Beneful Dog Food Review (2023): Prices, Quality, Nutrients

Here is our Beneful dog food review

Proper nutrition is vital for human beings and our beloved furry companions. Every dog is unique and has specific dietary needs. 

As such, it’s your duty as a loving parent to determine your dog’s specific needs to identify the kind of food that will satisfactorily meet them. 

You should find out exactly what’s in the dog food and if that’s what your pal needs. Your dog can live a happy, healthy, and long life with the right food. And this is what every dog owner desires, right?

That’s why you’ve scoured the internet to find the best food for your dog.  However, the loads of contradicting information and numerous existing reviews have complicated this further.

So how do you determine the right food for your dog? To make it easier for you, we dig deep into some of the popular dog food brands to give a review of their suitability for your dog. 

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the Beneful Dog Food brand, including ingredient analysis, nutritional profile, and some of their top recipes to help determine if this is right for your dog.

Nestle Purina Petcare Company owns Beneful dog food. This dog food brand is closely related to Purina Pro Plan, which the same company owns. This dog brand is known for producing delectable meals for dogs that come at an affordable cost.

The brand claims to uphold very high standards regarding food safety as they routinely carry out quality checks on all their products. All Beneful dog products are made in the Purina Facilities that meet and exceed USDA, FDA, and AAFCO standards.

Despite their quality standard claims, is this dog food brand really what it claims to be? How safe is this dog food?

Come with us as we explore more about this brand. 

About Beneful Dog Food 

Beneful is a popular dog food brand that offers different types of dog food products, including wet food, dry food, and dog treats. This brand has a reputation for being among the most affordable dog food brands. While Beneful has positive reviews, it has received backlash due to the past recall history.

Who Owns Beneful Dog Food 

Purina Nestle Petcare owns Beneful dog food; a company started in the late 1860s under Robinson-Danforth Commission Company. The company then changed its name to Ralston Purina, which later evolved to what we now refer to as Purina. 

The company started producing pet food in 1926 and has since offered quality dog food. The brand makes recipes that cater to different life stages, including puppies, adults, and senior dogs.

What are the Sub-brands of Beneful Dog Food Manufacturer? 

Besides Beneful, Nestle Purina Petcare Company has other brands, including Purina Pro Plan, Purina Dog Chow, Friskies, and Purina One.

What is the Nutritional Profile of Beneful Dog Foods? 

While evaluating the suitability of dog food, it’s important to consider its nutritional profile as this gives insights into its adequacy and ability to meet your dog’s needs. The nutritional profile of any dog food is determined by the ingredients included in making it. Thus, the ingredient list is critical in indicating the nutritional adequacy of dog food.

Generally, carbohydrates, proteins, and fat are the most important dietary components that make up the nutritional profile of dog food.

Carbohydrate Value of Beneful Dog Food

Carbohydrates provide important energy sources for dogs. When consumed, these are metabolized into sugar which is then turned into calories that fuel dogs’ activities. However, excessive carbs are turned into fats and stored in a dog’s body, leading to an unhealthy weight gain.

The most common sources of carbohydrates for dog food include

• Tubers including yams and sweet potatoes
• Grains such as corn, rice, and wheat
• Fruits and vegetables include kales, spinach, broccoli, apples, bananas, oranges, and berries.
• Legumes like peas, beans, and lentils

In terms of carbohydrate value, Beneful dog food is considered near-average with a carbs content of 49%. This is compared to other commercial dog foods that contain between 30%-60%.

Protein Value of Beneful Dog Food

Proteins are crucial in building and maintaining healthy muscles and tissues in dogs. These dietary components provide amino acids that dogs need to build, heal, and maintain muscles. Proteins also help improve nail, hair, and skin health in dogs.

Beneful dog food falls in the near-average class concerning proteins, with a content of 29%. While this is within AAFCOs minimum requirement for proteins, it is low compared to other commercial dog foods. Beneful uses protein from farm-raised chicken, real beef, and salmon. 

Fat Value of Beneful Dog Food

In addition to being a significant energy source, fats are also necessary for the healthy growth and operation of the body cells, tissues, nerves, and muscles. They also support the proper absorption of other nutrients and maintain healthy skin and coats. Additionally, fats assist in regulating body temperature and serve to cushion sensitive organs from harm.

The average fat content in Beneful dog food is 15% which is also near-average compared to other brands. This food comes with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.

What Makes Beneful Dog Food Unique 

There are many dog food brands offering foods for different dogs and needs. Each brand has some attributes that set it apart from other brands. The distinguishing features can be cost, type and quality of ingredients, type of food offered, and availability. 

