Beneful Dog Food Review (Dry)
The table below shows each recipe in the range including our rating and the AAFCO nutrient profile: Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.
Recipe and Label Analysis
Beneful Originals with Farm-Raised Beef was selected to represent the other products in the line for detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.
Ingredients Analysis
The first ingredient in this dog food is beef. Although its a quality item, raw beef contains up to 73% water. After cooking, most of that moisture is lost, reducing the meat content to just a fraction of its original weight.
After processing, this item would probably account for a smaller part of the total content of the finished product.
The second ingredient is corn. Corn is an inexpensive and controversial cereal grain. And aside from its energy content, this grain is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.
The third ingredient is barley, which is a starchy carbohydrate supplying fiber and other healthy nutrients. However, aside from its energy content, this cereal grain is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.
The next ingredient is rice. Is this whole grain rice, brown rice or white rice? Since the word rice doesnt tell us much, its impossible to judge the quality of this item.
The fifth ingredient is wheat. Wheat is another cereal grain and subject to the same issues as corn (previously discussed).
Next, we find soybean meal, a by-product of soybean oil production more commonly found in farm animal feeds.
Although soybean meal contains 48% protein, this ingredient would be expected to have a lower biological value than meat.
The next ingredient is corn gluten meal. Gluten is the rubbery residue remaining once corn has had most of its starchy carbohydrate washed out of it.
Although corn gluten meal contains 60% protein, this ingredient would be expected to have a lower biological value than meat.
And less costly plant-based products like soybean meal and corn gluten meal can notably boost the total protein reported on the label a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.
The eighth ingredient is beef fat. Beef fat (or tallow) is most likely obtained from rendering, a process similar to making soup in which the fat itself is skimmed from the surface of the liquid.
Although it may not sound very appetizing, beef fat is actually a quality ingredient.
The ninth ingredient is oatmeal, a whole-grain product made from coarsely ground oats. Oatmeal is naturally rich in B-vitamins, dietary fiber and can be (depending upon its level of purity) gluten-free.
From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.
But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this Purina product.
With six notable exceptions
First, we find dried peas. Dried peas are a good source of carbohydrates. Plus theyre naturally rich in dietary fiber. However, dried peas contain about 27% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the meat content of this dog food.
Next, we find iron oxide, a synthetic color additive used in industry to impart a reddish color to food and paint. In its natural form, this chemical compound is more commonly known as iron rust.
Were always disappointed to find any artificial coloring in a pet food. Thats because coloring is used to make the product more appealing to humans not your dog. After all, do you really think your dog cares what color his kibble is?
Next, we find no mention of probiotics, friendly bacteria applied to the surface of the kibble after processing to help with digestion.
We also note that the minerals listed here do not appear to be chelated. And that can make them more difficult to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually associated with higher quality dog foods.
Additionally, this recipe contains sodium selenite, a controversial form of the mineral selenium. Sodium selenite appears to be nutritionally inferior to the more natural source of selenium found in selenium yeast.
And lastly, this product includes menadione, a controversial form of vitamin K linked to liver toxicity, allergies and the abnormal break-down of red blood cells.
Since vitamin K isnt required by AAFCO in either of its dog food nutrient profiles, we question the use of this substance in any canine formulation.
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredients alone, Purina Beneful Dog Food looks like a below-average dry product.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 26.1%, a fat level of 13.6% and estimated carbohydrates of about 52.2%.
As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 28.3% and a mean fat level of 14.5%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 49.3% for the overall product line.
And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 51%.
Which means this Purina product contains
Above-average protein. Near-average fat. And near-average carbs when compared to other dry dog foods.
However, when you consider the protein-boosting effect of the corn gluten meal, soybean meal and dried peas, this looks like the profile of a kibble containing a moderate amount of meat.
Our Rating of Beneful Dog Food
Purina Beneful includes both grain-inclusive and grain-free dry dog foods using a moderate amount of named meat and by-product meals as its primary source of animal protein, thus receiving 2.5 stars.
Recommended with Reservations
Beneful Dog Food Review 2024: The Good & The Bad Revealed!
The Beneful dog food brand was first introduced in 2001 and the brand has continued to grow and expand in the years since. A dog food-only brand, Beneful offers an assortment of dry food and wet food options as well as an assortment of treats.
According to a company spokesperson, the name Beneful means full of goodness but the company has recently come under fire in a 2015 class action lawsuit regarding the use of propylene glycol and mycotoxins as potentially poisonous (even deadly) ingredients in Beneful products.
