As pet lovers, we know all too well that our standards are pretty high. Nothing but the best for our babies, right? This company addressed this sentiment in its brand name Hi-Standard.
While being a good name for any dog, Hi-Standard is specially made for dogs who need an extra rush of energy in their veins. You know, the athletic and competitive types?
Hi-Standards makes a lot of high claims, but I have to find out whether it does set the bar high or is it just a downward dog. In this analysis, my friends, I will turn this brand on its head and give it a test run to determine whether it fits the deal.
| Products | Type | Special Feature | Our Rating | AAFCO Nutrient Profile (Life Stage) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super Performance 30/20 Soy-Free | Dry | For active and pregnant dogs | 2 | All Life Stages |
| High-Energy 24/20 Soy-Free | Dry | Real meat | 3 | Adult Maintenance |
| Adult Maintenance 22/12 Soy-Free | Dry | Everyday use | 3 | Adult Maintenance |
At a Glance: Hi-Standard Dog Food
Here are some facts about Hi-standard foods, at a glance. It will give a brief idea before we move to a more detailed analysis of this dog food, including its pros and cons.
- Priced at 50 dollars for 60 lbs
- The small business turned big
- For highly active performance dogs
- Balanced amino acids
- Contains Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex
About The Hi-Standard Dog Food Brand
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
- Pumpkin Fiber
- No soy
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The name you need to know behind this brand is Wade Graskewicz. After finishing college, he started only a small-scale dog supply store in 1988. The shop was located in his hometown Pinckneyville, IL. After seven years of consistent hard work and finding the best formula with unmatched affordability, he entered the pet food business.
In 1998 he set up a business called Hi-Standard which primarily focuses on highly active and energetic dogs who need proper nutrition.
From a small business where Wade had to make each delivery himself, Hi-Standard has become a well-established brand with several employees.
Who Makes Hi-Standard Dog Food in 2023?
Hi-Standard Dog Food is made by Hi-Standard Suppliers. It’s a company owned and operated by Wade Graskewicz. Its main headquarters is in Pinckneyville, IL, 62274.
Five-Factor Analysis of Hi-Standard Dog Food
Here comes the part where I analyze five crucial aspects of dog food- recipes, ingredients, nutrition, price, and recalls. You don’t have to take my word for it, but you may believe my findings.
1. Recipes | ★★★
Every dog food line has a set of recipes you can choose from according to your pet’s needs. For the sake of this review, I have selected three exciting recipes.
Super Performance 30/20 Soy-Free
- Pumpkin Fiber
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
- No soy
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate
Breeding kennels go crazy for this formula. Do you know why? It has a 30% protein and 20% fat ratio, optimal for pregnant dogs and growing pups who need protein. And, of course, as the name goes, it is formulated for performance dogs with a hectic day-to-day life.
Senior dogs are taken care of as well. Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate take care of worn down or aging joints. Pumpkin fiber keeps every bowel movement smooth and gooey. And we all know how helpful Omega 3 and 6 are in keeping the coat looking good.
If you wish to feed this to a puppy, you may need to add some water. Don’t worry; the chunky size keeps it from getting all mushy.
High-Energy 24/20 Soy-Free
- Pumpkin Fiber
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
- No soy
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate
All athletic dogs must endure rough training that leaves them exhausted. This recipe is developed to help dogs better cope with the stress of high-impact workouts with their trainers. It’s one thing to get to peak performance, but it’s another to maintain, and that is precisely what this recipe allows you to do.
It contains both real meat and chicken protein that are said to have balanced amino acids. For the unversed, amino acids are the building blocks of protein.
It also has tocopherols, a form of vitamin E most commonly found in human and animal tissues. It can prevent blood clots and boosts the immune system.
Adult Maintenance 22/12 Soy-Free
- Pumpkin Fiber
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
- No soy
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate
This recipe contain all the goodness of the last two recipes we discussed. Don’t worry about your dog getting hooked onto this dog food because it’s designed for long-term use. But its everyday usability is what makes it stand out.
According to Hi-Standard, this dog food has an enjoyable taste that’s sure to make a pup drool.
2. Ingredients | ★★
Looking at a high protein-to-fat ratio on a label may look exciting but wait to let the dogs out! Understanding how good the ingredients are is essential to know how they will affect the body when broken down.
Meat Sources
So, right off the bat, the primary ingredient is mostly a meal instead of the real deal. But that’s okay; we’ll look past that, for now, to understand how the brand compensates for it.
