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With a wide selection of dog food brands to choose from, you may find it challenging to select one. Victor Dog Food, a Mid America Pet Food product, is a premium brand that uses local, natural ingredients to ensure your dogs’ nutrition. I look closer at this brand in my Victor Dog Food Reviews.
Based in the USA, Victor Dog Food prioritizes creating food that enhances a dog’s metabolism, improves their immunity, and keeps their skin and fur healthy. Several formulas come with different protein ingredients and are suitable for dogs of any age, breed, and activity level.
They also make food without excessive grains, wheat, corn, soy, gluten, and artificial colors or flavors. With minimal fillers and additives, their food is one of the most nutritious brands on the market.
| Puppies | Adults | Seniors | Weight Loss | Allergies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |
| Classic Hi-Pro Plus | Purpose Grain-Free Hero Canine | Purpose Senior Healthy Weight | Select Ocean Whitefish | Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Brown Rice |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Brand History
Victor Dog Food is based and made in Mount Pleasant, Texas. Although the Victor brand name has existed since the 1950s, Victor Dog Food started production in 2007.
The company’s founder, Scott Glover, spent two and a half years building its first manufacturing facility from scratch. In 2014, the company was acquired by Trinity Hunt Partners, a private equity firm based in Dallas, to expand its marketing growth.
Recall History
In October of 2023, in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Mid America Pet Food, the parent company of Victor Dog Food, issued a voluntary recall of several brands due to potential Salmonella contamination.
Salmonella can infect pets when they eat it, and can affect humans when they come into contact with it and do not wash their hands. Salmonella can also spread to surfaces and other people. There were 7 cases of Salmonella infection in people in connection with this recall.
According to the FDA’s report, “a retail sample of Victor brand Hi-Pro Plus dry dog food collected by the South Carolina State Department of Agriculture and analyzed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control matches the strain of Salmonella found in the seven ill people.”
This recall affected 20 of Victor’s dog food products. The products affected all have a Best By date before 10/31/2024. For a complete list of affected products, see the FDA’s recall notice.
This recall was issued on October 30, 2023, and updated on November 9, 2023, to include more products. If owners have any of these products, they should dispose of them immediately in a secure container. Do not feed it to any animals, and do not donate it. Clean and disinfect any area in your home and all dishes and utensils you may have used with the food. If possible, wear gloves to clean up and wash your hands immediately after handling and cleaning.
Contact your veterinarian if your pup ate the food and shows signs of Salmonella infection. Symptoms include diarrhea (with or without blood), vomiting, loss of appetite, low energy, and fever. Dogs do not always show symptoms. They shed Salmonella in their feces, so be very careful when cleaning up after them.
Current Standing With The FDA
On November 22, 2024, the FDA issued a warning letter to Mid America Pet Food for violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and FDA regulations noted during inspections of the firm’s manufacturing facility in 2023 and early 2024. The letter states that Mid America Pet Food has not adequately addressed some of the violations related to food safety.
Ingredients
Victor Dog Food offers many different flavors for its kibble formulas. Their recipes don’t include gluten, wheat, soy, or corn, which may induce allergies. While these are common allergens, others include specific grains or vegetable-based ingredients. If your dog is allergic to particular animal proteins in their food, read the label carefully to find an alternative option.
They use every ingredient locally sourced and cultivated in Texas, several miles away from their primary production facilities. Victor tests their pet food internally and externally to ensure quality and tests finished products to ensure pets’ safety when eating the food.
Proteins And Grains
Most ingredients found in Victor Dog Food formulas include beef meal, chicken meal, lamb meal, pork meal, menhaden fish meal, chicken fat, blood meal, and other poultry as primary protein sources. Quality pet food brands often use meat meals in their recipes, which can be a very healthy source of protein for your pup (as long as the “meat” is named, e.g., chicken meal, lamb meal, etc.). A meal can be made from the meat, tissue, organ meat, bone, stomach, and intestines of the named animal. But meat meal doesn’t include by-products like hair, feathers, beaks, heads, blood, hooves, hide trimmings, etc.
