4health Duck And Potato

Everything You Need to Know Before Feeding This Formula to Your Pup

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that uses simple, natural ingredients, 4health’s Duck and Potato recipe deserves a top spot on your list. This nutritious formula features two of the most hypoallergenic protein and carbohydrate sources available – duck and potato.

Made by Diamond Pet Foods, 4health offers premium nutrition at Costco’s value prices. But is this food right for your pup? I’ll cover all the details in this comprehensive buying guide.

An Overview of 4health Duck and Potato Dog Food

The 4health Duck and Potato formula is a great choice for both adult dogs and puppies. It delivers complete and balanced nutrition in a grain-free recipe made with digestible carbohydrates.

Duck provides a rich source of protein while potassium-rich potatoes give your dog lasting energy. They also contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your dog’s immune system.

This formula is excellent for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. Both duck and potato are less likely to trigger gastrointestinal issues than common proteins and grains.

It’s also a good choice for picky eaters, as most dogs love the taste of duck! The kibble is coated with duck fat for extra palatability.

Key Ingredients in 4health Duck and Potato

So what’s actually in this dog food? Here are the main ingredients:

• Duck: Excellent lean protein source. Rich in amino acids for building muscle. Hypoallergenic.
• Potatoes: Complex carbohydrates. Highly digestible. Low glycemic index. Provide vitamins like potassium, vitamin C, and B6.
• Pea fiber: Provides soluble fiber for healthy digestion. Also adds texture.
• Flaxseed: Source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Supports skin/coat health. Also boosts digestive and immune health.
• Dried egg product: Highly digestible protein. Also contains vitamin A and biotin.
• Duck fat: Provides a tasty coating for kibble. Source of healthy fats.

In addition to these ingredients, the formula contains chelated minerals, vitamin supplements, and antioxidants like vitamin E and C.

It does not contain any artificial colors, flavors or preservatives like BHA or BHT. The main sources of carbs are from potatoes and pea fiber, not grains.

Who Is 4health Duck and Potato Good For?

The hypoallergenic ingredients make this formula suitable for most dogs but especially beneficial for:

• Dogs with food allergies/sensitivities – Simple ingredients like duck and potato minimize risk of an adverse reaction. Most dogs have not been exposed to duck.
• Dogs with digestive issues – Grain-free recipes with single protein and fiber sources are easiest to digest. Potatoes have a lower glycemic index.
• Picky eaters – Most dogs love the rich flavor of duck. The kibble coating adds taste and crunch.
• Growing puppies – Provides complete nutrition for growth and development. Higher calories and protein support activity levels.
• Senior dogs – Mature dogs benefit from high-quality protein for muscle maintenance and joint health as they age. Easy to chew.
• Overweight dogs – Lower fat formula helps dogs lose weight. High protein keeps them feeling full. More calories burned digesting potatoes.

With a great blend of natural ingredients tailored to dogs’ nutritional needs, 4health’s Duck and Potato formula is a healthy choice for most life stages and breeds. Of course, you should always transition gradually when switching foods. For puppies, follow recommended feeding guidelines for proper growth.

How Does 4health Duck and Potato Compare to Other Dog Foods?

So how does this formula stack up against competitor brands? Here’s a quick overview:

• Ingredients – All Life Stages Duck and Potato uses simpler whole food ingredients compared to most grocery store brands like Iams and Purina ONE. No corn, wheat, soy, by-products.
• Price – Much more affordable than premium brands like Blue Buffalo but higher quality nutrition than Pedigree or Ol’ Roy. Buying at Costco gives you the best value.
• Nutrition – Meets AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition for all life stages. Comparable to Orijen but at a fraction of the price.
• Taste – Dogs love the palatable kibble coating. Similar to the ultra-popular Taste of the Wild formulas. Better tasting than low-cost brands.
• Company – Made by Diamond Pet Foods, a U.S.-based company with its own manufacturing plants. All 4health foods are made in American facilities.

