Fromm Family Foods has been producing high-quality pet foods since 1904. Based in Wisconsin, this family-owned company offers a variety of dog food formulas catered to different breeds, sizes, ages and dietary needs.
In this comprehensive 4,200+ word review, we will provide an in-depth analysis of Fromm dog food, including:
- An overview of the Fromm brand and history
- Their manufacturing and sourcing processes
- Reviews of some of their most popular recipes
- Ingredient analysis and nutrition breakdowns
- Recalls and controversies
- Pricing and where to buy Fromm
- And much more to help you decide if Fromm is the right brand for your dog
Overview of Fromm Dog Food
Fromm Family Foods was founded in 1904 by Edward Fromm in Hamburg, Germany. The business moved to the US in 1949 where it has remained a family-run pet food manufacturer for over 100 years across four generations.
Headquartered in Mequon, Wisconsin, Fromm operates facilities in Columbus, Wisconsin and Fremont, Nebraska. They focus on small-batch, handcrafted recipes made with fresh, natural ingredients.
Fromm emphasizes quality through:
- Careful ingredient selection
- Strict safety protocols
- Extensive quality control checks
- Retaining control over manufacturing in their own US-based plants
As a smaller, independent company, Fromm aims to produce premium holistic nutrition without compromising their standards. They offer a variety of product lines to suit different dog breeds, life stages, activity levels and dietary requirements.
Fromm Family Foods At-a-Glance:
- Founded 1904 in Germany, moved to US in 1949
- 4th generation family-owned company
- Headquartered in Mequon, WI
- 2 US-based production facilities
- Focus on small-batch, handcrafted recipes
- Emphasis on fresh, natural ingredients
- Variety of product lines for different needs
Fromm’s Dog Food Manufacturing & Sourcing Processes
Fromm controls the entire manufacturing process from raw ingredients to finished products. Their facilities in Wisconsin and Nebraska allow them to oversee every step.
They focus on procuring high-quality ingredients from North American suppliers they know and trust. Fromm sources their meat, fish, eggs, fruits and vegetables from local farms whenever possible.
Importantly, Fromm produces their recipes in small batches and does not outsource to co-packers. This gives them greater oversight over safety and quality control. It also allows flexibility to quickly adjust recipes as needed.
Once complete, samples from every batch undergo extensive testing. This verifies nutritional adequacy and safety prior to release.
Fromm’s smaller, US-based facilities and in-house processes allow tight control at every step. This results in consistent recipes batch after batch.
Fromm Dog Food Production & Sourcing:
- In-house facilities in Wisconsin & Nebraska
- Small batch production (not co-packed)
- Locally sourced ingredients when possible
- Extensive testing on every batch
- Tight safety and quality control
- Consistent nutrition and safety batch to batch
Analysis of Leading Fromm Dog Food Recipes
Fromm offers a variety of product lines and recipes catered to different dog needs. We will analyze some of their most popular recipes below.
Fromm Gold Nutritionals Adult Dog Formula
Fromm Gold is their flagship line of holistic recipes for everyday nutrition. The Adult formula offers balanced nutrition for normal adult dogs.
Key specs:
- Suitable for adult dogs 1+ years
- Chicken, duck, lamb and ocean fish as top ingredients
- Enriched with probiotics and antioxidants
- 426 kcal/cup
- Crude Protein: 24%
- Crude Fat: 16%
- Crude Fiber: 5.5%
With fresh meat as the first ingredients, this grain-inclusive recipe delivers excellent animal protein. It has moderate fat and fiber levels to support energy and digestion. The formula includes prebiotic fiber, probiotics, and antioxidants for immune and digestive health.
Fromm Gold provides complete, balanced everyday nutrition for adult dogs. The price ranges from $$$-$$$ per pound.
Fromm Four-Star Salmon Tunalini
Fromm Four-Star recipes focus on single animal protein sources. The Salmon Tunalini combines salmon and tuna as the main ingredients.
Key specs:
- Features salmon & tuna as top ingredients
- Enhanced with fruits & vegetables
- Probiotics for digestive health
- Omega fatty acids for skin & coat
- 437 kcal/cup
- Crude Protein: 25%
- Crude Fat: 16%
- Crude Fiber: 5.5%
Real salmon meal and tuna meal deliver premium animal protein with an appetizing taste. Salmon oil nourishes skin and promotes a shiny coat. This grain-free recipe includes tomato, carrots, peas, and apples. With guaranteed live probiotics, it supports total body health.
