aldi dog food roll review

ALDI Julius Gold Dog Food Review

ALDI Julius Gold Dog Food Review

ALDI are great for being cheap, but cheap rarely equals quality. They label their Julius Gold home brand (ok, technically a phantom brand) as premium, when the truth is that word is a meaningless marketing word.

In our ALDI Julius Gold dog food review (also applicable to the Puppy & Lite formulas) well find out what the ingredients really say about this dog food.

Julius Gold dog food review

What the marketing says

Allegedly the Julius Gold dog food is formulated by an animal nutritionist. Not a dog nutritionist, just an animal nutritionist.

Seeing as pictures say a thousand words, below is an excerpt from an ALDI magazine which highly praises their glorified home brand dog food. After all, theyre not going to slate it, are they:

Lets play a game! Take a look at the packaging in the image above. The main ingredient in this dog food is shown graphically, but can you guess what it is?

Having read the marketing spiel above it seems ALDI Julius Gold dog food is pretty good, right? After all, Dr Cameron Sell PhD seems highly qualified so must have a thorough understanding about the nutritional requirements of dogs?

Well, it turns out Cameron Sell is an owner of a company called Premier Pet Foods (aka The Great Australian Petfood Company), so we can only assume he benefits lucratively from making this dog food for ALDI.

They also manufacture some of the most poorly rated dog foods on this website Boomer, True Blue, and Winning Edge, although their more premium BIOPet brand is arguably the best of that bunch.

What the ingredients really say

Ill focus on Julius Adult for this review, but will mention the Puppy and Lite recipes as a tragic anecdote at the end.

A natural canine diet is meat, so its a good start to find meat as the main ingredient. Sadly its cheap meat churned up with by-products (offal, skin, cysts, tumours, and who knows what else). Its weighed before cooking so will become less significant in the finished product, so in all likelihood isnt the main ingredient in this food.

Did you guess earlier that meat (or chicken) was the main ingredient in ALDI Julius Gold? If so, read on

When it comes to non-nutritious grains, wheat is arguably the worst. Its a cause of canine atopic dermatitis and very likely the reason your dog may scratch a lot on a food such as this. Wheat is listed second on the ingredients list (or at least a combination of wheat and/or sorghum).

Sorghum isnt that great either, being starchy and less digestible than rice grains. Wheat and sorghum are very cheap, which is why theyre in this food.

Next up we find the real truth about the main ingredient in this dog food. The third listed ingredient is wheat bran

Hold on a minute, wasnt wheat our 2nd ingredient as well?

What we have here is a cunning marketing trick called splitting. Ingredients are listed in order of percentage, so splitting a cheap ingredient (such as wheat) into two parts makes the meat appear as the main ingredient when its not.

Youre being duped, and the reality is wheat is the main ingredient. Its one of the cheapest, most allergenic grains available, and given this dog food was formulated by an animal nutritionist you would have to wonder why they think wheat is good for an essentially carnivorous animal.

Vegetable protein is the fourth ingredient, possibly in the same quantity as the first three ingredients (making it one part meat, two parts grain, and one part vegetable). This is likely added to ramp up the protein from a cheaper and less digestible source than meat.

Tallow is a by-product of meat rendering, being the fatty residue from cooking up meat in a big vat. This accounts for the fat content in the food and isnt the best or healthiest.

Ill give them credit for linseeds and/or linseed oil (otherwise known as flaxseed). Where all other ingredients fail, this will give your dog some nutritional benefit and go some way to provide necessary omega fatty acids for health and coat.

Some vitamins and minerals are added too, because its a minimum requirement, but to me its on par with feeding your kids McDonalds every day and slipping in some budget multivitamin.

A summary (and better recommendations)

To summarise our ALDI Julius Gold dog food review we would have to recommend you pass on this.

Your dog may eat it, and in the short term they may even appear to enjoy it, but the excessive wheat in this product is just one reason why your dog may develop poor health in years to come.

If ALDI is your store of choice then opt for ALDI Natural Elements which is much better, or refer to our best rated list.

Julius Gold Puppy

Julius Puppy is formulated in the same way as Adult, but appears to have a more significant amount of meat & meat by-products, and likely more vegetable protein. That doesnt mean I recommend feeding it to a dog in their early crucial stages of life.

Julius Gold Lite

If your dogs overweight then the best thing you can do is feed him a decent meat-based diet. What theyve done here is the opposite, theyve practically removed the meat altogether and stuffed it to the brim with cheap grains. Your dog will have to eat much more to get the nutrients he needs, filling his belly with worthless crap. How will that help?

Ingredients

Ingredients of ALDI Julius Gold dog food:

Meat and Meat By-Products (from Chicken and Beef), Wholegrain Cereals (Wheat and/or Sorghum), Wheat Bran, Vegetable Protein, Tallow, Whole Linseeds and/or Linseed Oil, Beet Pulp, Salt, Prebiotic, Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E), Rosemary Plant Extract, Vitamins (A, D, E, K, B1, B2, B6, B12, Niacin, Folic Acid, Biotin, Choline, Pantothenic Acid), Minerals (Iron, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Selenium, Iodine, Cobalt), Lutein, Garlic, Kelp.

