alpo come and get it dry dog food
Alpo Dog Food Review (Dry)
Alpo Dog Food Review (Dry)
By Mike Sagman
Updated: March 19, 2024
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Which Alpo Recipes Get Our Best Ratings?
Alpo Dog Food receives the Advisors lowest rating of 1 star.
The Alpo product line includes the 2 dry dog foods listed below.
Each recipe includes its AAFCO nutrient profile when available Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.
| Product | Rating | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| Alpo Prime Cuts Savory Beef Flavor | 1 | M |
| Alpo Come and Get It Cookout Classics | 1 | M |
Recipe and Label Analysis
Alpo Come and Get It Cookout Classics was selected to represent both products in the line for detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.
Label and nutrient data below are calculated using dry matter basis.
Alpo Come and Get It Cookout Classics
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
Ground yellow corn, corn germ meal, beef and bone meal, soybean meal, beef fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols, pork and bone meal, egg and chicken flavor, natural flavor, corn gluten meal, salt, potassium chloride, choline chloride, minerals [zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, calcium iodate], sodium selenite, natural grill flavor, vitamins [vitamin E supplement, niacin (vitamin B-3), vitamin A supplement, calcium pantothenate (vitamin B-5), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B-6), vitamin B-12 supplement, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B-1), vitamin D-3 supplement, riboflavin supplement (vitamin B-2), menadione sodium bisulfite complex (vitamin K), folic acid (vitamin B-9), biotin (vitamin B-7)], dl-methionine, l-lysine monohydrochloride, l-tryptophan, red 40, yellow 5, calcium carbonate, blue 2, yellow 6, garlic oil
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 6%
Red denotes any controversial items
| Guaranteed Analysis | 18% | 9% | NA |
| Dry Matter Basis | 21% | 10% | 62% |
| Calorie Weighted Basis | 19% | 22% | 58% |
Ingredient Analysis
The first ingredient in this dog food is corn. Corn is an inexpensive and controversial cereal grain. And aside from its energy content, this grain is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.
The second ingredient is corn germ meal, a meal made from ground corn germ after much of the oil has been removed. Corn germ meal is a protein-rich by-product left over after milling corn meal, hominy grits and other corn products.
However, the protein found in corn germ meal (about 25% dry matter basis) must be considered when judging the meat content of this dog food.
The third ingredient is beef and bone meal, a dry rendered product from (beef) tissues, including bone, exclusive of blood, hair, hoof, horn, hide trimmings, manure, stomach and rumen contents.1
Beef and bone meal may have a lower biological value than most other meat meals.
Scientists believe this decreased protein quality may be due to the ingredients higher ash and lower essential amino acid content.2
On the brighter side, beef and bone meals are meat concentrates and contain nearly 300% more protein than fresh meat.
In any case, beef and bone meal is not considered a better quality dog food ingredient.
The next ingredient is soybean meal, a by-product of soybean oil production more commonly found in farm animal feeds.
Although soybean meal contains 48% protein, this ingredient would be expected to have a lower biological value than meat.
And less costly plant-based products like this can notably boost the total protein reported on the label a factor that cant be ignored when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.
The fifth ingredient is beef fat. Beef fat (or tallow) is most likely obtained from rendering, a process similar to making soup in which the fat itself is skimmed from the surface of the liquid.
Although it may not sound very appetizing, beef fat is actually a quality ingredient.
The sixth ingredient is pork and bone meal, a dry rendered product from (pork) tissues, including bone, exclusive of any added blood, hair, hoof, horn, hide trimmings, manure, stomach and rumen contents.3
Pork and bone meal may have a lower digestibility than most other meat meals.
Scientists believe this decreased protein quality may be due to the ingredients higher ash (about 25-30%) and lower essential amino acid content.4
On the brighter side, pork and bone meals are meat concentrates and contain nearly 300% more protein than fresh pork.
After the egg and chicken flavor and natural flavor, we find corn gluten meal. Gluten is the rubbery residue remaining once corn has had most of its starchy carbohydrate washed out of it.
Although corn gluten meal contains 60% protein, this ingredient would be expected to have a lower biological value than meat and can notably boost the total protein reported on the label.
From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.
But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this Alpo product.
With 6 notable exceptions
First, were always disappointed to find artificial coloring in any pet food. Thats because coloring is used to make the product more appealing to humans not your dog. After all, do you really think your dog cares what color his food is?
Next, garlic can be a controversial item. Although many favor the ingredient for its claimed health benefits, garlic has been linked to Heinz body anemia in dogs.5
So, one must weigh the potential benefits of feeding garlic against its proven tendency to cause subclinical damage to the red blood cells of the animal.
In addition, we find no mention of probiotics, friendly bacteria applied to the surface of the kibble after processing to help with digestion.
Next, the minerals listed here do not appear to be chelated. And that can make them more difficult to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually associated with higher quality dog foods.
Additionally, this recipe contains sodium selenite, a controversial form of the mineral selenium. Sodium selenite appears to be nutritionally inferior to the more natural source of selenium found in selenium yeast.
And lastly, this dog food includes menadione, a controversial form of vitamin K linked to liver toxicity, allergies and the abnormal break-down of red blood cells.
Since vitamin K isnt required by AAFCO in either of its dog food nutrient profiles, we question the use of this substance in any canine formulation.
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredients alone, Alpo Dog Food looks like a below-average dry product.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 21%, a fat level of 10% and estimated carbohydrates of about 62%.
As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 21% and a mean fat level of 10%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 62% for the overall product line.
And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
Which means this Alpo product line contains
Below-average protein. Below-average fat. And above-average carbs when compared to a typical dry dog food.