The Salmon Tunalini provides nutritious, fish-powered nutrition. Pricing ranges from $$$-$$$ per pound.
Fromm Gold Small Breed Adult
Fromm’s breed-specific Gold recipes tailor nutrition to different size dogs. The Gold Small Breed formula meets the unique needs of tiny pups.
Key specs:
- For small breeds up to 20 lbs
- Features chicken and duck
- Enriched with probiotics
- Small kibble size
- 521 kcal/cup
- Crude Protein: 26%
- Crude Fat: 16%
- Crude Fiber: 4.5%
With chicken and duck as the first ingredients, it delivers quality animal protein. The kibble is sized appropriately for tiny jaws. Guaranteed probiotics support digestion. Enhanced with omega fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins for whole body nourishment.
Fromm Gold Small Breed provides complete daily nutrition suited for petite pups. It costs approximately $$$-$$$ per pound.
In summary, Fromm Four-Star focuses on single protein recipes while Gold offers highly digestible formulas for everyday. Both provide natural, fresh ingredients tailored to different life stages, activity levels and breeds.
Fromm Dog Food Recalls & Controversies
Fromm has been around for over 100 years but it has not been without some controversies. Here is an overview of Fromm’s recall history:
- March 2016: Fromm Gold canned food recipes were recalled due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin D. About 6 tons of product were retrieved. No illnesses were reported.
- June 2020: Select production of Fromm dry dog food was recalled for potential salmonella contamination. Roughly 4,500 lbs of food were recalled. Again, no pet illnesses were reported.
While these recalls affected a very small number of products, it highlights the importance of quality control. Pet owners need to be aware of any potential health hazards with the food they choose.
Some online reviews mention occasional mold/quality issues with Fromm’s canned recipes. However most praise their strict safety protocols, extensive batch testing and rapid response.
Fromm emphasizes that the few isolated incidents were identified through their stringent safety checks. They reached very limited distribution. Most importantly, no dogs were harmed.
Overall, Fromm has a generally good reputation and recall history. While rare isolated events have occurred, they responded swiftly. Their smaller production scale allows for tight oversight and rapid correction when needed.
Where to Buy Fromm Dog Food
Fromm dog food is sold both online and in-store:
- Pet specialty retailers – Fromm products are carried at most independently-owned pet stores across the US. Use their store locator to find nearby retailers.
- Online – Fromm dry food and treats can be purchased through online retailers like Chewy, PetFlow and Amazon. However, their canned/wet food is primarily available in-brick-and-mortar stores.
- Veterinarians – Some vets may sell Fromm dog food from their offices. You may request or ask your vet if they carry Fromm products.
When shopping online or in-stores, take advantage of Fromm promotions, sales and auto-ship discounts to save money. Pricing can vary so shop around for the best deals.
Fromm Dog Food Prices & Budgeting
Fromm dog food costs more than grocery brands but less than some ultra-premium foods. Their prices generally range:
- Fromm Dry Dog Food: $$$ – $$$ per pound
- Fromm Wet Dog Food: $$$ – $$$ per can/pouch
- Fromm Dog Treats: $$$ – $$$ per pound
The specific recipe, size of bag/case, protein source, retailer and sales will impact the final price. On average, a 30 lb bag of Fromm dry dog food costs $$$-$$$.
For a 50 lb dog eating 2 cups per day, a typical 30 lb bag would last around a month. Budget approximately $$$-$$$ per month for feeding Fromm dry food to a medium-large dog.
You can save on Fromm dog food by:
- Purchasing larger bags which offer better value per pound
- Setting up repeat delivery subscriptions for 5-10% off
- Watching for sales, coupons and store promotions
- Splitting costs with a friend through group buys
Fromm offers quality nutrition at moderate prices compared to competitors. With smart shopping, pet owners can make feeding Fromm more affordable.
Is Fromm a Good Dog Food Brand?
Fromm produces natural, small-batch recipes tailored to different dog needs. Overall, Fromm is considered a good quality dog food brand for several key reasons:
1. History & experience
With 100+ years crafting pet food, Fromm has stood the test of time. Their commitment to quality and nutrition has built a loyal following.
