Discover the Benefits of This Popular Recipe

As a dog owner, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality dog foods that will keep my furry friend happy and healthy. Recently, I’ve heard great things about Wholehearted’s chicken and brown rice recipe. If you’re considering this food for your pup, here’s everything you need to know in my complete buying guide.

An Overview of Wholehearted Dog Food

Wholehearted is a pet food brand owned by Smucker’s, a trusted name in food products. Their recipes are crafted with thoughtfully selected, natural ingredients with no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.

Wholehearted’s chicken and brown rice recipe contains one single animal protein source and one wholesome grain, making it a good option for pups with sensitive stomachs. It’s an all life stages formula suitable for puppies to seniors.

This recipe features real, deboned chicken as the first ingredient and main protein source. Chicken provides lean, easy-to-digest protein to support your dog’s muscle maintenance and growth.

Brown rice is the grain component. Brown rice is a natural whole grain that offers carbohydrates for energy, fiber for digestion, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Key Benefits of Wholehearted Chicken and Brown Rice

So why should you consider feeding your dog Wholehearted’s chicken and brown rice recipe? Here are some of the key benefits this food provides:

• Single animal protein, limited ingredients: With chicken as the sole protein source, this food simplifies the ingredient list to reduce the risk of triggering food sensitivities and allergies in dogs. It’s a good option for pups with sensitive stomachs.
• Grain-inclusive: The addition of digestible brown rice makes this a high-quality grain-inclusive recipe. Whole grains provide important nutrients for dogs.
• Natural ingredients: Contains no artificial preservatives, colors or flavors – just natural, recognizable ingredients you can feel good about feeding your dog.
• Provides complete and balanced nutrition: Formulated to meet all nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages, so you can feed this to puppies, adults and senior dogs.
• Made in the USA: Manufactured in Wholehearted’s own facilities in the USA under strict quality standards for safety and consistency. You can trust what’s in the bag.
• Affordable price point: Provides quality nutrition at a mid-range price point that’s budget-friendly.
• Easy to digest: The simple chicken and rice recipe is gentle on digestion, making it a good choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

How Does Chicken and Brown Rice Compare to Other Wholehearted Recipes?

Wholehearted offers a variety of grain-free and grain-inclusive recipes across their dry dog food line. Here’s how the chicken and brown rice recipe compares:

• It contains grain, while Wholehearted’s grain-free line does not contain grain.
• It has a single animal protein source, while other recipes may have multiple protein sources like chicken, lamb and salmon.
• It is one of Wholehearted’s more affordable recipes, while grain-free lines come at a higher price point.
• Chicken and rice is typically tolerated well by dogs, while other proteins like fish or novel meats may be less familiar.
• It’s a good option for general nutrition, while some recipes cater to special needs like weight management or digestive care.

So in summary, the chicken and brown rice formula provides a single animal protein and grain option at a friendly price point that works for most healthy dogs without specialized dietary needs.

Is Wholehearted Chicken and Brown Rice Suitable for Puppies?

Wholehearted states that their chicken and brown rice recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages. This means it is suitable for growing puppies as well as adult and senior dogs.

Here are some of the reasons why this recipe can be a great choice for puppies:

• Single protein source: The single protein is easy for puppies to digest and less likely to cause tummy troubles.
• Calorie-dense: At 429 kcal per cup, the recipe is higher in calories to meet the needs of rapidly growing puppies who need additional energy.
• Supports growth: Formulated with optimal levels of protein, fat, vitamins and minerals to fuel healthy muscle and bone development in puppies.
• Brown rice: The healthy grains provide carbohydrates for energy and fiber for digestion. The recipe is free from fillers.
• Complete nutrition: Meets all puppy nutrient requirements when fed according to feeding guidelines on the bag.
• No artificial ingredients: Wholesome natural ingredients are gentle for developing digestive and immune systems.

For Large Breed Puppies at risk of developmental issues, choose a recipe specifically formulated to control rapid growth. But for most puppies, Wholehearted Chicken and Rice can be a great nutritious and digestible choice!

