Premium Edge Dog Food (Dry)

by Mike Sagman
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Rating: ★★★★☆

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Premium Edge Dog Food earns the Advisor’s second-highest rating of four stars.

The Premium Edge product line includes eight dry dog foods… six meeting AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance and two for all life stages (Puppy).

  • Premium Edge Puppy
  • Premium Edge Adult Lamb
  • Premium Edge Adult Chicken
  • Premium Edge Skin and Coat
  • Premium Edge Senior (3 stars)
  • Premium Edge Large Breed Puppy
  • Premium Edge Healthy Weight II Weight Control
  • Premium Edge Healthy Weight I Weight Reduction (5 stars)

Premium Edge Adult Chicken Formula was selected to represent the others in the line for this review.

Premium Edge Adult Chicken Formula

Dry Dog Food

Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content

Protein = 29% | Fat = 17% | Carbs = 46%

Ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, ocean fish meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, white rice, oatmeal, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), potatoes, tomato pomace, egg product, flaxseed, natural chicken flavor, choline chloride, dried chicory root, glucosamine hydrochloride, kelp, carrots, peas, apples, tomatoes, blueberries, spinach, dried skim milk, cranberry powder, rosemary extract, parsley flake, yucca schidigera extract, l-carnitine, chondroitin sulfate, dried fermentation products of Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus plantarum, dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, vitamin E supplement, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, thiamine mononitrate, manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin, calcium pantothenate, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin, vitamin D supplement, folic acid

Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 3.3%

Red items when present indicate controversial ingredients

Estimated Nutrient Content
MethodProteinFatCarbs
Guaranteed Analysis26%15%NA
Dry Matter Basis29%17%46%
Calorie Weighted Basis25%35%40%

The first ingredient in this dog food includes chicken. Although it is a quality item, raw chicken contains about 80% water. After cooking, most of that moisture is lost… reducing the meat content to just a fraction of its original weight.

After processing, this item would probably occupy a lower position on the list.

Which brings us to chicken meal… the second and (more likely) the dominant meat ingredient in this dog food.

Chicken meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken.

The third ingredient is ocean fish meal. Like chicken meal, this is another a high-protein meat concentrate.

Unfortunately, this particular item is anonymous. The term “ocean fish” does little to adequately describe this ingredient. Due to the variable nature of oil content in fish, we would have preferred to have known the species.

Fish meal is usually made from the by-products of commercial fish operations.

We are pleased to note that, unlike many fish meals, this particular item appears1 to be ethoxyquin-free.

The fourth item is brown rice. Brown rice is a quality ingredient… a complex carbohydrate that (once cooked) is fairly easy to digest.

The fifth ingredient lists barley. Barley is a starchy carbohydrate supplying fiber and other healthy nutrients. Unlike grains with a higher glycemic index (like rice), barley can help support stable blood sugar levels in dogs. This is a quality grain ingredient.

The sixth item mentions white rice… a less nutritious form of rice in which the grain’s healthier outer layer has been removed.

The seventh ingredient is oatmeal… a whole-grain product made from coarsely ground oats. Oatmeal is naturally rich in B-vitamins, fiber and is also (unlike many other grains) gluten-free.

The eighth ingredient lists chicken fat. Chicken fat is obtained from rendering chicken… a process similar to making soup in which the fat itself is skimmed from the surface of the liquid.

Chicken fat is high in linoleic acid… an omega-6 fatty acid essential for life. Though it doesn’t sound very appetizing, chicken fat is a quality ingredient.

The ninth ingredient is potato. Assuming they’re whole, potatoes are a good source of digestible carbohydrates and other healthy nutrients.

Tomato pomace is a controversial ingredient… a by-product left after processing tomatoes into juice, soup and ketchup.

Many praise tomato pomace for its high fiber and nutrient content… while others scorn it as an inexpensive pet food filler.

Just the same, there’s probably not enough tomato pomace here to make much of a difference.

From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.

But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this product.

With two notable exceptions…

First, we note this food contains chelated minerals… minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.

And lastly, the company appears to have applied friendly bacteria to the surface of the kibble after cooking. These special probiotics are used to enhance a dog’s digestive and immune functions.

Premium Edge Dog Food… the Bottom Line

Judging by its ingredients alone, Premium Edge Dog Food appears to be a good kibble.

But ingredient quality by itself cannot tell the whole story. We still need to estimate the product’s meat content before determining a final rating.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 29%, a fat level of 17% and estimated carbohydrates of about 46%.

Because of its apparent lower meat content, the Senior product has been downgraded to 3 stars.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 30% and a mean fat level of 14%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 48% for the overall product line.

Near-average protein. Near-average fat. And average carbs… when compared to a typical dry dog food.

