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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.

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

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

The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls related to Purina through April.

You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 here.

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A Final Word

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What Happened to Alpo Dog Food? The Untold Truth Revealed

Alpo Dog Food faced a significant product recall due to potential health risks. Alpo Dog Food, a well-known brand in the pet food industry, experienced a major setback with a product recall.

Pet owners were shocked to learn that their beloved Alpo dog food might pose health risks to their furry companions. This incident caused panic and concern among dog owners across the country, as they wanted to ensure the safety and well-being of their pets.

In response, Alpo took immediate action to address the issue, recalling the affected products to prevent any further harm. This unfortunate situation serves as a reminder of the importance of diligent quality control and regular monitoring in the pet food industry to protect the health of our beloved pets.

A Brief History Of Alpo Dog Food

The Controversial Ingredients Revealed

Customer Complaints And Health Concerns

Health problems linked to Alpo Dog Food consumption

Reports and concerns raised by dog owners regarding Alpo Dog Food are becoming increasingly alarming. Several customers have complained about various health issues experienced by their dogs after consuming this brand of dog food. Some have reported digestive problems, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Others have noticed changes in their dogs behavior, including lethargy and agitation.

Furthermore, there have been instances where dog owners have discovered foreign objects, such as plastic or metal, in the food. These incidents have raised serious concerns about the safety and quality control measures of Alpo Dog Food. Dog owners understand the importance of providing their pets with healthy and nutritious meals, so discovering such issues with a well-known brand like Alpo is deeply concerning.

It is crucial for the company to address these customer complaints and take immediate action to ensure the safety and well-being of dogs consuming their products. Pet owners have a right to know what is in the food they are feeding their beloved pets, and it is the responsibility of dog food manufacturers to maintain high standards of quality and safety.

Recall And Legal Actions Against Alpo

There have been significant recall and legal actions against Alpo dog food due to product controversies. Regulatory bodies have reacted strongly to these issues, taking necessary steps to address them. Lawsuits and legal proceedings have been initiated against the company to hold them accountable for the problems associated with their products.

Transparency And Consumer Trust Issues

Transparency and consumer trust are crucial factors in the pet food industry. However, Alpo Dog Food has been facing challenges in this regard. The brand has been criticized for its lack of transparency in providing comprehensive product information to consumers. This controversy has had a significant impact on consumer trust not only in Alpo but also in other pet food brands.

The absence of clear and detailed information about Alpos products has raised concerns among pet owners. Consumers want to know what ingredients are used and where they come from, as well as how the food is produced and processed. Without this transparency, pet owners may question the quality and safety of Alpos dog food, leading to a loss of trust.

Furthermore, the controversy surrounding Alpo Dog Food has a ripple effect on consumer trust in the overall pet food industry. Pet owners rely on trust to make informed decisions about the well-being and nutrition of their pets. When one brand falls short in transparency, it casts doubt on the entire industry.

Overall, the lack of transparency in Alpos product information has damaged consumer trust in both the brand and the wider pet food industry. To regain trust, it is essential for pet food companies to prioritize transparency and provide clear, accurate, and detailed information about their products.

The Evolution Of Pet Food Safety Standards

The Evolution of Pet Food Safety Standards

Over the years, there has been a significant focus on improving pet food safety standards. Stringent measures have been taken to ensure the quality and safety of pet food products. This has resulted in the strengthening of regulations in the pet food industry.

Manufacturers now have to adhere to strict guidelines and standards during the production process. They are required to maintain a thorough record of ingredients used and their sources. Regular inspections and audits are conducted to assess compliance with these regulations.

To further ensure pet food safety, various testing methods have been implemented. This includes laboratory analysis to check for contaminants and toxins. Ingredients that meet certain safety criteria are preferred, and any quality issues are promptly addressed.

This evolution of pet food safety standards has been driven by the commitment to safeguard the health of pets. Pet food manufacturers continuously invest in research and development to improve their products. This results in safer and more nutritious food options for our furry companions.

The Future Of Alpo Dog Food

Alpo Dog Food has been dealing with a loss in consumer trust due to concerns about the quality and safety of their products. To regain trust, Alpo is making efforts to improve their dog food formulas and manufacturing processes. They have implemented rigorous quality control measures to ensure that their products meet the highest standards.

In addition to their own efforts, concerned dog owners also have alternative pet food options. Many pet owners are turning to organic and natural dog food brands that prioritize the use of high-quality ingredients. These brands often offer a range of flavors and formulas to cater to the specific dietary needs of dogs.

It is important for dog owners to carefully research and read reviews of different pet food brands to find the best option for their furry friends. Taking the time to understand the ingredients and manufacturing processes can help ensure that dogs receive the nutritious and safe food they deserve.

Key Takeaways:

Conclusion

Alpo dog food has faced several challenges over the years, including concerns over its ingredients and quality. Through improved formulations and increased transparency, the brand has worked to regain trust among pet owners. As pet nutrition continues to evolve, it is important for Alpo and other dog food companies to prioritize the health and well-being of our furry friends.

By staying committed to providing nutritious and safe options, Alpo can continue to thrive in the competitive pet food market.