4health Dog Food Lamb And Rice

Everything You Need to Know Before Feeding Your Dog This Popular Formula

As a dog owner, I understand how daunting it can be to pick the perfect food for your furry friend. There are so many options on the market, all claiming to be the best. When my vet recommended 4health’s Lamb and Rice formula, I’ll admit – I was skeptical. I had never heard of the brand before. Could it really stand up to the big names out there? I decided to do my research to find out if this food was right for my pup.

What I discovered is that 4health’s Lamb and Rice recipe is not only an excellent option, it’s very affordable too! If you’re considering this food for your dog, read on. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know from ingredients to recall history and more. Let’s start with the basics.

What are the ingredients in 4health Dog Food Lamb and Rice?

The first five ingredients in 4health’s Lamb and Rice formula are:

1. Lamb
2. Lamb Meal
3. Ground Rice
4. Cracked Pearled Barley
5. Chicken Meal

As you can see, two meat products are at the top of the list. Lamb is the primary protein source, followed by lamb meal which has had most of the moisture removed. This concentrates the protein, making it a rich source for dogs.

Rice and barley provide carbohydrates for energy with chicken meal supplying additional protein. The food also contains egg product, flaxseed and other natural ingredients like blueberries and carrots.

Importantly, the formula has no corn, wheat or soy – common allergens for dogs. This brings me to my next topic…

Is 4health Dog Food Lamb and Rice good for dogs with allergies?

With its limited ingredient profile and focus on novel proteins like lamb, 4health’s Lamb and Rice recipe is an excellent choice for pups with food allergies.

Dogs are often allergic to common ingredients like chicken, beef, dairy and grains like corn. The lamb provides a unique protein that dogs are less likely to be sensitive to. The use of rice and barley instead of corn, wheat or soy reduces allergy risk as well.

Many owners switch to this formula when their dogs have itchy, irritated skin or ear infections from food allergies. They find it helps clear up these symptoms quickly with its gentle, nutrition-packed ingredients.

How does 4health Dog Food Lamb and Rice compare to other brands?

Most pet owners have heard of brands like Blue Buffalo, Purina and Iams. How does 4health stack up?

Surprisingly well! This recipe features a similar ingredient list to premium brand Blue Buffalo’s Lamb and Rice recipe. Both use lamb as the first ingredient, have rice in the top 3 and contain antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies.

However, 4health is significantly less expensive – almost half the price per pound of many competitor’s lamb and rice foods. Yet it still meets stringent quality standards.

So you get a premium recipe comparable to brands charging much higher prices. This makes 4health’s Lamb and Rice formula a great value for money based on ingredients and quality.

Where can I buy 4health Dog Food Lamb and Rice?

4health is the in-house brand from Tractor Supply Company. So it’s available both in-store and online at TractorSupply.com.

Buying online offers convenience, and Tractor Supply provides free shipping on orders over $49. You can choose auto-delivery monthly to save an extra 5%.

In-store, you can purchase individual bags or take advantage of their Buy 3, Get 1 Free deal. This helps you save on larger breed dogs who go through food faster.

You can also sign up for their Paw Points loyalty program in-store or online to earn $5 rewards for every 300 points. Points can be earned on 4health food purchases and redeemed later.

Is 4health Dog Food Lamb and Rice grain-free?

No, 4health’s Lamb and Rice formula does contain grains. The third and fourth ingredients are rice and barley.

Many dogs do well with grain-inclusive diets. The carbs provide glucose for energy and fiber for digestion. However, some dogs are gluten-intolerant or need a low-glycemic diet, so grain-free is best for them.

4health has a separate grain-free product line that swaps out the grains for legumes, potatoes and tapioca. Their protein formulas like Whitefish & Potato are great grain-free choices.

What are the benefits of 4health Dog Food Lamb and Rice?

There are many advantages of feeding your dog 4health’s Lamb and Rice recipe:

• Single Animal Protein Source: Lamb is typically easier to digest than chicken or beef. Limiting it to one animal protein reduces allergy risk.
• Grain-Inclusive: Rice and barley supply carbs for energy without common allergens like corn, wheat or soy.
• Added Probiotics: Dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product promotes healthy digestion.
• Antioxidant-Rich Fruits & Veggies: Real blueberries, carrots and spinach provide vitamins and minerals to support whole body health.
• Affordable Price: Costs significantly less than competitor lamb and rice recipes without sacrificing quality.
• Readily Available: Can be purchased conveniently online and in Tractor Supply stores across the U.S.

