Published on: 06/14/2019, updated on: 10/14/2021

Iams Dog Food Review | Proactive Health Rating & Analysis [2020]

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Since its inception in 1946, Iams dog food company has been producing premium pet food products, ensuring the pets of America have the best nutrition possible. In fact, in the 1950s, this was the first pet food brand to use animal-based protein as the main protein source. The company produces a wide range of products for pets of all ages and sizes, as well as pets with different health needs.

Of course, none of the above guarantees that Iams is going to work well for your furry family member. Let’s take a moment to explore some of the best Iams dog food products, so you can better idea of what this brand has to offer.

The Best Iams Dog Food

We especially recommend the Iams Proactive Health Adult MiniChunks Dry Dog Food, the brand’s best-selling product. This affordable, high-quality food comprises 25 percent protein and 14 percent fat, supplying your dog with the energy it needs to be healthy, active, and happy.

Top-rated Iams Dog Food Reviews

Proactive Health Adult MiniChunks Dry Dog Food – Best Overall

Proactive Health Adult MiniChunks Dry Dog Food 1

Starting off our Iams dog food reviews is The Iams PROACTIVE HEALTH Adult MiniChunks dry dog food. This is the brand’s most popular product. It is not only made with premium ingredients, but it is also cost-friendly. It should be an ideal option if your dog is at least one year old.

Key Features

  • First ingredient is chicken
  • Seven essential nutrients that support heart health
  • Rich in Omega-6
  • Formulated to support a healthy metabolism
  • 25 percent protein
  • 14 percent fat
  • 4 percent fiber
  • 380 kcal/cup

What I like about this product

Fortified with vitamins and minerals, this dog food product features premium ingredients, including chicken, dried eggs, carrots, spinach, tomatoes, flaxseed, and apples, as well as whole grain sorghum and corn. This results in an enchanting and satisfying meal that delivers the energy your dog needs to be healthy, active, and happy.

It comprises at least 25 percent of high-quality protein, which promotes strong muscle development. It also contains up to 4 percent of fiber that helps promote proper digestion. Another ingredient worth mentioning is L-Carnitine, which plays an integral role in the burning of fat and upholding proper metabolism.

What I don’t like about this product

Unfortunately, this food is far from grain-free with the second ingredient being ground whole corn. While many dogs tolerate grains just fine, they cause issues for many others.

Pros

  • Cost-friendly
  • Great for immunity and digestion
  • No artificial preservatives
  • Has L-carnitine

Cons

  • Has added color
  • Not grain-free/high corn content

Packed with high-quality protein and other first-rate ingredients, Iams PROACTIVE HEALTH Adult MiniChunks Dry Dog Food is a great option for those with dogs aged one year and above. It is fantastic for muscle development and maintaining a healthy weight.

Overall Rating: 4.8/5

IAMS Proactive Health Adult Minichunks Review

Proactive Health with Beef & Rice Pate – Best Budget Wet Dog Food

Proactive Health with Beef Rice Pate

If your dog loves wet food and you are tight on finances, you can try  Iams Proactive Health with beef and rice pate. This is one of the most affordable wet dog foods you can find on the market today. Nonetheless, it’s nutritious and splendidly delicious.

Key Features

  • Protein-packed
  • Rich in Omega-6 and -3
  • Formulated to support a healthy coat
  • 8 percent protein
  • 6 percent fat
  • 1 percent fiber
  • 412 kcal/13 oz. can

What I like about this product

This pate is composed of beef, chicken, fish oil, and flaxseed. The result is a nutrient-packed, delicious meal for dogs that prefer wet to dry foods. It comprises 8 percent protein, which is a good proportion for wet dog food.

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Moreover, it has some omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, which promote brain development and aid in healthy skin. This food is also fortified with minerals and vitamins, which promote immunity. This can be used alone or mixed with dry food.

What I don’t like about this product

Unfortunately, the Proactive Health Beef & Rice Pate contains some unnecessary additives, uses by-products, and is not grain-free.

Pros

  • Well-balanced nutrition
  • No artificial preservatives
  • Competitively priced

Cons

  • Contains unnecessary fillers
  • Not grain-free

The Proactive Health Beef and Rice Pate is an excellent option for those with dogs that love wet food. It is a budget-friendly meal with nutrient-rich ingredients that especially promote proper development and healthy skin.

Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Smart Puppy Large Breed Dog Food – Best for Growing Pups

Smart Puppy Large Breed Dog Food 1

Iams Smart Puppy Large Breed is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of large breed puppies, ensuring they grow into healthy and resilient adult dogs.

