Food scores are based on ingredient quality and safety. For more information, view our evaluation criteria.
In 2019, Christopher Wilkinson and Neil Hutchinson founded Front of the Pack. It’s an e-commerce pet care company. They have investments from several venture capital firms. The company offers air dried dog food and several supplements. It appears the company is located in California where it makes these foods. It’s unknown whether the company has its own facility or if they use a co-packer.
Front Of The Pack (FOTP) produces a line of air dried dog food with 2 recipes that each feature a single protein. With a score of 8/10, these foods are low risk by our criteria.
The average protein content of these recipes is 31%, lower than expected in an air dried dog food. Average carbohydrates are 23% as calculated. This is higher than expected so both recipes lose points. The ingredients include oats and starchy ingredients like sweet potatoes, beets and pumpkin. This contributes to the carbohydrate levels.
These foods are air dried at 142 F degrees so this is a moderately processed dog food, which costs points. Processing has not depleted nutrients as there are no added vitamins or minerals. This indicates high quality ingredients that don’t need added nutrients. In addition, these recipes use organic grains and produce. This means they are non-GMO and have a lower pesticide residue. However, the company falls short when detailing its sources. It speaks in marketing terms of “worldwide” and “industry leading” and “cage free.” It doesn’t offer third party certifications or specifics.
Along with high carbs, there are a few other concerns that lead to a lower score. They have unnamed fish oil, plus sunflower oil, which is an inflammatory seed oil. Unspecified animal sources are a less expensive source of protein. They can be from rendered waste. You want to see the animal source named such as beef, salmon or chicken, not animal, fish or poultry. Seed oils are highly processed and are high in omega-6 fatty acids. They can cause systemic and gut inflammation. Studies link ultra processed foods to all-cause mortality in humans.
The website FAQs note the origins of supplements, herbs and spices and has links to studies. It doesn’t provide similar resources about its proteins, produce or other ingredients.
Front Of The Pack doesn’t state the omega-6:omega-3 ratio in their recipes. This is true of most companies. It’s a concern because AAFCO allows a very inflammatory ratio of 30:1. Diets rich in omega-6 fats can cause chronic inflammation.
Front Of The Pack has had no recalls or voluntary withdrawals to date.
Stay informed! Make sure you sign up for new and updated foods, food recalls and important dog food and health information:
This site uses cookies to help make your experience more awesome. By continuing you agree to our privacy policy and terms of use.