How much is 4health Dog Food Lamb and Rice?

4health’s Lamb and Rice formula costs around $1.50 per pound. This compares very favorably to competitor’s prices:

• Blue Buffalo Lamb and Rice: $2.50/lb
• Purina Pro Plan Lamb and Rice: $2.30/lb
• Nutro Lamb and Rice: $2.70/lb

You’re looking at a savings of 40% or more per pound compared to many premium brands.

They also frequently run promotions both online and in-store. So you can stock up and save even more when purchasing this quality food for your dog.

Can puppies eat 4health Dog Food Lamb and Rice?

Yes, the Lamb and Rice recipe is safe for puppies. The protein and fat levels meet nutritional needs for growth and development.

The ingredients are gentle on young digestive systems as well. Many breeders actually wean puppies onto this formula.

One tip though – you may want to soak the kibble in warm water to soften it for puppies under 6 months old. Their teeth and jaws are still developing, so softening the food makes it easier for them to chew and digest.

What do reviews say about 4health Dog Food Lamb and Rice?

Reviews of 4health’s Lamb and Rice recipe are overwhelmingly positive. On TractorSupply.com, it earns a 4 out of 5 star rating with 94% of owners recommending it.

Satisfied dog parents say:

• “My dog’s coat is so shiny and soft now after switching to this food.”
• “It cleared up my dog’s allergy symptoms and he loves the taste!”
• “More affordable than premium brands but still very high quality.”
• “I feel good knowing I’m feeding my dog healthy ingredients.”

A few negative reviews mention mild gastrointestinal upset during transition. This is common when switching foods and often resolves quickly. Starting with a gradual change over 5-7 days can help.

Is 4health Dog Food Lamb and Rice suitable for senior dogs?

The Lamb and Rice formula is certainly safe for senior pups. It contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health. Increased protein and fat levels compared to adult diets provide the extra nutrition aging dogs need.

However, 4health does make a veterinary formula specifically for senior dogs if you’re looking to maximize your mature pup’s diet. It’s called 4health Mature Health Chicken & Rice.

This recipe has adjusted phosphorus and sodium levels for kidney health. It also includes prebiotics, fish oil and antioxidants to reduce inflammation and boost immunity in aging dogs.

Both recipes are great options that provide quality nutrition tailored to your dog’s life stage. Discuss with your vet which formula best meets your senior pup’s needs.

Does 4health Dog Food Lamb and Rice contain artificial additives?

Nope! The Lamb and Rice recipe is free of artificial colors, flavors and preservatives like BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin. It uses only natural flavorings and mixed tocopherols as a preservative.

It’s also free of corn, wheat and soy. Many owners switching to 4health from grocery store brands see improvements in energy, skin and digestion without all the additives.

How many calories are in 4health Dog Food Lamb and Rice?

The Lamb and Rice recipe contains 408 kcal per 8 oz cup. This calorie density makes it suitable for most average activity level adult dogs.

Dogs who need more calories, like growing puppies or high energy breeds, may need a more nutrient dense recipe like 4health Performance.

For less active or senior dogs, 4health’s Weight Management or Senior formulas have fewer calories per cup to prevent obesity.

Work with your vet to determine the ideal calorie intake and adjust feeding amounts or formulas accordingly. The right energy density helps maintain your dog at a healthy weight.

Is 4health Dog Food Lamb and Rice made in the USA?

Yes, all 4health dog foods are proudly made in the USA with ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers. In fact, it’s the only pet food sold at Tractor Supply that’s 100% manufactured in the USA.

4health sources their lamb protein from New Zealand and other quality ingredients from North America whenever possible.

Their manufacturing facilities exceed quality standards set by the FDA, USDA, and AAFCO. This ensures safety and nutritional adequacy.

What sizes does 4health Dog Food Lamb and Rice come in?

The Lamb and Rice formula is available in:

• 5 lb bag
• 15 lb bag
• 28 lb bag

The smaller 5 lb size works well for dogs under 25 lbs or for trying a new food. The 15 lb bag provides a one month supply for average dogs. And the 28 lb mega-bag allows you to buy in bulk for big breed dogs or multi-dog households.

No matter what amount your dog needs, you can find a cost-effective option to suit your needs. Resealable bags keep the food fresh between servings.

