Abound Dog Food Review: Is Kroger’s Pet Food Brand Worth It?

When it comes to feeding our furry companions, dog owners today are far more conscious than ever about ingredients, nutrition, and affordability. Pet parents want dog food that is safe, natural, and balanced but they also don’t want to spend a fortune. That’s where Abound Dog Food enters the picture.

Abound is a private-label brand owned by Kroger, one of the largest grocery retailers in the United States. Marketed as a natural and wholesome option, Abound is positioned as a mid-tier dog food that emphasizes real meat, whole grains (or grain-free alternatives), and the absence of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

But does Abound live up to its promises? In this in-depth review, we’ll explore the brand’s background, ingredients, nutrition, pros and cons, recall history, customer feedback, and how it stacks up against competitors. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether Abound is the right choice for your dog.

Brand Background

Abound is part of Kroger’s private-label product line, which includes food, household goods, and pet care items. It was created to compete with popular “natural” dog food brands while keeping the price point lower and more accessible to everyday shoppers.

Key facts about Abound:

• Ownership: Kroger (one of the largest U.S. grocery chains).
• Manufactured in the USA: Though some ingredients may be globally sourced, Abound is primarily produced domestically.
• Philosophy: Simple, natural nutrition with real meat as the first ingredient.
• Exclusivity: Abound is only available at Kroger stores and through their online platforms.

The brand markets itself as “natural nutrition for pets”—positioning itself as healthier than low-cost grocery store brands but not as expensive as premium boutique options.

Product Line Overview

Abound offers a range of dog food products designed to meet different dietary needs, life stages, and preferences.

1. Dry Dog Food

• Grain-Inclusive Formulas – Contain brown rice, barley, oats, and other wholesome grains.
• Grain-Free Recipes – Replace grains with peas, lentils, and potatoes.
• Life-Stage Options – Puppy formulas, adult maintenance recipes, and senior-friendly diets.
• Size-Specific Blends – Small breed and large breed recipes with tailored kibble sizes.

2. Wet Dog Food

• Canned Stews – With meat chunks, vegetables, and gravy.
• Pâtés – Smooth, meat-based canned food for easy digestion.
• Variety Packs – Offer flavor rotation for picky eaters.

3. Specialty Diets

• Limited Ingredient Diets – For dogs with food sensitivities.
• Skin & Stomach Support – Includes probiotics and omega fatty acids for digestive and skin health.

Overall, Abound provides both traditional and specialty recipes, giving pet parents flexibility depending on their dog’s health needs.

Ingredients Analysis

A closer look at ingredients can reveal whether a food truly offers nutritional value or relies on fillers.

Protein Sources

• Real Meat First – Most Abound recipes list chicken, salmon, beef, or lamb as the first ingredient.
• Meat Meals – Chicken meal or fish meal are concentrated protein sources.
• Grain-Free Caution – Grain-free formulas sometimes rely heavily on pea protein to boost protein levels artificially.

Carbohydrates

• Grain-Inclusive Options – Use brown rice, barley, oats, and sweet potatoes—better choices than corn or wheat.
• Grain-Free Options – Peas, lentils, and potatoes provide carbohydrates but may raise concerns about canine heart disease if fed long-term.

Fats and Oils

• Chicken Fat – A common, energy-rich fat source.
• Flaxseed – Provides omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
• Fish Oil – Rich in EPA and DHA, supports joint, skin, and coat health.

Added Nutrients

• Vitamins A, D, and E for immune health.
• Chelated minerals (better absorbed by the body).
• Taurine in grain-free recipes to support heart health.

Free From

• No artificial colors.
• No artificial flavors.
• No chemical preservatives.

Controversial Ingredients

• Peas and Legumes – Over-reliance can inflate protein content.
• Potato Starch – Can act as filler.
• Tomato Pomace – A fiber source, sometimes criticized as a byproduct.

On the whole, Abound’s ingredients are better than many grocery store brands, though not on par with ultra-premium foods.

Nutritional Value

How does Abound measure up nutritionally?

Typical guaranteed analysis:

• Protein: 22–28% (varies by recipe).
• Fat: 12–15%.
• Fiber: 4–6%.

Comparison with AAFCO Standards

• Meets AAFCO requirements for all life stages in designated formulas.
• Provides balanced protein and fat levels suitable for most dogs.

Grain-Free vs. Grain-Inclusive

• Grain-Inclusive Recipes: Provide steady energy, easy digestibility, and are often better tolerated by sensitive dogs.
• Grain-Free Recipes: Higher protein content but reliance on legumes may raise health concerns.

