Are you looking for the best Wsava dog food in the market? You have come to the right place. A group of veterinary professionals created the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) in 1961. Before that year, the organization was called the International Association of Small Animal Specialists (IASAS). Currently, the company has over 200k members who are a part of 113 member organizations.
WSAVA is built on a great reputation and many vet experts in the Western world are its great supporters. However, until very recently, the group was relatively unknown among pet owners as well as technicians and veterinarians. WSAVA has become the glare of publicity following the current pet food formulation controversies and the ingredients used.
Table of Contents
What is Wsava dog food?
WSAVA dog food refers to the brand of dog foods that are recommended by the organization as fit and safe for your pooch. The list consists of dog foods that meet the specific nutritional values that are set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). In addition, these dog foods use limited amounts of ingredients discouraged by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Read about the difference between WSAVA and AAFCO here.
WSAVA dog food Guidelines
The WSAVA, in 2011, printed a nutrition package called the recommendations on selecting pet foods which contain a list of questions that determines a brand’s dog food quality. It aims at helping pet owners and vets to feed their pooches the best diet customized to meet their specific dietary needs. In addition, these Wsava guidelines help verify how well you can trust a dog food brand with your dog’s health and well-being.
Check out these questions included in the guidelines here (2020) and also check out the 2021 updated guidelines here. We recommend you read these FAQs in detail to get a deeper insight into what Wsava uses to determine the best and safest food for your canine buddy.
Since the link between the inclusion of certain ingredients in dog foods and the increased risk of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), the Wsava guidelines have increased in popularity and debate. On the one hand, some brands have also responded to the WSAVA guidelines which have sparked awareness and even have debates on their sites about the topic.
Other dog food brands, on the other hand, tend to oppose these guidelines and prefer to ignore them completely. I guess in time we will know who between the two parties has chosen the right path.
List of Wsava-approved dog food brands
Below is a list of Wsava-approved dog food:
1. Iams Proactive Health High Protein Chicken & Turkey Adult Recipe
2. Purina Pro Plan All Life Stages Performance 30/20 Chicken & Rice Recipe
3. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Recipe
4. Royal Canin Sporting Life Trail 4300 Recipe
5. Eukanuba Premium Sport 28/18 Condition Adult Recipe
Sponsors of WSAVA
Below is a list of Wsava established sponsors:
1. Zoetis (Platinum Partner)
2. Hill’s (Gold Partner)
3. Purina Institute
4. Purina Pro Plan
5. Royal Canin
6. Vetoquinol
7. AO Vet
8. Esavs
9. iM3
10. mindray
As mentioned on their website, Wsava’s work could be unmanageable without the support and goodwill of its industry partners given the opposition they face. Their sponsors’ zeal and generous loyalty have helped boost their Clinical Committees enabling them to thrive.
You can read more about the Wsava partners and sponsors in 2020 here. 2022 Sponsors of the WSAVA Congress happening in Lima, Peru next month from Oct 29 to Oct 31 include Purina Institue, and Royal Canina, among a host of 20+ sponsors listed here.
Are most dog food Wsava compliant?
As you would expect, many dog food brands are against the recommendations preferred by the Wsava which means that most do not comply with the set guidelines. Yet, most of them meet some of them, especially dog food quality control and nutritional analysis. You will find this info on the packaging of dog foods.
As stated by the group, however, dog food brands should hire licensed nutritionists with a Ph.D. in animal nutrition. That is what most of these brands are against, particularly they are working on a full-time basis. Now, add that to the scarce skills in the eligible pet nutritionists’ field and the requirement becomes a double challenge.
In addition, the Wsava guidelines require dog food brands to conduct far-reaching feeding trials before passing the diets fit for consumption. On the contrary, a large number of them do small-scale feeding trials which are not enough proof for safety during consumption. Also, I would not allow my pooch to be used for such testing and many dog owners will not either.
