Verus Dog Food | A Complete Review for 2023

Overview and History of Verus Pet Foods

Verus Pet Foods was founded in 2017 by Susan Thixton, a pet food consumer advocate, author of the Truth About Pet Food blog, and owner of a consulting company called Pet Food Safety Educators.

After spending years researching the pet food industry and warning people about unsafe ingredients commonly used in commercial kibble and cans, Thixton decided to launch her own brand that lived up to her nutritional and safety standards.

Verus Pet Foods is based in Illinois and sources all of their ingredients from the Midwestern United States. Their dog and cat foods are produced in small batches at a family-owned cannery that does not process any other pet food. This helps minimize the risks of cross contamination.

Verus aims to produce premium natural pet food through the following philosophy and standards:

Made with fresh, regional ingredients from trusted sources
No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
manufactured in small batches
Safe quality control standards
Ethical company practices and full transparency

The company motto is “pet food revamped” and they aim to shake up the status quo of the commercial pet food industry.

Overview of Verus Dog Food Product Line

Verus produces three main recipes for dogs: two all life stages formulas and one recipe for large breed puppies. Their product line is streamlined to keep things simple for pet owners.

Here’s an overview of each Verus dog food formula:

Verus Dog Food Chicken Recipe

Grain-inclusive dry kibble
Made with chicken as the first ingredient
Enhanced with fruits and vegetables
Formulated for all life stages and breeds

Verus Dog Food Lamb Recipe

Grain-inclusive dry food
Features lamb meat as the first ingredient
Fortified with antioxidants from fruits and veggies
Made for all life stages and breeds

Verus Dog Food Large Breed PuppyProtein-rich kibble for puppies

Contains eggshell calcium for bone growth
Supports joint health with glucosamine
Made for large breed puppies up to 2 years old

Both Verus all life stages recipes meet AAFCO nutritional standards for complete and balanced canine nutrition. The large breed puppy food goes above minimums for key nutrients like protein, calcium, and glucosamine that support developing bones and joints.

Verus dog foods are free from corn, wheat, soy, by-product meals, artificial preservatives, colors and flavors. They only use non-GMO fruits and vegetables. All recipes are also enriched with probiotics and natural prebiotic fiber for digestive and immune health.

Ingredient Analysis of Verus Dog Foods

Analyzing the ingredient lists of Verus dog food helps us evaluate the quality and nutritional value of these recipes.

Here is a closer look at the ingredients used in Verus dog food formulas:

Animal-based proteins

Verus includes high-quality animal proteins as the first 2-3 ingredients in each formula. Whole chicken, lamb, fish, and eggs provide essential amino acids dogs need.

Whole grains

Depending on the recipe, whole grains like brown rice, oatmeal, barley, and millet are included as nutritious carbohydrate sources. They are easier to digest than refined grain fractions like corn or wheat.

Fruits and vegetables

Every Verus formula contains antioxidant-rich produce like blueberries, carrots, peas, apples, spinach, and cranberries. They boost vitamin, mineral, and fiber nutrition.

Healthy fats

Chicken fat, flaxseeds, and fish oils supply energy-dense omega fatty acids for skin, coat, brain, and immune support.Natural flavor, Natural flavor enhances palatability. Verus never uses artificial flavorings.

Dried fermentation products

Probioitics and prebiotics from fermented dried chicory root, yeasts, and oats promote healthy and regular digestion.

Essential supplements

Chelated vitamins, amino acids, and minerals like iron, zinc, copper, and manganese meet micronutrient needs.

Glucosamine and chondroitin

These joints supplements are added to large breed puppy recipes for optimal bone and joint development.

Overall, Verus utilizes high-quality animal proteins, digestible carbs, antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies, and probiotic supplements for complete and balanced nutrition. They avoid cheap fillers, by-products, and artificial additives.

Guaranteed Analysis Breakdown of Verus Dog Food

Looking at the guaranteed analysis on Verus’s packaging gives us quantitative data on select nutrients in their dog food formulas:

Verus Chicken Dog Food Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min): 25%
Crude Fat (min): 15%
Crude Fiber (max): 4%
Moisture (max): 10%

Verus Lamb Dog Food Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min): 27%
Crude Fat (min): 17%
Crude Fiber (max): 4%
Moisture (max): 10%

Verus Large Breed Puppy Food Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min): 28%
Crude Fat (min): 12%
Crude Fiber (max): 5%
Moisture (max): 10%

These percentages meet AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition. Both adult recipes provide at least 25% protein and 15% fat. The large breed puppy formula has even higher protein at 28% to fuel growth and development.

