4Health Dog Food Overview
“4health” dog food is a private label brand made for the “Tractor Supply Company.” The products are manufactured by “Diamond Pet Foods Inc.,” and owned by “Schell and Kampeter Inc.” Diamond Pet Foods is a family-owned company and is still managed by the Schell and Kampeter family.
The Tractor Supply Company began operations in 1938 as a mail-order business for tractor parts. Since then, it has grown into one of the larger retail chains in the United States and presently operates in areas such as agriculture, home improvement and the pet food industry.
The Tractor Supply Company launched 4health as a premium private label dog food in early 2010. There are also 4health pet food products for cats.
The headquarters for the Tractor Supply Company is based in Brentwood, Tennessee, with more than 1000 locations across the country.
Where is 4health manufactured?
Diamond Pet Foods Inc., which manufactures all of 4health products, was founded in 1970 and its headquarters is based in Meta, Missouri.
In 1970, brothers-in-law Gary Schell and Richard Kampeter purchased the “Milling Meta Co.,” in Meta, Missouri, and Diamond Pet Foods was born. Schell and Kampeter expanded their manufacturing facilities to include plants in Lathrop, California; Ripon, California; Dumas, Arkansas; and Gaston, South Carolina.
4health dog food products include:
- Grain free dry formulas
- Wheat, corn and soy free dry formulas
- Grain free wet formulas
- Wheat, corn and soy free wet formulas
- They also have one ‘grain free’ and ‘GMO’ free wet formula.
- None of their dry and wet formulas contain any wheat, corn, or soy.
- 4health also offers a variety of premium dog treats that are formulated to support a specific health problem, or simply for the enjoyment of your canine companion.
Some of the 4health ‘Grain Free’ Dry Formulas
4health Grain Free Turkey & Potato Recipe
Formulated for all size dogs of all life stages.
- The primary ingredients are turkey, turkey meal, poultry meal, dried peas, whole potato, pea flour, dried plain beet pulp, poultry fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), whole flaxseed.
Guaranteed Analysis: * Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile.
| Crude Protein | Min. 24.00 % | Vitamin E | Min. 300 IU/kg |
| Crude Fat | Min. 14.00 % | Omega-6 Fatty Acid* | Min. 2.50 % |
| Crude Fiber | Max. 5.00 % | Omega-3 Fatty Acid* | Min. 0.40 % |
| Moisture | Max. 10.00 % | Glucosamine* | Min. 300 mg/kg |
| Zinc | Mn. 200 mg/kg | Chondroitin Sulfate* | Min. 100 mg/kg |
| Selenium | Min. 0.4 mg/kg | Total Microorganisms* | Min. 80,000,000 CFU/lb. |
Calorie content (calculated): ME 3486 kcal/kg; 337 kcal/cup
4health Grain-Free Puppy Recipe
Formulated for puppies.
- The primary ingredients are chicken, chicken meal, garbanzo beans, peas, pea flour, egg product, sweet potatoes, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), tomato pomace, flaxseed, natural flavour, fish meal, salmon oil (a source of DHA), salt, choline chloride, dried chicory root, yucca schidigera extract, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries.
Guaranteed Analysis: * Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile.
| Crude Protein | Min. 27.00 % | Vitamin E | Min. 150 IU/kg |
| Crude Fat | Min. 15.00 % | Omega-6 Fatty Acid* | Min. 2.5 % |
| Crude Fiber | Max. 4.00 % | Omega-3 Fatty Acid* | Min. 0.4 % |
| Moisture | Max. 10.00 % | DHA* | Min. 0.05 % |
| Zinc | Mn. 150 mg/kg | Total Microorganisms* | Min. 1,000,000 CFU/lb. |
| Selenium | Min. 0.3 mg/kg |
Calorie content (calculated): ME 3605 kcal/kg; 337 kcal/cup
4health Grain-Free Large Breed Recipe
Formulated for active and working adult dogs.
- The primary ingredients are turkey, turkey meal, garbanzo beans, lentils, peas, potatoes, tapioca, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), egg product, tomato pomace, natural flavour, flaxseed, ocean fish meal, salt, choline chloride, glucosamine hydrochloride, dried chicory root, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries.
Guaranteed Analysis: * Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile.
| Crude Protein | Min. 24.0 % | Vitamin E | Min. 150 IU/kg |
| Crude Fat | Min. 13.0 % | L-Carnitine* | Min. 30 mg/kg |
| Crude Fiber | Max. 5.00 % | Omega-6 Fatty Acid* | Min. 2.4 % |
| Moisture | Max. 10.00 % | Omega-3 Fatty Acid* | Min. 0.4 % |
| Calcium | Min. 1.2 % | Glucosamine* | Min. 750 mg/kg |
| Phosphorus | Min. 1.0 % | Chondroitin Sulfate* | Min. 250 mg/kg |
| Zinc | Mn. 150 mg/kg | Total Microorganisms* | Min. 1,000,000 CFU/lb. |
| Selenium | Min. 0.3 mg/kg |
Calorie content (calculated): ME 3450 kcal/kg; 323 kcal/cup
Some of the 4health ‘Wheat, Corn and Soy Free’ Dry Formulas
4health Salmon & Potato Recipe
Formulated for all size dogs of all life stages.
