is alpo dry dog food good for dogs

Alpo Dog Food Review (Dry)

Alpo Dog Food Review (Dry)

By Mike Sagman

Updated: March 19, 2024

DogFoodAdvisor is reader supported See how

All reviews are 100% impartial but if you buy using links on this page, we may earn a referral fee.

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.

Get Free Recall Alerts

Get free dog food recall alerts sent to you by email. Subscribe to The Advisors recall notification list.

More Purina Reviews

The following Purina dog food reviews are also posted on this website:

Compare This Dog Food

How does this brand compare with The Dog Food Advisor's most recommended brands?

A Final Word

The Dog Food Advisor does not accept money, gifts, samples or other incentives in exchange for special consideration in preparing our reviews.

However, we do receive a referral fee from online retailers (like Chewy or Amazon) and from sellers of perishable pet food when readers click over to their websites from ours. This helps cover the cost of operation of our free blog. Thanks for your support.

For more information, please visit our Disclaimer and Disclosure page.

Alpo Dog Food Review 2024: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary

Our Final Verdict

We give Alpo dog food a rating of 2.4 out of 5 stars.

The Alpo brand falls under the Purina-Nestle brand, though these days, its one of his lowest-selling brands. Alpo has been around for a long time, and its one of the most synonymous names for dog food.

However, its name isnt necessarily synonymous with high-quality dog food recipes. Their wet and dry food options are pretty limited these days, but you can find them at Walmart, Petco, The Dollar Tree, and other local retailers.

As more dog food brands have entered the market, the Alpo brand has fallen off the map. Today, many pet owners look for quality meals at affordable prices, and unfortunately, Alpo dog food has excellent price points but has failed when it comes to providing high-quality ingredients without fillers and preservatives.

So, Alpo will fit the bill if youre looking for a dog food brand that you can buy in a pinch if youre on a budget. However, if youre looking for high-quality ingredients from whole meats, veggies, and grains, you may want to pass on this brand.

Also, if your dog suffers from any health issues, such as gastrointestinal problems, allergies, stomach sensitivities, or yeast infections, Alpo may not be the best brand to support your dogs health issues.

At a Glance: The Best Alpo Pet Food Recipes

Alpo Pet Food Reviewed

Alpo dog food hit the scene in 1936 and was founded by Robert F. Hunsicker. However, it was acquired by the Nestle Purina Petcare brand years ago. Since its considered a budget-friendly dog brand, it has a limited number of products available, though it can be found in local pet stores worldwide.

Based in St. Louis, Missouri, the Alpo brand has been in the industry for close to 80 years and was one of the first dog food companies to revolutionize marketing for pet food products. Their successful marketing campaigns were responsible for many of the companys sales during the first few decades of operation.

However, their dog food recipes are simple, made of inexpensive ingredients, and arent known for being organic, holistic, or particularly nutritious. They provide wet and dry meals and a small list of doggie treats. They dont provide dog food specifically formulated for mature dogs or puppies, and they dont have any recipes made for dogs with health issues or for specific breeds.

What Dogs Is Alpo Dog Food Good For?

Overall, youll find that this brand of dog food is suitable for any breed, as it has the bare minimum needed from a nutrient standpoint. The brand doesnt have any specific age recommendations for their meals. However, as mentioned previously, you may think twice about providing this food for dogs suffering from health issues.

Alpo Dog Food Pricing

The best thing about Alpo is the price. You can get a can of Alpo or buy a 12-pack for about a reasonable price. Their dry food is also very inexpensive, which is about half the price of high-quality brands such as Royal Canin or Hills.

Alpo Dog Food Primary Ingredients

Alpo dog foods are fortified with vitamins, fiber, and minerals, including B vitamins in addition to vitamins A and D. Unfortunately, the main ingredients in many of the dog food products are meat by-products, animal fats, wheat, soy, and corn.

These ingredients arent uncommon in dog foods, but some dog owners prefer to have recipes with whole foods listed as the main ingredients. Also, the brand has quite a number of different additives.

Many dry food formulas include corn (which is high in carbohydrates) as the main ingredient, which has been known to contribute to obesity issues in dogs.Lets take a closer look at some of the main ingredients in their foods.

Bone Meal

Bone meal is the crushed bones and hubs of different animals that have been slaughtered. It usually contains protein, calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals that dogs need for everyday health. However, the quality of the bone meal will vary by brand.

Soybean Meal

Soybean meal is another protein supplement thats commonly added to dog food. However, soy has been known to cause allergy issues in humans and dogs. Though soybean meal can help bulk up dog food and add considerable volume, its not necessarily the healthiest meal for your dog.