Where to Buy Wholehearted Chicken and Brown Rice

Wholehearted dog food is sold online and in select brick-and-mortar retailers. Here are some of the best places to buy Wholehearted Chicken and Brown Rice:

• Amazon: Offers the largest selection including different bag sizes, subscribe and save discounts, and free shipping on eligible orders.
• Chewy: Frequently runs sales and autoship discounts on Wholehearted formulas.
• PetSmart: Carries a variety of Wholehearted recipes both in-store and online.
• Pet Supplies Plus: Offers competitive pricing both in retail locations and online.
• Tractor Supply: Sells Wholehearted at their stores across the USA.
• Petco: Carries select Wholehearted recipes in-store and online at Petco.com.
• Smucker’s Website: The manufacturer offers an online store locator to find retail locations, or you can purchase directly from their site.

Be sure to compare prices between retailers and take advantage of sales, coupons and loyalty programs to get the best deal on this quality dog food.

Key Ingredients in Wholehearted Chicken and Brown Rice

When choosing a dog food, evaluating the ingredients is an important step. Here are the main ingredients in Wholehearted’s chicken and brown rice recipe:

• Chicken: Real deboned chicken is the first ingredient and sole animal protein source. Chicken provides highly digestible protein.
• Brown Rice: Brown rice is the whole grain component, supplying complex carbohydrates, B-vitamins, magnesium and fiber.
• Chicken Meal: Chicken meal is simply chicken that has been cooked to remove moisture, concentrating its protein levels. It enhances the recipe’s meat protein content.
• Barley: Barley is a nutritious gluten-free whole grain that supplies additional carbohydrates, manganese and dietary fiber.
• Chicken Fat: This is an excellent concentrated source of essential fatty acids for skin, coat and overall health. It adds palatability and energy density.

This simple yet complete ingredients list supplies balanced nutrition in an easy-to-digest form dogs love. There are no corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.

Feeding Guidelines for Wholehearted Chicken and Brown Rice

Since every dog has unique nutritional needs based on their age, size and activity level, following the manufacturer’s feeding guidelines is important.

Wholehearted provides this feeding chart on their chicken and brown rice recipe:

Dog Weight -> Cups per day

• 5-10 lbs -> 3/4 to 1 1/4
• 10-20 lbs -> 1 1/4 to 2
• 20-30 lbs -> 2 to 2 2/3
• 30-40 lbs -> 2 2/3 to 3 1/2
• 40-60 lbs -> 3 1/2 to 4 1/4
• 60-80 lbs -> 4 1/4 to 5 1/4
• 80-100 lbs -> 5 1/4 to 6

Puppies may require 2-3 times more than adults. Adjust amounts as needed to maintain optimal body condition. Feed twice daily by volume, not time. Provide fresh water at all times.

This handy chart makes it easy to determine the ideal feeding amount based on your dog’s weight and life stage. Stick within the recommended ranges for best results.

Is Wholehearted Chicken and Brown Rice Grain-Free?

No, Wholehearted’s chicken and rice recipe is not grain-free. It contains brown rice as the main grain component.

Some key things to note:

• Brown rice is a wholesome, natural whole grain that provides important fiber and nutrients.
• While some dogs do require grain-free diets, grains are fine for most healthy dogs and are an important source of carbohydrates.
• This formula uses digestible grains to make it more affordable than grain-free recipes.
• It’s still a good option for dogs with food sensitivities since it contains only one animal protein source.

So while Wholehearted does offer grain-free recipes, their chicken and brown rice formula intentionally includes grains, making it a quality but budget-friendly recipe suitable for most dogs.