Guaranteed analysis

Guaranteed analysis of ALDI Julius Gold dog food:

ALDI Julius Gold dog food recalls

Australia has a voluntary recall system which means public recalls rarely occur. We note, however, that numerous consumers have found their dogs to have adverse reactions to the Julius Gold dog food products.

3.2Total Score

Cheap meat and a double whammy of Wheat and Wheat doesn't come across as a premium food for dogs

CONS

• Wheat is a problematic grain for dog health
• Wheat bran is also a problematic grain for dog health
• Cheap and unhealthy ingredients

ALDI Natural Elements Dog Food Review

ALDI Natural Elements Dog Food Review

I never thought Id say this, but the Natural Elements range at ALDI is actually alright. Okay, its notgreat, but its a huge improvement over their Julius range.

Our independent ALDI Natural Elements dog food review will tell you the good and the bad about this food. So, read on!

ALDI Natural Elements Review

Its important to consider the good points and bad points of this cleverly formulated food.Ill explain a number of real truths behind the ingredients, which as with most pet foods reads better than it is. Make sure you absorb both before deciding whether to feed this to your dog or not.

Lets take a look at ALDI Natural Elements Grain Free Chicken

First off, the guaranteed analysis is better than most. Protein of 28% is higher than average, as is fat at 18%. That gives an approximate 36% carbohydrates which is better than most other supermarket brands. The food is also at the cheaper end of the scale at around $12 for a 2.5kg bag that makes it somewhat affordable for those on a tight budget.

The main ingredient in Natural Elements Chicken is actuallyPoultry Meal, so its a bit dubious how much chicken there actually is. Ambiguous ingredients are often poor quality (which is a cert given the price per kilo of this food), and this could be a combination of whatever poultry is cheapest. It definitely wont be the succulent chicken breast pictured on the bag, but remnants of poultry inclusive of frames and whatever cant be sold for human consumption. This is the case with most pet foods by the way.

The second ingredient (likely of an equal quantity to the poultry meal) isPeas. Peas are a cheaper way of bulking up protein and adding fibre than meat. Its not necessarily a bad ingredient but there are concerns about excessive peas in a canine diet. This is one of the reasons we recommend rotating foods or supplementing a diet with fresh ingredients.

The third ingredient isPoultry Tallowwhich is rendered poultry by-products. Its a cheap product as its a way of recycling and selling meat waste. Its found in a lot of pet foods and will be a significant constituent of the 18% fat. On the label it says it contains rosemary extract as a natural preservative, but also antioxidants. These will be chemical antioxidants to extend shelf-life, and chemicals in a pet food are never good.

We find a trifecta of carbs Tapioca,Potato, andSweet Potato. Its probably better to have a mix, and its nice to see they havent been used excessively in the formula. Too much carbs are bad for dogs, and as said earlier this food has lower carbs than other supermarket offerings.

Gravy is more likely animal or poultry digest, a broth from rendering meats. Its a cheap ingredient which is why so many manufacturers list it ambiguously as gravy or natural flavours.

We findglucosamine andchondroitin, as well assalmon oil andcoconut oil. These will be beneficial for joint health and well-being, but likely included due to the poor quality of meat and meat fats.Taurine (an amino acid found in meats) has been added for a similar reason.

We find a range of trace fruits and veggies such as alfalfa, cranberries, and blueberries. These are good ingredients but as trace amounts theyre probably included more because they look good on the label.

So there you go, an insight into ALDI Natural Elements dog food. The review probably reads more negative than positive, but its still a better food than the likes of Julius and far too many other supermarket dog foods. If you have a tight budget then this could be a suitable option, in which case its worth supplementing with fresh meats and veggies to really offer your dog a boost on a budget.

Rated 6 out of 10 as ALDI Natural Elements dog food is a reasonable budget option. If you want a better dog food then be sure to check out our Best Rated Dog Foods list.

Where to buy ALDI Natural Elements

Unfortunately ALDI Australia dont have a delivery service, but you can use their tool to find your nearest store.

ALDI Natural Elements Ingredients

The ingredients of ALDI Natural Elements dry dog food (as of March 2021) is as follows:

Poultry Meal (Source of Chicken), Peas, Poultry Tallow (Contains Rosemary Extract, Antioxidants), Tapioca, Potato, Sweet Potato, Gravy, Vitamins & Minerals, Beet Pulp, Salmon Oil, Vegetable Oil, Chicory Root, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Coconut Oil, Alfalfa, Blueberries, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Parsley Flakes, Chondroitin Sulphate, Glucosamine, Rosemary, Taurine, Kelp Meal, Beta Carotene.

ALDI Natural Elements Guaranteed Analysis

The guaranteed analysis of ALDI Natural Elements dry dog food (as of March 2021) is as follows:

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