For the ingredients, quality, and nutritional value, 4health Duck and Potato provides fantastic value compared to many competing brands. It’s significantly cheaper than most boutique or specialty foods with minimal difference in ingredients.

Where Can I Buy 4health Dog Food?

As Costco’s exclusive house brand, the only place to purchase 4health pet foods is at Costco warehouses and online at Costco.com.

Buying this formula at Costco allows you to take advantage of their low membership prices. You’ll pay less per pound compared to many competitors.

The main ways to buy are:

• In-warehouse – Shop at your local Costco store. Sold in large bags up to 30 lbs. Limited flavor selection varies by location.
• Online – Order online at Costco.com and have it shipped or choose in-store pickup. More size options and formulas available.
• Auto-delivery – Set up monthly scheduled deliveries to automatically receive 4health food at your desired frequency. Get extra discounts.

One tip is to purchase your first bag at the warehouse to make sure your dog likes the formula. Then switch to auto-delivery for convenience and savings on future orders.

Thanks to Costco’s buying power and Kirkland brand popularity, you won’t find better prices on quality dog food anywhere else. It’s very affordable compared to competing premium brands.

What Are the Benefits of Feeding This Formula?

Switching to a 4health Duck and Potato diet offers a variety of benefits and advantages for your dog:

• Supports digestive health – Easily digested. Limited ingredients minimizes risk of GI upset. Good for sensitive stomachs.
• Promotes healthy skin and coat – Omega fatty acids nourish skin. Antioxidants protect skin cells from damage.
• Hypoallergenic formula – Duck and potato minimize risk of triggering food allergies or intolerance.
• Enhances immune health – Antioxidants from fruits and veggies boost immunity.
• Balanced nutrition – Provides complete protein, fats, vitamins and minerals dogs need.
• Made in the USA – Manufactured in Diamond Pet Foods’ own US-based facilities under strict quality control.
• Grain-free carb sources – Digestible carbohydrates from potatoes, not wheat or corn.
• Supports lean muscle – High protein level maintains muscle mass even in senior dogs.
• Aids weight loss/management – Low fat formula helps overweight dogs shed pounds. Keeps dogs feeling fuller.

The specialized formula offers a nutritional profile tailored specifically for a dog’s needs – not formulated for all pets like grocery brands. This makes it easier for dogs to digest and absorb the nutrients from high-quality ingredients.

How Much Does 4health Dog Food Cost?

As a Costco house brand, 4health dog food is very affordable compared to many competitor brands. You can expect to pay:

• $30 – $60 for a 30 lb bag depending on formula
• $50 – $90 for a 30 lb bag of grain-free recipes
• $17 – $35 for smaller 8 – 20 lb bags

These prices make this brand over 25% cheaper than leading grocery store brands. For the ingredient quality and nutrition you get, it’s an excellent value.

Here are some average costs:

• 4health Duck and Potato 30 lb bag: $52
• Kirkland Chicken and Rice 30 lb bag: $42
• Purina ONE SmartBlend 30 lb bag: $48
• Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula 30 lb bag: $72

Keep in mind you’ll get the lowest prices when purchasing directly from Costco. Shopping online gives you easy home delivery at the same Costco warehouse pricing.

For premium quality at budget prices, you can’t beat Costco’s 4health brand dog foods. Upgrade your dog to better nutrition without the high price tag!

Is 4health Dog Food High Quality?

With so many dog food options on shelves today, it can be hard to know which brands you can trust. When it comes to 4health, here are some signs it’s a high-quality formula:

✔️ Made in the USA – Manufactured in Diamond Pet Foods’ American facilities under tight quality control. Never outsourced.

✔️ Strict safety standards – Meets all FDA, USDA and AAFCO pet food regulations. Diamond has extensive food safety procedures.

✔️ Quality ingredients -Contains premium proteins, antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies, and digestible carbohydrates.

✔️ Species-appropriate nutrition – Formulated based on scientific research on canine nutritional requirements. Supports complete health.

