Dr. Jan Pol, a familiar face to many through the Nat Geo Wild reality show “The Incredible Dr. Pol,” has extended his veterinary expertise beyond the screen and into the realm of pet nutrition. In late 2019, he launched his own line of pet food, encompassing a variety of animals including dogs, cats, and farm animals. This review delves into Dr. Pol’s dog food collection, highlighting its quality ingredients, veterinary-backed formulations, and overall value for pet owners. Our analysis, supported by independent research and insights from pet experts, indicates that Dr. Pol’s dog food offerings are a commendable choice for ensuring your dog receives the vital nutrients they need to thrive.
Dr. Pol Dog Food Products and Flavors
Dr. Pol’s dog food range includes a diverse selection designed to meet various dietary needs. The collection features six dry dog food recipes, three wet food options, and three types of dog treats. This variety allows pet owners to choose the best fit for their dog’s preferences and nutritional requirements.
Incredi-Pol Favorites Dry Recipes
This line comprises three grain-inclusive dry dog food recipes. Each formulation prominently features real meat—such as beef, lamb, or chicken—as the primary ingredient. These recipes are further enhanced with a named meat meal, providing additional protein. The inclusion of wholesome carbohydrates like brown rice, pearled barley, and oatmeal contributes fiber and essential nutrients. Lower down the ingredient list, one can find beneficial additions like L-carnitine for heart health and taurine for optimal eye and central nervous system function.
The available flavors in this range are:
- Beef and Brown Rice
- Lamb and Brown Rice
- Chicken and Brown Rice
Incredi-Pol Favorites Wet Recipes
Complementing the dry food options, Dr. Pol also offers a small line of wet food recipes. These wet foods mirror the flavor profiles of their dry counterparts, featuring real meat such as lamb, beef, or chicken as the base. They are enriched with mineral-rich liver, brown rice, and sweet potatoes for added fiber, creating a balanced and palatable meal for dogs.
The wet food flavors include:
- Beef and Brown Rice
- Lamb and Brown Rice
- Chicken and Brown Rice
Dr. Pol Healthy Balance and High Energy Formulas
For dogs with specific dietary needs, Dr. Pol provides specialized formulas. The Healthy Balance Chicken Recipe is formulated with a limited ingredient list, featuring poultry as the sole protein source, which may be beneficial for pets with sensitive stomachs.
The Dr. Pol Grain-Free Salmon recipe offers a grain-free alternative for dogs that have difficulty digesting grains, further reducing the number of key ingredients to just six.
Additionally, the Dr. Pol High Energy dog food is designed for dogs requiring a more substantial caloric intake. With a minimum of 30% crude protein and a higher calorie density, this formula is ideal for puppies and highly active breeds that need extra sustenance.
The flavors available in these specialized ranges are:
- Healthy Balance Flavors:
- Chicken
- Grain-Free Salmon
- High Energy Flavors:
- Chicken
Why Wag! Recommends Dr. Pol Dog Food
The Dr. Pol dog food line earns high marks for several key reasons that align with our commitment to providing top-quality pet nutrition advice.
Real Meat as the First Ingredient
A significant advantage of Dr. Pol’s dog food is that real meat or fish is consistently listed as the very first ingredient across all six dry food recipes. This ensures a high-quality protein source, essential for muscle development, energy, and overall health. Beyond protein, these ingredients also provide crucial nutrients and minerals like Omega fatty acids for skin and coat health, and taurine.
Veterinary-Formulated Expertise
With over five decades of experience as a veterinarian, Dr. Pol’s deep understanding of animal health is evident in his food formulations. All recipes are thoughtfully supplemented with prebiotics and probiotics to support healthy digestion, and glucosamine and chondroitin to promote joint function. The inclusion of Omega fatty acids also contributes to healthy skin and a glossy coat.
Excellent Value for High-Quality Ingredients
Despite bearing a celebrity veterinarian’s name, Dr. Pol’s dog food is surprisingly affordable, especially when purchased in bulk. While not the cheapest option on the market, the pricing is considered reasonable, particularly given the high quality of the ingredients used. For instance, Incredi-Pol Favorites can be found for as low as $1.62 per pound, and the more specialized Healthy Balance products are just over $2 per pound. This represents good value when the nutritional integrity of the food is factored in.