The following are some of the things that make Beneful dog food unique:

• Cost: The biggest selling point for this dog food brand is the cost it offers for its products. Beneful dog food is among the most affordable foods available on the market. Many customers are attracted to this dog food due to its price.
• Food taste: Beneful dog food has a great taste that most dogs find irresistible. Even after changing its formula, this company has maintained the taste of its foods which most dogs enjoy.
• Wide variety: Beneful dog food shines in terms of recipe selection. This brand offers a wide assortment of flavors and recipes to suit the varied needs of different dogs. It includes wet and dry formulas and grain-inclusive and grain-free options.
• Commitment to quality: Beneful dog food has shown commitment to maintaining the quality of its products. The brand reformulated its formulas by doing away with sugar and using real meat in its recipes in response to the issues raised by its customers. This is commendable for such a popular brand as it indicates its willingness to provide quality dog food.

What are the Best Beneful Recipes and Flavors?  

Beneful dog food comes in various recipes and flavors to suit the different needs and dogs. These include the following:

Dry food

Otherwise referred to as kibble, dry food has a low moisture content, usually up to 11%. Dry foods have dental health benefits for dogs as they encourage chewing, thus helping prevent tartar buildup and periodontal disease. Dry food is also cheaper and more convenient compared to wet food. 

Beneful has 12 recipes in their dry dog food line that come in different flavors, including salmon, chicken, and beef. This Beneful grain-free dry dog food with real chicken formula is one of this brand’s top dry food recipes.

Wet food 

Wet dog food or canned food contains high amounts of water, usually up to 85% mixed with other ingredients. They are more flavorful and hence more ideal for dogs with feeding problems. Wet food is also suitable for dogs with digestion issues as it’s softer and easier to digest than kibble. This food type also has a short shelf line and requires refrigeration to prevent them from becoming rancid.

Beneful offers a wide variety of wet foods categorized into 4 food lines as follows:

• Beneful Blends Line
• Beneful Incredibites line
• Beneful Medleys line
• Beneful Prepared Meals Line

Beneful wet foods are made without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Puppy Food

At the puppy stage, dogs grow at a very fast rate. At this stage, they need foods high in proteins to cater to their high growth and energy needs. As such, they must be fed on formulas specifically designed for puppies. Food for puppies should have more calories than adult dogs and appropriate nutrients like vitamins and minerals crucial for developing healthy immune systems and strong bones.

Beneful offers several puppy-specific recipes that cater to the dietary needs of growing puppies. It offers dry, wet, grain-inclusive, and grain-free puppy formulas. 

Adult food

In the adult stage, dogs have high energy needs as this is the most active stage of their lives. As such, they need diets that are high in proteins and carbohydrates to supply the energy they need to fuel their active lifestyle. They also need glucosamine-rich foods to help maintain strong bones, joints, and cartilages.

Beneful has several recipes for adult dogs. However, it does not have formulas for large-breed adult dogs. 

Senior Food

Unfortunately, Beneful does not offer recipes for senior dogs

The nutritional needs of dogs change as they advance in age and get into old age. As they age, dogs undergo many body changes. Their activity levels rapidly decline, and their body processes, including digestion, slow down. These changes make them prone to health issues such as unhealthy weight gain and joint problems.

As such, they need to switch to diets specifically tailored for senior pups and fortified with additional minerals and vitamins to cater to the needs of their aging bodies. The food should also contain appropriate levels of carbohydrates to ensure they don’t add unhealthy weight. More importantly, the diet should contain glucosamine to improve bone and joint health.

Small breed

Beneful has various formulas for small breed dogs. 

Small dogs differ from large dogs not only in terms of size but also in nutritional needs. They have higher metabolic rates and need more calories per pound than large dogs. It’s, therefore, best to feed them on diets specially formulated for small dogs to meet their needs. Additionally, their kibble should be small enough to fit in their mouths.

Large Breed

Beneful does not offer recipes for large breed dogs.

Large dogs have unique needs that differ from those of small dogs. These dogs have lower metabolic rates and grow at a very fast rate. As such, they are prone to health issues like joint problems and obesity.

It’s thus important to feed these dogs a diet specially crafted for large breeds as this can help address the nutritional needs better. Unfortunately,

What are the individual Dog Food Recipes from Beneful Dog Food Brand?

