Home › Forums › Dog Food Reviews › “Swap and Hop: My Applaws Dry Dog Food Review after Switching Brands”
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FluffyPoodle7624.
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02/05/2025 at 7:53 AM #6554
Snuggly-Bulldog-9569
ParticipantI agree with most parts of your review on the Applaws dry dog food. I also moved to Applaws from a different brand about 8 months ago, and have seen a really positive change in my Lab’s coat and energy levels. The one thing that took me back was the price though, it’s a bit hefty for our monthly budget. There’re varities like chicken and salmon but they’ve all been pricy.
While I totally appreciate the clear ingredient list and grain free formulation, I found myself swapping again recently because of cost. Ended up switching to “Taste of the Wild”, which offers a nice balance of quality ingredients at a more affordable price tag. Plus, my boy seems to love their flavors too.
Has anyone else tried Taste of the Wild? What’s been your experience so far?
02/05/2025 at 8:31 AM #6555gentle_tailwagger_9777
ParticipantI completely get where you’re coming from with the switch to Applaws. My English Bulldog, Lucy, was on another brand for quite some time but it wasn’t agreeing with her digestion and I noticed she lacked enthusiasm at meal times. Since switching to Applaws (the chicken flavor one), the changes in Lucy have been night and day. She’s become really excited about her meals again which, as a dog owner of 20 years, is such a relief to see! As for the size of the food, I agree that it is just perfect for medium-size dogs and doesn’t cause any difficulties even for breeds like bulldogs known for their unique jaws structure. Given this noticeable difference in my dog’s behavior and vitality, I’d say that the slightly higher price tag is absolutely worth it. Have anyone else experienced such behavioral changes after this or similar transition to Applaws?
02/05/2025 at 9:16 AM #6556Gentle_Beagle_8151
ParticipantI made the swap to Applaws a while back for my German Shepherd, Max. The smaller size of the kibble was initially a concern given Max’s pretty large size, but he took to it like a duck to water – no problems there at all. Durability-wise, it holds up great and there’s minimum crumble which is always a plus in my book. Price-wise, I won’t sugarcoat it, it’s not the cheapest brand out there but for me, the quality justifies the cost. Plus I get one happy and satisfied doggo which is priceless!
Just a tip for anyone considering switching; I found that gradually introducing the new food mixed with their old over a week or two helps ease any digestive upsets. It worked perfectly for Max! Though, still best to consult your vet too before making dietary changes. Has anyone else noticed an improvement in their dog’s coat after switching to Applaws? Max’s coat seems shinier and healthier than ever!
02/05/2025 at 3:55 PM #6557lively-tabby-3301
ParticipantWell now, ain’t this a stroll down memory lane? My fluffy Pomeranian, Fred, also hopped onto the Applaws train about a year ago. Before that, he was quite picky with his kibble. Now, I just shake the Applaws bag and he comes running! Firstly, I appreciate the smaller kibble size – it’s perfect for my little guy. Secondly, the ingredient list isn’t scary or confusing. It’s pretty much wholesome stuff – no long scientific names that make me scratch my head.
One small tip if you’re thinking of switching: don’t rush it! Gradually mix in the new food with your doggo’s current brand so as not to upset their belly. Finally, while there’s indeed a slight increase in price compared to other brands, for me it’s totally worth every penny seeing how Fred cleans up his bowl every time.
Just a reminder though, if your pup shows any signs of being unwell after a switch in food always consult your vet. They are the experts after all!
02/06/2025 at 3:35 PM #6558gentle_tailwagger_9777
ParticipantAgree wholeheartedly about the quality of Applaws, having swapped my Goldie, Jake, onto it a few months ago. His coat’s never been glossier and he wolfs down every meal. Interesting points about kibble size, though; I’ve noticed the same with Jake – smaller kibble is easier for him to handle. But on terms of price, while Applaws is more premium than some brands out there, it felt worth it for us.
My suggestion? For anyone who’s budget-conscious but still wants a dry food with quality ingredients, Wellness CORE grain-free range could be a good alternative. It’s got a great protein source with the added benefit of fruits and veggies. Only downside I’ve found is that the bag sizes are really hefty! Does anyone else have experience swapping between Applaws and Wellness CORE and notice any differences when they made the switch?
02/06/2025 at 7:10 PM #6559Gentle_Beagle_8151
ParticipantI’ve been using Applaws for my high-energy Border Collie, Jake, for about a year now and we’re both big fans. I initially switched because he had become a bit finicky with his old brand, but he took to the Applaws immediately. The kibble size is just right for him and he seems to love the taste. Plus, looking at the ingredients list, it’s reassuring to see real meat up top – a must for Jake’s active lifestyle! If anyone else is considering swapping, might I suggest gradually mixing in the new food with the old one over a week or so to help their pooch adjust? That’s what worked for us! Although every dog reacts differently to dietary changes so if anything seems off, do consult your vet.
02/06/2025 at 9:40 PM #6560playfulpaws602
ParticipantI’d have to agree with you guys about Applaws’ quality and nutrient profile. Switched my active jack russell, Molly, onto it about 2 years ago after browsing different brands for nutrient-rich foods not pumped full of fillers and byproducts. She’s been doing great since we made the shift, energetic as ever and her coat even seems shinier! But I gotta say, it’s a bit on the pricier side compared to other brands. Definitely something to consider if you’re feeding a larger breed or multiples dogs. Has anyone else noticed a difference in their dog’s energy levels or coat condition?
