Bil Jac is one of the oldest dog food brands that has survived the test of time in the US, established in 1947 and based in Ohio.
It has a variety of super premium products broadly categorised into 3 classes – Types, Sizes, and Age.
With their unique approach to feeding your furry friends, there are plenty of options for Dry, Wet, Treats, and Frozen foods.
Bil Jac believes the nutrients needed for every dog change as it ages so there are formulas for puppies, adults, and seniors.
Also, the nutrient composition is adjusted for small, medium and large-sized dogs or dog breeds.
What are the Ingredients in Bil Jac Dog Foods?
It uses fresh chicken byproducts, but mainly organs as the animal protein source to boost digestibility and taste, while corn meal, oat meal, dried beet pulp, flaxseed, and brewers dried yeast are for carbs and energy.
All Bil Jac products are enriched with vitamins and minerals such as Chlorine chloride, L-lysine, Monocalcium phosphate, DL-methionine and others.
They support growth, shining coats, muscle tone, weight management, sensitive stomach etc.
Is Bil Jac Dog Food Healthy and Safe for Dogs?
Sure, Bil Jac is healthy and safe for your dogs, and often gets recommendations from veterinarians.
It uses a good protein source, Sodium propionate as the preservative, no added fats, and fillers like gluten meal.
The dry foods are slow-cooked under moderate temperature without sweeteners, and batch-made to keep your best friends healthy.
There are also grain-free formulas, and high protein formulas suitable for sporting, working and watchdogs.
Bil Jac also has a good rating on most review sites, 1 recall in 2012, and that’s a lot of credibility for a brand that’s produced dog foods for more than 70 years.
Bil Jac Dry Dog Food
Bil-Jac uses a slow-cook method in processing their dry foods rather than the high-heat extrusion common in kibble.
In this way, the nutrient quality is not diminished as much, and the flavour is more retained.
Even the pickiest eaters would be excited, and develop a strong appetite at a glance at it – nice aroma, good taste, healthy meal.
Like I said earlier, each category has formulas for different life stages.
Bil-Jac Puppy Select formula for example includes higher protein and fat, along with DHA for brain development.
The Supports Mature & Active Lifestyle formula balances calories, fats and protein for energy, lean muscle support and weight management.
The Senior elect formulas lower fat and add glucosamine for hip and joint health.
Bil Jac Wet Dog Food
Bil-Jac wet foods come in small tubs, look like homemade recipes, and can be used as toppers or a whole meal. The recipes are rich in fresh chicken, beef liver, or other protein.
Whitefish and other quality protein, probiotics, minimal or no grain varieties and fibre blend make it gentle on the stomach, and for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
The soft texture appeals to picky eaters or old dogs with dental issues.
Wet foods are also good for dogs that do not like drinking much water as they make them stay hydrated.
Bil Jac Dog Treats
These are small, soft treats good for lunch, or a reward for discipline in dog training.
They’re made primarily from fresh chicken, peanut extracts, and other ingredients, without any artificial flavors.
They are palatable, easy to digest, and without excess calories.
Frozen Dog Food
Bil-Jac Frozen dog food is another line, formulated with fresh chicken, beef liver, and oatmeal.
It is slowly cooked like others, then frozen rather than dried so it doesn’t lose any nutrients to air drying.
If your pet often has stomach upset after eating or does not like kibble, this is a beautiful option for such a dog.
The disadvantage is the need for refrigeration, and low shelf life, but it’s ok for many pet parents.
Are there Side effects of Bil Jac Dog foods on Dogs?
There have not been serious issues with dogs taking their food.
Some dogs experience diarrhoea, itching, watery eyes, and vomiting.
If your dog is allergic to any of the ingredients used, it’s advisable not to feed it to your dog, and also, if you notice any of these symptoms or similar ones, you should stop feeding it immediately.
There have been some controversies about Anaphylaxis, and other health issues, but for a brand that’s been in business for 70 years, things like these are expected.
During the 2007 melamine crisis, in which many pet food brands were affected, Bil-Jac was not directly linked to recalls.
Conclusion
Bil Jac is a vet-recommended dog food. Though it uses corn meal or chicken by-products, many veterinarians believe these ingredients are not harmful, unless allergic to them.
Bil-Jac’s formulas meet the nutritional needs of dogs across ages and breed sizes.
They are easily digested, and metabolised, with no issue of overweight in the small breed formulas or skeletal strains in older dogs.