Food scores are based on ingredient quality and safety. For more information, view our evaluation criteria.
With a score of 3.6, Wysong’s Original Dry is considered a high risk food. The 9 foods under this brand average 32% protein and 31% carbohydrates which is on the high side. These foods scored low for ingredient safety for being ultra-processed, and for having rice and ingredients with known pesticides in the top 5 ingredients. Safety scores were further reduced due to the use of natural flavor.
The ingredient quality of this line is low because it includes excessive vitamins and minerals. Whey is added as a plant protein which is a less expensive substitute for quality animal protein. Whenever possible, animal sources of protein are preferred because they contain a wider array of amino acids than plant based protein sources and are more digestible.
The type of fish oil was not named. You want to see beef, salmon or chicken, not animal, fish or poultry. Unnamed protein sources are of much lower quality, especially meals, which are typically from rendered waste. It should be stated whether fish is from a farmed or wild-caught source. Wild-caught fish has a healthier fatty acid balance. The ratio of omega 6:3 fatty acids has not been provided. Omega-6 fats are inflammatory and AAFCO allows a very high ratio of 30:1.
While most foods have carbs in excess of 30%, the vegan version is 42%. It lost all points for safety due to the amount of starches and grains used. Being vegan, its top 5 ingredients were rice, corn, soybeans and pea and potato protein. Corn, soybeans and peas are known GMOs. There are limited safety studies on genetically modified and Roundup Ready crops although they are lacking in nutrients compared to non-GMO foods. Amino acids were added because of the use of plant sources of protein that are less complete than animal proteins. There are also ingredients known to contain higher pesticide/herbicide residues in the top 5 including potato and pea protein. Pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers pose a significant health risk to plants, animals and soils.
Glam ingredients are found in most of these foods. In this case dried blueberry powder, kelp, yogurt, barley grass powder (organic), and dried kelp, yogurt, kale, spinach, carrots and apple fiber fall below vitamins and minerals on the list which are usually found in small amounts. Coconut oil is also used which is a concern because it’s found to be harmful to gut health.
The most favorable food in this line was Fundamentals. It has limited ingredients but lost points for added vitamins and minerals, ultra processing, and using natural flavor and rice. It did have the lowest carbohydrate content at 14%.
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