Key Features

  • First ingredient is chicken
  • High in antioxidants
  • Rich in Omega-3
  • Formulated to support strong bones
  • 28.5 percent protein
  • 17 percent fat
  • 4 percent fiber
  • 397 kcal/cup

What I like about this product

This pet food is composed of nutrient-rich ingredients such as chicken, fish, blueberries, apples, carrots, spinach, and tomatoes as well as whole grains like corn and sorghum. These ingredients result in a delicious meal that will satisfy your puppy and nourish its growing body.

This food comprises 28.5 percent protein, which is sufficient for growing puppies. It also contains 17 percent of fat, including a moderate portion of omega-3 fatty acids, which plays a great role in the development of your puppy’s brain.

Also worthy of note is that this formula is fortified with vitamins and minerals like calcium that promotes the healthy development of bones and joints.

What I don’t like about this product

The only shortcomings of this dog food are that it has some added color and its second ingredient is whole ground corn.

Pros

  • Animal-based proteins are major ingredients
  • No artificial preservatives
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Has added color
  • Not grain-free/high corn content

Iams Smart Puppy Large Breed makes an ideal choice for those with large breed puppies. It has everything it takes for your tiny friend to grow into a healthy, strong, shrewd, and happy adult dog. It is pocket-friendly as well.

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Proactive Health Adult Large Breed

Screen Shot 2021 10 14 at 2.03.11 PM

The Proactive Health Large Breed dry dog food is formulated to meet the hefty energy needs of your large breed dog.

Key Features

  • First ingredient is farm-raised chicken
  • High fiber recipe
  • Rich in Omega-6 and -3
  • 22.5 percent protein
  • 12.5 percent fat
  • 5 percent fiber
  • 404 kcal/cup

What I like about this product

This dry dog food is composed of nutrient-rich foods, including chicken, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and dried eggs that are sure to keep your dog healthy and energetic. It is also packed with naturally available minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, which are essential for the growth and development of large breed dogs.

What’s more, this kibble contains chondroitin and glucosamine, which promote healthy bones and joints. It also contains L-carnitine to promote proper metabolism.

What I don’t like about this product

For a large breed food, this seems a little low in the protein department. It also, again, has whole ground corn as its second ingredient.

Pros

  • Has animal-based protein as major ingredients
  • Has many valuable supplements
  • No artificial preservatives
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Protein may be insufficient for some pets
  • Not grain-free/high corn content


If you’re looking for cost-friendly yet nutritious food for your large breed dogs, Proactive Health Adult Large Breed dry dog food from Iams might be your ideal option. It is packed with vitamins, minerals, and supplements that your dog would ever need to stay healthy and strong. We only wish it had more protein.

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Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Proactive Health Adult Healthy Weight – Best for Weight Loss

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If your dog has excess weight and you want it to shed off some of it, you’ll want to pay close attention to this Iams proactive health review. It focuses on the brand’s Adult Healthy Weight dry dog food, which is specially formulated to promote metabolism and healthy weight.

Key Features

  • High fiber blend
  • Rich in prebiotics
  • Formulated to support a healthy metabolism
  • 20 percent protein
  • 9 percent fat
  • 5 percent fiber
  • 326 kcal/cup

What I like about this product

This food contains several healthy ingredients while maintaining low-calorie levels. It comprises whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and seeds. The result is a meal with all the vitamins and minerals that are essential for the well-being of an adult dog.

It also has supplements, ensuring complete everyday nutrition that promotes a healthy body weight. The 20 percent protein and 9 percent fat content are appropriate for dogs that lead a somewhat inactive lifestyle.

Besides whole grains, like barley and sorghum and vegetables like carrots, as well as fruits like blueberries and apples, this formula also includes L-carnitine that promotes efficient burning of fat.

What I don’t like about this product

The first ingredient in this food is whole ground corn, and the third is also a grain. While this results in high fiber, I’m of the opinion dog food should always have meat as its first ingredient.

Pros

  • Promotes healthy weight
  • No artificial preservatives
  • Cost-friendly

Cons

  • Corn is the first ingredient
  • Low protein

Packed with nutritious ingredients that promote fat burning and uphold healthy weight, Proactive Health Adult Healthy is an excellent option for those with dogs that need to shed off some pounds. We only wish it had more protein.

Overall Rating: 4.4/5

Proactive Health Mature Adult – Best for Senior Dogs

Proactive Health Mature Adult 1

If you have an old dog, this Proactive Health Mature Adult dry dog food would be an ideal option for you. It is formulated to promote aging metabolism and well-being while maintaining low-calorie levels.

Key Features

  • First ingredient is chicken
  • Supports joint health
  • Rich in antioxidants
  • Formulated to support a healthy metabolism
  • 24 percent protein
  • 10.5 percent fat
  • 4 percent fiber
  • 350 kcal/cup

What I like about this product

This dog food packs loads of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, as well as moderate amounts of calories. This is a perfect blend for dogs that lead a moderately active lifestyle.

