The IAMS dog food brand has been a well-established company for many years, with a large following of loyal customers that swear by this predominantly grain-inclusive pet food. But is it right for your dog? There are so many great dog food brands on the market today it can be difficult to know which one you should try. One very important note worth making when it comes to IAMS dog food is that they do offer grain-free options, though they are limited. So without further ado, we have put together this comprehensive IAMS dog food review which includes a close look at the company itself, history, including recall information, and ingredient analysis. We do all this in the hope of making your decision just a little easier.

At a Glance: 7 Best Iams Dog Food Recipes

Editor's PickProduct NamePriceRating
Best OverallIams ProActive Health Adult Large Breed Dog FoodBuy on Amazon4.6
Best High Protein FoodIAMS Adult MiniChunks Small Kibble High Protein Dry Dog FoodBuy on Amazon4.8
Veterinarian Recommended Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy Dry Dog FoodBuy on Amazon4.6
All Breed SizesIams ProActive Health Mature Adult Dry Dog FoodBuy on Amazon4.7
Best for for Healthy WeightIams ProActive Health Adult Healthy Weight Dog FoodBuy on Amazon4.6
Best for Small BreedsIams ProActive Health Minichunks Adult Dry Dog FoodBuy on Amazon4.8
Best Canned FoodIAMS ProActive Health Adult With Chicken & Whole Grain Rice Pate Canned Dog FoodBuy on Amazon4.5
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change

1 Best Overall: Iams ProActive Health Adult Large Breed Dog Food

Best Overall: Iams ProActive Health Adult Large Breed Dog Food
Key features:
  • Brand: Iams
  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Ground Whole Grain Barley, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken By-Product Meal
  • Primary Proteins: Chicken & Barley
  • Calories: 351 kcal/cup
  • Flavor: Chicken
  • Life Stage: Adult

IAMS Large Breed dog food range is designed to support your pup with various areas of their health and development, especially seeing as large breed dogs tend to continue growing and developing for longer than their small breed counterparts and generally reach full maturity and growth around 2-2.5 years of age. The use of chicken as the key source of protein provides a lean source of protein which will assist with proper muscle growth and recovery.

Furthermore, the IAMS large breed dry food recipe does not contain any fillers, meaning every element of the formula has nutritious benefits. They have also opted to avoid the use of artificial flavors preservatives or flavors, so your dog is only getting the completely natural taste of the selected ingredients. This is a recipe focussed on promoting strength and recovery – ideal for fast-growing young adult large dogs.

Ingredients:

Chicken, Ground Whole Grain Barley, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken By-Product Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Poultry Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Brewers Yeast, Dried Egg Product, Carrot, Flaxseed, Caramel Color, Dicalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Fructooligosaccharides, Calcium Carbonate, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (source of Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement (source of Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Potassium Iodide), Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Citric Acid, Rosemary Extract.

What others say about it:
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This dog food was a complete game changer for our two sweet rescues (when I say that, I mean that THEY rescued ME, not the other way around). Both our dogs suffered terribly from skin issues for years, to the point of being bald from their shoulders back EVERY summer. We knew it wasn’t fleas(they were on monthly treatments from the vet) and,after treatment after treatment for their skin, we were told to change their food. We choose Iams because of the brand’s reputation and price point. After ONE month of them eating it, BOTH of them had stopped itching and biting their fur and it had begun to grow back! Now, a year later, they have beautiful, healthy skin and coats! The biggest test was when the weather started to warm up and it was the first summer neither of them chewed themselves bald! Their coats were, and still are, beautiful and we owe it all to Iams! I suggest this food to anyone whose dog has a skin condition, because it changed the lives of our doggies forever!

