Wag Dog Food Reviews: Puppy, Adult & Senior Formulas

Are you looking at Wag for your pup’s new nutrition plan? Or maybe you’re looking to update his current food to a better quality or budget-friendly brand?

Wag might be one of the newest pet food names on the block, but it has got all this and more. Aptly named, Amazon’s home brand of dog food is becoming increasingly popular.

Here in our Wag dog food review, we’ll be taking a comprehensive look to find out what they are all about. We’ll select their most popular kibbles and take a detailed look at the ingredients list and why we think they are top-quality picks for your pooch. We’ll then finish off with the most commonly asked questions about this new brand to clear things up once and for all. So, let’s tuck into everything that Wag has to offer.

At a Glance: Wag Dog Food Favorites

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Brand History

Wag was created by the marketing machine that is Amazon, and it is their home brand of dog food. Amazon first sold Wag in May 2018. Advertised as a good quality, budget-friendly brand, it has become a well-known name in many households across America.

There’s got to be more to Wag than just being budget-friendly, right? Because otherwise, customers would not go back to it. But, as one of the richest companies in the world, Amazon has incredible buying power that allows them to buy at lower prices than most competitors like Blue Buffalo and Purina. Meaning you get very good-quality products at a lower price.

As a relatively new company, Wag has grown as a company, but they have yet to develop their own website. However, you can find all of the information about their products on the Amazon store. Although this is frustrating for some consumers, this is similar to other household names such as Chewy’s American Journey.

Amazon doesn’t make Wag food themselves. Instead, they work directly with a supplier who manufactures the food. Amazon simply owns and distributes Wag pet food. Unfortunately, it’s unclear as to who the manufacturer is at this time. But Wag assures us that the food is made in a family-owned California facility from globally sourced ingredients.

Wag believes that ‘dogs are at their best when they feel their best, which starts with what’s in their bowls.’ For this reason, Wag uses only the most important ingredients that dogs need to thrive. It’s fair to say that they aren’t a premium brand, like Orijen, but they are a high-quality brand designed to benefit our beloved pets’ health.

Wag is only sold on the online Amazon store, and it is exclusively available for Amazon Prime members. It isn’t available on other online platforms or in pet stores. But with Amazon reaching every corner of the earth, it should be accessible for most everyone.

Recall History

Dog food product recalls are among the most important research items when considering whether a food is good enough for Fido. A product recall is announced when a product doesn’t meet the standards expected or when there is the potential for it to make pets ill.

A recall can be called by the brand themselves, which is known as a voluntary recall. The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), which governs the standards expected by the pet food industry, can also demand a recall. With its few years of sales, you’d expect a low number of Wags food recall incidents.

And thankfully, they haven’t had any food recalls. Although this doesn’t allow us to see how they would deal with an issue in the future, it is reassuring to know they have met all of the standards expected so far.

Dog Food Ingredients

Wag is a budget-friendly kibble, so don’t be expecting the finest rib-eye steak and truffle-infused gravy ingredients. But their ingredient lists suggest that they do use good quality ingredients. This is an impressive feat considering their cheaper price point compared to similar quality brands.

Wag always lists meat as the first ingredient. This is one of many signs that tell us they produce quality formulas. Meat meals are simply a concentrated protein source that is also rich in glucosamine and other healthy fats. The most common meat sources are chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, and salmon. As a whole, the brand has an average protein content of 35%, which is above the market norm.

Wag began their journey as a grain-free only brand. However, following demand and the recent concerns surrounding grain-free doggy diets, they now produce grain-inclusive diets. Their grain-free recipes use mainly lentils or sweet potatoes, while their grain-inclusive recipes primarily use rice. They never use any corn, wheat, or soy, the least favorable grains in doggy diets.

All of their recipes are enriched with vitamin and mineral supplements to strengthen immunity. And they also list several probiotic ingredients such as dried Lactobacillus plantarum. These are great because they encourage friendly bacteria in the gut, making digestion smoother and less gassy. Not all quality brands include probiotics.

Wag also uses recognizable, better quality fats such as chicken fat, salmon oil, and flaxseed. All these higher-quality fats are rich in healthy omega fats, which have a multitude of health benefits. Again, these are rarely found in cheap kibbles.

It’s worth noting that only the first ingredient in each recipe is named as American sourced. This means that Wag could sourced all other components globally because Wag does not state either way. Like many other brands, the micro-ingredients such as vitamins and minerals are the ones commonly sourced overseas.

They say that their ingredients are all high quality, “blended in a family-owned facility for quality control, and each batch is tested to ensure it meets our high standards.” However, Wag is not alone in being unclear about where they source ingredients. Even the most premium brands import ingredients without stating further details.

