Helping to bring our nutrition to life, our Senior Vice President of Nutrition and Supply Chain, Michael Keith, was recently featured on the Ag Future podcast. There Michael talked gut health, our VPRO Blend, what to look for in a pet food brand and broke down key insights into VICTOR’s science-based approach to nutrition. Tune into the episode here!

As always, if you’d like help deciding which VICTOR formula is the best match for your dog, we’d love to help! Give us a call at 888.428.7544 for a personalized recommendation.

To help find the best match, our Senior Vice President of Nutrition and Supply Chain, Michael Keith, is answering common nutrition questions we get from sporting dog owners in Gun Dog Magazine’s latest article, “Top 5 Questions Gun Dog Owners Should be Asking for Choosing the Proper Dog Food,” you can see the article here.

If you’d like help deciding which VICTOR formula is the best match for your dog, we’d love to help! Give us a call at 888.428.7544 for a personalized recommendation.

If you’d like help deciding which VICTOR formula is the best match for your dog, we’d love to help! Give us a call at 888.428.7544 for a personalized recommendation.

Hi-Pro Plus – Drawing inspiration from one of our top performing dog kibble formulas, Hi-Pro Plus for cats features high levels of quality protein to sustain energy and support muscle development for growing kittens and active cats. Hi-Pro Plus is an ideal formula for all life stages, including pregnant and nursing females.

Healthy Skin & Coat – A high protein formula ideal for indoor cats, Healthy Skin & Coat is a grain free recipe featuring high-quality ingredients like salmon, omega-3 and omega-6. Specially formulated to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat, this recipe will also offer digestive aid for your cat through all life stages.

Fit Feline™ – A grain free formula, Fit Feline™ helps maintain a healthy weight and strong digestive system while developing lean muscle from quality chicken and duck proteins. Natural fiber within the formula works to promote healthy digestion while omega-3 and omega-6 help nourish your cat’s skin and coat.

Each dry cat formula begins with our Feline VPRO™ Blend – an exclusive mix of four proven ingredients that provide super premium nutrition to your cat while supporting a healthy coat, promoting digestive and immune system function and maintaining a healthy weight.

“Building on our commitment to providing super premium pet food at a common-sense value, the time was right to introduce new cat formulas,” said Greg Cyr, CEO and president of Mid America Pet Food, manufacturer of VICTOR. “We’ve taken the same scientific approach to create these formulas as we do our super premium dog kibble. Every ingredient serves a nutritional purpose while delivering the high-quality nutrition pet parents expect from VICTOR.”

Including our existing Mers Feline formula, VICTOR now has four dry cat formulas which include both grain free and grain inclusive choices and varying protein options.

Every VICTOR kibble formula is produced in our own Texas-based facility with a majority of ingredients coming from ranches, farms and other trusted suppliers who are within a day’s drive of our East Texas plant.

Look for these formulas where VICTOR is sold!

While the warmer summer months made it difficult to get quality working time in, the mornings and evenings are starting to cool down and now is a great time to start getting our dogs back in serious hunting shape, both mentally and physically.

We connected with our friends at Dr. Duck to get their top tips for what to work on with your dog now so you both are ready to go when the season starts. Here’s what they shared:

1. Revisit and Affirm your Commands – Especially Sit, Here and Heal. You can practice and strengthen these commands at home by having your dog sit at open doors and sit at their food bowls while not allowing them to proceed until commanded by their name or another designated word you use.

2. Focused Training Time on Marked Dummies – Once your dog is steady and honed in on sitting, throw dummies to help your dog mark birds in areas similar to those in which you will be hunting. This is a great head start for your dog to help get them back in mid-season form!

3. Refresh Your Hand Signals – Now that your dog is steady and consistently marking dummies, start hiding dummies and revisit casting your pup over and back. These skills are necessary for reminding your retriever where they might have an additional bird during a multiple retrieve setting.
   
