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Wysong Dog Food Review 2024: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Written by: Nicole Cosgrove

Last Updated on April 12, 2024 by Dogster Team

Wysong Dog Food Review 2024: Recalls, Pros & Cons

VET APPROVED

Dr. Paola Cuevas Photo

REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Paola Cuevas

Veterinarian, MVZ

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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Review Summary

Our Final Verdict
We give Wysong dog Food a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Wysong is one of the most popular premium dog food brands on the market, producing a wide range of supplements and dog foods. The brand promotes its products as holistic and healthy, with the goal of replicating a dog’s natural diet. The product line includes dry dog food, canned/wet dog food, and supplements.

The Wysong Corporation, founded in 1979 by Dr. Wysong, is a pioneer in the production of natural and healthy pet food. It is a family-owned company whose unique products are formulated in-house by doctorate-level pet health professionals. Wysong obtains all its ingredients from within the United States and is headquartered in Midland, Michigan.

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At a Glance: The Best Wysong Dog Food Recipes

Rating Image Product Details
Most Popular
Winner
Wysong Synorgon Dry Dog Food Wysong Synorgon Dry Dog Food
  • For all life stages
  • Limited ingredients
  • Contains probiotics
  • Second place
    Wysong Anergen Dry Dog & Cat Food Wysong Anergen Dry Dog & Cat Food
  • Lamb based
  • Hypoallergenic
  • High protein
  • Third place
    Wysong Epigen Chicken Formula Grain-Free Canned Dog Food Wysong Epigen Chicken Formula Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
  • Grain-free
  • 95% chicken meat
  • Supplement
  • Wysong Epigen Rabbit Formula Grain-Free Canned Dog Food Wysong Epigen Rabbit Formula Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
  • 95% Rabbit meat
  • Supplement
  • Made in USA
  • Wysong Adult Dry Dog Food Wysong Adult Dry Dog Food
  • Maintenance formula
  • Chicken and turkey protein sources
  • For all breeds
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    Wysong Dog Food Reviewed

    Wysong

    Wysong creates cutting-edge, nutritionally enhanced, healthy dog food. It is one of the most popular premium dog food brands, producing a wide range of supplements and dog food recipes.

    Who makes Wysong dog food and where is it produced?

    Wysong is a family-run company led by Dr Wysong. All of the company’s ingredients are sourced within the United States.

    Which type of dog is Wysong best suited for?

    Wysong dry dog foods are designed to mimic the traditional canine diet, and the variety of protein sources ensures that your dog gets the necessary nutrition. Wysong has used the canned manufacturing process to create diets that are almost entirely meat, up to 95%, that are suitable to supplement dog, cat, and ferret diets.

    Wysong’s recipes are suitable for dogs of all breeds. The Anergen recipe is a hypoallergenic product that contains alternative protein sources to address food allergies and sensitivities.

    bernese mountain dog eating
    Image Credit: Kristesoro, Shutterstock

    Discussion of the Primary Ingredients (Good and Bad)

    Wysong prides itself on using highly nutritious, human-grade ingredients. The primary protein sources found in the recipes are:

    • Chicken: Chicken is one of the more affordable meats with numerous health benefits for dogs. It builds lean muscle mass and provides omega-6 fatty acids that help maintain healthy skin and shiny coats. It is also high in essential amino acids and glucosamine, which promote joint health.
    • Turkey: Turkey is a nutritious protein found in dog food that helps build muscle. Furthermore, turkey-based pet foods may provide an alternative option for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies to beef or chicken-based recipes. Some but not all dogs that are allergic to chicken are also allergic to turkey.
    • Beef: Beef is another great protein source for dogs and is high in iron, zinc, selenium, and vitamins B12, B3, and B6. Despite being high in fat, red meat is not known to cause arteriosclerosis in dogs as it does in humans.
    • Salmon: As a cooked product, fish is high in protein, low in saturated fat, and easily digestible. Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids with multiple health benefits. Raw salmon can cause poisoning in dogs, where it causes hemorrhaging in the tissue of the small intestine and eventually invades the entire body.
    • Rabbit: Rabbit meat contains fewer calories than many other meat protein sources. It includes few saturated fats but has several essential amino acids, which help build muscle and boost the dog’s immune system. Rabbit meat is high in vitamin B12, which supports a healthy nervous system, digestion, and brain function. Rabbit meat needs to be from a reliable source and well cooked as it can often carry parasites such as tapeworms.
    • Duck: Duck is high in iron and provides dogs with a lean, easy-to-digest protein source. Duck is rich in amino acids, which aid in developing strong muscles. Because some dogs are allergic to chicken or beef in dog food, switching to a food containing a novel protein, such as duck, may help alleviate gastrointestinal upset or skin irritation.
    Senior dog eating dog food_Ayla Verschueren_Unsplash
    Image Credit: Ayla Verschueren, Unsplash
    Other ingredients found in their recipes include:
    • Meat Meal: Meat meal is an excellent source of natural, protein building blocks, fats, minerals, and vitamins. Because meat meal contains only about 5%–7% water, it is far more concentrated than fresh meat (which contains about 70% water).
    • Brown rice: Brown rice is a source of energy and fiber. Fiber is not a required nutrient for dogs, but it is included in most dog foods because it keeps your dog full (thus preventing obesity and assisting with weight loss), maintains colon health, aids digestion, and helps diabetic dogs control blood sugar levels. Grains are a controversial ingredient but they contain many health benefits to dogs, and it’s best to check with your vet before serving a grain-free diet.
    • Flaxseed: Flaxseeds are packed with protein and fiber. Fiber is essential for a dog’s digestive health, while protein provides energy and helps to maintain a strong immune system.
    • Sweet Potato: Sweet potatoes are high in vitamins B, C, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron. Orange vegetables contain beta-carotene, which is a precursor for vitamin A and an antioxidant that boosts immunity.
    • Peas: Green peas are high in essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber and are high in vitamins such as A, B, C, and K. Vitamin K promotes bone health, increases energy levels in dogs, and is easy on the digestive system. High-fiber foods can also aid in the maintenance of a healthy weight and the reduction of cholesterol in dogs. Peas are a controversial ingredient in some dog foods as they have been used to increase the protein content, so they should not be listed in the first 4-5 ingredients. Peas and other legumes are currently investigated for their potential link to the development of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs fed with grain-free legume-inclusive diets.
    • Chia Seeds: Chia seeds contain a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids and are high in antioxidants, B vitamins, phosphorus, protein, and zinc. They also contain fiber, which aids in digestion and weight loss. Because chia seeds are high in fiber and fatty acids, they can cause gastrointestinal upset in some dogs, especially dogs with sensitive stomachs.
    • Coconut Oil: Coconut oil can boost energy, improve skin and coat, aid digestion, and reduce allergic reactions. It is a controversial ingredient since some veterinarians are not convinced that coconut oil is beneficial to dogs at all. Some dogs may have an allergic reaction, while others can have bad diarrhea.
    • Organic Guar gum: Guar gum acts as a binding or thickening agent and is important in canned dog food because it prevents the ingredients from separating.  Thickeners like guar gum are almost always used in conjunction with gelling agents; some of which are somewhat controversial.