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Wag Formulas

Unlike many other popular brands, such as Nutro, Wag does not officially offer separate product lines. Instead, Wag is the brand with all the products falling under its name. However, they categorize their products into three distinct lines on their store page, making it more consumer-friendly to shop. Let’s take a closer look at the difference between the three. Two are grain-free; the other includes grains.

All Wag products are formulated with the help of veterinarians, made in the USA, and come with a money-back guarantee.

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Grain-Inclusive: Meat & Rice

There are five recipes in Wag’s grain-inclusive line. This beef and brown rice recipe is made with whole grains offering balanced, great-tasting nutrition. This option is designed for all-sized adults, and there is a small-breed version of this kibble too.

The first two ingredients are beef and beef meal. As always, the first beef ingredient is from American farm-raised beef. The protein content is lower than most at 24%, but it still exceeds AAFCO expectations. The primary grains are brown rice and grain sorghum. Barley and gentle oatmeal are also included for extra energy and other nutritional needs.

Blueberries and raspberries add a boost of antioxidant goodness in addition to vitamin and mineral supplements. Taurine is listed, which supports a healthy heart.

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No Added Grains: Meat & Sweet Potato

There are three formulas in this product line. The first two ingredients in this salmon and sweet potato recipe are sustainably raised salmon and chicken meal. The third and fourth ingredients are sweet potato and peas. Sure, Wag includes lentils in this recipe, but they are not the predominant non-grain ingredient.

Salmon oil and flaxseed provide healthy omega fats on top of the meat meal and contribute to a high glucosamine content. Fish meal is also listed in this recipe, giving an extra protein and flavor boost. This recipe contains 32% protein, which is slightly higher than the above recipe. Fish and chicken tend to be better choices for sensitive dogs who cannot digest rich, meaty formulas. The fiber content is slightly higher too, which further aids smooth digestion and firmer stools.

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Grain-Free: Meat & Lentils

There are a total of six meat and lentil, grain-free recipes. However, while most dogs can eat sweet potatoes, not all dogs like it. Many grain-free recipes use this ingredient. This is why Wag has created a few sweet potato-free recipes to cater to those doggies who aren’t huge fans of this common ingredient. This recipe is Wag’s chicken-based recipe that lists lentils as the first non-meat. As always, the first two ingredients are chicken followed by chicken meal.

This recipe lists a high amount of glucosamine (750mg/kg) compared to many other premium brands. This is great for large and active dogs who need extra joint support. Yucca schidigera extract is listed in this recipe which can reduce the smell of gas by up to 26%.

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Wag Dog Food Reviews

Although all dogs are different, they all have three life stages; puppy, adult, and senior. We have reviewed some of Wag’s most popular products in order of life stage to make it easier for you. So, let’s take a closer look at what Wag offers our beloved canines, starting with puppies.

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Puppy Formulas

Wag has a total of two puppy formulas. The main difference: one is grain-inclusive, and the other is grain-free. Although this might not seem like a lot, it is a significant improvement from their start as only grain-free foods. And bear in mind some brands only offer all life stage food. Sure, there isn’t an option for small or large-breed puppies, but both of these recipes are suitable for all-sized pups. So, let’s take a deeper look.

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This option is from the grain-inclusive line, and it lists cage-free American chicken as the first ingredient. Chicken meal, egg product, and fish meal add the extra meaty taste. These ingredients provide the all-important DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), a fatty compound found in mothers’ milk. This is needed for the best puppy development. The protein content is 27%, which is the middle of the road for Wag’s products.

The fat content is 16% (higher than the adult kibbles), which is essential according to the puppy food guidelines set by AAFCO. This recipe is fortified in vitamins and minerals to help develop your puppy’s body and immune system. It also includes naturally occurring microorganisms to support your doggy’s digestive system. The probiotic content in this recipe is much higher than the following puppy recipe, making this an excellent option for pups with sensitive bellies.

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This option is a no-grain added kibble from their chicken & lentil product line. This formula is crafted with the optimum protein to fat ratio, without the need for added grains. The first two ingredients are cage-free American chicken and chicken meal with egg for an extra protein boost following shortly after. The protein content is 36%, meaning your growing pup receives all the growth fuel he needs for development.

The fat content is identical to their other puppy product, which is great for young brain and vision development. Chicken fat, flaxseed, and salmon oil are the key healthy omega fats listed. The fiber content is 5.5%, making this a high-fiber diet. This is great for many dogs who need help to firm up their loose puppy stools. Dried beet pulp and dried chicory root are prebiotic fibers that aid smooth digestion, with a helping hand from probiotic ingredients.

