aldi dog food good or bad

Best and worst dog food brands

There are hundreds of dog food options available, from dry to grain-free to raw, but which ones will have your furry friend licking the bowl clean?

We surveyed 2,304 dog owners about the pet food they buy to uncover the brands that customers (and their dogs) love and which offer the best value for money.

See how brands such as Burns, Harringtons and Royal Canin are rated by customers, as well as supermarket options from the likes of Aldi and Lidl.

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Dog food brands rated

Our top-scoring dog food brand achieved an impressive customer score of 82%, and five-star ratings for how much pets liked it, as well as their wellbeing when eating it.

At the other end of the scale, two brands scored less than 60%, with just two stars out of five each for how healthy the dog seemed when eating food from that brand.

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Make sure your furry friend is covered see our guide to the best pet insurance for your dog

How to choose the best dog food for your pet

Deciphering all the pet nutrition information on the internet can seem like an impossible task. It can range from confusing to completely contradictory.

We spoke to real pet nutrition researchers to understand what actually matters. Good news: it isnt as complicated as it seems.

The most important part of choosing a food is actually monitoring your pet, said Dr Teresa Hollands, senior lecturer in veterinary nutrition at the University of Surrey. If you're feeding your pet a particular brand of food, and they have plenty of energy and seem well in themselves, then you are on the right track.

Dr Nigel Kendall, lecturer in nutrition at the University of Nottingham, agreed: If your pet is on completely the wrong diet, then there will be physical signs.

Signs that your pet is eating a nutritious diet, and the right food for their needs, include:

• good overall health
• plenty of energy
• good sleeping habits
• regularly passing firm stools
• maintaining a healthy weight.

Also a cat owner? See our guide to thebest and worst cat food brands

How to feed your dog the best and healthiest diet

As well as choosing the right food, you can also maximise the nutritional value of your pets diet by feeding them in the right way.

We spoke with Dr David Gardner, professor of physiology at the University of Nottingham, to find out more:

Choosing a complete food

Start by making sure you are feeding your pet a complete food, he said. Thats really important, but it isnt always clearly labelled.

Complete foods are designed to give your pet all the nutrients they need, so you can feed them the same thing every day without causing a nutritional imbalance or deficit.

Weighing your pet food

David also highlighted the importance of weighing your pets food every time you feed them.

Remember, you may not notice that you're overfeeding your pet if you increase the size of their feed very slightly each day.

Varying your pet food

If you want to take additional steps to ensure your pet is getting the best nutrition, David also suggested varying the food you give them, provided that this doesnt upset their stomach.

These changes could be as small as varying the flavour of food that you give to your pet.

If you buy a bag of lamb dog food one month, try the chicken next time, David suggested.

If you do want to try changing the type or brand of your pet food, remember to do so gradually. Your pet's meal should be no more than 25% new food for the first couple of days, increasing over the course of a week.

Dogs can be fussy, so know that varying your pet food is not essential. The main thing is that they eat and enjoy their food and that it's nutritionally complete.

Best dog harnesses see our pick of the best and worst as tested by dog owners

Is wet or dry dog food better?

Both wet and dry foods can be nutritionally complete, meaning that they should contain all the nutrients your pet needs. That means there is no significant advantage to either food type.

David recommended feeding your pet a mixture of wet and dry food.

Evidence suggests that there are slight differences in the nutritional composition of wet and dry food. That means you are going to cover more nutrients if you mix them together.

If you want to feed your dog exclusively one type of food, then wet food does tend to be more appealing. However, it is often more expensive and it can predispose pets to dental disease.

In contrast, dry food is beneficial to dogs teeth and gums, and it is usually easier and cheaper to use and store. Just make sure that your dog has access to plenty of fresh water, as they will not be getting hydration from their food.

Best food and drinkwe've rated the tastiest food for humans too. Discover our top picks, from chicken soup to red wine

Can dogs be vegan?

Yes, provided you are careful about the type of food you give them.

There are commercial dog foods available that are vegetarian or vegan and nutritionally complete.

