
Established in 1932, Muenster Milling Company, a family-owned business, has undergone transformations over the years. In the late 20th century, they embarked on a journey into the production of natural dog foods, expanding their focus beyond dogs to include products for horses, cats, and even fish.
Situated in Muenster, Texas, Muenster remains a family-owned and operated business, committed to sourcing ingredients locally. With a diverse range of dog food options, alongside high-quality treats and supplements, the company strives to maintain excellence.
In this Muenster dog food review, we will delve into their food lines, providing an honest and unbiased assessment to help you decide if this brand is the right choice for your cherished canine companions.
Company Origin
Established in 1932 by Joe Felderhoff in Muenster, Texas, the Muenster Milling Company initially operated as a flour mill, sourcing grains from local farms and milling wheat. Following Joe's death in the 1940s, his son Arthur transitioned the company into a feed mill, focusing on providing livestock feed.
In the 1970s, under the presidency of Ronnie Felderhoff, Muenster expanded its offerings to include show feeds and horse feeds. A pivotal shift occurred in 1989 when the company redirected its focus towards the pet food industry, challenging the dominance of large companies like Pedigree and Purina.
By 1999, Muenster emerged as one of the nation's first all-natural pet food manufacturers. Now in its fourth generation of ownership, Mitch and Chad Felderhoff lead the company, maintaining its roots in Muenster, Texas.
Muenster Dog Food Review
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Muenster Perfect Balance Chicken and Pork Meal
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Muenster Ancient Grains Recipe with Ocean Fish
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Muenster Grain Free with Chicken and Turkey
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Muenster Freeze Dried Bites, Free-Range Elk
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Muenster Freeze-Dried Pumpkin Spice Meatballs
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Muenster Dr Verwers Heart Strong Beef Flavor
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1. Perfect Balance Chicken and Pork Meal with Ancient Grains
First 5 ingredients:
Chicken Meal, Pork Meal, Grain Sorgum, Chicken Fat, Brown Rice
Protein: 30.0% min
Fat: 20.0% min
Fiber: 5.0% max
Moisture: 10.0% max
Food Type: Dry
Best for: All lifestages, All breed sizes
Tailored for dogs requiring higher protein and fat levels, the Perfect Balance Chicken & Pork Meal is a nutritionally rich option. Abundant in chicken and pork, this dog food offers essential nutrition while minimizing unnecessary carbohydrates. The majority of grains utilized originate from local family farms with whom they have had a longstanding partnership spanning over 90 years!
Free from corn, wheat, or soy, this kibble incorporates gluten-free grains such as locally grown Sorghum and Flaxseed—ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Enriched with prebiotics and Diamond V Yeast for enhanced digestion, it also includes Zinpro Avail pet minerals to support digestive function and promote skin and coat health.
Suitable for small, medium, and large breeds, as well as all life stages except for large breed puppies, the elevated protein and fat levels in this dog food provide essential energy for working and athletic adults, seniors, and puppies.
Pros
Locally made (USA)
Delivers extra energy
Soy, corn and wheat free
With Taurine and probiotics
Suitable for all breeds and sizes
Cons
Not a hit among picky eaters
Caused bloat to some
2. Ancient Grains Recipe with Ocean Fish
First 5 ingredients:
Oceanfish, Oceanfish Meal, Grain Sorghum, Millet, Fish Meal
Protein: 28.0% min
Fat: 16.0% min
Fiber: 5.0% max
Moisture: 10.0% max
Food Type: Dry
Best for: All lifestages, All breed sizes
Muenster's best-selling dog food is this Ocean Fish recipe, renowned for its popularity. Abundant in protein and omega-fatty acids derived from a variety of ocean fish such as pacific white fish, cod, and salmon, the formula is further enriched with salmon oil and cod liver oil.
Free from corn, wheat, or soy, this recipe is an excellent choice for dogs dealing with food allergies, given its fish-based sourcing. The inclusion of locally grown ancient grains ensures optimal fiber and added energy. To support joint health, the formula incorporates glucosamine and chondroitin, particularly beneficial for large breeds.
This highly acclaimed recipe is favored for its exceptional nutritional blend, featuring high-quality ingredients that cater to the dietary requirements of most dogs. While slightly pricier than some other products, the investment is justified by the overall quality and benefits it provides.
