The Quest to Find the Healthiest Puppy Food
As a new pet parent to the most adorable golden retriever puppy named Bailey, I’ve been on a mission to find the absolute best puppy food to give her the nutrition she needs to grow into a healthy, happy dog. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to decide what’s actually best for your fur baby. I wanted a puppy food that would provide complete and balanced nutrition without any junk fillers or artificial ingredients. I was willing to pay a little more for quality since feeding my puppy a premium diet now can help avoid health issues down the road.
After doing extensive research reading reviews and comparing ingredients, I ultimately decided to give 4health puppy food a try. 4health is the store brand for Tractor Supply Company, a popular farm and ranch retailer with stores across much of the United States. But don’t let the store brand label fool you – 4health puppy food gets rave reviews from pet parents and appears to meet all the criteria I was looking for in a puppy food.
In this post, I’ll share my experience and impressions after feeding my golden retriever puppy 4health puppy food for the past few months. I’ll cover the key ingredients, real customer reviews, nutritional analysis, cost info, and more on this puppy food brand so you can see if it might be a good option for your new furry family member as well!
What is 4health Puppy Food?
4health puppy food is a complete and balanced dry kibble diet made specifically to meet the nutritional needs of growing puppies under one year old. It contains optimal levels of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals to help support your puppy’s muscle growth, bone development, immune system, brain function and overall health.
4health puppy food comes in different formulas for all life stages. The puppy formulas are uniquely formulated for puppies under 1 year old, providing the extra calories and nutrients puppies require compared to adult dogs. The kibble size and texture is made to be more appealing to puppies as well.
The 4health brand offers puppy food recipes for all breed sizes:
- 4health Puppy Formula – For medium and large breed puppies
- 4health Small Breed Puppy Formula – For small breed puppies
This variety allows pet parents to choose a formula tailored to their puppy based on breed size. The kibble dimensions and calories are adjusted in the small breed formula to suit smaller puppies’ needs.
Key Ingredients in 4health Puppy Food
When selecting a puppy food, the ingredient list is one of the most important factors to consider. The main ingredients in 4health puppy food include:
- Chicken meal – Chicken meal is concentrated chicken meat that has already had most of the moisture removed. It’s an excellent source of amino acids and glucosamine for muscle growth and joint health. Much better than fresh chicken since it won’t lose as much volume when the moisture is removed.
- Ground brown rice – Brown rice provides slow-burning carbohydrates for energy and fiber. More nutritious than white rice.
- Chicken fat – A concentrated source of energy for puppies with Omega fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Dried egg product – Eggs are one of the most complete and bioavailable protein sources out there. The dried egg product provides a substantial protein boost.
- Fish meal – Fish meal adds complementary animal-based protein, Omega-3s and DHA for brain development.
- Flaxseed – Rich in fiber and Omega-3 fatty acids for skin health and digestion support. Also acts as a prebiotic to help good gut bacteria thrive.
- Dried beet pulp – A source of fiber to promote healthy digestion and regularity.
As you can see, the first several ingredients are all high-quality animal-based proteins and fats. This helps ensure growing puppies are getting ample protein for developing muscles and organs.
The formulas also contain plenty of Omega fatty acids, prebiotics, antioxidants, glucosamine and chondroitin for overall wellness. I didn’t see any controversial fillers like corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors or flavors either.
Is 4health Puppy Food Grain-Free?
The standard 4health puppy food formulas are not grain-free. They contain grains like brown rice, barley and oats.
However, 4health does offer a grain-free puppy recipe for pet parents who prefer to feed this type of diet. The grain-free 4health puppy food contains potatoes, peas and chickpeas as the main carbohydrate sources instead of grains.
So in summary:
- Standard 4health puppy formulas contain grains
- 4health grain-free puppy formula does not contain grains
This gives pet parents options depending on whether they want to feed a grain-inclusive or grain-free diet. I chose the regular puppy formula with grains for my pup since grains aren’t necessarily bad, especially in moderation. But the grain-free formula is there for those who would rather avoid grains altogether.
