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Choosing the right dog food can feel overwhelming with so many brands on the market promising balanced nutrition and happy pets. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or someone looking to switch your pup’s diet, affordability often plays a big role in the decision-making process. Excel Dog Food is a name that often pops up in conversations about budget-friendly pet nutrition. But how good is it really?
In this comprehensive review, we take a deep dive into Excel Dog Food exploring its ingredients, nutritional value, product lineup, pricing, and customer feedback. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of whether this food is a good match for your furry friend.
Brand Overview
Excel Dog Food isn’t as widely known as premium brands like Blue Buffalo or Royal Canin, but it has carved out a niche for itself in the value segment of the pet food market. It’s typically found in local retail stores, dollar stores, and online platforms like Walmart and Amazon.
The brand’s goal appears to center around providing decent nutrition at an affordable price. It offers a small selection of formulas, including options for puppies and adult dogs, focusing on dry kibble. While not marketed as premium or holistic, Excel appeals to pet parents who want a simple, cost-effective food for their dogs without breaking the bank.
Ingredient Analysis
When it comes to any dog food, the ingredient list is often the most telling aspect. Excel Dog Food’s ingredient profile is a blend of the basic and the budget-conscious.
Animal Protein Sources
Most formulas from Excel list a meat meal such as chicken by-product meal as one of the top ingredients. While “by-product meal” may raise eyebrows, it can still be a protein-rich source, though it lacks the quality and transparency of whole meat. Some formulas list lamb meal or beef meal, but the inclusion of meat by-products is consistent across their offerings.
Fillers and Grains
One of the drawbacks of Excel Dog Food is its reliance on fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. These ingredients are used to bulk up the kibble and lower production costs, but they don’t offer much nutritional value. Dogs with sensitivities or allergies may react poorly to such components.
Additives and Preservatives
Excel Dog Food includes artificial colors and preservatives such as BHA and BHT, which are often avoided in higher-end brands. These chemicals help prolong shelf life but may not be the healthiest choice long-term.
Supplements and Vitamins
To its credit, Excel does add vitamins and minerals to help round out its formulas. Most recipes include Vitamin E, Vitamin A, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids to support coat health, immunity, and joint function.
Nutritional Value
Excel Dog Food generally offers average nutrition, falling within AAFCO guidelines for maintenance and growth. That said, its formulas are not typically tailored for dogs with specialized needs, such as high-performance dogs or those with chronic health conditions.
Here’s a quick look at the average guaranteed analysis for their adult formula:
- Crude Protein: 21%
- Crude Fat: 10%
- Crude Fiber: 4%
- Moisture: 10%
This profile meets the minimum for adult maintenance but may fall short for more active dogs or puppies requiring higher energy levels.
Product Line Review
While Excel doesn’t offer a massive selection, they do provide a few targeted formulas. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular options:
Excel Lamb & Rice Formula
This product aims to provide an alternative protein source for dogs that may not tolerate chicken well. It includes lamb meal, rice, corn, and soybean meal. While lamb is a good option for some dogs, the filler content is still high.
Pros:
- Lamb protein can be easier to digest
- Affordable
Cons:
- Contains corn and soy
- Includes artificial preservatives
Excel Chicken & Vegetables
A standard option for adult dogs, this formula features chicken by-product meal as the main protein. It also includes corn, wheat, and veggie flavoring for taste.
Pros:
- Readily available
- Dogs generally enjoy the flavor
Cons:
- High in fillers
- By-products and artificial additives
Excel Puppy Formula
Designed for growing pups, this food has a slightly higher protein and fat content. It includes chicken meal and whole grain corn.
Pros:
- Affordable for new pet parents
- Meets AAFCO growth standards
Cons:
- Doesn’t cater to large breed puppy needs
- Contains BHA and BHT
Excel Senior Care
This formula is harder to find but marketed as a gentle food for older dogs. It typically includes glucosamine for joint support and lower fat levels.
Pros:
- Tailored to seniors’ needs
- Includes joint-support supplements
Cons:
- Not widely available
- Still includes low-quality fillers
Palatability and Digestibility
Most customer reviews suggest that dogs generally enjoy the taste of Excel Dog Food. Its high corn content may appeal to some dogs due to its sweet flavor, but it doesn’t always sit well with sensitive stomachs.
Digestibility is average some dogs do fine, while others experience issues like loose stools, gas, or itchy skin. These problems are typically linked to food sensitivities or allergies to corn, wheat, or artificial additives.
If you’re transitioning your dog to Excel, do it gradually over 7–10 days to minimize digestive upset.
Price and Value for Money
There’s no denying that Excel Dog Food is affordable. Prices typically range from $12–$18 for a 15-pound bag, depending on the formula and retailer. Compared to premium brands costing $40 or more for a similar quantity, Excel is a budget win.
However, the lower price comes with trade-offs namely, ingredient quality and nutritional density. You may need to feed more volume to meet your dog’s needs, slightly diminishing the cost advantage.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Let’s see what pet owners are saying about Excel Dog Food:
Positive Reviews
- Affordability: Many customers appreciate that Excel is easy on the wallet, especially for multi-dog households.
- Availability: It’s often available at big box stores and budget chains, making it a convenient choice.
- Dogs Like It: Some pet owners report their dogs eat the kibble eagerly and seem satisfied.
Negative Reviews
- Ingredient Quality: Concerns over meat by-products, artificial colors, and preservatives are common.
- Allergic Reactions: Some dogs experience skin irritation, diarrhea, or vomiting after switching to Excel.
- Veterinarian Recommendations: Many vets don’t recommend Excel due to its use of fillers and chemical additives.
Average online ratings hover around 3 to 3.5 stars out of 5, reflecting its status as a basic, no-frills option.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Available in local and national stores
- Covers basic nutritional needs
- Dogs generally like the taste
Cons
- Contains fillers like corn, wheat, and soy
- Uses artificial colors and preservatives
- Low meat content compared to premium brands
- Not ideal for sensitive or allergic dogs
Final Verdict
Excel Dog Food isn’t a bad choice for pet parents on a tight budget, especially if their dog has no dietary restrictions. It provides decent, basic nutrition and is widely available at a reasonable price.
However, it’s not suitable for every dog. Pups with sensitive stomachs, allergies, or chronic health issues may do better on a higher-quality, more specialized diet. Additionally, the inclusion of artificial additives and meat by-products may be a dealbreaker for those prioritizing ingredient transparency and long-term health.
Is Excel Worth Trying?
Yes, if:
- Your dog is healthy and not picky
- You need a short-term, affordable food option
- You’re supplementing with fresh food or treats
No, if:
- Your dog has food allergies or sensitivities
- You want premium ingredients and natural formulations
- You follow a vet-recommended or holistic feeding approach
FAQs
1. Is Excel Dog Food good for puppies?
Yes, there’s a specific puppy formula, but it may not meet the nutritional needs of large or high-energy breeds.
2. Does Excel offer grain-free options?
No, all current formulas include grains like corn and wheat.
3. Where can I buy Excel Dog Food?
You can find it at Walmart, Family Dollar, some grocery stores, and online retailers.
4. Is Excel vet-approved?
Most veterinarians prefer higher-quality brands due to Excel’s use of fillers and artificial additives.
5. How do I switch my dog to Excel Dog Food?
Transition slowly over 7–10 days, mixing increasing amounts of Excel with your dog’s current food to avoid stomach upset.
