Finding the right wet dog food for your beloved canine companion can be a challenging task. With so many options on the market, how do you know which one is truly the healthiest and tastiest choice for your pup? That’s where this comprehensive buying guide comes in.

In this detailed blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know to pick the perfect Wholehearted wet dog food variety and flavor to bring home. You’ll get the scoop on ingredients, pricing, nutritional value, vet recommendations, and more. Read on for tips to transition to Wholehearted, reviews from real owners, storage guidelines, and answers to all your frequently asked questions about this top natural brand.

Let’s start with the basics.

What is Wholehearted Pet Food?

Wholehearted is a premium wet dog food line made by Tyson Foods. It contains high-quality ingredients in deliciously smelly stews and gravies that even the pickiest pups get excited about.

This brand stands apart for its commitment to natural nutrition without artificial additives. Recipes get their meaty flavor from real beef, chicken, turkey, or fish as the first ingredient. They also feature wholesome fruits and veggies to provide antioxidants and superfoods that support your dog’s whole body health.

Importantly, Wholehearted wet foods are grain-inclusive, meaning they contain nutrient-rich carbohydrates like brown rice and oatmeal. This makes them a good choice for dogs who tolerate grains well. They’re also enriched with probiotics to aid digestion.

Now let’s dive into the key factors to weigh when shopping for the perfect Wholehearted variety for your canine companion.

Key Buying Considerations for Wholehearted Wet Dog Food

Ingredients and Nutrition

• Real, natural ingredients ✔️
• No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives ✔️
• Contains grain-based carbs ✔️
• Moderate fat and protein levels
• Added vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
• Probiotics support digestive health

The first thing you should look at on any pet food label is the ingredients list. Wholehearted recipes start with real meat protein like beef, chicken, or salmon. They also contain hearty grains like brown rice and barley.

Veggies like carrots and peas provide natural sources of key nutrients without artificial additives. And active cultures offer probiotic support for your dog’s digestive and immune health.

Wholehearted provides a balanced nutritional profile for adult dogs. It has moderate levels of protein and fat to fuel your dog’s energy and body functions, without going overboard. Recipes are enriched with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for a complete and balanced meal.

Flavors and Varieties

• Beef, chicken, turkey, and fish recipes
• Savory stews, gravies, and morsels
• Grain-free and limited ingredient options
• Options for puppies, adults, and seniors

One great perk of Wholehearted wet foods is the diverse range of flavors and styles to please even picky pups. You can choose between delicious stews, gravies, or morsels in beef, chicken, turkey, salmon, or ocean fish recipes.

While most of Wholehearted’s foods contain grains, they do offer grain-free and limited ingredient options if your dog is sensitive. You can also find recipes tailored for puppies, adults, and senior dogs based on their nutritional needs.

Price and Budget

• $2-$4 per 13 oz can
• **$16-$32 for case of 12 cans **
• Budget-friendly compared to some boutique brands
• Frequent sales and deals on cases

When calculating the cost of any dog food, remember to look at the price per pound or per meal, not just per can or bag. Wholehearted wet foods cost between $2-$4 per 13 ounce can. Cases of 12 cans typically range from $16-$32.

This is a very budget-friendly price point compared to many boutique or prescription wet dog foods which can cost up to $5-$6 per can. Wholehearted often offers sales and deals on cases to help you save.

Storage and Convenience

• Refrigerate unused portion
• Can be messy if your dog is a sloppy eater
• Easy to use as a meal topper
• Cans make it portable for travel or boarding

Canned and pouched wet foods will always be a bit less convenient than kibble in terms of storage. Once opened, you’ll need to refrigerate any leftover food and use it within a few days.

The moist texture also means it can get messy if your dog tends to gobble and slobber! But many owners find convenience in being able to easily mix it into kibble or bring cans along for travel.

Veterinarian Recommended

• Uses high quality ingredients
• No controversial additives
• Balanced nutrition profile
• Trusted Tyson brand
• Good for picky eaters

Many vet offices sell and recommend Wholehearted wet foods for clients looking for a step up from grocery store brands. Vets appreciate that it offers natural nutrition tailored for different life stages and needs.

Wholehearted is also backed by the trusted Tyson brand and contains no controversial ingredients found in some cheaper foods. Plus, vets often recommend adding wet food to entice picky pets to eat.

Customer Reviews

• 4+ star average rating
• Dogs love the taste and texture
• Owners impressed with quality for price
• Helps finicky dogs eat
• Improves coat, energy in pets

Before buying any new pet food, it’s wise to see what other real owners have to say. Wholehearted wet foods earn rave reviews with a 4+ star average across online retailers. Customers say even their pickiest pups gobble up the stew and gravy recipes with gusto.

Many note improvements in their dog’s coat, digestion, and energy after transitioning to Wholehearted. Pet parents feel good about feeding a natural brand that avoids additives without breaking the bank. Some do wish the cans were a bit larger for big dogs.

Company Reputation and Sustainability

• Made in the USA facilities
• Tyson has recalls but works to improve
• Giving back programs for shelters
• Developing sustainability practices
• Room for progress on sourcing

Tyson Foods is one of the largest pet food manufacturers, with facilities across the USA producing brands like Wholehearted, Nudges, and Top Chews. While their massive scale has led to some past recalls, Tyson has invested in improving food safety practices.

