Raw foods may be the big thing right now, but many remain kibble fans. They are easy to store and serve. Lots of dogs enjoy munching on crunchy kibbles, and their texture also helps clean dogs’ teeth.
WellMade by Cloud Star is an excellent grain-free kibble and wet food brand that makes holistic recipes with no fillers. It’s designed to build everything your dog needs to stay healthy without breaking your wallet or causing inconvenience.
Let’s take a look at the WellMade Dog Food line to see if it could be a good choice for your dog.
Brand Quick Look
Parent Company: White Bridge Pet Brands
Founded in: 1999
Manufactured by: Cloud Star
Made in: USA
Available at: Chewy, Amazon,
Types of Food: Dry, wet, treats
Real Meat in First 5 Ingredients? : Yes (canned foods), No (meat meals – kibble)
Recalled in Past? : No
Behind the Brand
Cloud Star offers a range of dog food and treats brands, all inspired by holistic recipes and wholesome ingredients. The company began by making dog treats in 1999 and has built a company based on offering better quality foods for pet owners who are bothered by what’s in cheap kibbles.
Cloud Star got started when founder Jennifer Melton adopted a picky German Shepherd named Samantha. Samantha was prone to allergies, and commercial kibbles only made the issues worse. Melton decided to create her own treats to help her dog get over chronic allergies.
Cloud Star is known for its wide selection of dog treats, but WellMade is its grain-free, baked kibble and canned food line. It uses a blend of meats and veggies to provide dogs with sustenance, energy, and immune system support.
This grain-free dry dog food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of adult dogs of all breeds and sizes. It is primarily made with lamb meal, a concentrated protein source rich in amino acids, helping dogs maintain lean muscles while providing the necessary fats for energy.
The inclusion of peas and lentils, though not ideal due to potential health concerns, is balanced by the absence of less desirable ingredients like corn, soy, and artificial fillers.
The recipe uses canola oil instead of chicken fat, which is somewhat controversial in the pet food industry but complements the naturally higher fat content of lamb.
The kibble is baked, giving it a treat-like consistency, which may be easier for senior dogs with dental issues. It has been well-received by many dogs, particularly those with sensitivities, though some dogs are not fans of the taste.
Overall, this food offers a balanced and nutritious option for dogs, especially those with sensitivities or allergies, and is worth considering for dog owners looking to improve their pets' diet.
Real, protein-packed chicken meal is the topmost ingredient. This is also a grain-free kibble made to meet the nutritional needs of adult canines of all breeds and sizes.
This grain-free dry dog food is designed for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes and is made with only 7 ingredients, plus vitamins and minerals. It offers a balanced meal that is not overly meat-heavy and includes vegetables but without an excess of fruits and veggies.
The main protein source is chicken meal, providing 24% protein, which is lower than many grain-free brands but still sufficient for adult dogs. Chicken fat supplies essential omega 6 fatty acids, while flaxseeds provide omega 3s, supporting overall health, including skin and coat.
The recipe uses easily digestible tapioca as its main carbohydrate source and includes peas and lentils for added fiber and protein. It is free from corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. The kibble is oven-baked and minimally processed, making it a healthier option.
This food is highly rated, with pet parents praising its taste and suitability for dogs with specific needs, such as lower phosphorus levels. The kibble's shape and texture are ideal for dogs of all sizes, especially small breeds.
All in all, it's a well-rounded, grain-free formula that offers a nutritious alternative for dogs that do not require a high-protein diet.
Made with duck meal, chickpeas and peas, it is is packed with high-quality protein and nutritious fiber. This kibble is even oven-baked, to lock in flavor and nutrition.
This grain-free kibble is designed to meet the nutritional needs of adult dogs of all breeds and sizes. It features duck meal as the sole protein source, making it ideal for dogs with sensitivities to chicken or beef.
The food is oven-baked for a crunchy texture and rich flavor, and it includes high-quality ingredients like flaxseeds for omega-3 fatty acids and chickpeas, peas, and tapioca for fiber and carbohydrates.