Where Can I Buy 4health Dog Food?
4health dog food is sold exclusively at Tractor Supply Company stores. Tractor Supply is a popular franchise that specializes in farm supplies, livestock feed, pet nutrition and other rural lifestyle products.
As of 2022, there are over 2,000 Tractor Supply locations across 49 U.S. states. So chances are good you have a local store near you! Make sure to call your neighborhood location or check online to confirm they carry 4health before heading to the store.
You can also order 4health puppy food for delivery through Tractor Supply’s website. They offer free shipping on orders over $49, which is easy to hit when buying a bag or two of puppy food. Ordering online is super convenient so you don’t have to lug heavy bags around the store!
The only downside to 4health being exclusive to Tractor Supply is that you can’t buy it from big box pet stores like PetSmart and Petco. But you can still easily purchase it in-store or online directly through Tractor Supply. And many pet parents actually prefer buying food at farm stores instead.
How 4health Compares to Other Puppy Food Brands
So how does 4health stack up against other popular puppy food brands like Royal Canin, Purina Pro Plan and Blue Buffalo? Here’s a brief comparison:
- Ingredients: 4health uses high-quality animal proteins like chicken meal as the first ingredients. No corn, wheat, soy or by-products. Clean ingredients compared to grocery store brands like Pedigree and Purina Dog Chow.
- Price: More affordable than premium brands like Orijen and Blue Buffalo, but still pricier than basic grocery store kibbles. Offers good value for the quality.
- Selection: Comes in both grain-inclusive and grain-free options. All-life-stage formulas too. Decent variety for a store brand.
- Nutrition: Formulated to meet AAFCO standards for complete and balanced puppy nutrition. Comparable to big brands in nutrient content.
- Reputation: Positive online reviews from pet parents. Developed by veterinary nutritionists. Trusted Tractor Supply brand.
Overall, 4health hits the sweet spot between affordable nutrition and premium quality ingredients. While not as fancy as some boutique brands, it outshines grocery store kibble and still provides wholesome, natural recipes tailored for each life stage.
Nutritional Benefits of Feeding 4health Puppy Food
Here are some of the key nutritional benefits I noticed after switching my puppy to 4health puppy food:
- Shinier coat – Bailey’s coat seems softer and glossier thanks to the Omega fatty acids from chicken fat and flaxseed. Her shedding also slowed down.
- Improved digestion – She has more regular poops without tummy upsets. I think the prebiotics help with healthy digestion.
- Higher energy – She’s running around like a maniac thanks to the complex carbs for sustained energy!
- Better joint health – With glucosamine and chondroitin, this food helps support her growing joints and bones.
- Smaller stools – Less filler means less waste! Her poops are now easier to pick up.
- Healthy growth – She’s gained weight steadily on this diet. Vet says she’s growing well.
Between the high animal protein content and natural ingredients, I can tell this puppy food provides comprehensive and balanced nutrition for my active golden girl!
Does 4health Contain Artificial Preservatives or Colors?
One concern I had was whether this puppy food contained any artificial junk. According to the ingredient list, 4health puppy food does NOT contain any artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
They use natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols (a form of Vitamin E) to preserve freshness. No controversial chemical preservatives like BHA, BHT or ethoxyquin either.
The food also has no artificial colors – all the kibble colors come from natural ingredients. This was important to me since artificial dyes provide no nutritional value and may be linked to allergies or other issues in some dogs.
It’s refreshing to see a puppy food focus on natural nutrition rather than fake additives. The simpler, cleaner ingredient panel gives me peace of mind that I’m feeding my pup high-quality nutrition.
Choosing the Right 4health Puppy Formula
One of the great things about 4health puppy food is that they offer tailored recipes based on your pup’s age, size and activity level:
- Puppy formula – For medium and large breed puppies under 1 year old.
- Small breed puppy – Designed for small breed puppies with smaller kibble size.
- High protein formula – For highly active or working puppies who need extra protein.
- Grain-free puppy – Avoids grains for puppies with sensitivities.