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Our readers rely upon our dog food articles, reviews and recall alerts that we took the time to research. We also routinely update and review our own reviews ensuring that any changes by manufacturers are brought to your attention.
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In 2016, Beneful released a collection of new and updated recipes made with real beef or chicken as the number-1 ingredient with no added sugar in response to consumer feedback.
Overall, however, Beneful is still a mid-quality brand at best if you take the time to review the information provided on their pet food labels.
Read on for our comprehensive Beneful Dog Food Review below.
Who Makes Beneful?
The Beneful brand of dog food is produced and manufactured by Purina. The Purina family of brands is overseen by the Nestle Purina PetCare Company, originally the Ralston Purina company. Ralson Purina was acquired by Nestle in 2001 and merged with the Friskies PetCare Company.
Today, Nestle Purina PetCare is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri and it is the second-largest pet food manufacturer in the world and the largest in the United States.
Is Beneful Made in the United States?
Benefuls products are all made in Purina-owned facilities located throughout the United States with ingredients that meet or exceed federal and state requirements.
According to the FAQ section of the Beneful website, Beneful is produced in cities including Flagstaff, AR; Fairburn, GA; and Davenport, IA. Beneful also has on-site quality assurance labs in each manufacturing facility to monitor and enforce quality and safety protocols.
Beneful Dog Food Reviews
- Purina Beneful Grain Free with Real Farm-Raised Chicken
- Purina Beneful Select 10 With Farm-Raised Beef
- Purina Beneful IncrediBites for Small Dogs with Real Beef
- Purina Beneful Originals with Real Salmon
- Purina Beneful Healthy Weight with Real Chicken
- Purina Beneful Superfood Blend With Salmon
- Purina Beneful High Protein Chicken & Beef
- Purina Beneful Simple Goodness With Farm-Raised Beef
- Purina Beneful Chopped Blends with Turkey, Sweet Potatoes, Brown Rice & Spinach
- Purina Beneful Medleys Mediterranean Style
- Purina Beneful Prepared Meals Chicken Stew with Rice, Carrots, Peas & Barley
- Purina Beneful Baked Delights Snackers with Apples, Carrots, Peas & Peanut Butter
Beneful recently updated some of their recipes to include real beef, chicken, or salmon. While the information on the Beneful website might lead you to believe that these are used as main ingredients in the updated recipes, that is sadly not the case for most formulas.
Beneful relies heavily on by-products and unnamed sources for most of their proteins and they make heavy use of corn, wheat, and soy ingredients as well.
You will also find that most Beneful products include the use of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
Grain-Free
The Purina Beneful Grain-free line is composed of natural ingredients, added vitamins and minerals, real farm-raised meat, and with none of the allergenic stuff that can bother sensitive dogs.
The meals are free from glutens, fillers, wheat, corn, artificial anything, and animal by-product meals. Just simple, healthy ingredients to give adult dogs their complete daily nutrition needs.
1. Purina Beneful Grain Free with Farm-Raised Chicken
A delicious recipe that promises abundant nutrition without compromising taste, this recipe keeps it real by keeping it healthy and sticking to all things natural. You wont find any wheat, gluten, corn, grains, or fillers anywhere in the list of ingredients.
A meat-based protein source is the first ingredient in the formulation always a good thing when dealing with dog foods. Its chicken and as a farm-raised and whole meat product, you can expect nothing but quality meat.
Its protein content is further boosted by the addition of chicken meal (fourth slot), which contributes plenty to bring the level up to 24%. Not too much, but it more than meets the requirements of the AAFCO.
While pea starch as the second ingredient is wholly nutritious, wed have preferred another meat-based protein source for the second slot. Still, its a healthy enough ingredient, and we cant be too sad about it.
Pea starch is the flour from a yellow field pea and it acts as a great alternative to grains when it comes to carbohydrate content. It also gives off about the same amount of nutrition youd expect from sweet potatoes.
Another carb source is cassava root flour. Carbohydrates are usually turned into energy that dogs use to keep them active and wagging tails. Aside from the carbohydrate content, cassava root flour also has significant amounts of dietary fiber to help dogs with their digestion. Its considered a gluten-free and grain-free food, so sensitive pooches wont have upset tummies.
We find that theres a little too much plant protein here for our taste. Though not necessarily bad, more should come from meat sources. Pea starch weve already mentioned above, but theres also soybean germ meal and canola meal. They do boost the protein level but most of the ingredients that make up the top of the list are either carb or plant protein sources.