Transitioning Your Dog to Wholehearted Chicken and Brown Rice

When switching your dog to any new food, it’s important to transition slowly over 5-7 days. Here are some tips for moving your dog to Wholehearted Chicken and Brown Rice:

• Find the nearest current feeding amount to your dog’s current daily portion. Transition in increments between the foods.
• On days 1 and 2, do 75% previous food, 25% new food. On days 3 and 4, do 50% previous, 50% new. On days 5, 6 and 7, do 25% previous, 75% new.
• Mix the foods thoroughly and divide the total into their usual number of meals. Keep portions consistent at each feeding.
• During transition, watch for any gastrointestinal upset. Slow the transition if needed.
• Once on 100% Wholehearted Chicken and Rice, monitor your dog’s body condition and energy levels for two weeks. Adjust portions if needed.
• Puppies under 12 weeks can transition more rapidly over 3-4 days since their digestion adapts more quickly.

Follow this gradual switch and soon your dog will be enjoying their new Wholehearted diet!

Checking for Recalls on Wholehearted Chicken and Brown Rice

When choosing pet food, it’s understandable to be concerned about potential recalls. Here’s some information on Wholehearted Chicken and Brown Rice:

• Wholehearted is owned by Big Heart Pet Brands. Other brands they produce include Meow Mix, Milkbone, 9Lives, Natural Balance, and Rachel Ray Nutrish.
• There are no recalls specifically for Wholehearted’s Chicken and Brown Rice recipe as of the time this was written.
• However, Natural Balance, a related brand, did have some recalls in 2007, 2010, and 2011. But most of their recalls were for canned foods or treats, not kibble recipes.
• No recent recalls have affected Wholehearted or Natural Balance dry dog foods.

To check for updates, you can look at:

• The FDA pet food recall site
• The brand websites’ recall pages
• The Dog Food Advisor’s archive of recalls

Staying informed is smart. But Wholehearted’s Chicken and Rice recipe appears to have a good recall history.

What Do Customer Reviews Say About Wholehearted Chicken and Rice?

Checking out customer reviews can provide helpful insight into a pet food. Here’s what buyers say about Wholehearted Chicken and Brown Rice:

• Most dogs seem to find it very palatable and devour this food. Owners say even picky dogs love the taste.
• Many report their dogs have better digestion, less gas and healthier stools after switching to this formula. The simple ingredients are easy on stomachs.
• Several owners mention this formula being great for dogs with allergies to other proteins. The single protein source works well.
• Some do wish the kibble size was a bit smaller for tiny or senior dogs. They appreciate that it can be soaked to soften.
• A few reviews mention frustration with bag changes, but say the recipe itself is great.

Overall, most dog owners seem very pleased with the quality of ingredients, digestibility, and affordability of Wholehearted’s Chicken and Brown Rice recipe. They note improvements in coat, energy levels, and digestion after transitioning to this formula.

How Wholehearted Chicken and Rice Supports Dog Health

Wholehearted Chicken and Brown Rice provides complete and balanced nutrition for dogs thanks to its quality ingredients and formulation. Here’s how this recipe helps support canine health:

• Protein-rich chicken supports healthy muscle maintenance and repair. Chicken is a lean and digestible protein source.
• Brown rice supplies steady energy from complex carbohydrates. Its fiber benefits digestion and nutrient absorption.
• Essential fatty acids from chicken fat contribute to skin and coat health and reduce inflammation.
• Natural antioxidants from ingredients like spinach and blueberries help neutralize free radicals.
• Prebiotic fiber feeds the healthy gut microbiome to support digestive and immune function.
• Vitamins and chelated minerals provide complete, bioavailable micronutrition.

Feeding a nutritionally balanced and complete diet is the foundation of keeping dogs healthy and happy!

What’s the Price Range of Wholehearted Chicken and Rice?

Wholehearted Chicken and Brown Rice provides quality nutrition at a mid-range price point. Here’s what to expect:

• On Chewy, a 28 lb bag ranges from $52-63. The larger 40 lb bag is $72-85.
• On Amazon, prices range from $1.60 – $2.00 per pound, with subscribe and save discounts bringing it as low as $1.50 per pound.
• At PetSmart and other retailers, expect to pay $45-65 for a 28 lb bag. Larger sizes offer a lower per pound cost.

Compared to premium brands, Wholehearted offers similar ingredients and nutrition at a more budget-friendly price point. The price varies between online and in-store retailers, so shop around for the best deal!

