Alternatives to

B

Wellness CORE Small Breed Dog

dry food · dogs · 78/100 · Good

Looking for an alternative to Wellness CORE Small Breed Dog? 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 Small Breed Dog in our database is Orijen Puppy (93/100, grade A), versus Wellness CORE Small Breed Dog's 78/100. Cheaper-per-kg pick: Acana Wild Prairie 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

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Wellness CORE Small Breed Dog vs its best alternative

CriterionWellness CORE Small Breed DogOrijen Puppy
Overall gradeB 78/100A 93/100
Protein qualityBA
Nutritional balanceAA
Few undesirablesAA
Ingredient transparencyDA
Species fitBA
Crude protein36%38%
Protein (dry matter)39.6%43.2%
Estimated carbs29%18%
First ingredientDehydrated chickenFresh chicken

Wins on protein quality and ingredient transparency ; 38% crude protein vs 36%.

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

8 better-graded alternatives

  1. #1AOrijenPuppy93/100+15Wins on protein quality and ingredient transparency ; 38% crude protein vs 36%.
  2. #2AOrijenOriginal Adult Poulet92/100+14Wins on protein quality and ingredient transparency ; 38% crude protein vs 36%.
  3. #3AOrijenSix Fish91/100+13Wins on protein quality and ingredient transparency ; 38% crude protein vs 36%.
  4. #4AAcanaWild Prairie Recipe90/100+12Wins on protein quality and ingredient transparency.
  5. #5ACarniloveFresh Chicken & Rabbit89/100+11Wins on protein quality and ingredient transparency.
  6. #6ATaste of the WildHigh Prairie Canine Recipe88/100+10Wins on protein quality and ingredient transparency.
  7. #7AEdgard & CooperAdult Poulet & Riz88/100+10Wins on protein quality and ingredient transparency.
  8. #8AFarminaN&D Prime Poulet & Grenade Adult88/100+10Wins on protein quality and ingredient transparency.

Cheaper alternatives per kilo

  1. #1AAcanaWild Prairie Recipe7.80€/kg-0.20€
  2. #2ATaste of the WildHigh Prairie Canine Recipe6.40€/kg-1.60€
  3. #3AEdgard & CooperAdult Poulet & Riz7.90€/kg-0.10€
  4. #4AFarminaN&D Prime Poulet & Grenade Adult7.80€/kg-0.20€
  5. #5AWellnessCORE Original Adult7.20€/kg-0.80€
  6. #6AEdgard & CooperAdult Agneau Frais7.50€/kg-0.50€

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 Small Breed Dog?

In our database it's Orijen Puppy, scoring 93/100 (A) versus Wellness CORE Small Breed Dog's 78/100, among dry food for dogs. 8 better-graded alternatives are listed above.

Is there a cheaper alternative to Wellness CORE Small Breed Dog?

Yes: Acana Wild Prairie 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 Small Breed Dog?

Wellness CORE Small Breed Dog scores 78/100 (B) 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.