Sportmix has been in business since the 1920s. It’s designed to fit sporting dogs and provide pets excellent energy and the building blocks for strong muscles. It uses meat meals to concentrate proteins and a blend of ingredients for balanced carbs.
They’re decidedly midwestern, both in location and in overall aesthetic, and that tone follows throughout the brand. They have a few different options for dogs, including one that’s a “wholesome” line. Let’s look to see if Sportmix measures up.
Brand Quick Look
Parent Company: Midwestern Pet Foods (Nunn Milling Company)
Founded in: 1926
Made in: USA
Made by: Midwestern owned facilities in the Midwest
Available at: Chewy, Amazon, Walmart
Types of Food: Dry
Real Meat in First 5 Ingredients? : No (meat meal)
Recalled in Past? : Yes, there has been a recent recall
Midwestern Pet Foods is a family owned company that produces foods intended to satisfy the high protein requirements of sporting dogs. They’ve been in business a long time but have remained a family-owned company through several generations.
The company operates in four different facilities across the Midwest. They use recipes tested for efficacy and often retool formulas to help provide pets with things they really need. Their formulas are good options for those who need more protein and are looking to remove a few ingredients from foods including a lot of cheap fillers.
They still operate with the same family and the same parent company, which also makes one other holistic style of dog food. Their facilities are routinely inspected and have, in the past, adhered to the highest safety standards.
However, recent troubling news have come to light about serious safety issues concerning some of the brand’s food ranges for dogs and cats. (More on this in the Sportmix Recall History section below.)
Sportmix Dog Food Review
1. Wholesomes Chicken Meal & Chickpea Formula
First 5 ingredients: Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Peas, Chickpeas, Chicken Fat
A highly digestible, gluten and grain free formula to support your dog’s overall nutrition. This kibble is made using a premium protein source plus a blend of farm-grown vegetables and fruits to provide the energy and nutrients needed for his daily activities.
This is a grain-free dry food formulated for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes. This dog food is also gluten-free, making it ideal for adult dogs sensitive to grains and gluten. It is formulated to provide a well-balanced meal for dogs.
Made with chicken meal, this kibble has high quality protein to help dogs maintain lean and strong muscles. Chicken meal is a highly concentrated protein source that also gives the kibbles the savory chicken goodness that dogs enjoy. Dried egg product serves as an additional source of protein.
Instead of wheat, corn, or soy, this meal sources of carbohydrates are potatoes, peas, and chickpeas. These are nutrient-rich complex carbs that help sustain the energy needed by dogs to run and play.
This antioxidant formula is fortified with vitamin A and vitamin C along with nutrient-rich vegetables and fruits like apples, blueberries, cranberries, carrots, and spinach. Antioxidants help support cellular health, and strengthen the immune system.
This formula’s source of healthy fat is chicken fat. Chicken fat provides essential fatty acids and gives the kibbles a boost of flavor. This chicken meal and chickpea recipe is enriched with omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids that promote healthy skin and lustrous coats. This recipe also has L-carnitine, which helps dogs maintain healthy weights.
Feedback from pet parents has been great for this one. The highly palatable chicken kibbles are a hit among their pups.
The well-balanced formula seems to be doing wonders for dogs with sensitive stomachs. At 24% protein, it is not too meat-rich. Some dogs’ digestive systems are not suited for diets with a high meat percentage. Many sensitive dogs seem to be thriving on this grain-free recipe.
Pet parents find good value in every bag of this recipe. It costs less than many grain-free foods, their dogs happily finish their meals, and the food has high quality, natural ingredients.
2. Wholesomes Large Breed with Chicken Meal & Rice Formula
First 5 ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Chicken Fat, Rice Bran
Enriched with chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, this recipe aids in maintaining healthy joints in large breed dogs. A unique diet specifically designed for dogs over 60 pounds.