The company also partners with animal shelters and pet adoption groups to donate pet food and supplies. However, some want to see Tyson keep making strides when it comes to sustainable and ethical sourcing of ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wholehearted

Let’s get into more of the nitty-gritty details pet parents often wonder about when considering Wholehearted wet dog food.

Is Wholehearted a good choice for puppies?

Yes, Wholehearted makes a line of Puppy Stew canned foods tailored to support growing dogs under 12 months old. The puppy recipes feature smaller, softer morsels for little mouths. They provide more protein, calories, and DHA for brain development.

Does it help dogs stay hydrated?

Definitely! The high moisture content (around 75-80%) helps dogs get more water into their diet than dry kibble alone. This helps promote urinary tract health. Just be sure your dog still has access to fresh drinking water too.

How often should I feed Wholehearted wet food?

Most vets recommend feeding wet foods like Wholehearted just once or twice a day as a meal topper or snack. This prevents overfeeding moisture and keeps their teeth clean. You can serve it daily or a few times a week for variety.

Is Wholehearted good for senior dogs?

Yes, Wholehearted Senior Stew recipes have reduced fat and proteins tailored for less active senior dogs. The soft texture is also easy for older dogs to chew and digest. Adding warm water can make a nice mushy meal.

What flavors and styles does Wholehearted offer?

Beef, Chicken, Turkey, Salmon, Ocean Fish, and Puppy recipes in stews, gravies, morsels, and patés. Most include grain-based carbs but grain-free options exist too. Limited ingredient and prescription HF/WF diets also available.

Should I transition slowly to Wholehearted?

It’s smart to transition slowly over 5-7 days any time you switch your dog’s food, especially for sensitive tummies. Mix a little more each day until you reach 100% Wholehearted wet food. This helps avoid GI upset.

Is Wholehearted really organic and non-GMO?

No official certifications, but Wholehearted does avoid artificial additives and uses meat from animals raised without added hormones or steroids. Some ingredients likely GMO. Room for progress on organic sourcing.

Where is the best place to buy Wholehearted wet dog food?

Sold online and in-store at PetSmart, Petco, Chewy, local pet supply shops. Subscribe and save options available. Buy larger cases on sale to save more. Check manufacturer website for coupons too!

Hopefully this comprehensive buying guide has given you all the must-know information to choose if Wholehearted natural wet food is the right choice for your dog. Their high-quality ingredients, vet-recommended nutrition, and delicious flavors make it a great option to try.

It’s Time to Dig in! Trying Wholehearted for the First Time

Alright, after all your research you’ve picked out a few promising Wholehearted varieties to try with your pup! Here are some top tips to make that first taste test a success:

Pick Limited Ingredient or Familiar Recipes

If your dog has a sensitive stomach, I recommend starting with a limited ingredient diet like the Turkey Recipe or Duck Recipe. This limits risk of reactions to new proteins or grains.

Sticking close to your dog’s familiar diet is also wise – so if they normally eat chicken and rice, try Wholehearted Chicken Stew first before venturing into Salmon.

Transition Slow Over a Week

To avoid any digestive upset, transition slowly over 5-7 days. Start by mixing just 1-2 tablespoons of the new food into your dog’s normal meals. Gradually increase the ratio of Wholehearted until it makes up 100% of their food.

Pay Attention to Stool

Be vigilant about any changes in your dog’s stool, energy level, or behavior when transitioning foods. Loose stool or vomiting may indicate the need to transition more slowly. If it persists, try a different recipe.

Add Warm Water or Mix with Kibble

Pouring some warm water over the Wholehearted paté or bits can enhance aroma and palatability. You can also mix it into their kibble to encourage interest – smothering dry food in yummy gravy or stew juices makes mealtime more exciting!

Hand Feed for Picky Pups

If your dog is ultra finicky, try hand feeding them bits of the Wholehearted mixed into their kibble at first. The extra encouragement and praise can help get them interested. Once they learn the food is delicious, they’ll be more eager to dig in from their bowl.

Give It 2-3 Weeks

It can take dogs a couple weeks to adjust to a new food’s flavors and textures. Be patient! Continue offering Wholehearted at mealtimes even if your dog seems hesitant at first. More often than not, they’ll come to love their nutritious new diet.

We’re Off to a Wholehearted Start!

Well, we made it through my pup’s first week transitioning to Wholehearted wet food, and I’m pumped to report he’s become a totally obsessed fan! I tried the Turkey Stew and Chicken Morsels recipes and he gobbles them right up when I mix into his kibble.

I can already see small improvements in his energy, coat shine, and stools. My dog’s vet was absolutely right that adding moisture through wet foods would be great for his urinary tract. And I feel good knowing he’s getting natural nutrition without any additives.

The transition tip that worked best for us was pouring warm water over the food to release the yummy aromas. Piper turned his nose up the first couple days, but that little trick did the job to get him interested. Now he actually barks impatiently if I’m not fast enough scooping out his “soup”!

I’m so glad I took the time to research all the options and learn what makes Wholehearted stand out. The ingredients win over more dubious brands you find at the grocery store for just a few dollars more per can. And buying cases on sale from Chewy saved me a bunch.

While Piper still enjoys his kibble at breakfast, I feel confident the Wholehearted wet food addition provides balanced nutrition at dinner. And it puts a big smile on this pup’s face – what more could you ask for! Thanks for tuning in to our little product review. We look forward to digging into more tasty Wholehearted varieties soon!