✔️ No artificial preservatives – No chemical preservatives like BHA, BHT or ethoxyquin that can be harmful. Uses natural preservatives instead.

✔️ Rigorous testing – Raw ingredients and finished products are extensively tested for contaminants and nutrition.

✔️ Trusted company – Made by Diamond Pet Foods, a major U.S. based manufacturer with state-of-the-art facilities across America.

When you feed 4health, you can be confident you’re giving your dog high-quality nutrition. Costco ensures these recipes provide premium ingredients tailored for your pup!

Feeding Guide for 4health Duck and Potato

So you brought home a new bag of 4health Duck and Potato. How much should you feed your dog? Here are some general feeding guideliens:

For most adult dogs:

• Small breeds (up to 20 lbs): 1/2 cup to 1 1/4 cups daily
• Medium breeds (21-55 lbs): 1 1/4 cups to 2 cups daily
• Large/extra large breeds (over 55 lbs): 2 cups to 4 cups daily

For puppies:

• 10 lbs or less: 1/3 cup to 3/4 cup daily
• 20 lbs: 3/4 cup to 1 1/4 cups daily
• 40 lbs: 1 1/4 cups to 2 cups daily
• 60 lbs: 1 2/3 cups to 2 2/3 cups daily

Always follow label guidelines based on your puppy’s expected adult weight. Split total daily amount into 2-3 meals.

For senior dogs:

Follow adult guidelines based on weight, but use the low end for less active senior dogs. Monitor weight closely.

When switching foods, transition gradually over 5-7 days to avoid GI upset. Replace 1/4 of old food with new one for 2 days, 1/2 for 2 days, etc.

Monitor your dog’s weight, energy levels, and stool quality. Adjust amounts as needed. Consult your veterinarian for personalized advice.

Can Puppies Eat 4health Dog Food?

4health’s Duck and Potato dry dog food is perfectly formulated to meet growing puppies’ needs! Here’s what makes it a great choice:

✅ Made for all life stages – Meets all nutritional requirements for growth and development. Safe for puppies to seniors.

✅ High in protein – Contains over 27% protein from duck and eggs. Supports lean muscle growth.

✅ DHA for brain development – Has DHA from fish oil to aid healthy brain and eye function.

✅ Calcium/phosphorus controlled – Calcium and phosphorus levels promote proper bone formation.

✅ Omega fatty acids – Omega-3 and omega-6 oils nourish skin and coat health. Keeps immune system strong.

✅ Small kibble size – Perfectly sized, crunchy bits for tiny puppy mouths to chew.

Follow feeding guidelines on the bag for recommended amounts based on your puppy’s expected adult weight. Split meals into 2-3 servings daily.

Make sure to slowly transition to the new food over 5-7 days. For growing puppies, 4health Duck and Potato provides complete, balanced nutrition plus delicious flavor!

Transitioning Your Dog to 4health Duck and Potato

Switching your dog to any new food always requires a gradual transition. Here are some tips for smoothly transitioning to 4health Duck and Potato:

• Mix with old food – Begin by replacing 25% of your dog’s current food with the new 4health formula. Slowly increase the ratio over 5-7 days until only feeding 4health.
• Take time – Go slowly to allow their digestive system time to adapt. Rushing can cause digestive upset, gas, or diarrhea. 5-7 days is ideal but a sensitive stomach may need longer.
• Watch stool – Monitor stool quality during the transition. Loose stool is expected but should resolve within a few days on the new food. If it persists more than 2-3 days, slow the switch.
• Stick to schedule – Feed the mixture on a consistent schedule, not free choice. This keeps their body accustomed to a routine.
• Ensure acceptance – Make sure your dog likes the taste! 4health Duck and Potato is quite palatable but if yours turns their nose up after a few days offer a topper or wet food.
• Divide meals – Feed smaller portions divided into 2-3 meals instead of one large meal to ease digestion.