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2 Best High Protein Food: IAMS Adult MiniChunks Small Kibble High Protein Dry Dog Food

Best High Protein Food: IAMS Adult MiniChunks Small Kibble High Protein Dry Dog Food
Key features:
  • Brand: IAMS
  • Allergens: Chicken, Whole Grain Corn, Whole Grain Sorghum, Dried Egg Product, Flaxseed
  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken By-Product Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp
  • Primary Proteins: Chicken
  • Calories: 380 kcal/cup
  • Flavor: Chicken & Whole Grain
  • Type: Dry Dog Food
  • Life Stage: Adult Dogs (+1)

This recipe also uses whole grains, which for some is considered a taboo dietary choice. However, if a dog is not allergic or sensitive to grains then dog owners should consider purchasing grain-inclusive food which generally offers more natural nutrition than the average dog food that excludes grains. Most IAMS pet foods use grains for their vitamins, minerals, fiber content, and carbohydrate content as a more easily digestible alternative to potato and vitamins supplements (for dogs without sensitivities).

Ingredients:

Chicken, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken By-Product Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Dried Egg Product, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Caramel Color, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (source of Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement (source of Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Potassium Iodide), Potassium Chloride, Carrot, Choline Chloride, Fructooligosaccharides, Calcium Carbonate, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Rosemary Extract.

What others say about it:
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Spike is super hard to please with dry food, but this small kibble Iams suits him. Charlie loves it, but he is always happy to eat. They used to only eat dry food for a treat; and we had to check to be sure they did. Now Charlie just sits and looks at us; so we know he deserves a treat; no need to check anymore to see if they ate dinner.

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3 Veterinarian Recommended: Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy Dry Dog Food

Veterinarian Recommended: Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy Dry Dog Food
Key features:
  • Brand: Iams
  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Corn Gluten Meal
  • Primary Proteins: Chicken
  • Calories: 373 kcal/cup
  • Flavor: Chicken
  • Life Stage: Puppy

Young pups will surely love the real chicken flavor of this IAMS Puppy Formulation. While designed for puppies of large dog breeds, we find that the formula is suitable for pretty much all puppies as it comes with the right blend of nutrients, including plenty of protein for muscle growth, and DHA for proper brain development.

The calorie content of this recipe is higher than the other formulations of the brand, highlighting its understanding of the unique energy requirements of puppies. As rambunctious as they can be they’ll be able to utilize this substantially higher energy content for their playtime and exercise activities. The Iams Smart Puppy also includes a healthy dose of micronutrients to go with its high protein and moderate fat content, ensuring optimum development and overall well-being for your tiny pup.

Check out our review of Puppy Food.

Ingredients:

Chicken, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Corn Gluten Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Fish Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dicalcium Phosphate, Salt, Brewers Yeast, Dried Egg Product, Carrot, Potassium Chloride, Caramel Color, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (source of Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement (source of Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Potassium Iodide) Choline Chloride, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), L-Lysine, Fructooligosaccharides, Calcium Carbonate, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Rosemary Extract.

What others say about it:
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Adopted a Great Pyredane puppy at 8 weeks. Fed her nothing but Iam’s Large Breed Puppy food and she averages 2.5 lbs. weight gain a week. According to her veterinarian, she is growing at a perfect pace. She is a normal, active, and healthy puppy. We’ve had other large breed dogs and fed them the super expensive dog food brands. Very pleased with the performance of Iam’s kibble and low cost is a bonus.

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4 All Breed Sizes: Iams ProActive Health Mature Adult Dry Dog Food

All Breed Sizes: Iams ProActive Health Mature Adult Dry Dog Food
Key features:
  • Brand: Iams
  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Whole Grain Barley, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum
  • Primary Proteins: Chicken & Barley
  • Calories: 349 kcal/cup
  • Flavor: Chicken
  • Life Stage: Senior

Senior dogs and those approaching their golden years will typically benefit from eating foods lower in calories and fat compared to their younger counterparts. As such, one can always consider the Iams senior dog food as it’s formulated with nutritious ingredients for overall health and vitality without being high in calories or fat.

The first two ingredients are chicken and chicken by-product meal, so the recipe is quite rich in protein. Other ingredients include whole grains such as barley and sorghum, carrots, and dried beet pulp, all of which are packed with fiber for gentle digestion. There is also l-carnitine which helps your dog’s metabolism burn fat faster, promoting a healthy weight. Of course, the formula is also fortified with all important minerals and vitamins, so it provides a 100% complete nutrition.