This is a grain-inclusive dry food for large breed adult pups. It is specially formulated for the nutritional needs of adult dogs who weigh over 60 lbs. Made of wholesome grains and high quality protein source, this recipe helps big dogs stay healthy and active.
With chicken meal as the main protein source, pet parents can be assured that their big pups get only high quality protein to help strengthen their dogs’ muscles. Chicken fat provides the essential fatty acids needed by dogs. It is also packed with flavors that enhance the palatability of this dry food.
This is free from cheap fillers such as corn, wheat, or soy. It is made with wholesome grains such as brown rice, brewers rice, and rice bran. These grains provide the carbohydrates that dogs need to stay active.
The healthy grains in this chicken meal recipe are also high in fiber. Fiber aids digestion by helping move food along the digestive tract. It also helps large pups feel full in between meals. This is quite important as large breed dogs tend to pack on excess weight, which could be detrimental to their joint health.
To support big dogs’ joint health, it has glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. Glucosamine helps alleviate the symptoms of joint damage by boosting the repair of damaged cartilage, specifically articular cartilage, or the moist, spongy material that forms a cushion between joints.
Chondroitin sulfate promotes water retention and elasticity in the cartilage, helping to ensure adequate shock absorption and nourishment of the tissues that line the joint.
Enriched with L-carnitine, this chicken meal recipe also helps dogs’ metabolic health. It helps them burn fat and maintain healthy weights. Aside from vitamins and minerals, this Wholesomes recipe for large pups also has omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids that promote healthy skin and coats.
This is one of the brand’s highest rated products. Several large breed dog owners noticed increased activity and mobility in their pups since being switched to this recipe. They credit this food's joint health supplements for helping their big dogs become more active.
Other pet parents love this recipe as it has helped improve their pups’ digestion. The dogs digestive issues were resolved, and they now have better stool quality.
Overall, this formula is great for big dogs with sensitive stomachs. Dogs enjoy the rich chicken flavors, and the fiber from the healthy grains seems to benefit their tummies. It also helps that this food is quite affordable, as feeding large dogs can become quite expensive.
3. Wholesomes Beef Meal & Chickpea Formula
First 5 ingredients: Beef Meal, Potatoes, Peas, Chickpeas, Canola Oil
This beef recipe is devoid of any grains, gluten, soy, wheat, corn and preservatives. This is enriched with healthy fats, antioxidants and vitamin A and C for a complete meal.
Here we have another grain-free dry food formulated for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes. This tasty meal for dogs is packed with nutrition from natural, high quality ingredients. It is free from fillers such as wheat, corn, or soy.
The most plentiful ingredient in this grain-free recipe is beef meal. Beef meal is a high quality, concentrated source of protein. Many dogs love the rich flavor of beef. This recipe has no other meat protein, making it ideal for dogs sensitive to certain proteins. However, it does contain dried egg product as an additional protein source.
This Wholesomes recipe’s sources of carbohydrates are nutritious vegetables such as potatoes, peas, and chickpeas. Chickpeas are high in fiber and also have protein that can help dogs keep leaner muscle mass.
This antioxidant formula is fortified with vitamin A and vitamin C, along with nutrient-rich vegetables and fruits like apples, blueberries, cranberries, carrots and spinach.
They help promote a strong immune system, as well as good cellular health. These wholesome produce are also high in fiber, which helps improve dogs’ digestion and stool quality.
This has balanced levels of omega3 and omega 6 fatty acids that promote healthy skin and glossy coats. It also has L-carnitine to help dogs maintain healthy weights. This grain and gluten-free dry dog food has no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
This is another hit among dogs. They love the meaty flavors of its kibbles. It has been great for many dogs who have been suffering from skin issues due to allergies.
According to their owners, the dogs’ skin showed significant improvement once they were switched to this beef meal recipe. Some of these dogs previously had to have steroid injections to alleviate the itching.
Sensitive tummies have also found a good match in this SPORTMiX Wholesomes recipe. The well-balanced formulation seems to benefit the pups’ digestion and stool quality.
