Energy Plus Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 20, 2026
A calorie-dense dry food designed for active adult dogs with higher energy needs. It uses beef meal as the primary protein source, with peas, brown rice, and rice bran providing additional carbohydrates and fiber, plus added taurine and omega fatty acids for overall support. Glucosamine and chondroitin are included at supplemental levels, which may be helpful for hard-working dogs’ joints over time.
This is a high-fat, calorie-dense performance formula that suits healthy, active adult dogs who burn a lot of energy through work, sport, or strenuous activity. Beef meal as the first ingredient offers concentrated animal protein, and the overall nutrient profile is on the richer side, which many active dogs do well on. It’s not ideal for puppies or more sedentary dogs who could gain weight easily, and the heavy use of peas means I’d be cautious using it long term in breeds with known heart concerns.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Beef meal as the first ingredient provides a concentrated, named animal protein source to support performance and muscle maintenance.
- High fat (20%) and high caloric density (about 387 kcal per cup) are well suited to active or working adult dogs with greater energy demands.
- Includes added taurine plus a defined omega-3 and omega-6 content, which can support heart health and skin/coat quality.
- Supplemental glucosamine and chondroitin may offer some joint support for active or large adult dogs over time.
Considerations
- Peas, pea starch, and pea protein are all high in the ingredient list; this legume-heavy profile in a grain-containing food warrants some caution given emerging links between legume-rich diets and heart issues in some dogs.
- Formulated for maintenance only, so it is not appropriate for growth (puppies) or pregnant/lactating dogs.
- The high fat and calorie content can contribute to unwanted weight gain in less active or overweight-prone dogs if portions are not carefully controlled.
- Contains beef, chicken fat, and egg, which are common protein allergens for some dogs and would not be suitable if your dog is known to react to these ingredients.
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
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.
04
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.
05
Pea Starch
Pea starch is used in pet foods primarily as a carbohydrate binder, thickener and texture agent to help form kibble and provide readily digestible energy, rather than as a protein or fiber source. It is a gluten‑free, highly digestible starch that can increase calorie density and glycemic load (important for overweight or diabetic pets) and, like other pea/legume ingredients used in high amounts in some grain‑free diets, should be part of a balanced formulation chosen with veterinary guidance for pets with special health concerns.
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
A value-to-premium line of pet foods offering natural, grain-inclusive and grain-free options. Wholesomes highlights family-owned production and affordable nutrition using U.S.-sourced ingredients.
Visit WholesomesManufacturer
Midwestern Pet Foods manufactures its products in company-owned facilities located in Monmouth, Illinois; Evansville, Indiana; Chickasha, Oklahoma; and Waverly, New York. The company oversees production and quality control internally, using established safety and testing protocols. It has been subject to FDA oversight and recall processes, most notably in 2020–2021.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Wholesomes Energy Plus Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Wholesomes ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Wholesomes. 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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