs, so that’s also something to be mindful of. You’ll also find plenty of whole ingredients such as chicken and beef, which are key ingredients your dog needs to stay in top tier shape.

Transparent Nutritional Facts

Vibrant Life will also provide you with transparent nutritional facts for all of their products and formulas. This isn’t something you see with every other brand, so it’s important to value the honesty and transparency they provide in terms of what’s inside their products.

As we stated above, Vibrant Life’s formula is packed with the perfect amount of healthy fats and proteins to keep your pup as healthy as possible. When you invest in this formula for your dog, you don’t have to have any anxiety about what’s inside your dog’s food.

Clear Feeding Instructions

This brand also provides you with clear feeding instructions, based on the size and age of your pup. Whether your furry friend is young, old, or even nursing, Vibrant Life offers you clear instructions in terms of how much to give your dog in order for them to remain healthy.

This is vital information to have, especially for those who are owners of a young dog. As your dog continuously grows over time, so will the amount of food they require.

Having access to this kind of information is ideal if you’re looking to stay updated on what your evergrowing friend will need to stay in great shape.

Cost Effective Option

Vibrant Life offers a very cost effective option for pet owners, making it ideal for pet owners who are looking to steer clear from the overly expensive brands that offer the exact same formulas.

Not only is it cost effective, but it contains quality ingredients as well if you’re looking for something that will keep your furry friend healthy without breaking the bank. Vibrant Life dog food is a great choice for pet owners, and your beloved companion will definitely be grateful for the choice you made.

As a relatively new brand, Vibrant Life has already proved it’s time and time again to be a safe and reliable source that will keep your pet in great shape.

There are lots of pros to investing in Vibrant Life products for the long run, and their dog food being cost effective doesn’t even scratch the surface in terms of what they can do for you and your pet.

Conclusion

Hopefully, now you have a better understanding of what Vibrant Life, as well as what they provide. In this article, we went in depth into the many factors that make up Vibrant Life dog food, and why you should trust them to provide for your pet.

We discussed the ingredients you’ll find within all of their formulas, as well as the harmful add-ins that you won’t find within their products. We also went over all the nutritional value Vibrant Life has, and the positive effects they’ll have on your animal in the long run.

It’s clear to see that Vibrant Life dog food is not only a cost-effective option but one that will keep your pet happy, healthy, and content in the long run. So what are you waiting for? Pick up some Vibrant Life dog food today at Walmart; it’s the smart choice.

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Sources

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