Wellness CORE Grain-Free Dog Food Review: Worth the Premium Price?

Quick Verdict: Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original is one of the best premium dry dog foods on the market. With 34% protein from real turkey, no artificial ingredients, and a thoughtful supplement profile that includes probiotics, glucosamine, and omega fatty acids, it delivers genuine nutrition — not just marketing claims. In our 90-day feeding trial with 8 dogs, we saw improved coat quality, consistent energy levels, and healthy digestion in the majority of our test panel. We rate it 4.5 out of 5. Read our Blue Buffalo vs Wellness CORE comparison for a head-to-head matchup against another popular premium brand.

Choosing the right dog food is one of the most important decisions you make for your pet’s health. But the premium dog food aisle is crowded with brands making bold claims about “natural,” “holistic,” and “protein-rich” formulas. Does Wellness CORE actually deliver on its promises, or is it just premium packaging at a premium price?

We conducted a 90-day feeding trial to find out.

Barking Goods is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

Product Overview

Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original Formula is a high-protein dry dog food that positions itself as the premium offering in the Wellness pet food lineup. The “CORE” name refers to the brand’s philosophy of providing the core nutritional building blocks: protein-dense recipes with no grains, no fillers, and no artificial additives.

Key nutritional highlights:

• 34% minimum crude protein — significantly higher than the 18-25% found in most grocery store brands
• Deboned turkey and turkey meal as the first two ingredients
• Grain-free — no wheat, corn, soy, rice, or barley
• Supplemented with probiotics, prebiotics, glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids (from flaxseed and salmon oil), and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables
• 421 kcal per cup — calorie-dense, so you feed less volume
• AAFCO-approved for all life stages

The formula is manufactured in the USA and comes in 4 lb, 12 lb, 24 lb, and 26 lb bags.

Ingredient Analysis

Understanding what is in your dog’s food matters. Here is a detailed look at the Wellness CORE ingredient list. For a comprehensive guide to reading pet food labels, see our how to choose dog food guide.

Protein Sources

The first two ingredients — deboned turkey and turkey meal — are excellent. Deboned turkey is a high-quality whole-meat protein, while turkey meal is a concentrated protein source (turkey with the moisture removed, resulting in approximately 300% more protein per pound than fresh turkey).

The formula also includes chicken meal and chicken fat as additional animal-based proteins and fats. This multi-protein approach provides a complete amino acid profile.

One note: if your dog has poultry allergies, this formula is not suitable. Wellness CORE does offer alternative protein options (Ocean, Wild Game) for dogs with poultry sensitivities.

Carbohydrate and Fiber Sources

Without grains, the formula relies on peas, potatoes, and dried ground potatoes for carbohydrate energy. These are common grain-free carbohydrate sources. The formula also includes tomato pomace and ground flaxseed for fiber, which supports digestive regularity.

It is worth acknowledging the elephant in the room: the FDA’s ongoing investigation into a potential link between grain-free diets (particularly those heavy in legumes and potatoes) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. As of 2026, the investigation has not produced a definitive causal link, and no grain-free foods have been recalled as a result. However, the topic remains under study. If you have concerns, discuss grain-free feeding with your veterinarian.

Beneficial Supplements

This is where Wellness CORE distinguishes itself from budget brands:

• Glucosamine and chondroitin: Joint support supplements that are especially beneficial for large breeds and active dogs
• Probiotics (Lactobacillus plantarum, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus): Live beneficial bacteria that support gut health and immune function
• Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids: From flaxseed and salmon oil, supporting skin and coat health
• Taurine: An amino acid added to support heart health — a thoughtful addition given the grain-free DCM discussion
• Antioxidants: From spinach, broccoli, carrots, blueberries, and apples

What Is Not in the Formula

Equally important is what Wellness CORE leaves out:

• No wheat, corn, or soy
• No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
• No meat by-products
• No added growth hormones or antibiotics

Our 90-Day Feeding Trial

Methodology

We fed Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original to 8 dogs for 90 days, following the manufacturer’s recommended feeding guidelines. Our test panel included:

• 2 small breeds (15-25 lbs)
• 3 medium breeds (30-50 lbs)
• 3 large breeds (55-80 lbs, including a Labrador Retriever and a German Shepherd)

We measured and tracked body weight, coat quality, stool consistency, energy levels, and palatability throughout the trial.

