Figuring out if this grain-free recipe is right for your pup

As a fellow dog owner, I know how overwhelming it can be to pick the perfect dog food for your furry friend. There are so many options on the market these days it’s hard to know where to even begin! I went through the same dilemma recently when looking for a new food for my 1 year old Labrador Retriever, Bailey. After doing a lot of research, I ultimately decided on Wholehearted Salmon and Pea recipe.

Bailey has a sensitive stomach and my vet recommended a grain-free limited ingredient diet could help her tummy issues. The Wholehearted Salmon and Pea formula caught my eye because it has a short list of main ingredients, focusing on one novel protein and carbohydrate source. This seemed like a good option for my dog’s needs.

After trying this food for the past few months, I’m happy to report it has been a great choice for Bailey! Her digestive problems have improved tremendously and her coat is soft and shiny. She absolutely loves the taste too. I wanted to share my experience in case it helps other pet parents out there make the best choice for their dog’s nutritional needs. Keep reading for an in-depth guide on everything you need to know about Wholehearted Salmon and Pea dog food!

What are the benefits of Wholehearted Salmon and Pea dog food?

The Wholehearted pet food brand was created by veterinarians and uses high quality ingredients to provide complete and balanced nutrition. Here are some of the benefits this specific Salmon and Pea recipe offers:

• Grain-free: Contains no corn, wheat, soy or other grains. Good option for dogs with grain allergies.
• Limited ingredients: Simple recipe with two main ingredients – salmon and peas. Helps identify food intolerances.
• Novel protein source: Features salmon as the main protein. Most dogs have not been exposed to salmon protein, reducing risk for allergic reaction.
• Digestive health: Easily digestible recipe, great for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Peas provide dietary fiber for healthy digestion.
• Omega fatty acids: Salmon is a good source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support skin and coat health.
• Made in the USA: Manufactured in human-grade factories in the United States for quality control.
• Veterinarian recommended: Formulated by veterinary nutrition experts to meet all nutritional requirements.
• Highly palatable: Most dogs love the tasty salmon and pea flavor. My dog gobbles it up!

So in summary, the key benefits of Wholehearted Salmon and Pea are it’s grain-free, limited ingredient formula featuring a novel protein and easily digestible carbohydrate. It provides complete nutrition in an appetizing recipe most dogs love.

How does Wholehearted Salmon and Pea compare to other flavors?

Wholehearted makes grain-free recipes in three flavors: Salmon & Pea, Chicken & Pea, and Beef & Lentil. Here’s a quick look at how Salmon & Pea stacks up against the other varieties:

• Salmon & Pea – Novel protein, omega fatty acids for skin/coat health, easily digestible
• Chicken & Pea – Lower cost protein option but chicken more common allergen
• Beef & Lentil – Rich in iron, zinc, and B vitamins but some dogs don’t do as well on beef

The Salmon & Pea recipe stands out because salmon is an uncommon protein source for dogs with a high nutritional content. Many owners switching to grain-free are looking for a novel protein/carb pairing to help with allergies. Salmon combined with peas makes a great limited ingredient choice.

Some key differences between the recipes:

• Salmon has more omega fatty acids than chicken or beef
• Peas have higher fiber than lentils for digestion
• Salmon is the most novel protein of the three

While all Wholehearted recipes are great, I chose the Salmon & Pea formula specifically for its unique protein and fiber benefits. But you can’t go wrong with any of their tasty recipes that fit your dog’s needs!

Is Wholehearted Salmon and Pea suitable for puppies?

The Wholehearted Salmon and Pea formula is an all life stages recipe which means it can work for puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs. The nutrient ratios meet the higher calorie and protein requirements growing puppies need.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when feeding this food to puppies:

• Consult your veterinarian on appropriate portion sizes for puppy’s age and projected adult weight. The levels of calcium and phosphorus are very important for proper bone growth and development. Do not free-feed puppies.
• Small and toy breed puppies have faster metabolisms and may need more frequent meals spaced throughout the day. Make adjustments as needed.
• Since this recipe only contains two main ingredients, supplementation with additional proteins may be recommended by your vet for puppies under 6 months old.
• Probiotic supplements can also help support digestive health during the transition to solid food. Diarrhea or upset stomach when switching foods is common.

As long as proper feeding guidelines for puppies are followed, the Salmon and Pea recipe can be a great grain-free choice! The limited ingredients are easy to digest, satisfying their sensitive tummies. Just be sure to consult your vet.

