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Victor Dog Food vs Bully Max: Our 2024 In-Depth Comparison

Keri-Beth Clur

By Keri-Beth Clur

Victor vs Bully Max

Looking for dog food is a daunting prospect. There are so many brands, prices, ingredients, reviews, and options to consider, so how does one come to a clear conclusion?

Sometimes it’s a good idea to hone in on a few top-quality dog food brands and stack them up against each other to find a winner as an appropriate option for your dog. Today, we’ve done just that with Victor and Bully Max, two premium dog food brands that focus on performance, nutrition, and high-quality ingredients.

Although both dog foods have so much to offer all breeds and life stages, they are particularly beneficial for performance or working dogs that need a diet appropriate to their activity levels. Keep reading to find out more!

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A Sneak Peek at the Winner: Victor

The winning dog food brand goes to Victor. They’re focused on food safety with a team that manages and tests all the ingredients and processes that goes into each bag of food. They’re a four and five-star rated dog food, they source most of their high-quality ingredients from suppliers that are close to their factory, their food is high in nutrition, and they cater to all dogs, regardless of age, size, breed, or lifestyle.

This is just the surface of what Victor has to offer, so keep reading to find out more! But first, check out two of their best dog foods here:

Image Product Details
Our Favorite VICTOR Classic Hi-Pro Plus Formula Dry Dog Food VICTOR Classic Hi-Pro Plus Formula Dry Dog Food
  • High in protein
  • Packed with nutrients
  • Suitable for active dogs
  • VICTOR Classic Professional Formula Dry Dog Food VICTOR Classic Professional Formula Dry Dog Food
  • High in meat protein
  • Includes various meat meals
  • VPRO Blend provides superior nutrition
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    About Victor

    VICTOR Classic Hi-Pro Plus Formula Dry Dog Food

    Ownership and How They Began

    Victor is a family-focused pet food company that started out in 2007. Its founder is Scott Glover, who got the inspiration to start the pet food company from his parents, who had started producing pet feed back in the 1940s. He expanded their factory, which they built themselves, and although they’re a small company in comparison to many other dog food brands, they’ve been recognized and supported by many pet owners. Some of their formulas have even made NBC News’ “best” list.

    Where is Victor Manufactured, Sourced, and Sold?

    Mid America Pet Food manufactures Victor dog food in Mt. Pleasant, Texas. They care strongly about the quality of their ingredients and thus only source them from suppliers they trust and know, with most of the ingredients coming from ranchers and farmers within a day’s drive from their facility in Texas.

    You can find Victor’s products at the closest store to you by using their store finder, or you can buy them online at Chewy, Amazon, and Petflow.

    What Are They Known For?

    Victor dog food has had a lot of effort, science, and research poured into it. The company has a team of nutritionists that they work with, who validate their food and continually try to improve their standards.

    They have over 20 formulas and six varieties so that you can purchase the dog food that meets your dog’s needs. They cater to all life stages and small to large breeds. Victor cares about their customers and actively tries to build a trustworthy relationship with them. They manufacture their own products and test every ingredient in every recipe to make sure it meets their standards.

    They’re known for the high-quality ingredients that are used in their kibble and canned food. They offer high protein recipes; however, they predominantly use meals over fresh meat. Their recipes are low in vegetables and contain no fruit. Their dog food is best suited for large breeds with moderate to high activity levels as well as working dogs.

    Pros
    • Well priced for the quality
    • Their recipes are backed by science and nutritionists
    • They focus on food safety
    • Family-owned
    • High in protein
    • High-quality ingredients
    • Mostly locally sourced
    • The dog food is manufactured by their own company
    Cons
    • The various formulas are very similar
    • The recipes typically have little to no vegetables and fruit
    • Some recipes contain a few controversial ingredients

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    About Bully Max

    Bully Max High Performance Super Premium Dog Food

    Ownership and How They Began

    Bully Max is a family-owned and operated dog food brand that was founded by Matthew Kinneman in 2008. Matthew saw a need in the industry when it came to performance as other dog foods on the market didn’t provide the police dogs he was training with the energy they required for such intense exercises.

    He decided to work with experts and vets to create high-quality dog food that was healthy and natural. The result was Bully Max, which provides dogs with plenty of calories without having to feed them large amounts of food. Bully Max has been rated 5/5 stars on DogFoodAdvisor for their performance dog food.

    Where is Bully Max Manufactured, Sourced, and Sold?

    Bully Max is manufactured in Pittsburgh but recently established locations in Australia too. Their ingredients are globally sourced. They don’t offer much more information on which countries they source their ingredients from or whether it’s from trusted suppliers.

    Bully Max is available in the USA, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. You can also purchase their food from their online store and several other online retailers, such as Amazon.

    What Are They Known For?

    Bully Max was created to fuel energetic, high-performance, and working dogs, such as police dogs and rescue dogs. Their products are aimed at building muscle and have been approved by vets, making them safe to use. Their recipes are high in calories, with around 535 calories in one cup of food. They’re high in protein and contain natural ingredients. Bully Max caters to dogs from 7 weeks of age, as well as pregnant and nursing dogs.

