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The dog food aisle at your local Kroger or Ralphs might surprise you tucked between well-known brands like Purina and Blue Buffalo sits Abound Dog Food, a store brand that markets itself as “wholesome nutrition for pets, crafted with care.”
Abound claims to deliver natural, high-quality ingredients at an affordable price, competing with big-name premium brands for a fraction of the cost. But is this private-label food truly a nutritious, trustworthy option or just another budget dog food with fancy packaging?
In this comprehensive Abound Dog Food Review, we’ll dig into the ingredients, nutrition, product lines, recall history, pros and cons, and real owner feedback to uncover the truth about this increasingly popular grocery-store brand.
Brand Overview
Abound is an exclusive private-label dog food brand owned by Kroger, one of America’s largest grocery retailers. It’s available at Kroger stores and its affiliated chains, including Ralphs, Fry’s, King Soopers, Smith’s, Dillon’s, and Fred Meyer.
Introduced in the mid-2010s, Abound was Kroger’s answer to the rising consumer demand for natural, filler-free pet food — an affordable alternative to boutique brands like Blue Buffalo, Wellness, or Canidae.
Manufacturing & Philosophy
- Made in the USA using a mix of domestic and imported ingredients.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.
- Emphasis on real meat as the first ingredient, with no corn, soy, or wheat.
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
- Offers both grain-free and grain-inclusive recipes.
Abound’s mission is simple: make premium-style dog food accessible to every pet parent without breaking the bank.
Product Line Overview
Abound may not have a massive product catalog like Purina or Hill’s, but it offers enough variety to cover most dietary needs — including grain-free, grain-inclusive, puppy, and small-breed options.
A. Dry Dog Food
Abound’s dry kibble range includes both grain-free and grain-inclusive recipes featuring real animal proteins.
Popular recipes include:
- Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
- Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe
- Beef & Brown Rice Recipe
- Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe (Grain-Free)
- Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe (Grain-Free)
Features:
- Real meat listed first.
- Balanced protein and fat for adult maintenance.
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Available for adult, puppy, and small breed dogs.
B. Wet Dog Food (Canned)
Abound’s canned foods feature tender meat chunks in gravy or pâté form.
Available options:
- Grain-Free Chicken & Sweet Potato Stew
- Beef & Vegetable Dinner
- Salmon & Pea Recipe
- Lamb & Brown Rice Stew
Benefits:
- High moisture content for hydration.
- Ideal for picky eaters or mixing with dry food.
C. Treats & Jerky Snacks
Abound also produces dog treats, including:
- Chicken Jerky Strips
- Duck Jerky
- Grain-Free Sweet Potato Chews
These are made with minimal ingredients and no artificial flavors a nice touch for a budget-friendly brand.
3. Ingredient Quality and Nutrition
One of Abound’s biggest marketing points is its “natural ingredients with added vitamins and minerals.” Let’s examine what that really means.
A. Primary Ingredients
Most Abound recipes use real meat as the first ingredient, followed by healthy carbohydrates and oils.
Common inclusions:
- Animal Proteins: Chicken, salmon, lamb, beef.
- Carbohydrates: Brown rice, peas, chickpeas, and sweet potatoes.
- Healthy Fats: Chicken fat, flaxseed, and sunflower oil (omega sources).
- Fruits & Veggies: Carrots, cranberries, spinach, and beets for antioxidants.
- Vitamins & Minerals: Vitamin E, zinc, taurine, and probiotics for overall wellness.
The brand avoids meat by-products, artificial colors, and preservatives a major plus compared to traditional supermarket brands.
B. Ingredient Philosophy
✅ No corn, wheat, or soy.
✅ No by-product meals or artificial preservatives.
✅ Grain-free and grain-inclusive options available.
✅ Added taurine to support heart health.
⚠️ Some recipes include legumes (peas, chickpeas, lentils), which are currently debated due to potential links to canine DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopathy).
C. Nutritional Breakdown (Typical Dry Food Analysis)
| Nutrient | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 25–28% |
| Crude Fat | 12–15% |
| Crude Fiber | 4–5% |
| Moisture | 10% |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2.5% |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.4% |
While not as high in protein as premium brands like Orijen or Wellness Core, Abound delivers solid nutrition for the price making it a balanced mid-tier choice for most adult dogs.
Top Abound Dog Food Recipes (Quick Review)
Here’s a closer look at the most popular Abound formulas and how they perform.
Abound Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Overview:
A classic, well-balanced formula featuring real chicken, brown rice, and peas.
Pros:
- Easily digestible grains.
- Natural protein and fiber content.
- Great value for money.
Cons:
- Moderate protein levels (26%).
- Includes peas and beet pulp, which can be controversial.
Best For:
Adult dogs with normal activity levels.
Abound Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe
Overview:
Designed for dogs with grain sensitivities, using salmon as the main protein source.
Pros:
- Excellent omega-3 levels for skin and coat health.
- Great for dogs with grain allergies.
- Appealing fish flavor for picky eaters.
Cons:
- Heavy use of legumes and lentils.
- Pricier than other Abound recipes.
Best For:
Dogs with skin allergies or sensitive digestion.
Abound Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Overview:
Formulated for growth, this puppy recipe includes DHA and essential nutrients for brain and vision development.
Pros:
- DHA for cognitive growth.
- Balanced calcium and phosphorus for bones.
- Digestible grains.
Cons:
- Only available in smaller bag sizes.
Best For:
Growing puppies and small breeds.
