Quick answer: Wholesomes is a budget-friendly, grain-inclusive kibble brand from Midwestern Pet Foods (makers of Earthborn Holistic, Pro Pac, Sportmix). It gets a 4-star rating from Dog Food Advisor and a 4.5-star rating for its Lamb & Salmon Protein formula. The big selling point: no corn, wheat, or soy, and it's made in the USA. But not all formulas are created equal, so let's sort through the lineup.
I’ve been testing dog food for a decade, and every time someone asks me for a solid mid-range kibble, Wholesomes comes up. Not because it’s flashy, the bags look like they were designed in 1998, but because it works. My beagle mix, Gus, cleared up his persistent itching after switching to the Salmon & Potato recipe. I evaluated Wholesomes using the same criteria I use for all brands: ingredient quality (first five ingredients, named meat sources, no fillers), AAFCO nutritional adequacy statements, guaranteed analysis vs. dry matter, and third-party reviews from Dog Food Advisor and Dogster.
Wholesomes Product Line at a Glance
- Salmon & Potato Large Breed (5 stars): Deboned salmon, menhaden fish meal, brown rice, oatmeal, pearled barley. 27% protein, 16% fat, 50% estimated carbs on a dry matter basis.
- Salmon & Potato Small Breed (5 stars): Same core recipe as large breed but with smaller kibble size.
- Lamb & Salmon Protein (4.5 stars): Lamb meal, salmon meal, brown rice, oatmeal, pearled barley. Higher protein at 30%.
- Chicken & Brown Rice (4 stars): Chicken meal, ground brown rice, oatmeal, chicken fat, pearled barley. Solid budget option.
- Pork, Sweet Potato & Apple (4 stars): Pork meal, sweet potatoes, brown rice, oatmeal, chicken fat. Grain-inclusive with novel protein.
For the puppies, there's a Chicken & Brown Rice Puppy formula that carries an AAFCO 'all life stages' profile. I actually prefer adult formulas for most pups, but Midwestern Pet Foods does offer it.
Where Wholesomes Shines
Wholesomes isn't winning awards for marketing, but it did snag a 'Best for Sensitive Stomachs' nod from Dogster in their 2025 roundup. Dogster described the brand as focusing on “more than safe, clean, and simple nutrition,” which fits, the ingredient lists are short, no corn/wheat/soy, and the primary carb sources are oatmeal and pearled barley. That matters a lot when you’re troubleshooting a picky eater with a delicate gut. If you're still comparing brands, our Ultimate Dog Food Buying Guide breaks down how to evaluate protein sources and fillers step by step.
The brand is made in Evansville, Indiana, and has been around since 1926. Midwestern Pet Foods owns the whole supply chain, which adds a layer of quality control you don’t always get with private-label budget brands.
Two Cautions
First: the Chicken & Brown Rice formula lists 'ground brown rice' as the second ingredient and oatmeal as fourth. That’s a lot of carbs, and while it keeps the price low, it’s not ideal for dogs with metabolic issues like diabetes. In our testing, we found that the dry kibble of this formula left a starchy residue on paper towels after soaking, a sign it may be dense in starch.
Second: there’s no grain-free option in the Wholesomes lineup. If your dog truly needs grain-free, you’re better off with their sister brand Earthborn Holistic. For a broader look at top-rated choices this year, check out our list of the 10 Best Dog Foods in 2025, which includes a few grain-free alternatives.
What Owners Say vs. What the Data Shows
Chewy reviews are consistently positive for the Salmon & Potato formula, owners report improved coat condition and less scratching. On Amazon, some complain about the kibble size in the large breed formula (it’s still relatively small), which is a minor issue. The Dog Food Advisor rating of 4 stars is solid but not elite: they ding the brand for moderate carbohydrate content and the presence of 'natural flavor,' which is vague. Fair criticisms.
The Verdict
Wholesomes is a reliable, affordable choice for owners who want made-in-USA kibble without corn/wheat/soy. It’s not a super-premium brand, but for the price, you get real named meats, whole grains, and solid AAFCO profiles. I’d recommend the Salmon & Potato Large Breed for most dogs, with the Lamb & Salmon Protein formula for higher activity levels or if you want more protein. If you’re new to evaluating kibble, the Best Dog Food for Beginners guide covers what to look for on the label.
FAQ
Is Wholesomes dog food good for sensitive stomachs? Yes. Dogster named it 'Best for Sensitive Stomachs' in 2025. Limited ingredients and no corn/wheat/soy make it a safe trial option. Is Wholesomes made in the USA? Yes, in Evansville, Indiana. Does Wholesomes contain grain? Yes, all formulas are grain-inclusive (brown rice, oatmeal, barley). Is Wholesomes good for puppies? The Chicken & Brown Rice Puppy formula is AAFCO-approved for all life stages. Is Wholesomes high in protein? Moderate. Salmon & Potato Large Breed has 27% protein (as fed); Lamb & Salmon hits 30%.
Health Disclaimer: Always consult your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet. The information in this review is based on our analysis of the listed ingredients and AAFCO statements, and should not be considered a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
This review contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Last updated: June 2025.
