Powering Your Pup: Why I Switched to Wholehearted Active Performance and Never Looked Back

As an avid trail runner with two high-energy Australian Shepherds, finding the right food to fuel their adventures has been nothing short of a journey. After years of trial and error, countless empty bags, and one too many digestive upsets, I finally discovered what I believe to be the gold standard for active dogs. Today, I’m sharing my comprehensive experience with Wholehearted Active Performance Dog Food—a brand that has truly transformed my dogs’ energy, endurance, and overall health.

When Cooper started lagging behind on our usual 5-mile morning runs and Luna’s coat lost its signature shine, I knew something had to change. Little did I know that the solution would come in the form of a premium performance dog food that checks all the boxes without breaking the bank. If you’ve been searching for the perfect nutrition for your four-legged athlete, you’re in the right place.

My Journey to Finding the Perfect Performance Dog Food

It was a crisp autumn morning when I first noticed Cooper struggling to keep pace. At only four years old, this behavior was unusual for my normally energetic Aussie. At first, I chalked it up to a temporary slump, but when weeks passed with no improvement, I started to worry.

The veterinarian’s verdict was clear: nothing was medically wrong, but Cooper’s energy requirements weren’t being met by his current diet. “He’s burning more than he’s consuming,” she explained, suggesting I look into performance-specific formulations. That’s when my deep dive into canine nutrition began.

I spent weeks researching, reading labels, and comparing ingredients. The more I learned, the more I realized how crucial proper nutrition is for active dogs. It’s not just about calories—it’s about the right balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and nutrients that support everything from muscle recovery to joint health.

After trying several premium brands with mixed results, I stumbled upon Wholehearted Active Performance Dog Food at my local pet store. The staff member who recommended it had a Border Collie who competed in agility, and she swore by this formula. Skeptical but desperate, I decided to give it a try.

Within just two weeks of transitioning to Wholehearted Active Performance, the difference in my dogs was nothing short of remarkable. Cooper’s energy returned with a vengeance, and Luna’s coat became so glossy that other dog owners at the park started asking what my secret was. That was three years ago, and we haven’t looked back since.

What Makes Wholehearted Active Performance Dog Food Special?

Premium Ingredients for Peak Performance

The first thing that caught my attention about Wholehearted Active Performance was its ingredient list. Unlike many commercial dog foods that list corn or wheat as the first ingredient, Wholehearted leads with real, high-quality animal protein—exactly what active dogs need to build and maintain muscle.

The primary protein sources include deboned chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal, providing a robust amino acid profile that supports muscle development and recovery. What’s more, these protein sources are highly digestible, meaning your dog can actually utilize the nutrients rather than just passing them through.

Beyond proteins, Wholehearted includes a thoughtful blend of carbohydrates from sweet potatoes and peas, which provide sustained energy without the blood sugar spikes associated with grain-heavy formulas. The fat content comes primarily from chicken fat and flaxseed, offering essential fatty acids that support coat health, brain function, and reduce inflammation—crucial for dogs that put their bodies through regular physical stress.

What you won’t find are artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. Instead, Wholehearted uses natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols (vitamin E), which protect the food’s freshness without adding potentially harmful chemicals to your dog’s diet.

Impressive Nutritional Profile

Numbers don’t lie, and Wholehearted Active Performance boasts an impressive nutritional profile specifically designed for athletic dogs:

• Protein content: 30-32% (significantly higher than standard adult formulas)
• Fat content: 20% (provides concentrated energy for endurance activities)
• Fiber: 4% (supports digestive health without excess bulk)
• Moisture: 10% (helps maintain appropriate hydration levels)
• Omega-3 fatty acids: 0.5% minimum (supports joint health and reduces inflammation)
• Omega-6 fatty acids: 3.0% minimum (promotes healthy skin and coat)
• Glucosamine: 800 mg/kg (supports joint health)
• Chondroitin: 800 mg/kg (works with glucosamine for joint protection)

This carefully calculated balance provides the optimal fuel for dogs that regularly engage in high-energy activities like agility, hiking, running, herding, or working roles. The higher protein and fat percentages support muscle maintenance and provide energy, while the added joint supplements help protect against the wear and tear of an active lifestyle.

Formulated for All-Day Energy

One of the most notable differences I observed after switching to Wholehearted Active Performance was my dogs’ sustained energy throughout the day. Rather than the spike-and-crash pattern I’d seen with other foods, Cooper and Luna maintained steady, consistent energy levels.

This is by design—the formula includes a mix of quick-releasing and slow-releasing energy sources. The healthy fats provide immediate fuel for intense activity, while the complex carbohydrates break down more slowly, providing sustained energy for longer adventures.