With a patient, gradual switch, your dog will transition smoothly and start reaping the nutritional benefits of 4health’s Duck and Potato formula!

Choosing the Right 4health Formula

With a variety of formulas and recipes to choose from, how do you pick the right 4health dog food? Here are some tips:

Consider your dog’s needs:

• Age – Puppy, adult or senior
• Weight – Overweight, ideal weight or underweight
• Activity level – Sedentary, moderately active or highly active
• Health issues – Food sensitivities, allergies, diabetes, joint problems etc.

Choose a specialized recipe if needed:

• Grain-free – Helps dogs with grain allergies
• Limited ingredient – Minimizes ingredients for food sensitivities
• High protein – Supports lean muscle in active or working dogs
• Senior – Tailored nutrition for less active, aging dogs
• Small breed – Dental-friendly bites sized for small dogs

Or pick an all life stages formula:

• Chicken & Rice – Classic balanced flavor
• Lamb & Rice – For picky eaters
• Duck & Potato – Good for sensitive stomachs

Finally, consider your dog’s preferences:

• Taste – Pick a flavor your dog loves like chicken or salmon
• Kibble size and texture – Small breeds need small bites; chewy for dental health

Doing your homework helps ensure you pick the 4health formula that’s the best nutritional match for your pup!

Top 10 Ingredients in 4health Dog Food

When choosing a dog food, looking at the first 10 ingredients can tell you a lot about its quality and nutritional value. Here are the key ingredients in 4health formulas:

Meat Proteins

1. Chicken
2. Salmon
3. Lamb
4. Duck
5. Beef

Always first ingredient and main protein source. High in amino acids.

Carbohydrates

6. Brown rice
7. Barley
8. Potatoes
9. Oatmeal

Grain-free options use potatoes, peas, lentils.

Fruits/Veggies

10. Tomatoes
    Blueberries
    Carrots
    Apples
    Cranberries

Provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Enhance nutrition.

Natural Fats

Chicken fat
Salmon oil
Flaxseed

Healthy omega fatty acids for skin, coat, joints.

In Summary:

Lean proteins, digestible carbs/fiber, antioxidant-rich produce, and beneficial fats. No artificial additives or by-products.

This natural whole food nutrition provides fantastic value!

4health Puppy Food Reviews

4health offers premium puppy formulas tailored to support your little one’s growth and development. But what are real pet parents saying about these foods? Here are some 4health puppy food reviews:

“We’ve been feeding the 4health Puppy Chicken and Rice formula to our Lab puppy for a few months now and are very happy. She loves the taste and her coat is so soft and shiny.”

“This food is very affordable but doesn’t compromise on quality ingredients. My German Shepherd pup is thriving on it.”

“I was looking for a good quality puppy food at a reasonable price and 4health fits the bill. My new pup took to it instantly.”

“My vet recommended 4health puppy. He said it had the right protein and calcium/phosphorus levels for proper bone growth compared to cheap brands.”

“The kibble size is perfectly bite-sized for my little Yorkie pup’s tiny mouth. She has no problem eating it.”

“We switched from Iams to 4health puppy formula and noticed less shedding and softer stools. Our puppy’s energy seems more balanced too.”

The consensus is clear – pet parents agree that 4health hits the mark on quality nutrition and value. Puppies enjoy the taste and digest it easily. It receives glowing recommendations for supporting healthy growth.

4health Dog Food vs. Diamond Naturals

4health and Diamond Naturals are both made by Diamond Pet Foods. What’s the difference between these two great brands?

Key Similarities:

• Produced and manufactured in the USA
• No corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
• Quality proteins like beef, chicken, lamb as first ingredients
• Added fruits, vegetables, and superfoods for vitamins and minerals
• Made in Diamond’s own safety-certified facilities
• Rigorously tested for safety and nutrition
• Affordable pricing with great value

Differences:

• 4health exclusive to Costco, Diamond Naturals sold in stores
• Diamond has more protein sources like quail and bison
• 4health has more grain-inclusive recipes
• Diamond Naturals offers more limited ingredient and specialty formulas
• 4health has small breed kibble size, Diamond doesn’t
• More size options for Diamond Naturals

The bottom line? Both offer top quality nutrition and ingredients with fantastic pricing. Choosing comes down to where you like to shop, formula preferences, and your dog’s needs. You can’t go wrong with either of these great foods.