What we do really like is that there are 23 vitamins and minerals in every bite of the crunchy kibbles. Purina Beneful also added accents of wholesome veggies and fruits such as pumpkin, spinach, and blueberries. Its a whole body health recipe, so even if were not extremely fond of some of the ingredients, it still delivers the nutrition it promises.
Beneful Select 10
Fewer ingredients do not mean less nutrition. With Purina Benefuls Select 10, you get limited ingredients but a complete and balanced meal.
The recipe is made for dogs with digestive issues and food sensitivities, so each ingredient is carefully chosen to be easy on the tummy. Its also made without known allergenic ingredients such as corn, soy, or wheat.
2. Purina Beneful Select 10 with Farm-Raised Beef
A truly healthy meal that is suitable for canines with food allergies and sensitivities, Purina Benefuls Select 10 in beef will keep you filling bowls after bowls without worry. Because the ingredients are limited, you can easily check and analyze all ingredients that make up this food for potential triggers.
Beef is the first ingredient, and it makes up the bulk of the recipe. The other meat sources are just as good. Theres chicken meal, beef fat, and pork and poultry digest. Chicken meal is just rendered chicken that has lost most moisture but is protein-packed.
Beef fat is quality fat that gives a dog a good supply of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. And pork and poultry digest are meat taken from the muscles and tissues of animals from USDA-inspected facilities.
We heartily approve the use of several meat sources. This means that most of the protein comes from animal sources instead of plant-based ones. Since the list of ingredients is short, heres the rest of them: barley, rice, canola meal, oat meal, sunflower oil, and dried apples.
incrediBITES
Purina Beneful incrediBITEs offer nutrient-rich formulations specifically crafted for little dogs who have a higher metabolism than medium to large-sized breeds.
The kibbles are in perfectly small shapes to fit little mouths, and there are no added sugars, so you can fill your pets bowl to the brim without guilt.
A farm-raised animal meat always leads the list of ingredients. There are accents of real vegetables to add more variety, taste, and nutrition to a protein-led diet, plus a load of energy-fueling grains to give your pet the boost he needs for all of his doggy adventures.
3. Purina Beneful incrediBITES for Small Dogs with Real Beef
Beef is the main star here and also the main source of protein as the first ingredient. Its a savory meat that lends a rich taste to any recipe, further made more flavorful (and nutritious) with the addition of real carrots and peas.
There are many other sources of animal protein in this meal aside from beef. Chicken by-product meal, poultry by-product meal, and poultry and pork digest also contribute heavily to the protein load.
Now, a chicken by-product meal isnt bad per se, but it depends entirely on the quality of the meat used. Plus, many pet owners prefer feeding whole meat rather than a by-product to their pets.
Dont get us wrong. Chicken by-products can be good, particularly the organs because they are a rich source of nutrients, but too often some pet food companies add more of the unwanted and unsuitable parts. And since this recipe did not specify what parts were used, it adds a little uncertainty to the mix.
If we were on the fence about chicken by-product meal, we are definitely against the poultry by-product meal ingredient. It just sounds so vague (what kind of poultry was used?), and that is never a good thing with pet foods.
Poultry and pork digest can be desirable ingredients because these are made up of muscles and soft tissues of animals coming from USDA-inspected facilities. The meats are then hydrolyzed or broken down into liquid, powder, or paste form. Aside from protein, digests also enhance the taste of dry pet foods greatly and increases their palatability.
There are several types of grains in this formulation. We wish they werent all included in the first 7 ingredients in the list because it means that a large part of the mixture is composed of grains instead of meat. However, we do realize that many dogs do thrive on grains and grains even help some of them gain and maintain a good weight.
For this recipe, it is an even mixture of good and not so good grains. Whole grain corn is second only to beef, and since it is not grounded, it is not easily digested by dogs. Barley is in the third slot, and unlike the whole corn, we like the inclusion of this one.
Barley provides canines with plenty of fiber for digestion and abundant micronutrients like selenium and copper. The corn gluten meal merely acts as a binder and a cheap protein source, while the whole grain wheat is full of carbs and antioxidants.
Despite not liking some features of the recipe, we have found plenty more to love. We especially like the protein serving here, which is pegged at 27% more than enough to help your little pet build and maintain strong muscles.
The 23 essential minerals and vitamins that were added to the recipe are also a draw because you know that every filled bowl is equal to a complete and balanced nutrition.