Where can I buy Wholehearted Salmon and Pea dog food?

The Wholehearted pet food brand is sold both online and in-store at major retailers. Here are some of the best places to buy their Salmon and Pea formula:

• Amazon: Large selection of bag sizes, auto-ship options, and prices as low as $13/3.5lb bag
• Chewy: Frequent sales and coupons for Wholehearted. Fast 1-3 day shipping on all orders.
• Petco: Salmon and Pea grain-free recipe in-stock at most location nationally. Price match guarantees.
• PetSmart: Another major retailer that carries the full Wholehearted product line.
• Wholehearted Website: Buy directly from the brand online. Subscribe and save options available.
• Local pet specialty shops: Many independently owned stores sell Wholehearted foods. Check smaller boutiques too!

The convenience of ordering on Amazon or Chewy combined with free shipping is hard to beat. But buyers wanting to inspect bags and expiration dates may prefer purchasing in-store. Compare pricing between online and brick-and-mortar stores for the best deal.

What ingredients are in Wholehearted Salmon and Pea dog food?

Here is the ingredients list for the Wholehearted Salmon & Pea grain-free recipe:

• Salmon: Dried ground salmon acts as the main protein source.
• Peas: A highly digestible carbohydrate providing dietary fiber.
• Salmon Meal: Dried salmon adds more concentrated protein.
• Pea Protein: Boosts the overall protein percentage.
• Chicken Fat: Primary fat source for energy. Also provides flavor.
• Natural Flavor: Enhances palatability.

As you can see, the formula sticks to just a handful of main ingredients, with salmon making up the bulk of the protein and peas providing fiber and carbs. There are no grains, corn, wheat, soy, fillers or artificial additives.

The short list makes it easy to identify potential triggers if your dog has food allergies or digestion issues. My own dog does great on simple recipes like this with limited proteins and carbs.

How much Wholehearted Salmon and Pea should I feed my dog?

Since every dog has different nutritional needs based on age, weight, and activity level, there is no universal feeding amount recommendation. Use these general guidelines for the Salmon and Pea formula:

• Start with the suggested feeding amount on the back of the bag based on your dog’s weight.
• Adjust up or down based on body condition. Feed less if dog becomes overweight. Feed more for high energy dogs.
• For puppies and pregnant/nursing dogs feed more frequent small meals based on vet advice.
• Use a consistent feeding schedule instead of free-feeding throughout the day.
• Provide plenty of fresh water daily. Hydration is important!

Monitor your dog closely when transitioning foods and watch for appetite changes. Contact your vet with any concerns. Stick to the suggested guidelines unless otherwise directed. Portion control is important for your dog’s health!

Is Wholehearted Salmon and Pea grain-free?

Yes, the Wholehearted Salmon and Pea recipe is 100% grain-free. It contains no corn, wheat, soy, or other grains. Instead it uses peas as the main carbohydrate source.

Going grain-free is a huge plus for dogs with suspected grain allergies or those that just seem to do better without grains. My own Lab had digestive upset from traditional dog foods containing grains. Switching to this Salmon and Pea formula helped her stomach feel so much better.

So if your dog needs a break from grains or you want to try limiting them, this Wholehearted recipe can be a great option. Just transition slowly mixing the old food and new food together while watching for any digestion changes. Getting them on the right diet makes all the difference!

How to transition my dog to Wholehearted Salmon and Pea

Switching foods suddenly can upset your dog’s sensitive digestive system. To help avoid diarrhea and stomach upset, follow these tips for an easy transition:

• Mix the foods together, starting with 25% new food and 75% previous food. Gradually increase the new while decreasing the old over 5-7 days.
• Take it slow with the ratio changes to give their stomach time to adjust. Some dogs transition faster than others.
• Keep portions consistent during the process so as not to overfeed. The foods can have different calorie contents.
• Examine stool and watch for vomiting or diarrhea. Slow transition if needed.
• Ensure fresh water is always available. Proper hydration helps digestion.
• Add probiotic supplement if recommended by your vet. Provides beneficial gut bacteria.
• Have patience! Some sensitive tummies may need a couple weeks to fully transition without issue. Go at your dog’s pace.

With a slow and steady transition, you can get your dog eating and loving their new Wholehearted Salmon and Pea diet in no time!

Are there any recalls on Wholehearted Salmon and Pea dog food?

I always check for recalls anytime I choose a new pet food for my dog. Based on my research, there are no recalls issued specifically for the Wholehearted Salmon and Pea grain-free recipe or any of the Wholehearted product line.

