Welcome to the ultimate dog food review, where I’ll share my thoughts on The Pride Dog Food.
I take my dog’s diet seriously, and I’m always on the lookout for the best food options available in the market. While on my quest, I stumbled upon The Pride dog food and its 13 high-protein recipes.
I’ll cover everything you need to know about The Pride Dog Food. We will delve into the five factors that make good dog food: recipes, ingredients, nutrition, price, and recall history. So, buckle up, and let’s get started!
So, let’s fetch some useful insights and take a closer look at The Pride Dog Food!
| Product | Type | Special Feature | Our Rating | AAFCO Nutrient Profile(Life Stage) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Pride Pro Series 21/17 Field and Sport Formula | Dry | High-Calorie Content | 3/5 | All Life Stages |
| The Pride 30/20 Puppy Formula | Dry | Growth Support | 2.5/5 | All Life Stages |
| The Pride 31/22 Performance Formula | Dry | High Protein Content | 3.5/5 | All Life Stages |
| The Pride 22/12 Adult Performance | Dry | Cost Effective | 3.5/5 | All Life Stages |
| Advanced Ultra Premium Grain Free Dog Food Salmon And Vegetable | Dry | Real Salmon | 4/5 | All Life Stages |
At a Glance: The Pride Dog Food
The key points of The Pride Dog Food, which will be covered in more detail later in this review, are listed below:
- Over three decades of experience in the pet food industry, serving the veterinary industry.
- Offers a diverse range of dog food products, including dry and wet food options, treats, and supplements.
- The manufacturing company responsible for producing Pride Dog Food is Hyland Co, located in Ashland, Kentucky.
- 13 different recipes are offered by The Pride Dog Food, all offering varying protein-to-fat ratios.
- A 50LB bag of The Pride Dog Food typically costs between $25 and $40.
Let’s discuss the brand and its history before moving on to the products.
About The Pride Dog Food Brand
- Soy Free
- Balanced Omega 3 and 6
- Increased fat levels for greater Energy demands and Stamina
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Pride Dog Food has been a trusted brand serving the veterinary industry for over three decades. Since its establishment in 1984, the company has gained a wealth of experience and expertise in the pet food industry. It is a medium-sized company with a revenue range of $5M to $10M and employs 21-50 people.
The company sells a range of dog food items, such as snacks, supplements, and dry and wet meal options. This ensures dog owners can find the ideal product for their pet’s unique needs. The manufacturing company responsible for producing Pride Dog Food is Hyland Co in Ashland, Kentucky. It operates across the United States, providing pet owners and veterinary clinics with dog food products.
One significant advantage of purchasing dog food from a relatively small company like Pride Dog Food is the increased transparency in sourcing. The brand is better equipped to track the sourcing of its ingredients, providing greater peace of mind to pet owners concerned with the quality of their pet’s food.
Who Makes The Pride Dog Food in 2023?
As of 2023, the manufacturer of Pride Dog Food is still Hyland Co, based in Ashland, Kentucky.
The company’s manufacturing facility in Ashland is equipped with state-of-the-art technology. In addition, it follows strict quality control measures to ensure that each batch of dog food is consistent and meets the required standards.
In addition to producing dog food, Hyland Co also produces cat food under the brand name “Friskies.” The company has a long-standing reputation in the pet food industry, focusing on providing nutritious and high-quality pet food products to pet owners and veterinary clinics.
Overall, Hyland Co is a reputable and well-established pet food manufacturer that’s been operating for over three decades.
Five-Factor Analysis of The Pride Dog Food
So you’re wondering if The Pride dog food is worth it? Well, there are five important things to consider when figuring out if a dog food brand is good: the recipes, ingredients, nutrition, price, and recall history.
By taking a closer look at these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether The Pride dog food is the right choice for your beloved dog and if it’s worth shelling out the cash for.
1. Recipes
Alright, let’s kick things off by taking a closer look at each of the five recipes and see what they’ve got in common.
The Pride Dog Food offers a variety of popular products that cater to the different needs of dogs. However, we’ll focus on just five for this review.
The Pride Pro Series 21/17 Field and Sport Formula
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
- Less ash
- High-calorie content
- Naturally preserved chicken fat
The Pride Pro Series 21/17 Field and Sport Formula is specially designed for dogs that need to stay on the go all day long, whether participating in sports or just running around in the great outdoors.
This formula’s high-calorie content is the most notable feature, as reflected in the ingredient lineup.
Chicken by-product meal is the primary ingredient, which consists of rendered and cooked extra chicken parts. Although it may not appeal to humans, it serves as a source of protein for dogs.