Here are some of the best Beneful dog food brand recipes:

Beneful Playful Life with Real Beef Dog Food Recipe

Formulated with natural pasture-raised beef as the primary ingredient, this high-protein recipe is formulated for dogs. The food is fortified with real eggs, blueberries, whole grains, and spinach for completely balanced nutrition that your dog needs to keep moving.

Better still, this meal is completely devoid of artificial ingredients like colors, flavors, or preservatives, making it gentle on your dog’s tummy and good for its health. 

• First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Whole Grain Corn, Barley, Chicken By-product Meal, Corn Gluten Meal.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 27.5% min, Crude Fat 12% min, Crude Fiber 4% Max.
• Calories: 348 kcal/cup
• Suitable for which dogs: Active adult dogs
• Feeding: Appropriate feeding amounts differ depending on the dog’s weight. 
• Key Benefit: Loaded with proteins to help build healthy muscles and antioxidants, including vitamin E, boosts immunity and support overall health.
• Type of product: High-protein dry dog food
• Life stage: Adult
• Best for: Very active dogs
• Price: $35.21 

Benefits 

• Packed with proteins from real pasture-raised beef and eggs to build and support healthy muscles
• Antioxidant-rich food with blueberries and spinach to help boost immunity and improve the overall health
• Contains whole grains for a good source of energy to fuel your dog’s activity
• Provides balanced nutrition with 23 essential vitamins and minerals to promote your dog’s overall well-being.

Beneful Healthy Puppy with Real Chicken  Dog Food Recipe

Tailored specifically to cater to the rapid growth needs of puppies, this recipe is formulated with farm-raised chicken as the number one ingredient for an excellent source of proteins that help to build strong and healthy joints.

This protein-rich food is added with accents of carrots and peas, DHA, calcium, essential minerals, and vitamins for a completely balanced diet that supports optimal growth and development in puppies.

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken By-product Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Corn, and Soybean Meal.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 28% min, Crude Fat 14% min, Crude Fiber 4% Max.
• Calories: 353 kcal/cup
• Suitable for dogs: Puppies of all breeds; small, medium, and large.
• Feeding: Appropriate feeding amounts differ depending on the puppy’s weight. 
• Key Benefit: Designed with high protein levels to cater to the needs of puppies and support healthy muscle growth. 
• Type of product: High-protein grain-inclusive dry dog food
• Life stage: Puppy
• Best for: Puppies of all breeds
• Price: $16.49

Benefits

• Fortified with calcium to help build strong bones and teeth
• Added DHA promotes brain health and supports proper vision
• Crafted with lean proteins from real chicken for healthy muscle development
• Comes in perfectly-sized kibbles to fit the small puppy mouth
• Offers complete and balanced nutrition that supports the overall well-being of dogs. 

Beneful Healthy Weight with Real Chicken Dog Food Recipe

This recipe will help you provide wholesome and complete nutrition for optimal health and keep an eye on your dog’s weight. The food has ideal calorie levels to supply your dog’s energy without piling up unnecessary weight.

Purina Beneful’s healthy weight recipe features chicken as the primary ingredient and contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. 

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Whole Grain Corn, Chicken By-product Meal, Barley, and Whole Grain Wheat.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 25% min, Crude Fat 8% min, Crude Fiber 7.5% Max.
• Calories: 341 kcal/cup
• Suitable for which dogs: Dogs struggling with weight control
• Feeding: Appropriate feeding amounts differ depending on the puppy’s weight. 
• Key Benefit: Calorie-smart nutrition that helps to maintain a healthy weight
• Type of product: Dry food with grains
• Life stage: Adult
• Best for: Weight control
• Price: $32.37 for a 28-lb bag

Benefits

• It has no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, hence gentle even for sensitive stomachs.
• Formulated with fewer calories to aid in weight control
• Has high amounts of proteins to help build and maintain strong and lean muscles
• Balanced and complete nutrition with fruits, grains, vitamins, and minerals to support optimal health

Beneful Grain-Free Dog Food

With chicken as its first ingredient and other ingredients like blueberries, pumpkin, and spinach, this meal offers delicious and nutritious food for dogs. The meal is made with real ingredients and does not include grains like soy, corn, wheat, gluten, or other fillers.