With no sign of any plant-based protein boosters, this looks like the profile of a kibble containing an average amount of meat.

Bottom line?

Premium Edge Dog Food is a grain-based kibble using a moderate amount of chicken, lamb or fish meals as its main sources of animal protein… thus earning the brand four stars.

Highly recommended.

A Final Word

This review is designed to help you make a more informed decision when buying dog food. However, our rating system is not intended to suggest feeding a particular product will result in a specific health benefit for your pet.

For a better understanding of how we analyzed this product, please be sure to read our article, “The Problem with Dog Food Reviews”

Remember, no dog food can possibly be appropriate for every life stage, lifestyle or health condition. So, choose wisely. And when in doubt consult a veterinarian for help.

Have an opinion about this dog food… or maybe the review itself? Please know… we welcome your comments.

Notes and Updates

03/07/2010 Original review
10/07/2010 Review updated
10/07/2010 Last Update

  1. Diamond Pet Customer Service via email, 7-7-2010 ↩
Dog Food Advisor IconThe Dog Food Advisor publishes independent reviews to help pet owners make better choices when shopping for dog food.


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  • Noelvm

    My dogs hate 99 out of 100 dry dog foods. They like the Pink Floyd one “Bark at the Moon” or whatever it is but it’s harder to get from where I am. The local feed store carries this one and ta da, they also like this brand. I have two boxers.

  • http://www.dfwpugs.com/ sandy

    Just  keep in mind some dog foods will work for your dog and some won’t! Don’t get discouraged.  Try some probiotics and/or enzymes too! If you click on the product some info will come up.

    http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/products.aspx

  • Griffin

    Thanks Sandy, switching my 6 week old Golden Pyranees from Purina Puppy Chow to Large Breed Premium Edge puppy food soon. So In wanted to make sure!

  • http://www.dfwpugs.com/ sandy

    4 stars

  • Griffin

    Im Confused is the Large Breed Premium Edge puppy food 4 stars or 3 stars?

  • Taylor

    Mike- That is what I figured but wanted to double check, thanks!!

    Bob K- I am changing dog foods as a rotation, just trying to find something my dog will eat.  And yes I remember to transition slowly :)  Grain free tends to be a little more expensive and coming out of college in May, the budget is a little tight but I also can’t let my dog eat crap food. I didn’t think about adding other meats, I will def remember that. Thanks!!!

  • Bob K

    Taylor – Why the change of dog foods? You can always add additional protein including: eggs, pork, chicken, beef, fish, turkey to your dogs diet if you are concerned about the carbs.  Remember to transition slowly to a new food.  Why not rotate dog foods?  What about “Grain Free” dog foods?

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com/ Mike Sagman

    HI Taylor,

    Based upon the manufacturers’ labels, the two products you mention appear to have very similar meat and grain contents. No clear winner, here.

  • Taylor

    Mike, (or anyone else really)

    I am debating changing my dogs food to either Whole Earth Farms adult formula or Premium Edge chicken.  I read on WEF that a couple of reviewers say that is “grain heavy.”  Which food has a higher meat content?   Comparing the protein, fat and carbs table, they all look pretty close in comparison with the exception of carbs. Just curious if there is a difference in meat content.

  • Anonymous

    Rhea, I had a German Shepard with a quarter wolf in him for 14 years before he passed on to the rainbow bridge.  Great with kids and other animals.  Best loyal, devoted, and loving dog we have ever had!!  I bet your furbaby is a beauty!!

  • Rhea C

    Bob K. ~ thank you for the concern… We are aware of what we are facing ahead and are ready for it. She actually only has a small percentageof wolf in her, but we are ready all the same. For now, she is great with other dogs, people and children. Though I know those symptoms sometimes dont arise until around 18 months.

    The 3 stars I took was from discussion on this thread in which someone mentioned gluten and Mike S stated that the Puppy Formula may be more around a 3 star rating.

  • ash

    I have a dog that is allergic to poulty and game birds, the premium edge skin and coat formual made with salmon has helped her greatly. she no longer constanly chews on herself. her coat is nice and it shines.

  • Bob K

    Rhea – Lab Wolf Mix? Are you sure? Are you aware of the problems you may have on your hand? Are you sure you totally understand? Do you have kids? Premium Edge Puppy is a 4 star food. Look again. Other 4 star foods affordable kibbles include:
    1.) Diamond Natural – Menards 4 Star
    2.) Kirklands – Costco 4 Star
    3.) Taste of the Wild – Blains Farm & Fleet 5 Stars, All life stages formulas

  • Rhea C

    Hello,

    I have a lab/wolf/? mix. The rescuer we adopted her from was feeding her Premium Edge Puppy and we continued it with her, because I didnt want to cause any tummy upset on top of her missing her litter. Then I noticed that the puppy food went from 4 stars to 3 stars. Some of the issues I have with it 1) she definitely tries to eat her stool and 2) her stool smells so pungent, she can go at one end of the yard and I smell it at the other. I’m looking for some cost effective alternatives? any suggestions?