The second ingredient, ground brewer’s rice, is a broken rice product that is easily digestible and provides ample energy.
Next on the list is ground yellow corn, which is considered a lower-quality ingredient than whole corn. Nevertheless, it is a good source of fatty acids for a dog’s health.
The formula also contains naturally preserved chicken fat, which keeps the food fresh and enhances the flavor of your dog’s meal.
Another plus point of this formula is its low ash content, resulting in fewer stools for your furry friend throughout the day.
Overall, this formula’s ingredients would provide sufficient energy for your dog to remain active. However, each ingredient is a low-cost substitute for meat.
The Pride 30/20 Puppy Formula
- Added vitamins and minerals
- Dairy products
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
- For growing, gestating, and lactating dogs
The Pride dog food brand markets its Puppy/Growth Formula as a specially designed food product for puppies up to 12 months of age, as well as gestating and lactating female dogs, post-surgical dogs, and those that require additional nutrition. In addition, the company claims it can help maintain muscle mass and stamina in dogs subjected to high-stress levels.
Now, let’s take a closer look at this formula to determine if it can meet the requirements stated by the brand.
The ingredient lineup is chicken by-product meal followed by ground brewers rice, ground yellow corn, and chicken fat.
This could be an okay diet for growing dogs as it is cellulose-bound. But there’s no justifying feeding your pregnant or lactating dog these ingredients.
While cows can digest cellulose with the help of bacteria in their stomachs, dogs find it difficult to derive nutrients from grains. Some dog food companies might suggest feeding your dog more of the food, but it’s not a practical solution since it requires the dog to digest large amounts of food in a day.
Dried cheese is a common ingredient dog food companies use to add flavor and calcium. However, checking if your dog is lactose intolerant before feeding them cheese-based dog food is essential. Ingesting lactose-based products can cause digestive issues in lactose-intolerant dogs, resulting in discomfort and sickness.
If you can afford it, feeding a pregnant dog high-quality meat is the best option rather than by-product meals. Providing pregnant dogs with a nutrient-rich diet is essential to help maintain their health during gestation.
The Pride 31/22 Performance Formula
- Fortified with 21 minerals and vitamins.
- Proteinate trace nutrients
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
The Pride 31/22 performance formula is indisputably one of this brand’s most popular products, with the highest percentage of protein content. This formula is intended for highly active dogs.
The primary ingredient in this formula is chicken by-product meal, followed by steam-rolled oats, chicken fat, whole wheat, and corn gluten meal.
Steamed rolled oats are considered superior for dogs, particularly those with grain sensitivities. However, whole wheat, while a decent protein source, has been linked to allergies.
Corn gluten meal, a plant-based protein, is the next ingredient in the lineup. Corn gluten meal can elevate the protein level of any dog food.
Nonetheless, glutens are less nutritionally dense than proteins derived from meat. As a result, they lack several of the ten essential amino acids that dogs require for survival.
Author’s Note: It is crucial to note that the quantity of protein present is only one aspect of the equation. A protein’s digestibility and its biological value are what really matter.
The Pride 22/12 Adult Formula
- No Soy
- High-Fat Content
- Omega 6 and 3
The Pride 26/18 Adult Performance is advertised as a low-cost option for value-minded customers and ideal for kennel dog operations.
Porcine meat and bone meal are made from ground-up pig bones and meat. It is a source of protein but may contain a significant amount of ash and lower-quality protein.
This is followed by ground yellow corn, a less expensive source of carbohydrates that can provide energy to dogs but has a lower nutritional value than other grains.
Next is a by-product of rice production; ground brewer’s rice. It gives dogs a wholesome source of refined carbohydrates and is easy to digest.
There’s also corn gluten meal, a plant-based protein source that can boost the protein content in dog food. Still, it is less nutritionally rich than animal-based protein sources.
Chicken fat is also a source of essential fatty acids that can enhance the taste of dog food and provide energy.
Advanced Ultra Premium Grain Free Dog Food Salmon And Vegetable
- Real Salmon
- Grain-free
- Live probiotics
The Advanced Ultra Premium Grain Free Dog Food Salmon And Vegetable ( also available in Turkey and Vegetable variations) is the first product I’ve seen by The Pride dog food that uses actual meat.
The first ingredient is deboned salmon. It offers the best dose of necessary fatty acids and protein for healthy skin and fur.
The next two ingredients are chicken meal and turkey meal. Meal means that meat tissues have been rendered. Therefore, it can be a concentrated source of protein.