The recipe avoids low-value fillers like corn, wheat, or soy, and does not include organ meats. Chicken fat is used to provide essential omega-6 fatty acids without triggering allergies.
While many dogs enjoy the flavor, some are less enthusiastic. The food has received mixed reviews, with most pet owners appreciating its quality ingredients and suitability for sensitive dogs.
However, one buyer noted that the food went rancid halfway through the bag. Overall, it’s considered a valuable option for dogs needing a single-source protein diet.
4. Baked Large Breed Chicken Meal, Peas, & Lentils Recipe
Specially made for large breeds, each bite of this tasty kibble is baked to lock in the flavor and crunchy texture dogs love, plus the size of the kibble is perfect so large breed dogs can really enjoy the fullness of every meal.
Another grain-free food formulated for adult large breed dogs. The kibble size and shape are specifically designed for big dogs, encouraging them to chew thoroughly.
The recipe features chicken meal as the primary protein source, providing essential amino acids for muscle maintenance, along with vitamins B3, B6, phosphorus, and selenium.
The food includes chicken fat for omega-6 fatty acids and flaxseed for omega-3s, supporting overall health, including skin, coat, and inflammation reduction.
Carbohydrates and fiber come from peas, lentils, and tapioca, which are easy to digest and beneficial for digestive health. The kibble also contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health, which is crucial for large breeds.
This minimally processed, oven-baked food has received positive feedback from pet owners, particularly those with dogs that have sensitive stomachs.
The large kibble size helps prevent overeating, and the formula is suitable for big dogs that don't need a high-protein diet, though it may not be ideal for very active dogs. Overall, it's a well-balanced option for large breeds with sensitivities.
Specifically formulated for weight management, this food is made with recognizable ingredients including chicken meal, peas and lentils. Contains ample fiber content to shed those extra pounds away.
This grain-free dry dog food is designed to help adult dogs of all breeds and sizes lose weight or maintain their ideal weight. It has a higher protein and fiber content but much lower fat compared to other Cloud Star recipes. The primary protein source is chicken meal, providing 26% protein to support lean muscle mass, without using chicken organs.
Chicken fat, a source of omega-6 fatty acids, is included but in lower amounts, making this formula lower in fat. Flaxseed, peas, lentils, and dried beet pulp add dietary fiber, aiding digestion and helping dogs feel fuller longer. Tapioca serves as the main carbohydrate source, easy on sensitive stomachs.
The recipe is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals but lacks L-carnitine, often found in weight management formulas to help metabolize fat. The kibble is minimally processed, grain-free, and contains no artificial additives. It's suitable for sensitive dogs who need to manage their weight, with feedback from pet owners indicating high palatability despite the lower fat content.
To sum it up, this recipe offers a balanced option for weight management, especially for dogs that are sensitive to proteins other than chicken.
This is a grain-free wet food suitable for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes. It features shredded chicken and salmon in sauce, providing a dual-protein meal that's easy to chew, even for older dogs.
The main ingredient is chicken, offering essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support lean muscle mass. Salmon adds more protein, flavor, and omega-3 fatty acids, making it ideal for dogs with certain protein allergies.
The recipe also includes pea protein, dried egg products, green beans, and carrots, adding nutritional value and texture. Sunflower oil provides omega-6 fatty acids, while salmon supplies omega-3s. This formula is free from grains, gluten, artificial enhancers, and carrageenan.
Pet parents have given this product high praise, noting its palatability, quality ingredients, and appealing smell. It’s one of the brand’s best-rated products, highly recommended for its taste and nutritional benefits.
A grain-free wet dog food suitable for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes. This dual-protein recipe combines chicken and beef, with chicken being the more dominant ingredient. It features shredded meat in a beef broth-based gravy, making it flavorful and moist.
While it excludes nutrient-rich organs like liver and heart, it's ideal for dogs who prefer or already consume organs separately.
