Alpo dog food has been a staple in many households for decades, but how does it stack up in terms of quality and nutritional value?
Alpo's parent company, Del Monte Foods, was founded in 1886, making it a well-established brand with a long history of producing dog food.
Many dog owners swear by Alpo's affordability and convenience, but what do the ratings and reviews say about its effectiveness?
Alpo's kibble is made from a blend of chicken, beef, and lamb, providing a decent source of protein for dogs.
Consider reading: Alpo Dog Food Killing Dogs
Top-Rated Dog Food Brands
If you're looking for top-rated dog food brands, you'll want to consider brands like Orijen and Acana, which are known for using fresh, regional ingredients.
Their recipes are designed to mimic the natural diet of wild wolves, with a focus on high-protein, low-carb formulas that promote optimal health.
Orijen's DogStar kibble, for example, features fresh chicken as the first ingredient, along with regional fruits and vegetables.
Acana's Wholesome Grains recipe includes sweet potatoes, carrots, and apples, all sourced from local farms.
Both brands are made in the USA, ensuring high-quality control and transparency.
Their commitment to using fresh, regional ingredients has earned them a loyal following among dog owners who prioritize their pets' health and well-being.
Nutrient Analysis
Alpo's nutrient analysis reveals some concerning trends. The brand's dry matter protein reading is a below-average 21%, which is a key concern for dog owners. This is based on the ingredients alone, not the actual nutrient content.
The Alpo product line has an average protein content of 21% and a mean fat level of 10%. This suggests a carbohydrate content of 62% for the overall product line.
A fat-to-protein ratio of about 47% is also noteworthy. This ratio can impact a dog's overall health and energy levels.
Here's a breakdown of Alpo's nutrient content:
These figures indicate that Alpo's dry dog food contains below-average protein, below-average fat, and above-average carbs compared to typical dry dog food.
If this caught your attention, see: Mixing Dry Food and Wet Food for Dogs
Our Review
ALPO's wet dog food is 100% complete and balanced, making it a suitable option for a dog's diet.
The food contains quality ingredients like healthy protein sources, wholesome grains, and accents of vegetables.
Some dog owners have reported that their pets loved the gravy and whole potatoes in the meat, with one owner's dog even getting excited for mealtime.
However, not all experiences with ALPO have been positive, with some owners reporting that their dogs got extremely sick or even died after eating the food.
Our Rating
Alpo dog food earns a low rating due to its reliance on named meat and bone meal as its main source of animal protein.
The brand's ingredients don't match its mission, which claims to focus on the meat that dogs crave.
Dog owners claim their dogs are getting extremely sick or even dying from eating this food consistently.
Reviews speak for themselves, with complaints about vomiting and runny stool from eating Alpo food regularly.
This is a serious concern, as the ingredients in Alpo dog food are not healthy for dogs.
Broaden your view: How to Stop Dog from Eating Other Dogs Food
Review
Purina Alpo dog food has a mixed reputation online, with some customers raving about it and others reporting severe health issues in their dogs.
Consumer Affairs shows 193 Alpo reviews, the majority of which are negative, with many dog owners complaining about their dogs becoming severely ill or even dying after eating this food consistently for a week or more.
The ingredients in Alpo products are a major turn-off for some, with little to no actual meal added and a reliance on meat flavoring, rendered meat fat, and meat and bone meal.
On the other hand, some dog owners have reported positive experiences with Alpo wet dog food, saying it's 100% complete and balanced with quality ingredients like healthy protein sources and wholesome grains.
One dog owner even mentioned that their dog loved the gravy in the Alpo wet food, and that it was a hit with their pet.
However, it's worth noting that the majority of reviews on Consumer Affairs are negative, and some dog owners have reported severe health issues in their pets after eating Alpo dog food.
Pros and Cons
Alpo dog food has its pros and cons. One of the only things that stands out is its affordability for dog owners on a tight budget.
Purina Alpo has been around a long time and is one of the most well-known brands. It meets AAFCO requirements for its nutrients, including crude protein and crude fat.
However, I don't fully trust the reviews on Alpo's website, which seem to only show 5-star reviews. This lack of transparency raises concerns about the accuracy of the brand's claims.
The ingredients in Alpo's dry food are a major concern, as they often contain protein-fillers and little to no real meat. For example, Alpo Gravy Cravers Roast Beef Flavor in Gravy contains more poultry than beef.
Recommended read: Beef Food for Dogs
Pros
Purina Alpo is an affordable option for dog owners on a tight budget.
The food contains the required amount of essential nutrients, such as crude protein and crude fat, as detailed by the AAFCO.
It's been around for a long time and is one of the most well-known brands.
The website lists tons of 5-star reviews, showing that some dog owners have had positive experiences with the food.
Some dogs may have lived long, healthy lives after eating Purina Alpo.
Expand your knowledge: Is Purina Dog Food Killing Dogs
Cons
The cons of Alpo dog food are a major concern for many pet owners. Alpo only shows 5-star reviews on its website, which doesn't provide a balanced view of the product.
Many negative reviews express similar complaints about the product. These complaints have eroded trust in the brand.
Alpo's ingredients are a major issue for some pet owners. The dry food contains almost everything but real meat.
The wet food also contains more poultry than beef, as seen in the Alpo Gravy Cravers Roast Beef Flavor in Gravy. This discrepancy between advertising claims and actual ingredients is a problem.