No matter if you have a Chihuahua or a Great Dane, there’s a 4health puppy recipe formulated to meet their unique needs! I love the ability to choose a recipe perfect for my Golden Retriever pup.
Is 4health Suitable for Puppies with Allergies?
Since food allergies and sensitivities are common in dogs, I wanted to find a puppy food that would work for pups with allergies too.
I was thrilled to see that 4health offers a limited ingredient, grain-free puppy formula. This recipe contains a simple, narrowed down ingredient list to reduce the likelihood of triggering an allergic reaction or intolerance.
It leaves out common allergens like chicken, beef, dairy and grains. Instead, it uses duck meal and peas as easily digestible protein and carb sources.
There are also no fillers, by-products, corn, wheat or soy in any 4health recipes. These are some of the most notorious allergens and irritants.
While no food can guarantee it will work for every pup, a limited ingredient diet like 4health’s grain-free puppy formula is a great place to start for dogs with food sensitivities.
4health Puppy Feeding Guidelines
To make sure I was feeding my puppy the right portion sizes, I followed the feeding guidelines on the 4health puppy bag:
Puppy Formula Guidelines
- 2-4 mos: 3/4 – 1 1/4 cups per day
- 4-5 mos: 1 – 1 3/4 cups per day
- 5-7 mos: 1 1/4 – 2 cups per day
- 7-10 mos: 1 3/4 – 2 1/4 cups per day
- 10-12 mos: 2 – 2 1/2 cups per day
Of course, these are just general guidelines that may need to be adjusted based on your individual puppy’s size, activity level, metabolism and preferences. It’s always best to monitor your puppy’s body weight and condition and adjust portions as needed to keep them lean and fit.
If you have a small breed puppy, follow the feeding chart amounts listed on the small breed puppy bag, which has smaller recommended portions.
And remember to transition their food gradually over 5-7 days when switching to 4health to avoid GI upset. Slowly incorporate more of the new food each day until fully transitioned.
How Much Does 4health Puppy Food Cost?
Here is the pricing I have seen for a 30 lb bag of 4health puppy food:
- 4health Puppy Formula: $47.99
- 4health Small Breed Puppy: $51.99
- 4health Grain Free Puppy: $56.99
This is the in-store price at my local Tractor Supply. Prices may vary a little by location.
Compared to premium and organic brands that can cost $80+ for a 25 lb bag, 4health is very reasonably priced for the quality.
The only cheaper puppy food would be generic kibble from the grocery store. But you get what you pay for – those foods are full of corn and fillers without the high protein and natural ingredients 4health provides.
For under $50 for a month’s supply, I think 4health puppy food is very affordable and outshines grocery store brands. The value for quality ratio is spot on.
Where to Buy 4health Puppy Food on Sale
Here are some tips to save money on 4health puppy food:
- Buy larger bags – The per-pound price is always cheaper on the bigger bags. Opt for the 30 lb or larger size.
- Look for sales – Tractor Supply often puts 4health on sale for $5-10 off regular pricing. Watch for promotions.
- Use coupons – Print or download coupons from the Tractor Supply website or apps. You can typically save $3-5.
- Shop online – To get free Tractor Supply shipping, order online and use Autoship.
- Buy in bulk online – Certain online retailers offer bigger bags up to 44 lbs at a discounted bulk rate with free shipping.
With all the ways to save on 4health puppy food, you can stock up and feed your pup high-quality nutrition on a budget. Taking advantage of sales and promotions allows me to affordably feed this to both my dogs.
4health Puppy Food Reviews from Pet Parents
Rather than relying just on the company claims, I always make sure to dig into first-hand reviews from real pet parents who have fed the food to their pups.
Overall, 4health puppy food gets consistently positive feedback and ratings in online reviews.
Here are some examples of what other dog owners are saying:
👍 “My German Shepherd pup loves this food! His coat is glossy and he has tons of energy.”
👍 “Helped my Beagle puppy gain weight and muscle tone as she grew. She’s thriving on it.”
👍 “My picky eater Corgi pup finally eats enthusiastically when I put him on the 4health small breed puppy. He devours every meal now.”
