Is FirstMate a good dog food?
Checked against FirstMate Pacific Ocean Fish Meal Original Formula, 5 lb, 14.5 lb, and 25 lb · Updated Nov 2026
The product page online does not show contact info or manufacturer; the bag may. 1 item not disclosed by the company.
2 of 8 WSAVA checks verified. 3 partly, 1 not disclosed, 2 not checked. Adequacy by formulation (no feeding trial). FDA animal food recall listings since 2024: 0 entries. Earlier: not checked.
Employs a nutritionist?PARTLY
Does the company employ a qualified nutritionist?
“Sincerely, Wendy Vandersteen, PhD Manager of Research and Development”
Source: firstmate.com · 2026-11-09 · company-level statement
Who formulates the diet?PARTLY
Who formulates the diets, and what are their credentials?
“Wendy Vandersteen, PhD Manager of Research and Development”
Source: firstmate.com · 2026-11-09 · company-level statement
Quality control process?NOT CHECKED · not on the product page
What quality control measures does the company use?
Not checked: the product page we read does not show this; it may be printed on the bag.
Research conducted / published?NOT DISCLOSED
What research has the company conducted, and is it published?
No source line found.
Adequacy statementFORMULATED
Nutritional adequacy statement: feeding trials or formulation?
“FirstMate Pacific Ocean Fish Meal - Original Formula is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages including the growth of large size dogs (70lb. or more as an adult).”
Source: firstmate.com · 2026-11-09
Calories stated?475 kcal/cup
Calories per cup / serving stated?
“ME (calculated): 3060 kcal/kg | 475 kcal/cup”
The ' | ' is part of the source text; the label and both values are in one table cell.
Source: firstmate.com · 2026-11-09
Contact info on label?NOT CHECKED · not on the product page
Contact information on the label?
Not checked: the product page we read does not show this; it may be printed on the bag.
Who makes it?PARTLY
Who makes the food — the company’s own plants or a co-manufacturer?
“As a privately owned and operated manufacturer we take a great deal of pride in the quality, safety and performance of our products”
Source: firstmate.com · 2026-11-09
Tap any row to read the exact source line.
What the label says
“FirstMate Pacific Ocean Fish Meal - Original Formula is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages including the growth of large size dogs (70lb. or more as an adult).”
- Calories: 475 kcal/cup
Recall record
FDA animal food recall listings since 2024: 0 entries. Earlier: not checked. FDA does not post every recall.
Using 475 kcal/cup from the label, with FirstMate Pacific Ocean Fish Meal Original Formula, 5 lb, 14.5 lb, and 25 lb already selected.
Calculate grams per dayNone of the 100 brands checked so far verifies all 8.