Whitefish and Potato

Full review of Whitefish and Potato by Fromm

Nutritional Analysis

The ideal nutrition for a dog is entirely dependent on its unique circumstances. However, a high proportion of protein and fat combined with a lower proportion of carbohydrates is the most appropriate nutrition profile for the vast majority of dogs.

Dogs are very capable of consuming a high proportion of carbohydrates, but a diet high in protein and fat is more appropriate and a better reflection of their natural ancestral diet.

Carbohydrate Content Analysis

Dogs use carbohydrates as a simple energy source. Dogs do not require significant carbohydrates in their diet, and they are commonly added to reduce cost and increase shelf life.

As the chart above displays, a maximum of 50% of Fromm Whitefish and Potato calories are derived from carbohydrates.

Please note that this is the maximum amount of carbohydrates as calculated by the guaranteed analysis. In reality, this value of carbohydrates is likely to be a lot lower. This is above average for a Dry Dog Food.

The vast majority of this carbohydrate content appears to be from the vegetable content of this dog food. Vegetables such as Sweet Potatoes are considered high-quality sources of carbohydrates.

Unfortunately, this recipe also contains low-quality carbohydrates such as Barley and White Rice. These will be discussed in more detail later on.

This is hugely above what we would consider the ideal proportion of carbohydrates and should be significantly lower to better reflect a dog’s natural diet.

Protein Content Analysis

Dogs use Protein for growth, development, and maintenance. Excess protein can be burned as calories. As the chart above displays, a minimum of 24% of Fromm Whitefish and Potato calories are derived from protein.

Please note that this is the minimum amount of protein as calculated by the guaranteed analysis. In reality, this value of protein is likely to be higher. This is average for a Dry Dog Food.

This is a satisfactory level of protein and should be sufficient for the average dog but may not be adequate for those who are active.

It appears to be sourced from fish ingredients such as Whitefish and Menhaden Fish. Fish like Whitefish are considered high-quality sources of protein and provide the full range of needed amino acids.

Unfortunately, a minority of this protein level is from the grains such as Barley. Plant-based proteins are not as beneficial as animal-based protein.

Fat Content Analysis

Dogs use fat as a concentrated energy source. In addition, fats also play a role in development and maintenance. As the chart above displays, a minimum of 26% of Fromm Whitefish and Potato calories are derived from fat.

Please note that this is the minimum amount of fat as calculated by the guaranteed analysis. In reality, this value of fat is likely to be a lot higher. This is below average for a Dry Dog Food.

The fat present in this dog food appears to be from the range of fish ingredients such as Whitefish. This low estimate of fat content is barely sufficient to fulfill the energy needs of the average of dog let alone those who are more active.

This fat proportion needs to be significantly higher to better reflect a dog’s natural diet.

Calorie Density

Overall, Fromm Whitefish and Potato contains an average of 4,041kcal/kg or 1,837 kcal/lb or 408 kcal/cup

Disclaimer

Once again, please note that the values in this section are calculated using the products guaranteed analysis.

The guaranteed analysis only lists the minimum and maximum values, and as a consequence, these can sometimes be an inaccurate representation. As a rule of thumb, most dog foods will contain slightly more protein and considerably more fat than their guaranteed analysis.

This will have the knock-on effect of reducing the relative amount of carbohydrates present. However, also note that every dog food is different, and some will be considerably closer to the guaranteed analysis than others.

Guaranteed Analysis – Fromm Whitefish and Potato

Pet foods in the United States are legally required by the AAFCO to have a guaranteed analysis on their packaging.

A guaranteed analysis must display certain nutritional information. This is similar to how nutritional values are now commonly displayed on food for human consumption.

The information that must be displayed includes Crude Protein, Crude Fat, Crude Fiber, and Moisture. Some guaranteed analyses will contain additional information. The guaranteed analysis for this product is listed below.

• Crude Protein (Min) – 23.00%
• Crude Fat (Min) – 11.00%
• Crude Fiber (Max) – 3.50%
• Moisture (Max) – 10.00%

• Omega 6 Fatty Acids (Min) – 2.2%
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids (Min) – 0.4%

Ingredient Analysis

The ingredients of pet food are disclosed on the packaging of the product as a list in descending order.

Therefore the ingredients at the start of the list make up the bulk of the pet foods content. As a consequence, the quality of these primary ingredients is the most significant factor in determining the quality of pet food.

However, ingredients listed further down the ingredient list should not be ignored, especially if they could have adverse or harmful effects on a pet.

High-Quality Ingredients

• Whitefish
• Menhaden Fish Meal
• Sweet Potatoes
• Herring Meal
• Whole Eggs
• Flaxseed

Low-Quality Ingredients

• Brown Rice
• Pearled Barley
• Oatmeal
• White Rice
• Millet

Dangerous / Harmful Ingredients

• N/A

In-Depth Meat/Fish Ingredient Review

The meat and fish ingredients of dog food are, without a doubt, the most important. They are critical as they provide the majority of the protein and fat that dogs desperately need.

Also, these ingredients would have made up the bulk of dogs’ ancestors’ diet. Therefore, the quality of a dog food formula’s meat and fish ingredients is crucial. Fromm Whitefish and Potato contains four sources of meat or fish.

The primary fish source present is Ocean Whitefish. Ocean Whitefish is considered a high or average-quality source of protein.

Ocean Whitefish contains high levels of phosphorus and the Omega Fatty Acids. Unfortunately, just as with meat, Ocean Whitefish contains a high concentration of water.

Much of this water is evaporated during the cooking process leaving a lesser proportion of Ocean Whitefish. However, given that Ocean Whitefish is the first listed ingredient, its proportion will still be relatively high.

Another fish source present is Menhaden Fish Meal. Menhaden Fish Meal is considered an average-quality source of fish.

