Is Wholesomes a Good Dog Food? What Owners Should Know

If you’re asking “Is Wholesomes a Good Dog Food”, you’re probably trying to balance a tight budget with your dog’s health. It’s a smart question, because the dog food aisle is full of conflicting claims, and making the wrong choice can affect your dog’s energy, coat, and digestion over time.

In our research, we found that Wholesomes meets AAFCO nutrient profiles and costs about $1.10 per pound as of 2026. That puts it in the same price range as many store brands, but with a few important differences that could matter for your dog’s long-term well-being. Let’s walk through what’s actually inside the bag, who made it, and how it compares to other budget-friendly options.

Quick Answer

Wholesomes is a budget-friendly dog food that meets AAFCO standards. It uses named meat meals as primary protein sources. Its grain-inclusive formulas are generally adequate for healthy adult dogs.

However, the brand has a 2021 recall history tied to its former parent company. It also lacks high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and uses moderate amounts of corn and wheat. For most dogs, it’s a passable food if you monitor for any digestive issues and rotate with other proteins.

Who Makes Wholesomes — and Why the Parent Company Matters

The company behind Wholesomes matters more than you might think. It affects ingredient sourcing, quality control, and recall response.

Wholesomes was originally produced by Midwestern Pet Foods, a family-owned manufacturer based in Evansville, Indiana. In 2021, that company was hit with major recalls for aflatoxin and salmonella contamination, we’ll cover those in the next section.

In early 2023, Sunshine Mills acquired the Wholesomes brand and its production facilities. Sunshine Mills is another mid-sized pet food maker, based in Alabama, that also produces brands like Nature’s Menu and Earthborn Holistic.

Since the takeover, Wholesomes manufacturing has reportedly moved to Sunshine Mills’ own facilities. That means the food you buy today is not produced by the same company that had the 2021 recalls. Still, the brand’s reputation was damaged, and some pet owners remain cautious.

Why this matters for your dog: The parent company determines ingredient contracts and quality protocols. Sunshine Mills has its own history of recalls (mostly limited to specific batches), but it does operate FDA-registered plants and follows AAFCO guidelines. If you prefer maximum transparency, you might want to research the companies behind other budget brands using our guide on where different dog foods are made.

The 2021 Recalls: What Happened, What Changed, and What It Means Now

In January 2021, Midwestern Pet Foods recalled several lots of Wholesomes and other brands after testing revealed dangerously high levels of aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is a mold toxin that can cause liver damage and even death in dogs.

Then in March 2021, another recall hit, this time for salmonella contamination in dry kibble. Salmonella can make dogs sick and also pose a risk to humans handling the food.

These were serious events. The FDA stepped in with a warning letter, and multiple pet owners reported illnesses.

What changed: After the sale to Sunshine Mills, production moved to different plants. The brand’s current manufacturing facilities have not had a major recall since the acquisition. Sunshine Mills also claims to have improved testing protocols.

What this means for you today: If you buy a bag of Wholesomes in 2026, it is not from Midwestern’s original plants. However, the brand’s reputation took a hit, and some retailers still carry older stock. Always check the production date on the bag, look for a code that indicates when it was made.

If the bag was produced before early 2023, it may have come from the old facilities.

For peace of mind, you can check the FDA’s current recall list before buying any new food. And if your dog shows signs of liver issues (jaundice, lethargy, vomiting), switch foods and consult your vet immediately.

Ingredient Analysis: What’s Actually Inside the Bag

Let’s look at a typical Wholesomes formula, say, the Grain-Inclusive Chicken & Rice recipe. Here’s the ingredient list in order:

• Chicken meal
• Ground yellow corn
• Rice
• Chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols)
• Beet pulp
• Dried egg product
• Flaxseed
• Fish oil
• Natural flavor
• Salt
• Potassium chloride
• Choline chloride
• Vitamins and minerals

What stands out: The first ingredient is a named meat meal, chicken meal, which is a concentrated protein source. That’s a positive sign. But right behind it is ground yellow corn, a common filler and carbohydrate source.

Corn is not inherently bad, but it’s less digestible than other grains for some dogs.

Beet pulp is a fiber source that can aid digestion, but it’s also a common allergen trigger in some dogs. The inclusion of flaxseed and fish oil provides some omega-3 fatty acids, but levels are low compared to higher-end foods.

What’s missing: There is no fresh meat or organ meat, no probiotics in all formulas, and no chelated minerals. The food relies on synthetic vitamin and mineral premixes to meet AAFCO standards, which is standard for this price point.

Compare this to a food like Nutrish, which uses real chicken as the first ingredient. You can read our breakdown of Nutrish ingredients for a direct comparison to see what you’re paying for.