Ingredients:

Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Whole Grain Barley, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Brewers Dried Yeast, Dried Egg Product, Carrot, Marine Microalgae (source of DHA), Caramel Color, L-Lysine, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (source of Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement (source of Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Potassium Iodide), Calcium Carbonate, Chicken Meal, Choline Chloride, Fructooligosaccharides, Beta Carotene, L-Carnitine, Mixed Tocopherols (preservative), Citric Acid (preservative), Rosemary Extract.

What others say about it:
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Our dog is 8 and SHE’S GASSY!! Like, clear the room gassy! The problem seems to be getting worse with age, so we needed to find a food that kept the demons at bay. This stuff does the trick!! No more embarrassment when we have company. No more kicking her out of the room for fear of asphyxiation! It’s great! Plus, she loves it!

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5 Best for for Healthy Weight: Iams ProActive Health Adult Healthy Weight Dog Food

Best for for Healthy Weight: Iams ProActive Health Adult Healthy Weight Dog Food
Key features:
  • Brand: Iams
  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Ground Whole Grain Barley, Chicken By-Product Meal
  • Primary Proteins: Chicken & Barley
  • Calories: 307 kcal/cup
  • Flavor: Chicken
  • Life Stage: Adult

One of the most popular weight-control dog foods on the market, Iams Healthy Weight is definitely worth checking out if your pup is struggling with excess pounds. While made with farm-raised chicken, wholesome grains, fish oil and chicken fat, this recipe contains less fat than any other Iams formula, making it a good choice for overweight dogs.

Unlike other Iams recipes, this one doesn’t feature animal protein as its no.1 ingredient; instead, whole corn comes first, and chicken by-product meal second. While this could be an issue for highly active adult dogs, it’s not a problem for overweight pups who need lower-calorie foods. To further help your pet shed that excess weight, the recipe includes l-carnitine which supports a healthy metabolism. The formula is also supplemented with essential minerals and vitamins, offering complete and balanced nutrition.

Ingredients:

Chicken, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Ground Whole Grain Barley, Chicken By-Product Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Brewers Dried Yeast, Potassium Chloride, Dicalcium Phosphate, Salt, Caramel Color, DL-Methionine, Carrots, Flaxseed, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Fructooligosaccharides, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (source of vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement (source of vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of vitamin B6),Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Potassium Iodide), L-Carnitine, Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid (preservatives), Rosemary Extract.

What others say about it:
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We bought this food as recommended by our vet to help our girl lose some weight. After four months, she is back in a healthy weight range. She absolutely loves this food and gets excited for meal times; she did not like her old food nearly as much. As a bonus, her fur is noticeably softer after being on this product.

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6 Best for Small Breeds: Iams ProActive Health Minichunks Adult Dry Dog Food

Best for Small Breeds: Iams ProActive Health Minichunks Adult Dry Dog Food
Key features:
  • Brand: IAMS
  • Allergens: Chicken, Whole Grain Corn, Whole Grain Sorghum, Brewers Dried Yeast (irritant), Brewers Dried Yeast, Flaxseed
  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Dried Plain Beet Pulp
  • Primary Proteins: Chicken
  • Calories: 393 kcal/cup
  • Flavor: Chicken & Whole Grain
  • Type: Dry Dog Food
  • Life Stage: Adult Dogs (+1)

Many small breed dogs are known for being highly active, especially in their younger years. This is due to their historic purpose of being bred to hunt rodents in large homes and castles. However, over the years as those services were less in demand, small breeds adapted to life as companion dogs, spending much of their time indoors. As a result, you need to ensure they are properly protected, as pets that spend a lot of their time indoors are more prone to picking up pathogens from visitors.

This chicken and whole-grain recipe is not only great for digestibility and muscle development but also for immune system health. Unlike grain-free recipes, which rely on the addition of supplementary vitamins and minerals to compensate for those which are missed from the grains, the grain-inclusivity means your dog is getting all of the antioxidants it needs to maintain a strong immune system in a natural way.

Ingredients:

Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Brewers Dried Yeast, Dried Egg Product, Flaxseed, Caramel Color, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Potassium Chloride, Carrots, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Fructooligosaccharides, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (source of Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement (source of Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Potassium Iodide), Rosemary Extract.