Yes, soybeans are packed with amino acids, protein, and other minerals, but they pale in comparison to high-quality meats such as chicken, beef, liver, and turkey. Its considered an additive used by manufacturers to keep costs down, which is not favorable for pet owners looking for the best of the best in dog food recipes.

Meat Meal

Meat meal is a dried end product made from various organs of different animals. It is not considered a whole-meat option. Meat meal recipes can be fortified with protein and are very high in fat, additives, and carbohydrates.

Recall History

As mentioned previously, Alpo has been around for over 80 years. Recently, it has had several recalls for its wet and dry products. However, most of the recalls have been for canned dog food products for reasons ranging from melamine contamination to bad expiration dates. One of the more recent recalls happened in 2020 with various canned food products.

Reviews of the 3 Best Alpo Food Recipes

Here are some of the best recipes the Alpo brand offers. There arent any Alpo dog food products available on Amazon or Chewy as of the moment. However, you can find Alpo at local pet food stores and Walmart.

1. Alpo Prime CutsDry Dog Food

Alpo Prime CutsDry Dog Food consists of prime beef. It includes vegetables and has 23 vitamins and minerals to give your dog a daily supply of nutrition. Prime Cuts is made to support strong muscles. The recipe contains meat by-products, gluten, soy, and modified starch. So, if your dog has health issues or stomach sensitivities, this may not be the best pick.

However, it is also fortified with vitamins A, B, D3, and folic acid. Its not the healthiest dog food brand available, but it can be a suitable meal for your dog if youre running low on funds and looking for a budget-friendly option.

• Affordable option
• Fortified with vitamins & minerals
• Easy to find in stores

• Contains by-products
• Doesnt support health issues
• Contains additives
• Limited online availability

2. Alpo Chop House Canned Dog Food

Here is another recipe you can stock up on if you need wet food for your dog. Alpo Chop House Canned Dog Food contains steak-flavored meat products with a tender texture. This soft food is suitable for young puppies that are still growing.

It also has 23 essential vitamins and minerals for everyday health and contains about 10% more protein than other canned meals by the brand. These classic meals are satisfying enough for small and large dogs.

• Chicken & Beef flavors
• Fortified with vitamins & minerals
• Affordable option

• Contains by-products
• Doesnt support health issues
• Contains additives
• Limited online availability

3. Alpo Come & Get It! Adult Dry Dog Food

Alpo Come & Get It! Adult Dry Dog Food is balanced and able to provide a dog with the basic essentials they need for everyday health. It is suitable for all dog breeds and dogs of various ages. It includes calcium, 23 essential vitamins and minerals, and linoleic acid to help support healthy skin and fur.

Most importantly, its one of the most inexpensive dry dog food options you can purchase.

• Tasty steak flavor
• Fortified with vitamins & minerals
• Affordable option

• Contains by-products
• Doesnt support health issues
• Contains additives
• Limited online availability

What Other Users Are Saying

The reviews amongst Alpo customers seem to be pretty mixed. Most buyers know that the brand may not be the best quality, but they are more than happy to buy the product at the current price to save money.

Many users also mentioned that they supplement the brand during times of budget constraint or use the products to mix with other, more expensive brands. There were also negative reviews of owners stating that their dogs became gassy, suffered from diarrhea, and, in some cases, appeared to have stomach nausea after consuming Alpo.

If youre introducing Alpo to your pup for the first time, you may want to start slowly to ensure it doesnt cause digestive irritation.

Our dog wasnt crazy about it. I tried this for our Great Pyrenees that is not at all picky. He wasnt crazy about it. He normally tries anything, even new dog foods, with no problem, but this he wasnt very interested in. I didnt notice any issues with him after eating it.

My dogs only eat this dry dog food twice a day. My dogs love both the Alpo dry and wet foods. They eat both twice a day. I love the price.

Good food. Fed it to a stray dog we were taking care of. She was eating puppy chow before this because thats what her puppies were eating. She liked it ok but preferred the puppy chow. After she got used to it, she liked it.

Conclusion

Dogs dont know if their dog food is healthy or harmful for them, which is why its vital for dog owners to be discerning. So, if you are looking for the healthiest wet or dry food option for your dog, Alpo isnt it. However, it is fortified with vitamins and minerals for daily nutrition and can be used as a substitute if youre in a pinch or on a budget.

However, you may want to introduce it to your dog in a phased approach to see how they react. Also, if your dog has any history of digestive problems, yeast infections, or other issues, you may not want to use this brand, as it is high in carbohydrates and additives that may exacerbate these issues.

The Alpo brand has carved out a small and relevant niche in the dog food world. Its known as a cheap and readily available food brand that you can get at almost any store, and it contains the basics that your dog needs for nutrition.

Featured Image Credit: Chewy