Choosing the right dog food can feel like navigating a maze of ingredients, promises, and price points. For dog owners seeking a grain-free option, the Amazon Brand - Wag Dry Dog Food Salmon & Sweet Potato in the 24 lb bag presents itself as a contender. Marketed as a protein-rich, grain-free recipe with salmon as the #1 ingredient, this dog food aims to cater to adult dogs with a focus on quality and digestibility. But does it live up to the hype and, more importantly, do dogs actually enjoy it? Let’s dive into a detailed review, drawing insights from the product information and, crucially, real customer experiences.
This Wag dry dog food boasts a formula centered around sustainably-raised salmon, a key ingredient for providing essential protein to keep dogs energetic and healthy. It emphasizes a grain-free recipe, excluding corn and wheat, and proudly states “no added artificial colors, flavors, or chemical preservatives.” Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients, Wag positions itself as a comparable alternative to premium brands like BLUE BUFFALO, NUTRO, MERRICK, and NATURAL BALANCE.
But what are dog owners actually saying? A deep dive into customer reviews reveals a mixed bag of experiences, albeit with a generally positive sentiment. The product scores an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 6,800 global ratings, indicating a generally favorable reception.
What Customers Love:
Many reviewers highlight the quality and ingredients of Wag dog food. One reviewer, rating it 5 stars, mentioned, “This brand has comparable ingredients for a healthy diet and seems to be a high quality food according to my research.” Customers appreciate the inclusion of real salmon and sweet potatoes, noting that “it contains beef and sweet potatoes that don’t upset their dogs’ stomachs.” The grain-free nature is a significant draw for owners seeking to avoid grains in their dog’s diet.
The taste and palatability seem to be a major win for Wag. “It seems to taste great because Apollo looks forward to meal times every time now, and will even beg for more,” one happy customer shared, emphasizing their picky dog’s enjoyment. Another reviewer echoed this sentiment, stating, “This is a great product that our dog seems to enjoy.” Even the smell, often a point of contention with dog food, received a positive nod, with one reviewer noting, “It even smells ok for a human!”
Value for money is another consistently praised aspect. Customers frequently mention the “good price” and “great value” offered by Wag, especially when compared to other grain-free options. One reviewer pointed out, “Good quality and value,” while another highlighted the cost savings, stating it’s “about $20.00 cheaper than the brand name” they were previously using.
Points of Concern & Mixed Experiences:
While the positive reviews are abundant, some recurring concerns emerge from the customer feedback. Diarrhea is a notable issue reported by some dog owners. Multiple reviews mention instances of their dogs experiencing digestive upset, with comments like, “This food gave my dog allergies and diarrhea” and “Stomach upset along with explosive diarrhea occurred once my dog fully transitioned to Wag.” It’s crucial to note that these experiences are not universal, and many dogs thrive on this food. However, it’s a point to consider, especially for dogs with known sensitive stomachs.
Allergies are another area with mixed feedback. While some owners report that Wag helped with their dogs’ allergies, others experienced allergic reactions. One reviewer lamented, “Chicken is a common allergy for many dogs and apparently my dog is one of them,” suggesting that while the product is salmon-based, the presence of chicken meal might be a concern for some sensitive dogs.
Finally, while many find the price to be a value, some long-term users have observed price increases over time, leading to questions about its continued affordability. One reviewer pointed out, “Over the past two or three years, Amazon has consistently raised the price, to the point that it is no longer the same ‘budget’ option.”
Pros:
- Salmon as #1 Ingredient: High-quality protein source.
- Grain-Free Formula: Suitable for dogs with grain sensitivities.
- No Artificial Additives: Free from artificial colors, flavors, and chemical preservatives.
- Positive Customer Taste Reviews: Many dogs enjoy the flavor.
- Good Value for Money (Generally): Often more affordable than premium brands.
Cons:
- Reports of Diarrhea: Some dogs experience digestive upset.
- Contains Chicken Meal: May not be suitable for dogs with chicken allergies.
- Price Increases Reported: Value proposition might be diminishing for some.
- Non-Returnable: Due to food safety reasons, this item is non-returnable, so consider purchasing a smaller bag initially to test suitability for your dog.
Conclusion:
Amazon Brand - Wag Dry Dog Food Salmon & Sweet Potato, Grain Free 24 lb Bag appears to be a decent, mid-range dog food option, particularly for owners seeking a grain-free diet for their adult dogs. The positive customer reviews highlight its palatability, quality ingredients, and value. However, the reported instances of diarrhea and potential allergy concerns warrant careful consideration, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach or known allergies.
Before committing to a large bag, it would be prudent to try a smaller size if available, or carefully monitor your dog’s reaction during a gradual transition to this food. Ultimately, Wag dog food presents a potentially good balance of quality and affordability within the grain-free category, but individual dog responses can vary, making careful observation key.