Victor Dog Food also incorporates brown rice, grain sorghum, whole grain millet, and other grains into many formulas. It also contains several vegetable properties, enzymes, and vitamins.
Typically, the first ingredient listed in each formula indicates the most significant ingredient in the food by weight. If you buy kibble with beef meal listed first on the food label, that makes up most of it.
If your dog is allergic or sensitive to grains, you should discuss your dog’s diet before switching to grain-free dog food, as this may be a concern for heart health.
VPRO Blend
Since enhancing your dog’s health is a priority that you should focus on, all of Victor’s kibble formulas contain a VPRO blend of beneficial vitamins, minerals, and supplements to keep your dog healthy with the proper nutritional value.
Selenium Yeast
This supplement assists in boosting a dog’s metabolism, cellular regeneration, and immune responses. It is a primary source of selenium in every Victor formula. Its absorption properties make it easy to process throughout the body.
Mineral Complexes
Like many dog food brands, Victor Dog Food contains several minerals to support your dog’s body. The essential mineral complexes, zinc, manganese, and iron, promote balanced metabolism, healthy paw pad integrity, immune system, and healthy coat and skin.
These minerals also help with cell division, wound healing, and synthesis functions necessary for supporting a dog’s skeletal system, reproductive system, and joint health.
Prebiotics
This VPRO Blend component promotes healthy digestion and immune responses to support a dog’s health, growth, and activity levels. If you come across a formula containing yeast culture, it has prebiotics.
Probiotics
They aid in supporting a dog’s digestion and immune system to benefit their health and lifespan. If you want to keep your dog in top condition, it is best to find formulas with probiotics to support their health.
Omega Fatty Acids
Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids are healthy polyunsaturated fats that enhance dog food. They have many benefits, including brain, heart, eye, joint, and immune system health. Omegas also promote skin and coat health and are often recommended for pups who have sensitivities or allergies.
Victor Dog Food Formulas
Victor Dog Food has over 20 formulas. They’re divided into five categories based on their primary protein, life stage (puppy, adult, senior), and performance and weight management specifications. They also have canned food and treats with similar nutritional properties.
Classic
The Victor Classic line uses multiple proteins and gluten-free grain sources suitable for sporting breeds or high-energy dogs. Beef meal is the most prominent protein in this formula. This blend promotes your dog’s healthy immune system and digestion and requires less intake due to its nutritional density. It also enhances the energy in active dogs and puppies to promote healthier, more active lifestyles.
Select
The Select line is suitable for dogs of any size and life stage. If your dog has allergies to specific animal proteins, this is an ideal line to pick from due to its wide variety of flavors. If you prefer adding flavor variety to your dog’s diet, you’re encouraged to interchange them whenever possible. They are also available in grain-free formulas. Victor Dog Food has formulated these products to maintain your dog’s ideal weight and energy levels and encourage a healthier lifestyle.
Purpose
The Purpose line is most suited for dogs who require special dietary needs, such as weight management, joint health, or a low-carb diet. These formulas have high protein levels from multiple meat sources to complement dogs’ growth and daily activity. If your dog has any of these particular needs, this might be the ideal choice for you.
Realtree
This line is most suited for active adult dogs, especially working and hunting breeds, and contains nutrients essential for boosting or maintaining dogs’ energy and stamina. It has plentiful amounts of protein from multiple types of meat. It’s also formulated with additional glucosamine and chondroitin to support dogs’ joint health.
Sensitive Skin & Stomach
This is Victor’s newest line, best suited for adults and puppies with sensitivities, allergies, and/or digestive problems. These formulas are free of some of the most common allergens and include ingredients to nourish dogs’ skin and coat health.
Victor Dog Food Reviews
There are several formulas to choose from, making it easy to find one that would best benefit your dog’s needs. I’ve provided recommendations based on your dog’s age to simplify your decision process. Many of these categories intertwine with each other and are compatible with many breed sizes and activity levels, so I’ll use examples that benefit each demographic best.