Suitability

• Active Dogs: Perform better on higher-protein, grain-inclusive recipes.
• Less Active Dogs: May require weight management blends to avoid excess calories.

Pros of Abound Dog Food

• Affordable: Lower price than premium brands while offering better quality than cheap fillers.
• Real Meat First: Prioritizes animal protein in most recipes.
• Natural Formulas: Free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.
• Variety: Both grain-inclusive and grain-free lines available.
• Omega Fatty Acids: Promote healthy skin and shiny coats.
• Convenient: Available at Kroger grocery stores—easy to grab while shopping.

Cons of Abound Dog Food

• Limited Availability: Only sold at Kroger, making it less accessible outside Kroger’s footprint.
• Grain-Free Concerns: Heavy reliance on legumes may not be suitable for all dogs.
• Not Ultra-Premium: While better than bargain brands, it doesn’t match the quality of top-tier foods like Orijen or Wellness.
• Digestive Issues: Some owners report stomach upset when switching to Abound.
• Limited Specialty Options: Lacks extensive prescription-style formulas for medical conditions.

Recall Histor

Abound Dog Food has faced recalls in the past:

• 2018 Recall: Certain canned Abound dog food products were recalled due to elevated vitamin D levels, which could be harmful to pets.
• No major dry food recalls have been reported since then, but the incident did raise concerns about quality control.

To their credit, Kroger acted quickly with the recall, removing affected products and issuing public warnings. Still, it’s a reminder that even mid-tier brands are not immune to safety issues.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Customer opinions about Abound are mixed, with both positive and negative experiences.

Positive Feedback

• Many pet parents praise its affordability compared to Blue Buffalo or Wellness.
• Dogs seem to enjoy the flavor, making it a good choice for picky eaters.
• Owners notice shinier coats and improved energy with long-term use.

Negative Feedback

• Some reviews mention digestive upset like loose stools or gas.
• Limited availability frustrates owners who don’t live near Kroger stores.
• Grain-free options raise questions among health-conscious owners due to the legume controversy.

Overall Sentiment

Most customers agree that Abound offers good value for money, but it may not be the best fit for dogs with sensitive digestive systems or special dietary needs.

Comparison with Competitors

How does Abound stack up against similar brands?

• Abound vs. Pure Balance (Walmart) – Both are grocery store brands emphasizing natural nutrition. Pure Balance has wider availability, but Abound is comparable in quality.
• Abound vs. Blue Buffalo – Blue Buffalo is more expensive and has a larger product range. Abound offers a similar “natural” approach at a fraction of the price.
• Abound vs. Wellness or Orijen – Premium brands use higher-quality proteins and fewer fillers. Abound is more budget-friendly but not as nutrient-dense.

Verdict: Abound is a solid mid-tier choice—better than cheap brands, but not elite like boutique pet foods.

Is Abound Dog Food Right for Your Dog?

Abound may be a good fit if:

• You’re looking for an affordable yet natural brand.
• Your dog has no severe food allergies or medical dietary needs.
• You prefer a balance of grain-inclusive and grain-free options.
• You shop regularly at Kroger and want the convenience.

It may not be ideal if:

• Your dog has a sensitive stomach.
• You’re concerned about the grain-free legume debate.
• You want ultra-premium, specialized nutrition.

Veterinarians generally view Abound as a safe, balanced option for most healthy dogs, with the caveat of monitoring for digestive tolerance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who makes Abound Dog Food?
Abound is a Kroger-owned brand, manufactured in the USA.

2. Is Abound Dog Food grain-free?
Yes, the brand offers both grain-free and grain-inclusive recipes.

3. Is Abound good for puppies?
Yes, they have specific puppy formulas designed for growth and development.

4. Where can I buy Abound Dog Food?
Exclusively at Kroger grocery stores and their online platforms.

5. How does Abound compare to premium brands?
It’s more affordable but not as nutrient-rich or specialized as premium brands like Orijen or Wellness.

Conclusion

Abound Dog Food delivers on its promise of providing affordable, natural nutrition for dogs. With real meat as the first ingredient, no artificial preservatives, and a balance of grain-inclusive and grain-free recipes, it offers better quality than many grocery store brands.

That said, it’s not without its drawbacks. The 2018 vitamin D recall, reliance on legumes in grain-free formulas, and limited availability may give some pet parents pause.

For budget-conscious owners shopping at Kroger, Abound is a reliable mid-tier option that offers solid nutrition without premium pricing. However, if you’re seeking the highest quality or have a dog with medical needs, you may want to explore higher-end brands.