Originals
The Originals range is a line of dog food that takes farm-raised meat (chicken or beef) or real salmon and blends it with energy-fueling whole grains and a bunch of superfoods. It uses the tagline, Good food starts with good ingredients because at the heart of the recipe is 100% nutrition and a tasty flavor that canines will love.
4. Beneful Originals with Real Salmon
This formula features salmon as the main source of protein. It is blended to perfection with whole grains and fresh vegetables to ensure that it meets the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult dogs.
It is worth noting that this recipe has recently been updated and approved as of 2016 in keeping with Benefuls new commitment to quality proteins.
While corn is a whole-grain ingredient and nutritious, it is not one that most dogs find easy to digest. Corn needs to be broken down or ground before dogs can process it easily. It is also one of the most common food allergies for dogs, so there is a very real risk that this formula could trigger food allergies if your dog is food sensitive.
The main source of protein is real salmon. The total protein content is 24%, meeting a dog's protein requirement.
In addition to being heavy in plant-based proteins, this recipe also includes a lot of grains, including corn, wheat, and soy products. Not really a bad thing for dogs who thrive on meals prepared with grains, but again, this recipe can be an allergy trigger for sensitive canines.
On the other hand, It is good to see that fresh vegetables like sweet potatoes and dried carrots and green beans are used, but they are unlikely to be included in any significant quantity.
Healthy Weight
Purinas Healthy Weight line gives dogs a calorie-smart recipe to help him maintain a healthy weight. The formulation is protein-packed to keep dogs active and maintain the lean muscles they need for their playful activities.
There are 10% fewer calories in the Healthy Weight line when compared to the Beneful Originals Beef recipe.
5. Purina Beneful Healthy Weight with Real Chicken
Nutrition-packed but low in calories, every bowlful of feed is as healthy as it gets. This recipe keeps the calories down but makes sure to deliver all the wholesome goodness your dog needs for everyday adventures.
Chicken is the main meat and protein ingredient, which is a good choice since that particular poultry meat has relatively low fat content. Since its the first ingredient in the list, it makes up the bulk of the recipe.
Closely following the whole chicken is a chicken by-product meal to turn up the protein to a good enough level at 25%. Though not amazingly high, its still well above what the AAFCO prescribes for adult dogs.
There are plenty of grains and legumes in this formulation, more than what were comfortable with. Because coming at the heels of the two chicken products are 7 of them: whole grain corn, soybean hulls, barley, whole grain wheat, corn gluten meal, soybean meal, and rice.
While most of the ones on the list are easily digestible, the whole grain corn isnt. In fact, corn is only digestible when its been ground or refined into a meal.
The soybean hulls, barley, and soybean meal are rich in fiber, which adds bulk to stools and keeps the digestive system healthy. Whole wheat grains and corn gluten meal are energy and protein sources, while rice gives canines much-needed carbohydrates.
Wed have liked to see less of the grains and more meat since most dogs thrive on a carnivorous diet, but grains are also beneficial to pooches (as long as theyre not grain-sensitive) because these can support a healthy skin, hair, and immune system.
While the grains arent a big deal, we do take exception to the inclusion of a poultry by-product meal. Ingredients in pet foods should always be named, and the poultry in poultry by-product is about as generic as it gets.
Despite our misgivings about the poultry by-product ingredient, the rest of this recipe looks good. It has no added sugar that can make pets gain weight. Instead, it has supplemental vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to give your dog complete nutrition without the added weight.
Superfood Blend
The Superfood Blend of Purina Beneful is led by, you guessed it, a superfood meat ingredient. Its mixed in with plenty of other superfoods such as kale, chia, and cranberries to create a healthy and natural blend thats rich in omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and protein.
6. Purina Beneful Superfood Blend with Natural Salmon
Pet owners who are looking for a delicious pet food recipe with lots of high-quality ingredients and no artificial ones will be happy with the Superfood Blend. Every ingredient is recognizable and natural and the recipe itself is nutrient-dense.
It starts with salmon, a fish meat full of omega fatty acids that work to keep the skin and coat healthy and beautiful. The fatty acids also support the immune system and help decrease inflammation.
Since salmon does not have as much protein as other meats, the chicken meal (as the second ingredient) is there to provide a boost.
Chicken meal is quite healthy, as it is just whole chicken that has been rendered to remove the moisture but up the protein content.
