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ShowTime Dog Food Review (Dry)

ShowTime Dog Food Review (Dry)

By Mike Sagman

Updated: April 22, 2024

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ShowTime Dog Food receives the Advisors lowest tier rating of 1.5 stars.

The ShowTime Dog Food product line includes 7 dry dog foods.

Each recipe below includes its related AAFCO nutrient profile when available on the products official webpage: Growth, Maintenance, All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.

• ShowTime Premium Kennel Formula 21/12 [U]
• ShowTime Advanced Endurance Formula 31/22 [U]
• ShowTime Premium Performance Formula 27/16 [U]
• ShowTime Premium Performance Formula 27/20 [U]
• ShowTime Premium Performance Formula 24/20 [U]
• ShowTime Premium Puppy Performance Formula [U]
• ShowTime Chicken and Rice Kennel Formula 24/14 [U]

ShowTime Premium Performance Formula 27/20 was selected to represent the other products in the line for this review.

ShowTime Premium Performance Formula 27/20

Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content

Poultry & porcine meal, ground whole wheat, chicken fat (preserved with BHA), corn gluten meal, ground yellow corn, wheat middlings, dried beet pulp, poultry digest, ground flax seed, malted barley flour, menhaden fish meal, brewers dried yeast, dicalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, salt, calcium propionate, choline chloride, l-lysine hydrochloride, iron sulfate, zinc proteinate, vitamin E supplement, manganese proteinate, zinc sulfate, zinc oxide, copper proteinate, riboflavin supplement, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, sodium selenite, niacin supplement, biotin, calcium pantothenate, vitamin A supplement, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of vitamin K activity), thiamine mononitrate (source of vitamin B1), vitamin B12 supplement, calcium iodate, pyridoxine hydrochloride (source of vitamin B6), vitamin D3 supplement, cobalt carbonate, folic acid

Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 2.5%

Red denotes any controversial items

The first ingredient in this dog food includes an item called poultry and porcine meal. This mixture is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh poultry or pork.

The second ingredient is wheat. Like corn, wheat is an inexpensive and controversial cereal grain. And aside from its energy content, this grain is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

For this reason, we do not consider wheat a preferred component in any dog food.

The third ingredient is chicken fat. Chicken fat is obtained from rendering chicken, a process similar to making soup in which the fat itself is skimmed from the surface of the liquid.

Chicken fat is high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid essential for life. Although it doesnt sound very appetizing, chicken fat is actually a quality ingredient.Wed like to note that the chicken fat is preserved with BHA, a suspected cancer-causing agent.

The fourth ingredient is corn gluten meal. Gluten is the rubbery residue remaining once corn has had most of its starchy carbohydrate washed out of it.

Although corn gluten meal contains 60% protein, this ingredient would be expected to have a lower biological value than meat.

And less costly plant-based products like this can notably boost the total protein reported on the label a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

The fifth ingredient is corn. Corn is another cereal grain and subject to the same issues as wheat (previously discussed).

The sixth ingredient includes wheat middlings, commonly known as wheat mill run. Though it may sound wholesome, wheat mill run is actually an inexpensive by-product of cereal grain processing.

Unfortunately, the variations in nutrient content found in wheat middlings can be a critical issue in determining their suitability for use in any dog food or even livestock feeds.¹

In reality, wheat middlings are nothing more than milling dust and floor sweepings and an ingredient more typically associated with lower quality pet foods.

The seventh ingredient is beet pulp. Beet pulp is a controversial ingredient, a high fiber by-product of sugar beet processing.

Some denounce beet pulp as an inexpensive filler while others cite its outstanding intestinal health and blood sugar benefits.

We only call your attention here to the controversy and believe the inclusion of beet pulp in reasonable amounts in most dog foods is entirely acceptable.

The eighth ingredient is poultry digest. A digest is a chemically hydrolyzed brew of slaughterhouse waste. Animal digests are usually sprayed onto the surface of a dry dog food to improve its taste.

The ninth ingredient is flaxseed, one of the best plant sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Provided theyve first been ground into a meal, flax seeds are also rich in soluble fiber.

However, flaxseed contains about 19% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.

But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this product.

With five notable exceptions

First, we find malted barley flour, a finely ground powder made from partially sprouted barley grain.