Fiber is 4-5% to support healthy digestion. And moisture levels are 10% or less, which is ideal for dry kibble.

So in terms of protein, fat, fiber, and moisture content, Verus’s guaranteed analysis indicates their formulas are nutritionally balanced and healthy.

Verus dog food

Feeding Guidelines and Transitioning Tips for Verus Dog Food

Following the proper feeding guidelines is important to provide your dog with the right amount of nutrition. Here are the Verus dog food feeding guidelines based on your dog’s weight:

Verus All Life Stages Formulas

| Dog Weight | Daily Food Amount |

|------------|-------------------------|

| 5 lbs | 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 cup |

| 10 lbs | 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 cup |

| 20 lbs | 3⁄4 to 1 1⁄4 cups |

| 30 lbs | 1 to 1 3⁄4 cups |

| 40 lbs | 1 1⁄3 to 2 1⁄4 cups |

| 50 lbs | 1 2⁄3 to 2 2⁄3 cups |

| 75 lbs | 2 1⁄2 to 3 3⁄4 cups |

| 100 lbs | 3 1⁄3 to 5 cups |

Verus Large Breed Puppy Formula

3 to 12 weeks old - feed 3 times amount indicated for ideal adult weight
3 to 6 months old - feed 2 times amount indicated for ideal adult weight
6 to 12 months - feed 1.5 times amount indicated for ideal adult weight
12 to 24 months - feed amount indicated for ideal adult weight

These are general guidelines, but you should adjust as needed based on your individual dog’s age, body condition, and activity level. Monitor their weight and energy levels.

When transitioning your dog to Verus, do so gradually over 7-10 days. Slowly mix increasing amounts of the new food in with decreasing amounts of the old food. This helps avoid digestion issues.

Cost and Where to Buy Verus Dog Food

Verus dog food is sold online through Amazon and other select online retailers like Chewy, PetFlow, and Walmart. Many brick-and-mortar pet stores also carry Verus food. You can check the store locator on their site to find a retail location near you.

Here are some average prices for Verus dry dog food:

5 lb bag: $12 to $18
15 lb bag: $35 to $55
28 lb bag: $50 to $75

This typically costs a bit more than grocery store brands but less than some premium or ultra-premium foods. Per pound, Verus usually costs $2.50 or less which is reasonable for a quality food made with fresh ingredients.

Sign up on their website for 10% off your first order or get periodic promotions through retailers. This can help make Verus more affordable, especially when buying larger bags.

Verus Dog Food Reviews and Ratings

Customer reviews and ratings from real pet owners can provide helpful insight into how dogs respond to a pet food brand. Overall, Verus dog food earns very positive reviews.

On Amazon, Verus formulas have an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 2,000 total reviews. The most common feedback is that dogs love the taste and maintain good energy on Verus. Owners say it’s a high quality food for the price.

Chewy shoppers rate Verus 4.8 out of 5 stars. Positive notes mention healthier skin and coats, improved digestion, and less shedding after transitioning to the food. Some dogs seem to prefer the chicken recipe over the lamb.

The few critical reviews seem related to individual dogs who didn’t do well on a certain formula. This is expected, as no food agrees with every dog. Most issues appear to be with digestion or gassiness.

But overall, the vast majority of Verus reviews are very positive based on the ingredients, quality, palatability, and results. It’s rated as a great value for a healthy dog food.

Pros and Cons of Verus Dog Food

To summarize the key strengths and weaknesses of this brand, here are the main pros and cons of Verus dog food:

Pros

Made with high-quality animal proteins and fresh fruits/veggies
Contains probiotics and natural prebiotic fiber
Free from corn, wheat, soy, by-products, artificial additives
Generous protein and fat content
Most dogs seem to love the taste
Positive reviews for skin, coat, energy level, and digestion
More affordable than many premium dog foods

Cons

Limited number of recipes to choose from
Primarily sold online or in smaller pet stores vs. big chains
Some dogs may not tolerate certain formulas well
Could pack more meat-based protein as the first ingredient

Overall Verus earns high marks for quality natural nutrition and affordable pricing. The main drawbacks are the limited formula options and lack of wide accessibility in retail stores. But for budget-friendly quality, it’s a great choice.

Is Verus a Good Dog Food Choice?