We also see tapioca starch, a starchy carbohydrate that can provide energy to dogs and be a good alternative for dogs with grain sensitivities.
And finally, we have sweet potatoes. Again, these are nutritious sources of complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Author’s Note: The digits before the names represent the crude protein to crude fat ratio. The term “crude” means the whole quantity of that element. It does not differentiate the sources of protein or fats. Crude protein and fat are important macronutrients in dog food that serve specific functions in a dog’s diet. The required amount will vary based on the dog’s size, age, and activity level.
The Verdict |★★★
The range of recipes provided by The Pride Dog Food is not really all that different from each other unless we venture into high-priced options. Their “premium” products might catch your eye, but be prepared to fork over some extra dough for those.
The valuable variation we can find is the product names that tell you the exact protein-to-fat ratio in each product, which might be an attractive feature for many customers.
However, we can see that while some recipes in this list serve their advertised purpose, others seem to do the exact opposite. Overall, The Pride Dog Food recipe list gets 3 stars from me. While there are some good options, some recipes’ lack of variety and effectiveness is a letdown.
2. Ingredients
The Pride Dog Food uses a variety of ingredients in their dog food formulas, but here are some common ingredients that are found in most of their products:
Chicken by-product Meal
Here, “meal” means that rendered ingredients of meat have been processed, heated, and dried. “Chicken by-product” means parts of the chicken that humans do not usually consume. This is a cheap way to increase protein content but does nothing quality-wise.
Brewer’s Rice
Brewers’ rice, often referred to as temukut in the part of the world, is made up of broken rice, rice husk, and rice germ and makes up less than 1% of actual rice. But Brewer’s rice is neither really beneficial nor detrimental, to be honest.
Chicken Fat
Chicken Fat is a heavily processed substance made from the saturated fats taken from a chicken’s tissues and flesh rather than being interactively removed.
Yellow Corn
There are a lot of claims that this low-cost filler ingredient is completely fine and okay, but most of those claims are from companies that excessively use this filler.
Wheat
Wheat is a low-quality filler and binder often listed after brewer’s rice that can act as a binder itself.
Overall, The Pride dog food has shown low-quality, low-cost, and unspecified ingredients in most products.
When you go down the list, the problematic vitamin K’s form Menadione is also present in this product. It is associated with liver damage, hypersensitivity, and the aberrant disintegration of red blood cells in this dog food.
Author’s Note: We really only look at the first five ingredients because that’s typically what makes up the bulk of the food, not always, but generally. And learning what some of those ingredients mean, what they actually are made out of, and how sourcing can interfere with that is really great information so that you can take what you learn here and apply it every time you read a product label.
The Verdict |★★
Based on the most common ingredients in The Pride Dog Food, I would give it a rating of 2 out of 5. The use of chicken by-product meals as a cheap source of protein is concerning, and including filler ingredients such as yellow corn and wheat is not ideal. Chicken fat, while a source of flavor, is heavily processed.
Overall, The Pride Dog Food prioritizes cost-cutting over quality ingredients, which is reflected in the nutritional value of its products. Chicken by-product meal as a cheap source of protein? No, thank you. And filler ingredients like yellow corn and wheat?
Meh. We’re not too impressed. Overall, we’ll give them 2 stars for their ingredient choices. Better luck next time, Pride.
3. Nutritional Analysis
To provide you with an understanding of the nutritional composition of Pride dog food, I have created a table using the data available on the guaranteed analysis provided on the product label.
| Nutrient | Content (per serving) |
| Protein | 28% |
| Fat | 19% |
| Fiber | 4-3% |
| Moisture | 10.0% |
| Carbohydrates | 45% |
Based on the information provided, the nutritional analysis table indicates that the average protein content in The Pride Dog Food products is 28%, a relatively high amount of protein for dog food.
The average fat content is 19%, which is also quite high, suggesting that this dog food may be best suited for highly active dogs who need a lot of energy.
The carbohydrate content, calculated by subtracting the protein and fat percentages from 100, is estimated to be around 45%, which is a moderate amount.
The high-fat content (roughly 40% of total calories) may not suit all animals.
Author’s Note: This table only provides an average of the nutritional values, which may vary depending on the specific product. It’s always important to check the guaranteed analysis for each product to ensure it meets your dog’s nutritional needs.
The Verdict |★★★
The Pride Dog Food meets the AAFCO standards, providing a balanced diet. One of the great things about this brand is that it explicitly shows the protein-to-fat ratio on its label. Thus, allowing you to select a formula that matches your dog’s specific needs.