The malted flour itself is a starchy carbohydrate supplying fiber and other nutrients. However, aside from its energy content, this cereal grain is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

Next, brewers yeast can be a controversial item. Although its a by-product of the beer making process, this ingredient is rich in minerals and other healthy nutrients.

Fans believe yeast repels fleas and supports the immune system.

Critics argue yeast ingredients can be linked to allergies. This may be true, but (like all allergies) only if your particular dog is allergic to the yeast itself.

In addition, a vocal minority insists yeast can increase the risk of developing the life-threatening condition known as bloat. However, this is a claim weve not been able to scientifically verify.

In any case, unless your dog is specifically allergic to it, yeast can still be considered a nutritious additive.

Whats more noteworthy here is that brewers yeast contains about 48% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

In addition, we find no mention of probiotics, friendly bacteria applied to the surface of the kibble after processing to help with digestion.

Next, this food contains chelated minerals, minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.

And lastly, this dog food includes menadione, a controversial form of vitamin K linked to liver toxicity, allergies and the abnormal break-down of red blood cells.

Since vitamin K isnt required by AAFCO in either of its dog food nutrient profiles, we question the use of this substance in any canine formulation.

ShowTime Dog Food Review

Judging by its ingredients alone, ShowTime Dog Food looks like a below-average dry product.

But ingredient quality by itself cannot tell the whole story. We still need to estimate the products meat content before determining a final rating.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 31%, a fat level of 23% and estimated carbohydrates of about 39%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 30% and a mean fat level of 20%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 42% for the overall product line.

And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 67%.

Near-average protein. Above-average fat. And below-average carbs when compared to a typical dry dog food.

When you consider the protein-boosting effect of the corn gluten meal, flaxseed and brewers dried yeast, this looks like the profile of a kibble containing a moderate amount of meat.

However, with 44% of the total calories in our example coming from fat versus just 25% from protein, some recipes may not be suitable for every animal.

Bottom line?

ShowTime is a grain-inclusive dry dog food using a moderate amount of named meat meal as its main source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 1.5 stars.

Not recommended.

Please note certain recipes are sometimes given a higher or lower rating based upon our estimate of their total meat content and (when appropriate) their fat-to-protein ratios.

ShowTime Dog Food Recall History

The following list (if present) includes all dog food recalls since 2009 directly related to this product line. If there are no recalls listed in this section, we have not yet reported any events.

You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls sorted by date. Or view the same list sorted alphabetically by brand.

Notes and Updates

Compare This Dog Food

How does this brand compare with The Dog Food Advisor's most recommended brands?

A Final Word

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For more information, please visit our Disclaimer and Disclosure page.

ShowTime Dog Food: A Detailed Pet Parents Guide Before Buying

ShowTime dog food continues to gain popularity for its role in growing puppies and dogs of all activity levels. While pet parents are looking for the best nutritional dog foods, many brands are in the market, and it can take time to narrow down to one.

Herein, we provide an in-depth yet concise ShowTime dog food review. Youll learn the differences between ShowTime dog feed types, the Pros and Cons, each products ingredient list, and the best ingredients to look out for.

What is ShowTime Dog Food?

ShowTime is a dog food brand that uses grains for its products. While their dry dog food features dogs of all sizes and physical activity, their formula and recipes are rich in proteins. Meat meal is their main protein source. The recipes also have grain ground corn, providing the carbohydrates your dog needs for high energy levels.

The ShowTime dog Feed Formula includes 7 dry dog foods:

• ShowTime Chicken and Rice 24/14 (Kennel Formula)
• ShowTime 30/20 Puppy
• ShowTime Premium Performance Formula 27/20
• ShowTime Advanced Endurance Formula 31/22
• ShowTime Premium Kennel Formula 21/12
• ShowTime Premium Performance Formula 24/20
• ShowTime Premium Performance Formula 27/16

1. ShowTime Chicken and Rice 24/14 (Kennel Formula)

A specialist dog nutritionist formulates ShowTime 24/14 dog food. The formula has Rice and chicken for high quality protein. The Showtime Chicken Rice Kennel Formula 24/14 will maintain a healthy immune system for your puppy and promote good health.