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Pea starch, Cassava Root Flour, Chicken Meal, and Soybean Germ Meal. 
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 24% min, Crude Fat 13% min, Crude Fiber 5% Max.
• Calories: 353 kcal/cup
• Suitable for which dogs: Dogs with grain allergies
• Feeding: Appropriate feeding amounts differ depending on the dog’s weight, activity level, and health.
• Key Benefit: Formulated without grains hence great for dogs with grain sensitivities.
• Type of product: Grain-free, Dry food 
• Life stage: Adult
• Best for: Adult dogs of all breeds
• Price: $36.48  for a 23-lb bag

Benefits

• Contains no grains like corn, wheat, or soy, making it ideal for dogs with grain sensitivities
• Provides complete and balanced nutrition with 23 vitamins and minerals to support whole-body health
• It’s made only with natural ingredients for wholesome goodness
• Has high-quality lean proteins from chicken to support lean muscle growth.

Beneful Originals with Real Beef Dog Food Recipe 

This recipe is made with real pasture-raised beef as the first ingredient paired with antioxidant-rich ingredients like spinach, peas, and carrots for wholesome nutrition for your canine companion.

Further, the food is added with 23 vitamins and minerals to support your dog’s overall health and wellbeing. Boasting 24 grams of protein in a cup, this food will help your dog build strong muscles to support its activities.

• First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Whole Grain Corn, Barley, Rice, and Whole Grain Wheat.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 23% min, Crude Fat 12% min, Crude Fiber 4% Max.
• Calories: 382 kcal/cup
• Suitable for which dogs: Adult dogs of all breeds
• Feeding: Adjust according to the dog’s weight, health, and activity level 
• Key Benefit: Filled with antioxidants that fight free radicals and boost immunity.
• Type of product: Dry food with grains
• Life stage: Adult
• Best for: Supporting healthy muscle growth
• Price: $32.99 for a 28-lb bag

Benefits

• Boosts immunity and supports the general wellbeing of dogs with lots of antioxidants
• High in proteins thus helps to build healthy and strong muscles 
• Has no artificial flavors or preservatives, which makes it not only healthy but also gentle on your pup’s tummy
• Formulated with vitamins and minerals to provide complete and balanced nutrition for optimal health of your dog

Beneful IncrediBites with Real Beef Dog Food Recipe

Crafted specifically for small breed dogs, this pate-style food is made with real beef and vegetables, including tomatoes, carrots, and spinach, for tasty and wholesome nutrition that keeps your dog licking his bowl.

The formula is loaded with proteins to help your small buddy build strong and healthy muscles that support its adventures.

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken, Beef Broth, liver, Meat By-products, and Beef.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 9% min, Crude Fat 6% min, Crude Fiber 1.5% Max.
• Calories: 106 kcal/can
• Suitable for which dogs: Small breed dogs
• Feeding: Depends on your dog’s weight, activity level, and health condition. 
• Key Benefit: Tailored for small breed dogs with sufficient protein levels to support healthy muscles
• Type of product: Wet food
• Life stage: Adult
• Best for: Small breed adult dogs
• Price: $16.92 for a 28-lb bag

Benefits

• Contains no artificial flavors or colors thus good for sensitive stomachs
• Made to cater to the needs of small breed dogs specifically
• Packed with proteins to help build healthy muscles
• Wholesome food containing real ingredients and added with essential vitamins and minerals to support your dog’s overall health.

Beneful Originals with Real Salmon Dog Food Recipe

Good food starts with the right ingredients, right? This is exactly what this recipe represents. Featuring real salmon as the first ingredient, together with whole grains and accents of potatoes, green beans, and carrot, this food will deliver the complete and balanced nutrition that your dog needs to thrive.

Beneful Originals with Real Salmon recipe also contains antioxidants and omega fats that further support your dog’s good health.

• First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Whole Grain Corn, Whole Grain Wheat, Soybean Meal, and Barley
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 25% min, Crude Fat 8% min, Crude Fiber 7.5% Max.
• Calories: 394 kcal/cup
• Suitable for which dogs: Adult dogs of all breeds
• Feeding: Appropriate feeding amounts differ depending on the dog’s weight, health status, and activity level. 
• Key Benefit: Omega and antioxidant-rich formula to promote skin, health, and brain health and boost immunity.
• Type of product: Dry food with grains
• Life stage: Adult
• Best for: Dogs with beef or chicken allergies
• Price: $31.54 for a 28-lb bag

Benefits

• Contains antioxidants like vitamin E to support a healthy immune system
• Packed with omega fatty acids, which improve skin and coat health
• Rich in protein that supports the building and maintenance of healthy muscles
• Has no artificial flavors or preservatives thus good for sensitive stomachs.

