Rankings/Dogs/Wellness

Wellness

CORE Original Adult

Dogs · kibble · 10 kg

A

Overall score87/100· Excellent

Summary

US grain-free recipe rich in protein. Good omega mix (flax and salmon), joints supported by glucosamine and chondroitin.

Sub-scores

AProteins
ANutrition balance
AUndesirables
BTransparency
BSpecies adaptability

Composition analysed

Dehydrated chicken (22%), turkey, peas, lentils, potato, chicken fat, flaxseed oil, salmon oil, glucosamine, chondroitin, probiotics

  1. ADehydrated chicken22%protein
  2. ATurkeyprotein
  3. BPeascereal
  4. BLentilscereal
  5. BPotatocereal
  6. AChicken fatfat
  7. AFlaxseed oilfat
  8. ASalmon oilfat
  9. AGlucosaminebeneficial additive
  10. AChondroitinbeneficial additive
  11. AProbioticsbeneficial additive

Nutritional analysis

Crude protein
34%
Crude fat
16%
Ash
9%
Fibre
4%
Moisture
10%

Strengths

  • First ingredient is a named animal protein
  • No undesirable additives detected
  • Transparent labelling (detailed percentages)
  • Balanced nutritional profile

Weaknesses

    Similar alternatives

    AOrijenPuppyAOrijenOriginal Adult PouletAOrijenSix FishAAcanaWild Prairie Recipe
    See all alternatives to Wellness CORE Original AdultTop dry food for dogs

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    Wellness head-to-head

    Editorial face-offs pitting Wellness against rival brands on ingredients, sub-scores and cost per kilo.

    ComparisonWellness vs OrijenComparisonWellness vs AcanaComparisonWellness vs ApplawsComparisonWellness vs Open Farm
    PetFoodRate editorial review

    Wellness CORE is the American answer to Orijen and Acana. High-protein, grain-free, with glucosamine and chondroitin built in for joint support. At 87/100, it earns a solid A grade. The first ingredient is dehydrated chicken at 22 percent (not fresh, which means the protein is already concentrated), followed by turkey, peas, lentils, and potato. Probiotics and omega-3 from both flaxseed and salmon oil round out the formula. The main limitation is European availability: Wellness is widely distributed in the US but harder to find in FR/DE/UK. When you can find it, it competes directly with Acana at a similar price point.

    Compared to the competition

    AWellnessvsAAcana Wild Prairie Recipe

    Both score A (87 vs 90). Acana has slightly more animal protein and uses fresh chicken first. Wellness uses dehydrated. Both are excellent. Buy whichever is cheaper in your market.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is Wellness CORE available in Europe?

    Yes, but distribution is limited. Check Zooplus DE/FR/NL for the best European availability. Amazon EU also stocks it intermittently. US availability is universal via Chewy and PetSmart.

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    Frequently asked questions

    What score does Wellness CORE Original Adult get?

    Wellness CORE Original Adult gets a grade of A (87/100), i.e. "excellent", on the PetFoodRate A to E scale. The grade combines five axes: protein quality, nutritional balance, absence of undesirable ingredients, labelling transparency and species suitability.

    What are the strengths and weaknesses of Wellness CORE Original Adult?

    Strengths: First ingredient is a named animal protein, No undesirable additives detected, Transparent labelling (detailed percentages), Balanced nutritional profile.

    Is Wellness CORE Original Adult a good fit for dogs?

    On species suitability, this product scores B. It is broadly suited to the needs of dogs, as part of a balanced diet.

    How does PetFoodRate rate dry food?

    PetFoodRate grades every product from A to E independently and deterministically, from the ingredient list and analytical constituents, with no sponsored brands and no influence from affiliate links.