What’s actually in Wellness CORE?
We analyzed Wellness CORE Original Grain-Free. The opening is outstanding: deboned chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal occupy the first three ingredient positions. That’s three named animal protein sources before any plant ingredient appears — a protein-forward start that only a handful of brands achieve.
Peas and potatoes follow as the primary carbohydrate sources, replacing the oatmeal and barley found in the grain-inclusive Complete Health line. The formula then layers in salmon oil, flaxseed, and an unusually long superfood list: spinach, broccoli, carrots, parsley, apples, blueberries, kale, and sweet potatoes. Three probiotic strains and chicory root prebiotic round out the formula. Shop on Amazon →
The good stuff
The triple protein opening is genuinely impressive. Deboned chicken provides fresh, highly digestible protein. Chicken meal is a concentrated protein source with more protein per pound than fresh chicken (since the moisture is removed). Turkey meal adds a second protein species, broadening the amino acid profile. Together, these three ingredients deliver an exceptional protein foundation.
Salmon oil is a meaningful inclusion — it provides EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids directly from a marine source, which is far more bioavailable for dogs than plant-based ALA from flaxseed alone. Most brands offer one or the other; CORE includes both. The superfood list is one of the most extensive we’ve seen in any kibble, and the three-strain probiotic blend with chicory root prebiotic supports digestive health from both sides of the equation.
No corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, artificial flavors, or artificial preservatives. Natural preservatives (mixed tocopherols) keep things clean throughout.
The not-so-good stuff
Peas and potatoes as the #4 and #5 ingredients represent significant starch content despite the grain-free positioning. Grain-free doesn’t mean carb-free, and these legume and tuber fillers add calories without the nutritional complexity of the whole grains in the Complete Health line. The FDA’s ongoing DCM investigation into grain-free diets heavy in legumes applies here, though CORE’s pea content is moderate compared to some grain-free brands.
Tomato pomace is a by-product filler — the leftover skin, pulp, and seeds from tomato processing. It provides some fiber but is primarily an industrial by-product rather than a quality ingredient. Natural chicken flavor is vague and suggests the food may need a palatability boost beyond what the actual protein provides. These are minor issues in an otherwise strong formula, but they’re what separates CORE from the A-grade tier.
How it compares
At A/90, Wellness CORE scores 8 points above its grain-inclusive sibling Wellness Complete Health (B/82). The upgrade comes from the third protein source (turkey meal), the addition of salmon oil, and the expanded superfood list. For owners currently feeding Complete Health who want to step up, CORE is a logical and genuinely better option.
See the full Wellness CORE vs Wellness Complete Health comparison for a detailed side-by-side breakdown.
CORE matches Nulo (A/90) and Stella & Chewy's (A/90) at the top B-to-A boundary, with only Orijen (A/90) scoring higher. It clears Acana (B/88), Fromm (B/84), and Merrick (B/80) on protein diversity and supplement depth.
The bottom line
Wellness CORE earns an A grade (90/100) from KibbleIQ. The triple protein opening, salmon oil, three-strain probiotics, and extensive superfood list land it in the top tier alongside Nulo and Stella & Chewy's — only Orijen scores higher in our database. If you’re feeding Wellness Complete Health and want the next step up, CORE delivers a genuine ingredient upgrade — not just premium branding. Shop on Amazon →