A few dogs who were overweight also lost some of their excess pounds soon after their food was changed to this formula. They now have higher energy and activity levels.
4. Wholesomes Whitefish Meal & Chickpea Formula
First 5 ingredients: Whitefish Meal, Potatoes, Peas, Chickpeas, Canola Oil
For pets who are hypersensitive, this fish formula might suit them. Made from whitefish fish and has zero allergy-causing components (grain, gluten, soy, wheat, corn). This is also fortified with Omegas to boost coat and skin health.
This is a grain-free dry dog food for adult pups of all breeds and sizes. If your dog prefers fish recipes, this grain and gluten-free formula could be the one for him.
Designed to be highly digestible, this recipe has whitefish meal as its most plentiful ingredient. Whitefish meal is a high quality, concentrated source of protein that is easy to digest.
It is also naturally rich in omega fatty acids that promote healthy skin and shiny coats. Dried egg product provides additional protein to this recipe. No other meat proteins are included, making it ideal for pups sensitive to other animal proteins.
The main source of healthy fat is canola oil. It is quite low in saturated fat. This whitefish meal recipe is also enriched in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. It also has L-carnitine to help dogs maintain healthy weights.
The sources of carbs in this recipe are not cheap fillers like corn, wheat, or soy. It has complex carbs like peas, potatoes, and chickpeas. These veggies are easy to digest, and have nutrients as well as fiber.
Fiber helps improve dogs’ digestion, and also keeps them feeling full until their next meal. Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables are also included to promote cellular health and strong immune systems.
This is another product from the brand that has received numerous good comments from pet parents. Like other Wholesomes recipes, it has also helped dogs’ skin allergies and digestion issues improve tremendously. Even ear infections have cleared up since the dogs were switched to this recipe.
However, a handful of customers noticed a change in the kibble size. Their dogs also seem to like the food from previous bags of this recipe.
Overall, if your dog requires a grain and gluten-free fish recipe that is not too high in protein, it is definitely worth a try. It has helped clear up many dogs’ skin and digestive issues, and the price is not too high for the quality of its ingredients.
This recipe is specially formulated to give dogs the long-lasting energy, strength and mental focus they need to carry out their daily duties. Omega fatty acids help encourage healthy skin, vision and a shiny coat.
This is a grain-free dry dog food specially formulated for the nutritional needs of highly active adult pups. It is packed with nutrients that will help keep them healthy. The protein, fat and carb levels are optimized to help sustain their energy needs,
At 32% protein. This recipe helps working and athletic dogs build lean and strong muscles. It’s main source of protein is chicken meal. Chicken meal is a high quality, concentrated source of protein that is easy to digest. Krill meal serves as an additional source of protein that is naturally high in omega fatty acids.
This has the brand’s exclusive Xtreme Pack. The revolutionary Xtreme Pack provides extreme supplemental nutrition to power active dogs and enable them to perform.
The new cutting-edge ingredient, Antarctic krill meal, brings a new source of sustainable omega 3 fatty acids to the formula. According to the brand’s website, krill is virtually free of heavy metals and other toxins unlike other sources of omega 3 fatty acids.
The krill used in the recipe is sourced from Antarctica, and SPORTMiX’s supplier is the only krill supplier certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
Made without cheap fillers, the sources of carbohydrates in this formula are peas and flaxseed. It contains no corn, wheat, or soy. It also contains highly nutritious fruits and vegetables.
It has apples, blueberries, carrots, spinach and cranberries. These produce are rich in antioxidants that help promote cellular health and strengthen the immune system.
Aside from omega fatty acids, CanineX has EPA and DHA which support the health of several vital organs, including the heart, kidney, liver, joints, brain, eyes, skin and coat.
L-carnitine which benefits muscle development and fat utilization. It is enriched with taurine and beta-carotene that promote good vision and heart health.
This recipe for active pups has vitamins E and C, as well as choline, chelated minerals and potassium that help support dogs’ teeth, bones, immune and nervous systems.