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    A Quick Look at Wysong Dog Food

    Pros
    • Products include starch-free and grain-free recipes
    • Manufactured in the United States
    • High-quality meats are usually the first ingredient
    Cons
    • Recall history
    • Contain some controversial ingredients
    man buying pet food
    Image Credit: LADO-Shutterstock

    Recall History

    In October 2009, Wysong announced a recall of certain products on their website for high moisture levels, which could result in mold. Customers who owned the products were asked not to feed it to their dogs and contact Wysong for a replacement.

    A few weeks later, the recall was widened due to mold contamination in a few more of the kibble products. Fortunately, according to the company’s findings, no mycotoxins were present in the affected products. There have been no recalls since.

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    Reviews of the 3 Best Wysong Dog Food Recipes

    Wysong Synorgon Dry Dog Food

    Wysong Synorgon Canine Formula Dry Dog Food

    Wysong Synorgon dry dog food is formulated for all stages of life, from puppies to adults. It is a premium dog food recipe formulated with chicken, brown rice, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Coated with probiotics, and enzymes. The formula also contains nutraceuticals, which are food derivatives with health benefits.

    Pros
    • Suitable for all life stages
    • Contains probiotics
    • Made in the USA
    Cons
    • Some dogs don’t enjoy the taste

    Wysong Epigen Chicken Formula Grain-Free Canned Dog Food

    Wysong Epigen Chicken Formula Grain-Free Canned Dog Food

    This Wysong chicken, grain-free canned formula is made up of 95% premium meat and doesn’t contain any conventional pet food filler ingredients and additives. It can be used as a stand-alone single supplement meal or as a topper to Wysong’s dry dog food. This is not a complete and balanced formula, but rather a great way of increasing the protein content in your dog’s diet.

    Pros
    • Grain-free for dogs with allergies
    • Made up of 95% premium meat
    • Can be used as a supplement or topper
    Cons
    • Not a complete and balanced formula

    Wysong Epigen 90 Starch-Free Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

    Wysong Epigen 90 Starch-Free Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog & Cat Food, 5-lb bag

    This recipe contains 63% real protein, which comes from organic chicken. It has chia seeds and apple pectin, as well as beneficial probiotics, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Epigen 90 is great in aiding recovery, enhancing strength, and maintaining immune support. It can be served as a complete meal or topper.

    Pros
    • High meat and protein content
    • Starch-free
    • Highly nutritious
    Cons
    • Can cause loose stools

    What Other Users Are Saying

    • Dog food advisor: “Wysong Original Diets is a grain-inclusive dry dog food using a significant amount of named meat meals as its dominant source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 5 stars.”
    • Watchdog labs: “This food has well-balanced amounts of protein, fat, and carbs. Diets that are high in protein and fat, with moderate to low carbs, are ideal for most dogs.”
    • Amazon – You can hear what other customers are saying about Wysong dog food here.

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    Conclusion

    Wysong dog food is formulated to meet the high protein needs of a dog’s natural diet. It has high protein levels and is primarily made up of meat and meat ingredients, but it contains a few potentially controversial ingredients. Wysong has a good selection of food, the majority of which is reasonably priced, and most reviews we found were positive. Although they have a recall history, the recall was handled well, and there have been no recalls since.

    We give Wysong a high rating and recommendation for its use of high-quality ingredients.

    See also:


    Featured Image Credit: Wysong

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