Four types of healthy grain follow the chicken meal in succession: whole grain wheat, barley, rice, and oatmeal.
High Protein
Some dogs who are overweight need higher amounts of protein to help them burn more fats and calories, while some naturally thrive on a diet with a high percentage of animal meat.
The Purina Beneful High Protein line gives these canines all the protein they need with a tasty and healthy formula that offers complete nutrition and support for healthy muscles and hearts.
7. Purina Beneful High Protein Chicken & Beef
There are many reasons why some dogs need lots of protein in their diet. Some are overweight, some are way too active, some are older canines who need the protein to maintain their body condition, some are puppies who need that extra boost for developing bodies, and lastly, some are lactating or gestating mamas.
Whatever the reason, the Purina Beneful High Protein recipe offers these dogs the proper protein content that they need.
The recipe starts off with chicken, which is good because its supposed to be one of the main stars of the meal along with beef. However, beef isnt the second ingredient nor the third, fourth, or fifth.
In fact, beef is so far down the list (15th) that it probably doesnt impact the meal much. This is somewhat deceiving since youre led to believe that beef makes up a major part of the formulation.
The second ingredient next to chicken is whole grain corn. We dont really like whole corn because its not very digestible in forms other than refined or ground.
Corn gluten meal is another concern. It is often used as a meat substitute and a plant-based protein source. While it has excellent protein boosting capacity, corn gluten meals addition to a recipe means that the meat content of a formulation is questionable.
We also dislike the addition of a chicken by-product meal because it leaves a lot of questions. It can mean anything from chicken organs (good) to intestines (this might include waste which is not good) and is not very specific.
Lastly, we also take exception to brewers rice. While whole rice is a healthy carb source, brewers rice are just the milled fragments of rice kernels. Theyre often called dust or floor sweepings and have very little nutritional value.
Now we go on to what we do like. While one grain ingredient (corn) is problematic for us, the addition of whole grain wheat is not. Whole grain wheat is one of the best forms of wheat, and if your dog is not allergic to it, he can benefit much from the fiber, minerals, vitamins, and essential fatty acid it provides. Besides, true grain allergies are uncommon.
Beef fat occupies the fifth slot and it is a high-quality ingredient meant to provide dogs access to omega fatty acids. (Beef fat is considered good because the animal source has been named, as opposed to a vague listing such as animal fat.)
Soybean meal, oatmeal, barley are also excellent additions because they provide the meal with plenty of carbs, fiber, and other essential nutrients. They are also highly digestible and will not cause an upset on the digestive system.
The sweet potatoes and spinach are nice accents to the meal and bring more nutrients into the mixture. With a 26% protein content, this does offer more protein content than many of Purina Benefuls formulations, but its not really that high as its name suggests. Its more like a slightly above average protein level, since many high protein foods are often at 30% or more.
Simple Goodness
The Simple Goodness range by Purina Beneful offers dogs with tasty tender morsels full of farm-raised animal meat and accented with vegetables and fortified with essential vitamins and minerals.
Soft dog food is distinguished by its moisture content that is much higher than the average dry kibble but lower than that of dog foods.
8. Purina Beneful Simple Goodness With Farm-Raised Beef
This recipe keeps the ingredients list short but wholesome. The key ingredients number little, while the rest of the list is made up of supplementary minerals and vitamins for complete nutrition.
The farm-raised beef is the first ingredient, and its the only animal-based protein source here. It must make up a really large part of the recipe to be able to contribute 18% of crude protein something that is high for a non-dry dog food and we definitely approve of.
Following in the chickens footsteps is the malted barley extract. For those who are unfamiliar with this ingredient, it is made from malted grain and is usually in crystallized or liquid form.
It is an excellent source of antioxidants and enzymes. We love malt barley extract because it not only provides essential nutrients, it also gives dogs energy, makes foods more palatable, and has a beneficial effect on intestinal flora.
Now the third and fourth ingredients are something that can spur endless debates. These are soy flour and soy grits. Some believe soy is not a safe pet food ingredient, but a lot of others do.
Contrary to the belief that soy exacerbates food allergies, a lot of vets claim that the hydrolized version is actually helpful for the treatment and diagnosis of food allergies. This legume diet is also good for dogs who suffer from bladder stones.
Theres also wheat flour, beef fat, peas, and carrots included, which are all healthy stuff, and you can actually see the veggies in every bite.
The rest of the ingredients are either added vitamins or minerals and a bit of natural preservatives and binders. It uses no meat by-product meal or artificial colors and flavors.