For dogs like mine that regularly engage in 1-2 hour activities, this balanced energy release is crucial. They need immediate power for those sprint sessions at the dog park, but also lasting stamina for our weekend hikes.

Is Wholehearted Active Performance Right for Your Dog?

Ideal Candidates for This Formula

While I’ve had tremendous success with Wholehearted Active Performance, it’s important to note that this formula isn’t necessarily the right choice for every dog. It’s specifically designed for:

• Dogs that engage in regular, intense physical activity
• Working dogs (herding, hunting, service work)
• Canine athletes (agility, flyball, dock diving)
• Dogs that hike, run, or swim regularly
• Dogs with high metabolisms that struggle to maintain weight

If your dog fits into any of these categories, they’re likely an excellent candidate for this formula. However, if your dog is more of a couch potato or only takes leisurely neighborhood walks, this high-protein, high-fat formula might provide more calories than they need, potentially leading to weight gain.

Grain-Free Consideration

Wholehearted Active Performance is indeed grain-free, which may be a consideration for some dog owners. The formula uses sweet potatoes, peas, and chickpeas as alternative carbohydrate sources.

While grain-free diets have come under scrutiny in recent years due to potential links to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in some dogs, Wholehearted has addressed these concerns by including taurine in their formula—an amino acid that supports heart health. They’ve also balanced the legume content with plenty of animal protein.

That said, if your veterinarian has specifically recommended a grain-inclusive diet for your dog, you might want to explore other options or consult with them before making the switch.

Flavor Options and Palatability

One of the reasons I’ve remained loyal to Wholehearted Active Performance is its exceptional palatability. Even the pickiest eaters seem to find it irresistible, which is crucial when you’re trying to ensure your active dog consumes enough calories.

The formula currently comes in two main flavor profiles:

• Chicken & Turkey formula
• Salmon & Whitefish formula

The salmon option is particularly beneficial for dogs with chicken sensitivities and provides additional omega-3 fatty acids for enhanced coat health and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Both my dogs prefer the chicken formula, but I occasionally rotate to the salmon version to provide variety and ensure they’re getting a diverse nutrient profile. The switch between flavors causes no digestive upset—a testament to the consistent quality across the product line.

Transitioning to Wholehearted Active Performance

When I first introduced Wholehearted Active Performance to Cooper and Luna, I made sure to transition slowly over a 7-day period. This gradual approach is crucial, especially when moving to a higher protein and fat content formula:

• Days 1-2: 25% Wholehearted, 75% previous food
• Days 3-4: 50% Wholehearted, 50% previous food
• Days 5-6: 75% Wholehearted, 25% previous food
• Day 7 onward: 100% Wholehearted

This methodical transition helps prevent digestive upset and gives your dog’s system time to adjust to the richer formulation. Despite the higher fat content, neither of my dogs experienced any digestive issues during the switch—a pleasant surprise given Cooper’s historically sensitive stomach.

Feeding Guidelines and Considerations

Determining the Right Amount

One of the initial challenges with any performance dog food is determining the correct portion size. With a higher caloric density than standard adult formulas, Wholehearted Active Performance requires careful measuring to avoid overfeeding.

The packaging provides general guidelines based on weight, but I’ve found these are just starting points. For highly active dogs, you’ll likely need to feed at the higher end of the recommended range—or even slightly above it. Conversely, during less active seasons (like winter in my household), you might need to reduce portions to prevent weight gain.

My 45-pound male Aussie, Cooper, consumes about 3 cups daily during our most active months, split between morning and evening feedings. Luna, at 38 pounds, needs about 2½ cups. I’ve learned to adjust these amounts based on:

• Current activity level
• Seasonal changes
• Training intensity
• Weight trends (monitored biweekly)

The feeding calculator on Wholehearted’s website proved invaluable for establishing our baseline amounts, but I’ve personalized from there based on my dogs’ individual needs.

Storage Considerations

Due to the higher fat content and natural preservatives, proper storage of Wholehearted Active Performance is essential for maintaining freshness. Once opened, a bag typically maintains optimal freshness for about 6 weeks, though the food remains safe to eat beyond this timeframe.

I’ve developed a storage system that works well:

• Transfer the food to an airtight container
• Keep the original bag inside the container (it has protective linings)
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• If buying in bulk, keep sealed bags in a climate-controlled environment

This approach has eliminated the slightly stale smell that sometimes developed toward the end of a bag with our previous food.

How Wholehearted Active Performance Compares to Competitors

Price Point Analysis

When I first switched to Wholehearted Active Performance, I was pleasantly surprised by its competitive pricing. While not the cheapest option on the market, it offers exceptional value when you consider the quality of ingredients and specialized formulation.

