Petful

Expert advice, in-depth guides, and honest reviews for dog and cat owners.

Dogs

  • Health & Care
  • Food & Nutrition
  • Dog Food Database
  • Training & Behavior
  • Breeds

Cats

  • Health & Care
  • Food & Nutrition
  • Cat Food Database
  • Training & Behavior
  • Breeds

Company

  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Write for Us
  • Advertise
  • Topics
  • Pet Food Center
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Takedown Policy
  • Report Problems

© 2026 Petful. All rights reserved.

Petful
  • Reviews
  • Tools
  • About
  1. Home
  2. Reviews
  3. Beneful Dog Food Review (Brand) - Complete Buyer’s Guide
Product Review

Beneful Dog Food Review (Brand) - Complete Buyer’s Guide

Petful
PetfulPublished May 30, 2024
beneful dog food image

Petful is reader supported. As an affiliate of platforms like Amazon and Chewy, we may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. There is no extra cost to you.

Pros

  • Real meat as the primary ingredient
  • Variety of formulas for different needs (puppy, weight management, grain-free)
  • No artificial flavors in dry dog food recipes
  • Positive consumer feedback on taste and quality

Cons

  • Use of controversial ingredients like whole grain corn and soybean meal
  • Some recipes contain artificial coloring (iron oxide color)
  • Contains menadione, a controversial form of vitamin K

Product Comparison

Product LineProduct Name AAFCO
Dry Dog Food Beneful Healthy Puppy with Farm-Raised Chicken A
Dry Dog Food Beneful Healthy Weight with Farm-Raised Chicken M
Dry Dog Food Beneful Grain Free with Farm-Raised Chicken M
Dry Dog Food Beneful Originals with Farm-Raised Beef M
[review_affiliate_disclaimer]
Woman with dog checking pet health alerts on phone

Don't Guess When It Comes To Your Pet's Care

Sign up for expert-backed reviews and safety alerts all in one place.

Beneful Dog Food Key Information

[review_key_information]

This comprehensive Beneful dog food review is brought to you by Petful, the leading source for pet food recalls for over a decade. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure you make an informed purchase. 

Rating: Is Beneful Dog Food Good?

[review_rating]

Highest rating as of April 9, 2024, follow the links to see updated ratings.

Pros and Cons

[review_pro_cons]

Beneful Dog Food Recalls

  • There has been a Beneful Dog Food recall. Check the updated Beneful recall history here. Check our updated Pet Food Recall Center here.

Recall disclaimer: Recalls don’t necessarily reflect a brand’s overall quality. They are often precautionary, aimed at ensuring pet safety. Consider the specifics of each recall when choosing products.

Complaints, Issues, and Controversies

  • Customer Affairs: https://www.purina.ca/contact-us
  • Amazon: Beneful Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food 1-star review ConsumerAffairs: Beneful Pet Food 1-star reviews

Products and Ingredients

[review_product_table]

Controversial Ingredients and Additives

  • Soybean meal: May cause allergies in some pets and is often used as a protein source instead of meat.Check out American Kennel Club's: "Soy in Dog Food: What You Need to Know"
  • Chicken by-product meal: Can vary in quality; often considered a lower-grade protein source.Check out DogFoodAdvisor's: "The Truth About Animal By-Products in Dog Food"
  • Beef fat preserved with mixed tocopherols: While not controversial in itself, the source of the fat can be of concern if not specified.Check out CanadianPetConnection's: "Understanding Mixed Tocopherols in Pet Food"
  • Natural flavor: Vague term that doesn't specify the source, raising questions about its origin and quality.
  • Iron oxide color: Used for coloring; some argue it's unnecessary and could be potentially harmful.Check out Dogs Naturally's: "Is Food Coloring Safe For Dogs?"
  • Menadione sodium bisulfite complex: A synthetic version of vitamin K3, linked to health concerns in high doses.Check out DogFoodAdvisor's: "The Controversy Over Menadione in Dog Food"

The presence of certain ingredients doesn't alone determine a dog food's quality. It depends on the overall recipe, ingredient quality, and the dog's unique needs. Opinions on these ingredients vary among experts, and research is ongoing.