This recipe also has probiotics to help dogs absorb more of its nutrients. Many holistic experts believe that probiotics improve digestion, which allows the body to absorb more nutrients, instead of turning them to waste.
Active and working dog owners love this dog food. According to them, their dogs skin and coat quality significantly improved after they were fed this recipe. They now have very glossy coats that they did not have before.
Dogs with sensitive stomachs are also doing well with this recipe. While it is quite high in protein at 32%, this chicken meal recipe is not too rich for the active dogs’ tummies. The flavor packed kibbles are enjoyed by their dogs, too.
However, feedback from some pet owners say that the fish smell of this food is quite strong. You may need to keep this chicken and krill meal recipe in an airtight container.
6. Wholesomes with Lamb Meal & Rice Formula
First 5 ingredients: Lamb Meal, Brown Rice, White Rice, Peas, Pea Starch
Crafted without the use of common grains, it is a safe bet for sensitive dogs. Delicious lamb is the top ingredient plus a good dose of omega fatty acids to aid in developing healthy skin and lustrous coat.
This is a grain-inclusive dry food for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes. According to the company, this recipe is designed to help sensitive dogs improve their skin and coat condition. Like their other recipes, it has no artificial enhancers such as flavors, colors, or preservatives.
If you are looking for a high meat, grain-inclusive recipe, this may not be the one. However, the most plentiful ingredient is lamb meal, which is a high quality concentrated source of protein.
Many dogs with skin issues do well on salmon or lamb recipes. Beef meal and dried egg product added as a supplementary source of protein. Beef meal also adds a meatier flavor to the tasty kibbles.
The sources of carbohydrates in this recipe are wholesome grains like brown and white rice. These grains are high in fiber which helps improve digestion. Fiber helps move food along the digestive tract and improve stool quality. With healthy digestion, comes better absorption of nutrients. Peas and rice bran also add energy-giving carbs to this recipe.
Unlike other recipes, SPORTMiX Wholesomes with Lamb Meal & Rice Formula does not have many fruits and vegetables in its ingredients. The ingredient list is actually pretty simple. It also does not have corn, wheat, or soy.
It is fortified with vitamins and minerals to ensure a complete and balanced meal. To help improve dogs’ skin and coat health, it is enriched with omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.
Numerous dogs seem to love the lamb and beef flavors on this one. They gobble up the kibbles and really enjoy their meals. Sensitive dogs’ skin have cleared up since being switched to his recipe, according to their owners.
While many dogs’ digestion improved on this lamb and rice recipe, a few dogs’ tummies did not seem to agree with it. Every dog is different, so it really comes down to whether your dog does better on high meat recipes or high fiber ones.
Overall, it is still a recommended recipe, especially if you are looking for a simple, grain-inclusive food for your pup. It has only wholesome grains and is made of high quality protein.
7. Wholesomes Fish Meal and Rice Recipe
First 5 Ingredients: Menhaden Fish Meal, Brown Rice, Rice Flour, Rice Bran, Chicken Fat
Premium menhaden fish meal is the primary source of protein, lowering the chance of any allergic reactions. This is crafted to help support immune function and digestion using a single, premium protein source.
Wholesome Fish and Rice recipe is specifically designed to help support the immune system of active dogs. It uses a menhaden fish meal, a concentrated source of protein with good fats and a balance of carbohydrates to make sure working dogs are full and energetic all day long.
It doesn’t use any corn or soy, which are often cheap fillers designed to give your dogs energy but add extra calories. Unlike some of Sportmix’s other recipes, this one uses alternative ingredients for energy levels.
It’s also free of artificial preservatives which can cause digestive issues and some skin irritations in a small number of dogs. It has excellent omega fatty acid sources to support healthy skin and coat and helps keep the immune system working.
