CORE Hearty Cuts Beef & Venison Wet Dog Food
Verified Jun 10, 2026
This is a high-moisture, chunky wet food featuring beef, beef liver, and venison as the main animal protein sources. It includes sweet potatoes, green beans, carrots, apples, and leafy greens for additional fiber and micronutrients, plus salmon oil and flaxseed as sources of omega fatty acids. It’s designed as a complete meal or topper for puppies and adult dogs of all sizes who enjoy a meaty stew-style diet.
Overall, this is a very good quality canned food with multiple named meat ingredients up front and a nice mix of fruits and vegetables. The moderate protein and fat levels are typical for a stew-style wet diet, and the ingredient list suggests a nutrient-dense formula without unnecessary fillers or artificial colors. It can work well as a primary diet or as a topper for dogs who need extra palatability or moisture in their meals.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Multiple named animal proteins (beef, beef liver, venison) high in the ingredient list provide good-quality, highly digestible protein.
- Includes salmon oil and ground flaxseed, which contribute omega-3 fatty acids that support skin, coat, and general health.
- Contains a variety of fruits and vegetables (sweet potatoes, green beans, carrots, apples, blueberries, broccoli, kale, spinach) that add fiber and natural phytonutrients.
- Wet, high-moisture format can help support hydration and is often very appealing for picky eaters or dogs needing more water intake.
Considerations
- Contains beef, venison, and egg, which are common triggers for food allergies in some dogs; not ideal if your dog has known sensitivities to these proteins.
- As a gravy-style wet food with relatively modest protein and fat percentages on an as-fed basis, very high-energy or working dogs may need larger portions or additional calories from another food.
- Uses potato starch as a thickener and carbohydrate source; while safe, dogs requiring very low-carbohydrate diets may need a different formulation.
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
Beef Broth
Beef broth is commonly used in pet foods and toppers as a savory flavoring and moisture enhancer to boost palatability and encourage hydration, and depending on preparation can contribute small amounts of protein, minerals and gelatin-derived collagen. Care should be taken because commercial broths are often high in sodium and may contain added ingredients (onion, garlic, spices, preservatives or sweeteners) that can be harmful to dogs or cats, so choose low-sodium, pet-safe formulations and avoid if your pet has a beef allergy or sodium-sensitive condition.
03
Venison Broth
Venison broth is a flavorful, hydrating meat-based liquid used in pet foods or as a meal topper to enhance palatability and moisture while contributing small amounts of protein, minerals, collagen and gelatin from simmered venison (venison often serves as a novel protein for pets with food sensitivities). It can help stimulate appetite in picky or ill dogs and cats and support hydration, but owners should choose low-sodium, additive-free products (or ensure homemade broths contain no onion/garlic and that bones are removed), remember it is not a complete diet, and be mindful of fat content and storage/contamination risks.
04
Beef Liver
Beef liver is an organ meat commonly used in dog and cat foods and treats as a highly palatable, protein-rich, nutrient-dense ingredient that provides concentrated, bioavailable vitamins (especially vitamin A and B12), heme iron, copper, and essential amino acids. While it supports blood health and overall nutrition, beef liver should be fed in moderation because excess vitamin A can cause toxicity, its richness may upset sensitive stomachs or contribute to pancreatitis in predisposed pets, and proper sourcing/processing is important to minimize contaminant or bacterial risks.
05
Venison
Venison is used in pet food primarily as a high-quality, novel animal protein source that is lean and rich in essential amino acids, iron and B vitamins, making it suitable for both dogs and cats and commonly included in limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic formulas. It can benefit pets with sensitivities to common proteins like beef or chicken and offer a lower-fat alternative, but owners should note that it may be too lean for growing animals, still can cause allergies in some pets, and raw or poorly sourced venison may carry parasites or contaminants (risks that are minimized in properly processed commercial diets).
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
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 Hearty Cuts Beef & Venison Wet 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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