Bil-Jac Dog Food Review 2024: Thrive on Something Different

Bil-Jac dog food, founded in 1947, is marketed as a super-premium brand and one of the oldest in the premium pet food industry.

The company emphasizes that dogs, being carnivores, should consume a diet rich in meat protein, using more real chicken and chicken organs compared to other leading brands and avoiding grain gluten meals and grain protein concentrates.

The brand offers the “Bil-Jac Difference,” promising benefits like a shinier coat, softer skin, brighter eyes, improved muscle tone, increased activity, and smaller, firmer stools. While their claims suggest high quality, it's essential to investigate further to verify these assertions.

 

Bil-Jac Dog Food Review

Small Breeds

Small dogs have little mouths that might find it hard to eat food that is meant for bigger breeds. This isn’t a problem for wet food, but kibbles are an entirely different matter. Bil Jac addresses this by crafting a line of dog food specifically for small canines.

Small Breed Adult Chicken, Oatmeal & Yams Recipe

Petite pooches need particular care for them to thrive. Small kibbles made to fit inside their small mouths can help them chew better and enjoy their food more. This dry dog food for small breeds tackles this important aspect of feeding.

This dog food contains fresh, farm-raised chicken as the primary ingredient, which is lean, protein-rich, and favored by dogs for its flavor.

It also includes chicken by-products (organs only) and chicken by-product meal, providing essential B-vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins, and minerals.

Carbohydrates, essential for energy, come from corn meal, which is easily digestible and provides linoleic acid for healthy skin and coats, along with antioxidants. Although corn is sometimes seen as an allergen, it is beneficial for dogs without grain sensitivities.

Yams (sweet potatoes) and oatmeal are key components, offering beta-carotene, fiber, vitamins, iron, calcium, potassium, Omega-6 fatty acids, and soluble fiber.

The recipe also includes fruits and vegetables like apples, blueberries, cranberries, flaxseed, and beets, along with added supplements for nutrition.

Overall, the recipe is nutrient-rich, featuring Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, lysine, and arginine. The brand also offers formulations for seniors and small breed puppy food.

Large Breeds

Large dogs have large appetites and large nutrition requirements. While there are dog foods that are made for all breed sizes, a more targeted one will address the crucial needs of big doggies.

Since they tend to be bigger, they require food that supports the growth of healthy bones. Large breeds are also prone to joint issues, so feeding them a high-quality pet food that can keep their joints mobile is important.

Large Breed Adult Chicken Recipe

This dog food formula is designed for large breeds, featuring real chicken as the first ingredient. Each 30-lb. bag contains 25 lbs. of fresh chicken, providing ample meat and protein.

The chicken is supplemented with nutritious chicken organ by-products, rich in vitamin B12, copper, folate, riboflavin, and iron, offering essential amino acids.

For joint and bone health, the formula includes chicken by-product meal, a source of chondroitin and glucosamine, which promote cartilage elasticity, joint pain reduction, and cartilage repair. Oatmeal and dried beet pulp are added for fiber, enhancing digestion and intestinal health.

Carbohydrates come from corn meal, providing energy, linoleic acid (Omega-6), and protein for a healthy coat and lean muscle mass. Brewer's yeast supports a healthy coat, reduces stress, and relieves dry, itchy skin.

The recipe avoids fillers, rendered fat, gluten meals, soy, wheat, or protein concentrates, focusing on supplementary vitamins, minerals, and natural preservatives.

At 402 kcal per cup, it is calorically appropriate for large dogs, although the protein content could be higher than 23%. A similar product is available, large breed puppy food.

All Breeds

Some pet owners have more than one or two dogs of varying breeds. For multiple pet households such as this, it can be hard to keep track of the food they eat if each one has his own specific dog food.

This is where dog foods made for all breeds come in. The recipes are usually crafted to include most of the crucial ingredients that small to large breed canines need.

Adult Select Chicken Recipe

This dog food formula promises “vital nutrition for everyday health,” featuring 25 pounds of real chicken per 30-pound bag, slow-cooked using the Nutri-Lock process for optimal nutrition and taste.

It is rich in quality protein, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health, and antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals for immune support, exemplifying the Bil-Jac Difference.

Chicken is the first ingredient, but due to its high moisture content, the volume reduces significantly when cooked. The formula includes supplementary proteins from chicken by-products and chicken by-product meal, which are lower quality than fresh chicken or chicken meal.

The inclusion of corn meal detracts from the product's quality, as corn is a common allergen and difficult to digest. Oatmeal is a better carbohydrate but is used in smaller amounts. Corn contributes some protein but is less valuable than animal protein, impacting the 27% crude protein content.

