Wellness CORE Dog Food Reviews – Ingredient Analysis, Recall History, and Our Ratings in 2020

Wellness CORE is a category of pet food that is created by WellPet. As the name suggests, Wellness pet food considers the wellness of their consumers a priority. They began working on their brand in the 1990s, and they specifically focused on quality ingredients and healthy formulas.

While there are a few different types of dog food provided by Wellness, Wellness CORE is a very popular option. It consists of all grain-free, high-protein formulas. All the Wellness CORE products are natural, and they can come in forms of dry food, wet food, treats, and toppers.

Wellness CORE Dog Food Recall History

There are several recalls for Wellness pet food, but there are not any specifically for Wellness CORE dog food. However, it is still important to be aware of these past recalls. The following are the reasons Wellness pet food has been recalled in the past.

March 17th, 2017

Wellness pet food issued a voluntary recall due to possibly elevated levels of naturally occurring beef thyroid hormone. This recall affected the 13.2-ounce cans of Wellness 95% Beef Topper for dogs.

February 10th, 2017

This recall was issued because of potential foreign materials found in the food. This recall only affected the 12.5-ounce cans of Wellness cat food.

October 30th, 2012

The 12-pound bags of Wellness Small Breed Adult Health Dry Dog Food was recalled due to possible moisture contamination.

May 4th, 2012

This recall was reported by the FDA due to possible salmonella. The food affected was the Wellness Complete Health Super5Mix Large Breed Puppy. This included the 15-pound bags, 30-pound bags, and the 5-ounce sample bags.

February 28th, 2011

The FDA reported this recall because the food contained inadequate levels of thiamine (Vitamin B1). It affected Wellness cat food, including all canned cat food and the Wellness Chicken & Herring.

What Formulas Does Wellness CORE Dog Food Have?

For dogs that need or prefer a grain-free diet, there is a large selection of Wellness CORE foods that they can choose from. Whether it’s dry food, wet food, or even just a food topper, there are plenty of tasty options for your dog to try.

1. CORE Dry

Wellness CORE dry food is the option with the largest variety of formulas. All these dry formulas are free of grains and have a high percentage of protein. They are also unique due to their nutrient-rich superfoods and nutritional supplements. The different formulas include different flavors, and some are made for specific types of dogs such as puppies, seniors, large breeds, and small breeds.

Here are the different CORE Dry formulas available:

• Original (34% protein)
• Puppy (36% protein)
• Ocean (34% protein)
• Wild Game (34% protein)
• Lamb (33% protein)
• Reduced-Fat (33% protein)
• Senior (32% protein)
• Small Breed Original (36% protein)
• Small Breed Puppy (38% protein)
• Small Breed Healthy Weight (34% protein)
• Large Breed (34% protein)
• Large Breed Puppy (35% protein)

CORE Dry food offers a variety of different options, so even the pickiest dogs should be able to find something. Depending on the size and age of your dog, you can also find specific formulas catered to their needs. Also, these foods are high in omega fatty acids to help promote healthy skin and coats. It also contains glucosamine and chondroitin to help dogs that are prone to joint issues.

However, this food is not for dogs with sensitive stomachs or lots of food allergies. Many of the formulas include multiple proteins and other common allergies for dogs, such as chicken and potatoes. Also, due to the high percentages of protein, it is not recommended for overweight dogs or dogs with low energy levels.

2. CORE Six

CORE Six is a limited-ingredient dry food that is high in protein. It is made with just six main ingredients to ensure that your dog is not fed any unnecessary items. It is a great option for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs. Also, it is high in omega fatty acids to promote healthy skin and coats.

Here are the different CORE Six formulas available:

• Cage-Free Duck (33% protein)
• Free-Range Lamb (32% protein)
• Sustainably-Sourced Salmon (33% protein)
• Small Breed Sustainably-Sourced Salmon (35% protein)

The proteins that are selected for these formulas are ones that your dog is less likely to be allergic to. Plus, each recipe only uses one protein, along with some other essential ingredients. Therefore, this is a great option for dogs that need limited ingredient formulas. It is also ideal for dogs with higher energy levels, and there is even a formula specifically for smaller breeds.

Since all these formulas have a fairly high percentage of protein, they are not ideal for dogs with low energy levels or overweight dogs. Also, the CORE Six formulas do not provide any benefits for dogs that are prone to joint issues.