- The primary ingredients are salmon, ocean fish meal, potatoes, peas, cracked pearl barley, egg product, millet, canola oil, tomato pomace, natural flavour, flaxseed, salt, choline chloride, dried chicory root, glucosamine hydrochloride, dried kelp, carrots, apples, tomatoes, blueberries, spinach, cranberries.
- Guaranteed Analysis: * Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile.
| Crude Protein | Min. 25.0 % | Vitamin E | 150 IU/kg |
| Crude Fat | Min. 14.0 % | Omega-6 Fatty Acid* | Min. 2.5 % |
| Crude Fiber | Max. 3.0 % | Omega-3 Fatty Acid* | Min. 0.5 % |
| Moisture | Max. 10.0 % | Glucosamine* | Min. 300 mg/kg |
| Zinc | MIn. 150 mg/kg | Chondroitin Sulfate* | Min. 100 mg/kg |
| Selenium | Min. 0.3 mg/kg | Total Microorganisms* | Min. 1,000,000 CFU/lb. |
Calorie content (calculated): ME 3500 kcal/kg; 327 kcal/cup
4health Large Breed Recipe
Formulated for adult large breed dogs.
- The primary ingredients are turkey, turkey meal, garbanzo beans, lentils, peas, potatoes, tapioca, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), egg product, tomato pomace, natural flavour, flaxseed, ocean fish meal, salt, choline chloride, glucosamine hydrochloride, dried chicory root, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries.
Guaranteed Analysis: * Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile.
| Crude Protein | Min. 24.0 % | Vitamin E | 150 IU/kg |
| Crude Fat | Min. 13.0 % | L-Carnitine* | Min. 30 mg/kg |
| Crude Fiber | Max. 5.0 % | Omega-6 Fatty Acid* | Min. 2.4 % |
| Moisture | Max. 10.0 % | Omega-3 Fatty Acid* | Min. 0.4 % |
| Calcium | Min. 1.2 % | Glucosamine* | 750 mg/kg |
| Phosphorus | Min. 1.0 % | Chondroitin Sulfate* | Min. 250 mg/kg |
| Zinc | Min. 150 mg/kg | Total Microorganisms* | Min. 1.000,000 CFU/lb. |
| Selenium | Min. 0.3 mg/kg |
Calorie content (calculated): ME 3450 kcal/kg; 323 kcal/cup
4health Puppy Recipe
Formulated for puppies.
- The primary ingredients are lamb, lamb meal, cracked pearl barley, ground white rice, peas, egg product, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), pea protein, tomato pomace, oatmeal, potatoes, natural flavour, flaxseed, ocean fish meal, salmon oil (source of DHA), salt, potassium chloride, choline chloride, dried chicory root, dried kelp, carrots, apples, tomatoes, blueberries, spinach, cranberries.
Guaranteed Analysis: * Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile.
| Crude Protein | Min. 27.0 % | Selenium | Min. 0.3 mg/kg |
| Crude Fat | Min. 15.0 % | Vitamin E | 150 IU/kg |
| Crude Fiber | Max. 4.5 % | L-Carnitine* | Min. 30 mg/kg |
| Moisture | Max. 10.0 % | Omega-6 Fatty Acid* | Min. 2.2 % |
| Calcium | Min. 1.2 % | Omega-3 Fatty Acid* | Min. 0.3 % |
| Phosphorus | Min. 1.2 % | DHA* | Min. 0.05 % |
| Zinc | Min. 150 mg/kg | Total Microorganisms* | Min. 1.000,000 CFU/lb. |
Calorie content (calculated): ME 3656 kcal/kg; 342 kcal/cup
4health Healthy Weight Recipe
Formulated for dogs in need of weight maintenance.
- The primary ingredients are whole grain brown rice, chicken, chicken meal, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), dried beet pulp, natural chicken flavour, flaxseed, fish meal, potassium chloride, salt, choline chloride, dried chicory root.
