Joy Dog Food Review 2026 - Pros, Cons, Recalls, & FAQ
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Our Final Verdict
Joy Dog Food has been making pet food since 1943. It started as Best Feeds, intending to provide supplies to the farming communities around Pennsylvania, but by the mid-50s, it moved into making dog food. Through thorough research and trial and error, it produced a formula that is still the basis of all of its kibble recipes today.
One of the originators of Joy Dog Food was quoted as saying, “Our customer is the dog, not the dog’s owner,” which is not something that you hear every day! Joy Dog Food has 10 kibble formulas designed for different ages and activity levels. If you want to learn more about this company and its food, keep reading!
At a Glance: The Joy Dog Food Recipes:
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Our Favorite
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Joy Dog Food High Performance 26/18 |
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Joy Super Meal Dog Food |
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Joy Special Meal Dog Food |
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Joy Puppy Food |
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Joy Pure Grain Free Dog Food |
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Joy Dog Food Reviewed
Joy Dog Food produces high-quality kibble formulated for dogs in all life stages but focuses on working and active dogs. It has three lines of food, and there are seven recipes in its High-Performance line, which is also its primary line of dog food:
- High Performance 26/18
- High-Energy
- Super Meal
- Adult Formula 26/18
- Maintenance Plus
- Puppy Food
- Special Meal
Two recipes in the Ultimate line, which is Joy’s premium dog food:
Finally, there’s one recipe in the Grain-Free line:
One of Joy Dog Food’s most common features is that it’s high in protein and fat; some recipes contain as much as 24% and 32% protein and 18% and 24% fat. These protein and fat levels are specifically meant to help support the energy of an active dog.
Who Makes Joy and Where Is It Produced?
Joy Dog Food was initially based in Pennsylvania, but in 2011, Hi-Standard Dog Food acquired Joy Dog Food, and it is currently based in Pinckneyville, Illinois. The dog food is manufactured in the United States.
Which Types of Dogs Is Joy Best Suited For?
Dogs of all breeds and life stages can benefit from Joy Dog Food, and there’s even a recipe for puppies. However, while almost any dog can do well on Joy, it was specifically formulated for working and active dogs.
Which Types of Dogs Might Do Better With a Different Brand?
Most dogs of different ages and breeds can eat this food. However, if a dog has a food allergy or health condition that requires a veterinary diet, they might be better off with food recommended by a vet.
Additionally, dogs with weight issues might need a different brand because many of these recipes are high in fat. Speaking to your vet before changing your dog’s food is always best.
Discussion of the Primary Ingredients
The first five ingredients in dog food usually make up about 80% of the food’s content. The ingredients depend on which recipe you’re interested in. Beef meal and chicken meal are the primary ingredients in all 10 recipes of Joy Dog Food, which are typically followed by a grain, such as whole corn, oats, or rice. Meals tend to be much higher in protein because they are meat concentrates.
Uncertain Ingredients
Peas are an ingredient in some of the formulas and are the second ingredient in the grain-free recipe, as are canola oil, beet pulp, and menadione. However, there has been controversy over the use of beet pulp and menadione, which is a synthetic source of vitamin K that can cause liver toxicity in large doses.
Additionally, a study in August 2021 found a correlation between the use of peas in dog food and heart disease. The evidence isn’t conclusive yet, but it’s good to know what is in your dog’s food.
A Quick Look at Joy Dog Food
Pros
- High protein and fat source
- Supports active and working dogs
- Includes important vitamins and minerals
- No artificial colors or flavors
Cons
- Too high in carbs and fat for some dogs
- Uses a few controversial ingredients
- No added probiotics
Recall History
Joy Dog Food has not had any recalls at the time of this writing.
Reviews of the Joy Dog Food Recipes
Let’s take a closer look at three popular recipes of Joy Dog Food in more detail.
1. Joy Dog Food High Performance 26/18
This formula's main ingredient is beef meal, which contributes to the high 26% protein and 18% fat content. It is highly digestible, provides active dogs with plenty of energy, and includes omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, which can give dogs healthy and shiny coats. High Performance is an excellent choice for high-performance dogs.
Pros
- High source of protein and fat
- Added fatty acids contribute to healthy skin and coat
- Highly digestible
Cons
- Top ingredients are corn, wheat, and gluten
2. Joy Super Meal Dog Food
Joy Super Meal Dog Food uses chicken meal as its primary ingredient and is even higher in protein (30%) and fat (20%) than the High-Performance recipe. Since it is higher in protein and fat, it can provide much-needed energy to energetic dogs. It contains omega-3 and -6 for your dog’s skin and coat, and the kibble can have liquid added to it without it becoming gummy.
Pros
- 30% protein and 20% fat
- Omega-3 and -6 for healthy skin and coat
- Liquid can be added without the food becoming pasty
Cons
- Top ingredients are heavy on grains
3. Joy Special Meal Dog Food
This has been Joy’s long-standing recipe Joy’s long-standing recipefor over 40 years. It starts with beef meal and contains 26% protein. Like the other recipes, it is formulated with omega-3 and -6 for your dog’s skin and coat health. All Joy Dog Foods uses tocopherols for natural preservation, and this recipe is suitable for most dogs, including pregnant and nursing mothers and puppies.
Pros
- Recipe has been in use for over 40 years
- Used tocopherols for natural preservation
- Good for adult dogs, puppies, and nursing mothers
Cons
- Expensive
What Other Users Are Saying
- The Dog Food Advisor gives it a 4 out of 5 stars and states that it’s “highly recommended.”
- Amazon — We always peruse the Amazon reviews from other dog owners before we buy our dog food. You can look at the reviews for our favorite High-Performance Dog Food here.
Final Verdict
Joy Dog Food has been in the dog food manufacturing business for a while. It’s a great option if you have a hard-working dog or one that is energetic. However, speak to your vet before switching your dog’s food. This is particularly important if your dog has a health condition.
Joy Dog Food is a little pricier than some other brands, but it uses several high-quality ingredients that help boost protein and fat levels. If you’ve been trying to find a high-quality kibble for your active dog, take a look at Joy Dog Food.
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Kathryn was a librarian in a previous lifetime and is currently a writer about all things pets. When she was a kid, she hoped to work in a zoo or with wildlife in some way, thanks to her love for animals. Unfortunately, she's not strong in the sciences, so she fills her days with researching and writing about all kinds of animals and spends time playing with her adorable but terribly naughty tabby cat, Bella. Kathryn is hoping to add to her family in the near future – maybe another cat or two and a dog.