Each formula also contains VPRO ingredients to help your dog’s digestion, immunity, and coat quality. If you’re interested in dog food that’s nutritious and healthy for your dog, it would be best to consider several of these options.
Best For Puppies
Although Victor doesn’t have lines of dog food specifically made for puppies, there are several lines and formulas for adults that puppies can eat. Puppies need ideal nutrition to grow into healthy adults. Each of these selections contains a tremendous amount of protein from different kinds of meat.
Since they’re all combined into one formula, some of these choices might not be ideal for picky eaters or pups with specific allergies. Depending on your puppy’s age and size, the amount you feed them and the number of calories or kilocalories they need to consume may differ.
Classic Hi-Pro Plus Review
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If you’re seeking an ideal source of protein and grains, this pick from Victor’s Classic line might be suitable for you and your dogs. This grain-inclusive kibble is protein-packed (88% meat protein), using beef meal, chicken fat, pork meal, and menhaden fish meal as its meat sources.
One cup of Classic Hi-Pro Plus has 406 kcal/cup, 30% protein, 20% fat, and 3.8% fiber. Its protein and fat content is ideal for growing puppies who get frequent exercise. Its vitamins and enzymes also assist with puppy digestion and immunity. This formula provides enough energy and nutrients for your puppy to experience stable growth.
Price
- Starts at $17.01 ($3.40 / lb) (5-lb bag)
Purpose Grain-Free Active Dog & Puppy Review
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If you’re looking for a grain-free option for puppies with dietary needs, including allergies or grain sensitivity, this formula might be ideal for you. They’ve specifically designed this formula to provide nutrients to puppies who can’t eat specific proteins or grains. This formula contains 77% meat protein from beef meal, chicken fat, and fish meal.
It’s higher in protein and a bit lower in calories and fat than the Classic High-Pro Plus formula, with 384 kcal/cup, 33% protein, 16% fat, and 3.8% fiber. This is an ideal choice for dogs that require high physical demands of any size or age.
Price
- Starts at $18.49 ($3.70 / lb) (5-lb bag)
Purpose Nutra Pro Dry Review
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If you’re looking for a Victor Dog Food formula that you can give to a puppy, consider getting Nutra Pro. This one contains the highest amount of protein and the lowest carbs from the Purpose line and Victor Dog Food as a whole. It should provide your puppy with enough energy to help them grow and burn off excess calories.
Its primary protein sources come from chicken meal, beef meal, and fish meal. Unlike other formulas in this line, the most prominent ingredient is chicken instead of beef or grain. Additionally, 92% of its total protein comes from meat, 7% from whole grains, and 1% from plants and vegetables. One cup of Nutra Pro contains 401 kcal/cup, 38% protein, 18% fat, and 3.5% fiber.
Price
- Starts at $16.94 ($3.39 / lb) (5-lb bag)
Best Adult Formulas
Victor Dog Food offers a wide variety of adult formulas from each line. Each performs specific tasks to maintain your dog’s health and keep their nutrition balanced. Some of them are more suited for dogs who require high-maintenance physical activity, while others may be better for dogs who don’t get a lot of exercise and need to improve their health.
Several of these formulas come in different flavors, which is essential for owners with dogs who are picky eaters or have specific allergies to some ingredients. Many of these formulas have nutritional properties to keep an adult dog’s health balanced throughout most of their lives. Many of them vary in flavor and are typically suited for active dogs.
Purpose Grain-Free Hero Canine Review
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One of our ideal picks for an adult formula is Purpose Grain-Free Hero Canine. We endorse this formula since they’ve created it to keep your dog’s joints sturdy and healthy. This formula is enhanced with glucosamine and chondroitin, which promote joint health.
This grain-free formula is also ideal for active dogs with long coats because of its VPRO blend and omega fatty acids, enhancing the quality and sheen of your dog’s fur and skin. If you want your dog to look as healthy as they are, this might be an ideal choice for you. Hero Canine doesn’t contain protein from any grain sources, and it gets 79% of its protein from meat meals (beef, pork, and fish) and the other 21% from plants and veggies. It contains 384 kcal/cup, 33% protein, 16% fat, and 3.8% fiber.