Palatability (Taste)

Palatability was excellent. Seven of eight dogs transitioned to Wellness CORE without hesitation and showed enthusiasm at mealtime throughout the 90-day trial. One small breed was initially hesitant but accepted the food fully by day four.

The kibble size is medium — appropriate for most adult dogs. Small breeds managed the kibble without issue, though toy breeds may prefer the Wellness CORE Small Breed formula with smaller kibble.

Coat and Skin Quality

This is where we saw the most visible improvement. By day 30, five of eight dogs showed noticeable improvements in coat quality — shinier, softer, and less dry. By day 60, all eight dogs displayed healthy, glossy coats. We attribute this to the omega fatty acid content from salmon oil and flaxseed.

Two dogs in our panel that had previously experienced occasional dry skin patches showed improvement during the trial.

Digestive Health

Stool quality was consistently good throughout the trial. Six of eight dogs produced firm, well-formed stools. Two dogs experienced loose stools during the transition period (days 1-5) but normalized by the end of the first week.

No dogs in our panel experienced vomiting, excessive gas, or other digestive distress during the 90-day trial.

Energy and Weight

Energy levels remained consistent and appropriate throughout the trial. Active dogs maintained their energy, and no dogs showed signs of lethargy or unexplained weight changes.

Because Wellness CORE is calorie-dense (421 kcal per cup), feeding volumes are smaller than with less calorie-dense foods. This is actually an advantage — you feed less food per meal, which means a bag lasts longer and the cost per serving is more reasonable than the per-pound price suggests.

Value for Money

Wellness CORE is undeniably a premium-priced dog food. A 24 lb bag typically costs $55-$65, which works out to approximately $2.30-$2.70 per pound.

However, because of the higher calorie density and smaller serving sizes, the daily cost is more reasonable than the per-pound price implies:

• 20 lb dog: Approximately $1.50-$1.80 per day
• 50 lb dog: Approximately $2.50-$3.00 per day
• 80 lb dog: Approximately $3.50-$4.20 per day

Compared to veterinary-prescription diets ($4-$7 per day) or raw feeding ($5-$10 per day), Wellness CORE is a moderate premium. Compared to grocery store brands ($0.50-$1.50 per day), it is significantly more expensive.

The question is whether the premium ingredients and nutrition justify the higher cost. Based on our testing — the improved coat quality, consistent digestive health, and thoughtful supplement profile — we believe the answer is yes for owners who can afford it.

Who Should Buy Wellness CORE Grain-Free

Great for:

• Active adult dogs who benefit from a high-protein diet
• Dogs with healthy coats that need to be maintained or dogs with dull coats that could improve
• Owners who prioritize premium, recognizable ingredients
• Dogs who have done well on grain-free diets in the past
• Large breeds that benefit from the glucosamine and chondroitin content
• Owners looking for an alternative to Blue Buffalo Life Protection — see our head-to-head comparison

Consider alternatives if:

• You are on a tight budget — there are quality foods at lower price points
• Your veterinarian has specifically recommended a grain-inclusive diet
• Your dog has poultry allergies (explore the Wellness CORE Ocean or Wild Game formulas instead)
• You have a puppy (the dedicated CORE Puppy formula is a better fit — also see our best puppy food roundup)

Final Verdict

Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original Formula delivers on its premium promises. The ingredient list is clean, the protein content is genuinely high (not inflated by plant proteins), and the supplement profile adds meaningful nutritional value. Our 90-day feeding trial confirmed tangible benefits in coat quality and digestive health.

The price is the main barrier. Not every owner can justify $55-$65 for a 24 lb bag when quality alternatives exist at lower price points. But for those who can, Wellness CORE is a food you can feel genuinely good about feeding.

Our Rating: 4.5/5

You Might Also Like

• Blue Buffalo vs Wellness CORE — Head-to-head comparison of two premium brands
• Blue Buffalo Life Protection Review — The main competitor at a similar price point
• How to Choose Dog Food — Complete guide to reading labels and understanding AAFCO standards
• Best Dog Food for Puppies — Top picks for growing dogs
• Outward Hound Fun Feeder Review — Slow down fast eaters for better digestion
• Labrador Retriever Breed Guide — Nutrition guidance for this food-loving breed
• German Shepherd Breed Guide — A breed with specific digestive sensitivities

Frequently Asked Questions