A 25-pound bag typically ranges from $54.99 to $64.99, depending on sales and location. This breaks down to roughly $2.20-$2.60 per pound—considerably less than many premium performance foods that can cost $3-$4 per pound.

For my two medium-sized dogs, this translates to about $75-$85 per month in food costs. While this exceeds what I’d pay for basic grocery store brands, it’s approximately 15-20% less than what I was spending on comparable performance formulas.

Nutritional Comparison

I’ve meticulously compared Wholehearted Active Performance against several leading competitors in the athletic dog food category:

1. Protein Content: At 30-32%, Wholehearted offers a protein percentage comparable to brands like Purina Pro Plan Sport (30%) and slightly higher than Eukanuba Premium Performance (28%). However, it falls slightly below ultra-premium options like Orijen Sport & Agility (38%).
2. Fat Content: The 20% fat content is perfectly aligned with what athletic dogs need, matching Purina Pro Plan Sport’s 20% and exceeding Royal Canin Sporting Life Trail’s 18%.
3. Joint Supplements: Wholehearted includes glucosamine and chondroitin at levels comparable to specialized joint-support formulas—a significant advantage over many competitors that either exclude these supplements or include them at minimal levels.
4. Ingredient Quality: While all premium brands use real meat as the first ingredient, Wholehearted distinguishes itself by avoiding meat by-products and using named meat meals (like “chicken meal” rather than generic “poultry meal”), indicating higher quality protein sources.
5. Artificial Additives: Unlike some major competitors that still include artificial colors and preservatives, Wholehearted uses only natural preservatives and contains no artificial colors, flavors, or dyes.

The primary areas where some ultra-premium competitors edge out Wholehearted are in the inclusion of raw or freeze-dried ingredients and slightly higher protein percentages. However, these brands typically cost 30-50% more for what amounts to marginal nutritional differences.

Performance Results

Ultimately, the proof is in the performance, and this is where my personal experience becomes relevant. Since switching to Wholehearted Active Performance, I’ve observed:

• Increased endurance on long hikes and runs
• Faster recovery after intense exercise
• Improved coat condition and reduced shedding
• Maintained ideal weight with appropriate muscle definition
• Excellent stool quality (a surprisingly important metric for dog owners!)
• Consistent energy levels without crash periods

When I’ve temporarily switched to other premium brands (during supply chain issues or travel), I’ve noticed subtle but meaningful differences in my dogs’ performance and appearance within 2-3 weeks.

Special Considerations for Different Dog Types

Working Dogs vs. Sport Dogs

If your dog is a working animal—whether herding livestock, serving as a service dog, or performing detection work—their nutritional needs differ slightly from dogs that engage in recreational sports. Working dogs often need sustained energy over long periods, while sport dogs may require more intense but shorter bursts of energy.

Wholehearted Active Performance handles both scenarios well due to its balanced approach to energy sources. However, for working dogs putting in 6+ hours of daily activity, you might need to supplement with additional calories through treats or topper foods during their workday.

For my friends with border collies who compete in herding trials, they’ve found success feeding Wholehearted as the base nutrition and supplementing with performance treats during competition days.

Puppies and Performance Nutrition

One common question I receive from fellow dog enthusiasts is whether puppies can eat Wholehearted Active Performance. The official guidance from veterinary nutritionists suggests waiting until growth plates have closed (usually around 12-18 months depending on breed) before transitioning to a performance formula.

This recommendation stems from the higher fat and calorie content, which could potentially accelerate growth too quickly and impact proper bone development. For active puppies, Wholehearted offers a puppy-specific formula that provides appropriate nutrition for growing dogs while still supporting higher energy needs.

I started both Cooper and Luna on the performance formula after they turned 18 months, following my veterinarian’s recommendation.

Senior Active Dogs

Contrary to popular belief, many senior dogs can thrive on performance formulas if they maintain an active lifestyle. My oldest dog, Jasper (who sadly passed last year at 14), continued moderate hiking and swimming well into his senior years and benefited from the Wholehearted Active Performance formula.

The joint supplements were particularly beneficial as he aged, helping to maintain his mobility. However, we did reduce his portions slightly to account for his naturally slowing metabolism.

