aldi working dog food review
Earls Complete Review
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Suitable for all breeds of dogs
Private label(or
white label) pet foods are pre-formulated recipes that companies can order from certain factories, add their own label or packaging and retail to the public as their own brand. They are therefore available from numerous suppliers.
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Mixing bowl composition
This is the ingredients list as printed on the packaging or manufacturer's website.
Think of the 'mixing bowl' composition like a recipe - all the ingredients you would need to put in a 'mixing bowl' in order to make the food.
Ingredients have to be listed in descending order of their weight so the higher it appears, the more there is.
Highlighted ingredients
Ingredients that we believe to be controversial or inferior are highlighted in yellow with particularly low grade, highly contentious or excessively vague ingredients in red.
As fed composition
While the 'mixing bowl' composition is useful for knowing what went into the food, it doesn't always reflect what your dog is actually eating. This is because the processes that turn the ingredients into the finished pet food can significantly alter the relative weights of the ingredients.
For this reason we've calculated the approximate 'as fed' percentages for the main ingredient categories in the finished product.
Please note that these figures are very approximate. They are estimates based on the information provided by the manufacturer in the ingredients list so the clearer the terminology and the more percentages they provide, the more accurate our estimates will be. Wherever information is lacking, we always assume the worst.
Ingredient categories
Meat ingredients: includes all meat and fish ingredients except isolated fats/oils.
Added oils and fats: includes all isolated oil and fat ingredients.
Carb-rich ingredients: includes all ingredients derived from grains, pseudo-grains, potatoes and other starchy root vegetables, sweet potato and legumes (except whole peas which are categorised under fruit and veg) except for isolated protein and extracted oils. Also includes fibre supplements.
Fruit and veg: includes all whole vegetables and fruits.
Other: all other ingredients. Mostly made up by nutritional supplements and additives.
For more information on any ingredient, please take a look at our Dog Food Ingredient Glossary
The dry matter level of a nutrient is the percentage there would be in the food if all of the water was removed.
With water taken out of the equation, these figures allow the nutrient levels of foods of different types (like wet and dry) to be compared on an even playing field.
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The
price per dayof feeding this food based on feeding the manufacturer's recommended daily amount from 3kg bags bought at their rrp to a dog of:
Note:All suggested feeding amounts and costs are only approximate and may vary considerably from dog to dog. Be sure to contact the manufacturer if in any doubt.
35 out of 100-Poor
Our unique product ratings are calculated based on a number of characteristics including the quality and quantity of the stated ingredients, certain nutritional and technological additives and the processing methods used to create the food. They are designed to indicate how beneficial we think a food is likely to be for the majority of dogs when fed on a daily basis for an extended period. Click here for more information
Country of origin: Ireland
A technological additive is any substance added to a pet food "for a technological purpose and which favourably affects the characteristics of feed".
The most common categories of technological additives include preservatives and antioxidants, gelling agents and thickeners and probiotics.
While the primary effects of technoloical additives are certainly 'favourable' (increased shelf life in the case of preservatives & antioxidants, better food texture and consistency in the case of gelling agents and thickeners etc.) some have been linked to health problems in pets and should be treated with caution.
Unfortunately, many technological additives do not have to be declared by the manufacturer so just because they do not appear on the label does not necessarily mean they are not in the food. If in doubt, ask the manufacturer directly exactly what technological additives their foods contain.
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:
Protein | 28% |
Fat | 18% |
Carbohydrates * | Estimated 36% |
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.
Aldi Pure Being is made with meat as the main ingredient in their foods. The dog food is an excellent option for pet owners on a budget. You can rest assured that the food is balanced and nutritious to provide your dog with the vitamins and minerals it needs.
If your pet has any health conditions that require a special diet, this may not be an option for you. The choices are limited to three wet food recipes and two dry food options. There are no special diets available. The food does contain ingredients that are linked to health concerns for animals and humans. As always, we suggest that you discuss your dogs diet with your veterinarian.
