aldi dog food quality
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
Aldi Pure Being Dog Food Review
Aldi is a chain of supermarkets from Europe that recently expanded to the USA. They are known for the affordable prices of many consumer items and they have their lines of foods and merchandise.
Aldi also produces two dog food brands:
- Aldi Heart To Tail
- Aldi Pure Being
We have already covered the first one in the Aldi Heart To Tail Dog Food review. Heart To Tail comes at an unbeatable price and provides your dog with all the macronutrients. It is not a premium brand, however.
Pure Being is the second Aldi dog food brand, a more high-end and premium. It is also more expensive than Heart To Tail but still very affordable among other premium dog foods.
Aldi dog food range covers both wet and dry options. It is also meant to provide complete nutrition to canines.
Pure Being is superior to Heart To Tail dog food it has all-natural ingredients and no artificial colors and flavors. Additionally, it contains no wheat or soy. Pure Being also offers grain-free options, making it an excellent choice for dogs with gluten and wheat sensitivities.
However, there are problems. Some of their food contains carrageenan, which is potentially harmful to dogs.
What Kind of Dog Food Does Pure Being Offer?
Aldi Pure Being dog food range is a medium-sized range with dry and wet canned dog food options.
Overall, its quite an affordable brand, with a solid breakdown of ingredients. They dont use artificial colors or flavors. Meat is the first ingredient, making it a good source of protein.
Lets look at the two options below.
Pure Being Dry Dog Food
Pure Being dry food comes in two flavors: Chicken and Rice, and Salmon and Potato.
The first ingredients in dry food are real chicken and real salmon, along with brown rice, sweet potatoes, chickpeas, fish oil, lentils, and cranberries. Aldi makes good on its promise to use natural ingredients in its pet food.
The breakdown of crude macronutrients is typically like this:
- 25% Crude Protein
- 15% Crude Fat
- 3-4% Crude Fiber
What do these mean? The protein content in dry dog food is good, yet there are many options with 30% and more. The more active breeds might need a higher protein percentage.
On the other hand, crude fat content is a bit high. This is somewhat worrying since dogs should eat this food every day.
Too much fat leads to weight problems, obesity, and diabetes. In more severe cases, it will contribute to pancreatitis. If your dog is on a weight management diet, you might want to reconsider this brand.
Either way, before introducing any new food, you should talk to a veterinarian about your dogs dietary needs.
A 4-pound bag of Aldi Pure Being dry dog food is very affordable for premium pet food.
Pure Being Canned Dog Food
Pure Being wet food is offered in three flavors:
- Beef and Chicken
- Chicken, Vegetables, and Brown Rice
- Salmon and Potatoes Recipe
The flavors are similar to dry options. There are no artificial flavors and colors, and no unnecessary fillers. Salmon, in particular, makes for an excellent source of protein and fatty acids.
Dog owners often mention online that their furry companions love the flavors in these cans. As a matter of fact, Pure Being might be one of the easiest foods to switch to since there are no artificial ingredients and flavor is great.
However, a word of warning: Pure Being wet food contains carrageenan. Carrageenan is an artificial thickener known to cause cancer in humans.
Carrageenan in dogs nutrition is a controversial subject. It is thought to cause at least gastrointestinal issues, leading to inflammation and lesions. Some authors claim it might contribute to cancer in dogs.
So, overall, the ingredients in Pure Being dry and wet dog foods are pretty good for the price in fact, surprisingly so. Still, carrageenan should not be so easily dismissed.
Aldi Pure Being Review
Aldi Pure Being dog food is definitely worth considering it offers good advantages of premium dog foods at a fraction of the typical cost. However, there are also several things you must consider before feeding it to your dog.
Weve looked at two foods from this range.
Pure Being Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
The ingredients in this particular dry food recipe are surprisingly good they are chosen with dogs cardiovascular systems in mind.
The first two ingredients are chicken and chicken meal. Chicken is considered a high-quality source of protein for dogs. Chicken meal is also an allowed ingredient in canine food. Unlike Aldis other brand, Heart To Tail, Pure Being states the type of meat used.
Pure Being Chicken and Brown Rice contains turkey meals, fish meals, a variety of vegetables, and probiotics.
The food is very high in fiber which will keep the dogs digestive tract healthy and lower the cholesterol in older dogs.
The one thing that we dont like about this recipe is canola oil. Canola oil is a highly processed food. It is not necessarily toxic to dogs, but it can be harmful.