Chicken and Rice 24/14 (Kennel Formula) Ingredients

Showtime Chicken Rice is nutritionally complete and balanced. It has Chicken Meal, Ground Whole Wheat, Poultry Digest, Choline Chloride, Chicken Fat (poultry fat create healthy skin and shiny hair coat), Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Dried Beet Pulp, Copper Proteinate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (elevated levels of vitamins with Vitamin B6), Menhaden Fish Meal, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (has Vitamin K Activity), Niacin Supplement, Zinc Oxide, Calcium Propionate, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Brewers Rice, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Lysine Hydrochloride, Potassium Chloride, Cobalt Carbonate, Biotin, Riboflavin Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Folic Acid, Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (has Vitamin C), Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (has Vitamin B1), Ground Flaxseed, Iron Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Brewers Yeast, Manganese Sulfate, Salt, Calcium Pantothenate.

Chicken and Rice 24/14 (Kennel Formula) Feeding Directions

2. Showtime Puppy 30/20

ShowTime Green Bag 30/20 Puppy is well formulated to suit the needs of all dog breeds. The Puppy formula is rich in fats (fats create a heart skin) and proteins. It also has chelated minerals to help improve mineral absorption and vitamins for proper development. ShowTime Puppy food green bag is easy to digest.

ShowTime 30/20 Ingredient List (Green Bag)

Chicken Fat, Zinc Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (has Vitamin B6), Poultry Digest, Copper Sulfate, Ground Flaxseed, Calcium Propionate, Manganese Proteinate, Corn Gluten Meal, Brewers Dried Yeast, Biotin, Choline Chloride, Calcium Iodate, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K activity), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Iron Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Riboflavin Supplement, Potassium Chloride, Cobalt Carbonate, Thiamine Mononitrate (has Vitamin B1), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Poultry & Porcine Meal, Vitamin A Supplement, Salt, Ground Whole Wheat, Dicalcium Phosphate, Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement.

Showtime Puppy 30/20 Feeding Directions

3. ShowTime Premium Dog Food 27/20

ShowTime dog food Blue Bag 27/20 can be fed to growing puppies, active dogs, and seniors. Whether boarding your dog for the first time at a pet hotel or sitting at home, ShowTime 27/20s rich protein profile will help your dog grow healthy muscles.

The rich-in protein formulation in the blue bag promotes body functions and provides stamina for working dogs. Hence, a perfect feed for hunting dogs.

ShowTime 27/20 Ingredient List

Chicken Fat (maintain a healthy immune), Sodium Selenite, Malted Barley Flour, Dried Beet Pulp, Zinc Proteinate, Calcium Propionate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Ground Yellow Corn, Potassium Chloride, Copper Proteinate, Wheat Middlings, Zinc Sulfate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Corn Gluten Meal, Calcium Iodate, Poultry & Porcine Meal, Choline Chloride, Niacin Supplement, Menhaden Fish Meal, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Biotin, Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K activity), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Folic Acid, Ground Whole Wheat, Poultry Digest, Zinc Oxide, Menadione, Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Salt, Cobalt Carbonate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Iron Sulfate, Choline Hydrochloride, Brewers Dried Yeast, Ground Flax Seed, Dicalcium Phosphate.

ShowTime 27/20 Feeding Directions

4. ShowTime Advanced Endurance Formula 31/22

ShowTime 31/22 (Gray Bag) is meant for hard-working adult dogs. A canine nutritionist perfectly mixes ShowTime Advanced 31/22 with poultry fat for better skin and high proteins to promote endurance and strength. The vitamins also boost a healthy immune system.

Pet parents have been buying the Showtime Advance dog food and mixing it with any other bag (at discretion) during summer. The wheat and Brewers rice in this feed will also be a source of energy. Chondroitin and glucosamine supplements protect dog joints!

ShowTime Advanced Endurance Formula 31/22 Ingredient List (Gray Bag)

Brewers Rice, Brewers Yeast, Calcium Iodate, Zinc Proteinate, Chicken Fat (fat create a healthy skin), Sodium Selenite, Calcium Propionate, Ground Wheat, Betaine Anhydrous, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Zinc Oxide, Choline Chloride, Dried Whole Egg, Riboflavin Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Cobalt Carbonate, Dried Beet Pulp, Potassium Chloride, Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Vitamin C), L-Lysine Hydrochloride, Manganese Proteinate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Niacin Supplement, Folic Acid, added Ground Flaxseed, fish and poultry meal, Zinc Sulfate, Chondroitin Sulfate, Poultry Digest, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K activity), Corn Gluten Meal, Dicalcium Phosphate, Iron Sulfate, Salt, Manganese Sulfate, Biotin, Vitamin A Supplement.

