EXCEED DOG FOOD
Exceed brand dog food is manufactured and produced by Member’s Mark. Member’s Mark is the store brand from warehouse store giant Sam’s Club. Sam’s Club was first founded in 1983, as an extension of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Sam’s Club is named after the founder of Walmart, Sam Walton. Sam’s club has over 600 warehouse stores in 48 states. Currently, the only states without a Sam’s Club are Vermont and Oregon. The stores are very large, with an average size of around 133,000 square feet. Sam’s Club is “membership only”, which requires customers to purchase a yearly membership in order to shop at the store. Like other warehouse stores (such as Costco), Sam’s Club markets their products as “more for your money”, encouraging customers to buy products in bulk. The first Sam’s Club store opened in 1983, in Oklahoma. Currently, the largest Sam’s Club location is in California, in the town of Fullerton. This particular store boasts over 184,000 square feet of space.
EXCEED DOG FOOD REVIEW
Exceed brand dog food formulas contain many ingredients that aren’t generally considered as desirable to be fed to dogs. An ingredient that is an example of this is menadione, or Vitamin K3. Vitamin K3 has been suggested to cause health problems in some dogs. Corn is also contained in Exceed brand dog food formulas. There are also several listed by-products, such as chicken by product and animal digest.
EXCEED DOG FOOD FORMULAS
- Member’s Mark Exceed Dog Food Chicken and Rice is marketed as a “high protein formula to keep active… dogs in top form”. The first five ingredients of this formula are chicken, chicken meal, corn gluten meal, brewer’s rice and animal fat. Other ingredients include ground yellow corn, ground wheat, dried beet pulp, dried eggs, animal digest and garlic oil. The Guaranteed Analysis of this formula contains 30% protein and 20% fat.
- Member’s Mark Exceed Lamb and Rice formula is marketed as a “100% complete and balanced nutrition for all life stages”. Some of the ingredients that it contains include lamb, brewer’s rice, poultry by-product, corn, peas, blue berry pomace and menadione (Vitamin K3). The Guaranteed Analysis of this formula contains 26% protein 16% fat.
EXCEED CUSTOMER RATINGS
Most customer reviews of Exceed brand dog food formulas are negative. Exceed is generally seen as a low-quailty, inexpensive dog food formula. For a 40lb bag, a customer usually pays around $20. This equates to a rough cost of $0.50 per pound. However, many customers stated that this was because of the high amount of by products, corn, wheat, fillers and other undesirable ingredients. The fact that garlic oil was included was also cause for concern, since garlic may be toxic to dogs in certain quantities. Another cited fact was that the packaging of Exceed was sometimes inadequate, resulting in contamination of the food.
There were a few surprising positive reviews of Exceed brand dog food formulas. These reviews said that Exceed is “the best available dog food on the market” and that its highly nutritious. However, it is possible that these reviews were planted by advocates of the company, or were part of a marketing schedule.
33 Responses to “EXCEED DOG FOOD”
All I’ve ever known my parents feeding my dogs my whole life is Exceed Lamb and Rice. I’m 22 now and have 2 dogs of my own. 1 shepherd/rottwieler mix and I got a German Shepherd puppy a few days ago. All of my dogs have lived happy, healthy lives. I will continue to feed all the dogs I’ll ever have this dog food. I do not work for Exceed or Sam’s Club, I am just a customer who has been satisfied for as long as I can remember.
I need to make a correction: The fat content dropped from 20% to 16%. The bag states “Members Mark is now Simply Right SAME QUALITY INGREDIENTS- FRESH NEW LOOK. Technically, that would be right, because my recollection is about 2-4 months ago there was an intermediary step where the package was called “Exceed,” but the fat content was reduced to the 16%. But now with “Simply Right” proclaiming “SAME QUALITY INGREDIENTS”, it appears this was a plan to deceive. Yeh Sam’s Club!!! You lost my business.
Since about 1995, I have fed Exceed Chicken and Rice to 3 generations of field bred working Labrador retrievers, both pups and adults. When the old formula (30 protein / 20 fat) was made by Purina, it was a very good dog food. About 2009 or 10, some other contractors began been making it for Sam’s Club. I doubt that these other contractors were given the same formula. Now there is apparently some marketing ploy adding the term “Simply Right” to the Members Mark “Exceed” label. About 2-4 months ago,I noticed The guaranteed analysis fat content dropped to 20%. Now, the adults and pups are having softer stools, need to eliminate much more often, coats are not as shiny, and the price is higher ($31). I am returning the unopened bags and trying a better brand like Eukanuba, Diamond, Pro Plan, etc.
