The health of your dog will thrive on a proactive lifelong diet. There are so many brands out there, all claiming optimally nutritious and healthful formulations and options that it’s very easy to become overwhelmed. 4Health dog food, to Tractor Supply Company, stands as a value for its price due to the reasonable user and meat content. But is 4Health a good dog food after all? Let’s dive into the details of what we’ve learned, including expert assessments and customer feedback, so you can make an informed decision about whether 4 Health will be right for your pup.
What is 4 Health Dog Food?
4Health is a brand of pet food from the American rural lifestyle retailer, Tractor Supply Company. Produced by Diamond Pet Foods, all of 4Health’s formulas are dry dog foods with optional canned recipes for select products: 4Health offers a diverse array of treats and pet food products such as grain-inclusive, grain-free, and limited-ingredient options. The brand’s goal is to enable more people to provide premium nutrition that feeds the potential of our best friends, without feeding the cost of a whole paycheck.
Quality of the Ingredients and Nutrition
1. Protein Sources:
4Health formulas generally include real meat or meat meal (think chicken, salmon, lamb, or beef) as their primary ingredient, which is a good sign of quality. Meat meals are concentrated sources of protein that supply essential amino acids, which help maintain muscle in large active dogs.
2. Grains and Carbohydrates:
The brand offers both grain-inclusive (aka those made with real grains like barley, brown rice, and oats) and grain-free formulas (which use potatoes, peas, and legumes instead). This range gives pet lovers the option to pick what they think is best for their dog’s individual needs – be that dietary requirements or sensitivities.
3. Fruit, Vegetables and Supplements:
An inclusion of fruits and vegetables in most 4Health recipes provide additional vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These additives include such essentials as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (for skin and coat health), glucosamine and chondroitin (for joint support), taurine (for heart health), and probiotics (for digestion), all of which are seen in the formulas offered by them.
4. Nutritional Profile:
- Dry food: Protein content ranging from 27 to 29%, fat from 14 to 17%, and carbohydrates from 46 to 51%.
- Canned: Higher in protein (average 40–41%) and fat (25–27%) and lower in carbs (24–27%).
- Both dry and wet recipes are above-average in terms of nutrition when compared to other brands.
Latest Updates: 4Health Shreds
Tractor Supply unveiled 4Health Shreds, a fresh dry dog food that combines crunchy kibble with protein-rich shreds, in early 2025. This diet is designed to provide optimal nutrition as well as a great texture and taste that dogs are sure to chow down at a reasonable price (priced below $55 for 35 pound bag). Key features include:
- First ingredient is a real meat option
- Antioxidants that support the immune system (zinc, selenium, and vitamin E)
- Joint royale joint support formula supports using glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
- Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids for skin and coat
- Helps maintain and support good digestive health Probioitics Good source of dietary fiber permetting the digestive system to work with greater efficiency.
The launch is just one of 4 Health’s continued efforts to grow its portfolio of offerings and cater to changing consumer desires.
The Good and the Bad of 4 Health Dog Food
Pros:
- Real meat or meat meal as the #1 ingredient in the majority of recipes
- A wide array of formulas (grain-free, grain-inclusive, limited ingredient, life stage formulas)
- No fake flavors, no fake colors or fake sweeteners, and no preservatives.
- Rich in beneficial supplements, including: omega fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, taurine and probiotics
- Better value than lot of high end brands
- A reliable brand consistently earns high expert ratings, with both its dry and canned foods averaging 4.5 stars overall on Dog Food Advisor.
Cons
- Peas and legumes are included in many recipes, and they have been tentatively (but not conclusively) associated with heart disease in dogs; investigation continues.
- Flaxseed is a frequent ingredient that can upset the digestive system for sensitive dogs
- Some customer reports of digestive problems or allergic reactions (though not all)
- Not enough variety of grain sources (mostly brown rice in Wholesome Grains)
- Previous recalls (most recently in 2017), but no recalls after that
Recall and Safety History
4 Health has gone through some recalls:
- May 2012: Dry pet foods she recalled due to possible salmonella contamination.
- March 2013 Cat food is recalled after thiamine levels are found to be too low.
- February 2017: Dog and cat canned foods recalled in possible foreign material alert.
There have been no recalls since 2017, and the brand’s short-term safety record is spotless as of May 2025.
Customer Experiences
There’s a slight mixed feedback on 4Health from the customer side, however, it’s generally positive:
- Benefits Customer reviews that were positive were generally very happy with what they observed; such as healthier coats, more energy, and significantly improved digestion in dogs who suffer from allergies or sensitivities.
- Negative reviews cite stomach upsets, potential allergic reactions and occasional more serious health conditions. Some suspect formula changes or sensitivities to certain ingredients as the cause.
While rare, individual sensitivities may occur after dogs eat any hunting dog food, so always introduce this venison dog food formula gradually.
Expert Ratings
- Dog Food Advisor: 4.5 stars (out of 5) for both its dry and canned offerings, praising the inclusion of real meat, balanced nutrition, and value overall.
- Dogster: Calls 4 Health a “decent enough brand” with an emphasis on limited ingredients and real meat, but warns of potential problems with peas, legumes, and flaxseed for sensitive dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Has 4 Health Ever Been Recalled?
No. The most recent recall was in 2017 and there have been no further recalls until May 2025.
What’s new with 4 Health dog food in 2025?
The introduction of 4Health Shreds, a dry food featuring protein shreds and high-quality nutrition, is the newest addition to the line, prioritizing taste, texture and balanced nutrition.
Is 4 Health good for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs?
Many a dog owner says that 4 Health’s grain-free and limited-ingredient formulas make that happen. But if your dog has sensitivities to peas, legumes, flaxseed, or certain spices, check the ingredients label.
How does 4 Health dog food compare to other premium brands?
4Health has the same quality ingredients and nutrition as many other higher-priced premium brands. It is look like a good value, given the quality of the product.
Any problems with 4 Health Ingredients?
As with other recipes, there is concern around using peas and legumes in many recipes due to a potential (albeit not proven) relation to heart disease in dogs. Flaxseed can be harsh on delicate systems. If your dog has any special requirements, consult with a veterinarian.
Final Thoughts
4 Health Dog Food 2025 Review – The Ultimate Buying Guide 4 Health dog food is a good value dog food options for many pet owners in 2025. Real meat, balanced nutrition, and no artificial “nasties” are the brand’s promise, and they are at a good place to keep its promises in the mid-range dog food segment. We’re excited to introduce 4Health Shreds as part of our continuous mission to raise the bar for innovation and customer satisfaction here at Tractor Supply.
But, like with all dog food, there may be dogs that don’t respond well. Consult your veterinarian before transitioning if your pet has sensitivities to peas, legumes or flaxseed, or for other heart health reasons. Remember, just ease gradually to any new foods and keep an eye on your pooch’s health and digestion.
