Overview

Wellness CORE Original is the grain-free formula for owners who've made a deliberate, informed decision to go grain-free. Deboned turkey leads the ingredient list, followed by turkey meal and chicken meal for a triple-protein foundation that delivers 34% crude protein minimum. No corn, wheat, soy, by-products, or artificial anything — the formula is clean by any standard.

Made by WellPet LLC, Wellness has built a solid reputation over two decades for consistent quality and a clean safety record. The CORE line specifically targets protein-forward nutrition, borrowing from the ancestral diet philosophy without the marketing excess of some competitors. The turkey-and-chicken base provides a familiar protein profile that most dogs tolerate well.

The grain-free elephant in the room deserves honest discussion: this formula uses peas, lentils, and potatoes as primary carbohydrate sources — exactly the ingredient profile the FDA flagged in their DCM investigation. At $1.67 per day for a 50-pound dog, CORE sits in the upper-mid premium range. For owners whose veterinarian has cleared grain-free feeding and who want clean, high-protein nutrition, CORE delivers. For those with DCM concerns, grain-inclusive alternatives like ACANA Wholesome Grains offer comparable quality without the uncertainty.

Features Deep-Dive

Triple-Protein Foundation

Deboned turkey, turkey meal, and chicken meal create a three-source protein foundation that delivers 34% crude protein — higher than most mid-range options and competitive with premium competitors. The deboned turkey provides fresh, whole-food protein, while the two meal-based proteins contribute concentrated, shelf-stable protein density. This multi-source approach ensures a broad amino acid profile and consistent protein delivery across batches.

The 34% protein level is suitable for active adult dogs without the extreme density of performance formulas like Victor Nutra Pro (38%). It's a purposeful sweet spot — high enough to support active lifestyles, moderate enough for typical household pets.

Guaranteed Probiotics and Nutrient Coating

Wellness CORE includes guaranteed live probiotics applied after cooking, similar to the approach used by Purina Pro Plan and Diamond brands. The probiotics support digestive efficiency and immune function. Additionally, the formula includes flaxseed and salmon oil for omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support, and a range of antioxidants from fruits and vegetables including blueberries, spinach, and broccoli.

No Compromise Clean Label

The ingredient list is notably free of cost-cutting shortcuts: no corn gluten meal boosting protein numbers, no generic "animal fat," no artificial colors or flavors, no BHA/BHT preservatives. Every ingredient is named and serves a nutritional purpose. Mixed tocopherols provide natural preservation. This level of ingredient integrity is what separates CORE from mid-range competitors that claim "premium" status while using by-products and fillers.

Pricing Analysis

At approximately $80 for a 24-pound bag, Wellness CORE costs about $1.67 per day for a 50-pound dog. This places it squarely in premium territory — more expensive than mid-range picks like Purina Pro Plan ($1.06/day) or Blue Buffalo ($1.08/day), and comparable to other premium grain-free options.

Within the grain-free segment, CORE offers better value than Instinct Raw Boost ($2.02/day) while delivering comparable ingredient quality. However, if the grain-free aspect isn't a hard requirement, ACANA Wholesome Grains ($1.60/day) provides similar premium quality with grain-inclusive peace of mind at a slightly lower price. The value question ultimately depends on whether grain-free is a conscious dietary choice or simply a brand preference.

Who Is This For?

Wellness CORE Original Turkey & Chicken works best for:

• Informed grain-free advocates whose veterinarian has discussed and approved grain-free feeding — this is one of the cleanest, most transparent grain-free formulas available
• Active dogs with higher protein needs that benefit from 34% protein without the extreme density of performance formulas — ideal for the energetic household pet or moderately active breed
• Owners who want premium without paying ultra-premium — at $1.67/day, CORE undercuts most ultra-premium brands while delivering comparable ingredient quality and clean-label standards

Who Should NOT Use This

Wellness CORE might not be the right choice if:

• DCM concerns are on your radar: The pea-and-lentil carbohydrate base is exactly what the FDA investigation targeted — if you're risk-averse or own a predisposed breed (Golden Retrievers, Dobermans), switch to ACANA Wholesome Grains or Merrick Healthy Grains for grain-inclusive premium quality
• You're not specifically seeking grain-free: Paying $1.67/day for a grain-free formula makes little sense if you don't have a specific reason to avoid grains — comparable grain-inclusive premiums like ACANA deliver similar quality without the DCM caveat

Bottom Line

Wellness CORE is among the best-executed grain-free formulas available: clean ingredients, high protein, honest labeling, and a strong safety record. The grain-free DCM question is real but shouldn't be overstated — if your vet approves grain-free feeding for your dog, CORE is a top-tier choice. If DCM concerns give you pause, equally good grain-inclusive options exist.

FAQ

Is grain-free food actually better for dogs?

For most dogs, no. The grain-free movement was driven largely by marketing rather than veterinary science. Dogs are omnivores with well-developed carbohydrate digestion, and wholesome grains like oats, barley, and brown rice provide beneficial nutrients. Grain-free diets are genuinely useful for the small percentage of dogs with diagnosed grain allergies or sensitivities. For everyone else, grain-inclusive formulas are equally healthy and avoid the DCM uncertainty.

How does Wellness CORE compare to Orijen?

Both are premium, protein-forward, grain-free formulas. Orijen uses 85% animal ingredients with WholePrey ratios (including organs and cartilage), while CORE uses a more conventional 34% protein approach. Orijen costs more ($2.13/day vs. $1.67/day) and delivers more animal-source nutrition. CORE is a strong option for owners who want premium grain-free without Orijen's ultra-premium pricing or extremely high protein content.

Has Wellness had any recalls?

Wellness (WellPet LLC) has maintained a clean recall record for dry food products over the past five years. There have been occasional recalls affecting their wet/canned product lines, but the CORE dry kibble line has not been involved. The company manufactures in their own facilities and maintains quality control standards typical of premium brands.