4health Whitefish And Potato

As a dog owner, I want to make sure I’m feeding my furry friend the best food possible. Recently, I came across 4health Whitefish and Potato dog food and was interested to learn more. As I researched this food, I realized there was a lot I needed to know before purchasing it for my dog.

In this complete buying guide, I’ll share everything I learned about 4health Whitefish and Potato. I’ll cover the key ingredients, nutritional value, where to buy it, and any recall history. By the end, you’ll know if this food is right for your dog or not. Let’s jump in!

An Overview of 4health Dog Food

First, some background. 4health is a dog food brand sold exclusively at Tractor Supply Company stores. It was launched in 2009 as a more affordable alternative to premium dog foods.

4health offers a variety of dog food recipes across three product lines:

• Originals: traditional life stage formulas
• Grain-Free: grain-free recipes for dogs with sensitivities
• Wet Foods: canned food and stews

The Whitefish and Potato recipe falls under their Originals line. It delivers complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs.

Now, let’s delve into the key ingredients in this recipe.

Key Ingredients in 4health Whitefish and Potato

Here are the main ingredients in 4health Whitefish and Potato dog food:

• Whitefish: The first ingredient is nutrient-dense whitefish. This lean protein supports strong muscles.
• ** Potatoes:** Whole potatoes provide complex carbohydrates for energy. Potatoes are highly digestible.
• Peas: Peas add extra protein and fiber to the formula. They have a lower risk of triggering allergies.
• Flaxseed: Flaxseed delivers omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. It’s also rich in fiber.
• Tomatoes: This antioxidant-rich veggie provides important nutrients like vitamin C.
• Blueberries: Blueberries contain antioxidant phytonutrients that support immune health.

So in summary, this recipe contains a single high-quality protein source and digestible carbohydrates. The fruits and veggies add important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s free from corn, wheat, and soy—common allergens.

Next, let’s look at the nutritional breakdown.

Nutritional Analysis of 4health Whitefish and Potato

Here are the guaranteed nutritional percentages in this 4health recipe:

• Crude Protein: 25% minimum
• Crude Fat: 15% minimum
• Crude Fiber: 4% maximum
• Moisture: 10% maximum
• Calcium: 1.1% minimum
• Phosphorus: 0.9% minimum
• Vitamin A: 22,500 IU/kg minimum
• Vitamin E: 300 IU/kg minimum
• Omega-6 Fatty Acids: 1.8% minimum*
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 0.3% minimum*
  *Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles

This food provides above-average protein and fat percentages for a balanced amino acid profile. The fiber level supports healthy digestion. It meets AAFCO standards for complete nutrition for adult dogs.

The calorie content is 358 kcal/cup. This makes it appropriate for less active or overweight dogs. More active dogs may need a higher calorie density.

Now let’s explore the specific benefits of this recipe.

Benefits of Feeding Your Dog 4health Whitefish and Potato

Based on the ingredients and nutritional analysis, here are the main benefits of 4health Whitefish and Potato dog food:

• Lean Protein for Muscle: The whitefish protein helps maintain lean muscle mass. This supports an ideal body condition.
• Energy from Potatoes: The potato carbs provide sustained energy. This can help even out energy peaks and valleys.
• Digestive Support from Fiber: The peas and flaxseed offer a balance of soluble and insoluble fiber. This combination promotes healthy digestion.
• Skin and Coat Health: The omega fatty acids support skin and coat health. Your dog’s coat may appear shinier.
• Immune Support: Antioxidants from fruits and veggies help strengthen the immune system. This can lead to an overall healthier dog.
• Budget-Friendly Price: This food is very affordable compared to many premium brands. You get quality at a fraction of the cost.

As you can see, this food offers complete balanced nutrition tailored for adult dogs. The ingredients are selected for highly digestible energy and lean muscle support.

Next up, where to buy this food.

Where to Buy 4health Dog Food

4health dog food is sold exclusively at Tractor Supply Company stores. This is a rural lifestyle retailer with over 1900 locations across 49 states.