Grocery costs are continually rising. Dog food is not an exception. Since we do not want to sacrifice quality, pet owners are looking for premium dog food at an affordable price. Aldis is a German chain store known for selling groceries at discount prices. They also sell other things, like dog food. Lets look at what they have to offer your canine and your wallet. You may be surprised at what we found.
At a Glance: The Best Aldi Pure Being Dog Food Recipes:
Rating | Image | Product | Details |
---|---|---|---|
Pure Being Dog Food Chicken & Rice / Salmon & Potato | CHECK PRICE | ||
Pure Being Dog Food Assorted Varieties | CHECK PRICE |
Aldi Pure Being Dog Food Reviewed
Aldi Pure Being is a store-brand premium dog food. We found the information on product origin, nutrition information, and customer reviews to be vague. We didnt find anything to suggest they source ingredients from China, but again, the information is limited.
We did find however, the Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe is produced in the U.S. Sunshine Mills manufactures Aldi Pure Being, Nurture Farms, Evolve, and Sportsmans Pride. The company has been making dog food since 1960. We also found that Aldis Pure Being canned food is produced in the Netherlands.
Which Type of Dog Is Aldis Pure Being Best Suited For?
Aldis Pure Being Dog Food is a high-quality dog food that would be an excellent choice for dogs that do not require a prescription or special diet. For dogs that may need better hydration, you could add water to the kibble or mix it with Pure Being canned dog food.
Which Type of Dog Might Do Better with a Different Brand?
Aldis Pure Being Dog Food may not be the best choice for dogs that have food sensitivities. For those pups, Hills Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach and Skin Grain-Free Salmon and Vegetable Entre canned Dog Food may be a better option. The formula is made to promote healthy skin and coat. It is highly digestible for canines with sensitive stomachs. It will come at a much higher price, however.
Discussion of the Primary Ingredients (Good and Bad)
Aldis Pure Being Dog Food is a wholesome and nutritious store-brand dog food. The main ingredient in the formula is meat. They do not add any artificial colors, flavors, or fillers.
Aldis canned dog food is a low-cost food with three available recipes. They include Chicken with Vegetables and Brown Rice recipes, Beef and Chicken, and Salmon and Potatoes. There are only two options for the dry kibble, however.
Dry Food
Your options for dry food are salmon and potato or chicken and rice. If you cannot afford a prescription diet, and your dog has food sensitivities, the salmon and potato may be easier for it to digest. The ingredients list is nutritious and balanced. It includes deboned salmon, cranberries, fish oil, and sweet potatoes.
Ingredients like peas and lentils are on the list and are questionable, however. We advise you to discuss these ingredients with your vet.
Wet Food
Aldi Pure Being Wet Food has three choices available. They include Chicken with Vegetables and Brown Rice, Salmon and Sweet Potato, and Beef and Chicken Recipe.
While the ingredient list in the formula is impressive, the food contains carrageenan. Some studies have linked the ingredient with gastrointestinal issues and cancer in humans. There has been no conclusive evidence on the effects of carrageenan in dogs, but the ingredient is controversial. Some studies suggest it may cause lesions, inflammation, and more in dogs.
Since it is store-brand dog food, it is only available at your local Aldis store or online. You will need to keep enough on hand, so you dont run out. If quantities are limited or you do not shop online, you could end up running out of food. This could cause a problem for your pets digestive system. Remember, switching your dog to a different food needs to be done slowly. Otherwise, your canine could experience digestion issues and/or diarrhea.
Fortunately, store-brand foods are usually cheaper than name brands. You may think that since it is not a name brand it lacks quality. That is not the case, however. The food contains wholesome ingredients for complete and balanced nutrition for your dog.