Price
- Starts at $18.10 ($3.62 / lb) (5-lb bag)
Realtree EDGE ENERGY Review
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Another excellent selection for maintaining your adult dog’s health includes Realtree EDGE ENERGY. This grain-inclusive formula contains protein from beef, fish, and duck to enhance your dog’s endurance and energy throughout the day. It includes 415 kcal/cup, 28% protein, 22% fat, and 4% fiber.
The formula also has salmon oil and chia seeds added as fantastic sources of omega fatty acids, keeping your dog’s skin and coat healthy and shiny. If you prioritize maintaining your dog’s health for years to come, this might be a valuable option for you. It also contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy cartilage and reduce inflammation of your dog’s joints and hips.
Price
- Starts at $17.16 ($3.43 / Pound) (5-lb bag)
Select Grain-Free Yukon River Canine Review
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If you have a moderately active dog, this Grain-Free Yukon River Canine formula could be a good choice. This formula has menhaden fish as a primary protein source and also includes dehydrated salmon, making it a must-have for owners with dogs with allergies to other meat proteins. This formula is an ideal choice for dogs with normal activity levels, dogs of any breed size, and all life stages. It contains 390 kcal/cup, 33% protein, 16% fat, and 3.8% fiber.
Price
- Starts at $19.64 ($3.93 / lb) (5-lb bag)
Best Senior Formulas
Victor Dog Food offers several formulas for senior dogs, as well. Many of their recipes are beneficial for all life stages, but some might be more suitable for an aging dog. Ideally, you’ll want to feed your senior dog at least 20% fewer calories in their diet to maintain their weight. One way is to use lower-fat and calorie formulas.
Many owners look for formulas containing reasonable amounts of fiber to help their senior dogs’ digestion, muscle maintenance, and energy levels. They may also need to find recipes compatible with their dogs if they’re allergic to specific ingredients or prefer some flavors over others.
It would be best for you to consider your dog’s breed size and nutritional needs before picking the right formula for them. If your dog has health issues common to their breed, you should look at several of Victor’s formula lines to determine which one would be the right fit for maintaining their health.
Purpose Senior Healthy Weight Review
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If you’re looking for a formula ideal for your senior dog who doesn’t exert as much energy as they used to, consider getting Purpose Senior Healthy Weight to balance their health when their activity decreases. This formula contains 360 kcal and 11.5% fat per cup and is an excellent choice for maintaining a senior dog’s weight. It’s also made with gluten-free grains to give your dog ideal nutrition.
While many people use this formula to keep their senior dogs healthy, it’s ideal for adult dogs who need to lose weight. It’s high in fiber to aid your aging dog’s digestion and nutrient absorption. The L-carnitine converts fat into energy to create lean muscle, even if your senior dog’s not active.
Price
- $70.49 ($1.76 / lb) (40-lb bag)
Classic Professional Review
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This formula from Victor’s Classic line is suitable for all life stages, so it’s a perfect pick for your senior dog’s diet. Although this formula is best suited for active or high-energy dogs, you can still feed it to dogs of any age. This formula has enough nutritional value to keep your dog’s diet balanced later in life. One cup contains 400 kilocalories, 26% protein, 18% fat, and 3.8% fiber. More active seniors may benefit from this formula’s energy-enhancing properties. Additionally, it boosts their immune system, fur, and skin.
Price
- Starts at $15.06 ($3.01 / lb) (5-lb bag)
Purpose Performance Review
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If you want a dog food formula that’s useful for a senior dog’s digestion, Purpose Performance may have what you need. It’s ideal for building your dog’s endurance if you have a high-maintenance breed. Its primary protein sources are beef, chicken, and pork. If your dog isn’t sensitive to these animal proteins, this might be an ideal option for them to use.
This formula is excellent for senior dogs prone to joint problems because it contains 800 mg/kg glucosamine and 250mg/kg chondroitin to maintain healthy joints. It contains 399 kcal/cup, 26% protein, 18% fat, and 3.8% fiber.