So, is Verus ultimately a good dog food? Here’s a summary of key points that make Verus worth considering for your pup:

Nutritious recipes made with quality proteins, fruits, veggies, vitamins and minerals
Wholesome ingredients from regional trusted sources
No artificial additives, fillers, or potentially harmful ingredients
Meets AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition
Contains probiotics and prebiotics for digestion and immunity
Generous amounts of protein and fat for energy
Most owners say dogs love the taste and do well on Verus
More affordable than many competitor premium brands
Company transparent about manufacturing and sourcing
All life stages recipes can simplify feeding

Based on Verus’s ingredient quality, testing standards, transparent ompany practices, and thousands of positive dog owner reviews, Verus does seem to be a good choice if you’re looking for a moderately-priced upgraded dog food.

It offers quality nutrition free of filler or controversial ingredients - something that’s hard to find at this price point. Just be sure to transition slowly and watch your individual dog for signs of tummy troubles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Verus Dog Food

Here are answers to some common questions dog owners have about Verus pet food:

Is Verus grain-free?

No, Verus recipes typically contain nutrient-rich whole grains like brown rice, barley, and oatmeal. The company believes balanced whole grains are healthy for most dogs.

Is Verus made in the USA?

Yes, Verus dry dog foods are made in the Midwestern United States. Their ingredients are sourced from trusted regional suppliers.

Who makes Verus dog food?

Verus is produced by a family-owned cannery in Illinois that manufactures small batch recipes exclusively for Verus. No other pet foods are made at the cannery.

Does Verus test for heavy metals?

Yes, Verus tests every batch of their dog food for heavy metals, mycotoxins, bacteria, and other contaminants to ensure safety.

Is Verus AAFCO approved?

All Verus dog food recipes meet AAFCO standards for complete and balanced canine nutrition. Their large breed puppy formula also meets grow standards.

Is Verus human-grade dog food?

No, Verus is not advertised as human-grade, but they focus on high-quality ingredients fit for human consumption whenever possible. Their manufacturing facility meets USDA standards.

Is Verus good for small dogs?

Yes, the Verus all life stages recipes can be fed to small and toy breed dogs. Follow the feeding guidelines carefully based on your dog’s weight, life stage, and activity level.

Is Verus Worth Trying for Your Dog?

At the end of the day, Verus does stand out as a quality choice in the reasonably-priced dog food category. They offer nutrition-packed recipes focused on natural proteins, digestible carbs, and antioxidant fruits and vegetables.

Verus avoids fillers, by-products, and artificial additives - things that plague many low-cost dog food brands. They hold themselves to high safety and quality standards from manufacturing to finished products.

Thousands of happy dog owners say Verus provided improvements in energy, skin, coats, and digestion. The ingredients and production practices give pet owners peace of mind.

While every dog has unique eeds, Verus offers an affordable option worth trying if you want to upgrade your dog to a more nutritious diet without the premium price tag. Just transition slowly and watch for any signs of intolerance.

When comparing dog foods, the proof is ultimately in how well your individual pup does long-term on that recipe. But Verus checks the boxes for quality, transparency, and accountability - and that goes a long way when choosing what to feed your canine companion.

Top 5 Best Verus Dog Food Recipes

While Verus only offers a handful of dry dog food recipes to choose from, each one has merits that make it one of the top formulas in its category. Here’s a look at 5 of the best Verus dog food recipes and why they stand out:

1. Verus Dog Food Chicken Recipe

This healthy chicken-based kibble is a standout for all life stages nutrition. Chicken as the first ingredient provides lean protein. It’s enhanced with probiotics, fruits and veggies for complete nutrition in one bag.

2. Verus Dog Food Lamb Recipe

Lamb is the star of this recipe packed with essential amino acids. It’s a unique limited ingredient diet for dogs with food sensitivities. Antioxidants from produce support whole body health.

3. Verus Dog Food for Large Breed Puppies

This kibble has extra protein, glucosamine, calcium, and nutrients to meet growing large breed puppies’ needs. It supports bone growth and joint health through adulthood.

4. Verus Dog Food Chicken Recipe Grain-Free

Verus recently launched this grain-free chicken recipe. It offers a protein-focused limited ingredient diet for dogs that may not tolerate grains well.

5. Verus Dog Food Small Breed Recipe

While not available yet, Verus plans to launch a recipe tailored to small breeds’ needs. It will have smaller kibble, extra nutrients, and enhanced flavor.

