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Active, sporting, and working dogs often need more energy than ordinary household pets. 4health Strive addresses that need with three dry formulas containing elevated protein, fat, and calories.
However, performance food is not automatically better for every dog. Its calorie density can be excessive for a pet with a relaxed lifestyle. This 4health Strive dog food review examines the current recipes, ingredients, benefits, disadvantages, value, and safety history to help you choose appropriately.
4health Strive Dog Food at a Glance
4health Strive is a grain-inclusive performance line sold by Tractor Supply. It is primarily intended for active, hunting, sporting, and working dogs. Every current recipe is labeled for all life stages and comes in a 45-pound bag.
The numbers 83, 87, and 90 do not represent crude protein percentages. They indicate the percentage of total protein that the company says comes from animal sources. Actual crude protein ranges from 26% to 33%.
Overall rating: 4.2 out of 5
Strive combines named animal proteins with competitive pricing, but its high calories and limited flavor selection reduce its suitability for less-active or food-sensitive dogs.
Who Makes 4health Strive Dog Food?
4health is a private-label brand owned and sold by Tractor Supply Company. The retailer identifies Strive as made in the USA but does not clearly name the contract manufacturer on its product pages. The food is sold mainly through Tractor Supply and selected Petsense locations.
Formula Comparison
| Formula | Main flavor | Protein | Fat | Calories per cup | Animal-source protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hi-Energy 83 | Beef | 26% | 18% | 433 kcal | 83% |
| Performance 87 | Chicken | 30% | 20% | 445 kcal | 87% |
| Endurance 90 | Chicken | 33% | 20% | 448 kcal | 90% |
4health Strive Hi-Energy 83 Beef Formula
Hi-Energy 83 is the least concentrated recipe, although 26% protein, 18% fat, and 433 calories per cup still make it richer than many maintenance foods. Beef, beef meal, and pork lead the ingredient list. Rice, barley, and sorghum provide carbohydrates.
It may suit moderately active dogs and farm companions. It also contains salmon oil, probiotics, taurine, DHA, and 400 mg/kg of glucosamine.
Despite its beef label, it is not chicken-free because it contains chicken fat. It also includes pork and egg, making it unsuitable as a limited-ingredient diet.
4health Strive Performance 87 Chicken Formula
Performance 87 provides 30% protein, 20% fat, and approximately 445 calories per cup. Its first ingredients are chicken, chicken meal, pork, brown rice, and white rice. Chicken meal is a concentrated source of animal protein, while chicken fat helps create the recipe’s high energy density.
The formula includes salmon oil, flaxseed, taurine, L-carnitine, probiotics, glucosamine, and guaranteed omega fatty acids.
Performance 87 is the most balanced choice for many consistently active dogs. However, it is unsuitable for dogs that need to avoid chicken.
4health Strive Endurance 90 Chicken Formula
Endurance 90 is the strongest formula, delivering 33% protein, 20% fat, and 448 calories per cup. Chicken, pork, and chicken meal are its main animal ingredients, while brown and white rice provide carbohydrates.
It also contains salmon oil, flaxseed, probiotics, taurine, L-carnitine, glucosamine, and chondroitin. The joint ingredients should not replace veterinary treatment.
This recipe is best reserved for hunting, farm, and canine-sport dogs with demanding workloads. An average family pet will rarely need its nutritional concentration.
Ingredient Quality
Every recipe begins with named meat and includes additional animal ingredients. Meat meal is concentrated and can contribute substantial protein to finished kibble.
Grains such as rice, barley, and sorghum provide carbohydrates, energy, and some fiber. They can be part of a balanced diet unless a dog has a diagnosed sensitivity.
Chicken fat supplies energy and linoleic acid. Owners of dogs with confirmed chicken allergies should discuss this ingredient with their veterinarian.
Dried beet pulp provides fiber, while flaxseed and salmon oil supply fatty acids. The recipes also include live probiotic cultures.
