When I first came across Beneful Grain Free dog food, I honestly thought it was going to be yet another crappy line of dog food from Purina. However, even after this time, I should know better than to judge a bag of dog food based on its creator alone.

So, is Beneful grain-free dog food just as crappy as original Beneful? Let’s jump into my honest Beneful grain-free dog food to find out!

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My Honest Beneful Grain-Free Dog Food Review

 

Name: Beneful Grain Free

Website URL: www.beneful.com

Formulas Available: Adult

Flavors Available: Farm-Raised Chicken

Sizes Available: 4.5 pounds and 12.5 pounds

Price: Varies

Overall Rating: 

 

 

Guaranteed Analysis

3542 KCAL/KG

351 KCAL/CUP

24.0%

Crude Protein (Min)

13.0%

Crude Fat (Min)

5.0%

Crude Fiber (Max)

12.0%

Moisture (Max)

1.2%

Linoleic Acid (Min)

1.0%

Calcium (Ca) (Min)

10,000 IU/kg

Vitamin A (Min)

100 IU/kg

Vitamin E (Min)

Beneful Grain Free Ingredients

Chicken, pea starch, cassava root flour, chicken meal, soybean germ meal, soybean meal, canola meal, beef fat naturally preserved with mixed-tocopherols, dried beet pulp, poultry and pork digest, soybean oil, mono and dicalcium phosphate, salt, blueberries, dried pumpkin, dried spinach, potassium chloride, choline chloride, calcium carbonate, MINERALS [zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, calcium iodate, sodium selenite], VITAMINS [Vitamin E supplement, niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A supplement, calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Vitamin B-12 supplement, thiamine mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin D-3 supplement, riboflavin supplement (Vitamin B-2), menadione sodium bisulfite complex (Vitamin K), folic acid (Vitamin B-9), biotin (Vitamin B-7)], iron oxide (color), garlic oil.

Ingredient Breakdown

1. Chicken

Chicken is a high-quality source of protein. During the cooking process, the amount of protein contained in the chicken is reduced by at least half.

2. Pea Starch

Pea starch is an ingredient that comes from the starch or flour of the yellow field pea. It is a carbohydrate that is typically used to give a dog energy as well as a source of iron which is an essential mineral that dogs need.

3. Cassava Root Flour

This is another carbohydrate that is typically found in inexpensive food. It comes from grinding down cassava root into a fine powder. It is a source of iron, manganese, and zinc, which are essential minerals that dogs need to thrive.

4. Chicken Meal

Chicken meal is a high-quality protein source used. It contains as much as 300% more protein in it than chicken contains alone.

5. Soybean Germ Meal

This is a low-quality source of protein used to help boost the protein value in low quality pet foods. Typically, it is found primarily in animal feeds for animals used for human consumption.

6. Soybean Meal

Soybean meal is an ingredient that is made by grinding up soybean oil into flakes, which is then cooked directly into the kibble. It is mostly seen as a low-quality filler that is used to primarily boost the protein content on the label.

7. Canola Meal

Canola meal is a by-product of canola oil. It is an ingredient that is typically used in animal feed. While it is considered a source of protein, it is only considered moderately nutritious.

8. Beef Fat

Beef fat is a high-quality source of fat used. It is an oil source that is packed with Omega 6 fatty acids, which can help to contribute to a shiny coat and healthy-looking skin.

9. Dried Beet Pulp

Beet pulp is considered to be a controversial ingredient. Regardless of what your personal views may be, dried beet pulp is considered to be a source of fiber that can help promote digestive health.

10. Poultry and Pork Digest

This is a common ingredient used in most low-quality pet foods. It is typically described as clean animal tissue, in this case coming from poultry and pork sources, that has yet to go through decomposition. It is used to boost the protein content on a pet label.

11. Soybean Oil

This is a low-grade source of oil used and it is an ingredient that is found in most low-quality pet foods. While it is a cholesterol-free option, it contains more saturated fats than any other type of oil used in other pet foods.

12. Salt

This is an unnecessary ingredient that is found in many low-quality dog foods. This is an ingredient that has the potential to lead to future heart issues and can contribute to obesity. The only reason it is found in low-quality pet foods is to enhance the flavor of the pet food.

13. Blueberries

Blueberries are surprisingly good for your dog, just as it is good for you. It contains important antioxidants and fiber.

 

Beneful Grain Free Dog Food Formulas, Sizes, and Price

As far as Beneful grain-free dog food is concerned, there is not much variety available when it comes to formulas and sizes. There is only one formula and one flavor available.

Beneful Grain Free Farm-Raised Chicken Adult

This is a formula that is made with nutrition and flavor in mind. This is a brand of food that is made without any corn, gluten or wheat and is perfect for dogs who have to go on a grain-free diet.

Sizes Available: 4.5 pounds and 12.5 pounds

 

Beneful Grain Free Dog Food Reviews and Ratings

When it comes to Beneful grain-free dog food reviews and ratings from actual pet parents who have tried this food with their own furry kids, the responses vary. Take a look at what pet owners have said about this food below.

This is a fantastic food, perfect for my dog who has a sensitive stomach. My dog suffers from a bunch of tummy and skin issues. After switching my dog to this food, he began to recover beautifully from all of his issues. His coat has become shiny and he is able to keep his food down. I am very happy with this food. -Julee Kashuba, March 20th

This is a food that is pretty decent for its price. My dog is the type of animal that tends to get bored of its food frequently. This is a line of dog food that is not only affordable, but contains quality ingredients for its price. However, I do wish it had healthier ingredients. -Faith Z., January 30th

This is a pretty good dog food and my dog couldn’t be happier. I recently transitioned my dog from wet food to dry food and came across this brand of dog food. My dog is typically a picky eater but has not noticed the difference once he tried this food. I definitely recommend it. -Lily, March 4th

If you own a dog that sheds a lot of fur, then this is the perfect dog food for you. While my dog enjoyed the regular Beneful more, this is much healthier for them and I definitely recommend it for dogs who shed a lot. -Vicky, October 3rd

 

My Final Opinion

After carefully looking at the ingredients of Beneful grain-free dog food, taking into consideration actual reviews from pet parents, its overall availability, and variety offered, this is NOT really a brand of dog food I can recommend. Not only is this “grain-free” food on the lower end when it comes to health, but it is packed with a few ingredients that will end up doing more harm than good. The only good thing about this food is how inexpensive it is, making it perfect as an introductory food for new pet owners that are new to grain-free recipes.

If you want to see what kind of food Purina makes for dogs, check out my original Beneful dog food review here.

Final Verdict:

Not Recommended

 

Have you fed your dog Beneful Grain Free dog food? If so, what did you think of it? Let me know in the comments section below.