It is important, and with pleasure, that I add this follow up to my initial comments of November 17, 2011 and apologize about the concerns expressed about the contents and quality of Exceed (Simply Right) dog food. As it turned out, the pancreatitis diagnosis related to the dog food ingested was incorrect, as was determined a week later when a 6″ dog toy was removed from my dog’s intestines. Fortunately, he is going to be okay and is recovering from his unusual diet, the only detrimental part of which was the toy he chose to swallow. My apologies for my incorrect diagnosis – obviously one of the many reasons why I am not a physician.
Initially I was delighted to find this food at Sam’s because the ingredients appeared to be comparable to much more expensive brands. However, my dog has suffered two rounds of severe pancreatitis within an 8 month period because of it, and so I urge you to read other reviews by specialists, especially if you are currently feeding it. You will find that the ingredients in Exceed (now called Simply Right) are inferior – some synthetic – and that the quantity of Vitamin K(3) and some other ingredients in the food can be harmful to dogs. The few dollars you may save to purchase this food are insignificant when compared to the veterinary bills, the anguish suffered and the possibility of losing a beloved animal.
I would try the lamb and rice formula. Pits generally have a bad skin reaction to foods with high chicken contents. I only feed my pitbull lamb and rice mixes
I buy Exceed and mix with Blue Buffalo. I would feed my 5 large dogs exclusively Blue Buffalo but cost is a factor with me. Exceed is my choice due to corn is not the first ingredient. I feel that corn should be removed from not only dog food but human food also.
Is exceed chicken good for my blue nose pitbull? Or is there something else that I should use?
Thanks…
Exceed Lamb and Rice will be great for him. I prefer the Lamb over the Chicken because lamb is really good for dog’s coats.
We rescue dogs and get them adopted. We have fed Wellness and Blue Buffalo and can’t see any difference in the dogs coat, energy level, stools, attitude, etc. between Wellness, Blue Buffalo and Exceed. We now feed 8 dogs both the Exceed Chicken and the Exceed Lamb. It’s an excellent product for the money! Highly recommend!!
I have used Exceed for year and have always liked the results until now. I noticed that my dogs were not holding weight as well as they had been. I looked at the last bag I bought and noticed that the fat content was down by almost 5%. Sorry to say I am going to switch to Diamond. It bothers me that nothing is on the bag about the change!
i have to say this has been one of the better dog foods that we have been buying. i have 3 boxers and we used to feed them BOXER26 and then they started taking away from the bag and adding more money on less food so we found EXCEED at sams and we buy the 44lb bag for 28 bucks we love it i hope they never change. we feed them lamd and rice BEST dog food for that price. i hope by you reading this i have helped you choose the right dog food for your dogs.
Derena, I dont know where you live but here in Kansas the cost is verrry expensive. A 40 lb. bag for $35.00
My Australian Shepherds are healthier than they have ever been on Exceed Chicken Formula. We even feed it to our puppies. This food was recommended to me by a long time breeder, exhibitor, and dog show judge. She’s used it for years and has some of the top Australian Shepherds in the country.
I stop using Exceed dog, the price don’t match the food anymore!! this dog food was the best on the market for the price, no more 30/20 now 30/16!! It not worth $31.00 anymore!! Pro Plan is better for the price
I fed Pro Plan for years to my show dogs and pets, but pro plan has priced their product out of my price range $43 really. I am thinking of switching to Exceed.
The 30% protein is a min and the 20% fat is a max…so going to 16% max is actually better for your dog…can always give them more fat…
I have fed Exceed Chicken for years to my show dogs and client show dogs ( varied breeds )and it has been the best cost effective food I have fed with great results. It puts weight on client dogs who need it and their coats improve over what their owners have fed. I have no problems with switching them over either, no soft stools or refusal to eat. I like the ratio of protein to fat and find they use it well. I had made my living grooming and showing dogs for over 30 years and have tried many foods. Some of which I switched off of as they priced themselves out my my market and changed their formulas or I had to add supplements. I will stick to Exceed until it proves not to work any more. Right now it’s superb.