You can use the store locator on their website to find a Tractor Supply near you. Once there, you’ll find the entire 4health product line stocked on the shelves.

If you prefer online shopping, you can order 4health Whitefish and Potato for delivery through Tractor Supply’s website. Delivery is free for orders over $49.

The food comes in four different bag sizes:

• 5 lb bag
• 15 lb bag
• 30 lb bag
• 50 lb bag

The bigger bags offer the best value and can save you money. I recommend the 30 lb bag for medium or large dogs.

Now let’s look at two important considerations: allergies and recalls.

4health Whitefish and Potato for Dogs with Allergies

This 4health recipe contains a limited number of main ingredients. This makes it a good option for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.

Here’s what makes it a good hypoallergenic choice:

• Limited Protein Sources: It contains just one protein source—whitefish. This lessens the chance of an allergic reaction.
• Grain-Free: Many dogs are allergic to grains like corn, wheat, and soy. This recipe is 100% grain-free.
• No Common Allergens: All the main allergens like dairy, beef, chicken, and eggs are excluded.
• Easily Digestible Ingredients: The potatoes, peas, and whitefish are gentle on sensitive stomachs.

Tip: Transition your dog slowly over 10-14 days by mixing the old and new food. Watch for any digestive upset or skin irritation. Discontinue use if any reaction occurs.

While no food is 100% hypoallergenic, this diet can be a good starting point. Consult your vet for customized allergy advice.

Recall History of 4health Dog Food

When considering a new pet food, it’s important to be aware of any recalls in the brand’s history. Here’s the recall background for 4health:

• No Recalls Issued: As of 2022, there are no recalls affecting any 4health dog food recipes.
• Strong Food Safety: All recipes are made in facilities with rigorous quality and safety protocols. This lowers the risk of contamination.
• Rigorous Testing: Stringent testing is done for pathogenic bacteria like salmonella and e. coli before release. This further enhances safety.
• FDA Compliant: All recipes adhere to FDA regulations and standards for pet food manufacturing.

The excellent safety track record is reassuring. However, it’s still smart to sign up for any recall alerts. You can register your email online at 4healthdogfood.com.

Now let’s compare this recipe to some other dog food brands.

How 4health Whitefish and Potato Compares to Other Brands

The 4health Whitefish and Potato recipe stacks up nicely against premium brand equivalents. Here’s how it compares:

• Less Expensive than Blue Buffalo: The 4health formula costs significantly less than comparable Blue Buffalo recipes.
• Similar Quality to Purina ONE: It offers nearly identical ingredients and nutrition as Purina ONE sensitive skin and stomach recipes.
• Close to Nature’s Recipe: The ingredient panels and nutrient contents align closely with Nature’s Recipe grain free diets.
• Lower Calorie than Merrick: With 358 kcal/cup, it’s lower in calories than Merrick’s Classic Healthy Grains diet at 408 kcal/cup.

So in summary, you get comparable quality at a more budget-friendly price point. The tradeoff is you don’t get the brand recognition of the bigger names. But for the ingredients, it’s fantastic value.

Next, let’s take a look at the different flavor options available.

Flavor Options in 4health Whitefish and Potato

The 4health grain-free line only offers two recipes:

• Whitefish and Potato Formula: This original recipe is made with whitefish as the sole animal protein. Potatoes provide the main vegetable carbohydrate.
• Salmon and Potato Formula: The second recipe swaps out whitefish for salmon as the headlining protein. The potato carbohydrates remain the same.

Both recipes are specially designed for dogs with food sensitivities and digestive issues. They include easily digestible carbohydrates and limited protein sources.

No other flavor varieties exist currently under the 4health brand name. However, they do offer canned food and stews with alternate protein sources like beef, chicken, turkey, and duck.

If your dog needs more flavor variety, you can mix in some of the canned foods or consider a different brand. But for a limited ingredient diet, the two 4health recipes cover the basics.

Now let’s look at reviews from other pet owners who’ve used this food.