What others say about it:
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My Vet recommended this food for my small dogs after my dogs for years have been on boutique food. They love it! I love it as it is real chicken with no fillers… Save money on your dogs food (save 40% on food bill) without compromising their diet and nutritional needs!

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7 Best Canned Food: IAMS ProActive Health Adult With Chicken & Whole Grain Rice Pate Canned Dog Food

Best Canned Food: IAMS ProActive Health Adult With Chicken & Whole Grain Rice Pate Canned Dog Food
Key features:
  • Brand: IAMS
  • Allergens: Chicken, Barley,  Feeding Oatmeal, Flaxseed,
  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Sufficient Water for Processing, Meat By-Products, Brown Rice, Barley
  • Primary Proteins: Chicken
  • Calories: 425 kcal/can
  • Flavor: Chicken & Whole Grain
  • Type: Canned Dog Food
  • Life Stage: Adult Dogs (+1)

For all the owners that struggle with fussy pups that show little to no interest in dry dog food, we have also included the IAMS Proactive Health wet dog food. This delicious canned dog food provides your dog with a change in texture if you just can’t get them to take to dry kibble. Fortunately, fussy dogs don’t always need a complete change of diet, so we recommended mixing some wet food in with the dry before committing to a full change.

This recipe provides additional hydration for your pup, whilst also maintaining a fresh, rich flavor thanks to the natural preserving properties of the jelly. IAMS has also included additional fish oil and brown rice in this recipe to help ensure this food can be easily digested whilst also maintaining proper nutrient absorption and healthy skin and coat.

Ingredients:

Chicken, Sufficient Water for Processing, Meat By-Products, Brown Rice, Barley, Feeding Oatmeal, Flax Seed, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Minerals (Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide), Dried Yam, Carrageenan, Xanthan Gum, Natural Flavors, Vitamins (Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate {Vitamin B1}, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement), DL-Methionine, Glycine, Fish Oil, Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Sage, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6).

What others say about it:
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The dogs love the taste of this food!! They sit in the kitchen when it is ready for dinner time and they gobble up the whole can of food. It is healthy for them and it still tastes good which is hard to find.

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Is Iams Good for Dogs?

The Short History of IAMS Company

IAMS was founded in 1946 by Paul IAMS, who sought to develop premium-quality pet food to ensure all cats and dogs are able to live a healthy and active lifestyle. Time was spent with nutritionists and breeders who provided vital information as to the importance of protein and fat in an animal’s diet.

The first batch ever created was IAMS 999, which was released in the 1950s. This initial formula was considered 99.9% close to perfection. However, further development was required to get the recipe to the standards it is at today. IAMS Plus was then released in the 1960s, followed by IAMS Chunks in the 70s, and from there the range began to expand to several food types a decade, topped with the latest product released in 2018 – IAMS Vitality.

IAMS does not perform medical experience or tests on animals, nor do they support or sponsor studies that could bring an animal to harm. Instead, they perform at-home feeding observations with family pets to see how the food is received, enabling them to make tweaks and adjustments where they feel it is necessary.

Where Is IAMS Dog Food Made?

Iams is a widespread company with a multitude of manufacturers and distribution centers scattered throughout the United States, and Europe, which enables the brand to sell pet food all over the world. Several manufacturing facilities are located in:

  • Aurora, Nebraska
  • Lewisburg, Ohio
  • Henderson, North Carolina

IAMS also operates a facility for international production in Coevorden, located in the Netherlands. IAMS is proud to be a pet food brand that distributes its cat and dog food in over 70 countries worldwide.

Where Do IAMS Source Their Ingredients From?

Sadly there is no direct information available as to the full list of suppliers used by IAMS in the production of their pet food. However, we have been able to deduce that the vast majority of the ingredients in IAMS pet food are sourced from the USA (including their proteins), with a few exceptions. Like many pet food companies, IAMS does purchase some of the additional vitamins and minerals found in their formulas from China.

Product Lines – Differences and Which One You Should Choose

Iams does not have an extensive range of foods in order to put the focus on improving the existing ranges. Listed below are the three currently known lines of dog food on offer with IAMS. Keep in mind that all of these ranges also offer puppy and senior-specific dog food:

IAMS MiniChunks

A simple adaptation of the standard IAMS recipe, MiniChunks are made as small, easy, chunks for your dog to be able to eat with eat. This is a particularly helpful range for dogs that struggle with dental problems, jaw problems, or mobility issues. Many customers report using IAMS MiniChunks for their senior pups.