Chopped Blends
Purina Benefuls Chopped Blends line of wet dog food is made with real meat combined with finely chopped nutritious ingredients that you can see, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and/or brown rice.
These are easy-to-chew meals that have just a bit of touch of savory sauce that every dog from small pups to seniors can enjoy.
9. Purina Beneful Chopped Blends with Turkey, Sweet Potatoes, Brown Rice & Spinach
Because its made to break apart easily, any dog from the youngest to the oldest can easily eat and enjoy a meal out of the Chopped Blends. Like with many wet foods, the ingredient list is short. (Wet foods typically offer meat that is less processed and the sealed cans keep the food fresher longer, reducing the risk for preservatives or binders.)
The first ingredient is turkey broth. Its fairly typical for a wet food to start with a broth or water ingredient because the moisture content in wet foods range from the 70 to 80 percentile. In this case, its 76% an excellent level.
The turkey broth is followed by real turkey meat, which is an excellent meat option. Its similar to chicken in protein, carb, and fat content but its zinc, potassium, and vitamin B6 and B12 levels are higher. As an allergenic potential, turkey also has a much lower risk than chicken. In fact, some consider it to be a hypoallergenic meat.
Weve already discussed wheat for the other dog foods above and its many benefits. But here it is again. Wheat (or wheat gluten meal for this recipe) contains lots of protein with high digestibility.
It is low in cholesterol, saturated fat, and has an amino acid profile that is complementary to meat protein profiles. So if your dog is not gluten-sensitive (this is quite rare in dogs), your pet should not have any problem with this ingredient.
Now the other ingredients are also fine with us like the sweet potatoes (low in fat but high in fiber), the brown rice (fiber, vitamin D, and carbs), and liver (vitamin A), but there is one on the list that we particularly dislike.
While animal by-products are safe according to the Pet Nutrition Alliance, an unnamed meat source is something to distrust. This is the meat by-product ingredient.
Meat by-product is vague and non-specific. It does not name the animal the meat comes from and we draw the line on unnamed animal meat. Thankfully, this is only ranked as the 7th ingredient and does not have much impact on the recipe. Still, its something that needs to be brought up.
So to summarize, if youre concerned about nutrition, this recipe offers a complete meal for your dog. Most of the ingredients are quality picks, with the exception of the meat by-products, which are safe and nutritious but are otherwise concerning if you, as a pet owner, would like to know what exactly goes into your dogs food.
The Chopped Blends range is also available in salmon, chicken, and beef flavors.
Medleys
The Medleys recipes contain a mouthwatering mixture of meat, vegetables, and wholesome grains in different cuisine-style formulations guaranteed to get tails a-wagging. The tender chunks of meat in a generous sauce are fit to be eaten as a standalone meal or mixed into your dogs dry food as a topper.
10. Purina Beneful Medleys Mediterranean Style
There is no lack of moisture with this Beneful Medleys recipe. The first ingredient is water, and at 82% moisture content, it contains enough to keep dogs hydrated well.
The second ingredient of the Mediterranean Style formulation is chicken, a common meat source in dog foods and a favorite of many canines. It provides most of the protein in the meal but is also assisted by lamb.
While the two meat sources are impeccable and high-quality ingredients, theres a third one that we do not care for. Its meat by-product. Animal by-products are deemed safe for pet consumption, but feeding pets an unnamed meat source can feel iffy. And if your pet happens to be allergic to some meat sources, this can be a big concern.
Apart from this, there is only one other ingredient that we kind of frown upon. Its the inclusion of modified corn starch, which is really nothing more than a filler.
Almost everything else seems fine. Theres wheat gluten, a protein-rich food that also has an excellent amino acid profile. There are tomatoes, which are high in antioxidants, lycopene, and soluble fiber. (The ripe fruit is beneficial to dogs, and only the leaves and unripe ones are considered unsafe.)
There is brown rice, spinach, and soy flour. And of course, added vitamins and minerals.
If you can discount the two so-so ingredients above, this is actually a pretty good recipe. And since it lacks any kind of artificial preservative, color, or flavor, your dog can savor all the delectable flavor of natural food.
Medleys is also offered in Tuscan Style and Romana Style.
Prepared Meals
Prepared Meals offer dogs with a lot of variety when it comes to their favorite meats. Simmered, roasted, and cooked in different other ways, all these meals share two big similarities: theyre chunky and accompanied with a rich, savory gravy. Each recipe is a hearty meal of real beef, lamb, chicken, or turkey mixed with whole grains and real veggies.