4health Whitefish and Potato Dog Food Reviews

It’s always helpful to read real customer reviews before switching your dog’s food. Here’s what other pet owners are saying about 4health Whitefish and Potato:

• “My Border Collie loves this food! She has food allergies and this cleared up her itching and digestive issues. Her coat looks amazing now.”
• “Vet recommended for my sensitive Goldendoodle. She struggled with chicken-based foods but has done wonderful on the whitefish recipe. Her ears and paws aren’t red anymore.”
• “Helped resolve my Beagle’s chronic diarrhea. We were going through expensive vet foods with little luck. Switched to 4health Salmon and Potato per my vet’s suggestion. Poops are normal now thankfully!”
• “My dogs devour this food! I have a picky eater and he loves the 4health whitefish kibble. No more wrestling to get him to eat his food.”

The majority of reviews from pet owners are very positive. Dogs seem to love the taste and digest it well. Many owners report it resolves skin, coat, and digestive issues.

However, a few dogs seem to do better on other limited ingredient recipes. As with any food, reactions can vary. Work closely with your vet if you are trialing foods for allergies.

Next up, let’s look at the protein content.

4health Whitefish and Potato: Protein Content

When evaluating a dog food, protein is one of the most important components.

Here are the key facts about protein in 4health Whitefish and Potato:

• Guaranteed Minimum of 25%: The protein minimum meets guidelines for adult maintenance. This ensures complete amino acid nutrition.
• Primary Source is Whitefish: Fish is the first, most abundant ingredient. Whitefish is a highly digestible protein source.
• Secondary Source is Peas: Peas offer additional plant-based protein at around 25% on a dry matter basis.
• Supports Lean Muscle Mass: The protein levels help maintain or build lean muscle. It prevents muscle wasting.
• Non-GMO Ingredients: The peas and whitefish are from non-GMO sources, for pets with sensitivities.

The moderate protein content from natural sources makes this an excellent maintenance diet. It provides balanced amino acid nutrition without being too rich.

Next up, let’s cover stomach sensitivity.

4health Whitefish and Potato for Sensitive Stomachs

Many dogs suffer from sensitive stomachs or digestion issues like colitis and IBS. Food can play a major role in managing these conditions.

Here’s how 4health Whitefish and Potato can help:

• Limited Ingredients: With fewer ingredients, there’s less likely to be an irritant or allergen. This supports gentle digestion.
• Easily Digestible Carbs: The potatoes provide fast-burning carbs that are gentle on the stomach and intestines.
• Moderate Fiber: The 4% fiber aids digestion but isn’t excessive for sensitive systems.
• Natural Prebiotics: Tomatoes and blueberries contain prebiotics to support healthy gut flora.
• No Harsh Additives: No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives that may cause irritation.

Many owners report this formula helps resolve chronic digestive issues and diarrhea. It provides highly bioavailable nutrition in an easy-to-tolerate formula.

As always, transition gradually over 7-10 days to allow the GI system to adjust.

Now let’s look at the cost of this food.

Cost of 4health Whitefish and Potato Dog Food

One of the major benefits of 4health as a brand is its affordable price point. Here’s an overview of the cost:

• 5 lb bag: $10-12
• 15 lb bag: $25-28
• 30 lb bag: $40-45
• 50 lb bag: $60-65

These are the regular prices at Tractor Supply stores and online. Sale prices can be a few dollars less.

Compared to premium brands, this is very budget-friendly. For example:

• Blue Buffalo 30 lb bag: $72
• Wellness Core 30 lb bag: $87
• Nature’s Recipe 30 lb bag: $63

The ingredients are comparable or better than those premium brands. You get significant savings with the 4health formulas.

When priced per pound or per day, this food is very affordable. The larger bags provide the greatest value overall.

Next up, how does this food work for puppies?

4health Whitefish and Potato for Puppies

The 4health Whitefish and Potato recipe is designed for adult dogs. Puppies have different nutritional requirements.