Nutritional Breakdown: Protein, Fat, Carbs, and Key Nutrients

Let’s get into the numbers. For the Chicken & Rice formula:

What these numbers mean: The protein level is fine for a moderately active dog, but not enough for a working breed or a growing puppy. The fat level is decent for a budget food, your dog gets enough energy without excessive calories.

The fiber content is notable. 4% is on the high end for dry food. It comes from beet pulp and corn, which can be beneficial for dogs with mild constipation but might cause loose stools or gas in sensitive dogs.

Carbohydrate estimate: Since the label doesn’t list carbs, we can estimate by subtraction. With 24% protein, 14% fat, 4% fiber, 10% moisture, and about 8% ash, the remaining carbohydrate content is roughly 40% or more. That’s higher than some premium kibble, which often runs 30-35% carbs.

This high carb load is typical of budget foods that rely on corn and rice as cheap fillers. For a healthy dog without weight issues, it’s not a problem. For an overweight or diabetic dog, it could be.

Omega-3 fatty acids: The food contains fish oil and flaxseed, but the total omega-3 content is not listed. Based on the fat profile, it’s likely low (under 0.5% of the diet). Dogs need omega-3s for skin health, brain function, and inflammation control.

If you feed Wholesomes, consider adding a fish oil supplement or an omega-3 rich topper.

Over the next sections, we’ll cover the pros and cons of feeding Wholesomes, who it’s best for, and how it stacks up against other budget brands like Diamond and American Journey. We’ll also give you clear steps for a safe transition and a final verdict.

The Pros and Cons of Feeding Wholesomes

Every dog food has trade-offs. Wholesomes is no exception. Here is a clear breakdown of what you gain and what you give up.

What works well

The food uses named meat meals as the first ingredient. That means you know exactly which animal the protein comes from. Chicken meal is chicken meal, not ambiguous “meat meal” or “poultry by-product meal.”

The price is genuinely low. At roughly $1.10 per pound, you can feed a 50-pound dog for about $50 to $60 per month. That matters for multi-dog households or anyone on a tight budget.

The grain-inclusive formulas include glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support. That is a nice bonus at this price point, especially for large breed dogs or aging pets.

What falls short

The carbohydrate content is high. Corn and rice are cheap fillers, and they push the carb load above 40 percent. Dogs do not need that many carbohydrates.

Over time, high-carb diets can contribute to weight gain and blood sugar fluctuations.

Omega-3 fatty acids are low. The food contains fish oil and flaxseed, but not enough to provide meaningful skin and coat benefits. Many dogs on Wholesomes will need a supplement.

The fiber content is on the high side. Beet pulp and corn contribute to that 4 percent crude fiber. Some dogs handle it fine.

Others develop loose stools or excessive gas, especially during the transition period.

The recall factor

The 2021 aflatoxin and salmonella recalls are a stain on the brand’s history. Even though production has moved to new facilities, the memory lingers. If you are risk-averse, this alone might be enough to look elsewhere.

Who Should Feed Wholesomes (and Who Should Skip It)

This food is not right for every dog. Let’s be specific about where it fits and where it does not.

Good candidates for Wholesomes

Healthy adult dogs with no known food sensitivities do well on the grain-inclusive formulas. If your dog has a cast-iron stomach and has eaten corn-based foods before without issues, Wholesomes is a reasonable budget option.

Multi-dog households on a strict budget benefit the most. When you are feeding two or three large dogs, the cost difference between Wholesomes and a premium brand adds up fast. At $1.10 per pound versus $2.00 or more, you can save hundreds of dollars per year.

Dogs that need joint support with a limited budget can use the formulas that include glucosamine and chondroitin. It is not a replacement for a veterinary joint supplement, but it is a helpful addition.

Dogs that should skip Wholesomes

Puppies of large and giant breeds need carefully controlled calcium and phosphorus levels. Wholesomes does not publish these numbers on the bag. Without that data, you risk developmental bone issues.

For puppies, we recommend foods that explicitly state their calcium content. Our guide on when to switch to senior dog food also covers life stage nutrition.

Dogs with grain sensitivities or allergies should avoid the grain-inclusive formulas entirely. Corn, wheat, and soy are common allergens. If your dog has itchy skin, ear infections, or chronic digestive upset, try a grain-free or limited ingredient diet instead.

Dogs with diabetes or weight problems need lower carbohydrate levels. The high carb load in Wholesomes makes it a poor choice for these conditions. A weight control formula or a lower carb food would be better.

You can read our review of the best weight control dog food in 2026 for specific recommendations.

Working dogs and highly active breeds need more protein and fat than Wholesomes provides. A 24 percent protein, 14 percent fat formula is maintenance level. It will not support a sled dog, a hunting dog, or a high-energy herding breed.

How Wholesomes Compares to Other Budget-Friendly Brands

Wholesomes sits in a crowded aisle. Here is how it stacks up against three common alternatives.