Abound Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe
Overview:
A gentle, lamb-based formula ideal for dogs with poultry sensitivities.
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic protein source.
- Good fiber levels.
- Palatable for picky eaters.
Cons:
- Higher calorie count than chicken formula.
Best For:
Moderately active adult dogs.
Abound Grain-Free Beef & Sweet Potato Wet Food
Overview:
Canned grain-free beef entrée with sweet potatoes and carrots in savory gravy.
Pros:
- High moisture for hydration.
- Excellent palatability.
- Convenient topper for kibble.
Cons:
- Limited shelf life once opened.
Best For:
Dogs that need extra hydration or flavor variety.
Feeding Guide
Feeding amounts depend on your dog’s age, size, and activity level.
| Dog Weight | Daily Portion |
|---|---|
| 10–20 lbs | 1 – 1.5 cups |
| 20–50 lbs | 1.5 – 3 cups |
| 50–100 lbs | 3 – 5 cups |
Tips for Feeding Abound:
- Transition gradually over 7–10 days to avoid digestive upset.
- Adjust portions for active or senior dogs.
- Provide fresh water at all times.
- Store food in a cool, dry place and use within 4–6 weeks of opening.
Recall History and Safety
Abound’s recall history is short but important to mention.
2018 Recall – Elevated Vitamin D
In December 2018, the FDA announced a voluntary recall for specific Abound Chicken & Brown Rice Dog Food formulas due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin D, which can cause illness if consumed in excess.
Outcome:
- Limited batches affected.
- Kroger quickly pulled products from shelves.
- No serious injuries or deaths reported.
Since then, no further recalls have been issued, and the brand appears to have tightened its safety and quality protocols.
Pros and Cons
Pros
✅ Real meat as the first ingredient.
✅ No artificial colors or preservatives.
✅ Affordable and widely available at Kroger stores.
✅ Grain-free and grain-inclusive options.
✅ Added omega fatty acids and taurine.
✅ Transparent labeling.
Cons
❌ Moderate protein levels — not ideal for high-energy dogs.
❌ Contains peas and lentils in some formulas.
❌ Limited product variety compared to larger brands.
❌ Sold exclusively through Kroger stores.
❌ Past vitamin D recall (2018).
What Dog Owners Are Saying
Positive Reviews
- “My rescue Lab loves the Salmon recipe — shiny coat, great energy!”
- “Affordable and clean ingredients. I switched from Blue Buffalo and noticed no digestive issues.”
- “My picky Shih Tzu finally eats kibble again!”
Negative Reviews
- “Wish it had higher protein — my active dog needs more fuel.”
- “Inconsistent kibble sizes between batches.”
- “Limited availability — hard to find outside Kroger stores.”
Overall Ratings
- ⭐ 4.5/5 on Kroger.com
- ⭐ 4.4/5 on Reddit and Dog Food forums
- ⭐ 4.6/5 average rating overall
Pet parents praise Abound for its value and digestibility, often comparing it favorably to more expensive brands like Rachael Ray Nutrish and 4Health.
Abound vs Competitors
| Brand | Protein % | Grain-Free | Recall History | Price Range | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abound | 25–28% | Yes | 1 minor (2018) | $–$$ | ★★★★☆ |
| Rachael Ray Nutrish | 26% | Yes | Yes | $$ | ★★★★☆ |
| 4Health (Tractor Supply) | 26% | Yes | Yes | $–$$ | ★★★★☆ |
| Blue Buffalo Life Protection | 27% | Yes | Yes | $$–$$$ | ★★★★☆ |
| Purina ONE | 26% | Some | Yes | $$ | ★★★☆☆ |
Analysis:
Abound holds its ground as a solid mid-tier dog food cleaner than traditional grocery brands but not quite at the premium level of Canidae or Wellness.
Is Abound Dog Food Worth It?
If you’re looking for a dog food that’s affordable, natural, and nutritionally reliable, Abound Dog Food is a great option.
Ideal For:
- Dogs with mild food sensitivities.
- Pet owners seeking clean, balanced food on a budget.
- Households that prefer shopping locally at Kroger.
Not Ideal For:
- Working or athletic dogs that require higher protein.
- Owners seeking premium grain-free performance formulas.
Verdict:
Abound offers great ingredient quality for its price point, outperforming many big-box store brands. While it’s not perfect and not the most protein-dense food on the market it delivers consistent nutrition and transparency that you rarely see in private-label pet food.
Where to Buy Abound Dog Food
Abound is exclusive to Kroger and its family of stores, including:
- Kroger
- Ralphs
- Fred Meyer
- Smith’s
- Dillon’s
- King Soopers
It’s also available via Kroger.com and Instacart for online orders and delivery.
Average Prices
| Size | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 4-lb bag | $10–$14 |
| 14-lb bag | $25–$30 |
| 24-lb bag | $40–$45 |
| Wet cans | $2–$3 each |
For its ingredient quality, Abound’s pricing offers excellent value compared to premium grocery brands.
Final Words
In a crowded dog food market dominated by expensive boutique brands and low-quality fillers, Abound Dog Food quietly stands out as a budget-friendly, naturally formulated option.
Its focus on real meat, simple ingredients, and essential nutrients makes it a worthy choice for everyday feeding — especially for dogs without extreme dietary needs.
Yes, it had one recall years ago, but Kroger’s quick response and subsequent safety improvements restored customer confidence.
If you want a clean, balanced, and affordable dog food you can grab during your grocery run, Abound Dog Food might just be the hidden gem you’ve been looking for.