3. CORE RawRev

Core RawRev is a special type of dog food that combines natural dry kibble and 100% raw bites. All these formulas are grain-free and high in protein. These formulas are made with all the essential nutrients that your dog needs.

Here are the different CORE RawRev formulas available:

• Original + 100% Raw Turkey (36% protein)
• Wild Game + 100% Raw Lamb (36% protein)
• Small Breed + 100% Raw Turkey (38% protein)
• Puppy Original + 100% Raw Turkey (38% protein)
• Healthy Weight + 100% Raw Turkey (35% protein)

For picky eaters, this could be a great option to try. The raw pieces included providing more flavor and a more natural meal for your dog. It is ideal for large, high energy dogs, but there are also options for small dogs, puppies, and dogs that need to maintain a healthy weight. Also, there are plenty of omega fatty acids included helping dogs with their skin and coats.

Dogs with sensitive stomachs and allergies might want to look at different foods. All these formulas include some type of chicken in them, so dogs with chicken allergies should steer clear of it. Also, it is not ideal for overweight dogs and dogs with low activity levels, and it does not benefit dogs that are prone to joint issues.

4. CORE Pâté

Wellness CORE Pâté is a grain-free wet food for dogs. It contains quality animal protein and it is free of filler ingredients. It is infused with superfoods, and its high-quality nutrients are designed to give dogs more energy. They can be served alone or they can be mixed with dry food.

Here are the different CORE Pâté formulas available:

• Turkey, Chicken Liver, & Turkey Liver (11% protein)
• Turkey, Pork Liver, & Duck (11% protein)
• Beef, Venison, & Lamb (12% protein)
• Whitefish, Salmon, & Herring (10% protein)
• Weight Management (11% protein)
• Puppy (11% protein)

These wet food options are ideal for dogs that are uninterested in the dry food. They provide a tasty meal or topper for your dog. However, they do not provide any benefits for a dog’s skin and coat nor for dogs that are prone to joint issues. These formulas are good for all kinds of adult dogs, and they even have a puppy formula.

5. CORE Hearty Cuts

CORE Hearty Cuts is another canned dog food. It stands out because of the thick cuts of meat that are included in it. The meat is soaked in a gravy and it is mixed with different superfoods, such as sweet potatoes and broccoli. It is made with all the essential ingredients that your dog needs to thrive.

Here are the different CORE Hearty Cuts formulas available:

• Chicken & Turkey (9% protein)
• Turkey & Duck (8% protein)
• Beef & Venison (9% protein)
• Whitefish & Salmon (8% protein)

These delicious formulas will provide your dog with a texture that is similar to what they would eat in the wild. Because of this, it is more likely that your dog will be interested in it, so it is suitable even for picky dogs.

Since each formula contains at least two main proteins, it might not be a good option for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs. Also, there are no puppy formulas available for this kind of food. It also does not provide benefits to dogs that are prone to joint issues and it does not promote healthy skin and coats.

6. CORE 95%

CORE 95% is another canned dog food option. Each formula contains only one single protein, and it is full of antioxidant-rich superfoods. It can be served either as a full meal or a mixer.

Here are the different CORE 95% formulas available:

• 95% Chicken with Broccoli (10% protein)
• 95% Turkey with Spinach (10% protein)
• 95% Beef with Carrots (10% protein)

Since there is only one protein in each of these formulas, they are ideal for dogs that are allergic to other meats. It can be a good choice for picky eaters because there is such a high percentage of real meat and vegetables in it. However, it does not provide benefits for specific dogs, such as dogs prone to joint issues or dogs that need food to benefit their skin and coat.

7. CORE Small Breed Mini Meals

CORE Small Breed Mini Meals are wet dog food options that are packaged into portions. They are a convenient serving for small dogs, and they come in a few different flavors that will likely interest your dog.

Here are the different CORE Small Breed Mini Meal formulas available:

• Pâté Chicken Entrée (8% protein)
• Shredded Chicken & Turkey Dinner in Gravy (8% protein)
• Shredded Chicken & Lamb Entrée in Gravy (8% protein)
• Chunky Chicken & Chicken Liver (8% protein)
• Chunky Chicken & Tuna (8% protein)
• Pâté Beef & Chicken Dinner (8% protein)

Since this food option is already portioned out into the smaller servings, it is not a good choice for large dogs. It is best for small breeds that need a consistent amount of food each day. By giving them pre-portioned food, it can help to keep them on track. Also, it could be a good choice if you are traveling and don’t want to carry a large bag or lots of canned food with you.

