Is Alpo Canned Dog Food Best For My Dog?

Alpo canned dog food is a classic dog food brand that everyone has heard of. This Purina offshoot was founded in 1936 and praises itself for being American-owned and (mostly) American operated. So how does one of the original dog food makers compare to newer brands? Does the low product cost mean a low-quality product? We’ll discuss this and more further on. 

The Alpo dog food brand produces millions of pounds of treats, canned, and dry foods every year — one of the most popular products is Alpo canned dog food. Alpo canned food for dogs is divided into two formulas: chophouse, and prime cuts, with a new formula boasting more flavorful gravy and no artificial preservatives.

Purina claims that their suppliers must complete a 5-step, months-long assessment process before accepting their ingredients into their formula. The company boasts that they perform 100,000 quality checks every day before the food leaves their factories. This brand prides itself on being environmentally-conscious and using only sustainably-caught seafood. 

The cost of canned Alpo for dogs ranges between $0.50 and $1 per can or between $11 and $13 for a 12 pack of cans.

Alpo canned dog food isn’t explicitly made for any age group, though the wet formula makes it a good choice for older dogs with bad teeth or trouble chewing. Unfortunately, there isn’t a puppy formula. 

Unlike some other canned food makers, Alpo doesn’t have formulas for specific breed sizes.

Water sufficient for processing is always the first ingredient in Alpo canned food for dogs. The second and third ingredients are poultry or lamb and by-products, including the intestines, organs, and animal skin.

Starches are the next ingredients to follow and have things like rice, wheat gluten, soy flour, or corn starch. Depending on the recipe, some Alpo canned dog food also contains veggies like carrots, potatoes, and green beans. The last components on the list are a vitamin and mineral blend with essential nutrients like potassium, zinc, copper, and vitamin E.

To see the full list of ingredients, visit the Alpo website.

There are some distinct pros and cons to feeding Alpo among the reviewers. The positive reviews on Consumer Affairs state it’s palatable for picky eaters and is a cost-effective alternative to other more expensive brands. They also state that they trust this brand since it has been around for so long. The negative reviews state that Alpo made their dog gassy, throw up, or have diarrhea. It’s important to remember that any abrupt change in dog food can cause this sort of reaction, especially in dogs with sensitive tummies.