This post may contain affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a small commission. Thanks.
Finding affordable, nutritious dog food is one of the top priorities for any pet owner. Among the many store-brand options available, Ashland Farms Dog Food sold primarily at Family Dollar and Rural King positions itself as a value-driven choice for pet parents who want basic nutrition without breaking the bank. But does it deliver on quality, safety, and palatability? In this in-depth review, we explore everything you need to know about Ashland Farms Dog Food from product range and ingredients to consumer feedback and recall history.
Brand Introduction: What Is Ashland Farms Dog Food?
Ashland Farms is a private-label brand known for producing budget-friendly dog food. It is exclusively available at Family Dollar, a discount retail chain, and select outlets like Rural King. The brand offers a variety of dry and wet dog foods, as well as treats.
Unlike premium pet food companies that invest in marketing, R&D, and veterinarian-formulated recipes, Ashland Farms is marketed as a basic, economical option for pet owners who want to meet minimum nutritional standards without the hefty price tag.
Their focus? Convenience and affordability. But as any responsible dog parent knows, affordability should never come at the cost of nutrition or safety.
Product Lineup: What Does Ashland Farms Offer?
Ashland Farms provides a range of dry and wet dog food options that target basic dietary needs. Let’s break down what you can typically find on store shelves:
🥩 Dry Dog Food Options
- Ashland Farms Chicken Flavor Premium Dog Food
- A common everyday formula for adult dogs.
- Features chicken flavor, grains, and essential vitamins.
- Ashland Farms Steak & Vegetable Flavor Dog Food
- Mimics a meaty and hearty recipe.
- Includes meat by-products, cornmeal, and soy.
- Ashland Farms Puppy Chicken & Rice Formula
- Designed for growing puppies.
- Contains DHA (in some versions) and added calcium for bone development.
🥫 Wet Dog Food Options
- Grilled Chicken Flavor in Savory Juices
- Wet food with shredded chicken chunks in broth.
- Generally comes in 13.2 oz cans.
- Chicken and Rice Wet Food
- Ground consistency with grains and meat-based protein.
- Often used as a topper or soft meal for senior dogs.
🍖 Treats and Snacks
While not the brand’s main focus, Ashland Farms also offers dog treats, biscuits, and chew snacks in similar value-friendly packaging.
Ingredient Quality and Nutrition: What’s Inside the Bag?
While Ashland Farms is a low-cost product, it’s essential to analyze what’s actually going into your dog’s bowl. Here’s a closer look:
🔍 Common Ingredients Found
- Meat and Bone Meal / Chicken By-Products
These are animal-derived ingredients that may contain a mix of muscle meat and organ tissue. While not inherently harmful, by-products can vary in quality. - Ground Corn and Corn Gluten Meal
Used as a carbohydrate and protein source, but not ideal for dogs with grain sensitivities. - Soybean Meal
An affordable plant protein source. Not harmful in moderation, but less biologically available than animal protein. - Animal Fat (preserved with BHA/BHT)
BHA and BHT are controversial preservatives and not ideal for long-term feeding. - Artificial Flavors and Dyes
Some recipes contain Red 40, Yellow 5, and similar additives. These are generally unnecessary and best avoided if your dog has sensitivities.
⚖️ Nutritional Profile
While exact figures vary by formula, the average guaranteed analysis includes:
- Crude Protein: 21–24%
- Crude Fat: 8–12%
- Crude Fiber: 4–6%
- Moisture (wet food): 78%
⚠️ AAFCO Compliance
Some Ashland Farms products mention meeting AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) nutrient profiles, especially for “maintenance” of adult dogs or “growth” in puppies. However, not all variants clearly display this compliance, which could be a concern for informed pet owners.
Consumer Reviews and Feedback
Ashland Farms doesn’t have a heavy online presence, which makes finding reviews a bit more difficult compared to mainstream brands. However, from available retail feedback and pet forums, here are the general sentiments:
✅ Positive Feedback
- Affordable Price Point
Many buyers highlight the unbeatable price—often half the cost of national brands. - Readily Available
Easily accessible at local Family Dollar stores and does not require a pet specialty store. - Taste-Approved by Pets
A surprising number of owners say their dogs enjoy the flavor, especially with the wet food options.
❌ Negative Feedback
- Concerns Over Ingredients
Several reviewers express disappointment over the heavy use of fillers like corn and soy, and the inclusion of artificial colors. - Digestive Upsets
A few dogs reportedly experienced gas, soft stools, or minor GI upset when first introduced to the food—possibly due to new proteins or additives. - Not Ideal for Allergic Dogs
Dogs with food allergies or sensitivities did not fare well, especially if they needed a grain-free or limited ingredient diet.
Recall History: Is Ashland Farms Safe?
While Ashland Farms has no major direct recalls for dog food formulas, the brand was indirectly affected by a major Family Dollar recall in February 2022.
📌 2022 Recall Details
- Reason: Rodent infestation at a Family Dollar distribution center in Arkansas.
- Products Affected: Over 400 consumer goods, including pet food, were flagged for potential contamination.
- Ashland Farms Inclusion: Yes—some Ashland Farms food SKUs were included.
- Health Impact: No specific illnesses were reported from the dog food itself, but the risk of contamination led to precautionary disposal recommendations.
🔒 Safety Tip
If purchasing from a discount retailer like Family Dollar, always check:
- Expiration dates
- Package integrity
- Any retailer recall alerts
Pros and Cons: Quick Summary
Here’s a bite-sized breakdown to help you decide if Ashland Farms Dog Food is the right choice for your canine companion:
✅ Pros
- Extremely budget-friendly
- Widely available in local discount stores
- Offers wet and dry food options
- Dogs without sensitivities may eat it without issue
❌ Cons
- Ingredient quality is basic and includes by-products
- Contains artificial dyes and preservatives
- Not ideal for long-term nutrition or dogs with allergies
- Limited transparency about sourcing and manufacturing
Final Verdict: Is Ashland Farms Worth It?
Ashland Farms Dog Food is a suitable short-term solution for pet owners on a tight budget or those in need of an emergency backup option. It checks the most basic boxes in terms of providing calories and some nutrition, and many dogs do seem to eat it without complaint.
However, if you’re a pet owner who prioritizes premium ingredients, grain-free formulas, transparency in sourcing, or has a dog with special health needs, Ashland Farms likely won’t meet your expectations.
🔍 Best Use Case
- Ideal for healthy adult dogs with no allergies.
- Best for temporary feeding, budget-conscious households, or emergency use.
🩺 Veterinary Tip
If you’re considering feeding Ashland Farms as your dog’s regular diet, it’s always a good idea to:
- Consult with a vet
- Introduce it gradually
- Monitor your dog’s coat, stool, and energy levels
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Ashland Farms Dog Food grain-free?
No. Most recipes include grains like corn, wheat, or rice.
2. Does it meet AAFCO standards?
Some products meet basic AAFCO requirements for maintenance or growth, but it varies by recipe.
3. Is it good for puppies?
They offer a puppy-specific formula, but it’s not as nutrient-rich or transparent as premium puppy foods.
4. Where is it manufactured?
There’s no publicly available information on manufacturing locations, which may be a red flag for some pet parents.
5. Can I mix it with other dog food brands?
Yes, you can mix it with higher-quality food to improve palatability and reduce cost—but always transition slowly.