For senior active dogs, I recommend:

• Consulting with your veterinarian before continuing or starting a performance formula
• Monitoring weight more carefully, as seniors gain weight more easily
• Potentially supplementing with additional joint support if needed
• Considering a 75% performance/25% senior formula blend for very old but still active dogs

Addressing Potential Concerns

Allergies and Sensitivities

Dogs with food sensitivities or allergies require special consideration when choosing any food. Wholehearted Active Performance offers some advantages for these dogs:

• The grain-free formulation eliminates common allergens like wheat, corn, and soy
• Limited ingredient list reduces potential reaction triggers
• The salmon formula provides an alternative for dogs with chicken allergies
• No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors that can trigger reactions in sensitive dogs

My Luna has a mild sensitivity to beef products, which caused occasional itching and ear infections with previous foods. Since switching to Wholehearted’s chicken formula, these symptoms have completely resolved.

However, if your dog has severe or multiple food allergies, you might need to consult with a veterinary nutritionist to determine if this formula is appropriate or if a prescription diet would be more suitable.

Product Availability and Recalls

Wholehearted Active Performance is a Petco exclusive brand, which limits where you can purchase it. While this exclusivity ensures quality control, it can create challenges if you don’t live near a Petco location. Fortunately, the product is available through Petco’s online store with home delivery options.

Regarding safety, as of my last update in early 2025, Wholehearted Active Performance has never been subject to a recall—an impressive track record in an industry where recalls are not uncommon. This speaks to the brand’s commitment to quality control and ingredient sourcing.

I subscribe to pet food recall alerts from the FDA, and I recommend all pet owners do the same regardless of what brand they feed. Food safety should always be a priority, especially for performance dogs whose bodies are already under stress from their activities.

My Long-Term Experience: Three Years and Counting

It’s been over three years since I switched Cooper and Luna to Wholehearted Active Performance, providing me with substantial long-term data on its effects. During this time, we’ve maintained our active lifestyle—averaging 25-30 miles of trails weekly, regular swimming sessions in summer, and agility training year-round.

The Physical Evidence

The most compelling evidence for the effectiveness of this food comes from my dogs’ annual veterinary checkups. Over three years, their bloodwork has remained excellent, with ideal protein levels and no signs of nutritional deficiencies. Their weight has remained stable, and both have maintained optimal muscle definition.

Perhaps most telling was my veterinarian’s comment at our last visit: “Whatever you’re feeding them, keep doing it. These are two of the healthiest dogs I see regularly.”

The Energy Equation

At seven years old, Cooper shows no signs of slowing down—if anything, his endurance has improved with age and consistent nutrition. Our weekend hikes regularly extend to 8-10 miles, and he finishes with energy to spare. Luna, now six, maintains her reputation as the perpetual motion machine at the dog park, outlasting dogs half her age.

This sustained energy and endurance is what truly sets Wholehearted Active Performance apart from other premium foods we’ve tried. There’s no mid-afternoon crash, no reluctance to engage in a second activity in the same day, and no signs of the fatigue I once observed with our previous diet.

Where to Buy and What to Expect

As mentioned earlier, Wholehearted Active Performance is exclusive to Petco, available both in physical stores and online. I typically purchase the 25-pound bags to maximize value, though 5-pound bags are available for those wanting to try it before committing to a larger quantity.

Pricing as of early 2025:

• 5-pound bag: approximately $16.99-$19.99
• 25-pound bag: approximately $54.99-$64.99

Petco frequently offers discounts through their loyalty program (Vital Care), which can reduce costs by 10-20%. They also offer autoship options with additional savings, which I’ve found convenient for ensuring we never run out.

When purchasing in-store, I always check the manufacturing date printed on the bag to ensure freshness. Online orders have consistently arrived with recent production dates, typically manufactured within the previous month.

Conclusion: Why Wholehearted Active Performance Remains My Choice

After three years, countless miles, and two exceptionally healthy dogs, Wholehearted Active Performance has earned its permanent place in our home. While no dog food is perfect for every canine, this formula has proven ideal for active dogs that need premium nutrition without the premium price tag.

What truly makes Wholehearted Active Performance stand out is its balanced approach to canine athlete nutrition—providing the high protein and fat content necessary for performance without compromising on ingredient quality or digestibility. The inclusion of joint supplements, omega fatty acids, and natural preservatives further demonstrates the thoughtful formulation behind this product.

For fellow dog owners with active companions, I encourage you to consider Wholehearted Active Performance as part of your nutritional strategy. Remember that proper nutrition is just one component of keeping your active dog healthy—regular veterinary care, appropriate exercise, mental stimulation, and plenty of love complete the picture.

Whether your dog is a weekend warrior or a daily athlete, fueling their adventures with quality nutrition can make all the difference in their performance, happiness, and longevity. My dogs have never looked better or performed stronger, and I attribute much of that to finding the right food for their active lifestyle.

If you make the switch, I’d love to hear about your experience. Every dog is unique, but the results truly speak for themselves.

Happy trails and wagging tails!