The beef provides protein, iron, zinc, selenium, and essential vitamins, while the chicken adds further protein. Supplementary sources like pea protein and dried egg product enhance the amino acid content.
The recipe also includes carrots and apples for added fiber, flavor, and nutrients, including vitamins B, C, and A.
For essential fatty acids, it uses sunflower oil (omega-6) and tuna oil (omega-3), supporting overall health. The food is free from grains, gluten, carrageenan, and artificial additives.
While many pet parents appreciate the product's quality and affordability, it hasn't been as popular with dogs as the brand's chicken and salmon recipe.
Some dogs enjoy the beef and chicken combination, but others are less enthusiastic, with some owners noting a higher water content. Overall, it has good ingredients but hasn't converted picky eaters as effectively as other recipes.
What types of dog food do they offer?
There are two different lines of foods with WellMade. Baked kibbles are lightly processed to make them shelf-stable and preserve the natural ingredients. The wet foods use high-quality meats as the first ingredient to provide stable proteins and keep dogs feeling full all day.
The foods don’t have any cheap fillers and never use any artificial colors or flavors. They’re grain-free and contain only quality sources of meat and veggies. They use a handful of essential ingredients as the starting point, and all are balanced for all-day energy.
However, they do not use organ meats such as liver, heart, or lung. If offal or organs are something you want to include in your dog’s diet, this brand is not the one for your pup.
While nutrient-dense, not having organs in a dog’s diet is not necessarily a bad thing. They still get all of the nutrients required for a complete and balanced diet, and the dogs can also get their organ fix from treats, and the nutrients from supplements.
The products are formulated for adults and all breed sizes, except for the large breed formula. They don’t have a puppy-specific formula so check with your vet before using the recipes for your puppy.
Baked Kibble
Chicken Meal, Peas, and Lentils
Chicken Meal, Peas, and Lentils Large Breed
Chicken Meal, Peas, and Lentils Light
Duck Meal, Chickpeas, and Peas
Lamb Meal, Lentils, and Peas
Wet Food
Homestyle Meals: Everyday Fall Feast with Turkey
Homestyle Meals: Mediterranean Grill with Lamb
Homestyle Meals: Salmon Stuffed Chicken
Homestyle Meals: Savory Stew With Beef
Homestyle Meals: Slow Cooker Chicken
Recall History
No products from Cloud Star have been recalled as of writing this review. They’ve been in business for about 20 years, so that’s a great record.
They follow strict protocols for producing and handling the foods, so there’s less risk of contamination. We always appreciate a clean track record.
Customer Reviews
Customers like that the recipes are well made and have a variety of protein sources. Owners of picky pets are relieved that wet foods also have a lot of variety and use plenty of quality ingredients. Foods are well rated with around four stars for most recipes and rated favorably by a few trusted dog food reviewers.
What Customers Like and Dislike about it?
Fans of the foods appreciate the quality ingredients and that there are no artificial flavors or colors. Many dogs who are allergic to cheap fillers or grains can also find some relief from these recipes. They’re not super expensive compared to some of the premium foods on the market.
One of the downsides is the heavy use of peas and lentils in these recipes. A recent study showed a possible connection between the use of these ingredients and an enlarged heart. We would consult with our vet before deciding officially to use these recipes.
They are a little more expensive than your average kibble, and some of the higher protein formulas may cause excess gas at first. Pay close attention to serving size because you often feed less per serving with premium kibbles.
It’s definitely an improvement over cheap kibble, but if you’ve got the budget, there could be some pea and lentil free alternatives that suit your dog. Most people, however, did notice an improvement in their dog’s health.
Positive
“With the kibble being baked instead of extruded I think it would be a great option for picky dogs. It looks and smells completely different than normal kibble. Has the consistency more of a baked treat than kibble. My dog also has a lot of allergies so with the ingredient list being so short its helped greatly with her itching.” Andrew, chewy.com
Negative
“Thought we would give this a try as it looked like a very good quality value. Unfortunately, all three boys did not seem to agree.” TexRanger, chewy.com
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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.