Pros
Made from real Ocean fish
With chondroitin and glucosamine
Perfect for allergic pups
Supports healthy digestion
Zero gluten, soy, corn and wheat
Cons
Bad batch delivered
Changed the stool consistency for some
3. Grain Free with Chicken and Turkey
First 5 ingredients:
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Coconut Meal, Chicken Fat
Protein: 34.0% min
Fat: 20.0% min
Fiber: 6.0% max
Moisture: 10.0% max
Food Type: Dry
Best for: All lifestages, All breed sizes
Crafted specifically for dogs with grain allergies, this recipe offers a diet rich in both protein and fat. The formulation includes top-notch ingredients like green-lipped mussels and coconut meal, contributing to its high-quality composition.
Featuring fresh chicken as its primary ingredient, this delicious high-protein dry dog food is packed with premium elements. This grain-free kibble is fortified with prebiotics, Diamond V Yeast, and American sweet potatoes, aiming to enhance digestive function and foster skin and coat health.
Appropriate for small, medium, and large breeds at all life stages, this dog food's elevated levels of protein, fat, and calories enable adults, seniors, and puppies to consume less while still maintaining a healthy weight.
Pros
GMO free
Fresh chicken is top ingredient
Highly delectable
Rich in natural prebiotics and fiber
For dogs with allergies and sensitive stomach
Cons
Picky eaters don't like it
4. Freeze Dried Bites, Free-Range Elk
First 5 ingredients:
Elk, Venison, Ground Elk Bone, Ground Venison Bone, Salmon Oil
Protein: 41.0% min
Fat: 25.5% min
Fiber: 2.0% max
Moisture: 5.0% max
Food Type: Freeze-dried, Pellet
Best for: All lifestages, All breed sizes
This recipe is brimming with USA-raised free-range elk, dried goat's milk, and organic minerals. Your dogs are sure to adore the delectable taste, whether served as a complete meal, topper, or treat. Every time you incorporate this into your dog's bowl, you're decreasing the carbohydrate load on their digestive system.
The manufacturing process involves extracting moisture from this raw and nutritious goodness using freeze-dryers set to a frigid -60 degrees! The primary aim is to eliminate one thing and one thing only—water!
This method ensures that the protein, fat, and nutrients remain intact, resulting in a highly nutritious and flavorful food rich in bioavailable nutrients and vitamins derived from organ meats and organic amino acids. Undoubtedly, it's the gentlest process through which frozen raw meat transforms into a shelf-stable product!
Pros
Has novel protein sources
Low carbohydrate levels
Zero artificial preservatives
Has extra fats and protein content
Free from any poultry ingredients
Cons
Crumbs at the bottom, item was crushed upon delivery
5. Freeze-Dried Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice Meatballs
First 5 ingredients:
Ground Beef, Turkey, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, Carrots
Protein: 30.0% min
Fat: 29.5% min
Fiber: 5.0% max
Moisture: 5.0% max
Food Type: Treats, Freeze-dried, Pellet
Best for: All lifestages, All breed sizes
Trick or treat? Well, if we have to choose, it's always treats with absolutely no tricks involved. Their Pumpkin Meatballs are crafted with utmost care, incorporating highly nutritious ingredients into a delectable morsel that your pup will undoubtedly love. These meatballs are not only 100% sourced and manufactured in the USA, but they are also free from additional chemicals, glycerin, or dyes.
What sets their meatballs apart is the use of premium ground beef, turkey, pumpkin, sweet potato, carrots, and ginger, creating the perfect, healthy, and nutrient-dense treat for your furry friend.
Opting for the best quality ingredients ensures the best for your pup from the inside out. As these meatballs are limited edition, seize the opportunity to get them quickly before they vanish – they'll be gone before you can say “treater treater pumpkin eater!”
Moreover, these meatballs make an excellent treat for dogs sensitive to gluten, chicken, grain, dairy, soy, and other common allergens. Specifically formulated and freeze-dried, these treats offer your dog a fall-tastic, low-carb delight!
Pros
Prolonged shelf life
Promotes better digestive health
Reduces inflammation
Highly nutritious meal
Cons
Limited availability
6. Muenster Dr Verwers Heart Strong Beef Flavor Powder
First 5 ingredients:
Beef, Beef Heart, Beef Liver, Beef Tripe, Beef Collagen
Protein: 45.0% min
Fat: 25.0% min
Fiber: 2.0% max
Moisture: 5.0% max
Food Type: Powder, Freeze-dried
Best for: Adult, Senior, Small – Large Breeds
Your canine companion showers you with boundless love, so reciprocate by promoting a healthy heart with Muenster Dr. Verwers Heart Strong, a daily L-Carnitine & Taurine dog supplement.