11. Purina Beneful Prepared Meals Chicken Stew with Rice, Carrots, Peas & Barley
Chicken and chicken broth make up the majority of this Prepared Meals stew by Purina Beneful. The moisture content is at a nice 78%, while the protein is up at 10%. (This protein level is average for wet foods.) The chicken is further supported by liver and then boosted nutritionally with livers rich vitamin and mineral content.
Another meat source that helps take the protein level up is the meat by-products ingredient, but we frown on the use of this. Anything vague or unnamed in a pet food is cause for concern.
While we are sure this is safe for dogs to consume, pet owners deserve to know exactly what is being fed to our dogs, and this includes naming what animal meat (or part) was used.
There is also another ingredient in this recipe that we feel is unnecessary. Its modified cornstarch, which is really just a filler. It has very little nutrient content, but it provides bulk to meals and may make dogs feel fuller. At the 7th position in the recipe list, it occupies more space and bulk than the nutritious whole vegetables Purina Beneful added in.
While we certainly dont feel that the meat by-product and modified cornstarch are quality food, the rest of the ingredients pass our scrutiny.
There are carrots, peas, barley, soy flour, and a whole gang of minerals and vitamins to ensure pets get all the necessary nutrition they need. Its a wholesome recipe that can be used as a complete meal or as a delicious topper.
There are a lot of flavors to choose from in the Prepared Meals range aside from the Chicken Stew flavor. The other choices are: Savory Rice & Lamb, Turkey Medley, Simmered Chicken Medley, Simmered Beef Entre, and Roasted Chicken.
Baked Delights
Purina Beneful Baked Delights are designed to make your dog be on his best behavior. These yummy treats are baked to perfection with a crunchy exterior and a soft center, making them ideal rewards for good behavior or just because you love to treat your pets to good things.
12. Purina Beneful Baked Delights Snackers with Apples, Carrots, Peas & Peanut Butter
The Purina Beneful Baked Delights are tasty treats packed with protein. It has a variety of flavors and textures that will be an amazing experience for any canine.
Now, treats arent supposed to be super healthy all the time because you dole them out occasionally and only in small quantities. So the sugar in the treats may not be that good if given constantly, but if you do it only once in a while, there shouldnt be any problem.
Protein in this recipe comes from two meat sources: chicken by-product meal and beef. While were not such a big fan of chicken by-product meals, at least theyre healthy and the animal meat source is named. Meanwhile, the texture and the fun flavor accents come from apples, carrots, peanut butter flavor, vanilla flavor, and cheese powder.
Most of the ingredients are okay, except for the artificial colors and flavors. The peanut butter and vanilla flavors are from both natural and artificial sources. We would prefer that they stick to only natural instead.
We also do not like the addition of artificial colors, particularly the Yellow 5 & 6, Red 40, and Blue 1. These are completely unnecessary because dogs dont care about the shade of food. What matters to them is taste.
While we docked points from these treats for their use of artificial flavor and dyes, wed also have to add some to these treats for their high protein (14%) and moisture (20%) content. Many dogs also seem to love the taste of the Baked Delights.
Personally, if we found these troublesome ingredients in dog foods that are meant to be complete meals, wed take a hard pass. However, we can overlook these in the case of treats provided that these are only given sparingly.
Where Does Beneful Get Their Ingredients?
Beneful does not provide any specific information about their ingredients except to say that they meet or exceed federal and state requirements.
The FAQ section of the Beneful website does provide some information about AAFCO and how Beneful products meet the standards for complete and balanced nutritional adequacy according to AAFCO nutrient profiles.
Just because a product meets the minimum nutritional requirements set forth by AAFCO isnt necessarily a guarantee of quality, however you will find detailed information about the quality of Beneful products below.
Beneful Dog Food Recall History
According to the FAQ section of the Beneful website, Benefuls products are held to the gold standard for quality control and safety protocols.
Purina conducts as many as 30,000 quality checks in a typical 24 hours of production, taking steps to ensure the safety of their products. Even so, the Beneful brand has been affected by one recall in recent history here are the details of that recall:
- In March 2016, the Purina Company issued a voluntary recall for Beneful wet dog food tubs having a Best By date between June 2020 and August 2020 with the first four digits of the production code ranging from 5363 to 6054 for two products: Beneful Prepared Meals (all varieties) and Beneful Chopped Blends (all varieties) because they may not contain the recommended level of vitamins and minerals.