I have been feeding Exceed Lamb & Rice since 1990 and have had absolutely no problems at all. 4 of my dogs have reached 14-16 years old and had rich and full lives. We now have an American Rat Terrier and a Rough Collie and they thrive on Exceed. I hope they never change the formula I have known and trusted for so long. I take exception to the professional review concerning price…..I am paying $29 these days.
I started using the Exceed L&R formula in the 90s as a sub for Nutro-max with good results. My sister had several dogs, one with severe alergies and one with a weak stomach. Both dogs improved dramatically with the change.
My 12 year old border collie has been eating Exceed for almost 10 years. Prior to that time, she had allergy problems and scratched excessively. The vet recommended lamb and rice; this was the first one I tried. There’s never been a reason to try anything else. The rest of my dogs have been eating it as long as I’ve had them – all were strays and some had skin issues. All 5 are in good health and are doing well. The cost is good and the results are great. I can’t argue with success.
I have fed exceed for years. My dogs love it and do very well on it. The 30/20 ratio is very good for our hunting dogs. They maintain their weight while invovled with very hard hunting.
Exceed is NO Longer 20/30 It is well below that now. I noticed that I had to increase the amount I am feeding and the coats are no longer as “bloom” as they were. I may switch to Diamond Performance…it is higher in fat and protein than Exceed. The fat content of exceed presently is only 16%…that is pretty average and content of most high performance foods. Plus the price has increased in MO to almost $30. for 44 lbs.
I feed Exceed Chicken and Rice to my three Golden Retrievers (competition athletic dogs – well not the 14 year old
) ages 3 – 14, and my GSP (hunted heavy) 5 yrs old. All do great on it. Healthy coats and good weight and health.
Just for the record, I feed more dogs then just about anyone in this country and I find that the exceed lamb and rice is one of the best dog food you can buy for your money. Think about it, real lamb and not just lamb meal. As far as the packaging, you can just about fill it with water, without it leaking. Also some of my dogs are valued as much as $15,000. Anyone that don’t know, garlic helps to deter parasites. I hope this info is helpful, and at the same token, I hope that there’s not another increase, in the price for this product
Tim-you say you “feed more dogs then [sic] just about anyone in this country” and I would have to wonder why. Are you a “production breeder”?
Lacy,
Wow stop trolling your personal agenda. A “bad” breeder or puppy mill would never pay for $30+ bag of dog food…can you say cheap Old Yeller for a 1/4 the cost? I’ve feed my dogs the chicken and rice for 4 years straight. They love it better than any other dog food, they have amazing coats, very lean muscle mass and no known diseases and illnesses. Considering one of my weim’s is 8+ yrs old and is in perfect shape after living on a sole diet of “cheap crappy dogfood”, kinda makes me wonder if this article was written by someone working for Science diet, nutro, blue buffalo, eukanuba, etc.
My dog has only eaten Exceed Chicken formula since we’ve had him. Now I find that all of the Sam’s stores in Florida have stopped selling it. Help!! Can it be purchased elsewhere?
I have fed exceed to all 3 of my last dogs for 20 years. All were retrievers that were hunted heavily and all have done well. I feed the Lamb & Rice formula. Exceed was recomended by a Pro. dog trainer that fed it to all her and her clients dogs.
I have used Exceed Lamb & Rice for many years. My vet has looked at the ingredient label & approved the food. All of my dogs are healthy with great coats. I currently have 4 rescue dogs whose coats were in bad shape when I got them. After a couple of months on Exceed, their coats looks great! I’ve been very happy with Exceed.
Our Sam’s Club in Longview, Texas stopped carrying the Exceed with Chicken and Rice flavor sometime ago, but we can still buy the Exceed with Lamb and Rice. All of my furry friends love both flavors. I wish I knew where I could find the Exceed Chicken.
I have used Exceed Chicken for several years for my 3 dogs and all are very healthy. I have 2 other families that do the same and we all compare notes on how all 7 dogs from 3 families are doing with eating nothing but Exceed “Chicken”
We are all very pleased and all 7 dogs are in excellent health and have annual check ups.
I am not an employee or hired person from exceed. I feed it to all of my dogs, and they have done better on this food than any other food, and I’ve fed nutro, blue buffalo, eukanuba, etc. Lean muscle mass, and power has been great!