Iams Dog Food Review (2024)

Iams Dog Food Review

IAMS offers two distinct product lines, each with its own set of characteristics and considerations. The Dry Food line consists of 12 recipes, scoring 2.5/10, categorizing them as high-risk dog foods.

Similarly, the canned line comprises 6 recipes with a score of 4.1/10, also falling into the high-risk category. Both the Dry and Canned foods undergo several stages of heating, leading to nutrient loss and contributing to their respective lower scores. IAMS claims to exclude wheat and soy from its dry kibble recipes; however, the carbohydrate content remains significant, averaging around 50%.

Common sources such as corn, sorghum, barley, or rice are utilized, potentially impacting the overall nutritional profile. The Canned line, while generally having lower carbohydrates, maintains an average of 23%, which is higher than optimal. Concerningly, there is limited information on ingredient sourcing and quality on the IAMS website. Notably, low-starch vegetables are absent from both product lines. Instead, ingredients like dried beet pulp and tomato pomace, by-products from human-grade food production, are included.

Although carrots and yams are present, their placement on the ingredient list suggests minimal contribution. All IAMS recipes incorporate added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to meet AAFCO standards, indicating potential reliance on poor-quality or overly processed ingredients. Unnamed animal proteins and plant protein in some recipes raise concerns about ingredient quality. In terms of ingredient safety, 10 out of the 12 kibble recipes score poorly, with potential issues including high pesticide and GMO ingredients, rice with arsenic contamination risk, added color, and the use of natural flavor, a lower-quality ingredient.

The canned foods fare slightly better due to reduced processing and the absence of GMO ingredients, yet they still contain high pesticide ingredients, rice, added color, natural flavor, carrageenan, linked to intestinal inflammation, and synthetic preservatives. IAMS does not disclose the omega-6:omega-3 ratio in their recipes, and the absence of information about whether fish ingredients are farmed or wild-caught is noted.

These details are significant for understanding the nutritional value and potential inflammatory effects of the products. In summary, both IAMS product lines raise concerns related to ingredient quality, processing methods, and nutrient content. It is advisable for pet owners to carefully review individual food scores and consider alternative options that align with their preferences for pet nutrition.

Iams Company Overview

In 1946 Iams dog food was founded by Paul Iams in Dayton, Ohio. Paul developed multiple brands thought his career until retiring in 1982. He sold his stake to his business partner until being bought out by Proctor & Gamble in 1999. Iams operated under P&G for several years, until being sold to Mars Incorporated who took over the business in North America and other regions in 2014. The European arm was later sold to Spectrum Brands.

This brand of dog food builds on years of expertise in the field – the recipes for this dog food have been developed with the guidance of pet nutritionists and veterinarians. Which is why there are special products to serve a dog’s every need at each life stage. Take for instance, the specially formulated dog food that allows you to help your dog get to an ideal weight through the use of L-carnitine which can help burn fat for energy. Or the grain-free options designed to suit dogs with grain sensitivities. There’s also a Senior Plus range to battle aging and keep your dog fit and active into his golden years.

Ingredients Found in Iams Dog Food

When it comes to dog food, it is important to be sure that the ingredients that go into their meals are of the highest quality and appropriate for a carnivore. Iams takes that a step further by ensuring the dog food also has nutrients from fresh produce and fruit and vegetable pulp to amp up the fiber and nutrient intake.

Protein: Animal protein like chicken, farm-raised beef, and eggs to help build muscle
Vegetables and fruit: Beet. blueberry, spinach, green peas, and other fresh produce loaded with antioxidants help your pet’s immune health and are important for strong bones and a good coat. This healthy carb source also provides your pet with a healthy energy source.
Whole grains like sorghum and easily digested carbs like rice for energy, minerals, and vitamins.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Anti-inflammatory brain food for your dog.
Omega-6 fatty acids for a glossy coat and better skin.
Special fiber blend: Probiotics and prebiotics for better gut health and to aid digestion.

Many dog owners say they love the fact that the core ingredient in Iams is now meat rather than corn or grain. Specified animals by-products and whole corn is still found in the first 5 ingredients in most of Iams brands though.

Iams Dog Food Product Line

Iams has smartly organized its dog food along lines based on your dog’s age, size, and breed. This makes it easy for you to choose the products best suited to your pup or adult dog and meet their special nutritional requirements.

Food for each stage of a dog’s life – from puppy to adult to senior dog
Healthy weight products designed to help your dog get to its ideal weight
Sensitive skin and stomach products for dogs who have food sensitivities
Breed specific recipes to optimize what each kind of dog needs whether it is a fussy eater like a Yorkshire Terriers or a Labrador Retriever that needs nutrition to keep its coat looking glossy.

Iams is available in both dry and wet formulas..