02/07/2025 at 8:59 AM #6561LazyWhiskers7461
ParticipantAbsolutely on board with you guys about Applaws. I projected my swap for my two Terriers, Pip and Taz, approximately a year back and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. The protein content is just perfect for them, keeping them full and their energy levels optimal.
Henceforth, we’ve had numerous compliments regarding their healthy weight and glossy coats at the dog park! Still can’t get over how much they love it, even after a year – talk about consistency. And for anyoen wondering about transitioning slowly, took me around 10 days to fully swap out the old brand. All well except for minor tummy troubles towards the beginning.
For those concerned abotu price, I find it quite reasonable considering the quality and balance that Applaws provides. Plus point; the packaging lasts pretty long as well (a big plus if you are feeding multiple dogs). But as always, every dog is different, so keep a check on their behavior while swapping foods should be of profound significance- if anything seems off, better consult your vet.
Ever tried mixing in a bit of wet food to change things up? They appear to love that slight variety! Or is there another brand you guys found worked well in combination with Applaws?
02/07/2025 at 10:12 AM #6562fluffyfurbuddy1938
ParticipantDefinitely in agreement about Applaws dry dog food. I switched my energetic Labrador, Rocky, to this brand quite a while ago. The kibble size is perfect for him and it seems really digestible too! Initially, I was lured in by the natural ingredients and solid nutritional information, but what sealed it for me was seeing how much Rocky enjoyed his meals. As for price, yes, it’s slightly premium but considering the quality – I’d say it’s a fair deal. By the way, any of you guys tried their grain free options yet? Did you notice any particular changes in your pup’s behavior or energy level post switch?
02/08/2025 at 8:36 AM #6563Playful_Hound_494
ParticipantOh yeah, totally onboard with the Applaws appreciation train! I introduced it to my energetic Border Collie, Bessie, about 2 months back. She took to it like a duck to water, loves both the chicken and salmon combos. It’s a bit pricey compared to some other brands but fem the improved coat sheen and high energy levels I see in her, it’s definitely worth every penny. Plus the small kibbles are perfect for her size too! Has anyone else noticed an improvement in their dog’s coat since making the swap?
02/09/2025 at 6:37 AM #6564Happy_Furryfriend_6311
ParticipantHad to chime in here because I’m just as much an Applaws fan! After swapping from another well-known brand around six months ago, my little Pomeranian, Louie, hasn’t looked askance at his bowl once. I was initially taken aback by the price but then compared the ingredient list of Applaws to other brands and boy, what a difference! I mean, we all want the best for our pups, right? That said, I’d recommend introducing any new food gradually. Louie took a fortnight to fully adjust. Has anyone else noticed their dogs poop less with Applaws? Is it due to the high meat content or something else?
02/09/2025 at 2:01 PM #6565Kindly-Kitten-1250
ParticipantJust wanted to toss my hat into this Applaws ring as well. My husky, Snow, loves the chicken flavor. However, I’ve noticed that some grocery stores don’t carry the larger bag sizes like the 15lb one we normally get. It’s a bit of an inconvenience since Snow goes through a bag relatively fast given his size and high-energy nature. Anyone else encounter this same issue or is it just local to me? And if so, where does everyone stock up on Applaws if not from grocery stores?
02/10/2025 at 5:20 AM #6566Kindly-Doggo-9167
ParticipantAbsolutely on the Applaws train with all of you guys, but wanted to share my two cents. We tried the chicken flavor with Jack, our energetic Golden Retriever, and it was a game changer. Although the price is a bit higher compared to other brands, I see it as an investment for top tier nutrition and his overall happiness (the wagging tail at feeding times speaks volumes!). The kibble size is also just perfect for him – not too small, not too large.
On an alternative note, have y’all tried their grain-free range? Jack was having some stomach issues (Consulted our vet; definitely advise that if your doggo’s belly acts up), so we switched to the grain-free version and haven’t had a problem since! Anybody else have experiences with the grain-free variety from Applaws?
02/13/2025 at 11:42 PM #6567RustyMutt9196
ParticipantAbsolutely agree with all you Applaws enthusiasts! I swapped to Applaws for my golden retriever, Bourbon, about a year ago and never looked back. He was sort of indifferent with his previous brand, but boy does he gulp down the Applaws Salmon flavor- that’s his favorite! I find the kibble size perfect for him and like that it doesn’t leave any unpleasant smell after he’s done eating. It might be slightly pricier than some other brands, but in my opinion, it’s really worth every penny given the quality. Have any of you tried mixing the dry food with some wet Applaws for a change? Bourbon loves this combo every now and then!
02/16/2025 at 9:42 PM #6568lively-tabby-3301
ParticipantAh, the Applaws saga continues! Don’t get me wrong, I’m all aboard this train too – my old Beagle, Max, can’t get enough of the Applaws lamb flavor. For a dog that’s notoriously picky, it’s been a game changer. On the price-front though, let’s be real guys – it ain’t the cheapest! But I reckon you do get what you’re paying for in terms of quality. Anybody else finding themselves compromising on quantity due to cost? Always curious to know how other fur parents manage this trade-off.
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