Other ingredients include dietary fiber from dried beet pulp and flaxseed, though flaxseed is a less valuable plant-based fat.

The formula lacks significant animal-based fats and relies heavily on synthetic supplements instead of natural sources like fresh fruits and vegetables, despite containing some beneficial chelated minerals.

Overall, while the recipe starts strong with fresh chicken, it is weakened by the inclusion of by-products and corn meal.

The crude protein content is high but likely derived from lower-quality sources, and the formula lacks healthy animal-based fats and probiotics. Bil-Jac also offers puppy and senior recipes for all breed sizes.

Picky No More

Some pooches are generally picky eaters who will turn their noses up at any ordinary fare. To get these persnickety dogs to eat, the aroma (along with taste) must simply be irresistible to capture their attention. The Picky No More line is especially crafted to trigger a healthy appetite in the fussiest of dogs.

Picky No More Medium & Large Breed Chicken Liver

The Picky No More range is designed for medium breed dogs that are finicky eaters. It features chicken liver, known for its attractive taste and aroma to canines, rich in folate, protein, iron, B vitamins, and vitamin A. However, fresh chicken is the main ingredient, ensuring high-quality, lean protein from farm-raised poultry.

To boost protein content, the formula includes chicken by-product meal and chicken by-products, containing arginine and leucine, raising the crude protein level to 27%. Arginine aids blood circulation, while leucine helps prevent muscle loss.

Other ingredients include easily digestible corn meal, fiber-rich dried beet pulp, brewer’s dried yeast (providing essential amino acids and protein), oatmeal (an alternative carbohydrate source), and flaxseed (an immune booster and source of omega fatty acids).

Methionine, an amino acid included in the formula, prevents urinary stones, aids wound healing, treats liver disorders, and detoxifies the body.

While there are concerns about the vague nature of the by-products, the formula is deemed nutritionally complete for medium breed dogs. Bil-Jac also offers similar recipes for small and large breed picky eaters.

Sensitive Solutions

Some dogs just happen to be unlucky and born with sensitive tummies, while some develop the condition later in life. Symptoms of upset stomachs include nausea, excessive gas, vomiting, and diarrhea.

And the condition can also spark irritated skin. One of the ways to help dogs through this is by switching them to food that is gentle on their stomach. This is what the Sensitive Solutions line is for.

Sensitive Solutions with Real Whitefish

This dog food recipe features chicken as the primary ingredient, despite whitefish being highlighted in the name.

Chicken is easy to digest, making it suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs, and is rich in protein for building lean muscles.

The recipe also includes chicken by-products (organs only) and chicken by-product meal, contributing to a protein content of 26%.

Corn meal is used instead of whole corn, making it easier to digest and providing carbs, antioxidants, protein, and linoleic acid.

Oatmeal is included for its digestibility and nutrients like calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. Dried beet pulp offers carbohydrate-based calories, while dried brewer’s yeast supplies B vitamins, proteins, and essential amino acids.

Whitefish is added for its niacin, selenium, phosphorus, vitamins B6 and B12, and Omega fatty acids. It is low in saturated fat and unlikely to trigger allergies.

This recipe is designed to ease symptoms in dogs with sensitive stomachs, using carefully chosen ingredients that work together to reduce the risk of upset stomachs while providing complete nutrition with plenty of vitamins, minerals, and calories.

 

Wet Dog Food

Some dogs prefer wet food because of texture preference or because some find it hard to chew hard dry kibbles (particularly senior dogs). The Pate Platters offers adult canines of all breed sizes the complete nutritional value that they need with lots of moisture to boot.

1. Pate Platters with Beef & Sweet Potatoes

Wet dog food typically has fewer ingredient list than dry kibble and uses fewer synthetic preservatives due to its airtight packaging. This makes it beneficial for senior dogs and those with food sensitivities.

This particular recipe features chicken broth for moisture, with real beef and chicken providing a rich, savory taste and tender texture.

These meats supply a minimum of 8% protein. Tapioca starch, a high-carb, non-allergenic ingredient, is used as a grain-free alternative to rice, adding texture and palatability.

Sweet potatoes support digestion, offering fiber, vitamins C, A, and B6, potassium, and magnesium, along with antioxidants and phytochemicals.

The recipe excludes grain, gluten, soy, corn, and wheat but includes naturally-sourced omega fatty acids for skin and coat health. It can be served as a complete meal, topper, or treat.

