What's actually in Holistic Select?
We analyzed Holistic Select Adult Health Anchovy, Sardine & Salmon Meal Recipe, their flagship fish-based formula. The first five ingredients are sardine meal, brown rice, oatmeal, chicken meal, and pearled barley.
Sardine meal at #1 is an excellent protein choice — named species, concentrated (water removed), and naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Brown rice and oatmeal are quality whole grains that provide digestible carbohydrates and fiber. Chicken meal at #4 adds a second concentrated animal protein. Pearled barley rounds out the top five with another quality grain. This is a strong foundation. Shop on Amazon →
The good stuff
The protein diversity here is exceptional. Three different named protein meals — sardine, chicken, and salmon — provide a broad amino acid profile from multiple animal sources. Dried egg product adds a fourth protein source. This is the kind of multi-protein approach you normally see only in ultra-premium brands like Acana.
The omega fatty acid coverage is the best we've seen at this price point. Anchovy oil provides marine EPA and DHA, salmon oil doubles down on those same fatty acids, and flaxseed adds plant-based ALA. Triple omega sourcing means your dog is getting meaningful amounts of anti-inflammatory fatty acids from multiple pathways — excellent for skin, coat, joints, and cognitive function.
The digestive support is where Holistic Select truly earns its name. Dried chicory root provides prebiotic inulin that feeds beneficial gut bacteria. Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium thermophilum are live probiotic cultures — and these are spore-forming strains specifically chosen to survive the heat of kibble manufacturing. Pumpkin and papaya add natural digestive enzymes. This is a genuinely holistic approach to gut health, not a marketing claim.
Blueberries and cranberries provide antioxidants and support urinary tract health. Aloe vera adds mucilage that soothes the digestive tract. These aren't present in large amounts this far down the ingredient list, but they're functional inclusions that complement the probiotic and prebiotic foundation.
The not-so-good stuff
Peas at position #6 add plant protein to the mix. While the animal protein foundation is strong enough that the peas aren't carrying the protein load, their presence is worth noting given the ongoing DCM discussion around legume-heavy diets. The amount is modest — a single inclusion, not the triple-pea pattern seen in some grain-free formulas — but it's there.
The grain content is significant. Brown rice, oatmeal, and pearled barley occupy three of the top five positions. These are quality grains — no corn, no wheat, no soy — but dogs are facultative carnivores, and a formula where three of the first five ingredients are grains means carbohydrates make up a substantial portion of the food. For highly active dogs or those needing higher protein ratios, this could be a limitation.
Holistic Select isn't widely available at mainstream retailers, which makes price comparison difficult and limits accessibility. The brand is owned by WellPet (the same company behind Wellness), so the quality control infrastructure is solid — but finding it may require a trip to a specialty pet store or an online order.
How it compares
Holistic Select's B/78 ties it with Blue Buffalo, Diamond Naturals, Taste of the Wild, and Kirkland Signature. The fish-forward formula and probiotic system are unique advantages that most competitors at this score simply don't offer.
Compared to its sister brand Wellness (B/82), Holistic Select scores 4 points lower despite having more protein sources and live probiotics. Wellness wins on protein positioning (deboned turkey at #1) and a more focused formula. Both are WellPet products with different strengths.
Against Diamond Naturals (B/78), which costs significantly less, you're paying for the triple protein, triple omega, and probiotic system. Whether that's worth the premium depends on your dog's specific needs — if digestive health or skin/coat issues are a priority, Holistic Select's formula is specifically designed for those concerns.
Read the full breakdown in our Holistic Select vs Wellness head-to-head comparison.
The bottom line
Holistic Select Adult Health Anchovy, Sardine & Salmon Meal earns a B grade (78/100) from KibbleIQ. Triple named protein meals, triple omega sources, live probiotics, and genuinely functional superfoods make this one of the most distinctive formulas in the B tier. The significant grain content and limited retail availability are the main drawbacks. If your dog has digestive sensitivities or you want probiotics built into the kibble, Holistic Select is one of the strongest choices available. Shop on Amazon →