    Bully Max is most commonly known for its dry dog food, supplements, and weight gainers. Due to the purpose of Bully Max, their dog food isn’t ideal for overweight or inactive dogs. Although they’re suitable for all breeds, they’re best designed for working dogs and owners with high budgets.

    Their website has limited information with no store finder, which makes them a little hard to find. They offer auto-ship/subscriptions, which often gives you a discount on their food.

    Pros
    • High in protein
    • Natural ingredients
    • Unique brand
    • Specialized for working dogs
    • Suitable for a large range of breeds
    • Available in other countries
    Cons
    • Limited information on the company
    • Not the best option for overweight or inactive dogs
    • Expensive

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    The 3 Most Popular Victor Dog Food Recipes

    Victor has several dog food lines to choose from that meet the different needs of different dogs. We’ll discuss some of their most popular options.

    1. VICTOR Classic Hi-Pro Plus Formula Dry Dog Food

    VICTOR Classic Hi-Pro Plus Formula Dry Dog Food

    The VICTOR Classic Hi-Pro Plus Formula Dry Dog Food is a tasty option with 88% meat protein and a crude protein content of 30%. The first few ingredients are beef meal, grain sorghum, chicken fat, pork meal, and chicken meal. This multi-meat recipe is excellent for pups and dogs with active lifestyles, providing them with the energy they need to perform best.

    Included in this formula are vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, amino acids, and gluten-free grains that contribute to a healthy body and good digestion for all life stages. It can even be enjoyed by pregnant and nursing dogs. However, due to certain ingredients, such as brewer’s yeast, some dogs may develop allergies.

    Pros
    • Contains various meat proteins
    • High in protein
    • Suitable for active dogs
    • Packed with nutrients
    • It can be enjoyed by all life stages
    Cons
    • Contains brewer’s yeast which some dogs are allergic to
    • Its high-fat content isn’t suitable for overweight dogs

    2. VICTOR Classic Professional Formula Dry Dog Food

    VICTOR Classic Professional Formula Dry Dog Food

    Another recipe suitable for an active multi-dog household is the VICTOR Classic Professional Formula Dry Dog Food. This formula is made up of 81% meat protein, 3% plant and vegetable protein, and 16% grain protein. The meat protein included are beef, chicken, and pork meals. Meat meals are concentrated and contain even more protein than fresh meat.

    Victor has created a VPRO Blend, which is a scientific mixture of ingredients that improve digestion, immune system function, and hair and coat. The included chicken fat is high in omega-6 fatty acids, which contribute to cell function, and taurine is an amino acid that supports heart health.

    Pros
    • Great for active dogs
    • High in meat protein
    • Includes various meat meals
    • VPRO Blend provides superior nutrition
    Cons
    • Not ideal for overweight dogs with an inactive lifestyle

    3. VICTOR Select Yukon River Canine Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

    VICTOR Select Yukon River Canine Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

    A popular recipe from Victor’s Select line is the Yukon River Canine Recipe. The Select line is suitable for all ages and breeds and uses nutritionally complete ingredients. This strong-smelling recipe is a great alternative for dogs with food sensitivities because its first ingredient is fish meal, and the formula is grain-free.

    This recipe is suitable for dogs with moderately active lifestyles. It’s got fewer calories per cup than the previous Victor recipes listed above but still boasts the same vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and amino acids for a healthy, nutrient-packed meal. It’s made up of 74% meat protein and 26% plant and vegetable protein. It’s not the best option for dogs with joint problems as it doesn’t contain glucosamine and chondroitin.

    Pros
    • Grain-free
    • Suitable for all ages
    • A great option for dogs with allergies
    • Suitable for moderately active dogs
    • High in protein
    Cons
    • Strong odor
    • Not a good option for dogs with joint problems

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    The 3 Most Popular Bully Max Dog Food Recipes

    Although Bully Max doesn’t have a large range of dog foods, we’ll discuss the ones they do have.

    1. Bully Max High Performance Super Premium Dog Food

    Bully Max High Performance Super Premium Dog Food

    Bully Max’s most popular recipe is the High Performance Super Premium Dog Food, which is nutritionally balanced and has been rated five stars. It’s suitable for dogs of all ages, along with pregnant or nursing dogs. It’s an ideal formula for active, working dogs and contains 30% protein and 20% fat.

    The first ingredient is chicken meal, which is concentrated meat and much higher in protein than fresh chicken. The second ingredient is brown rice, which provides dogs with energy and is easy to digest. The next three ingredients are chicken fat, beet pulp, and sorghum. This food also contains vitamins and minerals.

    Each cup contains 535 calories, which is excellent for the type of dogs Bully Max is targeting but too high for overweight dogs. Customers have noticed an increase in their dog’s physique, energy levels, and health since starting them on Bully Max. However, it comes at a high price.

