how bad is alpo 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.

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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Alpo Dog Food Review 2024: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary

Our Final Verdict

We give Alpo Dog Food a rating of 2 out of 5 stars.

Dog food recipes keep changing by the day, and its hard to know which dog food is the best for your pup. Alpo is a common brand lining dollar store and department store isles for quick, easy meals. But how is the nutrition, does the recipe hold up, and is it something you should even be feeding your dog?

Well explain a little bit about the company and dive deep into our pose formula ingredients.

At a Glance: The Best Alpo Dog Food Recipes

Rating	Image	Product	Details
	ALPO Prime Cuts Savory Beef Flavor Dry Dog Food	Colorful Flavorful Modest calorie levels	CHECK PRICE
	ALPO Come & Get It! Cookout Classic Dry Dog Food	Softer kibble Completely balanced Dogs love the flavor	CHECK PRICE
	ALPO Prime Cuts with Beef and Gravy	Recyclable cans Adequate protein and calories 23 essential vitamins and minerals	CHECK PRICE

Alpo Dog Food Reviewed

Alpo is a readily available dog food you can find in-store and online. But just because its readily available doesnt mean its nutritionally beneficial. There are plenty of choices on the market, fitting all kinds of budgets. Were here to tell you why you should avoid Alpo and buy your dog something that is more nutrient friendly. Lets learn a little about the company and why we cant recommend Alpo.

Who Makes Alpo and Where Is It Produced?

Alpo is made by Nestle Purina, a very well-known pet food company. Purina offers a long lineup of nutrition at varying costs. Alpo is at the bottom of the totem pole in both categories.

Which Type of Dog Is Alpo Best Suited For?

Alpo is a prevalent Purina dog food brand line you can find just about anywhere. Because its so readily available, you might mistakenly think its the best option for your dog. We beg to differ. We think that the only time Alpo should ever be fed to a dog is if its an emergency situation where another food is available or temporary until their traditional dog food comes in the mail.

Otherwise, Alpo uses many ingredients and formulas that can trigger all sorts of allergies and sensitivities and even aid in developing specific health issues.

Which Type of Dog Might Do Better with a Different Brand?

If youre trying to find a readily available brand on the shelves, you dont have to dismiss quality nutrition completely. Dogs with any sensitivity should never eat Alpo for any reason. It can trigger all sorts of unwanted symptoms related to digestive issues.

Purina dog food is popular as well, and they have several lines of comprehensive recipes to satisfy the taste buds and aid in the health of many different dogs. Its as convenient as what youre looking for. We understand the importance of being able to stay local and still be able to feed your Mtley Cre.

With Purina they carry high-quality lines of dog food that target particular health issues. You can check out all of their top-of-the-line recipes if you click here.

Discussion of the Primary Ingredients (Good and Bad)

Youve heard our disdain for this particular brand, but now you get to figure out exactly why. When we look at a dog food brand, we consider so many factors.

For us to consider dog food top quality, there should be a foundation protein source, wholesome ingredients with essential vitamins and minerals, and supportive bodily components. Alpo lacks severely in all categories.

• Ground yellow corn is the first ingredient in this dog food. Corn doesnt provide much for dogs in the way of nutrition.
• Meat and bone meal provide a concentrated protein source. But ideally, we like to see meat protein as the first ingredient in dog food because protein provides the most beneficial nutrition for dogs. It also doesnt specify what the meat is, which is not good for dogs that may have an allergy to certain kinds of meat.
• Soybean meal is a carbohydrate source found in many common dog foods. Many dogs have sensitivities to soy, so its not always the best ingredient to see in a lineup. However, soy is a good source of fiber for your dog.
• Beef fat added protein source with other health benefits.
• Corn gluten meal contains fiber and serves as a carbohydrate source. Some dogs are highly sensitive to gluten in dog food, so this ingredient is controversial.
• Egg and chicken flavor is an unusual phrasing because its hard to determine if it is natural or synthetic egg and chicken.
• Natural flavor is a very tricky element. Natural flavors have no one meaning and can signal many things, most of which are not good. Legally, natural flavors can contain many synthetic ingredients. So, it might look like some tricky marketing.
• Dyes

Here, we see all of these dyes and toxins.

• Red 40linked to stomach issues, migraines, nervousness, jitteriness
• Yellow 5can cause itching, coughing, vomiting
• Blue 2has been linked to tumors in male rats during studies
• Garlic Oilgarlic is highly toxic to dogs, as are all plants in the allium family

Dietary Triggers

Alpo offers a not-so-healthy lineup of ingredients that can cause all sorts of digestive upsetand some ingredients are just bad for all dogs in general.

