CORE Grain-Free Ocean Whitefish, Herring & Salmon Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified May 23, 2026
This is a high-protein, grain-free dry food for adult dogs that relies on multiple fish sources—whitefish, herring, and salmon—as its main proteins. Peas, lentils, and potatoes provide most of the carbohydrates, while added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, taurine, joint-support nutrients, and probiotics round out the formula. It’s designed for healthy adult dogs who do well on a fish-based, grain-free diet.
Nutritionally, this is a rich, fish-based, grain-free kibble that should suit many healthy adult dogs who do well on higher protein and moderate fat diets. It offers multiple marine protein sources, a nice omega-3 level, added taurine, and joint and probiotic support. The main caveat is that peas and lentils are key carbohydrate sources, which is something to consider in light of ongoing research into grain-free, legume-heavy diets and heart health in some dogs.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- High protein level at 34% from whitefish, herring meal, whitefish meal, and salmon meal, giving good-quality animal amino acids.
- Very good omega profile with listed omega-3 and omega-6 levels, plus flaxseed and fish to support skin and coat health.
- Includes added taurine, glucosamine, chondroitin, and probiotics, which can support heart, joint, and digestive health in otherwise healthy dogs.
- Formulated specifically for adult maintenance, so nutrient levels are targeted to typical adult dogs rather than all life stages.
Considerations
- This is a grain-free recipe that relies on peas and lentils as major carbohydrate sources, which some studies have linked to heart issues in certain dogs.
- Dogs with fish allergies or sensitivities should avoid this food, as it uses multiple fish proteins.
- The 14% fat level is moderate but may still be a bit rich for dogs that need a lower-fat diet due to pancreatitis history or weight control needs.
- The 1.7% calcium level is appropriate for adults but not designed for growing large-breed puppies or pregnant and 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
Whitefish
Whitefish (such as pollock, cod, or haddock) is commonly used in pet foods as a lean animal protein source that provides high‑quality essential amino acids, good digestibility, and some omega‑3 fatty acids to support skin, coat and muscle maintenance. While generally palatable and useful for weight‑managed formulas, pet parents should be aware of potential fish allergies and the importance of responsible sourcing and processing to minimize contaminants; cats also require adequate dietary taurine, so whitefish should be part of a complete, balanced diet.
02
Herring
Herring is commonly used as a high-quality, palatable fish protein and oil source in dog and cat foods, supplying digestible protein along with beneficial long-chain omega-3s (EPA/DHA), vitamin D, B vitamins and trace minerals. It can support skin, coat and joint health, but may be an allergen for some pets and raw fish can contain thiaminase (typically destroyed by commercial cooking); owners should also consider fat content for pancreatitis-prone animals and look for responsibly sourced, low-contaminant products.
03
Whitefish
Whitefish (such as pollock, cod, or haddock) is commonly used in pet foods as a lean animal protein source that provides high‑quality essential amino acids, good digestibility, and some omega‑3 fatty acids to support skin, coat and muscle maintenance. While generally palatable and useful for weight‑managed formulas, pet parents should be aware of potential fish allergies and the importance of responsible sourcing and processing to minimize contaminants; cats also require adequate dietary taurine, so whitefish should be part of a complete, balanced diet.
04
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a dietary supplement commonly added to pet foods and treats to support joint health by promoting cartilage maintenance and repair and helping maintain joint function in dogs and cats. It can help reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis and improve mobility in older or large-breed animals, but effects are variable and may take weeks to appear; it is generally well tolerated though mild gastrointestinal upset can occur and many preparations are shellfish-derived (allergy and dosing, especially in diabetic pets, should be considered).
05
Chondroitin Sulfate
Chondroitin sulfate is a structural component of cartilage commonly added to pet foods and supplements to support joint health, often paired with glucosamine to help maintain cartilage integrity and reduce signs of osteoarthritis in dogs and cats. It is generally considered safe but evidence of benefit varies, quality and dosage matter, and owners should consult a veterinarian—use cautiously in pets with bleeding disorders or those on anticoagulant medications and watch for possible gastrointestinal upset.
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
Wellness is WellPet’s flagship brand, offering a full range of natural pet foods including dry, canned, and toppers for dogs and cats. The brand focuses on complete, balanced nutrition using natural ingredients and is positioned within the holistic and premium segment of the market.
Visit WellnessManufacturer
Products are manufactured in company-owned and partner facilities in the United States under strict quality and safety programs, including adherence to FDA and AAFCO standards for pet food production. Wellness Pet Company maintains internal quality assurance teams and ingredient traceability protocols.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Ocean Whitefish, Herring & Salmon Recipe Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Wellness ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Wellness. 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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