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Adults Formulas

After the cute puppy stage comes the just-as-cute adult stage. This life stage is usually the longest, and it usually occurs between one and seven years of age. This can vary by breed size, so be sure to ask your vet if you have any questions about when to switch your pup from puppy to adult food. Wag offers a total of 13 adult kibbles. So, let’s take a look at the Wag options for your adult doggos.

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This option is from the grain-inclusive range because it relies on gentle brown rice as the primary grain. Sustainably-raised salmon is the first ingredient, with chicken meal listed third (after brown rice). The protein content of this recipe is 22.5%, which is one of the lowest ratios in the whole of Wag’s range. But it is still AAFCO compliant, and it can make a top choice for sensitive dogs.

This grain-complete option uses a blend of wholesome and ancient grains, such as barley, bran, and millet. The fat content is 14%, and chicken fat, flaxseed, and salmon oil provide the much-needed DHA and other healthy omega fats. Thanks to the optimized calcium levels, bones and teeth are kept strong, which is great for growing puppies. This option is designed for all life stages, making it suitable for puppies and senior dogs alike.

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This option is designed specifically with small breeds in mind. The protein to fat ratio is optimized for the higher energy requirements of small dogs. Plus, the kibble pieces are petite enough for smaller pups to eat comfortably. The first ingredient is cage-free American chicken, followed by chicken meal to boost protein and glucosamine. The protein content in this kibble is 26%.

The primary grains are brown rice, gentle oatmeal, and barley, providing slow-release energy and other nutrients for smaller paws. Blueberries and raspberries contribute extra antioxidants on top of the vitamin and mineral supplements. Probiotics introduce live cultures of gut-friendly microorganisms. This option is also suitable for small breed puppies and seniors.

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Senior Formulas

At seven years of age, most dogs start to slow down, both physically and mentally. But unfortunately, Wag does not offer senior-specific formulas. We find this slightly disappointing. Most dogs do better on recipes explicitly designed for the changing nutritional needs of older dogs.

However, some of Wag’s adult formulas are designed for all life stages and are suitable for aging pups. Here we’ll review our favorite options for seniors. Just bear in mind that Wag is currently not an option for you if you are looking for a senior-specific kibble. Hopefully, this will change soon. 

You might consider looking at another brand like Blue Buffalo who offers a decent variety of senior-specific options. But, let’s go ahead and take a look at our top senior picks from Wag.

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This recipe is from their meat and lentil grain-free range, which means no grains or sweet potatoes. Tasty real American salmon and salmon meal are the first two ingredients. The protein content is 35%, which helps to keep your older pup strong. The glucosamine content is very high for a budget-friendly kibble, which maintains the joints of older dogs who need the extra support.

The fat content in this recipe is 15%, and the calorie count per cup is 346, making it slightly higher than the average senior-specific kibble. If your senior is just as active as before, he should do well on this kibble. The fiber content is 5.5% which makes it a high fiber diet. This should help keep your aging pooch feeling fuller longer, meaning less snack hunting to help manage weight.

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This senior-suitable option is from the meat & sweet potato range. The first ingredient is iron-rich American beef, followed by beef meal. The protein content is 26% which is lower than many other Wag options. But this could be a top choice for those seniors whose stomach struggles to digest high-protein formulas. The glucosamine content is just as high as the previous senior pick.

Next up on the ingredients list are nutritionally rich and fibrous sweet potatoes and peas. These are full of vitamins and minerals, which are great for all doggy immune systems. With 4% fiber content, this recipe is slightly lower than the previously reviewed products. But this makes it an average fiber diet that’s more suitable for some senior pups.

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Wet Foods

Although it is recognized that kibble is the healthier and nutritionally balanced food option for dogs, this isn’t always the case. Some dogs need wet food simply because they cannot eat dry kibble, often due to age or damaged teeth. And others pooches are just plain fussy and couldn’t possibly eat boring kibble on its own! For this reason, brands commonly offer wet food in addition to dry options.

Wag offers a total of 11 wet foods in different flavors and recipes. There are both grain-inclusive and grain-free options. Some come in cans, some are meal topper pouches, and others are in cups. There are options for small breeds, which also come in variety packs for a wider selection. So, let’s take a look at some of the most popular wet food options from Wag.

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Here we have the wet food option for small breeds. This choice offers a mixture of chicken and lamb pate. The first ingredient in each option is either real chicken or lamb. The crude protein in both is 8.5% (not comparable with dried food percentages) which is a decent percentage compared to other quality brands. Chicken or lamb liver are also listed, which your dog is sure to find tasty and nutritious.