Alpo doesn't advertise its products for what they actually contain, which makes it hard to trust the brand.
A fresh viewpoint: Gravy for Dogs Dry Food
Ingredients and Safety
Alpo's ingredient list raises some red flags. The first several ingredients are Ground yellow corn, meat and bone meal, soybean meal, beef tallow preserved with mixed-tocopherols, and corn gluten meal.
The company claims that 95% of the dog food must contain the named ingredient, in this case, beef. However, the actual ingredient list is quite different. Beef tallow is the only "beef" ingredient, which is essentially a rendered beef fat.
The main proteins in Alpo dog food are corn, soybean, and meat and bone meal. This could lead to a lack of essential proteins from animal meat in your dog's diet.
A unique perspective: Is Corn in Dog Food Good for Dogs
Reviews of Ingredients
Alpo Dog Food has a solid list of guaranteed nutrients, including 18% crude protein, 19% crude fat, and 1.0% linoleic acid.
However, the ingredient list reveals a different story. Ground yellow corn, meat and bone meal, and soybean meal are listed as the main proteins, which raises concerns about the quality of protein in the food.
The Guaranteed Analysis for Purina Alpo Prime Cuts Savory Beef Flavor shows that 95% of the dog food must contain the named ingredient, in this case, beef.
But, the ingredient label only lists beef tallow, which is basically a rendered beef fat, as the only "beef" ingredient. This is concerning because it means the dog is not getting any real substance from beef.
Here's a breakdown of the Guaranteed Analysis for Purina Alpo Prime Cuts Savory Beef Flavor:
- Crude Protein (min): 18%
- Crude Fat (min): 19%
- Crude Fiber (max): 4%
- Moisture (max): 10%
- Linoleic Acid (min): 1.0%
- Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) (min): 85 mg/kg
- Phosphorus (min): 0.8%
- Iron (min): 80.0 mg/kg
This analysis shows that Alpo Dog Food meets the minimum requirements for protein, fat, and other nutrients. However, the ingredient list raises concerns about the quality of protein and the presence of real beef.
Expand your knowledge: Is High Protein Dog Food Good for Dogs
Recall History
Alpo dog food has a clean slate when it comes to recalls, with no history of a recall within the past two years, according to the FDA.
Alpo has never been recalled, a fact that's reassuring for dog owners who want to trust their pet's food.
The FDA's records show no recent recalls for Alpo dog food, giving pet owners peace of mind.
This lack of recalls suggests that Alpo takes its product safety seriously, which is great news for dog owners who care about what goes into their pet's food.
According to our records, Alpo has never been recalled, a fact that's worth noting for anyone considering this brand.
Recommended read: Best Dog Food for Dogs with No Teeth
About the Company
Purina Alpo is one of the oldest dog food companies, founded in 1936 in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
The company has been sticking to its core belief system for an impressive 80 years, which is a testament to its commitment to quality and consistency.
Alpo guarantees that each of its products provides a balanced diet, rich in protein and packed with essential nutrients and vitamins.
This focus on protein and meat flavors is what drives Alpo's product development and ensures that dogs get the nutrition they need to stay happy and healthy.
Cost and Comparison
When comparing the cost of dog food, it's essential to look beyond the price per pound. The cost-per-pound can be misleading due to varying moisture levels in different types of food.
The average cost-per-pound is heavily influenced by the type of food, with wet food typically costing more than dry food. For example, Alpo wet dog food costs $4.38 per pound, while Purina One wet dog food costs $2.17 per pound.
However, the average cost-per-calorie provides a more accurate picture. This metric eliminates the influence of moisture, making it a better indicator of a brand's overall cost-effectiveness. According to the data, Alpo costs $0.0116 per calorie, while Purina One costs $0.0043 per calorie.
To put these costs into perspective, consider the following table:
Ultimately, the actual price you'll pay for Alpo or Purina One will depend on your shopping habits and preferences.
Where to Buy and More
You can purchase Alpo pet foods from various stores, including those listed in the article.
Alpo pet foods are widely available, making it easy to find the right food for your furry friend.
Some of the stores where you can buy Alpo pet foods include those mentioned in the article.
You can also check the official Alpo website for a comprehensive list of retailers and online stores that carry their products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is ALPO dog food no longer available?
ALPO Variety Snaps was discontinued due to significantly reduced sales. The manufacturer, Purina, determined it was no longer feasible to produce the product.
Do they still make ALPO dog food?
Yes, Purina still manufactures ALPO dog food, offering a range of delicious wet and dry recipes for your furry friend. You can find a variety of ALPO dog food options to suit your dog's needs.
Who makes Prime Cuts dog food?
Prime Cuts dog food is made by Purina, a well-known and trusted brand in the pet food industry.
Sources
- Alpo Dog Food | Review | Rating | Recalls (dogfoodadvisor.com)
- Purina Alpo Dog Food Reviews › DogFoodReviews.com (dogfoodreviews.com)
- ALPO’s® wet dog food (alpo.com)
- Purina Alpo Prime Cuts Savory Beef Flavor (prf.hn)
- Purina Alpo Come & Get It Cookout Classics (prf.hn)
- Purina Alpo Gravy Cravers Roast Beef Flavor in Gravy (prf.hn)
- Consumer Affairs (consumeraffairs.com)
- Alpo vs. Purina One | Pet Food Brand Comparison (pawdiet.com)
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