No Recalls to Date
Since its launch in late 2019, Dr. Pol dog food has maintained a clean record with no product recalls. This track record contributes to the brand’s trustworthiness and offers peace of mind to pet owners concerned about food safety.
Potential Concerns and Considerations
While Dr. Pol’s dog food line offers many benefits, there are a few areas that prospective buyers might want to consider.
Lack of Wet Food Options
Currently, the Dr. Pol dog food range does not include any wet food options. Wet food can be crucial for dogs who have difficulty chewing dry kibble or require increased moisture intake in their diet. Pet owners whose dogs specifically need or prefer wet food will need to look elsewhere for their primary diet.
Limited Range
Although the brand offers different formulations, the overall number of products is relatively small, with only six main recipes. This limited selection might present a challenge for dogs with very specific or multiple dietary sensitivities. For example, if a dog with sensitivities dislikes the single grain-free option or has a poultry allergy preventing them from eating the High Energy mix, finding a suitable alternative within the brand might be difficult.
Occasional Difficulty in Sourcing
At present, Walmart appears to be the primary online retailer stocking the complete Dr. Pol dog food range. Other online stores may only carry a limited selection of the products. While this is a minor inconvenience, it could be frustrating for pet parents who prefer to consolidate their shopping or purchase specific Dr. Pol products alongside their regular grocery orders.
What Pet Parents Are Saying About Dr. Pol Dog Food
Positive feedback from pet parents highlights the palatability and health benefits observed in their dogs after switching to Dr. Pol’s food. Many owners report that their picky eaters, including senior dogs and puppies, enjoy the taste.
Notable improvements mentioned by owners include smaller and less frequent stools, indicating better digestion and nutrient absorption. Furthermore, some users have seen significant improvements in their dogs’ health, such as the resolution of severe bad breath, which they attribute to the food’s positive impact on their dog’s digestive system. These testimonials underscore the real-world benefits pet owners have experienced with Dr. Pol’s formulations.
Dr. Pol Dog Food History and Background
Dr. Pol’s journey into the pet food industry is rooted in his extensive veterinary career, which began in 1970 after graduating from Utrecht University Veterinary program. He moved to the United States in 1971 and, after a decade of practice, opened his own veterinary clinic in rural Michigan, which remains operational today.
The popular reality show “The Incredible Dr. Pol,” which premiered in 2011, showcases his work treating a wide array of animals. This venture into pet food was a natural extension of his desire to channel his vast veterinary knowledge into creating healthy and nutritious options for pets. Beyond his television presence, Dr. Pol has also authored a memoir and released a podcast, further solidifying his influence in the animal care community.
Dr. Pol Dog Food Recalls
As of March 2025, Dr. Pol dog food has not experienced any product recalls, reinforcing its status as a reliable and safe option for pet owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dr. Pol Dog Food Formulated to Meet AAFCO Standards?
The Healthy Balance and High Energy recipes are formulated to meet AAFCO’s nutritional standards for All Life Stages, including the growth of large breed dogs. It remains unclear whether the Incredi-Pol Favorites products also meet these standards.
Where is Dr. Pol Dog Food Made?
Dr. Pol dog food is manufactured in the USA by Consumers Supply Animal Nutrition, a subsidiary of Consumers Supply Distributing, LLC, based in South Dakota.
When Did Dr. Pol Start Making Dog Food?
Dr. Pol launched his brand of animal feed in late 2019.
What Other Animals Does Dr. Pol Make Food For?
In addition to dogs, Dr. Pol produces food for horses, goats, chickens, cats, and rabbits.
How Does Wag! Determine Paw Ratings for Dog Food?
Wag!’s paw ratings are based on comprehensive independent research into the ingredients and nutritional content of each food. A 5-paw rating signifies a product that is veterinarian-approved, made with whole, limited ingredients, minimal processing, and human-grade ingredients, while a 1-paw rating indicates high filler content with meat not listed as the first ingredient.