Beneful Dog Food Overview

Beneful Dog Food positions itself as a brand committed to the continuous improvement of its pet nutrition products, responding proactively to the evolving needs of pet owners and their dogs. Aiming to exceed expectations, the brand has, over the past 15 years, introduced new recipes and innovative forms based on consumer feedback, ensuring that every product meets high standards for taste and nutritional balance.

Recent initiatives include making real meat the #1 ingredient in all dry dog food recipes and removing artificial flavors and added sugars, reflecting Beneful's commitment to quality and healthfulness. Additionally, the expansion of their natural dry food line and the introduction of no-preservative wet food options underscore Beneful's dedication to offering a variety of wholesome, tasty foods that dogs love and owners trust.

Petful's Beneful Dog Food Review

Purina Beneful Dog Food, recognized for its inclusion of real meat as the top ingredient, endeavors to meet the diverse nutritional requirements of dogs at various life stages. The brand has adapted over time, guided by feedback from pet owners, leading to the removal of artificial flavors and added sugars and the introduction of grain-free and high-protein wet food options. Despite these advantages, certain ingredients, such as whole grain corn, soybean meal, and corn gluten meal, are seen as less desirable due to their limited nutritional value and potential allergenic effects.

Additionally, the use of controversial additives like iron oxide for coloring and synthetic vitamin K raises some concerns. However, Beneful's dedication to refining its recipes, along with the inclusion of wholesome vegetables and grains, indicates a commitment to providing balanced nutrition. While Beneful is favored for its variety and palatability, some pet owners might have reservations regarding specific ingredients.

[review_conclusion]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions

Veterinarians have stated that there is no scientific evidence to suggest that Purina Beneful is harmful or causing death to dogs.

Many users report positive experiences with Beneful, appreciating that meat (such as beef or chicken) is listed as the first ingredient. Their dogs seem to enjoy the taste, often finishing their meals eagerly and looking for more, especially when transitioning from other brands. Additionally, the affordability of Beneful is frequently highlighted as a significant advantage, making it a favorable choice among pet owners.

Explore More Options for Dog Food

  • 4Health Dog Food Pure Balance Dog Food Merrick Dog Food

A Final Word (Disclaimer)

At Petful, our review integrity is paramount; we never exchange special treatment in our reviews for monetary or material rewards.

Nonetheless, when our readers click through to online merchants (including Chewy or Amazon), we receive a referral commission. This supports the running of our free blog, and we appreciate your backing.

For additional information, kindly refer to our Disclaimer and Discourse Section.

[review_reviewed_by]

Verdicts

Beneful (Dry): (3.5/5)
Beneful (Dry): (4.5/5)
Beneful (brand): (4.4/5)

Petful Verdict

Recommended

Petful Review

Conclusion

Given its commitment to quality ingredients and manufacturing practices, coupled with health benefits for pets, this brand is recommended for discerning pet owners seeking nutritious options.

Sources

  1. Dog Food Advisor
  2. Amazon
  3. Dogster

Reviewed By

Vet-Approved Content - Reviewed By The <a href="/team/" title="Petful team">Petful Team</a>

Petful is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through links on this page.

Share this review

Jump to Section

  • Beneful Dog Food Key Information
  • Rating: Is Beneful Dog Food Good?
  • Pros and Cons
  • Beneful Dog Food Recalls
  • Complaints, Issues, and Controversies
  • Products and Ingredients
  • Controversial Ingredients and Additives
  • Beneful Dog Food Overview
  • Petful's Beneful Dog Food Review
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
  • Explore More Options for Dog Food
  • A Final Word (Disclaimer)

Key Information

Brand
Beneful
Company
Nestlé Purina PetCare
Country
USA
Age Range
Since 2001
Price
<a href="https://www.purina.com/beneful/products/dry-dog-food" rel="sponsored">Check for updated pricing here</a>
Recalls
There has been a Beneful recall

Get More Tips

Weekly pet care advice delivered to your inbox.

Woman with dog checking pet health alerts on phone

Don't Guess When It Comes To Your Pet's Care

Sign up for expert-backed reviews and safety alerts all in one place.