Too much oil and fat is detrimental to a dogs health and could lead to weight gain, obesity, diabetes, and pancreatitis. Furthermore, highly-processed foods can contribute to inflammation in the body.
If the food is left open for too long, the fat can turn rancid.
Pure Being Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Canned Dog Food
The first ingredient in Pure Being Grain-Free Salmon and Sweet Potato is salmon, a great source of animal protein. Its generally important that the first ingredients in pet food come from meat. Dogs need good protein sources for muscle mass and overall health.
Salmon also provides essential fatty acids, which are good for heart health and shiny coat.
In addition to salmon, potatoes and peas also introduce some protein. This recipe has no wheat or soy, making it particularly suitable for dogs with wheat and soy allergies. There are also no artificial colors or flavors.
However, this recipe contains a food thickener, carrageenan. Carrageenan is a harmful ingredient because it degrades in the stomach and can cause gastrointestinal upset, inflammation, and lesions. Some argue it might even contribute to cancer.
Furthermore, the ingredients list mentions animal liver. Liver and meat by-products are fine in pet food.
They are nutritious and sometimes encouraged as a source of additional nutrients if dog owners know which animal it comes from. In this case, we dont, so its unclear whether this ingredient is beneficial at all.
What We Like About Pure Being Dog Food
Pure Being brings many good things to the table, or rather the kibble. Here are some things that we believe are very valuable to dog owners.
Complete nutrition
Pure Being pet food is true to their word that this is a premium food with all the necessary ingredients for a dogs dietary needs.
This dog food contains all-natural ingredients like real salmon, beef, turkey, chicken, vegetables, and some fruits.
Meat is always the first ingredient, which makes it an excellent source of protein for dogs. There is also a good fat- and fiber-content for a complete nutritional profile.
Free of Artificial Ingredients
A really strong point about this dog food is that it contains no artificial flavors or artificial colors. Both of these can cause strong allergic reactions in dogs.
Grain-Free Option
Pure Being offers grain-free options. They dont even use corn as a filler, unlike the other Aldi brand, Heart To Tail dog food.
Instead, the grain-free dog food consists of sweet potatoes and vegetables. These are very easy on dogs stomachs and quick to digest.
As such, this dog food is great for dogs with wheat and gluten sensitivities.
Affordable
The strongest point of Aldis dog food is that its quite affordable. Dry food currently retails for about $6 per 4-pound bag, while canned food costs about $1.57 per 14.1 oz can.
Both of these options are pretty budget-friendly. Coupled with the premium dog foods qualities, these make an excellent choice in terms of money.
What We Are Careful About Regarding Pure Being Dog Food
There are many good sides to Pure Being dog food. However, several points are worth considering before you buy this food.
Carrageenan
Carrageenan is a food thickener that is potentially harmful to dogs.
The effects of carrageenan are still debated. It is known that it contributes to cancer in humans. However, it causes digestive issues, inflammation, and lesions in dogs. There are claims that it also contributes to cancer in dogs.
It might be best to talk to your vet about this food ingredient. As far as we are concerned, it is best avoided.
Canola Oil
Canola oil is also present in some of the Pure Being food options. Canola oil is not toxic to dogs, but it can be harmful.
Canola is one of the highest processed foods. The jury is still out on canola oils effects on dog health. Canola oil may come from GMO crops. So, if you are looking for more natural oils, it might not be a good option.
Either way, too much fat in any dogs diet causes many health issues down the line weight gain, obesity, diabetes, and potentially pancreatitis.
Adding to that, Pure Being does have a relatively high crude fat content. It might not be the best option for dogs on weight management or those with heart disease.
Undisclosed Animal Liver
Meat by-products are perfectly fine in pet food. They shouldnt be the first ingredient as they are not the best source of protein. But, they do give some protein, lower the cost, and provide additional health benefits, like certain vitamins and minerals.
That being said, some Pure Being options contain a by-product simply dubbed animal liver. This is an issue because we cant know which animal the liver comes from. As such, we cant speak of its advantages and disadvantages.
Ideally, Pure Brand will change this in the future. For now, it is a red flag.
Bad Packaging
Premium dog food should come in good packaging. Pure Being comes in generic bags which are not suitable for long-term usage.
Some of their products are re-sealable, which is excellent for the freshness of the food. However, customers have complained that dry food doesnt last long and in some cases, mold develops. This can be caused by the neglect on the customers side, but its a thing worth remembering.