2. Harvest Feast Turkey & Sweet Potato In Gravy

This is a gluten- and grain-free wet food featuring “hearty chunks of meat and a savory taste.” It is designed for adult maintenance with a mix of high-quality and some questionable ingredients.

The main ingredients include turkey broth, turkey, chicken, and egg product, all providing quality animal-based protein and fat. However, the inclusion of pea protein, a less valuable plant-based protein, is a drawback.

For carbohydrates, the recipe uses gluten- and grain-free ingredients like sweet potatoes and carrots, offering fiber and essential vitamins and minerals. Supplementary fibers include modified tapioca starch, potato starch, and guar gum.

The remaining ingredients are flavors and supplements, though none are chelated minerals or probiotics. Overall, this wet food is nutritionally superior to most of their dry foods, with quality meat proteins and digestible carbohydrates. However, it is higher in dietary fiber, lacks healthy fats, and does not include chelated minerals or probiotics.

Dog Treats

Good doggies need good rewards. A treat works to enforce good behavior or for a job well done. You can also give them out just because.

The brand has designed several lines of treats for small to big dogs and for training, rewarding, and to treat the skin. There are enough ranges — and flavors! — to choose from to ensure your pooch will find something he likes.

1. Grain Free Soft Training Treats

Chicken and sweet potato go well together for a savory, protein-rich and grain-free dish. These soft treats make use of three animal-based ingredients to keep the protein content to a high 24%.

Chicken liver is the first ingredient, followed closely by fresh chicken, and chicken meal. The sweet potatoes act as a carb source for continuous energy.

2. Little Gooberlicious Soft Treats Peanut Butter

Most dogs love the yummy taste of peanut butter. With this recipe, they used that canine’s favorite food and mixed it with fresh chicken liver and chicken meat. While humans may find that off-putting, dogs do go crazy about the unusual blend.

The peanut butter can be a healthy source of protein, although much of the nutrient comes from the first three ingredients of the recipe: chicken liver, chicken, and chicken meal.

Careful, though, that you feed this treat to a gluten-sensitive dog. It contains wheat flour, which while very nutritious, can also trigger allergies in some pooches.

3. Yapple Nanas Soft Treats

For dogs who love the taste of fruit, the brand crafted these healthy and chewy treats to have the yummy taste of apples and bananas. Although they carry a fruity taste, these are only natural flavors.

The treats are actually made up mostly of chicken, chicken liver, and chicken meal, so even when your dog is happily munching on what he thinks are fruit, he is getting a much-needed dose of protein.

Careful with giving your pet more than a few of these. The caloric content is triple that of other Bil-Jac treats.

4. PBnanas Soft Treats Peanut Butter & Banana Flavor

Just like how some humans go mad for this traditional combo, dogs will go bananas over them too. The soft and chewy morsels are laced with a scrumptious peanut butter and banana flavor.

But these are just natural flavorings. The bulk of the meal is made up of chicken, chicken liver, chicken meal, and wheat flour. All four ingredients offer loads of protein content.

The wheat flour is certainly more nutritious than plain white flour. However, make sure that your pet is free from allergies or is not gluten-sensitive. Wheat may trigger his allergies.

5. Gooberlicious Soft Treats Peanut Butter Flavor

Is your dog a purist? If he doesn’t want any other taste interfering with the flavor of his yummy peanut butter treat, then this recipe might just be what he needs.

The soft and chewy treats taste overwhelmingly of peanut butter (added as a natural flavor), although these are made up of chicken liver, chicken, chicken meal, and wheat flour.

At 13.6 kcal each, you might want to think about how many you reward your dog with. Just a few should be fine, but not much more. Other Bil-Jac treats contain only 2.7 kcal per treat. These are 5 times that.

6. America’s VetDogs Skin & Coat Formula

Not all dogs prefer their treats to taste like dessert. Some crave a meaty flavor as a sort of extension of their usual meals. For this particular recipe, Bil-Jac chose to showcase chicken, in fresh and dried (chicken meal) form.

The star-shaped morsels are crafted with naturally-sourced linoleic acid, a nutrient that supports shiny coats and healthy skins. It’s made soft and chewy to appeal to dogs of all sizes.

If you’re curious about the name of the formulation, it’s named VetDogs because every purchase of the treats helps support a non-profit organization (America’s VetDogs) that trains and provides assistance canines to retired and active duty military personnel with disabilities.

7. Original Recipe with Fresh Chicken Liver

Sometimes plain is best. Chicken liver has a succulent taste that most doggies can’t resist — yes, even the picky eaters! The company lets the chicken liver taste shine through in the Original Recipe to give it that irresistible taste and aroma that never fails to entice.

