Iams Dog Food Review 2024

3.5

Written by Ellie Roddy

Veterinary reviewed by:

Published: 01/26/2024, edited: 01/26/2024

The Wag! team conducts independent research and consults pet experts to curate our recommendations. This content is supported by our affiliate pet partners and we may receive a commission on the links provided.

You’ve no doubt heard of Iams - it’s one of the oldest and most popular pet food brands. In fact, not only were Iams one of the first to produce premium dog food, they were also one of the first to make food for animals at different life stages.

Iams dog foods cater for pups of all ages — and sizes. Plus, in the wide range you’ll also find food specifically formulated for dogs with health issues.

Read our Iams dog food review and see if this is the right brand for you and your pup.

Iams product ranges and flavors

There’s both wet and dry food available in the Iams dog food range which caters for all dogs. Across this you’ll find everything from Iams puppy small breed to Iams large breed dog food. Plus, you’ll find food that caters for dogs with various health issues and lifestyles.

Iams Dry Dog Food

Iams Dry Food

The range of dry food includes Iams proactive health dog food and the more recent Iams Advanced Health dog food.

Iams Proactive Health:

In this range, as well as Iams small breed and large breed food, you’ll also find food formulated for dogs with specific needs such as Iams digestive health dog food and dog food for active dogs.

Iams Proactive Health, Minichunks Chicken and Whole Grain Recipe
Iams Proactive Health, Minichunks Lamb and Rice Recipe
Iams Proactive Health, Puppy with Chicken
Iams Proactive Health, Small Breed Puppy, with Chicken
Iams Proactive Health, Small Breed Adult, Chicken and Whole Grain Recipe
Iams Proactive Health, Large Breed Puppy, with Chicken
Iams Proactive Health, Large Breed Chicken and Whole Grain Recipe
Iams Proactive Health, Large Breed Lamb and Rice Recipe
Iams Proactive Health, Healthy Aging Chicken and Whole Grain Recipe
Iams Proactive Health, Healthy Aging Large Breed with Chicken
Iams Proactive Health, Healthy Weight Adult with Chicken
Iams Proactive Health, Healthy Weight Large Breed with Chicken
Iams Proactive Health, Active Adult, Chicken and Turkey Recipe

Iams Advanced Health:

This dog food is formulated to support your dog's overall health and designed with nutrients to target different health issues.

Iams Advanced Health, Healthy Digestion Chicken and Wholegrain Recipe
Iams Advanced Health, Immune Health Adult with Chicken and Superfoods
Iams Advanced Health, Skin & Coat Adult, Chicken and Salmon Recipe
Iams Advanced Health, Mobility Support, Chicken and Whole Grain Recipe

Iams Wet Dog Food

Iams wet dog food

There’s plenty of flavors to choose from in the Iams wet food range too. These are formulated for each stage of life from puppies to seniors.

Iams Proactive Health, Puppy Chicken and Rice
Iams Proactive Health, Adult Beef, Rice, Carrots and Green Beans
Iams Proactive Health, Adult Beef and Rice
Iams Proactive Health, Adult Chicken and Whole Grain Rice
Iams Proactive Health, Adult Lamb and Rice
Iams Proactive Health, Healthy Aging Slow Cooked Chicken and Rice Recipe

Why Wag! likes Iams

Here are a few of the reasons that we like Iams dog food and think you might like to consider feeding it to your pup.

High in protein

The founder of this dog food brand learned the importance of protein way back in the 1940s and went on to lead the way in high-protein dog food. Real meat is the first ingredient in this food alongside beneficial vitamins and minerals.

A wide range to choose from

Iams dog food range includes wet and dry food. It caters for all sizes — small, medium and large and all life stages — puppy, adult and mature. There’s also food specifically for healthy weight, healthy digestion, healthy skin and coat as well immune health. Iams lamb and rice, beef and rice, and chicken are among the tasty flavors available across the range.

Budget-friendly dog food

As well as offering a wide range of tasty dog food that’s beneficial to your pup’s health, Iams won’t break the bank either. It’s much more affordable than many of the other dog food brands on the market.

Concerns & considerations

Of course, as with all dog food — even ones that date back as far as Iams does — there are a few things you should be aware of.

Uses fillers and by-products

Iams dog food ingredients may have real meat as the first ingredient but it also contains by-products, which are often the second ingredient and low-cost fillers too. Some say the quality of the ingredients has dropped over the years.

Some pet parents complain about the customer service

Some pet parents have tried to get in touch with Iams with a query and claimed that they struggled to get a response from them.

It has been recalled several times in the past

You want to know that the food you are feeding your pup is safe. There has been an Iams dog food recall several times in the past. However, the last time it was recalled was 2013. Each time it was voluntarily recalled and there were no known illnesses from the affected products.