Vegetable fibers support digestive health. If your dog often has allergic reactions to other foods, this one using a single protein source could be an excellent way to eliminate that and reset digestion. Sporting dogs sometimes need help maintaining normal digestion because of higher amounts of protein consumed, so this can really help.
It doesn’t use any potatoes or peas, a common issue when switching to grain free recipes. These ingredients could have a link to increased chances of an enlarged heart or Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy.
It’s good food if your dogs are working dogs or often have allergies. If your dog tends to lay around the house, this formula may not be necessary considering the higher amounts of fat and protein.
If your dog doesn’t expend that kind of energy, this recipe or other recipes from the company just may not be that necessary.
Designed to meet the requirements of highly active dogs and high stress working dogs that need to stay energized throughout the day. Featuring a delicious chicken flavor, it is also filled with flaxseed to boost his coat and skin health.
Another grain-inclusive dry food that is designed to meet the demanding nutritional requirements of highly active dogs. This formula is for adult dogs who participate in competition events, or high stress working dogs.
This recipe has 24:20 protein to fat ratio. Most of its 24% protein content come from meat meal. Meat meal is considered a subpar ingredient as it is an unnamed animal ingredient. The animals or animal parts it has are not specified, making this recipe not ideal for dogs who are sensitive to certain proteins.
Chicken by-product meal and menhaden fish meal give this recipe additional protein, as well as flavor. While menhaden fish meal is a high quality protein source, chicken by-product meal is not as high quality as real chicken or chicken meal.
The main source of carbs in this recipe is ground yellow corn. This formula's supplementary carb sources are much better in quality. It has flaxseed and brewers rice. These are high fiber ingredients that help improve dogs’ digestion.
Chicken fat provides this formula with essential fatty acids. Not only does chicken fat fuels active dogs’ energy levels, it also gives this recipe a rich and savory flavor that dogs love. It has omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to help promote skin and coat health.
This recipe has no artificial enhancers like colors, flavors, or preservatives.
While this dry dog food contains unnamed animal ingredients, by-product meals, and corn, it seems to be doing wonders for highly active dogs who need to put on weight.
The high fat percentage helped the dogs, most working German Shepherd dogs gain healthy weights. After trying numerous dog foods, this meal is the one that really helped their pups.
According to pet parents, their sensitive dogs’ skin and coats have improved when they switched to this recipe. Their skin are no longer itchy, and their coats are thick and shiny.
The product's ingredient list may not be stellar, but it has definitely improved the weights and overall health of numerous active pups. It is also quite affordable compared to many brands of foods designed for highly active dogs.
9. Wholesomes Heidi's Jerky Sticks
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Peas, Pea Starch, Water, Coconut Glycerin
These jerky sticks are crafted using USA-raised chicken and egg proteins plus wholesome farm-grown veggies that are fiber rich. This is a health-conscious formula with no artificial flavors or colors plus gluten and grain free!
These are grain-free treats for adult pups of any size or breed. If your dog prefers softer, moist treats, this could be the perfect bag of treats for him.
These jerky sticks are easy to break into little pieces for smaller pups, or to give as training rewards. They can also be given as a snack to your pup.
Made with chicken meal, these moist jerky sticks are actually 26% protein. Chicken meal gives these treats easy to digest protein and highly palatable flavor. Chicken fat gives them an even richer flavor that dogs instinctively crave.
This jerky sticks’ meaty yet soft texture make it the perfect treat for senior pups, or those who no longer have all of their teeth. It is also grain and gluten-free which makes it perfect for sensitive pups.
It has received rave reviews from pet parents. Their dogs go nuts for these soft and tasty treats. The dogs simply cannot get enough of its rich chicken goodness. As it has quite a strong smell, pups can smell it from afar and come running when you open a bag.
This is a highly recommended bag of treats. It has high quality ingredients, it is packed with flavor, and can be enjoyed even by senior pups. Even dogs with sensitive tummies are enjoying these treats without getting tummy aches afterward.
What Types Of Dog Food Do They Offer?