So anything labeled a “meal ” is made from things not sold for human consumption. There’s a beef meal, chicken meal, and chicken by-products. It doesn’t necessarily mean the meal is not good. But it’s undoubtedly less nutritious than one with the actual meat.
Grains
More often than not, high-performance dog foods contain grains, which is the case with this dog food. We can see corn, wheat, and barley. These are okay energy sources, but they’re also incredibly cheap and may not be suitable for dogs with food allergies.
We can also see the use of flaxseed; thank goodness for that; this is the only grain I can defend in good conscience. Flaxseed contains not one but several essential nutrients you need for a healthy, functioning body.
Controversial Ingredients
I was going down the ingredient list, and that’s when I saw the dreaded Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex. It is a complex form of vitamin K that produces high biological activity.
The absorption level depends on the amount of fat in the diet, but it can form blood clots when fed in high doses. AAFCO has only approved its usage in poultry feed but never in cat or dog food!
3. Nutritional Analysis | ★★★
Here are some technicalities that might be hard to understand. Don’t worry, though; I’ve simplified things for you.
| Nutrient | Percentage |
| Protein | 29% |
| Fat | 20% |
| Carbs | 43% |
| Moisture | 2.5% |
| Fiber | 5-6% |
This brand’s amount of protein and fat is adequate for an athletic or highly active dog. Just be sure to avoid giving this to regular dogs, as this amount of carbs can harm them.
Dogs need moisture to digest their food better and not get a burn from their stomach acid. If we look at the moisture content, that’s certainly very low, even in dry dog food terms. Typically this should be around 10-12 percent.
4. Price | ★★★★
Hi-Standard dog food is affordable; you can buy 50 lbs for just 59 dollars. The attractive price point is a deal-maker for many pet owners. Plus, knowing both your puppy and wallet are happy won’t hurt. Isn’t that wonderful?
However, it’s important to consider what ingredients you put in your dog’s stomach. After all, you can’t put a price tag on your best friend’s life.
5. Recall History | ★★★★
According to all information found online, I’m yet to see a single instance of Hi-Standard ever being forced to do a recall on one of their products. We hope this is good and not just because something has gone unnoticed in the public’s eyes.
Pros & Cons and Feeding Guide
It’s good to have a run-down of all the good and bad things before deciding whether this dog food suits your dogs. Hence, I present the pros and cons of Hi-Standard dog food.
Pros
- Hi-Standard dog food is an old and established business
- The company lets you know exactly how much protein and fat is in their products
- A variety of dog food for all types of active dogs
- Affordable price tag
Cons
- The brand uses many unnamed types of meat
- Use of Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex
- Cheap grain fillers like corn and wheat
- Not enough moisture
- A moderate amount of meat and protein sources
Our Rating
Feeding Guide
You can feed this dog food to your dog just the same as you provide any other dry dog food.
Most of all, you should go by your dog’s weight, as large-breed dogs require more protein to maintain their weight.
Feeding puppies smaller and more frequent meals throughout the day would be best. While in the case of an adult, two hefty meals per day are recommended.
Be sure to check the label on the packaging for more guidance.
Should You Buy Hi-Standard Dog Food?
Buying this dog food depends on your priorities. It is an inexpensive dog food that will keep your babies full. However, the quality of protein has been compromised, and you can see some ingredients in this dog food that should not be there.
Many hunter-dogs use this dog food and have yet to see a complaint from their parents.
Considering this, this dog food gets a 2.5 rating from me!
FAQ’s
Where can I buy Hi-Standard Dog Food?
You can buy this dog food on online stores like Amazon and your nearest retailer. Hi-Standard exports its dog food, so people from other countries might also see it in shops.
Why is Hi-standard dog food marketed?
According to an insider, not spending money on marketing allows them to sell their products cheaper and meet a more extensive customer base.
Is there a grain-free option for Hi-Standard dog food?
No, not yet! But another sports grain-free line is rumored to come out soon.
Summary
Many people on the internet are divided about Hi-Standard dog food, but do what seems right for your dog. However, you should always research the dog food and get all the facts straight before you put them on a long-term diet.
The effects of harmful products are not visible right away, but down the line, dogs start getting kidney and breathing issues left and right. I want all pet parents to be sure about what they’re feeding their pooch because I truly understand what it is like to care for and be concerned about your pets.
I hope you can make the right decision with all the information I’ve presented. Toodles!
Ankita is a passionate pet lover and head of content at Pet Food Brands. With her extensive knowledge and research, she provides pet owners with top-quality information on dog food and nutrition. Her dedication to improving the lives of dogs makes her a leading voice in the industry.