Wsava-approved dog food brands reviews
That being said, you may be asking; what dog food brands meet Wsava guidelines? Check out the reviews below:
Purina Pro Plan Sport All Life Stages Performance 30/20 Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan Sport All Life Stages 30/20 is one of the 7 recipes under the Purina Pro Plan Sports brand. The only variation among the different recipes of the Purina Pro Plan Sports brand is the ingredients used. As a company, Purina stands out as one of the most preferred and trusted dog food brands for active dogs including small dogs under the Wsava umbrella. Since its founding in St. Louis Missouri in 2001, the brand has made its name in the pet food industry. It is available in a wide range of recipes specifically made for different life stages and breed sizes.
Purina Sport 30/20 is made up of a proprietary blend of ingredients that help to optimize oxygen metabolism, while amino acids help nourish muscles – including the crucial time immediately following exercise. 30% protein and 20% fat also help fuel metabolic needs and maintain lean muscle mass. Plus, EPA, an omega-3 fatty acid, and glucosamine help support joint health and mobility. And with its antioxidant-rich nutrition, our product helps nourish the immune system and defend against free radicals. They are packed in 2, 6, 18 and 37.5-lbs bags
| Requirements | How it meets WSAVA Requirements |
|---|---|
| Does Purina employ a Nutritionist and Who formulates the recipe? | 300+ nutritionists working for Purina with qualifications of either a Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition or Board Certification by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN) or the European College of Veterinary Comparative Nutrition (ECVCN). |
| Quality Control Process? | Diets are formulated to meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) |
| Nutrition Adequacy Statement? | It is a complete and balanced diet |
| How many calories per gram or serving of food? | 475kCal – Ideal calorie content. You can feed half a cup to puppies. |
| Manufacturer? | Same as the promoter – no third parties |
| Why we rank it top | Uses real meat (high-quality protein and has glucosamine and Omega 6 necessary for joints’ health and skin & coat health. |
The performance formula we have included above is amongst its finest with chicken as the first ingredient. It contains 30% crude protein, 20% crude fat, 3% crude fiber, and 12% moisture with 475 kcal/cup caloric content. That makes it an excellent choice for your active pooch. The rest of the ingredients include corn, rice, and by-products which the brand insists are good for your pooch.
| Ingredients we like | Chicken, rice, dried egg product, fish meal (source of glucosamine), natural flavor, fish oil, mono and dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, salt, vitamins |
| Ingredients we don’t like | corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, corn germ meal, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (vitamin K) and garlic oil |
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food
Hill’s Science’s Dry Dog food brand is our next WSAVA-approved dog food. WSAVA is almost as old as WSAVA having been founded in 1968 in Kansas. Most of its products and formulas are made with specific pooch needs in mind. The best thing with most of these recipes is that they are given to dogs via prescription or recommendations from vets for specific needs.
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food is made with natural ingredients and provides your adult dog with the nutrients they need to stay healthy, including fiber for healthy digestion, omega-6 & vitamin E for beautiful skin and a healthy coat, and a premium source of high-quality protein for lean muscle growth. This food is also packed with antioxidants to support your dog’s immune system.
Like the case above, this formula we chose includes chicken as the first ingredient. It contains 20% crude protein, 11.5% crude fat, 4% crude fiber, and 10% moisture with 364 kcal/cup caloric content. The dog food has an exclusive blend of omega-6 fatty acids and vitamins which makes it nutritionally rich.
If you have a puppy, go for the Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, the highest-rated Hill’s Science Dog food by Dog food Advisor.
Royal Canin Sporting Life Trail 4300 Dry Dog Food
Sporty dogs need the right nutrition to perform their best, and Royal Canin Lifestyle Health Nutrition is formulated to help them do just that. This food contains a balanced level of carbohydrates and fatty acids to give your pup the energy they need for sustained activity. Additionally, the exclusive nutrient blend helps maintain healthy joints, support a healthy digestive system, and neutralize free radicals. So whether your dog is hitting the trails or chasing a Frisbee, they’ll be able to do it with vigor thanks to Royal Canin Lifestyle Health Nutrition.