Some people may want to prepare homemade vegetarian or vegan meals for their dog, which is not typically recommended by experts.

This is because evidence suggests that homemade food (including meat-based diets) is typically not nutritionally complete even when people follow recipes labelled as such.

Is raw food good for dogs?

Raw pet food has become more popular over the past few years, especially for dogs, but experts don't generally recommend it.

I would not recommend a raw food diet due to the risk to human health, says Dr Heather Bacon, dean of veterinary medicine at the University of Central Lancashire.

Bacteria present in raw meat can include salmonella, listeria, campylobacter and E-coli. These cause significant illness in humans and animals, particularly young, old and immune-compromised individuals.

These can be spread around the house during food preparation and eating. They can also be passed from animals to humans if your pet kisses your face after eating.

All of these bacteria are destroyed when meat is correctly cooked.

How much should my dog weigh?

According to a 2022 survey by UK Pet Food, 50% of dogs (and 43% of cats) are overweight or obese.

Your pet being overweight can have a huge impact on its quality of life, including limiting their ability to exercise or sleep properly. According to the RSPCA, it also predisposes them to illness including:

• diabetes
• heart disease
• cancer.

How to if tell your dog is overweight

Dr Teresa Hollands recommends an easy method for checking your pets weight.

Create a fist with your hand, and feel your knuckles with your fingers, she said. If your pets ribs feel like that, they are underweight.

Then lay your hand flat, and feel your knuckles again. If their ribs feel like that, they are the perfect weight.

Finally, keep your hand flat, turn your hand over, and run your fingers over the pads on your palm at the base of your fingers. If their ribs feel like that, they are overweight.

Physical signs that your dog is overweight

• Very thin(more than 20% below ideal body weight) Ribs, spine and hip bones easily seen (in short-haired pets), obvious loss of muscle bulk, no fat can be felt under the skin.
• Underweight (10-20% below ideal body weight)Ribs, spine and hip bones easily seen, obvious waist and abdominal tuck, very little fat can be felt under the skin.
• IdealRibs, spine and hip bones easily felt, visible waist and abdominal tuck, small amount of fat can be felt.
• Overweight(10-15% above ideal body weight): Ribs, spine and hip bones are hard to feel, waist barely visible, broad back, layer of fat on belly and at base of tail.
• Obese (more than 15% above ideal body weight)Ribs, spine and hip bones extremely difficult to feel under a thick layer of fat, no waist can be seen and belly may droop significantly, heavy fat pads on lower back and at base of the tail.

How we rated dog food brands

To uncover the best and worst dog food brands, in July 2023 we surveyed 2,304 Which? members who had bought dog food recently, and asked all about their experiences with their chosen brand.

We asked them to rate the brand on various attributes including value for money, how their dog responded to the food, and its perceived wellbeing on the food.

Overall customer scores are based on how satisfied customers were with the brand overall and whether or not they would recommend it.

Discover the best head torches for taking your dog for a walk in the dark

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Aldi Pure Being Dog Food Review 2024: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary

Our Final Verdict

We give Aldi Pure Being Dog Food a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

You can find many good deals at your local Aldi, and dog food is no exception. Aldi sells several dog food brands, but one of the best ones you can find is the Pure Being dog food. Aldi Pure Being dog food provides several different recipes for dogs of all life stages. It even has a grain-free recipe for dogs with wheat allergies.

As great as it is to find healthy, budget-friendly dog food, Aldi Pure Being is a comparatively small brand with a limited number of recipes. So, if you have a dog with very specific dietary needs, you wont find any appropriate specialized diets sold by Aldi Pure Being.

Aldi doesnt provide much information on ingredient sourcing and the manufacturing process. So, weve done the research to help you determine if making the switch to Aldi Pure Being is the right move.

At a Glance: The Best Aldi Pure Being Dog Food Recipes

Aldi Pure Being Dog Food Reviewed

Who Makes Aldi Pure Being and Where Is It Produced?

While Aldi Pure Being is sold exclusively at Aldi, its unclear as to where the food is manufactured. Some food labels indicate that the food is prepared in the US, while others state that the food is from the Netherlands.