Beneful Originals with Real Chicken Dog Food 

This features US farm-raised chicken as the primary source of protein that your dog needs to build strong lean muscles. It’s added with real vegetables, including carrots and tomatoes, plus 23 essential vitamins and minerals to support your canine’s overall health.

Additionally, no sugar, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives are added to the food thus, you can be sure you are feeding your dog quality food.

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Whole Grain Corn, Barley, Whole Grain Wheat, Soybean Meal.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 23% min, Crude Fat 12% min, Crude Fiber 4% Max.
• Calories: 380 kcal/cup
• Suitable for which dogs: Small dogs, Medium size dogs, and large dogs
• Feeding: Adjust based on the dog’s weight, activity level, and health condition. 
• Key Benefit: Rich in proteins and vitamin E to support strong muscles and healthy skin
• Type of product: Dry food with grains
• Life stage: Adult
• Best for: All adult dogs
• Price: $7.55 for a 14-lb bag

Benefits

• Rich in vitamin E, which is essential for healthy
• Loaded with lean proteins that help your dog build healthy muscles
• Contains 23 essential vitamins and minerals to support your dog’s overall health
• Complete and balanced nutrition for optimal health

Beneful IncrediBites with Real Chicken Dog Food Recipe

With real farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient, this recipe combines foods from the farms and fields, providing high-quality food with natural goodness. In addition to real chicken, the nutrient-packed food also contains sweet potatoes and spinach for a balanced and complete diet to fuel your little dog’s adventures.

Moreover, this recipe is crafted without artificial ingredients making it excellent for pups with sensitive tummies.

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Whole Grain Corn, Chicken By-product Meal, Barley, and Soybean Meal.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 26% min, Crude Fat 13.5% min, Crude Fiber 4% Max.
• Calories: 404 kcal/cup
• Suitable for which dogs: Small breed dogs
• Feeding: Appropriate feeding amounts differ depending on the dog’s weight. 
• Key Benefit: High protein diet for building healthy and strong muscles
• Type of product: Dry food with grains
• Life stage: Adult
• Best for: Supporting strong muscles and healthy bones
• Price: $7.48 for a 14-lb bag

Benefits

• Packed with nutrients to support your small dog’s higher metabolism
• Specially crafted for small and toy breed dogs in perfect 
• High in protein to support healthy muscles
• It’s rich in calcium to help maintain strong bones and teeth.

Beneful Superfood Blend with Chicken and Oceanfish Dog Wet Food

 

This wet food features pieces of real chicken and ocean fish together with a superfood blend including kale, apples, and millet to provide highly nutritious and balanced nutrition for dogs.

The recipe contains antioxidants to boost immune health and omega-6 fatty acids to support healthy skin and shiny coats. Additionally, this food does not include any fillers or artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives; hence you can be at ease knowing your dog is getting the best.

• First 5 Ingredients: Water, Chicken, Wheat Gluten, Liver, Meat By-Products, and Oceanfish
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 11% min, Crude Fat 2% min, Crude Fiber 1.5% Max.
• Calories: 232 kcal/tub
• Suitable for which dogs: All dog breeds
• Feeding: Appropriate feeding amounts differ depending on a dog’s weight. 
• Key Benefit: Packed with protein, antioxidants, and Omega-6 fatty acids for healthy muscles, immune system, and skin.
• Type of product: Wet Food with grain
• Life stage: Adult
• Best for: Maintenance
• Price: $17.51 for a 9-oz tub

Benefits

• Contains a blend of superfoods, including apples, kale, and millet, for an extra nutrient boost that supports your dog’s overall health.
• Does not contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives; hence gentle on a dog’s tummy.
• Made with real chicken and ocean fish providing high-quality proteins to support lean muscles in dogs
• High in antioxidants and omega fats which promote immunity and enhance skin and coat health

Beneful High Protein With a Blend of Real Chicken and Beef Dog Food Recipe

Made with a mixture of US-raised chicken and real farm beef, this food will pump the proteins your dog needs to build strong muscles. In addition to chicken, the food contains sweet potatoes and spinach for complete and highly nourishing nutrition that supports your dog’s general wellbeing.

Better still, the meal lacks undesirable ingredients such as artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. 