They offer only dry foods, but they do have a few options for those. Some are life stage specific, and others are size specific. They all use meat meals as their primary protein source for a denser protein option than standard whole meats.
Original Formula
This formula uses meat meals to give dogs higher levels of protein while balancing carbs for all-day energy. They use fillers such as corn in the second or third ingredient, so if your dog is sensitive, it may not be suitable.
High Protein
Small Bites
Premium
This recipe is intended for those dogs who are competing or used in sports. Higher levels of protein give their muscles plenty of tone and provide them with energy all day long despite grueling levels of activity. It addresses the stresses of working dogs by adding supplemental flax seed and omega fatty acids for proper digestion and a healthy skin and coat.
One word of caution about the Premium series. It uses “meat meals” without naming the protein source and corn as the first two ingredients. Corn can give your sporting dog plenty of energy, but if your dog doesn’t participate in that kind of activity, it can make it difficult to control your dog’s weight correctly.
Energy Plus
High Energy
Maintenance
Stamina
Puppy Small Bites
CanineX
CanineX is a recipe built for adding muscle. It’s a performance style food that’s a gluten-free alternative to other recipes and contains no corn or soy.
For dogs that have food sensitivities, this would be the one to get. It also uses omega fatty acids and glucosamine plus chondroitin for healthy joints and skin.
Beef Meal and Vegetables
Chicken Meal and Vegetables
Wholesomes
The Wholesomes line is the broadest range for Sportmix. It uses healthier carbohydrates plus single source proteins to provide dogs with the right balance for energy all day. It uses no cheap fillers such as corn or soy and contains fewer ingredients to help make it easier for your companion to digest.
Beef Meal and Rice
Chicken Meal and Rice
Lamb Meal and Rice
Fish Meal and Rice
Large Breed Chicken Meal and Rice
Performance Chicken Meal and Rice (for working or sporting dogs)
Recall History
Sportsmix has never been troubled by recalls until just this December 30, 2020, then expanded their recall just this January 2021, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration posted a recall notice by Sportsmix manufacturer, Midwestern Pet Foods.
As many as 110 dogs are reported to have been fatally affected after ingesting nine lots of Sportmix dog food, while a total of 210 have gotten sick.
New reports also stated that the company distributed the contaminated products in over 35 countries, USA included.
Aflatoxin, a poison, is produced by the Aspergillus flavus mold that grows on corn and other grains. Symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning include:
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Sluggishness
Jaundice
If you see any signs of these in your pet, contact a veterinarian immediately.
The recall involves the following food:
1. Sportmix Energy Plus, 50 lb. bag
Exp 03/02/22/05/L2
Exp 03/02/22/05/L3
Exp 03/03/22/05/L2
2. Sportmix Energy Plus, 44 lb. bag
Exp 03/02/22/05/L3
3. Sportmix Premium High Energy, 50 lb. bag
Exp 03/03/22/05/L3
4. Sportmix Premium High Energy, 44 lb. bag
Exp 03/03/22/05/L3
5. Sportmix Original Cat, 31 lb. bag
Exp 03/03/22/05/L3
6. Sportmix Original Cat, 15 lb. bag
Exp 03/03/22/05/L2
Exp 03/03/22/05/L3
Just recently, March 26, 2021, Midwestern Pet Foods of Evansville, Indiana issued another voluntary recall on their product lines because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.
August 9, 2021 – US FDA issued a formal warning against Midwestern Pet Foods Inc. and their pet food brands after their inspection at their facility concluded some serious violations.
The Missouri Department of Agriculture collected and analyzed samples of the product “SPORTMiX High Energy Dog Food” with expiration dates of February 6, 2022 and March 3, 2022 for the presence of mycotoxins. Analytical results identified elevated levels of aflatoxin above 20 parts per billion (ppb).
The authorities claimed that the condition of the company's facilities may likely contributed to the death/illness of pets.