Is Wholehearted Chicken and Rice Good for Dogs with Allergies?

While no dog food can guarantee to resolve allergies, Wholehearted’s Chicken and Brown Rice recipe has some benefits:

• Single animal protein source: Having only one protein can help identify food intolerances. Chicken is a common hypoallergenic protein.
• Limited ingredients: The short, high-quality ingredient list avoids extras that could trigger allergies. There are no artificial additives.
• Whole grains: The brown rice provides easily digestible carbohydrates. The absence of corn, wheat and soy removes common grain allergens.
• Natural antioxidants: Ingredients like blueberries and spinach supply phytonutrients that reduce inflammation.

Of course, some dogs are still allergic to chicken. An elimination diet and consultation with a vet is the only way to diagnose true food allergies. But this formula has many attributes to potentially help reduce allergy symptoms.

How Wholehearted Packages Their Chicken and Rice Formula

Wholehearted Chicken and Brown Rice is available in a few different package sizes:

• 6 lb bags: For small dogs or trial sizes
• 15 lb bags: A good standard size for one small dog
• 28 lb bags: The most popular size, suitable for multi-dog households
• 40 lb bags: For owners with large or multiple dogs to save money

The food is packaged in a thick plastic bag with a zip seal top. The bag features information on ingredients, guaranteed analysis, feeding guidelines and nutritional adequacy statement.

Wholehearted recommends storing bags in a cool, dry place after opening. The zip top helps keep the food fresh but some owners prefer to transfer to an airtight container.

I appreciate that Wholehearted offers their classic chicken and rice formula in several bag sizes at reasonable prices to suit every dog owner’s needs.

Protein Content of Wholehearted Chicken and Rice

When evaluating a dog food, protein levels are an important consideration. Here’s an overview of the protein content in Wholehearted Chicken and Brown Rice:

• Minimum crude protein is 24.0% dry matter according to the guaranteed analysis. This meets recommendations for adult maintenance.
• The total protein when moisture is added is approximately 21% on an as-fed basis, typical for commercial kibbles.
• Chicken is the first ingredient and key protein source. Chicken meal enhances the meat protein content.
• There are no plant-based protein isolates used simply to boost protein percentages artificially.
• The protein level is appropriate for the life stages this formula is designed to meet according to AAFCO nutritional standards. Excess protein can put unnecessary strain on some dogs’ kidneys.

When you see “minimum” on a label, the actual amount is often higher. So while not extremely high in protein, this formula provides ample protein from natural sources ideal for most dogs.

Calorie Content of Wholehearted Chicken and Brown Rice

To maintain your dog at a healthy weight, knowing the calorie content is helpful. Here are the calories in Wholehearted Chicken and Brown Rice:

• The food contains 429 kcal/cup on an as-fed basis. This is fairly typical for kibble recipes marketed for “all life stages” from puppy to adult.
• The calorie content comes from 34% of calories from protein, 14% from fat, and 52% from carbohydrates.
• The caloric density suits most moderately active adult dogs requiring a maintenance diet. Less active or senior dogs may require a lower calorie food.
• Growing puppies and active/working dogs have higher calorie needs. Feed more per day to meet those requirements and fuel growth and activity.

As always, monitor your individual dog’s body condition score and adjust feeding amounts accordingly. Wholehearted Chicken and Brown Rice provides a hearty yet balanced calorie level suitable for many dogs.

Proper Storage for Wholehearted Chicken and Rice

To preserve freshness and nutritional value once opened, proper storage of Wholehearted Chicken and Brown Rice is important:

• Leave food in original bag: Keep tightly sealed using the zip top closure to help block moisture and air. Fold over end of bag.
• Cool, dry place: Store in a pantry or cupboard away from sunlight, moisture, and sources of heat which can cause the fats in the food to spoil.
• Airtight container: For even more protection, transfer to a plastic or glass container with an airtight seal. This helps keep food fresh for up to 3 months.
• No refrigerator: Dog foods containing natural preservatives do not require refrigeration. The fridge introduces moisture that degrades food.
• Use within 6 weeks: Consume bag within 6 weeks of opening for optimal freshness and to avoid oxidation of fats. Discard if food smells rancid or moldy.
• Wash storage container: Regularly clean container to avoid bacterial growth if transferring food.