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Whole Grain Corn, Whole Grain Wheat, Corn Gluten Meal, Beef Fat Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 26% min, Crude Fat 15.5% min, Crude Fiber 4% Max.
• Calories: 345 kcal/cup
• Suitable for which dogs: All dog breeds including small, medium, and large breeds.
• Feeding: Appropriate feeding amounts differ depending on the dog’s weight, activity level, and health status.
• Key Benefit: High-protein diet for strong muscles and healthy heart
• Type of product: Dry food with grains
• Life stage: Adult
• Best for: Supporting healthy muscles and heart
• Price: $38.98 for a 26-lb bag

Benefits

• Made with real chicken as the number one ingredient, plus farm-raised beef for a protein-rich food to help build strong muscles and a healthy heart.
• Completely balanced with added minerals and vitamins that support the overall health of dogs.
• High-quality food with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives makes it great for sensitive stomachs.
• Added with sweet potatoes and spinach for a rich taste and flavor that your dog can’t resist.

Beneful Prime with Real Beef Dog Food Recipe

This food features real beef as the number one ingredient plus accents of real eggs, spinach, and blueberries providing wholesome nutrition for your dog. With its high protein content, this food will help your active dog build strong muscles and provide the energy required to fuel its activities.

The food is further enhanced with 23 essential minerals and vitamins plus lots of antioxidants for a complete and well-balanced food for your canine friend. This tasty contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

• First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Whole Grain Wheat, Chicken By-Product Meal, Barley, Whole Grain Corn.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 26% min, Crude Fat 12% min, Crude Fiber 4% Max.
• Calories: 346 kcal/cup
• Suitable for which dogs: Active dogs
• Feeding: Appropriate feeding amounts differ depending on the dog’s weight, activity level, and health condition. 
• Key Benefit: High-protein food to support strong muscles and fuel your dog’s activity
• Type of product: Dry food with grains
• Life stage: Adult
• Best for: Active dogs
• Price: $41.48 for a 28-lb bag

Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants that help to boost your dog’s immunity.
• Fortified with 23 essential vitamins and minerals to make a complete and balanced diet to support overall health and wellness.
• Loaded with protein from real farm-raised beef supports healthy muscles and fuels your dog’s activities.
• Delivers 100% complete and balanced nutrition for optimal health 

Beneful Protein Rich With Natural Lamb & Venison Dog Food Recipe

This carefully crafted, dual-protein recipe features real natural lamb as the primary ingredient blended with venison for high protein levels to support healthy muscles. The recipe is accented with sweet potatoes and beets to produce high-quality nutrition that’s 100% complete and balanced.

What’s more, this tasty mix of tender and crunchy pieces is made without including any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives; hence you can feel good about feeding quality food to your pooch.

• First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, Chicken Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Soybean Meal, and Ground Yellow Corn.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 29% min, Crude Fat 13% min, Crude Fiber 4% Max.
• Calories: 394 kcal/cup
• Suitable for which dogs: All dog breeds
• Feeding: Appropriate feeding amounts differ depending on the dog’s weight. 
• Key Benefit: High protein diet to maintain healthy muscles
• Type of product: High protein, Dry food with grains
• Life stage: Adult
• Best for: Muscle care
• Price: $20.98 for a 12-lb bag

Benefits

• Dual protein food with lamb and venison for quality proteins to build and maintain strong muscles
• 100% complete and balanced diet to support optimal health and wellness in adult dogs
• Made with natural ingredients plus added vitamins and minerals for great taste and optimal nutrition
• Crafted without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives hence easy on your dog’s stomach

What is the quality of ingredients in Beneful Dog Food? 

The ingredient quality in Beneful dog food is average. While the brand does not use premium quality ingredients, they are not bad either. All their recipes feature real meat as the first ingredient. However, it also uses unspecified meat meals and other less desirable ingredients, such as corn and soy, which are fillers. 

Does Beneful Dog Food Products include Chicken?  

Yes, Most Beneful dog food products contain chicken or chicken meal as part of the ingredients used. The brand uses real farm-raised chicken in many recipes as a source of easily digestible animal protein loaded with nutrients. While chicken is a good source of lean proteins, it’s also a leading food allergen for dogs.

Are Beneful Dog Foods produced from slaughterhouse waste? 

Slaughterhouse waste consists of the remains of dead animals after the meat has been removed. This may include undesirable parts like feathers, beaks, hooves, and others. While Beneful includes real meat as the first ingredient, it also uses meat meals, especially chicken meal, a slaughterhouse product, in some of its products.

Customer Reviews for Beneful Dog Food Brand? 

Beneful has positive and negative customer reviews like other dog food brands. Check out some of these below.

