Being a dog owner myself, I’m always on the lookout for quality food that makes one’s wallet smile. That is why I jumped for joy when I came across Optim Plus—a rather new player in the pet food market. This private-label brand of Pet Supplies Plus, launched in June 2022, has become popular among pet parents within no time. In this post, I’ll share everything I learned about Optim Plus dog food and why it might just be the perfect choice for your four-legged companion.
What is Optim Plus Dog Food?
Optim Plus is much more than just another dog food brand. It features a fully developed product line with over 30 dry dog and cat food products, specially formulated to meet the needs of pets at all life stages and sizes. From playful puppies to active adult dogs and senior pooches, Optim Plus has you covered.
One of the things that drew my attention to Optim Plus was its commitment to quality. Each recipe comes with real animal protein as the first ingredient – a big plus to me! They also include live probiotics to support your dog’s digestion, which is very important for general health.
Key Features of Optim Plus Dog Food
1. High-Quality Protein Sources
Optim Plus doesn’t skimp on protein. Depending on the recipe, you will find real chicken, lamb, beef, or salmon listed as the first ingredient. This emphasis on animal protein supports your dog in getting the amino acids they need to excel.
2. Digestive Support
All Optim Plus dry dog foods contain live probiotics. These good bacteria can contribute to a healthy gut, which is important for your dog’s overall health. As someone who’s dealt with a dog with a sensitive stomach, I can’t stress enough how important this feature is.
3. Tailored Nutrition
What I love about Optim Plus is its variety. From sensitive skin and stomach formula to hip and joint support or weight management, there’s likely to be an Optim Plus recipe that fits.
4. Affordability
This is where Optim Plus truly shines. It offers ingredients and nutrition compared to premium brands like Purina Pro Plan but at a very pocket-friendly price. This alone for me, someone who wants to give the best for my dog yet be pocket-friendly, is a huge selling point.
A Closer Look at Optim Plus Ingredients:
Now, let us delve a little deeper into what’s inside Optim Plus dog food. Although the ingredients are slightly different for every recipe, here are some common elements that make the food:
- Real animal protein (chicken, lamb, beef, or salmon)
- Chicken meal (a concentrated protein source)
- Brown rice or oatmeal (for carbohydrates)
- Dried beet pulp (for fiber)
- Flaxseed meal (for omega-3 fatty acids)
- Prebiotics and probiotics
On average, Optim Plus dry dog foods contain about 31% protein, 18% fat, and 44% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis. That’s a solid nutritional profile that should keep most dogs happy and healthy.
Optim Plus for Dogs with Special Needs
Sensitive Stomachs and Skin Issues
Now, if your dog has sensitive tummy or skin problems, you may be interested in checking the Optim Plus Sensitive Skin and Stomach formulas. Most of these recipes use salmon as their main protein source: extremely digestible but also carrying with it large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.
The benefits of salmon for sensitive dogs include the following:
- Easy-to-digest protein
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Skin and coat health support
- Reduced risk of allergic reactions
Weight Management
Optim Plus has weight management formulae for pooches who have put on a few pounds around the middle. The recipes allow your dog to be at an ideal weight but still pack nutrition and flavor.
How Optim Plus Supports Digestive Health
I’ve alluded to the probiotics a couple times, but let me be specific here about how Optim Plus promotes good digestion:
- Probiotic Inclusion: Every dry food recipe has live probiotics added that secure a healthy gut microbiome.
- Fiber Sources: Ingredients such as dried beet pulp supply both soluble and insoluble fiber, which may help in digestion.
- Hydrolyzed Proteins: Some recipes have proteins hydrolyzed into more easily absorbed molecules.
- Wet Food Options: Concerning food, Optim Plus wet food line provides additional moisture that should facilitate digestion and general hydration.
Comparison of Optim Plus Against Other Brands
You are curious to know how Optim Plus scores against the more popular dog food brands. While it is a little new to the marketplace, Optim Plus is quickly making some pretty outstanding recognition.
Their dry dog food line averages an impressive 4 out of 5 stars on Dog Food Advisor, and many recipes score higher. In particular, the Sensitive Skin and Stomach recipes seem to be rated high, at 4.5-5 stars.
Optim Plus has almost the same high-end quality ingredients and nutritional profiles as those of a premium brand like Purina Pro Plan, with a much lower price tag. However, for the sake of fairness, it should be noted that Purina Pro Plan has a longer line and history of products.
The Pros and Cons of Optim Plus
As with any dog food, Optim Plus comes complete with pros and some possible cons. Here’s a quick rundown:
Pros
- Real animal protein is the first ingredient
- Contains live probiotics for digestive health
- Meets AAFCO nutritional standards
- Affordable compared to premium brands
- No recalls as of June 2024
- Suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs
Cons
- Contains some plant-based fillers
- Uses sodium selenite (a controversial form of selenium)
- More limited product line compared to some established brands
My Personal Experience with Optim Plus.
Knowing that I always wanted the best for my fur baby, I gave Optim Plus a try. I started with their Sensitive Skin and Stomach formula since my dog can be a bit sensitive regarding digestive issues.
I was pleasantly surprised at how easily my dog picked up eating the new food. There was no fuss during the transition period, and a few weeks in, I did find his coat looking shinier. The best part: no more upset tums!
Though all dogs are different, and what works on mine may not work on yours, based on quality ingredients and adding probiotics into the mix at an affordable price point, Optim Plus is worth a try.
Frequently Asked Questions About Optim Plus Dog Food
To wrap up this post, here are some frequently asked questions about Optim Plus:
1. Will Optim Plus work for puppies? Yes, Optim Plus has puppy formulas in dry and wet varieties. These are so formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of growing dogs with additions such as DHA for brain and eye development.
2. Are there any artificial additives present in Optim Plus? No, Optim Plus prides itself on using only natural ingredients in its recipes. So, their formulae do not include added colors, flavorings, or preservatives.
3. How does Optim Plus guarantee the quality of ingredients used? Optim Plus is very particular about its choice of ingredients, which only includes high-quality, naturally occurring ingredients. All pet foods are proudly made in the USA and comply with AAFCO profiles for nutrient content in different life stages.
4. Will Optim Plus help my dog allergies at all? Many dogs with food sensitivities do very well on Optim Plus, particularly the Sensitive Skin and Stomach formulas. These use novel proteins like salmon, which are less likely to trigger allergic reactions.
5. What are the side effects of feeding Optim Plus to dogs? Optim Plus is generally very well tolerated. Some dogs may experience a minor digestive upset when changing to any new food. It is always best to introduce a new food slowly and consult with your vet if you notice any lasting issues.
In summary, Optim Plus dog food offers a pretty compelling blend of high-quality ingredients, targeted nutrition, and affordability. Sure, it’s still a relatively new brand, but it’s fast building a reputation as a solid choice for pet parents who want premium nutrition without the premium price tag. As always, be sure to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best food choice for your unique pup. Happy feeding!
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- Nature’s Promise Dog Food: The Pawfect Choice for Your Furry Friend?
- Wildology Dog Food for Unleashing Your Pup’s Super Life | Review
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