What pet parents say about Iams

“I've tried so many different dog foods. It's insane. I have a 3 year old dachshund and a foster dog. My dachshund has dry itchy skin and her hair is thin and falling out, until I swapped to Iams. She has a thick full coat and her skin is better.”

“If you have a senior dog or one that has problems with arthritis, you have to try IAMS with chondroitin. Our dog lived to 20, and I honestly believe he would not have, had I not finally discovered Iams. When he turned 14, he began to slow down, our walks became shorter. Vets suggested chondroitin. We tried 2 before Iams. He didn't seem to like those. No improvement in 2 weeks either time. Thankfully, we then tried Iams. He loved the taste, so he always ate. It didn't happen overnight, but within 5 days, he was no longer limping. After a week and a half, he was bouncing as I'd grab his leash. He was a fairly small dog. He weighed 54 pounds and had about 6 or 7 breeds. He was our best friend. Thanks to Iams, we were so fortunate to have had him as long as we did.”

Iams brand history

Iams was founded in Ohio in 1946 by self-taught animal nutritionist, Paul Iams. He spent time learning about the importance of protein in pet food and then created his first small batch in the 1950s. At this time Iams was considered a premium brand producing high-quality dog food.

It was then bought by Iams employee Clayton Mathile in 1982. He sold it in 1999 to Procter and Gamble. P&G then sold Iams — alongside their other food brands such as Eukanuba — to Mars. Mars also owns the likes of Pedigree and Royal Canin.

Iams is still owned by Mars today. However, it’s now considered more of a budget-friendly option rather than a premium brand.

Iams recall history

There have been several instances of Iams dog food being recalled. The last time was in 2013. Before that it was recalled in 2011 and 2010.

2013 recalls

In August 2013, Procter and Gamble voluntarily recalled some of its dry pet food due to a chance of it being contaminated with salmonella. The potentially affected products were made during a 10-day window at one site and were recalled as a precaution. No related illnesses were reported. The Iams dog food that was affected included: Iams Dog Food Healthy Naturals Chicken Adult, Iams Dog Food Healthy Naturals Weight Control Adult, Iams Dog Food Premium Protection Chicken Adult, Iams Dog Food ProActive Health Large Breed Mature Adult, Iams Dog Food ProActive Health Large Breed Senior Plus, Iams Dog Food ProActive Health Large Chunks Adult, Iams Dog Food ProActive Health Small Breed Adult and Iams Dog Food ProActive Health Small Breed Puppy.

In March 2013, PetSmart posted on their website that Procter and Gamble were voluntarily recalling certain lot numbers of Iams Shakeables Turkey and Lamb Dog Treats. This was due to the potential of mold growth. There were no reports of illnesses related to this.

2011 recalls

In December 2011, Procter and Gamble voluntarily recalled Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy dry dog food. It was only for those with a use by or expiration date of February 5 or 6, 2013. This was due to aflatoxin levels being above the acceptable limit. No illnesses were reported in connection with this.

In November 2011 grocery store, Price Chopper, posted a recall of select varieties of Iams on its website. However, this was removed with no explanation a few days later and there was never any confirmation from Iams or the FDA websites that these products were being recalled.

2010 recalls

In 2010 Procter and Gamble voluntarily recalled some of the Iams Veterinary dog food as there was a possibility it had been contaminated with salmonella bacteria.

Product images sourced from Chewy. Copyright Iams.

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FAQ

Where is Iams dog food made?

Iams dog food is made in the United States. Their headquarters is in Ohio.

Is Iams a good dog food brand?

Yes, Iams is a good dog food brand. The complete and balanced food contains all the nutrients your pet needs to stay fit and healthy.

Where can I buy Iams?

You can buy Iams directly from the Iams website. You’ll also find it on online pet stores such as Petco and Chewy.

Is Iams formulated to meet AAFCO standards?

Yes, Iams is formulated to meet the AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition.

How does Wag! determine paw ratings for dog food?

Our editorial team conducts independent research when choosing which foods to feature and how to rate them. Our paw ratings are largely based on the ingredients and nutritional content of each food. Here’s a quick guide to what our paw ratings mean:

1 paw: High filler content, meat not listed as first ingredient
2 paws: Meat meal, bone meal or meat by-products listed as first ingredient
3 paws: Named meat listed as first ingredient (e.g., chicken)
4 paws: Same as 3 paws, but also made with whole, limited ingredients and minimal processing
5 paws: Same as 4 paws, but is also veterinarian or veterinary body approved and includes human-grade ingredients
Half-paws may be awarded for extra benefits, like affordability, trustworthiness, etc.