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Muenster Dog Food Review 2024: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Lindsey Lawson

By Lindsey Lawson

Muenster Dog Food Review

Review Summary

Our Final Verdict

We give Muenster dog food a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. 

Muenster Milling Company is a family-owned business that was established in 1932. They went through changes over the years and during the late 20th century, began a journey with the production of natural dog foods. While the company’s main focus is dogs, they also offer some products for horses, cats, and even fish.

Muenster is still owned and operated out of Muenster, Texas where they do their best to keep their ingredients locally sourced. They offer a decent variety of dog food options and great quality treats and supplements. Here we will go over the Muenster dog food lines to give you an honest and unbiased review of their products so that you can determine whether this dog food is worth considering for your beloved dogs.

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At a Glance: The Best Muenster Dog Food Recipes

Rating Image Product Details
Our Favorite
Winner
Muenster Ancient Grains Dog Food Muenster Ancient Grains Dog Food
  • A very lean source of protein rich in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
  • With Glucosamine and Chondroitin to support healthy joints
  • No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy
  • Second place
    Muenster Ancient Grains with Chicken Muenster Ancient Grains with Chicken
  • Nutrient Rich source of protein, minerals and amino acids
  • High protein and fat levels – 28% protein and 16% fat
  • Includes locally grown sorghum and flaxseed which are both gluten-free
  • Third place
    Muenster Perfect Balance Chicken Meal Muenster Perfect Balance Chicken Meal
  • Nutrient rich source of protein, minerals and amino acids
  • 100% Complete and balanced for dogs of all ages
  • Prebiotics and Diamond V Yeast to improve digestion
  • Muenster Ancient Grains for Large Breed Muenster Ancient Grains for Large Breed
  • Nutrient rich source of protein, minerals and amino acids
  • Includes locally grown sorghum and flaxseed which are both gluten-free.
  • Prebiotics and Diamond V Yeast to improve digestion
  • Muenster Grain Free with Salmon Muenster Grain Free with Salmon
  • Grain Free
  • Sweet potato helps increase your dog’s digestion
  • GMO-free
  • Muenster Dog Food Reviewed

    Whether you are aware of the Muenster dog food brands or are just learning about their existence, we are here to tell you all about them and the foods they provide for our canine family members. Keep reading to learn more about this company and how they stand up against the competition.

    Who Makes Muenster and Where Is It Produced?

    In 1932, Muenster Milling Company was founded by Joe Felderhoff in Muenster, Texas. He initially bought grains from local farms and milled the wheat into flour. In the 1940s, after Joe’s son Arthur took over the company after his death, Muenster went from a flour mill to a feed mill with a focus on providing livestock feed.

    By the 1970s, Ronnie Felderhoff took over as president and continued their growth by adding in show feeds and horse feeds. By 1989, he changed direction entirely and decided to aim their focus on the pet food industry which, at the time, was only manufactured by large companies like Pedigree and Purina.

    By 1999 Muenster became one of the first all-natural pet foods in the nation. The company is now in its fourth generation of ownership. It is run by Mitch and Chad Felderhoff and remains in Muenster, Texas.

    Which Type of Dog Is Muenster Best Suited For?

    Muenster foods offer enough variety to be suitable for most dogs of various sizes, activity levels, and nutritional needs. Their salmon and ocean fish recipes are great for allergy sufferers that have trouble tolerating chicken or beef. Some of their recipes are high in protein and fat content that are suitable for active, working dogs with high energy expenditure.

    Schnauzer puppy dog eating tasty dry food from bowl
    Image Credit: Maximilian100, Shutterstock

    Which Type of Dog Might Do Better with a Different Brand?

    While Muenster doesn’t offer as wide of a variety as brands like Purina, they do have recipes that will work for most dogs. They do not have any prescription veterinary diets, which isn’t unusual.

    If you prefer your dog’s main protein to be beef, turkey, waterfowl, or any protein source outside of chicken, pork, salmon, or ocean fish, then you will need to check into other brands. While Muenster foods are considered puppy-appropriate, the brand does not have any puppy-specific recipes.

    If you own a large breed puppy, you may want to gravitate toward a brand that meets the AAFCO nutrient profile for the growth and development of large breed puppies and consider switching to Muenster (if it’s your preferred choice) after your pup has reached adulthood.

    Discussion of the Primary Ingredients (Good and Bad)

    When it comes to ingredients, Muenster advises that they are sourced as locally as possible so they can ensure quality and verify what is going into the foods. They test ingredients themselves to ensure their quality standards are met. So, what all goes into Muenster dog foods? We’ve taken a deep look into their recipes to see what their main ingredients are throughout their product lines and broken down the information on each. Take a look:

    Dog beagle eating canned food from bowl
    Image Credit: Przemek Iciak. Shutterstock
    • Chicken/Chicken Meal

    A lot of Muenster’s recipes feature either chicken or chicken meal as the first ingredient. Chicken is lean meat that is packed with protein and high in moisture. It is a common protein source in most dog foods. Chicken meal is the rendered concentrate of chicken that has been dried and ground. It contains a much higher percentage of protein than regular chicken. Some dogs suffer from certain protein allergens and chicken is one of the most common allergens. It’s a great protein to feed unless your dog suffers from a chicken allergy, in which case it’s best to find alternative protein sources.