Royal Canin is among the gigantic brands that are available in most pet food stores. Since its founding in 1968 in Gard, France, it has made a good reputation and is owned by Mars Petcare, a reputable brand. The brand offers a wide range of products with recipes for any dog breed and size you might own. If you need dog food that is made with your dog breed in mind, Royal Canin got you covered.
The Sporting recipe mentioned above is perfect for your super-active breed and includes chicken by-product meal as the first ingredient. Some of us would argue that by-product meals are adverse but the opinion is different for the brand fanatics. It contains 26% crude protein, 19% crude fat, 4.1% crude fiber, and 10% moisture with 413 kcal/cup caloric content. The recipe also includes wholesome grain ingredients that are nutrient-rich.
Eukanuba Premium Sport 28/18 Condition Adult Dry Dog Food
Eukanuba Premium Sport is a high-performance dry dog food that provides everything your sporting or working dog needs to stay at the top of its game. This formula is packed with protein, fat, and amino acids to help build and maintain lean muscle mass, while a specialized blend of carbohydrates provides sustained energy for peak performance. In addition, Eukanuba Premium Sport supports joint and bone health with glucosamine and chondroitin, and healthy digestion with a natural fiber blend and prebiotic. So whether your dog is out on the field or running around the block, they’ll always perform their best with Eukanuba Premium Sport.
Eukanuba is a brand in the Mars, Incorporated Worldwide line of products that are reputable in the pet food industry. Unlike the first three dog food brands, however, Eukanuba is not as large but is well-known and available in many stores, including online ones. If you need a recipe specifically designed for your pooch or a generic one, Eukanuba got you covered.
The brand’s puppy and large breed dog recipes are the most popular ones and you can see one of our favorites above. The premium sport formula is super-nutritious with chicken as the first ingredient which is animal-based protein making it a superb pick for your pooch. It contains 28% crude protein, 18% crude fat, 4% crude fiber, and 10% moisture with 387.94 kcal/cup caloric content.
We love the second ingredient as well, a chicken by-product that increases the protein content in the diet. Other favorite ingredients include brewer’s rice and more.
Iams Proactive Health High Protein Chicken & Turkey Adult Dry Dog Food
Iams is one of the food brands that many dog owners would not think of when considering diets that meet the Wsava guidelines. Since its founding in 1946 in Daytona, Ohio, the brand has built a good reputation in the pet food industry. What makes the brand even more popular is the accessibility even in grocery stores and some online stores as well, especially Walmart.
The proactive health recipe above is one of our most preferred in Purina’s line of Pro diets. With real chicken and chicken by-product meals as the first and second ingredients, the diet has high animal-based protein content. It contains 30% crude protein, 18% crude fat, 5% crude fiber, and 9% moisture with 416 kcal/cup caloric content.
We love the inclusion of healthy grains such as corn and sorghum as well as brewer’s yeast which is nutritious and healthy for your pooch.
Purina Pro Plan Sport, Energy & Vitality Support, High Protein 30/20
Looking to take your dog’s endurance and performance to the next level with a WSAVA-approved recipe? Look no further than the Purina Pro Plan Sport formula, designed to optimize your pub’s oxygen metabolism and help them achieve the best results. Plus, this HIGH-PROTEIN FORMULA with real chicken as the first ingredient provides essential nutrients for strong muscles, including after exercise. And for joint health and mobility, Purina added GLUCOSAMINE and EPA, an Omega-3 fatty acid.
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Stomach Pate Wet Dog Food
If you’re looking for top-quality food to help your beloved furry friend feel their best, look no further than Pro Plan’s Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon & Rice Entrée. This delicious wet food is made with real salmon and is rich in omega fatty acids to help support healthy skin and coat.
It’s also formulated for easy digestion, making it ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Plus, it contains no wheat or soy, and no artificial colors or flavors. So you can rest assured knowing your dog is getting the very best with this nutritious meal.