The brand is manufactured in the United States in human-food facilities which have strict quality control standards. All ingredients must meet safety regulations. This gives me peace of mind that the food is safe.

Of course recalls can happen to any brand. Always check the FDA pet food recalls website and your dog food company’s website regularly for updates. But you can feed the Wholehearted formulas confidence knowing they have a good track record.

What do reviews say about Wholehearted Salmon and Pea?

Reading pet parent reviews gives helpful insight into others’ experiences with the food. Overall, the Salmon and Pea formula gets positively glowing reviews. Here are some common remarks:

• “My dog’s coat is so soft and she sheds less on this food.”
• “Vet recommended for my dog’s allergies and it worked!”
• “My picky dog actually loves the salmon taste.”
• “Helped my dog’s digestive issues.”
• “Reasonably priced for the quality.”
• “My pup’s energy is through the roof!”
• “Ingredients I can understand and feel good about.”

Of course every dog is different, but many are thriving on the Wholehearted Salmon and Pea recipe! It’s always reassuring to see mainly 5 star reviews.

How does Wholehearted Salmon and Pea support dog health?

The Wholehearted brand partners with veterinary nutrition experts to formulate recipes optimal for dog health. Here’s how the Salmon and Pea formula provides complete and balanced nutrition:

• Quality Protein: Salmon is packed with essential amino acids to support strong muscles, organs, and immune function. Dogs need sufficient protein in their diet.
• Fiber for Digestion: Peas contain both soluble and insoluble fiber to promote healthy digestion and nutrient absorption in the gut.
• Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids: Salmon is high in beneficial omega oils that nourish the skin and coat. Dogs convert these better than plant based oils.
• Probiotics & Prebiotics: Supports healthy gut flora populations for optimal digestion and immunity.
• Antioxidants: Protection against damage from free radicals to keep cells healthy.
• Natural Ingredients: Easily recognized whole food ingredients without artificial additives provide highly bioavailable nutrition.

As you can see, the recipe provides complete and balanced nutrition tailored to your dog’s needs for an optimal diet.

What is the price range for Wholehearted Salmon and Pea dog food?

Like most quality dog foods made with premium ingredients, Wholehearted lands somewhere in the middle of the price spectrum. It’s priced as an average mid-range dog food.

Here are some example prices:

• Small 3.5lb bag: $13 – $18
• Medium 10lb bag: $34 – $45
• Large 25lb bag: $57 – $68

Of course prices vary slightly by retailer. Chewy and Amazon tend to have the lowest prices. Bigger bag sizes offer the most value overall.

For me the price is worth it for the recipe quality, ingredients, and benefits it provides my dog. It’s more affordable than many boutique or prescription limited ingredient diets.

Can Wholehearted Salmon and Pea help with allergies?

The limited ingredient formula with a novel protein and grain-free recipe makes Wholehearted Salmon and Pea a great option for dogs with food sensitivities and allergies.

Common food allergens for dogs include chicken, beef, dairy products, wheat, and soy. The salmon and pea formula avoids all of these.

Salmon is an uncommon protein source for dogs which reduces the chances they have already developed an allergy to it. Combined with peas as the carbohydrate, it provides easy to digest nutrition.

Many pet parents have had success managing their dogs’ allergy symptoms with this formula. As always, consult your veterinarian first for personalized diet advice. But a limited ingredient salmon recipe like Wholehearted’s can certainly help many allergic dogs!

How is Wholehearted Salmon and Pea packaged?

The Wholehearted Salmon and Pea formula comes in multiple bag size options:

• 3.5 pound bag
• 10 pound bag
• 25 pound bag

The food is packaged in a thick plastic bag with a zip seal top to keep the kibble fresh. The packaging features cute dog graphics in keeping with their brand image.

Helpful information like feeding guidelines, ingredient list, guaranteed analysis, and nutrition facts are all printed right on the bag.

One tip is to store any opened bag in a plastic bin or container if it will last more than a month to ensure maximum freshness. But the packaging itself does a great job maintaining the integrity and quality of the food within the unopened bags.

Is Wholehearted Salmon and Pea high in protein?

Yes, the Wholehearted Salmon and Pea recipe provides significantly above-average protein levels to meet dogs’ nutritional needs.