IAMS ProActive Health

Available as both dry and wet food. The IAMS ProActive Health range utilizes the latest nutritional information to formulate the perfect diet for dogs that need that extra bit of help to maintain their overall health. Not all dogs require the additional help, especially if they are in perfect health, but if you’re thinking your dog needs a little extra boost this may be the range for you. It’s worth noting that the ProActive range is also known as Vitality.

IAMS Original

The original recipe of IAMS dog food matches that of the minichunks range. However, the original recipe is made with larger biscuits which can help to maintain dental health thanks to the crunchy texture of every mouthful. The new and improved recipe prioritizes chicken as the first ingredient, which should you’re guaranteed to get some top-quality protein with IAMS originals.

Let’s Take a Closer Look at Ingredients

Chicken

Due to the fact that chicken is an animal-based protein, it is ideal for maintaining muscle structure and recovery. It also provides essential amino acids and fiber for easy digestion. Chicken is chosen by IAMS for its high protein content and digestibility. Additionally, it is not over-rich and is less likely to upset a dog’s stomach.

Corn

Corn offers a natural source of gluten and carbohydrates, providing your dog with a natural energy source that helps to keep them active throughout the day. It is especially useful when combined with other natural carbohydrate sources such as wheat.

Fruits & Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables provide a wealth of vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, B, C, D, and E. They are also an excellent source of antioxidants that help to boost your dog’s immune system. Carefully selected fruits and veg have been selected by IAMS for precisely this reason.

Wheat

There is a common misconception about wheat in that it causes food allergies. However, it is not that simple. The facts are:

  • Pets are born with hypersensitivities to certain proteins which can include wheat protein, however, it is not something that can develop with exposure to the aforementioned protein.
  • True food allergies account for an exceptionally low percentage of reactions in dogs as they are rare in animals in general.
  • Studies have shown that the most common food allergies in dog food are soy and beef, as opposed to wheat and gluten.

Fiber & Prebiotics

Research has shown that fermentable fiber, such as beet pulp, helps to enhance intestinal health. IAMS dog food recipes include a blend of natural fiber from beet pulp, as well as prebiotics to support your dog’s digestive health.

Fat & Fatty Acids

Your dog needs two types of fatty acids: omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-6 fatty acids are in corn and chicken fat. Omega-3 fatty acids are in ingredients such as fish meal or oil, canola, and flax. Both help care for and support your dog’s skin and coat.

Fat, for all of its bad press, actually fulfills a multitude of vital body functions. It helps to maintain body temperature and control inflammation. Fat is also the primary way in which fat is stored as energy in the body and provides twice the amount of carbohydrates or proteins.

IAMS Dog Food Recall History

The last recall for IAMS to have had was in 2013 (researched via FDAAVMA, DogFoodAdvisor). Fortunately, in recent years they have not needed to recall any further products from their shelves, which seems to show a rise in formulation and production standards. However, for those interested in knowing the details of previous recalls, we have listed them below for you with the most recent recall first:

August 14, 2013 – Specific lots of dry dog and cat food were recalled due to the potential of Salmonella contamination. The lots affected accounted for roughly 0.1% of total production for the year and were only from the Procter and Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio production branch. They had discovered the potential for Salmonella during routine testing – leading to the precautionary recall (as no Salmonella-related illness had been reported beforehand). The dog food ranges from which the lots were recalled include:

  • IAMS Healthy Naturals Chicken Adult Dog Food
  • IAMS Healthy Naturals Weight Control Adult Dog Food
  • IAMS Premium Protection Chicken Adult Dog Food
  • IAMS ProActive Health Large Breed Dog Food
  • IAMS ProActive Health Mature Large Breed Dog Food
  • IAMS ProActive Health Senior Plus Large Breed Dog Food
  • IAMS ProActive Health Large Chunks Dog Food
  • IAMS ProActive Health Small Breed Dog Food
  • IAMS ProActive Health Small Breed Puppy Dog Food