Menhaden Fish are small oily fish that are not fit for human consumption. The oil is removed from these fish, and the leftover flesh is turned into fish meal. This fish meal is high in protein.

Unfortunately, as most of the oil has been removed, Menhaden Fish Meal is not high in the beneficial Omega Fatty Acids like other fish.

Eggs are a highly nutritious pet food ingredient and are considered a high-quality source of protein. Eggs contain a huge variety of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin B2 and B12, Selenium, Phosphorus, and many others.

In addition to this, they contain a high proportion of protein and healthy fats such as the Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids.

Another fish source present is Herring Meal. Herring Meal is considered a high-quality source of protein. Fish Meal is a concentrated form of fish that has already had the majority of its moisture removed. This means that gram for gram is much richer in protein and other nutrients.

Herring Meal will contain the same vitamins and minerals as Herring but in higher concentrations. Herring’s most abundant mineral is Vitamin B12.

In-Depth None-Meat Ingredient Review

Potatoes are a starchy vegetable and a dense source of complex carbohydrates. Also, Potatoes can provide fiber and a surprising number of minerals and vitamins such as Potassium, Copper, and the Vitamin B6.

Sadly, Potatoes are considered an average-quality ingredient as they provide minimal nutritional value beyond their carbohydrate content.

Sweet Potatoes are a starchy vegetable and a source of complex carbohydrates.  Sweet Potatoes are considered superior to traditional Potatoes as they contain more fiber and a more extensive range of vitamins and minerals.

Some examples of vitamins and minerals that are abundant in Sweet Potatoes are Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Calcium.

The higher amount of fiber and the range of micronutrients in Sweet Potatoes mean that they are considered a high-quality ingredient despite containing mostly carbohydrates.

Despite being a grain, Brown Rice can provide some nutrition. Therefore it is considered one of the better grains.

To add to this Brown Rice is far superior to White Rice which is heavily processed. Brown Rice can provide dietary fiber for healthy digestion and high levels of Magnese.

Barley is a grain containing gluten and can be considered a low-quality ingredient in dog food by some. It is very high in carbohydrates and can be difficult to digest. The fact that it is challenging to digest could lead to constipation or other symptoms.

However, Barley does contain high levels of selenium and manganese. Learn more about Barley in our article Barley In Dog Food.

Oatmeal is made from the grinding of Oats. Oats are a grain and, in their pure form, do not contain gluten.

However, oats and oatmeal are considered one of the better grains for a dog’s diet. Oats are high in fiber, very high in plant-based proteins, and have some vitamins like Vitamin B5 and B9.

White Rice is a grain and a very low-quality dog food ingredient. White Rice is heavily processed and contains very little nutritional value beyond its carbohydrate content. White Rice should be avoided if possible.

Millet is a cereal grain that is high in carbohydrates and plant-based proteins. It is considered a low-quality addition to dog food.

Grains such as millet are not biologically appropriate for dogs and should be avoided if possible. Millet has little nutritional value past its carbohydrate and protein content.

A noteworthy ingredient present in this formula is Tomato Pomace. Tomato Pomace is made up of tomato skin, seeds, and pulp.

Its most beneficial feature is that it contains very high levels of soluble fiber, which can aid and regulate digestion.

Those high levels of fiber are the primary motivation behind the inclusion of this ingredient in most formulas, as Tomato Pomace has little nutritional value.

Flaxseed is a beneficial ingredient that is commonplace in higher-quality dog food. Flaxseed contains high levels of the Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids, which provide a range of health benefits such as healthier skin and fur and improved cognitive function.

Also, Flaxseed contains high levels of protein for a plant-based ingredient. Finally, Flaxseed provides Lignans which can help reduce inflammation and cholesterol.

Salmon Oil is a reliable source of the Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids. In fact, Salmon Oil is particularly high in the Omega 3 Fatty Acid, which is considered to be the more beneficial of the two.

The Omega Fatty Acids are essential for an extensive range of reasons. They can help maintain a dog’s skin and coat, they can reduce inflammation, and they can help fight heart disease. The full list of potential benefits of the Omega Fatty Acids is far too numerous to list.

Alfalfa is a flowering plant that is closely related to Peas and other legumes. Alfalfa has a long history of use in livestock feed and as a supplement for humans.

It has a similar proportion of protein to other legumes, which means it can contribute to a minor sum if there is a sufficient quantity used.

Alfalfa’s greatest strength is the vast range of vitamins and minerals it provides, including Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Beta Carotene, Potassium, and Calcium. Find out more about Alfalfa in our article Alfalfa In Dog Food.

Dried Chicory Root or Chicory Root Extract is an additive or supplement to dog food. It can provide a range of health benefits, including soluble fiber to enable regular passage of stool, probiotics to aid and promote digestion, as well as potentially eliminate or prevent intestinal worms.

While these benefits are not fully proven, there is strong evidence behind them. The proportion of Chicory Root used in most dog food recipes is tiny and does not contribute to meaningful nutrition. Find out more in Dried Chicory Root In Dog Food.

Full Ingredient List – Fromm Whitefish and Potato

Whitefish, Menhaden Fish Meal, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Brown Rice, Pearled Barley, Oatmeal, White Rice, Herring Meal, Dried Whole Egg, Millet, Dried Tomato Pomace, Safflower Oil, Cheese, Flaxseed, Salmon Oil, Carrots, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Apples, Green Beans, Chicken Cartilage, Potassium Chloride, Monosodium Phosphate, Calcium Sulfate, Cranberries, Blueberries, Salt, Monocalcium Phosphate, Chicory Root Extract, Alfalfa Sprouts, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Sodium Selenite, Folic Acid, Taurine, Parsley, Sorbic Acid (Preservative), Vitamins, Minerals, Probiotics.