If you have purchased any food with the mentioned lot numbers, you can return them to the place of purchase. You can also contact Midwestern Pet Foods.
Thoroughly clean and sanitize all utensils that have been touched by the food.
Customer Reviews
Most customers were pleased with the way Sportmix supported their high energy dog’s needs. Sporting and working dogs received the most benefit from this type of formula, and the company has three and a half stars and above on most of their food recipes.
The protein levels helped keep athletic dogs from losing too much muscle mass and weight during grueling days, and the balance of carbs was a great way to keep dogs feeling energetic. Most customers in this range were pleased although they expressed a desire for a wet option from time to time.
What Do People Like And Dislike About Them?
Customers like that the food has a higher protein content than many other dog foods, getting rid of excess moisture and unnecessary ingredients like soy. Excellent levels of omega fatty acids and in some recipes glucosamine and chondroitin helped support athletic dogs and keep joints healthy.
One common complaint with some of the recipes, and in particular the Premium line, is that the company chooses to use chicken by-product meals for an ingredient in the first five listed, which can be an allergic trigger for many dogs. It’s a lower quality ingredient in most cases.
The Premium mixes have unnamed “meat meals” which makes it difficult to prove where the meat is coming from. Although the company does claim to use only premium meat portions, traditionally meat meal has been lower quality parts of the animal. Talk to your vet first.
Some of Sportmix’s recipes also use corn as the second ingredient. Corn can be a source of high energy, but it’s not considered a premium ingredient. Consider carefully what your dog thrives on before you consider those recipes. If your dog isn’t a high energy sporting dog, corn may provide too many empty calories.
Positive
“This food has literally saved our pitbull from a lifetime of misery due to her skin issues. For 4 years we were constantly back & forth to the vet, on numerous rounds of countless medications, prescription food, you name it we did it…We're happy to report that after a year on Sportmix Wholesomes fish meal & rice, our girl has a healthy shiny coat, & all of her “hot spots” are gone!…”NurseB, chewy.com
Negative
“When I opened the first bag I noticed a strong rotten fish sort of odor. Thought this was weird since it’s beef. Filled the first bowl and never had to fill again. Both of my dogs (Cane Corso and Chesapeake) would not touch the food. Both of them are far from picky. Might have gotten a bad batch, but I’m not trying again” Warren, chewy.com
Our Verdict
Sportmix Dog Food offers a budget-friendly solution aimed at active dogs, but it comes with both pros and cons. While it can meet the basic nutritional needs of many dogs, it may not be suitable for all due to ingredient quality and recent safety concerns.
Pros:
Affordable: It is a cost-effective option for dog owners on a budget.
Variety: The brand offers several formulas designed for active, high-energy dogs, including dry kibble and treats.
Basic Nutrition: Provides essential protein and fats, especially for dogs with high energy needs.
Cons:
Use of Fillers: Many of their formulas rely on corn, wheat, and soy, which may not be ideal for dogs with sensitivities or allergies.
Lower-Quality Ingredients: Compared to premium brands, they lack high-quality protein sources like fresh meats and whole foods.
Recent Recall: In late 2020, Sportmix was involved in a serious recall linked to high levels of aflatoxins, a toxin produced by mold found in grains. The recall affected multiple batches of their pet foods and was associated with the deaths of several pets. This raises valid concerns about the brand’s quality control and ingredient sourcing.
While Sportmix can be a viable option for budget-conscious owners with active dogs, the brand’s reliance on lower-quality ingredients and the recent recall should be carefully considered.
If you prioritize premium nutrition or are concerned about safety, it might be worth exploring other brands with stronger quality control and higher-grade ingredients.
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For an impressive duration of four years, Elaine has been embarked on a voyage as a freelance writer within the domain of dog care. The profound fondness she nurtured for animals, ignited by the cherished companionship of her family's treasured pets during her developmental years, has flourished into a genuinely satisfying vocation focused on everything related to dogs.
Made in: USA
Made in: USA