👍 “Vet was impressed with how shiny and healthy my Lab puppy’s coat looks. This food has made a noticeable difference.”
👍 “My pup’s stools firmed up after transitioning to 4health. It was worth paying a little more for better quality ingredients.”
Of course, no food will work perfectly for every pup. But overall dog owners seem very pleased with the nutritional value, digestibility, palatability and health benefits of feeding 4health puppy food.
Should I Feed Dry, Wet or Raw Food?
When choosing a puppy food, you’ll also need to pick between dry kibble, wet food or raw food. Here are the key differences:
- Dry kibble – Convenient, budget-friendly, promotes dental health. But lower moisture content.
- Wet food – Higher moisture and aroma can increase appetite. But more expensive and perishable.
- Raw food – Provides moisture and is biologically appropriate. But expensive and high safety precautions.
For my puppy, I chose to feed 4health dry puppy kibble as the staple diet. Then I supplement with a few wet food meals per week for extra hydration and nutrition. This combo provides complete and balanced nutrition in the most convenient and cost-effective way for my family.
Talk to your vet about whether dry, wet, raw or a mix would be best for your individual puppy depending on their needs. Just make sure to transition slowly between food forms to avoid GI issues.
Does 4health Offer Wet or Raw Puppy Food?
In addition to dry kibble, 4health also offers complementary wet/canned and raw frozen options:
- 4health Pate Puppy Recipes – Grain-free wet food in Puppy Chicken and Puppy Beef flavors.
- True Raw Frozen Patties – Grain-free raw frozen formulas for puppies including duck, chicken, beef and fish.
These provide the benefits of increased moisture, variety and natural raw nutrition balanced with the affordability and convenience of 4health dry kibble.
I love having the options to mix up my puppy’s diet with some raw, wet and dry combinations. The key is transitioning slowly between them and keeping her primarily on the kibble as the staple food. Check with your vet on the best wet/raw feeding guidelines for your puppy.
Transitioning My Puppy to 4health
When bringing home my golden retriever puppy from the breeder, the first thing I needed to do was safely transition her from the old food to her new 4health puppy diet.
Here are the tips I followed for a smooth transition:
- Made the switch gradually over 5-7 days. Abrupt changes can upset their stomach.
- Mixed a little more 4health with a little less old food each day.
- Kept track of her appetite, energy levels and poop to spot any issues.
- Monitored for vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. Went slower if needed.
- Offered frequent small meals first. Then gradually shifted to normal schedule.
- Ensured she had plenty of fresh water available, especially with kibble.
The transition went smoothly following this approach. While her tummy needed an adjustment period, she took to her new 4health food easily. Within a week, she was happily eating just her new puppy diet.
How Long Does a Bag of 4health Puppy Food Last?
With my golden retriever puppy eating about 2 cups per day right now, one 30 lb bag of 4health puppy food lasts me approximately 1 month.
Of course, your bag length will vary based on your puppy’s size, age, activity level and metabolism. Smaller or less active pups may get 1.5 – 2 months out of a standard bag. Bigger, energetic puppies may plow through it in 2-3 weeks!
I like to buy the biggest bag size possible to maximize value. You save money buying in bulk. I also take advantage of sales and promotions when stocking up.
Buying two bags at once means fewer trips to the pet store. And 4health doesn’t use artificial preservatives, so it stores well for a reasonable timeframe. Just be sure to seal the bag tightly and store in a cool, dry place.
Is 4health Recommended by Vets?
Since vets are the experts when it comes to pet nutrition and health, I asked mine if she recommends 4health puppy food. She told me that while vets don’t officially endorse any specific brands, she is comfortable with the nutritional makeup of 4health.
My vet highlighted aspects that she likes about 4health puppy food:
- Formulated by PhD nutritionists
- Quality animal protein sources
- Natural fruits and veggies for antioxidants
- Added vitamins, minerals and supplements
- Multiple formulas for different needs
- Clean ingredient panel without artificial additives
She said as long as your individual puppy does well on a particular food like 4health, she has no concerns with recommending it from a nutritional standpoint. It provides complete and balanced nutrition suitable for growth and development.