    • Pork/Pork Meal

    Pork is a quality protein that is high in moisture. It is used alongside chicken in a few of Muenster’s recipes and is an excellent source of amino acids and thiamine. Pork meal is the meat concentrate of regular pork that is much higher in protein content.

    • Salmon/Salmon Meal

    Salmon is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which support the immune system, can help decrease inflammation, and can keep your dog’s coat shiny and healthy. Salmon is a great alternative to chicken or beef for dogs that suffer from food allergies. Salmon meal is simply the rendered meat concentrate of regular salmon that may contain other parts of the fish such as skin and bone.

    • Ocean Fish/Ocean Fish Meal

    Ocean fish is more of a blanket term to encompass the variety of ocean fish that make up a recipe. The ocean fish recipe at Muenster includes pacific whitefish, cod, and salmon. The ocean fish meal in their recipe is just the rendered concentrate of the fish, which is absent of moisture and rich in protein.

    • Grain Sorghum

    Sorghum is a starchy cereal grain that is rich in fiber and very similar to corn in terms of nutrient profile. It is a gluten-free grain that is full of vitamins and antioxidants.

    • Millet

    Millet is another gluten-free grain that is harvested from certain seed grasses. Millet is rich in B vitamins, fiber, and essential minerals. Millet is easier to digest than wheat and is being used more and more in dog food recipes.

    Close up of beautiful dog eating from the bowl
    Image credit: dmytro Zinkevych, Shutterstock
    • Brown Rice

    Brown rice is a complex carbohydrate that can be easy to digest for dogs once it has been fully cooked. It is only of modest nutritional value to dogs but is considered generally healthy and is found in a lot of recipes.

    • Tapioca

    Tapioca is a starch extracted from the root of the cassava plant. It is used as a carbohydrate source in grain-free dog foods that are absent the typical grain additives like wheat, born, and barley.

    • Dried Potato

    Potatoes are another common carbohydrate that is rich in fiber and added to grain-free dog food options. It is important to note that the FDA is currently investigating grain-free diets that contain alternative carbohydrates such as peas, lentils, or potatoes with a potential link to canine dilated cardiomyopathy. The investigation is ongoing, and any concerns should be discussed with your veterinarian.

    • Peas

    Peas are another carbohydrate that is rich in fiber and are commonly used in grain-free food varieties. As mentioned above, grain-free diets that include peas, lentils, and potatoes as alternatives to grain are being investigated by the FDA for a potential link to canine dilated cardiomyopathy. No recalls have been implemented and the investigation is still ongoing.

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    Does Muenster Utilize the AAFCO Nutrient Guidelines?

    Yes, Muenster does include on each dog food recipe under the “Nutritional Info” tab on their website that each individual recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages except for growth of large size dogs (dogs that grow to be 70 pounds or more as an adult).

    So, if you have a large breed puppy, you would be better off looking for a large breed puppy formula to ensure it meets their growth and development needs during that crucial timeframe.

    dog eating
    Image Credit: Chendongshan, Shutterstock

    How Is Muenster’s Customer Service?

    From what we can see, Muenster Milling Company seems to have excellent customer service. They are a small, family-owned business so they advise that the best time to reach them are normal business hours Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm CST.

    Their website offers a variety of contact information, and they encourage customers to reach out with any questions or concerns via phone, email, fax, or mailing address.

    Is Muenster Easy to Find in Stores?

    While Muenster products are readily available at a variety of local pet stores and feed stores across Texas, they are much sparser throughout the rest of the United States with some states having no locations that carry the food. No large corporations carry Muenster Milling Company products.

    While it can be inconvenient to not have a local shop that carries your dog’s food, if you are outside of Texas or a city that carries Muenster, it can easily be ordered online. You can check out the “Where to Buy” tab on their website to see if it’s available anywhere near you.

    What Is the “My Custom Dog Food” Feature?

    One unique feature that Muenster provides that a lot of companies lack is the “My Custom Dog Food” option. It’s exactly what it seems; you can hop online and personalize your dog’s food and Muenster will create it and send it right to you. You click on the “My Custom Dog Food” tab and fill out all the information about your dog so they can point you to the right recipe, which you can then choose to add additional ingredients per your preferences.

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    A Quick Look at Muenster Dog Food

    Pros
    • Great variety of main protein sources
    • Offers grain-inclusive and grain-free options
    • Most ingredients come from local sources
    • Custom dog food options available on their website
    • Family-owned and operated in Texas
    • Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles
    Cons
    • Not easy to find in stores outside Texas
    • Not found in big box stores
    • No recipes for large breed puppies

    Recall History

    Muenster dog foods have no history of recalls.