Purina Beyond Simply, Natural Chicken Adult Dry Dog Food & Puppy Food
Looking for healthy and nutritious dry dog food? Look no further than Purina Beyond Simply, Natural Chicken Adult Dry Dog Food & Puppy Food. This high protein formula is made with real farm-raised chicken as the number 1 ingredient and is free from steroids*, corn, wheat, soy, and poultry by-product meal. Plus, it contains natural probiotics for digestive health.
Nutrient-rich and simple – that’s what you can expect from Purina Beyond. And because we care about your pet AND the planet, this premium dog food is crafted in U.S. facilities using sustainable practices like improving water use efficiency and reducing waste. Approved by WSAVA. Give your pet the best with Purina Beyond Simply
Features
- One (1) 24 lb. Bag – Purina Beyond Simple Ingredient, Natural Dry Dog Food, Simply Farm Raised Chicken & Whole Barley Recipe
- High protein dry dog food with real farm-raised chicken raised without steroids* as the number 1 ingredient and natural probiotics for digestive health
- Nutrient-rich, simple ingredient dog food formula with no corn, wheat, soy, poultry by-product meal or artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
- Make it Your Way. Add extra variety, flavor and protein with Purina Beyond wet dog foods and Mixers+ toppers
- Good for your pet, Good for the planet. Premium dog food crafted in U.S. facilities where we take positive steps like improving water use efficiency and reducing waste
Hill’s Science Diet Wet Dog Food, Beef, and Barley Entree
Eukanuba Adult Large Breed Lamb 1st Ingredient Dry Dog Food
Wsava dog food DCM
A discovery has linked the use of certain legumes such as chickpeas, peas, and lentils to canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), especially when used as the main ingredient. Wsava dog food exempts such ingredients from their recipes based on the argument that they are safe for our dogs. As stated by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) there are approx. 77 million dogs in the US. As of 30 April 2019, the FDA has received info about 560 dogs diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy suspected to be associated with diet.
FAQs
Is Orijen Wsava approved
Like most brands, Orijen does not comply with all the Wsava guidelines regarding dog food quality which is why it fails to appear on the approved list. Overall, however, most of their recipes are made using premium, tasty ingredients, and they are rich in protein, primarily from meat which is why they are among the few vet-recommended brands. Orijen has been in the pet food industry since its founding in 1985 by Reinhard Muhlenfeld.
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Hi there! My name is Alex Landy, one of the co-founders here at Our Pets HQ and a parent to a small-breed Yorkie. I am a published author of two books on dog breeding and currently write on various pet-related blogs about caring for dogs. I am a parent of two daughters and live outside Boston where I spend a lot of time with family and serve in different breeding clubs. You can reach me at alex@ourpetshq.com
Purina Pro Plan High Calorie, High Protein Dry Dog Food, 30/20 Chicken & Rice Formula - 37.5 lb. Bag
Free shipping
Amazon.comFeatures
- One (1) 37.5 lb. Bag - Purina Pro Plan High Calorie, High Protein Dry Dog Food, 30/20 Chicken & Rice Formula
- CONCENTRATED NUTRITION optimizes oxygen metabolism (VO2 MAX) for increased endurance
- HIGH PROTEIN FORMULA, with real chicken as the first ingredient
- Used to be known as SPORT Performance 30/20 Formula
- AMINO ACIDS NOURISH MUSCLES, including the crucial time after exercise
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Chicken & Barley Recipe, 35 lb. Bag
Features
- This dog food made with natural ingredients uses high quality, easy-to-digest ingredients to fuel the specific energy needs of your full-grown dog
- Helps maintain a beautiful skin and a healthy coat by providing a precise balance of omega-6 & vitamin E
- Supports lean muscle growth and maintenance in your adult dog with a premium source of high quality protein. Caloric content: 3665 kcal/kg (364 kcal/cup)
- Packed with natural fibers to promote healthy digestion for your fully grown dog
- Made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust
Royal Canin Lifestyle Health Nutrition Sporting Life Trail 4300 Dry Dog Food , 30 Lb
Features
- Contains a balanced level of carbohydrates (29% min) and fatty acids (min 19% crude fat). Carbohydrates provide energy which can be used quickly at the beginning of the physical effort, while fatty acids are used gradually over the exercise period to maximize performance of sporting dogs with long periods of sustained activity.