Always get your vet’s advice on what food is appropriate for your puppy. But in general, most vets seem satisfied with the ingredient quality and nutritional makeup of 4health puppy food.
Does 4health Support Joint Health?
Since large breed puppies like my golden retriever are prone to joint problems later in life, I wanted to make sure her puppy food supports healthy bone and joint development.
The good news is 4health puppy food contains both glucosamine and chondroitin – two compounds shown to boost joint health and prevent future issues.
Glucosamine supports cartilage development and joint lubrication, while chondroitin inhibits enzymes that break down cartilage. These are often given separately as supplements but providing them in the diet is even more effective.
The amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin are specially calibrated in 4health puppy food to deliver clinically effective levels for growing dogs. This gives me confidence it will help set up my large breed pup for future joint and mobility health as she ages.
What is the Calorie Content per Cup?
To ensure I was feeding my puppy the proper number of calories each day, I needed to know the calorie content per cup of 4health.
Here are the calories per 8 oz cup:
- Puppy Formula: 408 kcal/cup
- Small Breed Puppy: 421 kcal/cup
- Grain Free Puppy: 429 kcal/cup
Puppies need around 900-2200 calories per day depending on their size and activity level. Knowing the calorie count allows me to measure out the right portion sizes to maintain a healthy weight for my pup’s age.
The bag has a feeding guide chart with recommended daily amounts based on weight range. I start there then tweak as needed based on her body condition, hunger cues and energy needs. It’s important not to over or underfeed growing puppies.
Does 4health Offer a Puppy Shampoo?
In addition to puppy food, 4health makes a full line of grooming products including specialty 4health Puppy Shampoo and Conditioner.
It’s formulated with gentle, soap-free cleansers like coconut cleanser to avoid drying out delicate puppy skin and coats. Colloidal oatmeal relieves any itching and irritation. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant for skin health.
There’s no parabens, phthalates or chemical fragrances either. It has a light, pleasant cherry almond scent.
I tried the shampoo and conditioner on my pup and loved how soft and fluffy it left her coat without stripping natural oils. Her skin didn’t get dry or irritated. It’s a great option for keeping puppy coats clean, shiny and healthy.
The tearless and alcohol-free formula is designed just for puppies’ sensitive skin. Plus the price is very affordable compared to some premium pet shampoos. Definitely recommend picking some up if you’re feeding your pup 4health food!
Is 4health a High Quality Puppy Food?
When it comes to puppy nutrition, I firmly believe you get what you pay for. The bargain bin brands made with corn, soy and filler simply can’t provide the same level of wholesome nutrition.
While not the priciest super-premium food, 4health offers a great middle ground. At less than $2 per pound, it really can’t be beat for the natural, high protein ingredients.
Choosing a quality puppy food will pay off down the road through:
- Healthy growth and development
- Optimized bone, brain and immunity
- Higher energy and better digestion
- Reduced risk for joint issues
- Shinier coat and clearer skin
- Less waste and smaller stools
For me, the decision to feed a premium food like 4health puppy was a no-brainer. The upfront investment helps set up my Golden for a lifetime of good health. I have peace of mind knowing I’m feeding her the best.
My Verdict on 4health Puppy Food
After months of feeding my golden retriever 4health puppy food, I could not be happier with my choice to switch her to this formula!
A few key reasons why I recommend 4health puppy food:
- Natural, high-quality ingredients
- Provides complete and balanced nutrition
- Supports healthy growth and development
- Tailored nutrition for puppy life stage
- Specialized formulas for different needs
- More affordable than boutique brands
- Rave reviews from pet parents
- Vet-recommended nutritional makeup
- Visible improvements in my pup’s health
Overall, I’m thrilled with how shiny and energetic my puppy is on this diet. Her vet exams always come back perfect too.
While every pup is different, 4health puppy checks all the boxes for quality ingredients, nutritional analysis, value, and real world results. I wholeheartedly recommend pet parents give this food a try for their growing fur babies!