8. CORE Bowl Boosters

While these are not a full meal for your dog, CORE Bowl Boosters are a topper for your dog’s food. They are made with raw, freeze-dried meat, and they can add both flavor and protein to your dog’s diet.

Here are the different CORE Bowl Booster formulas available:

• PURE 100% Beef (60% protein)
• PURE 100% Turkey (60% protein)
• TENDER Turkey & Chicken (31% protein)
• TENDER Whitefish & Salmon (30% protein)

This topper is the perfect option for picky eaters. As the names suggest, the PURE options are made with nothing but the protein, so there is no need to worry about unnecessary ingredients. The TENDER options have more ingredients in them, but they are still made with real, beneficial proteins. These are healthy toppers for any dogs that are either picky or that need more protein in the diet. Also, the TENDER formulas contain omega fatty acids to help with healthy skin and coats.

Since there is a lot of protein in these toppers, it is best to avoid them for overweight dogs or dogs with low energy levels. Therefore, if you are concerned about your dog eating too much, only give them this topper in moderation. Also, these formulas do not provide any benefits for dogs prone to joint issues.

9. CORE Simply Shreds

CORE Simply Shreds is another option for a food topper or mixer. They are each only made with five simple and beneficial ingredients. Therefore, by adding this to your dog’s food, you know exactly what they’re eating, so you don’t need to worry about any unnecessary ingredients.

Here are the different CORE Simply Shreds formulas available:

• Chicken, Beef, & Carrots (12% protein)
• Chicken, Chicken Liver, & Broccoli (10% protein)
• Chicken, Wild Salmon, & Pumpkin (8% protein)
• Tuna, Beef, & Carrots (10% protein)

This topper is perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs because they only include a few essential ingredients. They are considered a limited ingredient formula, meaning that they do not have grains, potatoes, or any other ingredients that dogs are commonly allergic to.

While many dogs can benefit from this topper, especially picky dogs, it does not include any omega fatty acids to benefit skin and hair. Also, it does not benefit dogs that are prone to joint issues.

Ingredients in Wellness CORE’s Recipe

Healthy and natural ingredients are important to Wellness CORE’s recipes. Here are some of the major ingredients found in some of the Wellness CORE formulas.

Good Ingredients

• Deboned Chicken

Chicken is a great protein that is included in many of the Wellness CORE formulas, and for many, it is listed as the first ingredient. Therefore, pet owners can clearly see that there is real meat included in their dog’s diet.

• Chicken Meal

Chicken meal is a meat concentrate that is high in protein. It actually contains 300% more protein than fresh chicken, so it is an excellent ingredient for dogs.

• Turkey Meal

Turkey meal is another meat concentrate with a high amount of protein. If a dog is allergic to or uninterested in chicken, there are plenty of formulas that use turkey instead.

• Potatoes

Potatoes are a common ingredient in dog food. They are a gluten-free source of digestible carbohydrate. While some dogs can be allergic to potatoes, they do serve some nutritional value to dogs.

• Peas

Peas are another quality source of carbohydrates. Plus, they are full of natural fibers.

• Chicken Fat

Even though humans cut off the fat of chicken, it is actually a healthy ingredient for dogs. It is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which can promote a healthy coat and skin for your dog as well as maintain bone health and regulate their metabolism.

• Flaxseed

Flaxseed is a great plant ingredient that is full of omega-3 fatty acids to help with healthy skin and coats. It also contains a lot of soluble fiber.

Controversial Ingredients

• Tomato Pomace

Tomato pomace is a by-product that remains after processing tomato juice, tomato soup, or ketchup. While this ingredient is high in fiber and nutrients, it is controversial because it is considered an inexpensive food filler. Therefore, it doesn’t really provide any benefits to the food.

• Pea Fiber

Pea fiber is an agricultural by-product. It is a mixture of soluble and insoluble dietary fibers from pea hulls. While it does provide fiber, it doesn’t really provide any other nutritional benefits for dogs.

Which Dogs is Wellness CORE Best Suited For?

Since Wellness CORE dog food is a grain-free option, it is ideal for dogs with grain allergies. Also, there are plenty of great choices for dogs that are not only sensitive to grains, but to other filler ingredients. There are limited ingredient formulas and even limited ingredient toppers to ensure that your dog does not have any negative reactions to the food.