Price
- $65.29 ($1.63 / lb) (40-lb bag)
Best Weight Loss Formulas
If you have a portly dog, you may find it more convenient to find formulas that help them maintain or lose excess weight. Several of Victor’s recipes have reduced calories or fat to aid weight loss. One of your best options is the Purpose Senior Healthy Weight formula, which I reviewed above. Although it’s labeled for seniors, it’s also suitable for adult dogs for weight maintenance or loss.
Select Ocean Fish Formula Review
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One of Victor’s lower-fat and calorie formulas is this grain-inclusive Select Ocean Fish recipe. It uses menhaden fish meal as its primary protein source, so it’s an ideal choice for pet owners who have dogs with allergies to beef or chicken. If your dog doesn’t have protein allergies, it’s still an excellent alternative if you want to add variety with other Select formulas. One cup contains 370 kilocalories, 24% protein, 12% fat, and 3.8% fiber. We consider this option suitable for weight loss due to its low fat per serving. It also includes L-carnitine, which helps the body’s metabolism function better.
Price
- Starts at $17.60 ($3.52 / lb) (5-lb bag)
Best For Sensitive Skin & Stomachs
In March 2025, Victor released its newest line of premium dog food formulas. These recipes are formulated for pups who suffer from allergies or sensitive stomachs. They offer grain-inclusive beef and salmon and grain-free lamb formulas without common allergens like gluten, chicken, corn, or soy.
Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Brown Rice Review
High-quality salmon meal is the first ingredient in this nutrient-dense recipe that contains 26% protein, 14% fat, and 4% fiber. It also features easy-to-digest grains, such as brown rice, grain sorghum, and whole-grain millet. Fortified with plenty of omega fatty acids, vitamin E, and probiotics, this formula promotes healthy digestion, coat, and skin. Taurine is also included for heart health. It meets the nutritional levels for all life stages, including the growth of large-size dogs (70 lb. or more as an adult).
Price
- Starts at $18.99 ($3.80 / lb) (5-lb bag)
If your pup suffers from allergies, you may want to consider adding a supplement to their daily diet. See my reviews of the best allergy supplements for dogs for some effective solutions to ease symptoms. Be sure to get your vet’s green light before giving your furry friend any supplement.
Best Canned Foods
Victor Dog Food also has several options for wet canned foods that you can also add to your dog’s diet. While some dogs may prefer one type of food over another, it’s still ideal if you give your dog both kibble and canned food to give them a balanced diet.
They’re also ideal alternatives for dogs with dental problems or digestive issues since canned food doesn’t require much chewing. Canned foods also add moisture to your pet’s diet and are rich in several vitamins and minerals. However, Victor’s canned foods don’t include prebiotics or probiotics.
Grain-Free Formula Turkey and Sweet Potato Cuts in Gravy Review
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This formula comes in a stew style with no artificial flavors, coloring, or preservatives. If your dog is sensitive to grains, this grain-free formula is the ideal solution for their diet. Turkey is the primary protein in this formula, and it also includes flavorful turkey broth, chicken liver, dried egg whites, sweet potatoes, peas, and flaxseed for omega fatty acids. This highly palatable formula is great for picky eaters and is also ideal for maintaining your active dog’s diet. It contains 331 kcal/can, 8% protein, 5% fat, and 1.5% fiber (wet food basis).
Price
- $30.31 ($36.74 / lb) (12 x 13.2-oz cans)
Lamb and Rice Formula Pâté Review
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Another canned formula that we recommend is Victor’s Lamb and Rice Pâté. This formula is best suited for growing puppies and dogs with average or high activity levels. It’s also suitable for small and large dog breeds. This formula uses natural ingredients with no artificial preservatives. Lamb and rice are the most prominent ingredients in this formula. It’s rich in several minerals that benefit your dog’s health, including zinc and iron. It contains 529 kcal/can, 9% protein, 8% fat, and 1% fiber (wet food basis), so it’s high in calories and fat and not ideal for dogs with weight problems.