Besides being fortified with vitamins and minerals to ensure complete nutrition, this kibble also contains L-carnitine, which promotes a healthy metabolism.

What I don’t like about this product

While many older dogs have acquired a fine palate and can be a bit picky, an unusually high number of owners report their dog wouldn’t eat this blend. It’s hard to say why, but well if the dogs don’t like it, I’m not sure I do either.

Pros

  • Well-balanced macronutrients for older dogs
  • Lots of valuable supplements
  • No artificial preservatives

Cons

  • Many dogs don’t like it

If your dog is getting up there in age and not so picky about what it’s in his bowl, Proactive Health Mature Adult dry dog food could be perfect. This meal is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of your ageing pal, and it comes at an affordable price.

Overall Rating: 4.4/5

Proactive Health Adult Small and Toy Breed

Proactive Health Adult Small and Toy Breed 1

For those with small or toy breeds, Iams Proactive Health Adult Small and Toy Breed may be a solid choice. They also offer a mature and puppy version of this food.

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Key Features

  • First ingredient is chicken
  • Seven essential nutrients that support heart health
  • High fiber blend with prebiotics
  • Formulated to support a healthy metabolism
  • 27 percent protein
  • 17 percent fat
  • 4 percent fiber
  • 393 kcal/cup

What I like about this product

With high-quality protein, slow-burning carbs, and loads of fat, this dog food is ideal for small breed dogs with high nutrient needs.

This is a nutrient-rich meal, thanks to premium ingredients like real chicken, carrots and whole grain sorghum, as well as dried beet pulp for added fiber. The 27 percent protein and 17 percent fat is a well-balanced ratio for dog nutrition.

This dog food is also fortified with a variety of vitamins and minerals. Minerals include phosphorous and calcium, which promote healthy bone development.

What I don’t like about this product

This food contains grains, preservatives, and caramel color. Generally, limited-ingredient dog food is healthier for small breeds as they are prone to allergies

Pros

  • Has animal-based protein as the main ingredient
  • Loads of wholesome ingredients
  • High protein
  • Cost-friendly

Cons

  • No grain free
  • Contains caramel color

All in all, Iams Proactive Health for small and toy breeds is an affordable option that offers ample nutrition. This food features a well-balanced ratio of protein and fats to meet the nutritional needs of small breed adult dogs.

Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Proactive Health Wet Dog Food Chicken & Rice – Best Budget Pet Food

Screen Shot 2021 10 14 at 2.07.42 PM

Healthy and competitively priced, Iams Proactive wet dog food with lamb and rice is an ideal option if you are tight on finances. This wet dog food is composed of nutritious and delicious ingredients and can make for a great topper.

Key Features

  • Enriched with vitamins and minerals
  • Rich in Omega-6 and -3
  • 8 percent protein
  • 6 percent fat
  • 1 percent fiber
  • 416 kcal/cup

What I like about this product

This pet food is made of a variety of wholesome, and some processed, nutrient-rich ingredients. These include chicken, chicken by-product, brown rice, lamb, fish oil, and flaxseed. It’s also fortified with mineral and vitamins, ensuring your pet gets complete nutrition for healthy growth and development.

What I don’t like about this product

The first ingredient in this food is a vague “meat by-products.” It also contains colorants such as “yellow #5,” and is not grain-free.

Pros

  • Offers complete nutrition
  • Competitively priced

Cons

  • Vague ingredients
  • Contains food dyes

Proactive Health Chicken & Rice is a great option if you want nutritious pet food, but you're working with a tight budget. However, the ingredients come off as a lower-quality food.

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

About Iams Dog Food Brand

Iams has been in the pet food industry since 1946. The company has remained consistent in producing high-quality dog food to ensure your cat and dog gets the best nutrition possible. The company produces a wide range of pet food products for you to choose from depending on your animal’s needs, as you can see in this Iams dog food review article.

iams brand

The company currently offers three main pet food formulas:

  • Healthy Naturals
  • ProActive Health
  • Premium Protection

The formulas are developed by experienced nutritionists and meet the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). They contain a well-balanced ratio of macronutrients.

Moreover, Iams pet foods are among the most affordable on the market today, and the company offers a 100-percent money-back guarantee in case you are not satisfied with their products.

Final Thoughts

This Iams dog food review article paints a picture of a reputable animal food company with a wide range of nutritious and affordable dog food products. The company uses formulas that are largely safe and healthy for your dog. We hope it helps you to choose the best Iams dog food for your furry friend.

Do check out our reviews for other brands like Science Diet and Taste of the Wild.

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