This is a big problem considering that some products use canola oil and have high-fat content. Fat can turn rancid if the food is not properly sealed.
Aldi Pure Being Dog Food Reviews
Overall, the online reviews of the Aldi Pure Being dog food seem to be positive and appreciative.
The dog owners say that their dogs love the food and its flavor. Additionally, they praise the ingredients for making the dogs coats shinier and healthier. Finally, some commenters also praise the affordable price.
However, some commenters mention carrageenan and urge Aldi to remove this ingredient from otherwise great food. It seems that there is growing awareness of the bad effects of this thickener.
Finally, this dog food is usually not available online or in pet shops. It can be bought only at Aldi supermarkets. There were some options on Amazon, but the reviewers complained that the food was grossly overpriced compared to what Aldi was charging.
Aldi Pure Being Dog Food Recalls
Aldis Pure Being dog food has been recalled in July 2021 (FDA). Sunshine Mills, a third-party producer of Pure Being, voluntarily recalled the food because of the high aflatoxin levels. Aflatoxin is toxic to dogs if eaten in large quantities.
Sunshine Mills voluntarily recalled Pure Being Natural Dog Food Deboned Chicken & Brown Rice recipe. The other Aldi brand, Heart To Tail dog food, has not had a recall yet.
Alternatives
Pure Being offers some outstanding qualities at an affordable price. But, not all the ingredients are safe for your dog. You can check out the following alternatives.
Natures Recipe contains real salmon and sweet potatoes. In addition to that, this particular brand has also added pumpkin to the recipe.
The crude protein content is the same as Pure Beings, but the fat and fiber content is better for the dogs health. The fat content is at 12%, acceptable for most dogs.
Natures recipe does not contain added corn, wheat, or soy.
Natures Recipe is more expensive than the Pure Being counterpart but contains better ingredients overall.
True Acre is an affordable food with great ingredients. It contains chicken as the first ingredient, peas, beet pulp, fish oil, and rosemary extract. It also has added vitamins and minerals.
The crude protein content is somewhat lower at 24%. It would be good that it was a little higher, but the fat content is lower too which is a better amount in this case. Fiber is somewhat higher at 5%, so it should help your dogs digestive health. This is an optimal amount of fiber in most cases.
This dog food is not recommended for dogs with soy allergies. It contains soybean meal.
The most important point, though it is an affordable dog food free of grains, artificial flavors, and colors.
True Acre dog food is slightly more expensive than Pure Being.
American Journey canned food has both beef and chicken options for added variety. Its first ingredients are real beef and chicken, along with chicken and beef broth.
The food contains 8% crude protein and 5% crude fat. Its grain-free and has no wheat, corn, or soy. As such, it is a good source of protein and especially suitable for dogs with food allergies.
This American Journey variety pack is intended for adult dogs of all sizes. Its somewhat more expensive than Pure Being canned food, but much safer, with better sources of protein.
Our Verdict
Overall, the Aldi Pure Being dog food range is an affordable premium food and more high-quality than Aldis other brand, Heart To Tail. It contains all-natural ingredients with high-quality meats as the first ingredient.
The food doesnt have artificial colors or flavors. There is also no wheat or soy. This makes it particularly suitable for dogs with food allergies.
However, the usage of carrageenan is a big concern because it could cause many issues in dogs. The full scope of effects is still investigated, but we would recommend talking to your vet before trying it out on your dog.
In addition to that, canola oil and generic animal liver are also not among our favorite ingredients. These may not be harmful, but they limit your options and we dont think they belong in premium dog food.
Check out Natures Recipe and American Journey reviews instead for safer options.
FAQ
Is Aldi dog food a good deal?
Aldi dog foods are affordable and supposedly provide complete nutrition to dogs. The prices are some of the lowest in the market, and the ingredients are satisfactory. Pure Being brand is particularly good in this regard. For the other brand, read our detailed Heart To Tail dog food review.
Where is Aldi dog food made?
It is not completely clear where the Aldi dog food is manufactured, but it is suspected that Sunshine Mills produces them in the USA. A portion of the production may be in the Netherlands.
Does Aldi have grain-free dog foods?
Yes, Aldi offers both dry and wet dog foods that are grain-free. Pure Being brand has grain-free options, but Heart To Tail dog food does not. Grain-free food is especially good for dogs with gluten sensitivity. Before introducing any new food to your dog, talk to your veterinarian.