The list of main ingredients in this recipe is relatively short: chicken liver, chicken, chicken meal, and wheat flour. Though there are no soy, rendered fats, or gluten meals, the formulation still has wheat flour which can be problematic for some dogs.

8. Little Jacs With Fresh Liver & Chicken

Breaking off big pieces of treats work, but why do that when you can have a perfectly-sized one that’s best for little-sized mouths?

This treats are specially crafted for little dogs who crave a meaty and scrumptious taste. It’s led by chicken liver and followed by chicken, chicken meal, and wheat flour.

Because they’re soft, these morsels will be perfect for young to senior dogs. Old dogs won’t have a problem chewing up these tasty treats. They’re also low-cal treats, so you can give your darling pooch as much reward as they need.

9. Dessert Jacs Pumpkin Flavored Treats

Treats don’t have to be too healthy. As long as you limit giving them out, it’s okay for your dog to get a sweet reward every now and then. The Dessert Jacs are flavored treats that have that sweet and delightful flavor of pumpkins.

Although they contain that mouth-watering pumpkin taste down to a T, these morsels contain chicken mostly. (The pumpkin is a natural flavoring only.)

If calories are your worry because of the sweet flavor, don’t. These contain the least amount of calories among all theBil-Jac treats we’ve reviewed here. So go ahead and allow your fur baby to enjoy. There’s no guilt attached.

Who Makes Bil-Jac?

Bil-Jac is a family-owned company that was founded by two brothers – Bill and Jack – during the late 1940s after serving in World War II.

Their first product was Bil-Jac frozen food which was not only one of the first meat-rich dog foods, but one of the first frozen dog food products as well.

Over the years, Bil-Jac expanded their product offerings to include both dry food and wet food options, all made with real meats and other quality ingredients.

Today, it is still a family-owned and -operated company with its headquarters in Medina, Ohio. This is where Bil-Jac products are formulated and produced, made exclusively by the Kelly Foods Corporation.

Is It Made in the United States?

The Bil-Jac pet food brand is headquartered in Medina, OH and that is where their main production facility is located as well.

Bil-Jac products are made exclusively by Kelly Foods Corporation, a U.S.-based company, and they are designed to “give your best friend the nutrition he needs to keep his body working the way nature intended”. That is part of the “Bil-Jac Difference”.

Where Does Bil-Jac Get Their Ingredients?

The Bil-Jac brand is based in the United States but they do not provide specific information about where their ingredients come from.

The brand does say that they use real chicken and real chicken organ meats as their primary sources of proteins because they believe that “your dog’s nutrition is optimized when fed a diet where the protein is derived primarily from fresh ingredients”.

Bil-Jac also says that they use plenty of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in their products as well as digestible carbohydrates. Part of the “Bil-Jac Difference” is that the brand takes “extra care in sourcing, handling and processing” their ingredients, but they don’t say exactly where their ingredients come from.

Dog Food Recall History

This dog food brand is marketed as a super-premium dog food and it is their goal to “make the best dog food possible for one of the most important members of your family” – your dog.

According to their website, the company doesn’t waste money advertising and promoting their products – they put their funds into the manufacturing process to ensure the quality and safety of their dog foods.

Assuming that this is true, you shouldn’t be surprised to learn that Bil-Jac has only been affected by a single recall in the history of the brand. Here are the details for that recall:

• In August 2012, the FDA issued a recall for certain bags of Bil-Jac Adult Select Formula Dog Food due to potential for mold contamination.

Is It Dog Food Expensive?

This brand of dog food is surprisingly affordable for being marketed as a super-premium pet food brand. Bil-Jac dry dog foods come in 6-pound, 15-pound, and 30-pound bags (depending on the recipe) with a 30-pound bag of Adult Select Formula costing around $55.

Their grain-free dry foods come in 4-pound and 24-pound bags, the larger of which costs about $60. For wet food, their recipes come in 3.5-ounce cans which are sold in cases of 12 for around $18 – this gives you an average price of around $1.50 per can.

Our Final Say

Bil-Jac dog food stands out as a premium dog food choice for discerning dog owners seeking the right food for their pets.

With a commitment to quality, Bil-Jac formulates its food using high-quality ingredients that ensure each meal is both nutritious and delicious.

Their food is made with careful attention to the dietary needs of dogs, making it especially suitable for those with food allergies or sensitive stomachs.

By offering a balanced blend of proteins, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients, this brand provides food that is good for your dog, promoting overall health and vitality.

Your dog will love the taste, and you can feel confident knowing you're choosing a premium dog food that meets their nutritional needs.