Because of the lack of traceability, the exact quality of the ingredients is a bit unclear. However, Aldi Pure Being recipes tend to have a healthy blend of real meat and vegetables.

Which Type of Dog Is Aldi Pure Being Best Suited For?

Aldi Pure Being is best suited for young and healthy dogs without any particular health concerns. While some of the food is marketed as suitable for all life stages, the nutritional value indicates that its best suited for adult dogs. Puppies will probably find more nourishing meals from other brands that supply food specifically formulated for puppies.

Aldi Pure Being has one grain-free recipe that contains salmon, chicken, and legumes. If your dog has a wheat allergy and has no issues digesting those ingredients, this recipe could be a good fit.

Which Type of Dog Might Do Better with a Different Brand?

Dogs that need specialized diets or limited ingredient diets will need to find a different brand. Brands like Purina Pro Plan have an extensive variety of specialty diets, and Merrick has a wide selection of limited-ingredient diets that are either grain-free or with grains.

Discussion of the Primary Ingredients (Good and Bad)

Aldi Pure Being dog food contains various ingredients that range in quality. Here are some typical ingredients youll find in the recipes.

• Real Meat: One great thing about Aldi Pure Being dog food is that most of the recipes have real meat as the first ingredient. Meat contains essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that dogs need for healthy daily functioning. Low-quality dog food brands typically use meat by-product meals or meat flavorings to mimic the taste of meat. These ingredients are ambiguous, and buyers will never be sure as to what types of nutrients their dogs are getting from them.
• Meat Meal; Meat meal is a popular dog food ingredient in dry dog food. It usually comes in the form of a ground powder and is an excellent way to add more protein to a formula because real meat loses a lot of weight and mass once its dehydrated. When the ingredient list has a specified meat meal, like chicken meal, its a good sign that your dog is getting a good amount of protein from one kind of animal. Its usually safe for dogs with food allergies to eat a specified meat meal, and you dont have to worry about other meats getting mixed inside.
• Rice: Rice is a common carbohydrate used in dog food. Brown rice¹ is typically more nutritious and is a good source of fiber, manganese, selenium, and B vitamins. Because of its high fiber content, some dogs with sensitive stomachs or weaker digestive systems may have a hard time digesting it. In these cases, white rice is a gentler option.
• Legumes: The grain-free recipe contains chickpeas and pea flour. While small amounts of properly cooked legumes are generally safe for dogs to eat, high quantities can cause an upset stomach. Its also important to consider that the FDA is investigating² any connections between legumes, grain-free diets, and dilated cardiomyopathy. So, it doesnt hurt to be wary of dog foods that contain a high amount of legumes.

Affordable Dog Food

One of the more attractive elements of Aldi Pure Being dog food is its affordability. Aldi is known for setting groceries and household goods at budget-friendly prices, and dog food is no exception. While you wont find extremely high-quality foods on the ingredient lists, its still decent dog food that is safe for dogs to eat. So, youre definitely getting a good deal if your dog ends up enjoying the food.

Suitable for All Life Stages

Aldi Pure Being dog food is marketed as suitable for all life stages. However, puppies and older dogs have different dietary needs, so its essential to check with your veterinarian to see if the food provides enough sustenance for them.

Since the food can be fed to a wide variety of dogs, its a considerable option for multi-dog households. As long as you dont have picky pets, you can get by purchasing just the chicken and rice dry dog food.

Only Sold in Stores

One of the downsides of Aldi Pure Being is that its only sold in stores, and when you get to the stores, its not guaranteed that the food will always be there. You also cant purchase it online through Aldis website. Sometimes, you can find a recipe or two sold on Amazon, but the availability is inconsistent and prices may be way more expensive.

Lack of Variety

Aldi Pure Being produces a relatively small line of dog food when compared to other pet food brands. As of now, it has two dry dog food recipes and three wet food recipes. Most recipes contain typical food allergens, like beef, chicken, and dairy. So, finding a good option is challenging if you have a dog with food allergies or a specific health condition.

