Alternatives to

A

Wellness CORE Original Adult

dry food · dogs · 87/100 · Excellent

Looking for an alternative to Wellness CORE Original Adult? Here are dry food products for dogs that PetFoodRate grades higher, and cheaper options for the same use.

In short

The best-rated alternative to Wellness CORE Original Adult in our database is Orijen Puppy (93/100, grade A), versus Wellness CORE Original Adult's 87/100. Cheaper-per-kg pick: Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine Recipe. All graded on the same independent A-E method, no sponsored brands.

By Theo Blanchard · reviewed by Max Kowalski · updated June 2026 · independent grading, no sponsorship

Back to product page

Wellness CORE Original Adult vs its best alternative

CriterionWellness CORE Original AdultOrijen Puppy
Overall gradeA 87/100A 93/100
Protein qualityAA
Nutritional balanceAA
Few undesirablesAA
Ingredient transparencyBA
Species fitBA
Crude protein34%38%
Protein (dry matter)37.8%43.2%
Estimated carbs27%18%
First ingredientDehydrated chickenFresh chicken

Wins on ingredient transparency and species fit ; 38% crude protein vs 34%.

Orijen Puppy outscores 100% of dry food for dogs in our database.

8 better-graded alternatives

  1. #1AOrijenPuppy93/100+6Wins on ingredient transparency and species fit ; 38% crude protein vs 34%.
  2. #2AOrijenOriginal Adult Poulet92/100+5Wins on ingredient transparency ; 38% crude protein vs 34%.
  3. #3AOrijenSix Fish91/100+4Wins on ingredient transparency ; 38% crude protein vs 34%.
  4. #4AAcanaWild Prairie Recipe90/100+3Wins on ingredient transparency.
  5. #5ACarniloveFresh Chicken & Rabbit89/100+2Higher overall score ; 35% crude protein vs 34%.
  6. #6ATaste of the WildHigh Prairie Canine Recipe88/100+1Higher overall score.
  7. #7AEdgard & CooperAdult Poulet & Riz88/100+1Wins on ingredient transparency.
  8. #8AFarminaN&D Prime Poulet & Grenade Adult88/100+1Wins on ingredient transparency.

Cheaper alternatives per kilo

  1. #1ATaste of the WildHigh Prairie Canine Recipe6.40€/kg-0.80€
  2. #2ACarniloveSalmon Turkey Puppy7.00€/kg-0.20€
  3. #3ACarniloveSalmon Adult Dog6.50€/kg-0.70€
  4. #4ACarniloveGrain-Free Saumon6.80€/kg-0.40€
  5. #5AUltra Premium DirectCroquettes Chien Junior Poulet5.80€/kg-1.40€
  6. #6AUltra Premium DirectCroquettes Chien Adulte Poulet5.50€/kg-1.70€

Other food types for dogs

  1. #1AZIWI PeakAir-Dried Beef Recipe91/100raw food
  2. #2APure Pet FoodChicken Dinner Air-Dried89/100raw food
  3. #3ALily's KitchenTerrine Grain-Free87/100wet food
  4. #4AAtavikPâtée pour chien - Effilochés - Dinde au saumon86/100wet food
  5. #5ALily's KitchenCottage Pie with Beef86/100wet food
  6. #6AAtavikPâtée pour chien - Canard & Poulet85/100wet food

Keep exploring

All Wellness productsSee the average score and rangeBest dry food for dogsTop 10 by PetFoodRateCompare 2 productsSide by side, grade by grade

Frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Wellness CORE Original Adult?

In our database it's Orijen Puppy, scoring 93/100 (A) versus Wellness CORE Original Adult's 87/100, among dry food for dogs. 8 better-graded alternatives are listed above.

Is there a cheaper alternative to Wellness CORE Original Adult?

Yes: Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine Recipe costs less per kg for the same use (dry food, dogs). More cheaper-per-kg options are in the dedicated section further down.

Why switch from Wellness CORE Original Adult?

Wellness CORE Original Adult scores 87/100 (A) on our A-E method. Buyers look for an alternative to get higher protein quality, fewer undesirables, better transparency, or a better species fit. Our grading is independent with no sponsorship.