March 2013 – IAMS recalled several lot numbers from their shakeable treat range voluntarily due to the potential for mold growth. The flavors affected include:

  • IAMS Shakeables Turkey, 6oz
  • IAMS Shakeables Lamb, 6oz

December 6, 2011 – Once again due to problems at the Procter and Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio production branch. IAMS voluntarily recalled a single production lot due to aflatoxin being detected above acceptable levels within the production facility. The product was immediately recalled from store shelves and no illnesses were reported:

  • IAM ProActive Health Smart Puppy Dry Food, 7 lb bag, 6 lb bag, 17.5 lb bag.

March 15, 2007 – Unfortunately for IAMS they became embroiled in a scandal alongside other pet food companies due to a Chinese supplier of vegetable protein contaminating their produce with melamine. This was brought to light after certain foods were reported or making pets repeatedly sick. It was later discovered that melamine was being used by said suppliers to mimic protein and make their vegetable protein appear to have higher levels of protein than they actually did (melamine is a plastic that contains protein).

Price

Iams is considered a very budget-friendly branded dog food, as their use of natural ingredients and grain-inclusivity means the resulting food is not overly expensive to produce. It’s not possible for us to give you an exact price, as it is entirely dependent on whether or not the food you are looking to purchase is on sale, a specialist line, or in a larger or smaller bag than we have looked at. However, we have taken a general price range from the foods listed about, based on a 15-pound bag.

  • 15-pound bag of dry food: Average price $14- $19
  • 6 x 13oz cans: Average price $8-$10

Where Can I Buy IAMS Dog Food?

IAMS is available in over 70 countries, both in-store and online. If you’re thinking of purchasing your IAMS online for the sake of convenience (perhaps you like in a remote location or do not have any pet stores near you), then you can purchase IAMS from both Amazon and Chewy. In fact, it is possible to set up a Subscribe & Save arrangement with Amazon in order to have your dog food delivered on a regular basis via recurring payments (so that you don’t have to worry about arranging a new order).

Warning: When buying online, always ensure that you are purchasing a legitimate product, as there are many companies that will sell imitation products that can be easily mistaken for the real thing.

In a Nutshell, Is IAMS a Good Choice?

IAMS is most certainly a good choice for owners that are not afraid to use a grain-inclusive recipe. However, as we have previously mentioned, there are some grain-free options available if you are worried at all. It’s impossible to say whether or not your dog will take to this recipe – they may not like the taste! But if they do, you will be feeding them a balanced, nutritious diet that focuses on minimal ingredients of the best quality, as opposed to seeking alternatives. So if your dog doesn’t experience any food sensitivities, it is definitely worth giving IAMS a try.

FAQs:

IAMS is a brand that catered to all breeds of dogs at all life stages. You just need to make sure you pick the right food for your pup – that being either large breed, small breed, puppy food, senior food, etc. Just be mindful of whether your dog struggles with any grain allergies, as a lot of the dog foods offered by IAMS are grain inclusive, though not all. They do also have a grain-free range for more sensitive pups.

All breeds! So long as your puppy is weaned and comfortably eating solid foods, IAMS is suitable for every puppy. They have a variety of food available for puppies of a wide range of breeds, so if you have a large breed puppy and you’re worried about them developing properly, you can rest assured they’re getting what they need to promote proper growth. Once again, it’s simply a matter of considering whether your puppy has a grain allergy. If they do, they’re better off with grain-free dog food instead.

It isn’t possible to say exactly how much protein is in IAMS as a whole. However, every single one of their recipes features the named protein as the first ingredient. Furthermore, the grains used in IAMS dog food (which take the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th spot on the ingredients list) all contain additional protein. As a result, all IAMS pet foods generally contain a good level of high-quality protein. Usually sitting between 24-27% according to the average guaranteed analysis information across the range.

Eloise Hands

Eloise is the owner of a Malamute/Akita cross, a first-time mum, and an animal enthusiast from England. She comes from a family which has never gone a day without a pet (or 3!), and over the years has learned all the best tips and tricks to raising a difficult pet. A knowledge that she has put to good use, to help others navigate the limitless world of pet care.

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