This flavorful canine supplement is designed to foster heart health through the inclusion of L-carnitine and taurine, ensuring that your best friend can lead a vibrant life right alongside you.
The process of freeze-drying is employed to safeguard the supplement's nutritional content and meaty taste, delivering a delectable flavor that your pup will eagerly devour. Give your furry friend a heart-healthy boost, and watch them savor every meal with heartfelt gusto!
Pros
Vegetable oil free
Glycerin free
Keto friendly formula
Made from Texas raised beef
Cons
Limited availability even online
For which types of dogs is Muenster most suitable?
Muenster's diverse range of foods makes it well-suited for a wide spectrum of dogs, accommodating various sizes, activity levels, and nutritional requirements.
Specifically, their salmon and ocean fish recipes prove beneficial for allergy-prone individuals who struggle with chicken or beef intolerance.
Additionally, certain recipes feature elevated protein and fat content, making them ideal for active, working dogs with high energy expenditure.
The Ingredients
Muenster's recipes are crafted by accomplished Animal Nutritionists holding PhDs, and they commence with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Whether you seek kibble, freeze-dried options that are complete and balanced, mixers, or treats, if you desire excellent, nutritionally sound food suitable for daily feeding, your search ends here!
Customized Dog Food
Do you happen to own a unique dog that stands out from the rest? Your furry friend might benefit from a month-long probiotic regimen or a daily dose with meals.
Perhaps they require additional salmon oil to ensure a glossy coat and support joint health. They might even need extra protein, fat, or flavor enhancements to combat taste fatigue and maintain peak vitality.
Choose to nourish your dog according to their specific needs with personalized dog food. This is what distinguishes Muenster from other brands! Begin tailoring your dog's nutrition now.
Recall History
Muenster dog food has never been subject to any recalls.
Which dogs might fare better with an alternative brand?
While Muenster provides a solid range, it may not boast the extensive variety seen in brands like Purina. Though they cater to most dogs, Muenster lacks prescription veterinary diets, which is not uncommon.
If your preference leans towards main proteins such as beef, turkey, waterfowl, or any source beyond chicken, pork, salmon, or ocean fish, exploring other brands may be necessary. While Muenster foods are deemed suitable for puppies, the absence of puppy-specific recipes is noteworthy.
For owners of large breed puppies, opting for a brand meeting the AAFCO nutrient profile for large breed puppy growth and development may be advisable. Switching to Muenster, if it aligns with your preference, can be considered once your puppy reaches adulthood.
Is the AAFCO Nutrient Guideline incorporated by Muenster?
Certainly, Muenster provides information on their website's “Nutritional Info” tab for each dog food recipe, indicating that each specific formulation is designed to comply with the nutritional levels set by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages, with the exception of large size dog growth (dogs reaching 70 pounds or more as adults).
Therefore, if you have a large breed puppy, it is advisable to seek a formula specifically tailored for large breed puppies to ensure it adequately addresses their growth and developmental requirements during that crucial period.
Is Muenster Easily Accessible in Local Stores?
Although Muenster products are readily found in various local pet stores and feed stores across Texas, their availability is more limited in the rest of the United States, with some states lacking any locations that stock the food. Notably, large corporations do not carry products from Muenster Milling Company.
While it may be inconvenient to not have a nearby store offering your dog's food, if you are outside of Texas or an area that doesn't carry Muenster, it is convenient to order online. The “Where to Buy” tab on their website can help you check if it's available anywhere near your location.
Gauging the Opinions of Other Users
Instead of solely relying on our findings, we prefer to take into account the perspectives of other users (from Amazon and Chewy) in our reviews. Feel free to explore the feedback from other customers regarding Muenster's dog foods on both sites. Below are just examples of the reviews posted:
Takeaway
While Muenster may not be widely available beyond its native Texas, this family-owned company boasts an impressive reputation built over nearly a century. Emphasizing the use of local ingredients, Muenster is both reputable and committed to quality, with no recall history.
Despite its limited store presence, the brand provides a diverse range of recipes, catering to both grain-inclusive and grain-free dietary preferences. With a commitment to meeting AAFCO standards and a lack of any recall history, Muenster consistently earns positive reviews.
The inconvenience of limited in-store availability is mitigated by the option to conveniently order online. Notably, Muenster's custom dog food feature adds an appealing dimension, allowing pet owners to tailor recipes to meet their specific needs.