Based on their commitment to nutrition, I give The Pride Dog Food 3 stars. The protein content is decently high, which is good news for your pup’s muscles.
The high-fat content might make sense for highly active dogs, but this might not be the best choice if your puppy is more of a couch potato. And let’s not forget the carb content, which is moderate. All in all, not too shabby, Pride.
4. Price
While it may seem like a higher price tag, the brand offers competitive prices to pet owners. For example, a 50 Ib bag of The Pride Dog Food typically costs between $25 and $40. This means that you may pay a whole range of prices according to what suits you.
Of course, the products with the higher price tag may have better quality ingredients, but by now, I’m sure you’ve learned how to look out for a good deal when it comes to you.
The Verdict | ★★★★
Based on the information provided, it seems that The Pride Dog Food offers a reasonable and competitive price range for its products. In addition, the fact that the price can vary based on the specific product and size of the bag allows for flexibility in purchasing, making it accessible to a range of pet owners. Therefore, I would give The Pride Dog Food a rating of 4 stars for its reasonable pricing.
How Does Pride Dog Food Fare to its Competitors?
So you’re wondering how Pride Dog Food stacks up against its rivals in the highly competitive world of pet food? Well, I can definitely shed some light on that for you!
First, it’s important to note that the pet food industry is a pretty crowded space, with plenty of big players vying for pet owners’ attention (and dollars). Pride Dog Food has several competitors in the pet food industry, including Blue Buffalo, Royal Canin, Purina, Hill’s Science Diet, and Orijen.
One thing that sets Pride apart from some competitors is its commitment to using natural ingredients in its recipes.
Of course, like any brand, Pride has its detractors as well. Some pet owners may feel that the food is too expensive or that their dog doesn’t enjoy the taste.
However, overall, I think it’s safe to say that Pride Dog Food is a strong competitor in the pet food space, offering a range of high-quality options for pet owners serious about their dog’s health and wellbeing.
Is Pride Dog Food Worth the Money?
So, is Pride Dog Food worth the extra cost? The answer will vary depending on each pet owner’s needs and budget.
However, the cost of Pride Dog Food can vary depending on the specific recipe you choose and the size of the bag. While some more basic options are relatively affordable, the premium options can be more expensive.
When evaluating whether Pride Dog Food is worth the money, it is important to consider factors such as the quality of ingredients, nutritional value, and any recall history. It may also be helpful to read customer reviews and consult your veterinarian to determine if a particular recipe is appropriate for your dog’s needs.
Pros & Cons of The Pride Dog Food
Pros
- The brand has over three decades of experience in the pet food industry, serving the veterinary industry, which shows that it is a reputable and established brand. Offers diverse dog food products, including dry and wet food options, treats, and supplements.
- Offers diverse dog food products, including dry and wet food options, treats, and supplements.
- The brand is better equipped to track the sourcing of its ingredients, providing greater peace of mind to pet owners concerned with the quality of their pet’s food.
- The Pride Dog Food offers 13 different recipes, all offering varying protein-to-fat ratios, which might be an attractive feature for many customers.
Cons
- Recipes are not all that different from each other ingredient-wise. However, there are a few exceptions.
- While some recipes on this list serve their advertised purpose, others do the opposite.
- The Pride Dog Food is grain-heavy unless you decide to go for grain-free options.
If you ask me, I’d say The Pride Dog Food is worth the money. The brand offers competitive rates and gives low-cost options as well. It might particularly be worth it if you’re watching how much protein you want to give your dog.
Our Rating
After thoroughly analyzing the ingredients, nutritional value, and overall quality, I would give Pride Dog food a rating of 3 out of 5.
While Pride Dog food offers some quality ingredients, including high-quality protein sources and essential vitamins and minerals, this product has a few drawbacks that prevent me from giving it a higher rating.
That being said, Pride Dog food is still a good option for many dogs, particularly those needing a high-energy diet, without breaking the bank. The product is also reasonably priced, which makes it accessible to a wide range of pet owners.
Overall, while there are certainly some areas where the product could be improved, I believe that Pride Dog food is a decent option for dog owners looking for quality food at an affordable price.
Conclusion
Are you ready for the verdict on whether it’s worth your hard-earned cash or not? Of course, you are! After all, your pup(s) deserves nothing but the best. So does The Pride have what it takes to earn a place in your pup’s heart and tummy?
It looks like The Pride has some hits and some misses. While they’ve got some decent recipes and nutritional value, their ingredient choices could use some work. If you’re generous and want to give them a shot, go for it. But if you’re looking for something a little more impressive, keep searching.
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.