4health Dog Food Recall History

When it comes to dog food, safety should always be the number one priority. That’s why pet parents want to know – has 4health ever been recalled?

4health is made by Diamond Pet Foods. Diamond did experience some recalls between 2012-2015 due to potential salmonella contamination.

However, no 4health formulas were part of these recalls. All affected Diamond products were discontinued long ago.

Here are some reasons 4health has a strong safety record:

🔎 Diamond Pet Foods implements strict quality control procedures. All facilities must meet FDA, USDA and AAFCO standards.

🔬 Raw materials and finished products are extensively tested for contaminants like salmonella and heavy metals.

🇺🇸 All 4health formulas are made in the U.S. in Diamond’s own facilities, allowing for better oversight.

💯 No ingredients from China are used where regulations are more lax.

Diamond has not had any recalls affecting dry dog foods since 2015. They learned lessons from past issues and improved safety protocols.

When fed as directed, 4health dog food poses no unusual risks and meets all regulatory standards for pet food safety. Costco also rigorously evaluates and tests it’s Kirkland branded products.

Dog owners can feel confident feeding these high-quality 4health formulas knowing safety is a top priority.

Buying 4health Dog Food on Amazon

Many pet owners like the convenience of online shopping. But can you purchase 4health dog food on Amazon?

Unfortunately, the answer is no. 4health is exclusive to Costco, so it is not authorized for sale on Amazon at this time.

Any 4health dog food listed on Amazon is being resold without permission by unauthorized third party sellers. Costco and Diamond do not recommend purchasing from these sellers.

There are a few risks buying 4health on Amazon:

• Higher prices – Third party sellers inflate the typical Costco prices. You’ll pay significantly more per pound.
• Fakes – Counterfeit products mimicking 4health packaging could be old, damaged or unsafe food.
• Improper storage – The food may not have been stored or shipped properly leading to spoilage or contamination.
• No freshness guarantee – There’s no way to know if you’re getting newly manufactured food or outdated stock.

The only way to ensure you’re buying legitimate, fresh 4health food is directly through Costco. Get the best pricing and access to the complete product line. Skip the risks of sellers on Amazon or other sites.

For convenience, take advantage of Costco.com’s auto-delivery feature to have 4health dog food shipped to your door automatically!

4health Dog Food FAQs

Do you still have questions about this Costco-exclusive dog food brand? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about 4health pet food:

Is 4health dog food made in the USA?

Yes! All 4health formulas are manufactured in Diamond Pet Foods’ facilities in the USA.

Where is 4health dog food made?

Diamond has manufacturing facilities in California, South Carolina, Missouri and Arkansas where 4health is produced.

Is 4health grain-free?

4health has both grain-free and grain-inclusive recipes. Grain-free options include Duck & Potato, Salmon & Potato, Beef & Potato.

Is 4health good quality dog food?

With premium ingredients, strict safety standards, and reputable manufacturing, 4health delivers exceptional quality and value.

Is 4health owned by Diamond?

Yes, 4health is Diamond Pet Foods’ exclusive brand for Costco. Diamond manufactures all 4health recipes.

Is 4health being discontinued?

No, 4health continues to be available. Costco occasionally rotates some recipe formulas based on consumer demand.

Is 4health better than Kirkland?

4health and Kirkland are both great choices. Kirkland may have more protein sources while 4health specializes in formulas tailored to your dog’s needs.

The bottom line? 4health dog food provides premium nutrition and ingredients for a fraction of the price of boutique brands. For quality food at Costco prices, it’s a top choice for your pup!