Now you can read the full report as well as all of the complaints filed with the FDA here.
Compare Prices on Beneful
The Beneful brand of dog food is affordably priced, a fact that many dog owners love. You have to remember, however, that low-priced dog foods are often low-quality. Benefuls products come in a range of flavors and recipes which vary in quality, so be sure to do your research before choosing a product.
The price for a small 3.5-pound bag of Beneful dry dog food ranges from about $6 to $8, depending on the recipe and a larger 31-pound bag ranges from $24 to $71.
You can purchase 10-ounce tubs of Beneful wet dog food in cases of 8 for $15 to $30 which gives you an average price of around $2.25 per tub.
You can also find 12-packs of Beneful wet dog food in 3-ounce cans for about $10 or 3-packs for around $4.
What Kind of Dog Food Does Beneful Offer?
Beneful currently offers a wide variety of different product choices including dry dog food, wet dog food, and dog treats. The original lineup of Beneful products was released in 2001 and the Beneful Healthy Harvest product line was added in June of 2005 it was the first of Benefuls products to feature soy as the primary source of protein, rather than meat.
Benefuls line of Prepared Meals was released in March of 2006 featuring eight flavors of resealable foods. The newest line of Beneful products features real beef or chicken as the number-1 ingredient with the exception of the salmon recipe.
Beneful Dry Products
The Beneful brand currently offers five product lines of dry dog foods made with three primary ingredients beef, chicken, or salmon. The Originals line of dry food features simple recipes made with chicken, salmon or beef as the first ingredient.
The Healthy Weight line of products features reduced-calorie formulas and the Playful Life product line is accented with whole grains and fresh vegetables.
The Incredibites line of products features smaller kibble sizes and stay-fresh packaging and the Healthy Puppy line is supplemented with nutrients puppies need to grow up strong and healthy.
Here is a list of the dry food recipes Beneful has to offer:
Dry Recipes:
- Originals with Real Beef
- Originals with Real Chicken
- Originals with Real Salmon
- Healthy Weight with Real Chicken
- Healthy Puppy with Real Chicken
- Playful Life with Real Beef & Egg
- Incredibites with Real Beef
- Incredibites with Real Chicken
Beneful Canned Products
In addition to an assortment of dry food products, Beneful also offers a wide variety of wet food options. Benefuls wet dog food products are divided amongst four product lines Incredibites, Chopped Blends, Medleys, and Prepared Meals.
All of Benefuls wet food products are made with chicken, beef, or salmon as the primary proteins and supplemented with whole grains and fresh veggies.
The Chopped Blends and Prepared Meals lines of products come in 10-ounce tubs rather than cans while the Incredibites and Medleys lines come in 3-ounce cans. Here is a list of the wet food recipes Beneful has to offer:
Incredibites Wet Food Recipes:
- With Beef, Tomatoes, Carrots and Wild Rice
- With Chicken, Tomatoes, Carrots and Wild Rice
- With Salmon, Tomatoes, Carrots and Wild Rice
Chopped Blends Wet Food Recipes:
- With Beef, Carrots, Peas and Barley
- With Chicken, Carrots, Peas and Wild Rice
- With Turkey, Sweet Potatoes, Brown Rice and Spinach
- With Salmon, Sweet Potatoes, Brown Rice and Spinach
- With Chicken, Liver, Peas, Brown Rice and Sweet Potatoes
- With Lamb, Brown Rice, Carrots, Tomatoes and Spinach
Medleys Wet Food Recipes:
- Tuscan Style Medley with Beef, Carrots, Rice and Spinach
- Romana Style Medley with Chicken, Carrots, Pasta and Spinach
- Mediterranean Style Medley with Lamb, Tomatoes, Brown Rice and Spinach
Prepared Meals Wet Food Recipes:
- Beef Stew with Peas, Carrots, Rice and Barley
- Chicken Stew with Rice, Carrots, Peas and Barley
- Simmered Beef Entre with Carrots, Barley, Wild Rice and Spinach
- Simmered Chicken Medley with Green Beans, Carrots and Wild Rice
- Beef & Chicken Medley with Green Beans, Carrots and Wild Rice
- Roasted Chicken Recipe with Pasta, Carrots and Spinach
- Roasted Turkey Medley with Corn, Wild Rice, Peas and Barley
- Savory Rice & Lamb Stew with Peas and Carrots