Nutritional Benefits
Strive’s protein supports active dogs, while its fat supplies concentrated energy. Each recipe also contains taurine, fatty acids, antioxidants, probiotics, and glucosamine. Endurance 90 additionally lists chondroitin.
The main concern is calorie density. Even Hi-Energy 83 provides 433 calories per cup. Meals should be measured and portions reduced whenever a dog’s workload decreases.
Dogs with pancreatitis, fat intolerance, or a medical condition requiring controlled nutrients should not start a high-fat performance food without veterinary guidance.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Named animal proteins appear first.
- Three performance levels are available.
- All recipes are grain-inclusive.
- No corn, wheat, or soy appears in the current lists.
- Probiotics, taurine, salmon oil, and glucosamine are included.
- The 45-pound bag offers competitive value.
Cons
- All recipes contain chicken-derived ingredients.
- The range has only three formulas.
- High calories may be excessive for inactive dogs.
- Availability is largely limited to Tractor Supply and Petsense.
- A 45-pound bag may be inconvenient for small-dog homes.
Does 4health Strive Meet AAFCO Standards?
The current recipes are formulated to meet AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages, including the growth of dogs expected to weigh 70 pounds or more as adults.
They are intended to provide complete and balanced nutrition when fed correctly. However, growth rate, breed size, workload, and health should still guide the decision.
Who Should Consider 4health Strive?
Strive is most suitable for healthy dogs with genuine energy demands. This may include hunting dogs, working farm dogs, canine athletes, and highly active outdoor companions. Hi-Energy 83 is the more moderate starting point, while Performance 87 suits sustained activity. Endurance 90 is intended for the most demanding workloads.
Sedentary dogs, pets that gain weight easily, and dogs requiring lower-fat diets will usually benefit from a maintenance formula. Strive is also a poor match for dogs needing a chicken-free or limited-ingredient recipe.
Recall History and Safety
At the time of this review, no FDA recall specifically naming the current Strive 83, 87, or 90 formulas was found. Owners should still check current FDA and Tractor Supply recall notices.
Inspect each bag for damage, moisture, pests, or an unusual smell. Retain its lot number and best-by date in case a problem arises.
Price and Value
Tractor Supply listed each 45-pound formula at $61.99 during this review, or approximately $1.38 per pound. Prices and promotions can change.
Considering its animal proteins and nutritional additions, Strive provides good value for active large dogs. It offers less value to a small dog that cannot use a large bag while fresh.
How to Transition to Strive
Change foods gradually over approximately 10 to 14 days. Begin with about 25% Strive and 75% old food. Move to an equal mixture, then 75% Strive, before completing the switch.
Compare calories rather than replacing the old food cup for cup. Monitor digestion, skin, and energy, and keep fresh water available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 4health Strive good dog food?
It is a good value option for healthy, active dogs that tolerate its ingredients. Its calorie level may be unnecessary for sedentary pets.
Is Strive dog food grain-free?
No. Depending on the recipe, it contains rice, barley, or sorghum. The current formulas do not list corn, wheat, or soy.
Which Strive formula has the most protein?
Endurance 90 has 33% crude protein. Performance 87 contains 30%, while Hi-Energy 83 has 26%.
Can puppies eat 4health Strive?
The formulas carry an all-life-stages statement, including large-breed growth. A veterinarian should still confirm whether such calorie-dense food matches an individual puppy.
Does the beef recipe contain chicken?
Yes. Hi-Energy 83 contains chicken fat, along with beef, pork, and egg.
Has 4health Strive been recalled?
No recall specifically identifying the current three Strive formulas was located during this review. Always check current FDA notices for updates.
Final Verdict
4health Strive offers substantial nutrition for active dogs at a reasonable price. Its animal proteins, grains, probiotics, fatty acids, taurine, and joint-supporting additions create a well-rounded performance line.
Performance 87 is the most versatile option for many active dogs. Hi-Energy 83 suits more moderate needs, while Endurance 90 should be reserved for demanding workloads. Overall, Strive is worth considering for active dogs, but its high calorie density and chicken content make it unsuitable for some pets.