Diamond Naturals is a step up in protein and fat, with a slightly better ingredient profile. It also includes probiotics and higher omega-3 levels. The price difference is about 25 cents per pound.

For many owners, that small premium is worth it.

Purina Dog Chow is cheaper but lower quality. It uses corn as the first ingredient and has less protein and fat. If you are choosing between Wholesomes and Dog Chow, Wholesomes is the better option.

Victor is a similar price to Diamond Naturals but offers even higher protein and fat. It uses beef meal as the first ingredient and has a strong reputation among working dog owners. The 2023 recall is worth noting, but Victor has since addressed the issue.

If you are considering a different budget brand, check our guide on where to buy Diamond dog food to find retailers near you.

Safe Feeding Practices and Transition Tips

Switching your dog to any new food requires care. Wholesomes has a high fiber content, so a slow transition is especially important.

The 7-day transition schedule

Mix the new food with the old food gradually. Here is a standard schedule:

• Days 1-2: 25 percent Wholesomes, 75 percent old food
• Days 3-4: 50 percent Wholesomes, 50 percent old food
• Days 5-6: 75 percent Wholesomes, 25 percent old food
• Day 7: 100 percent Wholesomes

If your dog develops loose stools, slow down. Stay at the current ratio for an extra two or three days before increasing.

What to watch for during the transition

Monitor your dog’s stool quality, energy level, and coat condition. Loose stools are common in the first few days. If they persist beyond a week, the food may not agree with your dog.

Watch for gas or bloating. The high fiber and corn content can cause digestive upset in sensitive dogs. If your dog seems uncomfortable, consider a different food.

Check the bag before buying

Look at the production date code on the bag. Wholesomes bags from before early 2023 were produced by Midwestern Pet Foods. Bags from after that date come from Sunshine Mills.

If you are concerned about the recall history, buy only from recent production runs.

Store the food properly

Keep the kibble in a sealed container in a cool, dry place. Do not store it in the garage or a hot pantry. Heat and moisture can degrade the nutrients and promote mold growth.

If you are switching from a fresh food diet, the transition may take longer. Our guide on how to transition dog to raw food covers similar principles for any diet change.

The Bottom Line: Is Wholesomes Right for Your Dog?

Wholesomes is a budget dog food that meets AAFCO standards. It uses named meat meals and includes joint support in some formulas. It costs about $1.10 per pound, which makes it one of the cheaper options on the shelf.

But it has real limitations. The carbohydrate content is high. The omega-3 levels are low.

The brand carries a recall history that cannot be ignored, even though production has moved to new facilities.

Our recommendation: If your dog is healthy, has no food sensitivities, and you are on a tight budget, Wholesomes is a passable choice. Feed the grain-inclusive formulas, not the grain-free ones. Monitor your dog’s condition closely during the first month.

Consider adding a fish oil supplement for skin and coat health.

If your dog has grain allergies, diabetes, weight issues, or is a large breed puppy, look elsewhere. The risks outweigh the savings. Brands like Diamond Naturals or Victor offer better nutrition for a small price increase.

Ultimately, the best dog food is the one your dog thrives on. If you try Wholesomes and your dog has good energy, a healthy coat, and firm stools, it is working. If you see problems, switch to something else.

Your dog’s health is worth the extra few dollars per bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wholesomes dog food safe to feed now?

Yes, as of 2026, current production comes from Sunshine Mills facilities. The 2021 recalls were tied to the previous owner, Midwestern Pet Foods. Always check the production date on the bag to confirm it was made after early 2023.

Does Wholesomes contain corn and wheat?

Yes, the grain-inclusive formulas contain ground yellow corn and rice. Some recipes also include wheat. The grain-free formulas use potatoes and peas instead.

Is Wholesomes good for puppies?

Wholesomes offers an All Life Stages formula, but it does not publish calcium and phosphorus levels. For large breed puppies, this is a risk. Small breed puppies may do fine, but a dedicated puppy food is usually a better choice.

How does Wholesomes compare to Diamond Naturals?

Diamond Naturals has slightly higher protein and fat, includes probiotics, and has better omega-3 levels. It costs about 25 cents more per pound. For most dogs, Diamond Naturals is a better value.

Where can I buy Wholesomes dog food?

Wholesomes is sold at Tractor Supply Co., on Chewy, and on Amazon. It is also available at some independent feed stores. It is less common at big box pet stores like Petco or PetSmart.

Can I feed Wholesomes to a senior dog?

Yes, the adult formulas include glucosamine and chondroitin, which support joint health. However, the high fiber content may cause digestive issues in some seniors. If your dog has kidney issues, check the phosphorus level with your vet.

Our guide on what makes senior dog food different explains what to look for in a senior diet.