A Quick Look at Aldi Pure Being Dog Food

• Affordable dog food
• Suitable for all life stages
• Real meat is first ingredient in most recipes

• Only available in stores
• Lack of variety

Recall History

In July 2021, Aldi voluntarily recalled its chicken and brown rice recipe due to potentially elevated aflatoxin levels. The food was recalled in only select states. When the recall was made, there werent any known cases of related illnesses.

Reviews of the 3 Best Aldi Pure Being Dog Food Recipes

1. Aldi Pure Being Deboned Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

Aldi Pure Being Deboned Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe is a great option for dogs without any particular health concerns. It lists chicken and chicken meal as the first two ingredients and contains fish and turkey. So, this meal is a great source of protein, and it includes a healthy blend of nutritious vegetables. The formula also contains probiotics to help with digestion.

The only ingredient that causes some concern is canola oil. While dogs can safely eat canola oil, its not the most nutritious source of fat.

• Chicken is first ingredient
• Contains blend of nutritious vegetables
• Probiotics help with digestion

2. Aldi Pure Being Salmon & Potatoes Grain-Free Recipe

Aldi Pure Being Salmon & Potatoes Grain-Free Recipe is the only other dry food option made by Aldi Pure Being. Salmon is the first ingredient. Its rich in omega fatty acids, which nourish and maintain healthy skin and coat. This dog food is also free of corn, soy, and wheat, so its easily digestible.

One thing to remember is that the food contains chicken meal. So, if your dog has a chicken allergy, it shouldnt eat this meal.

• Salmon is first ingredient
• Omega fatty acids support healthy skin and coat
• Easily digestible formula

• Not for dogs with chicken allergies

3. Aldi Pure Being Beef & Chicken Wet Dog Food Recipe

Aldi Pure Being Beef & Chicken Wet Dog Food Recipe may be a suitable option if you have an older dog or small dog that has a tough time chewing dry dog kibble. It contains a tasty blend of beef and chicken with beef being the first ingredient. The recipe also doesnt contain any wheat, making it a safe option for dogs with wheat allergies. Its suitable for dogs of all life stages and can be served as a complete meal or meal topper.

While most dogs will be able to eat this meal without experiencing any issues, its important to note that it does contain a wide variety of ingredients. So, the recipe may be a bit too complex for dogs with sensitive stomachs and food allergies. Itll be best for them to find dog food with a more limited number of ingredients.

• Beef is first ingredient
• Safe for dogs with wheat allergies
• Suitable for all life stages

What Other Users Are Saying

Aldi Pure Being dog food is a bit of a hidden gem, but most customers are very satisfied with it. Heres what real people are saying about this brand.

• Food Blog Forum Pure Being grain free dog food is a USA made product packed with goodness and nutrition. The highly nutritious dog food contains a high protein content of salmon and sweet potato that provides the dog with energy. The kibbles are a good small size for the dogs with an amazing taste and flavor.
• Aldi Reviewer I buy this quite frequently. My border collie tends to like the salmon better than the chicken. I shop at Aldi quite a bit and its nice to pick up a bag of dog food when I am there and know that it is pretty decent food.
• Amazon Amazon has reviews of some Aldi Pure Being dog foods. You can read real customer reviews to help you decide if this brand is right for your dog.

Conclusion

Aldi Pure Being dog food is a worthy contender if youre looking for affordable dog food. The recipes may not contain ingredients of the highest quality, but theyre safe and nutritious for dogs to eat. Youre definitely getting what you pay for and a little more. If you frequent Aldi for grocery trips, then switching to Aldi Pure Being dog food is convenient.

Aldi Pure Being does have a limited line of dog food, and most meals have a mix of common food allergens, making the recipes unsuitable for dogs with food allergies and sensitivities.

So, when considering Aldi Pure Being, remember that its for relatively young and healthy dogs without any specific dietary needs. If your dog fits into this description, then this dog food brand is a considerable option for you.

See Also:

Featured Image Credit: Aldi