Also, Wellness CORE formulas are all high in protein. Because of this, it is best suited for dogs with high energy levels. While most formulas are geared toward adult dogs, there are a few specific recipes for puppies and seniors as well. There are even a few formulas with smaller kibble pieces for small breeds.

Which Dogs Might Do Better with a Different Brand?

While higher amounts of protein are generally a positive aspect of a dog’s diet, this might not be great for overweight dogs or dogs with lower energy levels. Even the formulas specifically for small breeds still have a lot of protein in them.

Also, some dogs and dog owners prefer to have grains in their dog’s diet. If this is the case, then they are out of luck with Wellness CORE. Every formula for Wellness CORE is considered a grain-free option, so if a dog needs any type of grains in their diet, then they will need to search elsewhere

What is the Average Price of Wellness CORE Dog Food?

Wellness CORE bags of dog food typically come in three different sizes: 4 pounds, 12 pounds, and 24 pounds, but these can vary between different flavors. The price varies based on the different formulas and the protein included in that formula. A 4-pound bag of Wellness CORE food typically costs between $15 and $19. A 12-pound bag (10-pound for RawRev) costs between $35 and $40. Finally, a 24-pound bag (20-pound for RawRev) typically costs between $60 and $67.

For the Wellness CORE cans, an individual can is only about $2. However, all the different options of canned food can be bought in cases of 12, so one case of canned food typically costs between $20 and $45 depending on the type of food and the size of the cans. Some cans can come in larger cases as well, but 12 is the most common.

How Long Does Wellness CORE Dog Food Last?

Wellness CORE dog food will last for different amounts of time depending on the weight of your dog. As an example, we’ll use Wellness CORE Original dry food in the largest size, which is 26 pounds. Here is how long this formula will last depending on the weight of your dog.

6-20 pounds

For this weight group, it is recommended that they are fed ¼ to 1 ¼ cups each day. Therefore, a 26-pound bag of Original Wellness CORE would last between 1 ½ and 6 months.

20-35 pounds

For this weight group, between 1 ¼ and 1 ¾ cups should be fed each day. Therefore, a 26-pound bag would last between 1 and 1 ½ months.

35-50 pounds

For this weight group 1 ¾ to 2 ¼ cups is recommended for each day. Therefore, a 26-pound bag would last between 23 days and 1 month.

50-65 pounds

For this weight group, it is recommended that they are fed between 2 ¼ and 2 ¾ cups per day. Therefore, a 26-pound bag would last between 19 and 23 days.

65-80 pounds

For this weight group, 2 ¾ to 3 ¼ cups are recommended per day. Therefore, a 26-pound bag would last 16 to 19 days.

80-95 pounds

For this weight group, 3 ¼ to 3 ¾ cups is recommended each day. Therefore, a 26-pound bag would last between 14 and 16 days.

Overall Rating of Wellness CORE Dog Food: 4.7 out of 5 Stars

Here is our rating of Wellness CORE dog food. All categories are on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest.

Quality: 4.3

Overall, the quality of Wellness CORE is good considering that it is a high priority of the company. However, there are multiple reviews of issues with the RawRev formula either being expired or having bugs inside of it. All the other formulas appear to have great reviews and good ingredients in them, but there needs to be more consistency between all the different Wellness CORE options, and likely there should be more careful quality control in place.

Price: 4.7

The price is very similar to other popular food brands with similar ingredients, such as Fromm and Zignature. However, there are still high protein foods that are more affordable, such as Victor. Also, if you have a large dog, they will go through this food extremely quickly, so the price will add up quickly. However, it is overall a good price for the quality of the food.

Variety: 4.7

Wellness CORE has a large variety of different foods, and it is inclusive to dogs with different needs including puppies, dogs with sensitive stomachs, and small breeds. However, all options are grain-free and high in protein, so if either of those are items that you need to avoid, you will not find what you need with Wellness CORE.

Ingredients: 4.8

For the most part, Wellness CORE only includes the ingredients that are essential to your dog’s diet. Certain formulas have a few filler foods or controversial ingredients, but overall, this brand is careful to only include beneficial and nutritious ingredients into your dog’s diet.

Protein Content: 5

All the different Wellness CORE formulas are notable for their high percentages of protein. Plus, they have a good variety of protein in their different formulas, so if a dog is allergic or sensitive to one specific protein, they have other options to choose from.