Guaranteed Analysis: * Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile.
| Crude Protein | Min. 20.0 % | L-Carnitine* | Min. 30 mg/kg |
| Crude Fat | Min. 8.0 % | Omega-6 Fatty Acid* | Min. 1.7 % |
| Crude Fiber | Max. 3.0 % | Omega-3 Fatty Acid* | Min. 0.3 % |
| Moisture | Max. 10.0 % | Glucosamine* | Min. 300 mg/kg |
| Zinc | Min. 150 mg/kg | Chondroitin Sulfate* | Min. 100 mg/kg |
| Selenium | Min. 0.3 mg/kg | Total Microorganisms* | Min. 1.000,000 CFU/lb. |
| Vitamin E | 150 IU/kg |
Calorie content (calculated): ME 3402 kcal/kg; 318 kcal/cup
4health Performance Recipe
Formulated for highly active sporting, or working dogs.
- The primary ingredients are chicken, chicken meal, ground white rice, cracked pearl barley, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), egg product, dried beet pulp, flaxseed, natural chicken flavour, fish meal, potassium chloride, salt, choline chloride, dried chicory root.
Guaranteed Analysis: * Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile.
| Crude Protein | Min. 30.0 % | Vitamin E | Min. 0.3 mg/kg |
| Crude Fat | Min. 20.0 % | Omega-6 Fatty Acid* | Min. 3.3 % |
| Crude Fiber | Max. 3.0 % | Omega-3 Fatty Acid* | Min. 0.5 % |
| Moisture | Max. 10.0 % | Glucosamine* | Min. 750 mg/kg |
| Zinc | Min. 150 mg/kg | Chondroitin Sulfate* | Min. 750 mg/kg |
| Selenium | Min. 0.3 mg/kg | Total Microorganisms* | Min. 1.000,000 CFU/lb. |
| Zinc | Min. 150 mg/kg |
Calorie content (calculated): ME 4019 kcal/kg; 376 kcal/cup
4health Mature Adult Recipe
Formulated for mature adult dogs that are seven years of age, or more.
- The primary ingredients are lamb, lamb meal, oatmeal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearl barley, ground white rice, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), tomato pomace, potatoes, natural flavour, flaxseed, ocean fish meal, potassium chloride, choline chloride, dried chicory root.
Guaranteed Analysis: * Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile.
| Crude Protein | Min. 20.0 % | Vitamin E | Min. 150 IU/kg |
| Crude Fat | Min. 10.0 % | Taurine* | Min. 0.1 % |
| Crude Fiber | Max. 3.0 % | Omega-6 Fatty Acid* | Min. 1.7 % |
| Moisture | Max. 10.0 % | Omega-3 Fatty Acid* | Min. 0.25 % |
| Calcium | Min. 1.1 % | Glucosamine* | Min. 720 mg/kg |
| Phosphorus | Min. 0.9 % | Chondroitin Sulfate* | Min. 240 mg/kg |
| Zinc | Min. 175 mg/kg | Total Microorganisms* | Min. 1.000,000 CFU/lb. |
| Selenium | Min. 0.3 mg/kg |
Calorie content (calculated): ME 3421 kcal/kg; 320 kcal/cup
4health Small Bites Recipe
Formulated for toy, or small breed adult dogs.
- The primary ingredients are chicken, chicken meal, cracked pearl barley, ground white rice, dried beet pulp, oatmeal, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), natural chicken flavour, flaxseed, fish meal, potassium chloride, choline chloride, dried chicory root.
Guaranteed Analysis: * Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile.
| Crude Protein | Min. 26.0 % | L-Carnitine* | Min. 30 mg/kg |
| Crude Fat | Min. 12.0 % | Omega-6 Fatty Acid* | Min. 2.0 % |
| Crude Fiber | Max. 4.0 % | Omega-3 Fatty Acid* | Min. 0.3 % |
| Moisture | Max. 10.0 % | Glucosamine* | Min. 450 mg/kg |
| Zinc | Min. 150 mg/kg | Chondroitin Sulfate* | Min. 150 mg/kg |
| Selenium | Min. 0.3 mg/kg | Total Microorganisms* | Min. 1.000,000 CFU/lb. |
| Vitamin E | Min. 150 IU/kg | ||
Calorie content (calculated): ME 3439 kcal/kg; 322 kcal/cup
Some of the 4health ‘Grain Free’ Wet Formulas
4health GMO Free Turkey & Sweet Potato Stew in Gravy
‘Grain Free’ and ‘GMO’ Free
Formulated for adult dogs.
- The primary ingredients are turkey broth, turkey, chicken liver, dried egg whites, sweet potatoes, potato starch, dried egg product, guar gum, salt, peas.
Guaranteed Analysis: * Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile.
| Crude Protein | Min. 8.0 % | Crude Fiber | Max. 1.5 % |
| Crude Fat | Min. 5.0 % | Moisture | Max. 82.0 % |
Calorie content (calculated): ME 913 kcal/kg; 342 kcal/cup
4health Beef & Chicken Recipe
Formulated for adult dogs.