These top recipes from Verus utilize protein-packed, natural ingredients to fuel dogs’ daily activity and long-term health. There’s an ideal formula for dogs of different life stages, activity levels, and dietary needs.

How Verus Compares to Other Dog Food Brands

It's always helpful to see how Verus stacks up against competitor brands. Here's an overview of how Verus dog food compares to some other popular mid-priced dog food lines on the market:

Verus vs. Taste of the Wild

TOW has grain-free formulas only, while Verus has grain-inclusive recipes
Both feature quality animal proteins as first ingredients
TOW formulas are higher in protein (32% vs. 25-28%)
Verus contains probiotics and prebiotics while TOW does not
Verus is typically more affordable per pound than TOW

Verus vs. Diamond Naturals

Both contain probiotics and natural ingredients
Diamond has more protein and fat on average
But Diamond uses some less preferred protein meals lower on the list
Verus has fewer overall formulas to choose from
Verus costs slightly more than Diamond Naturals

Verus vs. Purina ONE SmartBlend

Purina ONE also has grain-inclusive recipes
Purina ONE has more formulas for different life stages
But some Purina ONE recipes contain corn, soy and by-product meal
Verus has higher quality meat proteins near the top of ingredients
Verus is comparable to Purina ONE in pricing

Verus vs. Iams

Iams has more size-specific and veterinary recipes rely more heavily on fresh meats vs. by-products
Both contain grains and natural ingredients
Verus has added probiotics and prebiotics
Verus is a little more expensive than most Iams recipes

While every brand has pros and cons, Verus holds its own when compared to other common, affordable dog food brands. It offers high meat-based protein, digestible carbs, probiotic support, and no low-quality fillers.

Verus Dog Food Product Lines Beyond Kibble

While Verus built its reputation on quality kibble recipes, they have recently begun expanding into other product lines for dogs.

Verus Strip’ Sundried Dog Treats

Grain-free treats made via sundrying process
Natural, limited recipe with 5 key ingredients
Sold in chicken and beef flavored varieties
Tasty training treats or snacks

Verus Bone Broth for Dogs

Concentrated bone broth sourced from chicken
Supports hydration, digestion, and immunity
Can pour over food, mix with kibble, or serve as treat
Sold in handy tubs for easy use

Verus Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food

Grain-free raw food coated in Verus’s broth
Frozen then freeze-dried to lock in nutrients
Comes in chicken, beef, turkey and fish recipes
Easy way to add some raw food to diet

Verus Dog Dental Chews

Help clean teeth and freshen breath
Natural recipe with green tea extract
Ridged exterior and porous interior clean teeth.
Chicken flavor for strong appeal to dogs

While their original kibble line remains the core of Verus’s offerings, these new products give pet owners more ways to integrate Verus’s quality nutrition into their dog’s diet and routine.

Feeding Verus Dog Food Long-Term: Vet Advice

You want to make sure any dog food you choose to feed long-term - including Verus - provides complete, balanced nutrition to support your dog’s health. Here is some veterinarian guidance on feeding Verus recipes for the long haul:

Follow feeding guidelines: Stick to recommended amounts based on your dog’s weight, activity level, and life stage to avoid under or overfeeding. Adjust as needed to maintain an ideal weight.

Provide fresh water: Always give your dog free access to clean, fresh drinking water to stay hydrated.

Watch for signs of intolerance: Monitor stool quality and energy levels. Loose stool or lethargy may indicate an issue with a particular recipe. Try a different Verus variety or protein source.

Supplement if needed: Some dogs may need an additional joint supplement or skin & coat oils while eating kibble. Discuss options with your veterinarian.

Mix it up: Rotate between Verus flavors or add some 100% meat wet food or raw food occasionally for variety.

Have yearly vet checkups: Your vet can monitor your dog’s weight, bloodwork, dental health, and nutritional status to ensure their diet is supporting good health.

The bottom line is Verus can be fed safely long-term as long as your dog tolerates it well and thrives on the nutritional profiles. Monitoring health and providing variety through rotational feeding or supplementary items can help keep your dog in peak condition over the years.

Creating a Dog Feeding Schedule with Verus

Consistent feeding times help create a smooth routine for both you and your dog. Here are some tips for creating a feeding schedule with Verus dog food:

Stick to the same times: Feed approximately the same time(s) every day, e.g. breakfast at 8am and dinner at 6pm.

Divide daily amount: Split their daily food portion into 2 or 3 meals.

Allow time before/after activity: Feed at least an hour before or after vigorous exercise to avoid bloating.