Here are some things to consider for puppies:

• Not All-Life Stages: This formula doesn’t meet AAFCO standards for all life stages like puppy foods.
• Lower Protein/Fat: Puppies need higher protein and fat for rapid growth and development. This food’s levels are too low.
• No Supplements for Growth: It does not contain any glucosamine/chondroitin for joint health and DHA for brain development like puppy foods.
• Lower Calories: Puppies need more energy density from calories to fuel growth. This food may be unsatisfying.

The bottom line: While this formula offers great nutrition for adult maintenance, it does not have optimal protein, fat, calories, or supplements to properly support puppy growth.

Look for an AAFCO approved 4health All Life Stages or Puppy Formula instead. Consult your veterinarian for tailored puppy nutrition advice.

Next up, let’s look at what veterinarians say.

Veterinarian Recommendations for 4health Whitefish and Potato

Many veterinarians recommend 4health dog food, including the Whitefish and Potato recipe. Here’s what vets like about this formula:

• Limited Ingredients: The straightforward formula is good for pets with food sensitivities, allergies, IBD, or colitis. It eliminates guesswork.
• Highly Digestible: Dogs prone to gastrointestinal upset do well on the whitefish and potato ingredients. It’s gentle on the stomach.
• Good Value: Vets appreciate recommending an affordable quality food to clients. 4health fits the bill.
• Provides Balanced Nutrition: The recipes follow AAFCO guidelines and WSAVA recommendations for complete pet foods.
• Trusted Manufacturing: Vets are comfortable with the strict safety and quality control standards of the manufacturing facilities.

Of course, vets always recommend consulting with them before switching foods, especially for dogs with health conditions. But many vets suggest trialing 4health for dogs that need gentle or limited ingredient nutrition.

Next up, feeding guidelines.

Feeding Guidelines for 4health Whitefish and Potato

Following the proper feeding guidelines ensures your dog gets the right nutrition. Here are the recommendations:

• Standard 8 oz measuring cup: Use a standard 8 oz cup for accuracy. Don’t “eyeball” amounts.
• Recommended daily amounts: Feed based on your dog’s weight, life stage, and activity level. Check the feeding chart on the bag.
• Divide into 2-3 meals: Split the total daily portion over more smaller meals for better digestion and portion control.
• Calorie Content: This food has 358 kcal/cup. Increase or decrease amounts to maintain or achieve an ideal body condition score.
• Individual Needs Vary: Use these as a starting point and adjust up or down as needed to keep your dog satisfied and at a healthy weight.
• Feed Consistently: Feed the same amounts at the same times each day. Consistency is helpful for sensitive stomachs.
• Fresh Water Always: Provide unlimited fresh cool water at all times to stay properly hydrated.

And remember to transition any new food slowly over 10-14 days! Mixing increasing amounts of new food with old allows the digestive system to adjust.

For customized feeding advice, check with your veterinarian. They can tailor amounts and frequencies to your dog’s needs.

Next, let’s look at where this recipe is produced.

4health Whitefish and Potato Production

Knowing where your dog’s food is made can provide peace of mind. Here are the details on the production of 4health formulas:

• Made in the USA: All 4health recipes are produced domestically in US-based facilities.
• Owned Manufacturing: 4health formulas are made in Tractor Supply Company’s own US-based manufacturing plants.
• High Quality Standards: The facilities meet stringent quality control and food safety standards. They follow HACCP procedures.
• Third Party Audited: Regular audits by third parties help ensure compliance and accountability.
• Trusted Sourcing: Ingredients must meet strict specifications for purity, safety, and nutritional quality.
• Rigorous Testing: Extensive testing occurs for pathogenic bacteria, mycotoxins, antibiotics, and other contaminants before release.

You can feel confident in the rigorous quality control and safety standards used to manufacture this US-made recipe.

Next, let’s take a look at any extra additives.

Are There Artificial Additives in 4health Whitefish and Potato?