  • Theresa M

    I have a 3 year old black Lab, who has been on premium edge Skin & Coat since I got him at 6 months old. I have had labs before and they all seem to have skin allergy’s in the late summer and I have to make a trip to the vet. But not this summer. He got a couple itchie spots, but didn’t last. I’m pleased with the dog food. The price keeps going up like everything else, but I will still buy it. I buy mine at a feed mill. Thanks for your website.

  • Shawna

    Hi Marie,

    Going along with Mike said :) — There is a product on the market called Better Breath for Pets by Garden of Life. Better Breath is nothing more then good oral bacteria — which repopulate the mouth and crowd out the bad bacteria Mike discusses… I have a Pom that won’t chew on anything and must have genetically poor oral health.. She needs a dental literally within three months of getting a dental. I’ve tried the sprays like DentaSure with moderate success. The Better Breath has been awesome for my Pom… I can be sprinkled on the kibble or applied directly to the mouth with a brush, gauze or bulb syringe.

    The person reviewing it in the link hasn’t had quite the same success with teeth (did with breath) but I syringe it on her teeth for maximum contact (versus putting on her food). http://www.vitacost.com/Garden-of-Life-Better-Breath-for-Pets

  • http://www.facebook.com/Toxed2loss Toxed2loss

    Hi Faru,
    I’ve stared reading Steve Brown’s “Unlocking the Canine Ancestral Diet” and he talks about balancing fats, and that too high of Omega 6s causing skin problems. Chicken is 26:1, Omega 6s to Omega 3s…. Optimal ratios are 4:1. Perhaps that is a factor? That is also why others use combination/rotation diets. By changing protein sources, your dog gets a more balanced fat profile. Also, gains are not beneficial for canines, and I noticed several grains in this diet. Perhaps your golden needs to eat a grain free, potato free food. Since there bodies can’t use grains or potatoes, and there’s some research saying they are harmful, (allergies and skin problems) its in the least case scenario wasting money… As the object is to give the best nutrition you can afford- in the worst, causing harm.

    Both the antibiotic and the drug are going to weaken your dogs immune system and thereby compound the problem, so until you stop giving those and your dog returns to health, supplement with probiotics and enzymes. :-)

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Marie — Like with humans, most offensive mouth odors (feted breath) are associated with sulfur-producing bacteria (called mercaptans) growing on the teeth and surrounding oral tissues (like the tongue).

    For more information about this topic, you may wish to read my article, Dry Dog Food and the Myth of Cleaner Teeth.

    Please be sure to browse the many notes following the report and posted by knowledgeable and experienced dog parents. Hope this helps.

  • Marie Snoreck

    Searching for a quality dry dog food. I like the look of Laughing Dog – Premium Edge looks good too. Are there any of the high quality foods that are best for promoting good breath?

  • melissa

    Faru-

    Get a good fine tooth flea comb and check him very very carefully for fleas(one of the biggest causes of skin issues)-look for the “black gritty” flea excrement-many people see this, but no crawling fleas and do not realize what it is. If he is flea free and nothing else has changed, perhaps try a different food for him? It is possible for a dog to develop allergies if eating only one protein source for extended periods of time.

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Faru… Not sure what you mean by a “combination” diet. Did you mean a “rotation diet”? For more information, please visit our FAQ page and look for the topic, “Diet Rotation for Dogs”. Hope this helps.

  • Faru

    My Golden has been on the Premium Edge Salmon formula for about 4 years. He is now turning 6. He used to do fine but then gradually dveloped lesions all over his body and it’s getting worse. The different vets have given him antibiotics and he takes Peridnosone (steroid) which does not help either. No vet suggested different food
    Question: I’ve read about combination diets. What sort of food, vitamens, other supplments might help? Premium edge sounds like good food.

  • Kevin

    Bob, my dog has been on Eagle Pack > Holistic Select for 10 years. She used to have a digestive breakdown every 6 months (no eat, diaharea, etc), but now it happens every 3 weeks at least. Could be a few things i know, but I figured with her age and activity level, may be time for a change. I also haven’t heard good things about Holistic Select lately. Thanks

  • Bob K

    Kevin – What have you been feeding your dog? The company that makes Premium Edge products makes several different brands with many different formulas as a contract dog food mfg. Remember to transition slowly to a new dog food. If it doesn’t work out, there are other choices.

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