- The primary ingredients are beef, beef broth, beef liver.
Guaranteed Analysis: * Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile.
| Crude Protein | Min. 9.0 % | Crude Fiber | Max. 1.5 % |
| Crude Fat | Min. 9.0 % | Moisture | Max. 78.0 % |
Calorie content (calculated): ME 1412 kcal/kg; 501 kcal/cup
4Health Beef & Vegetable Stew Recipe
Formulated for adult small to extra large breeds.
- The primary ingredients are beef broth, chicken, beef, carrots, dried egg whites, potato starch, dried egg product, peas.
Guaranteed Analysis: * Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile.
| Crude Protein | Min. 8.00 % | Crude Fiber | Max. 1.5 % |
| Crude Fat | Min. 4.5 % | Moisture | Max. 82.00 % |
Calorie content (calculated): ME 991 kcal/kg; 618 kcal/cup
Some of the 4health ‘Wheat, Corn and Soy Free’ Wet Formulas
4health Salmon & Potato Recipe
Formulated for adult dogs.
- The primary ingredients are salmon, whitefish, salmon broth, potatoes, brown rice flour, Sunflower oil.
Guaranteed Analysis: * Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile.
| Crude Protein | Min. 8.0 % | Omega-6 Fatty Acids* | Min. 0.63 % |
| Crude Fat | Min. 6.0 % | Omega-3 Fatty Acids* | Min. 0.13 % |
| Crude Fiber | Max. 1.5 % | Glucosamine* | Min. 380 mg/kg |
| Zinc | Min. 45 mg/kg | Chondroitin* | Min. 220 mg/kg |
| Vitamin A | Min. 2500 IU/kg |
Calorie content (calculated): ME 1128 kcal/kg; 421 kcal/cup
4health Chicken & Rice Puppy Recipe
Formulated for puppies.
- The primary ingredients are chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, brown rice, dried egg product.
Guaranteed Analysis: * Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile.
| Crude Protein | Min. 10.00 % | Crude Fiber | Max. 1.3 % |
| Crude Fat | Min. 7.00 % | Moisture | Max. 78.00 % |
Calorie content (calculated): ME 1318 kcal/kg; 492 kcal/cup
4health Senior Chicken & Rice Recipe
Formulated for senior dogs.
- The primary ingredients are chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, brown rice, oat bran.
Guaranteed Analysis: * Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile.
| Crude Protein | Min. 7.00 % | Moisture | Max. 78.0 % |
| Crude Fat | Min. 4.5 % | Glucosamine* | Min. 40 mg/kg |
| Crude Fiber | Max. 2.00 % | Chondroitin Sulfate* | Min. 32 mg/kg |
Calorie content (calculated): ME 1130 kcal/kg; 423 kcal/cuRecalls
4Health Dog Food Recalls
According to reports by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Diamond Pet Foods, Inc. has had recalls on both their dog and cat “4health” pet food products.
March 10, 2013
Diamond Pet Foods Inc. recalled several brands of cat food including 4health “All Life Stages” dry cat food, because of potentially low levels of thiamine (Vitamin B1), which is an essential vitamin for cats.
May 5, 2012
Diamond Pet Foods Inc. voluntarily recalled all brands of 4health dry dog food manufactured in their Gaston, South Carolina, facility because of potential salmonella contamination. The products were manufactured between December 9, 2011 and April 7, 2012.
There were also many other brands of dog food manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods, that were included in the recall.
4Health Dog Food Summary
Because 4health pet food is sold exclusively at the Tractor Supply Company, it may be difficult for some consumers to purchase the products if one of their outlets is not located in their area.
There is nowhere on the Tractor Supply Company website that mentions that the ingredients in the 4health recipes are inspected, or approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). They most likely are, but it should be posted on their website.
Also, they do not mention whether any of the ingredients are imported from China, or any other country.
Fish meal is one of the ingredients in some of their recipes, however they do not specify the source species. They also do not mention whether the fish are wild-caught, or farm raised.
Overall, 4health dog food appears to be a highly nutritious choice of dog food based on its ingredients. Their recipes contain meat as either the first, or second ingredient, which makes it a high protein food.
There is also a good selection of grain-free recipes, especially in the wet formulas. It would be a wonderful addition to their line of products if they made more ‘grain free’ and ‘GMO free’ recipes, such as their “GMO Free Turkey & Sweet Potato Stew in Gravy” recipe.
Unfortunately, because Diamond Pet Foods has had numerous recalls and manufacturers the 4health line of products, some people may be sceptical about feeding this brand of food to their dog.
Some words of advice:
Keep a watchful eye on all Diamond Pet Foods Inc. recalls. Most of their recalls do not include 4health products, but it is safer to remain alert and informed.