    Pros
    • Five-star rating
    • Suitable for all ages
    • 30% protein and 20% fat
    • Packed with nutrients
    • High in calories for active dogs
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Not ideal for overweight dogs

    2. Bully Max Pro Series 31/25 High Calorie Dog Food

    Bully Max Pro Series 31 25 High Calorie Dog Food

    Another excellent Bully Max recipe is their Pro Series 31/25 High Calorie Dog Food. This option contains 600 calories per cup, and although even small bags are expensive, it does last about twice as long as many other dog foods of the same size. The high-quality ingredients support muscle, weight, and mass growth and are suitable for all ages.

    The first few ingredients listed are chicken meal, chicken fat, rice flour egg product, white fish meal, and dried beet pulp. The crude content is 31%, and the crude fat content is 25%. The high level of fat isn’t ideal for overweight or inactive dogs but excellent for fueling high-performance or working dogs. This recipe is gentle on dogs’ digestive systems and reduces bloating and fatigue.

    Pros
    • High in calories for highly active dogs
    • Lasts longer than most other dog foods
    • Supports muscle, mass, and weight gain
    • Suitable for all ages
    • High in protein
    • Nutritious
    • Gentle on the digestive system
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Not ideal for overweight or inactive dogs

    3. Bully Max Instant Fresh Raw Dog Food Chicken Recipe

    Bully Max Instant Fresh Raw Dog Food Chicken Recipe

    One of Bully Max’s most recent recipes is the Instant Fresh Raw Dog Food Chicken Recipe. It’s a wet food formula that is high-quality, made of natural ingredients, and inspired by nature. It can be combined with any diet and is complete and balanced. It contains vitamins and minerals and is made from real meat.

    This formula is suitable for ages and breeds and gives your dog the benefits of a raw diet without you having to put in all the effort, as this mix only requires warm water. Unlike canned food, this powder doesn’t have to be stored in the refrigerator and lasts much longer, allowing you to travel with it. The first five ingredients are chicken, barley, oats, rice, and chicken fat. It’s made up of 58% animal protein and has a crude protein content of 26%, and meets the AAFCO nutritional standards. However, it has a strong odor and is very expensive for its size.

    Pros
    • Only requires warm water
    • Lasts much longer than raw or canned food that has been opened
    • It meets the AAFCO nutritional standards
    • Suitable for all dogs
    • Decent amount of protein
    Cons
    • Strong odor
    • Expensive

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    Recall History of Victor and Bully Max

    Both Victor and Bully Max has never had any of their dog foods recalled. Both companies promote safe ingredients and have excellent food safety protocols. A lack of recalls builds trust and loyalty in customers and strengthens the brand.


    Victor VS Bully Max Comparison

    You’ve learned a lot about Victor and Bully Max; however, to compare the two clearly, we’ve categorized each section to determine a winner.

    Taste

    Edge: Victor

    Both Victor and Bully Max have plenty of protein in their recipes, which makes their kibble tasty. However, Victor offers more variety and flavor within their recipes. For this reason, we’ll give the “taste” trophy to Victor.


    Nutritional Value

    Edge: Bully Max

    Both Victor and Bully Max offer nutritionally balanced, above-average dog food with similar protein, fat, and carbohydrate contents. They both offer protein contents that are over 30%; however, Bully Max contains vegetables and fruit, whereas Victor only offers low amounts. Although a close call, we’ll give this one to Bully Max.

    dog eating food from a dog bowl
    Image Credit: Mat Coulton, Pixabay

    Price

    Edge: Victor

    Bully Max offers premium dog food that has a lot to offer all types of dogs. However, their price tag disqualifies them from many pet owners’ lists as they cannot afford the food, even with the discount offered with their subscription service. Thankfully, Victor is an excellent alternative that offers many of the same benefits for a much more affordable price, making them the winner of this category.


    Selection

    Edge: Victor

    Bully Max focuses on performance; however, they don’t have many dog food options for pet owners to choose from. Victor, on the other hand, has over 20 formulas and many different ranges to meet your dog’s needs. They offer the Classic, Select, Purpose, Canned food, and Classic treats lines. Once again, a round of applause goes to Victor.


    Overall

    Edge: Victor 

    From what you’ve seen through our comparisons, Victor is the clear winner of the majority of these categories. They offer tasty dog food due to their high levels of protein, a large selection, and offer premium dog food at a good price for what they offer. However, Bully Max was a close second in many of these categories.

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    Conclusion

    Victor dog food is the winner of this dog food comparison. They are a family-owned business that pours research into their formulas with their team of nutritionists. They care about food safety, are reasonably priced, source their ingredients from local suppliers they trust, and have a large range of dog foods to choose from to meet the needs of different dogs.

    However, Bully Max offers excellent dog food too and is one of the top performance dog food brands in the industry. However, they have a very limited range and are far too expensive. Both Victor and Bully Max have never had any products recalled and are trusted by many customers.

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