Following these simple storage tips will help maintain the safety and nutritive value of this quality dog food. Providing fresh, unspoiled food contributes to your dog’s health.

Finding Coupons and Deals for Wholehearted

As a shopper, I’m always looking for ways to save money on quality pet foods like Wholehearted. Here are some tips for finding discounts:

• Check online sites like Chewy and Petflow for deals – they often have discounts or autoship savings.
• Look on the manufacturer’s website for printable coupons and promotions. Sign up for their newsletter for special offers.
• Frequent PetSmart sales – they often discount Wholehearted bags significantly in-store and online.
• Buy larger bag sizes (28-40 lbs) to get a lower cost per pound. Larger sizes last longer too.
• Select subscribe and save on sites like Amazon to set up regular discounted deliveries. Just remember to skip or cancel deliveries when needed.
• Purchase during holiday weekend sales like July 4th and Black Friday/Cyber Monday. Retailers deeply discount pet items.

With a bit of deal hunting, you can save real money on this budget-friendly recipe and ensure your dog stays well-fed.

Nutritional Analysis of Wholehearted Chicken and Brown Rice

When researching a dog food, evaluating its full nutritional analysis provides helpful insight:

Here are some key details from the guaranteed analysis displayed on Wholehearted’s Chicken and Brown Rice formula:

• Crude Protein (min): 24.0%
• Crude Fat (min): 14.0%
• Crude Fiber (max): 4.0%
• Moisture (max): 10.0%
• Calcium (min): 1.1%
• Phosphorus (min): 0.9%
• Omega-6 Fatty Acids (min): 2.6%
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (min): 0.3%

This shows that the food contains at minimum 24% protein and 14% fat – suitable nutritive levels for most dogs. The 4% fiber and 10% moisture are well-balanced.

The calcium to phosphorus ratio is ideal for bone health. Omega fatty acids provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Overall, the guaranteed analysis indicates this formula provides complete and balanced nutrition.

Is Wholehearted Chicken and Rice Good for Senior Dogs?

The Wholehearted Chicken and Brown Rice recipe is suitable for dogs of all life stages, including senior dogs. Here’s why it can make a great choice for older canines:

• Lower calorie density: At 429 calories per cup, it provides less dense nutrition suitable for less active seniors.
• Limited fat: With 14% minimum fat, this formula is easier for some older dogs to digest versus high fat diets.
• Single protein source: Chicken protein causes less GI issues that can be problematic for senior digestive health.
• Brown rice: The easily digestible grains supply gentler fiber than some grain-free recipes.
• Enriched with glucosamine: Supports aging joints.
• Antioxidant-rich: Ingredients like cranberries and spinach fight aging free radicals.
• Reduced phosphorus levels: Support kidney function in older dogs prone to renal issues.
• Small kibble size: Makes chewing and eating easier for senior dogs. Can be soaked to soften further.

Ask your vet if your senior dog requires any tailored nutritional modifications. But for most healthy older dogs, Wholehearted’s Chicken and Rice formula is a safe, nutritionally balanced choice.

The Bottom Line

After researching Wholehearted’s Chicken and Brown Rice recipe closely, I feel confident recommending it to dog owners looking for a quality food at a reasonable price point. This simplified recipe provides natural, easy-to-digest nutrition for dogs of all life stages and activity levels.

No dog food can be the perfect solution for every single dog. But with its excellent ingredient quality, good reputation for digestibility, positive reviews from owners, and moderate pricing, Wholehearted Chicken and Brown Rice is a great option to consider for your pup.

I hope this detailed buying guide gives you all the information needed to choose if this recipe makes sense for your dog. As always, transition slowly, watch for changes in health and energy, and adjust portions to maintain an ideal weight. Here’s to many healthy, happy years with your furry companion!