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    Reviews of the 3 Best Muenster Dog Food Recipes

    1. Muenster Ancient Grains with Ocean Fish Dog Food

    Muenster Ancient Grains Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Oceanfish, Oceanfish Meal, Grain Sorghum, Millet, Fish Meal
    Protein content: 28%
    Fat content: 16%
    Calories: 3,610 kcal/kg (511.0) kcal/cup

    Muenster’s Ancient Grains with Ocean Fish recipe is a top seller and their most popular dog food. The recipe is packed full of protein and omega-fatty acids sourced from ocean fish including pacific white fish, cod, and salmon. It also includes some added salmon oil and cod liver oil.

    This recipe contains no corn, wheat, or soy, and since it is also sourced from fish, makes it a great option for dogs that suffer from food allergies. Muenster’s Ancient Grains line includes locally grown ancient grains for an optimal source of fiber and added energy. Glucosamine and chondroitin are also in the formula for added joint support, which is great for any dog but especially large breeds.

    This recipe is popular for good reason, it offers up a great nutritional blend with high-quality ingredients that suit the dietary needs of most dogs. This recipe is a bit pricier than some of their other products, but it’s well worth it.

    Pros
    • A lean source of protein
    • Rich in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids
    • Glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints
    • Great for allergy sufferers
    Cons
    • Pricier option

    2. Perfect Balance Chicken Meal Recipe with Ancient Grains Dog Food

    Muenster Ancient Grains with Chicken

    Main ingredients: Chicken Meal, Grain Sorghum, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Brown Rice, Mille
    Protein content: 28%
    Fat content: 16%
    Calories: 3,612 kcal/kg (492.0) kcal/cup

    The Muenster Perfect Balance Chicken Meal Recipe with Ancient Grains pulls the protein from chicken meal, which is the concentrate of regular chicken and is very rich in protein. This recipe is also crafted without any corn, wheat, and soy but may not be completely allergy-sufferer-friendly because of the chicken.

    The chelated minerals in the formula are much more easily absorbed, which is great for overall health, immunity, and digestive function. The balance of protein and fat makes this recipe suitable for active dogs. This food may not be preferred for those looking to find real meat as the first ingredient, but it comes highly reviewed by many dog owners.

    Muenster’s Perfect Balance line is also very affordable and will fit into most budgets, unlike some of the other pricier options. This recipe comes highly reviewed and has remained a top seller for the brand. There are some complaints that shipping costs offset the price, so it may be more beneficial to find the food locally to skip out on shipping costs.

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Chelated minerals for easy absorption
    • Rich in protein and well balanced with fat
    Cons
    • Shipping costs can offset the price

    3. Muenster Grain Free with Salmon Dog Food

    Muenster Grain Free with Salmon

    Main ingredients: Salmon, Salmon Meal, Whitefish Meal, Canola Oil, Sweet Potato
    Protein content: 34%
    Fat content: 20%
    Calories: 3,829 kcal/kg (542.0) kcal/cup

    Muenster Grain Free with Salmon is the company’s most limited ingredient diet option for canines.  While their Ancient Grains Oceanfish recipe can be a great choice for allergy sufferers, this recipe may be even more suitable because of the lack of grain. Of course, it is important to check with your veterinarian to ensure that a grain-free diet is necessary for your dog.

    This food is high in protein and fat, so it is suitable for all life stages and is great for active dogs. Salmon is also rich in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids for skin and coat health. There are also prebiotics and probiotics in the recipe to aid in digestion.

    This is another highly reviewed top seller for being well-loved among the dogs and providing soft, shiny, and healthy coats. It’s also been a relief for dogs that suffer from more sensitive stomachs. It is more expensive than some other Muenster food varieties.

    Pros
    • Great for allergy sufferers and sensitive stomachs
    • Rich in protein and fat
    • Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids promote healthy skin and coat
    • Formulated with probiotics and prebiotics
    Cons
    • Pricier than some other options
    • Grain-free diets aren’t always necessary

    What Other Users Are Saying

    Rather than simply basing the entire review on our research, we like to consider what others have to say as well.

    Amazon- While Muenster’s foods are currently unavailable to purchase on Amazon, you can still take a look at what other customers had to say about Muenster’s dog foods right here.

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    Conclusion

    Muenster may not be a widely dispersed brand outside its home state of Texas, but this family-owned company is very reputable, has been around for nearly a century, and sources as many local ingredients as possible. They deliver both quality and affordability and have no history of recalls.

    There is a decent variety of recipes to choose from and they do offer both grain-inclusive and grain-free diet options. We don’t like that they are not easy to find in stores, so unless you live in an area with a local pet or feed store that sells the brand, you have to order online. We do love that they have a custom dog food feature that allows you to customize recipes to fit your needs.

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