Corn being the main ingredient is already a huge red flag, as there is more of a carbohydrate source than protein. Corn is not a nutrient-dense carb source, either, providing minimal nutritional benefit. While it isnt a filler, as some would say, it isnt the most nutritious choice. There are also tons of dyes, artificial preservatives, and flavors, some of which are synthetic ingredients.

Alpos dog food recipes also contain meat and bone meal as one of the primary ingredients. However, this is very ambiguous, and it could be any kind of meat in the food. Some types of meat, such as chicken or beef, are common allergens for dogs. So its hard to know exactly what kind of meat youre getting.

A Quick Look at ALPO Food

Cons

• Contains potential allergy triggers
• Contains artificial flavors and dyes
• Contains byproducts and fillers
• Kibble contains very little protein

Recall History

From our research, we only found one recall on Alpo Dog food. In March of 2007, Alpo Prime Cuts was recalled due to possible melamine contamination.

Reviews of the 3 Best ALPO Dog Food Recipes

1. ALPO Prime Cuts Savory Beef Flavor Dry Dog Food

ALPO Prime Cuts Savory Beef Dry Dog Food is designed for flavor. It contains many delicious ingredients that might catch your picky dogs attention. It also has colorful elements to capture the eye.

However, even though these tactics are effective, this recipe doesnt contain the best ingredients. It only has 18.0% protein on the guaranteed analysis, which is very low. If you buy this dog food, we encourage you to mix it with a high-protein wet food topper.

Otherwise, its a modest calorie diet, so it would work well for various activity levels. It contains ground corn meal as the first ingredient, which we really dont like to see. Rather than a whole protein source, it has bone and meat mealnot the best source.

However, it is compatible with nutrient profile requirements.

Pros

• Modest calorie levels
• Flavorful
• Colorful

Cons

• Many unhealthy ingredients
• Very low protein

2. ALPO Come & Get It! Cookout Classic Dry Dog Food

ALPO Come & Get It Cookout Classic Dry Dog Food is a 100% complete and balanced recipe. It is a grain-inclusive recipe that meets nutritional requirements, providing 23 essential vitamins and minerals.

This recipe contains important ingredients like linoleic acids and calcium for healthy skin, fur, and bones. Essentially, its full of fillers, using starches and hard-to-digest ingredients for carbs. It contains a dangerously low amount of protein, however, averaging 18% on the guaranteed analysis.

We noticed this dog food contains a little more moisture than some dry dog foods, and you can tell slightly in the kibble texture. Your dogs might love the taste, but we give the recipe a big thumbs down.

Pros

• Completely balanced
• Softer kibble

Cons

• Low protein
• Uses artificial flavors, byproducts, and fillers

3. ALPO Prime Cuts with Beef and Gravy

ALPO Prime Cuts with Beef and Gravy is sure to tickle the taste buds of any pup. Its formulated with the basic 23 essential vitamins and minerals for dogs. It contains a meaty loaf sitting in a savory gravy that will spruce up fresh dry kibble with a hydrating surprise.

The recipe contains an average amount of calories and protein, making it adequate for most dogs with moderate activity levels.

While it might be full of moisture and meaty flavors, it doesnt contain the best ingredients. It shows unspecified poultry as the number one ingredient, followed by meat byproducts and wheat gluten. Its just screaming to trigger an allergy.

One positive is that the recipes are crafted in the United States. So, at least you can keep a closer eye on the business sourcing if need be.

Pros

• 23 essential vitamins and minerals
• Recyclable cans
• Adequate protein and calories

Cons

• Contains artificial ingredients

What Other Users Are Saying

We havent seen the best comments about Alpo from nutritionists. Many claim it is insufficient due to the number of artificial additives and low-quality ingredients.

However, many customer reviews disagree. It seems many owners have picky dogs who love the taste of Alpo.

We dont need to rag on Alpo, but they really should improve their dietary selections based on the current changes in the pet food industry.

By offering a more comprehensive selection of quality products that cater to different dietary sensitivities, it might severely limit their customer base and impact to the health of owners who choose to feed this dog food to their p

Conclusion

In good conscience, we cannot recommend Alpo dog food for your dog. It contains too many artificial ingredients and other potential allergy triggers that can be upsetting for many canines, even the healthy ones. There are plenty of other selections that you can find readily available in stores, such as other lines in the Purina dog food brand.

This is definitely not one of the best and we give it a big thumbs down. Your dog deserves the best nutrition, work with your veterinarian to pick a nutritionally solid dog food that works in your budget.

Sources

• https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-reviews/alpo-dog-food-dry/