Positive

‘’Finn and Sadie are small dogs we adopted from our local humane society. They are best buddies and play hard all day. Beneful gives them all the nutrition they need to stay healthy and have the energy to play and run all over the backyard. They love the taste and empty their bowl each time they are fed. They also like how we can get their food in the small dog incredible size.’’

customer review

Negative 

‘’I purchased Purina Beneful Prepared Meals Savory Rice & Lamb Stew with Peas & Carrots Wet Dog Food, 10-oz, case of 8 for my 2 yr old twin pups, Brody and Brandy. Within a week, my husband and I had to bring both of them to the ER. Brody had a seizure while he was eating the food on 2/25/21 and our Brandy was vomiting blood with diarrhea last night, 3/4/21, after eating the food, and we just got home at 5 am this morning. PLEASE BE EXTREMELY CAUTIOUS with this food!’’

customer review

Where to buy Beneful Dog Food products in the USA? 

Beneful Dog food products are readily available in online and local grocery stores in the USA. You can buy this food from chewy.com or other pet stores.

Beneful Recalls 

Beneful had a single recall in March 2016 resulting from inadequate levels of vitamins and minerals in its Chopped Blends Wet food recipe. This led to the company voluntarily recalling this food from the market. 

Additionally, Beneful was involved in a class-action lawsuit in 2011 on allegations that its food was making dogs sick. However, this case was dismissed due to insufficient evidence linking the food to the sickness. In 2015, the brand faced another lawsuit due to its inclusion of harmful ingredients and mycotoxins, including propylene glycol, in its products.

Beneful Dog Food Review: What We Like About It 

The following are some of the things we like about Beneful Dog food:

• Budget-friendly: The biggest selling point for Beneful is that it offers affordable formulas which attract many customers. The price fits most budgets.
• Availability: Beneful dog food is available globally in many pet stores. This makes the food readily available.
• Meat first: The brand includes real meat from beef, chicken, fish, or lamb as the number one ingredient for good protein sources. 
• Great taste: Many customers report that their dogs love the taste of Beneful dog food. Despite the brand’s changes in its formulas, it has maintained a great taste that appeals to many dogs.
• Wide variety: Beneful offers a wide variety of foods to choose from. It has recipes for dogs at different life stages and breeds. It also offers both grain-inclusive and grain-free options.
• Beneful wet dog foods do not contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives; hence a good choice for dogs with digestive issues.
• Purina Beneful dry dog foods contain no artificial flavors or added sugars
• Commitment to quality: The Beneful brand is keen on maintaining the quality of its products. The brand listened to its customers’ criticism and changed its formulas to exclude sugar and other undesirable ingredients to show its commitment to providing quality dog nutrition.

 Beneful Dog Food Review: What We Don’t Like About It 

• Limited grain-free options: Most Beneful recipes are grain-inclusive, with just a few being grain-free. This means limited choices for dogs with grain sensitivities.
• Past recalls and lawsuits: Beneful has had a recall and a negative impression on the quality and safety of the brand’s products.
• Includes undesirable ingredients: Beneful includes unspecified meat by-products, including unnamed meat meals. This leaves customers uncertain about the quality of the ingredients and food generally.
• No formulas for senior and large breed dogs: Beneful does not offer recipes that are tailored for the specific needs of both senior and large breed dogs. You must look for alternative food if your dog falls under these categories.

Is Beneful a good food dog brand? 

Yes, Beneful is a good dog food brand. While it may not be among the premium quality dog foods available, it offers good quality food at its price range. Additionally, the brand provides complete and balanced nutrition for dogs at different life stages. It uses real meat as the first ingredient in its recipes, making it a good brand.

Is Beneful Dog Food good for dog skin? 

Yes, Beneful dog food has foods designed to improve skin health. It includes omega fatty acids in some of its recipes which help to promote supple skin and a glamorous coat. Additionally, Beneful foods are rich in antioxidants from real fruits and vegetables, which are essential for the skin’s good health. 

Is Beneful Dog Food Good for itchy skin? 

Most Beneful dog food recipes contain grains such as corn, soy, or wheat. These grains are among dogs’ top food allergens, resulting in itchy skin. This makes Beneful dog food not great for itchy skin. However, few grain-free options are ideal for itchy skin.

Is Beneful Dog food good for puppies?

Yes, Beneful dog food is good for puppies. This dog food brand has formulas specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of growing puppies. It also offers recipes for puppies of different breeds.

Is Beneful Dog food good for older dogs? 

Older dogs have slower functions, including a slower digestion process. As such, they need food that contains easily digestible ingredients and foods enhanced with chondroitin and glucosamine. Unfortunately, Beneful does not include these nutrients in the recipes, making it unideal for older dogs.