- “SPORT PERFORMANCE +” contains an exclusive combination of nutrients that helps maintain healthy joints, helps support a healthy digestive system and helps neutralize free radicals with a specific antioxidant cocktail.
- Due to a high level of protein (26% min), TRAIL 4300 supports oxygen delivery to muscles and contributes to maintaining muscle mass.
Eukanuba Premium Sport 28/18 Adult Dry Dog Food, 30 lb. bag
Features
- Eukanuba Premium Sport 28/18 dry dog food is made to support the energy needs of sporting and working dogs
- Helps build, maintain, and repair lean muscles with high levels of fat, protein, and amino acids
- Fuels sustained energy for peak performance with a customized blend of carbohydrates
- Supports joint & bone health in athletic dogs with glucosamine and chondroitin
- Maintains healthy digestion with a specialized fiber blend, made from natural beet pulp and a prebiotic
IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH High Protein Adult Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken and Turkey Dog Kibble, 22 lb. Bag
Features
- DISCONTINUED BY MANUFACTURER - Recommended Replacement: IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Minichunks Premium Adult Dry Dog Food (1) 7 Pound Bag
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Stomach Pate Wet Dog Food, FOCUS Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Entree - 13 oz. Cans (Pack of 12)
$35.88 in stock
Free shipping
Features
- Twelve (12) 13 oz. Cans - Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food Pate, Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon and Rice Entree
- High protein dog food made with real salmon for a taste dogs love and easily digestible rice, which is gentle on the digestive system
- Natural prebiotic fiber in our salmon and rice dog food formula nourishes specific intestinal bacteria for digestive health
- Sensitive skin dog food includes linoleic acid, an omega fatty acid, for healthy skin and coat and contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
- High protein level in digestive dog food helps him maintain lean muscles, while the highly digestible formula supports optimal nutrient delivery
Purina Beyond Simple Ingredient, Natural Dry Dog Food, Simply Farm Raised Chicken & Whole Barley Recipe - 24 lb. Bag
Features
- One (1) 24 lb. Bag - Purina Beyond Simple Ingredient, Natural Dry Dog Food, Simply Farm Raised Chicken & Whole Barley Recipe
- High protein dry dog food with real farm-raised chicken raised without steroids* as the number 1 ingredient and natural probiotics for digestive health
- Nutrient-rich, simple ingredient dog food formula with no corn, wheat, soy, poultry by-product meal or artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
- Make it Your Way. Add extra variety, flavor and protein with Purina Beyond wet dog foods and Mixers+ toppers
- Good for your pet, Good for the planet. Premium dog food crafted in U.S. facilities where we take positive steps like improving water use efficiency and reducing waste
Hill’s Science Diet Wet Dog Food, Adult, 13 oz Cans, 12 Pack
Features
- High-quality protein to help your grown dog build and maintain lean muscle
- Made with purposeful, easy-to-digest digestible ingredients your adult dog will love
- Contains a powerful antioxidant blend for lifelong health
- Supports healthy skin and coat with Omega-6s and vitamin E. Mix increasing amounts of your pet's new food with decreasing amounts of the old food over a 7-day period
- Made with natural ingredients
Eukanuba Adult Large Breed Lamb 1st Ingredient Dry Dog Food, 30 lb
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Features
- COMPLETE AND BALANCED: Eukanuba Adult Lamb 1st Ingredient Dry Dog Food is complete and balanced nutrition for large breed dogs over 15 months old and weighing over 55 lb
- MUSCLE & JOINT SUPPORT: A combination of animal protein, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate promotes lean muscle development and joint health in active adult dogs
- HEALTHY BRAIN FUNCTION: DHA and vitamin E support healthy brain function and help keep dogs sharp
- SUPPORTS ACTIVE DOGS: Optimal levels of fats and carbohydrates fuel an active lifestyle
- HIGH-QUALITY PROTEIN: High-quality lamb is the first ingredient for protein that powers their day