One common concern with commercial pet foods is extra additives like artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

Here’s an overview of additives in 4health Whitefish and Potato:

• No artificial colors: Contains no added colors from artificial sources. Uses natural ingredients for color.
• No artificial flavors: Free of artificial smoke, meat, fish, or other artificial flavorings.
• Natural preservatives only: Uses mixed tocopherols (vitamin E) and citric acid as preservatives from natural sources.
• No controversial additives: No BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, propyl gallate, or other controversial preservatives.
• No unnamed ingredients: You know every single ingredient included. No generic or trade-secret additives.

The short ingredient panel and avoidance of artificial additives makes this a clean, high quality recipe. There are no red flags for questionable extras.

Next, some tips for transitioning your dog to this new food.

Transitioning Your Dog to 4health Whitefish and Potato

When switching your dog to any new food, always transition gradually. Here are some tips:

• Take 7-14 days: Mix the old and new foods together, decreasing old while increasing new. This allows the GI tract to adjust.
• Start with 75% old food: For the first 2-3 days, do 3/4 cup old food to 1/4 cup new food.
• Then 50/50 mix: Over 2-3 more days, do a 50/50 mix of old and new. Monitor stool quality.
• Increase to 75% new: Next, shift to 1/4 cup old food and 3/4 cup new for 2-3 days.
• Then 100% new: Finally, feed 100% new food consistently. Keep monitoring stool and digestion.
• Watch for issues: If any digestive upset occurs, slow the transition and extend the time. Consult your vet if symptoms persist.
• Be patient: It takes time for the microbiome and enzymes to fully adapt. Go slow and let your dog’s body adjust.

Taking at least 10-14 days prevents shocking your dog’s sensitive digestive system. A gradual switch over is crucial when transitioning to any new food, especially for dogs with allergies or GI issues.

Next up, let’s examine the benefits for your dog’s skin and coat.

4health Whitefish and Potato Benefits for Skin and Coat

A glossy coat and healthy skin start from the inside out. The right nutrition provides all the building blocks.

Here’s how 4health Whitefish and Potato supports skin and coat health:

• Omega Fatty Acids: The flaxseed provides omega-3s and omega-6s to nourish the skin.
• Vitamin E: This dry food is fortified with vitamin E. This antioxidant promotes healthy skin.
• Zinc and Biotin: Zinc and biotin support skin and coat.deficiencies cause dull, flaky skin.
• Digestible Protein: The highly digestible whitefish protein provides amino acids to build keratin for hair.
• Antioxidants: Antioxidants from fruits and veggies reduce skin inflammation and damage.
• No Common Allergens: Leaving out common triggers like corn and wheat may reduce skin reactions.

Many owners switching to this food report softer, shinier coats and less dry, flaky skin. The nourishing nutrients lead to visible improvements.

For dogs prone to skin issues, this formula provides gentle, complete daily nutrition. Work with your vet for other targeted treatments as well.

Ok, we’ve covered a lot of ground about 4health Whitefish and Potato dog food! Let’s recap the key points:

Conclusion: Key Takeaways about 4health Whitefish and Potato

• Made with a limited number of high quality ingredients like whitefish, potatoes, peas, and antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies.
• Grain-free formula ideal for dogs with food sensitivities, allergies, IBD, or colitis.
• Provides 25% minimum crude protein and 15% minimum crude fat to support lean muscle.
• Contains 358 calories per cup making it suitable for less active or overweight adult dogs.
• Manufactured in Tractor Supply Company’s own US-based facilities under strict safety protocols.
• Budget-friendly pricing offers great value compared to premium brand equivalents.
• Palatable flavor and digestible carbohydrates support sensitive stomachs.
• Omega fatty acids and vitamin E help nourish the skin and coat.
• Easy to transition recipe with limited ingredients and moderate protein and fiber levels.

Overall, 4health Whitefish and Potato offers quality nutrition tailored for adult dogs with food sensitivities at an affordable price point. If your dog struggles with allergies, digestion, skin/coat issues, or you simply want better nutrition on a budget, this formula is worth considering!

I hope this complete buying guide gave you all the information you need to choose the best food for your beloved pup. Let me know if you have any other questions!