Here is the guaranteed analysis:

• Crude Protein: min. 33%
• Crude Fat: min. 18%
• Crude Fiber: max. 5%

Most high quality dog foods range from 18-25% protein. So at 33% protein, this formula contains a densely nutritious source of amino acids for strong, lean muscle maintenance. This supports an active lifestyle.

The calorie breakdown is also well-balanced between protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Wholehearted Salmon and Pea provides all the building blocks Dogs need.

What is the calorie content of Wholehearted Salmon and Pea dog food?

The calories contained in the Salmon and Pea recipe ranges from 3500 kcal/kg to 4000 kcal/kg. This calorie density is similar to other premium dry dog foods.

Adjust according to your dog’s unique energy needs. Less active or older dogs require fewer calories, while growing puppies or high energy dogs need more.

With an average calorie content and proper portion control, the Wholehearted formula can help prevent obesity and weight gain which plagues over 50% of dogs. Maintaining a healthy weight has huge benefits for your dog’s longevity and disease prevention. Their food calorie content is an important factor.

How to store Wholehearted Salmon and Pea dog food properly?

To retain maximum freshness and nutritional potency, store Wholehearted formulas using these guidelines:

• Keep bags sealed tightly between feedings
• Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid temperature extremes.
• No refrigeration required for unopened bags
• Use opened bag within 4-6 weeks
• Transfer to airtight container to prolong opened bag life
• Check expiration date on bottom of bag
• Discard if food smells rancid or moldy

Proper storage keeps the natural oils in the kibble from oxidizing and the nutrients intact. An air-tight bin is ideal after opening. Rotate new bags to back of storage to use oldest first. By storing smart, your dog enjoys the benefits of fresh Wholehearted food with each meal!

Are there any Wholehearted Salmon and Pea coupons available?

As a budget-conscious pet parent myself, I’m always looking for a deal on quality dog food. The good news is Wholehearted offers money saving coupons fairly often. Here are some tips for scoring discounts:

• Check online coupon sites like RetailMeNot for deals
• Sign up for Wholehearted’s email list for coupon codes
• Follow them on social media for flash sales and promos
• Buy larger bags which offer the biggest bang for your buck
• Choose AutoShip delivery for maximum convenience and savings
• Look for sales at Petco, PetSmart, Chewy, Amazon etc.
• Buy on Amazon Subscribe & Save for automatic regular shipments with discount

With a combination of coupons, sales, and buying big bags, you can maximize your savings on Wholehearted Salmon and Pea diet your dog will love!

What is the nutritional analysis of Wholehearted Salmon and Pea dog food?

Here are some key details from the guaranteed analysis of the Salmon and Pea formula:

• Protein 33% min
• Fat 18% min
• Fiber 5% max
• Moisture 10% max
• Calcium 1.5% min
• Phosphorus 1.1% min
• Omega-6 Fatty Acids 3.3% min
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids 0.8% min
• Glucosamine 300 mg/kg min

As you can see, protein and fat levels are significantly above-average to support muscle growth and energy. Fiber is on the lower end for easy digestion. The omega fatty acids are a bit higher than most dog foods thanks to the salmon.

This analysis ensures complete and balanced nutrition meeting all of AAFCO’s profile standards for proper canine health. So you can feel confident your dog’s needs are met with Wholehearted Salmon and Pea diet.

Is Wholehearted Salmon and Pea suitable for senior dogs?

The Wholehearted Salmon and Pea diet can be an excellent choice for senior dogs due to the following attributes:

• Highly digestible recipe is gentle on aging digestive systems
• Salmon protein is rich in amino acids for muscle retention as dogs become less active
• Omega fatty acids support joint health and cognition
• Probiotics aid digestion and immunity for elderly dogs
• Limited ingredients avoid potential intolerances
• Increased fiber prevents constipation issues common in seniors
• Lower calorie density helps prevent unhealthy weight gain

While the nutrient profile meets needs for dogs of all life stages, senior dogs can particularly benefit from this recipe. The ingredients and quality provide complete nutrition tailored for their changing needs. Always follow your vet’s feeding recommendations for older dogs. But a diet like Wholehearted Salmon and Pea can help senior dogs continue thriving through their golden years!

The Bottom Line

I hope this comprehensive buying guide gave you all the must-know details about Wholehearted Salmon and Pea dog food! While every dog is different, this high quality limited ingredient formula can provide outstanding nutrition for many pups. If your dog struggles with food allergies, digestion issues, or you simply want to feed a natural diet you can feel good about, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. This food has worked wonders for my dog, and I hope it can have the same positive impact for yours too!