Ashland Farms Dog Food Review – Is It Right for Your Pup?

When it comes to feeding our furry companions, we all want to make the best choice possible balancing nutrition, quality, and affordability. One name that has started to pop up more often in the budget-friendly dog food category is Ashland Farms. But how good is it really? Is it just another generic label, or does it hold its own among more popular competitors?

In this in-depth review, we’ll uncover everything you need to know about Ashland Farms dog food from ingredients and nutrition to customer experiences and value. If you’ve been eyeing this brand for your pup, read on before making your final decision.

About Ashland Farms

Ashland Farms is a lesser-known brand in the crowded pet food market, often associated with Rural King, a farm and home store with locations across several U.S. states. While not as widely recognized as household names like Purina or Blue Buffalo, Ashland Farms is quietly building a reputation for offering affordable dog food with straightforward ingredients.

The brand appears to focus on delivering simple, meat-first recipes that aim to support a dog’s daily nutritional needs without a premium price tag. It’s not a specialty or holistic brand but rather an option for pet owners looking for value and practicality.

Product Lines and Varieties

Ashland Farms offers a modest range of dry and wet dog food, with a focus on essential life stages. While the variety isn’t as extensive as premium brands, they do cover the basics:

Dry Dog Food Options:

• Chicken & Rice Recipe
• Beef & Brown Rice Recipe
• Puppy Formula
• Large Breed Formula
• Senior Formula (in some markets)

Wet Dog Food (Canned):

• Chicken Stew
• Beef Stew
• Turkey Dinner

These recipes tend to be geared toward all life stages unless otherwise specified. You’ll typically find the bags in sizes ranging from 15 lbs to 50 lbs, with pricing starting around $20-$30 for a 30 lb bag, depending on the variety.

Ingredient Analysis

Let’s dig into what really matters the ingredients. The Chicken & Rice recipe, one of the most popular Ashland Farms varieties, gives us a good baseline to assess quality.

Top Ingredients (Chicken & Rice):

1. Chicken
2. Chicken Meal
3. Brown Rice
4. Ground Barley
5. Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols)

This is a strong start for a budget dog food. Having chicken and chicken meal as the first two ingredients ensures the protein content is solid, and brown rice and barley are digestible carbohydrates.

However, some recipes may include:

• Corn gluten meal
• Beet pulp
• Natural flavors
• Salt and added vitamins/minerals

What It Doesn’t Have:

• No artificial preservatives (like BHA or BHT)
• No artificial dyes
• No soy protein concentrate

While not completely grain-free or limited-ingredient, Ashland Farms avoids the most controversial additives, which is commendable for a store-brand label.

Nutritional Value and AAFCO Compliance

Each Ashland Farms recipe includes a guaranteed analysis on the packaging, and the nutrient profiles typically look like this:

• Crude Protein: 22–26%
• Crude Fat: 12–15%
• Crude Fiber: 3–5%
• Moisture: 10% (dry kibble)

These numbers are in line with AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards for adult maintenance and puppy growth. However, we recommend always double-checking the label to ensure it says:

“Formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles…”

Ashland Farms does not offer grain-free or prescription diets, so it’s not suitable for dogs with grain allergies or specific medical conditions without consulting your vet.

Palatability and Digestibility

So how do dogs actually respond to Ashland Farms?

Taste Test Reports

A majority of user reviews suggest that dogs are happy to eat it, even some picky eaters. The chicken and beef varieties are generally well-received. Some owners say their dogs took to it immediately, while others required a gradual transition.

Digestive Reactions

Digestibility seems decent for a budget brand. Most dogs reportedly have normal stools and no signs of digestive upset. Some owners did note slight gas or loose stool during the first few days, but this is not uncommon when switching foods.

Coat condition and energy levels are reportedly consistent with expectations, though don’t expect the same glowing transformation you might see with higher-end brands.

Pros and Cons

✅ Pros:

• Affordable: Costs significantly less than premium brands.
• Meat-First: Main protein sources come from real meat and meat meals.
• No Artificial Preservatives: Free from BHA, BHT, or artificial dyes.
• Readily Available: Found at Rural King and select retail locations.

❌ Cons:

• Limited Variety: Not many specialized formulas or grain-free options.
• Lower-Quality Additives: May contain by-products like beet pulp and corn gluten.
• Regional Availability: Can be hard to find outside certain areas or online.
• Not Ideal for Allergies: Not formulated for dogs with food sensitivities.

Real Customer Reviews

Here’s a snapshot of what real dog owners are saying:

“I switched from Pedigree to Ashland Farms Chicken & Rice to save money. My dogs love it, and their coats still look great.”
– Verified buyer from Indiana

“Tried it for a month. My lab seemed to like the taste, but I did notice more shedding. May go back to our previous brand.”
– Customer review via social media

“Good food for the price. My pit bull has a sensitive stomach, and this didn’t upset him. Surprised, honestly.”
– Dog owner from Ohio

While some users rave about the price and quality balance, others note minor trade-offs in coat health or energy compared to more expensive brands.

How It Compares to Other Brands

Let’s stack Ashland Farms up against some competitors in the value dog food space:

Brand	Price Range	Real Meat First?	Grain-Free Options	AAFCO Compliant
Ashland Farms	$$	Yes	No	Yes
Pedigree	$	Sometimes	No	Yes
Pure Balance	$$$	Yes	Yes	Yes
Ol’ Roy	$	No	No	Questionable

Ashland Farms beats many low-cost alternatives on ingredient transparency but still lags behind more premium value brands like Pure Balance in terms of specialty formulas and nationwide availability.

Final Verdict: Is Ashland Farms a Good Choice?

Ashland Farms dog food might not be the top-of-the-line option on the market, but it does offer solid nutrition for the price. For owners of healthy adult dogs who aren’t dealing with food allergies or specialized dietary needs, it presents a practical choice that doesn’t compromise too heavily on quality.

If you’re near a Rural King or can access the brand through local supply stores, it’s worth trying especially if you’re feeding multiple dogs or watching your budget. That said, if your dog has specific nutritional requirements, or you prefer a grain-free or limited ingredient diet, Ashland Farms may fall short.

FAQs

Is Ashland Farms dog food grain-free?

No, most Ashland Farms recipes contain grains like brown rice and barley.

Where can I buy Ashland Farms dog food?

Ashland Farms is mainly available at Rural King and select farm supply stores.

Is Ashland Farms good for dogs with allergies?

It’s not specifically formulated for allergies. Dogs with sensitivities may need limited-ingredient or grain-free options.

Who makes Ashland Farms dog food?

Ashland Farms appears to be a private label brand made exclusively for Rural King. The specific manufacturer is not publicly listed.