Is Beneful Dog Food healthy for dog growth? 

Yes, Beneful offers complete and balanced dog food that contains all the necessary nutrients that dogs need for optimal growth. This food comes with appropriate levels of protein plus 23 essential vitamins and minerals plus real fruits and vegetables for optimal nutrition to fuel dogs’ growth.

Is Beneful Dog Food expensive? 

No, Beneful dog food is not expensive. On the contrary, it’s one of the most affordable brands available in the market. This makes it suitable for dog owners looking for good food at cost-friendly prices. It offers a variety of recipes, with some costing more than others but 

Is Beneful Dog Food AAFCO approved? 

AAFCO is tasked with the responsibility of setting quality and safety standards of pet foods. Beneful dog food formulates its recipes to meet or exceed set AAFCO standards. Its recipes meet the minimum nutrient requirements as set by AAFCO.

Is Beneful Dog Food grain free?  

Beneful dog food includes wholesome grains like whole grain wheat and rice and other grains like soy and corn in most of their recipes. However, the brand also offers a few grain-free options to cater to the needs of dogs with grain sensitivities.

Is Beneful Dog Food high energy for dog food? 

Yes, some Beneful dog food recipes contain high protein contents, with some containing a blend of 2 protein sources, making it high-energy dog food. These formulas are specifically crafted for highly active dogs. The food is designed to support healthy muscle growth and fuel the activity of active dogs.

Is Beneful Dog food produced in the USA? 

Yes, Beneful dog food is produced in Purina facilities in the USA. The food is prepared in state-of-the-art and FDA-approved kitchens in the US. The facilities have on-site quality assurance laboratories and staff to monitor food safety processes and guarantee food safety and quality.

How is the Beneful Dog Food shipment speed? 

Beneful dog food comes with a fast shipment speed. It has same-day delivery plans for customers within the US and up to 24 hours for shipments outside the US. 

Comparative Brands 

While Beneful dog food is a good brand, it may not suit everyone. The following are other comparative brands that you can check out.

Diamond Naturals Dog Food

Diamond natural is a dog food brand owned by Diamond Pet Food Company. The brand produces moderately above-average dog foods at very affordable prices. Diamond Natural includes varied ingredients such as berries, fruits, and vegetables in their recipes. This brand offers several formulas to cater to the needs of different dog breeds, ages, and life stages.

Pros 

• It uses real meat from sources like beef, chicken, fish, or lamb as the first ingredient.
• It’s affordable and readily available from local pet stores
• The brand has allergy-friendly options
• Offers a wide range of variety to choose from.

Cons 

• The brand has had several recalls in the past
• Some of its formulas do not include whole meats
• Its recipes include fillers such as soy, wheat, or corn.

Rachael Ray

Rachael Ray is a dog food brand renowned for making delicious meals for dogs using the best ingredients. The brand offers healthy and nutritionally balanced meals for dogs of all stages of life. It uses quality protein sources as the primary ingredients, plus gluten-free grains in its meals.

Pros 

• Offers great tasting food that appeals to all dogs
• Uses real meat as the key ingredient
• Provides affordable nutrition for dogs

Cons 

• Includes filler ingredients like corn, soy, and other low-grade carbohydrates
• Uses artificial flavors and colorings in its formulas
• Include only a few fruits and vegetables

Castor and Pollux

Castor and Pollux is a dog food brand owned by Nestle Purina Petcare Company. The brand prides itself in producing organic dog food that does not include low-value ingredients like soy, corn, or wheat. It offers wholesome premium dog food using only natural ingredients with different recipes for dogs at different life stages.

Pros

• All recipes are USDA organic certified.
• Does not include filler ingredients like wheat, or corn
• Made with organic ingredients, thus beneficial for dogs with digestive or allergy issues
• It has no recall history 
• Provides complete and balanced nutrition for dogs

Cons 

• It’s expensive
• Includes peas which may cause digestive issues in dogs.

Our Verdict 

Beneful remains a popular brand for providing quality dog food despite the past recall and action lawsuits. While it’s not a top-tier food, it’s a good option if you looking for complete and balanced nutrition for your dog at a budget-friendly cost.

This brand utilizes real meat as the first ingredient in all their recipes for protein sources. It also includes real fruits and vegetables for complete nutrition. However, if you are looking for many grain-free options or formulas for large breed or senior dogs, you will have to look elsewhere.

Based on our review, we recommend this as a good dog food brand that you can try.