ShowTime 31/22 Feeding Directions

5. ShowTime Premium Kennel Formula 21/12

ShowTime 21/12 is a top dog food formulated for puppies and dogs that perform light to moderate physical activities. The 21/12 formula is low in energy but rich in protein and poultry fats for proper body functioning.

ShowTime Premium Kennel Formula Ingredient List

Well Ground Yellow Corn & Whole Wheat, Poultry Digest, Sodium Selenite, Wheat Middlings, Calcium Carbonate, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Calcium Propionate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Salt, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Calcium Pantothenate, Cobalt Carbonate, Dried Brewers Yeast, Manganese Sulfate, L-lysine Hydrochloride, Chicken Fat, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Porcine Meal &, Zinc Oxide, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Iodate, Riboflavin Supplement.

ShowTime 21/12 Feeding Directions

6. ShowTime Premium Performance Formula 24/20

ShowTime dog food black bag can serve dogs of all ages and activity levels. The 24/20 formula is rich in fats and proteins for proper muscle development, tissue repair, and body functioning.

ShowTime Premium Performance Formula 24/20 Ingredient List (Black Bag)

Chicken Fat, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Dried Brewers Yeast, Zinc Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Propionate, Fish Meal, Copper Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Poultry Digest, Copper Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Potassium Chloride, Manganese Sulfate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Corn Gluten Meal, Malted Barley Flour, Vitamin E Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Choline Chloride, Salt, Wheat Middlings, L-Lysine Hydrochloride, Niacin Supplement, Zinc Oxide, Poultry & Porcine Meal, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Carbonate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Folic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Cobalt Carbonate, Ground Whole Wheat, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K activity), Ground Flaxseed, Iron Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Dried Beet Pulp, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Manganese Proteinate, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C).

ShowTime 24/20 Feeding Directions

7. ShowTime Premium Performance Formula 27/16

Like most ShowTime Dog Food products, the ShowTime 27/16 formula serves small and big dogs, old and young, from all activity levels. The feed is rich in proteins for healthy muscles and tissue repair. It also provides strength and stamina for working dogs.

ShowTime Premium Performance Formula 27/16 Ingredient List

Chicken Fat, Fish Meal, Dried Beet Pulp, Wheat Middlings, Calcium Propionate, Bone Meal & Pork Meat, Zinc Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Dicalcium Phosphate, Poultry Digest, Copper Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin A Supplement, Potassium Chloride, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Choline Chloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Chicken Byproduct Meal, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Ground Whole Wheat, Biotin, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Salt, Corn Gluten Meal, L-Lysine Hydrochloride, Cobalt Carbonate, Folic Acid, Ground Yellow Corn, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K activity), Brewers Yeast, Iron Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C).

How Much ShowTime Dog Food Should I Give My Dog?

The feed amount will vary with dog activity, health condition, breed, and size. You should monitor your dog to understand its nutritional requirements. The feeding directions herein are just recommendations. Ensure your dog has fresh water.

Is Showtime Dog Food Grain Free?

No, ShowTime dry dog food has grains like wheat, corn, and soy in all its products. Their products may not be the best for you if you want grain-free dog food.

Showtime Dog Food Pros

ShowTime dog food advantages include the following:

1. Rich in poultry fat poultry fat creates healthy skin.
2. Minerals Chelated minerals to help improve mineral absorption
3. Pulp from beets beet pulp is a premium source of fiber to help maintain intestinal health
4. Ground flaxseed, ish meal has omega fatty acids to help develop and maintain a better hair coat and skin.
5. High Quality protein from the porcine meal and Poultry to promote health.
6. Rich in vitamins A & E it supports robust disease resistance and the immune system.
7. Dry dog food carbs from the well-ground wheat meal and whole grain maize to increase energy in working dogs.