Carrots, peas, and dried egg products are the other primary ingredients, with meat broth for extra flavor. This pick is grain-free, and it doesn’t list any artificial colors or flavors. Wag adds vitamin and mineral supplements to support the health of our pups. This option also comes as a variety pack with chicken and beef chunks in gravy.

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This is another grain-free option, but this pick comes in larger cans which are better suited to dogs who eat more than smaller pupperinos. The first ingredients are beef broth, beef, and chicken. Egg whites and egg products provide an extra surge of protein that contributes to a percentage of 8%.

This option has a moisture content of 82%, making it a perfect choice for those dogs who require juicy, meaty meals. This choice uses no artificial colors, flavors, or chemical preservatives. Other meat flavors of this canned option include chicken, turkey, and lamb.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Although we have reviewed Wag as a brand in its entirety, you may still have some outstanding questions. But, don’t worry, you are not alone. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Wag Dog Food.

Q: Is Wag a high-quality brand?

A: Yes, as you can see from our review and the reviews from other dog parents online, Wag is a high-quality brand. Although it is a relatively new brand, it is becoming well-trusted and reviewed. They aim to keep our dogs thriving by feeding them good quality food at affordable prices. They use quality ingredients and rigorous food safety checks.

Q: Which Wag formula is best for my dog?

A: This is a tricky question to answer because it all depends on your dog and its unique needs. Like us humans, all dogs are different. Some have specific nutritional needs or dietary requirements. Some are small, some are large, some are young, and some are old. And you can’t forget different flavor preferences! The best way to pick a formula is to think about your pooch’s specific needs and preferences and go from there.

Q: Where is Wag dog food manufactured?

A: Wag is manufactured in a family-run facility in the USA. Some of the key ingredients are homegrown, mostly the meat. Other ingredients are globally sourced. This is often a controversial topic, but most quality brands source micro-ingredients from overseas. So you may not want to view this as a bad thing. As long as they take the health of our pups seriously (and so far they have), you can rest assured it is safe.

Q: How do I transition my dog from their old food to a Wag product?

A: This is an important process that you must take seriously. Even if you think your pooch’s digestive system is tough as nails, it’s important not to rush it. Otherwise, they’ll suffer from stomach upset, and you’ll be cleaning up the mess. Wag states that you should mix a small amount of Wag food into their old food and gradually replace it with the new Wag food over 7 to 10 days. For dogs with sensitive stomachs, they recommend transitioning them over 10 to 14 days.

Q: I’ve chosen a Wag product, but my dog is turning his nose up. What should I do?

A: There are many reasons why your pooch might be turning his nose up at his new food. Some dogs need time to adjust to the new recipe, be that the different taste or smell. Over time, most dogs love whatever you put in front of them. If it takes him a while, try adding a splash of low-sodium broth or warm water to entice him to eat it. This will release the meaty scents and flavors.

But for some dogs, they might not like it, just like when we try something new that we don’t like. As you can see from the positive Wag reviews, this rarely happens. But if it does, Amazon states that they provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all their Wag products. They’ll refund the price of the product that you, or Fido, don’t enjoy.

Q: Does Amazon offer free trials?

A: This is a very common question regarding Amazon products. But, according to their website, they do not offer free trials of Wag.

However, they sell 5-pound bags that are great for trialing your pup rather than buying a 30-pound bag. It can also be handy to keep one of these small-sized bags in the cupboard just in case you unexpectedly run out of kibble. Plus, it’s a great travel size, unless, of course, we are talking about a Mastiff!

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Final Thoughts

Wag is a relatively new brand, but as you can see from the review above, you really shouldn’t let that put you off. This Amazon-owned brand is easily accessible. Adding it to your Subscribe & Save Prime membership on Amazon can save you time, money, and shoulder ache when it ships directly to your doorstep.

Wag is priced very competitively, thanks to Amazon’s impressive bargaining and purchasing power. They use high-quality ingredients giving many other top-quality brands a run for their money. Sure, they haven’t got the widest range of formulas yet, but their recipes cater to all dogs. And they are slowly adding to their collection. So, we expect to see more options in the coming years.

The only criticism we have so far is that there are no formulas designed specifically for senior dogs. Nor are there any recipes catering to those pups who are managing their weight. But like most new brands, this is bound to be in the R&D pipeline.

Wag is highly rated online and has had no safety (recall) concerns so far, meaning you can trust many doggy owners who choose Wag as their dog food of choice. Ultimately, you need to choose a food based on what your pup needs. But thanks to the nutritionally balanced, tasty products on offer from Wag, we are sure you will find something here to keep your pup’s tail wagging!