Grain Free Hero Canine Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 11, 2026
This is a high-protein, grain-free dry food for adult dogs, using beef meal, menhaden fish meal, pork meal, peas, and sweet potato as its main protein and carbohydrate sources. It’s fairly energy-dense and includes added glucosamine, chondroitin, taurine, L-carnitine, and probiotics, which can support joint, heart, and digestive health. The formula is aimed at active adult dogs, including those that don’t tolerate grains well.
Nutritionally, this is a robust, higher-protein dry food for adult dogs who need more calories and do well on grain-free recipes. It uses concentrated meat meals and fish meal for protein, along with added omega-3s, taurine, and joint-support supplements. It can work well for healthy, active adults, but the heavy use of peas and chickpeas means it may not be ideal for dogs from breeds with known heart concerns on grain-free, legume-rich diets.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- High protein level around 33% from beef meal, pork meal, blood meal, and fish meal supports active adult dogs well.
- Includes menhaden fish meal, omega-3s, and added taurine, which support heart, skin, and coat health.
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which can help support joint health in larger or more active dogs.
- Complete and balanced to AAFCO standards for adult maintenance, so it can be a sole diet for adult dogs.
Considerations
- Peas and garbanzo beans are major ingredients, and legume-heavy grain-free diets have been linked to heart issues in some dogs.
- Contains beef, chicken fat, pork, and fish, so it is not a good fit for dogs with allergies to any of these proteins.
- The relatively high fat and calorie density may be too rich for sedentary or overweight-prone dogs if portions are not carefully controlled.
- Formulated for adult maintenance only, so it is not appropriate for growing puppies or pregnant or nursing dogs.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Beef
Beef is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a primary animal protein and palatability enhancer, supplying high-quality essential amino acids, B vitamins, iron, and zinc that support muscle maintenance and overall health. Owners should note beef can be calorie- and fat-dense and is a relatively common allergen, and raw or improperly handled beef carries microbial risks, so formulation, fat content, and sourcing/processing are important considerations.
02
Pea
Pea is a plant-based ingredient used in pet foods as a source of protein, soluble and insoluble fiber, and micronutrients (often included as whole peas, pea flour, or pea protein concentrate) to boost protein content and improve texture. While peas can provide digestible carbohydrates, fiber, and some plant protein useful especially for dogs, they are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and — when overused, particularly in concentrated forms or as a major component of grain‑free diets — have been scrutinized for a possible association with canine dilated cardiomyopathy and can contribute to nutrient imbalances or excess calories, so balanced formulation and compliance with AAFCO nutritional profiles are important.
03
Sweet Potato
Sweet potato is used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber, vitamins (notably beta‑carotene), minerals and antioxidants, often helping with stool quality and serving as a binder or energy ingredient. It is generally well tolerated by dogs and can support gut health, but because cats poorly convert beta‑carotene to vitamin A and require preformed vitamin A from animal sources, sweet potato is not a substitute for meat-based nutrients; its relatively high carbohydrate content also means portion control is advised for overweight or diabetic pets and it should be cooked for best digestibility.
04
Chicken Fat
Chicken fat is used in dog and cat foods as a concentrated energy and flavor source that supplies essential fatty acids (notably linoleic acid) and aids absorption of fat‑soluble vitamins, improving palatability and supporting skin and coat health. Because it is calorie‑dense, diets must account for added fat to prevent weight gain, and quality (proper rendering and antioxidant protection to prevent rancidity) is important; although fats are less commonly allergenic than proteins, pets with poultry sensitivities may still react in some cases.
05
Mixed Tocopherol
Mixed tocopherols are a blend of natural vitamin E compounds (alpha, beta, gamma and delta tocopherols) used in pet foods primarily as a natural antioxidant and preservative to protect fats and fat‑soluble nutrients and extend shelf life. They also supply dietary vitamin E—an essential antioxidant for immune function, skin and coat health and cellular integrity in dogs and cats—and are generally safe at typical use levels, though they are not a substitute for a complete vitamin formulation and may be less effective in animals with fat‑absorption disorders.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.Brand
Victor Super Premium Pet Food is known for its high-protein, nutrient-dense dry dog foods formulated for active dogs and those with specialized dietary needs. The brand emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and utilizes a 'Nutrient-dense formula' designed for performance, with manufacturing taking place in the U.S. at Mid America Pet Food’s facility.
Visit VictorManufacturer
Mid America Pet Food maintains in-house control of its production processes, with its facility in Mt. Pleasant, Texas meeting stringent quality and safety standards such as HACCP procedures and FDA compliance for pet food manufacturing.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Victor Grain Free Hero Canine Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Victor ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Victor. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
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