Skip to content

7,500+ pet foods rated. Your best match, free in 30 seconds.

Back
Grain Free Hero Canine Dry Dog Food
Victor

Grain Free Hero Canine Dry Dog Food

Verified Aug 29, 2026

Dog · Dry Adult All Breed Sizes

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.

Jump to ingredients
Over-the-counter AAFCO Pet Sustainability Coalition Accredited No recalls

Affiliate link · may earn a commission at no extra cost to you

Official product page
KibbleLab Score
7.5 out of 10

Solid Option

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.

Nutritional profile 10.0
Ingredient composition 8.0
Adequacy substantiation 4.0
Health considerations 8.0

Computed from 4 of 4 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber on a dry-matter basis, for the stated life stage and format
Adequacy substantiation Complete and balanced substantiation; feeding trials valued higher
Ingredient composition Screened for unnamed sources, artificial additives, and label protein inflation. Not a quality ranking.
Health considerations Pulse-heavy grain-free (DCM) pattern and recall history
Verified manufacturer evidence A small bonus when we can verify evidence addressing WSAVA selection criteria
9.0 - 10 Top Pick
8.0 - 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 - 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 - 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6.0 Review Carefully

KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.


At a Glance

Marketed Benefits
Where these benefits come from Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.
Joint Care Skin Coat Health Immune Support Digestive Health High Energy Allergy Support
Suitable For
Adult All Breed Sizes
Does this food work for your pet?
We'll check every ingredient against your pet's sensitivities and avoidance list.

Nutritional Perspective

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.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Beef Meal, Peas, Sweet Potato, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Menhaden Fish Meal (Source of DHA-Docosahexaenoic Acid), Blood Meal Conventionally Dried, Garbanzo Beans, Pork Meal, Yeast Culture, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Natural Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Carrot Powder, Tomato Pomace, Salt, Organic Dried Seaweed Meal, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Calcium Stearate, Zinc Methionine Complex, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Vitamin E Supplement, DL-Methionine, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Hydrolyzed Yeast, Chondroitin Sulfate, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Silicon Dioxide, L-Carnitine, Selenium Yeast, Brewers Dried Yeast, Copper Sulfate, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Mono and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids, Thiamine Mononitrate, Biotin, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Calcium Carbonate, Riboflavin Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract, Inulin, Lecithin, Folic Acid, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product

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.
View ingredient
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.
View ingredient
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.
View ingredient
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.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
33.00%
Low High
Protein (typical)
33.47%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
16.00%
Low High
Fat (typical)
16.82%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
3.80%
Low High
Fiber (typical)
3.33%
Low High
Moisture (max)
9.00%
Low High
Moisture (typical)
7.45%
Low High
3602
kcal / Kg
Moderate
Calorie density category
What is calorie density How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.

Not sure how much of this to feed?

The right daily portion depends on your dog's weight, age, and activity level. Create a free account, add your dog, and get their daily calories and portion sizes.


Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Lifestage Adult
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Kibble
Food type Dry

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.

Complete & balanced Yes
AAFCO life stages Adult Maintenance
Substantiation Formulation
VICTOR Grain Free Hero Canine for Dogs is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for Adult Maintenance.

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.

Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Mid America Pet Food
Parent company TA Associates / Rx3 Growth Partners
Founded 2007
Headquarters Mt. Pleasant, Texas, USA
Website mapf.com
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region Texas
Manufacturing oversight

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.

Pet Sustainability Coalition Accredited business seal
Pet Sustainability Coalition Accredited

PSC is a nonprofit that Accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification. Mid America Pet Food is a PSC Accredited business. View profile

Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.

Recall History

No recalls on record

No recall is listed for Victor Grain Free Hero Canine Dry Dog Food.

Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026

Unlock More

Sign up for the full picture

Ingredient Check

We'll check every ingredient against your pet's profile.

Feeding Calculator

Personalized portion sizes based on your pet's weight, age, and activity level.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Compare this food with alternatives to find the best fit.


Similar Foods

Merrick Lil' Plates Grain Free Real Beef & Sweet Potato With Raw Bites Dry Dog Food
Digestive health · High energy · Dental care
Merrick Lil' Plates Grain Free Real Beef & Sweet Potato With Raw Bites Dry Dog Food
Merrick Lil' Plates Grain Free Real Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
High energy · Probiotic support · Digestive health
Merrick Lil' Plates Grain Free Real Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
I and Love and You Nude Super Food Red Meat Medley Dry Dog Food
Allergy support · Sensitive stomach · Probiotic support
I and Love and You Nude Super Food Red Meat Medley Dry Dog Food
Instinct RawBoost Real Beef Recipe Small Breed Dry Dog Food
Weight management · Immune support · Digestive health
Instinct RawBoost Real Beef Recipe Small Breed Dry Dog Food
Instinct RawBoost Real Beef Recipe Dry Dog Food
Heart care · Digestive health · Immune support
Instinct RawBoost Real Beef Recipe Dry Dog Food
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Hero's Banquet Grain Free Dry Dog Food
High energy · Joint care · Skin coat health
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Hero's Banquet Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Only Natural Pet PowerFood Grain Free Red Meat Feast Dry Dog Food
Heart care · High energy · Probiotic support
Only Natural Pet PowerFood Grain Free Red Meat Feast Dry Dog Food
Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon Canine Recipe With Wild Boar Dry Dog Food
Brain health · Probiotic support · Immune support
Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon Canine Recipe With Wild Boar Dry Dog Food
Share this food
KibbleLab food report
SOLID PICK.
7.5 /10 Grade B
Grain Free Hero Canine Dry Dog Food
Victor · kibblelab.com

Post your dog's report card and challenge friends to check their food.


Frequently Asked Questions

Has Victor ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Victor. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.

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.

What does YOUR pet eat?
Look up any dog or cat food. Free, takes 30 seconds, no sign-up.
Check a Food

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 listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.