Graze feed if needed: Free-choice feed very small or senior dogs who graze throughout day.

Adjust amounts for age: Feed growing puppies 3-4x day and seniors 2x a day.

Avoid midnight snacking: Pick up bowls and don’t feed right before bed to discourage overnight grazing.

Hydrate: Ensure access to fresh water at all times, especially with dry food.

Establishing an eating routine provides structure dogs thrive on. Verus kibble can slot right into that schedule to fuel your dog’s day.

Top Tips for Transitioning Your Dog to Verus Pet Food

Switching your dog to any new food always requires a gradual transition. Here are tips for successfully transitioning your dog to Verus.

Transition over 7-10 days: Slowly mix increasing amounts of Verus with decreasing amounts their previous food.
Keep ratios consistent: Feed the same mixture ratios for 2-3 days in a row rather than changing daily.
Avoid GI issues: Go slowly so their digestive system can adapt to the new food.
Monitor stool: Look for changes like looseness or abnormal color that indicates issues.
Watch for other symptoms: Lethargy, gas, vomiting, or itchiness can also signal problems.
Call your vet: If symptoms concern you, consult your vet on how to handle the transition.
Prevent bloat: Feed smaller portions spread out over the day rather than one large meal.
Introduce new proteins gradually: If switching protein sources, do so even more slowly.
Be patient: It may take a few weeks on the new food to notice positive effects like increased energy, better coat, or more solid stools.

The key is making any transition gradual and watching closely for signs of intolerance. This gives your dog the best chance to settle into their new Verus diet comfortably. Verus founder Susan Thixton is known for her strong advocacy for pet food consumer safety reforms and holds manufacturers (including her own) to very high standards.

Their focus on regional, trusted suppliers and small batch testing sets them apart from many major manufacturers where contamination risks can be higher. While no brand is 100% immune from potential recalls, Verus aims to go above and beyond when it comes to quality control. Their recall-free history to date is promising.

Of course, as with any pet food company, it's smart to sign up for recall alerts on their website or from the FDA to stay up-to-date should any future issues arise. But overall Verus sets rigorous safety protocols to prevent problems proactively.

Exploring Raw and Homemade Dog Food Diets

While Verus offers quality complete dog food, some owners prefer to feed alternative diets like raw, homemade, or fresh food. Here’s an overview of these approaches if you’re considering straying from traditional kibble:

Raw Dog Food Diets

Can provide nutrients from raw meat, organs, and bones. Requires careful formulation to avoid nutritional imbalances or bacteria risks. Needs substantial prep work.

Home Cooked Dog Food

Allows for customized recipes and control over ingredients. Ensures dogs eat fresh, minimally processed foods. But meeting all nutritional needs takes research and planning.

Fresh Dog Food Delivery

Companies like NomNomNow and Ollie deliver freshly made dog meals customized to your pup. Convenient but pricy. Quality and safety vary.

Freeze Dried & Dehydrated Food

Retains more nutrients than kibble. Easier to portion than fully raw. But expensive. Verus offers freeze dried options.

Supplementing Kibble

Adding some raw, homemade, or fresh food to your dog’s diet can provide benefits without fully transitioning away from kibble convenience.

Explore all the pros and cons before switching fully from kibble to an alternative. Consult your vet to ensure your dog’s unique nutritional needs are met. Verus kibble can provide a healthy base even if you mix in some homemade or raw items.

Quality Nutrition from Verus Pet Food

After reviewing Verus's background, manufacturing, ingredients, and feeding guidance in depth, my verdict is that Verus does live up to its promise of quality nutrition without exorbitant costs. For budget-conscious pet owners looking for an affordable upgrade from grocery store kibble, Verus provides:

Regional, transparently sourced ingredients
Nutrient-rich animal proteins as first ingredients
Wholesome fruits, veggies, oils, vitamins and minerals
No cheap fillers, by-products or artificial additives
Probiotics and prebiotics for digestion and immunity
Tested and compliant for quality and safety
Positive reviews from most dogs and owners

While they don't offer an overwhelming variety of recipes, their focused product line avoids the duplicates and confusing formulas from bigger brands. Their ingredients and standards outshine many competitors at a similar price point.

Conclusion

Considering Verus's dedication to transparency, testing, and natural diets, I would recommend owners looking for budget-friendly nutrition without compromise at least give Verus a try. Follow proper transition guidance and monitor your individual dog for good results. But expect quality fuel for your pup at a reasonable price from this purpose-driven brand.