How should I transition my dog to 4health Dog Food Lamb and Rice?

When switching foods, always transition gradually over 5-7 days. This allows your dog’s digestive system to adapt and reduces risk of GI upset.

Mix a little bit of the new 4health food in with your dog’s current brand, slowly increasing the ratio of new to old each day.

For example:

• Days 1&2 – 75% old food, 25% new food
• Days 3&4 – 50% old food, 50% new food
• Days 5&6 – 25% old food, 75% new food
• Day 7 – 100% new food

If your dog has a sensitive stomach, you can extend this period to 10-14 days. The key is a slow, steady transition to get their system used to the new ingredients.

Why choose 4health Dog Food Lamb and Rice for my dog?

There are so many great reasons to feed your pup 4health’s Lamb and Rice recipe. It truly checks all the boxes:

• Nutritious ingredients: Features real lamb as the first ingredient with digestible carbs from rice and barley.
• Limited allergen risk: Grain-inclusive recipe without common triggers like corn, wheat, soy or chicken.
• Natural formula: No artificial additives – only uses natural preservatives and flavors.
• Quality standards: Produced in the USA in FDA and AAFCO compliant facilities.
• Trusted brand: Developed by veterinary and nutrition experts specifically for Tractor Supply Company.
• Budget-friendly price: Significant savings compared to competitor lamb and rice recipes.
• Convenient purchase: Available online for delivery and in Tractor Supply stores nationwide.

How does 4health Dog Food Lamb and Rice support digestion?

4health includes a few key ingredients that make their Lamb and Rice recipe easy to digest:

• Single animal protein source: Minimizes risk of cross-reactivity for sensitive dogs.
• Limited carbohydrate sources: Simple carbs from rice and barley are gentle on the gut.
• Added probiotics: Dried lactobacillus acidophilus promotes healthy digestion and nutrient absorption.
• Beet pulp fiber: Nourishes intestinal flora to support healthy stools.
• Guaranteed digestibility: Meets high standards for nutrient digestibility.

Owners of dogs with digestive issues like IBS, colitis and food allergies often report improvement after transitioning to this formula. It provides tailored nutrition for sensitive systems.

Are there any recalls for 4health Dog Food Lamb and Rice?

I always check a pet food company’s recall history before purchasing a new brand for my dog. I’m happy to report there are no recalls issued specifically for 4health’s Lamb and Rice recipe.

4health as a brand has only had one voluntary recall. In April 2013, they pulled a single production batch of Adult Small Breed Bites due to potential salmonella risk.

However, their rigorous safety protocols worked. No illnesses were reported, showing 4health’s commitment to quality.

Based on their limited recall history and stringent standards, I feel good about feeding my dog food from this reputable brand.

How often should I feed my dog 4health Dog Food Lamb and Rice?

Feeding frequency depends on your dog’s age, size and activity level. Use the feeding guidelines on the bag as a starting point:

• Small breed adult: 1/2 – 1 cup daily
• Average breed adult: 1 – 2 cups daily
• Large breed adult: 2 – 4 cups daily

Split into 2 meals for adult dogs and 3-4 meals for puppies under 1 year. Adjust amounts gradually based on body condition – increasing or decreasing to maintain an ideal weight.

Lactating females may need up to 2-3x the recommendation to meet the demands of nursing. Always provide fresh water alongside food. Monitor your individual dog and consult your vet with any concerns.

What is the protein content in 4health Dog Food Lamb and Rice?

The Lamb and Rice recipe contains a minimum of 25% protein. This comes primarily from the lamb, lamb meal and chicken meal in the formula.

The protein level meets nutritional recommendations for adult maintenance. Puppy and performance formulas have slightly higher protein, while senior formulas are a bit lower.

When looking for a new food, ensure the minimum protein suits your dog’s life stage and activity needs. 4health’s product line offers tailored nutrition solutions for pets of all types!

The Verdict is In

Now you have all the must-know facts about 4health’s trusted Lamb and Rice recipe. It’s packed with quality nutrition tailored to support your dog’s wellbeing. This sensitive stomach formula provides gentle but complete nourishment from puppyhood through senior years.

With its premium ingredients and budget-friendly price, 4health Dog Food Lamb and Rice earns my seal of approval. I highly recommend it for pet parents looking for an easy-to-digest, natural diet both dogs and wallets will love. Your furry friend deserves the very best – fill their bowl with this top-rated food from a respected brand you can feel confident in.