Showtime Dog Food Cons

ShowTime dog food disadvantages are still a hot debate in dog care forums, and there is no consensus on whether its cons outweigh its benefits. While some dog parents swear by Showtime dog feed, some consider it a fairly low-quality food made by a livestock feed company.

The feeds shortcomings include the following:

1. It Has wheat and corn, controversial and inexpensive cereal grains with modest value to canines.
2. More than 37% Carbohydrate content
3. It contains dairy products, gluten, and soy, which are potential Allergens.

Before giving your canine a new dog feed, talk to your vet.

What Are the Ingredients in Showtime Dog Food?

Whole grains and meat meals are the mean ingredients in Showtime dry dog feed. Their meat ingredients include poultry, chicken fat, pork meat, bone meal, and poultry digest; whole-grain ingredients include wheat, corn, and flax seed.

Who Makes ShowTime Dog Food?

Mid-South Feeds makes and distributes ShowTime feeds. ShowTime Dry Dog Food has a 1.5 Star from Dog Advisor and an overall rating of 2.5 stars.

What Is the Best Time to Feed a Dog?

You should feed your dog depending on its physical activity level, nutritional requirements, and diet needs. Feeding a hunting dog early in the morning and late in the evening will make sense.

Canine nutritionists recommend giving another meal to your dog 12 hours from the last and the next 24 hours later.

Is Premium Dog Food Worth the Money?

Yes, your dog needs high quality food to be healthy. Think of your dog as a child who needs a balanced diet to grow. A poor diet will result in bad health and retarded growth in your dog.

Quality dog food will cost higher than average or low quality. However, if you can find a low-budget meal that serves your dogs needs, go for it and save the backs.

Why Do Vets Not Like Grain Free Dog Food?

Grain free dog foods are not healthier; it is just a marketing technique that happened to see the light of the day. Also, there is no science-based research backing up the benefits of grain free meals for pets.

Is It OK to Leave Dry Dog Food Out All Day?

If you leave your dogs dry food out all day, it will no longer be fresh and may be contaminated. Exposure to humidity, heat, light, air and the hot sun will degrade the food.

Keep your dry dog food in its original package and lock it somewhere to avoid degradation. Also, remember to reseal the bag with clips in between uses.

How Long After Eating Do Dogs Poop?

Most adult and senior dogs poop once a day. But, some dogs can poop 2-3 times a day and 30 minutes after eating. On the other hand, puppies poop more often; others can poop even immediately after eating.

Hence, there is no standard defecation scale, as each dog has its own pattern. Any slight change should be noted and monitored.

Is It OK to Feed a Dog Once a Day?

Its cruel to feed your dog once a day, as they can get hungry and suffer from bilious vomiting (vomiting resulting from an empty stomach).

The best time to feed your dog is early morning, and as soon as you get home, or in the evening, before nighttime. Dog experts and veterinarians recommend feeding adult canines twice daily, with an 8-12 hours window from the last or the next meal.

Talk to your vet if your dog has a medical condition or is on drugs. They will help you understand how often you should feed your dog.

How Can You Tell If Dog Food Is High-Quality?

Some things to look for when buying dry dog food include a well-written ingredients list with Content percentages, should have best before date, and find feeding trial analysis information.

You should also check for dog food reviews online from other dog users. If you find a product with generic ingredients, artificial preservatives, and sweeteners, thats low quality dog food. Also, check on whoever sells ShowTime dog food to see if they offer original products.

What Dog Food Do Vets Not Recommend?

Vets do not recommend dog food recalled from the market due to safety and quality concerns. Before buying dog food from any brand, you should research to see if they offer quality products. Do not buy from brands on the FDAs list of dog brands whose products can cause canine heart disease.

What Is the Safest Thing to Feed Your Dog?

Your best nighttime dish might not be safe for your dog. While you can share a meal with your dog, some human foods can harm dogs. When feeding your dog, the rule of thumb has always been, Never feed your dog anything without consulting your vet.

Can I Feed My Dog Homemade Food Instead of Showtime Dog Food

You can feed your dog with homemade food and save money. If you choose homemade food over ShowTime dog food, ensure its a balanced diet. You can add boneless cooked meat, vegetables, fruits, eggs, and cooked boneless fish to your homemade dog food recipe; A well-balanced diet is key!