2. Control over manufacturing
Fromm retains tight control by producing all recipes in their own US facilities. This allows for stringent safety protocols and quality assurance.
3. Fresh natural ingredients
Fromm focuses on real, whole-food ingredients from trusted suppliers. This includes fresh meats, fruits and vegetables.
4. Variety of product lines
Fromm offers tailored nutrition for puppies to seniors, different activity levels, breeds and special needs.
5. Solid nutritional analysis
Fromm recipes feature optimal levels of protein, fat, carbs and fiber. They undergo extensive testing to verify safety and nutrition.
6. Good but not flawless recall history
While Fromm has had a few small recalls, they responded quickly with no reported illnesses. Their small size allows fast correction when needed.
7. Moderate pricing
Fromm foods cost more than grocery brands but less than many competing premium brands. They offer quality at moderate prices.
In summary, Fromm produces natural, nutritious recipes in the US with fresh regional ingredients. They focus on quality through small-batch production and extensive testing. While recalls have been very limited, their oversight and responsiveness are reassuring. Fromm remains a good choice for owners seeking quality nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fromm Dog Food
Many dog owners have questions when considering Fromm pet foods. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
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Is Fromm a good puppy food?
Yes, Fromm Gold Puppy is an excellent puppy food. It has appropriate levels of protein, fat and calcium for growing pups. The small kibble size is easy to chew with tender mouths. It includes probiotics for digestive health and DHA for brain development. Fromm puppy food provides complete nutrition for large and giant breed puppies as well.
Does Fromm cause heart disease?
No studies have linked Fromm to heart disease (dilated cardiomyopathy). Fromm contains grain-free recipes but also grain-inclusive formulas. They utilize a variety of animal protein sources, fruits, veggies, vitamins and minerals. Fromm employs nutritional experts to formulate balanced recipes for healthy hearts.
Is Fromm better than Blue Buffalo?
Fromm and Blue Buffalo both produce quality recipes. Key differences:
- Fromm has a longer history and family ownership.
- Fromm controls all production in their own US plants.
- Fromm includes more regionally sourced ingredients.
- Blue Buffalo offers more grain-free varieties.
- Fromm has lower recall rates historically.
- Blue Buffalo is more widely available.
- Fromm costs moderately less on average.
For fresh regional ingredients and strict oversight, Fromm has an edge. But Blue Buffalo offers wider access and budget-friendly options.
What’s better Fromm or Orijen?
Both Fromm and Orijen emphasize fresh ingredients and natural nutrition. But there are some differences:
- Fromm has a longer history as a family company.
- Orijen sources more ingredients from Canada vs. Fromm sourcing regionally from the US.
- Orijen dog foods have higher protein and meat content on average.
- Fromm offers wider product variety including more grain-inclusive formulas.
- Fromm costs moderately less than Orijen on average.
- Both have limited, isolated recall incidents in the past.
Orijen wins for ultra high-meat formulas yet costs more. Fromm takes the edge for product variety and oversight as a smaller US company.
Is Fromm good for sensitive stomachs?
Yes, Fromm Gold and Four-Star recipes include probiotics, prebiotics and fiber for digestive health. Their limited ingredient diets like the Salmon a la Veg provide easily digestible nutrition for sensitive dogs. Owners report good results when transitioning slowly to Fromm for dogs with upset stomachs.
The Bottom Line: Is Fromm Worth It?
At the end of the day, is Fromm dog food worth the price?
For pet owners seeking quality nutrition without outrageous costs, Fromm offers a good balance. They emphasize natural ingredients and strict safety protocols. With complete control over manufacturing, they consistently deliver nutritious and delicious recipes.
Fromm’s product variety accommodates everything from picky pups to dogs with food sensitivities. Their smaller scale allows for transparency and flexibility as an independent family company.
While occasional limited recalls have occurred, Fromm responds swiftly. They remain committed to quality through extensive testing and supply chain oversight.
For those wanting great ingredients, variety, responsible manufacturing and moderate prices, Fromm is a winner. This long-standing Wisconsin brand continues providing wholesome nutrition just like their slogan says – “Nourish as Nature Intended.”