Price
- $38.99 ($47.26 / lb) (12 x 13.2-oz cans)
Frequently Asked Questions
With so many options, owners may still have questions about Victor Dog Food and whether it is suitable for their pup. Below, I answer some of the most commonly asked questions about this brand. If you don’t see yours here, please hit me up in our comments.
What are the most prominent proteins found in Victor Dog Food?
Several of Victor’s formulas contain beef, chicken, pork, and menhaden fish meal. Some recipes have lamb, duck, and turkey as primary protein sources.
Which Victor Dog Food lines are suitable for all life stages?
The canned food and several formulas from their Classic, Select, and Purposes lines are suitable for puppies, adults, and seniors.
How much Victor Dog Food should I feed my dog?
Portions are typically based on your dog’s size and weight. For example, if a small dog weighs about 10 pounds, it would be best to feed them one cup per day and split it by how many meals you provide each day.
How do I transition my puppy to Victor formulas?
Mix Victor formulas with the current food you feed your puppy and gradually increase the percentage of Victor over your previous dog food. Within seven to ten days, your puppy should complete this transition smoothly.
What purpose do glucosamine and chondroitin serve?
Victor Dog Food adds glucosamine and chondroitin compounds into their formulas to help dogs combat joint pain and osteoarthritis. If your dog is prone to joint problems, finding recipes containing these compounds is ideal.
What’s the difference between canned stew and pâté?
Canned stew tends to have small meat and vegetable ingredient chunks visible in its broth or gravy. Canned pâté has a solid loaf-like shape that resembles its can, varies in texture, and tends to be higher in calories.
What’s the difference between gluten-free and grain-free formulas?
Grain-free recipes don’t have corn, wheat, soy, rice, or other grains. Gluten-free formulas use grains that don’t have gluten, such as oats or brown rice. Grain-free formulas may be more reliable if you have a dog with grain allergies.
Which Victor formula is best for maintaining my dog’s weight?
Purpose Grain-Free Ultra Pro and Purpose Senior Healthy Weight are excellent weight loss and management formulas if they’re in the correct age range.
Looking For More Healthy Dog Food Options?
Victor Dog Food has an array of formulas to balance your dog’s nutritional needs. They prioritize using quality ingredients for each kibble recipe. Whether you’re interested in dry or wet food, Victor has many choices to find which suits your pup best. However, this brand may not be suitable for all dogs. Fortunately, there are many other top-quality dog food brands to choose from.
Fresh dog food, often made from human-grade ingredients, is becoming a favorite of many owners. Many are available through delivery, saving owners the trouble of going to the store. Freeze-dried dog foods and treats offer a real meaty taste in a longer-lasting form than fresh or raw food. Alternatively, some dogs prefer vegan food, a growing niche. Always be sure to pick food suited to your dog’s specific breed, size, and life stage: puppy, adult, or senior.
Methodology
We analyze hundreds of dog food brands and individual formulas to provide our recommendations for the best nutrition. Each of the following elements helps us determine the best dog food for any dietary need. Our in-depth research includes:
- Scrutinizing all ingredients included in every formula
- Having firsthand experience with our dogs for many of the foods we recommend
- Assessing the guaranteed analysis for every formula, including protein, fat, fiber, and caloric content
- Investigating the latest scientific studies on dogs’ nutritional needs and benefits of ingredients
- Researching the specific dietary needs for breed sizes and health conditions
- Reading hundreds of customer reviews
- Staying informed on every dog food recall
- Diving into every pet food brand’s history and reputation
- Keeping on top of pet food trends
Unlike many other review sites, we give unbiased reviews based on countless hours of research. Our goal is to provide our readers with the healthiest options for their pups.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Sally has researched and reviewed hundreds of different dog food brands and specific formulas. She’s an expert at analyzing dog food ingredients based on current nutritional guidelines and scientific studies for the healthiest food for our pups. She’s part of a team of dog specialists at Canine Journal who have over a decade of experience in researching, testing, and writing about everything you need to know to keep your pup healthy and happy.