When you consider the protein-boosting effect of the corn germ, corn gluten and soybean meals, this looks like the profile of a kibble containing just a limited amount of meat.
Our Rating of Alpo Dog Food
Alpo is a grain-inclusive dry dog food using a limited amount of named meat and bone meal as its main source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 1 star.
Not recommended.
Purina Dog Food Recall History
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Alpo Come & Get It Cookout Classics Review
While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.
Ground Yellow Corn is often used as an affordable source of energy. It provides protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, although it's not as easily digestible as some other grains.
Corn germ meal is a source of protein and energy, providing essential fatty acids and fiber to support your dog's digestion and overall health.
Beef and bone meal is a high-quality source of protein that also provides dogs with essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and teeth.
Soybean meal is a plant-based protein source that provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle growth and overall health, while also being highly digestible.
Beef Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a source of energy and fat-soluble vitamins, and tocopherols help keep the fat fresh and rancid-free.
Pork and bone meal is a high-quality protein source that supports muscle development and overall health in your dog.
Egg Flavor enhances the taste of the dog food, making it more palatable and enticing for dogs to eat.
Natural chicken flavor is a dog food ingredient used to enhance the taste and aroma of the product, making it more appealing to your pet. It is derived from real chicken and does not contain any artificial additives or chemicals. This natural flavoring helps encourage your dog to eat and enjoy their meals.
Natural flavor is added to dog food to enhance its taste and make it more appealing to your pet. This can help encourage your dog to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, supporting their overall health and well-being.
Corn gluten meal is a by-product of corn processing that serves as an alternative protein source for dogs. It is rich in essential amino acids, and it can also provide energy and support healthy skin and coat for your pet.
While salt is a necessary component of a dog's diet, providing essential minerals such as sodium and chloride for proper cellular function, it should be provided in moderation to avoid health issues like hypertension or kidney damage.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
Zinc sulfate is a source of the essential mineral zinc, which supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall growth and development.
Ferrous sulfate is an important source of iron for dogs, a mineral essential for red blood cell production, oxygen transportation, and overall vitality. Adequate iron intake supports your dog's immune system and energy levels.
Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy bones, joints, and metabolism in dogs. It also supports the production of collagen, which is vital for healthy skin, coat, and connective tissues.
Copper sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports various bodily functions in dogs, including immune system health, skin and coat maintenance, and red blood cell production.
Calcium iodate is a source of iodine, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's thyroid function and overall metabolism. It helps maintain proper hormone production and is crucial for overall health and well-being.
Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.
Natural grill flavor is added to dog food to enhance its taste and make it more appetizing for your furry friend. This flavoring is derived from natural sources and helps encourage even picky eaters to enjoy their meals.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential for a dog's metabolism and energy production, and supports healthy skin and coat.
Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.
Calcium pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that helps support your dog's energy metabolism and nervous system function.
Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a source of vitamin B6, which is essential for your dog's nervous system function, immune health, and red blood cell production.
Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.
Vitamin D3 supplement is an essential vitamin that supports bone health, immune function, and overall well-being in dogs. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus balance in the body, promoting strong and healthy bones.
Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.
Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a synthetic form of vitamin K, which plays a vital role in blood clotting and bone metabolism for your dog's overall health.
Folic acid is a crucial B-vitamin that aids in the synthesis of DNA and supports healthy cell growth. It's essential for maintaining your dog's overall health, particularly during periods of rapid growth.
Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.
DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that supports your dog's overall health by promoting proper protein synthesis, maintaining healthy skin and coat, and aiding in the detoxification process.
L-lysine monohydrochloride is an essential amino acid that is crucial for protein synthesis, tissue repair, and the production of antibodies. It's a beneficial supplement that supports your dog's overall health.
L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid that helps to support your dog's mood and stress levels.
Red 40 is an artificial colorant that is added to some dog foods to make the product more visually appealing.
Yellow 5 is a synthetic dye used in dog foods for aesthetic purposes. It has no nutritional value.
Calcium carbonate is a valuable source of calcium, an essential mineral for strong bones and teeth, and for supporting proper muscle function in your dog.
Blue 2 is an artificial colorant that is used to give dog food an appealing appearance. While it does not provide any nutritional value, it is generally considered safe for use in pet food when used within the recommended limits.
Yellow 6 is an artificial color added to dog food. While it is approved for use by the FDA, some owners prefer to avoid foods with artificial coloring.
Garlic oil contains natural compounds that can help support your dog's immune system and may act as a natural flea and tick repellent.
Crude Protein (min) of 18.00%: The crude protein content is primarily derived from the beef and bone meal, soybean meal, and pork and bone meal listed in the ingredients. These are all protein-rich ingredients that contribute to the overall protein content of the pet food. Corn gluten meal also contributes to the protein content, although it is a less complete protein compared to animal sources.
Crude Fat (min) of 8.50%: The crude fat in the pet food comes from the beef fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols and, to a lesser extent, from the meat meals such as beef and bone meal, and pork and bone meal. Fats are essential for energy, and the inclusion of beef fat helps to ensure that the product meets the minimum fat content required for a balanced diet for dogs.
Crude Fiber (max) of 6.00%: The crude fiber content is likely to come from the ground yellow corn and corn germ meal, as these plant-based ingredients are known to be good sources of dietary fiber. Fiber is important for digestive health, and while it is not a nutrient that provides energy, it is crucial for maintaining a healthy digestive system.
Calories of 3384.00 per kg: This value indicates the energy content of the food. The calories in this pet food come from the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates present in all the ingredients, with the main contributors being the ground yellow corn (carbohydrates), beef and bone meal, soybean meal, pork and bone meal (proteins), and beef fat (fats). The balance of these macronutrients determines the caloric content of the food.