There seems to be conflicting information about the Aldi dog food brands. Aldis dog food line includes Heart to Tail and Pure Being dog foods. Some sights and information have the brands combined as one. They are referring to the brand as Heart and Tail Pure Being Dog Food. That information is incorrect. The brands are Heart to Tail and Pure Being. The Ingredients on the Pure Being label are superior to the Heart to Tail ingredients.
Aldis Pure Being and Shep Pure Being are not the same products either. You cannot purchase the Aldis Pure Being Brand on Amazon or Chewy. Unlike Shep Pure Being, Aldis Pure Being Dog Food brand is only available from Aldi stores and Instacart online. Shep is the manufacturer of Shep Pure Being and it is available on Amazon.
A Quick Look at Aldi Pure Being Dog Food
Pros
- Premium quality
- Meat is main ingredient
- Very affordable
- Wet and dry food
Cons
- Contains controversial ingredients
- Only sold at Aldis and online
- Limited information on food sources
Recall History
On July 30, 2021, the FDA issued a recall for Aldi Pure Being Dog Food. The manufacturer of the Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe reported the presence of mold in the products. According to the available information, Sunshine Mills only produces The Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe for the Aldi chain.
The contaminated food could result in aflatoxin poisoning in dogs. As of the date of the recall, there were no reports of illness or death in any dogs or cats.
Reviews of the 2 Best Aldis Pure Being Dog Food Recipes
Aldis Pure Being Salmon and Sweet Potato Canned Dog Food
Aldis Pure Being Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe Canned Dog Food is a premium dog food with a budget-friendly price tag.
The salmon recipe provides a high-quality dog food for all adult dogs. Fortunately, the salmon recipe is an option for pet owners who have dogs with food sensitivities. If you cannot afford specialty diets, this may be an excellent choice for your canine. The food contains no artificial flavors or colors and is made in the U.S. Sources for the food ingredients are from the U.S. and Canada.
Deboned salmon is the main ingredient on the label. The nutritious ingredients also include chicken meal, sweet potatoes, garbanzo beans, and peas. Again, peas are a controversial ingredient. Talk to your vet about feeding peas to your dog. Carrageenan is also contained in the wet food and should be discussed with your vet.
Pros
- No artificial flavors or colors
- Made in the U.S.
- Main ingredient is deboned salmon
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Contains peas
- Contains Carrageenan
Aldis Pure Being Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
If you are looking for a high-quality dry dog food at an affordable price, check this out.
The main ingredient is deboned chicken along with chicken meal, ground brown rice, peas, and pearled barley. The food is free of artificial colors and flavors. The recipe does not contain any soy. The peas in the food are considered a controversial ingredient and should be discussed with your veterinarian, however.
The food is made in the U.S. and the ingredients are sourced from Canada and the United States. The formula has the needed vitamins and minerals to provide your pet with a complete and balanced meal.
For dogs that love chicken and do not suffer from food sensitivities, this one is a winner. Its a premium dog food without the premium price. Since the food can only be purchased at Aldi stores or online, be sure to keep enough on hand for your pup.
Pros
- Main ingredient is chicken
- No artificial colors or flavors
- Made in the U.S.
Cons
- Contains controversial ingredients
- Only available online or at Aldi stores
What Other Users Are Saying?
Aldis website does not have a review section. Amongst others looking for information, we were unable to find customer opinions or reviews to share. We do need to consider that Aldis is a discount store. The lack of information on the website may be a budgeting issue. We are not suggesting they are purposely withholding information. The fact remains that information on the food and customer reviews is limited.
Conclusion
Our review of Aldis Pure Being Dog Food found the product to be a premium quality food for those on a tight budget. The Salmon recipe is an excellent alternative to a prescription diet if your dog has food sensitivities. The chicken recipe has meat as the main ingredient which is a positive start. For a budget-friendly food, it is an excellent choice of dog food.
The store brand provides your dog with premium quality food to ensure a healthy diet. As always, we recommend you discuss your dogs diet and any controversial ingredients with your vet.
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