   Remember to be patient and don’t over-do starting and stopping. We want the dog using their nose, but it can be very helpful to be able to stop them and get them headed in the direction of a down bird that might not have been marked.

4. Visit the Vet – If you haven’t already, now is the time to talk with your veterinarian. Make sure all your dog’s shots are up-to-date and that you have a good supply of their heartworm, tick and flea medications on hand. A check-in with your vet will help keep your dog healthy and ready for the tough conditions they were created to work in.

5. Get Stocked up on Food – We make sure to have a season’s worth of food on hand for all of our dogs before we get the season started. No one wants to be rounding these things up when you could be in the blind. VICTOR offers a great selection of food and treats for your pup.
    
6. One Final Note - While we are lifelong hunting dog owners, we recommend visiting with the trainer or vet familiar with your pet before changing any routines.

We wish you a great season, enjoy the journey and be safe!

Eric Beach is a veteran who has gone through the program and is now thriving with his dog, Maddie.

Growing up Eric had always considered joining the military. After 9/11 he was inspired to serve his country and joined the Army.

After his service Eric was struggling with PTSD. He had lost two jobs consecutively from symptoms related to PTSD and after battling it for about 10 years, he and his wife were looking for help. They did research on the benefits of service dogs and his wife found This Able Veteran.

In 2014 Eric went through the This Able Veteran program and was matched with his service dog, a black lab named Maddie.

“If an angel could be a dog, it’d be Maddie,” said Eric. “She is pure love.”

Through his participation in the program, Eric has learned a different way of seeing the world. “I realized there’s another way to do this life, because the way I was doing it was not working.”

Maddie has helped Eric work through his fears and insecurity.

“In showing her the world is safe, I find that I’m a leader – I have to show her that I’m confident. Over time I realized that everything I was saying to encourage her, I was actually saying to myself. I can do these things, I’m stronger than I thought.”

Eric appreciates the way This Able Veteran approaches service dogs, because they become a partner and tool for veterans to find their voice and continue down a path of healing. He also shares that through the program veterans get the opportunity to become educated in dog obedience, dog psychology, emotional intelligence, relationship building and learn how to be a voice to what’s hurting them inside.

Since being partnered with Maddie, Eric has learned a lot of valuable lessons – one being how to communicate better with his wife which has led to amazing growth in healing and success in his marriage and life.

To other veterans who might be looking for help with PTSD, Eric would say, “if what you’re doing isn’t working, maybe it’s time for something different.” Eric shares that a service dog could be perfect for veterans to help find their voice, re-connect and make the world a less confusing and far less scary place.

“Maddie was hope personified to me, and because of her I have consistently invested into further healing.”

To date, This Able Veteran has helped hundreds of dogs and veterans living with PTSD through their programs. They have also created two PTSD service dog trainer academies so more professional trainers can be educated and more veterans can be helped. VICTOR is proud to have This Able Veteran featured on our Hero Canine bag and we look forward to sponsoring a dog in the 2022 graduating class. You can learn more about This Able Veteran here.

Elite Canine is VICTOR’s newest kibble formula and is a nutrient dense recipe that features multiple proteins to keep large breeds healthy and active at all life stages while supporting their unique nutritional needs. Elite Canine was also formulated to include:

• A higher protein to lower fat ratio and proper calcium levels for large breeds  
• Naturally occurring glucosamine and chondroitin for the development and care of hips and joints
• 70 percent of protein derived from high quality meat sources   
• Gluten free grains  
• Premium-quality chicken and fish meals

“While we have varying VICTOR formulas that are a good option for larger dogs, we know that large breed puppies and adult dogs have specific needs,” said Greg Cyr, CEO and president of Mid America Pet Food, manufacturer of VICTOR. “We understand that every dog is unique, so in creating this formula it was important for us to offer pet parents a solution that has ideal nutrition for a large breed with a different protein option from other VICTOR formulas, all while staying true to the super premium nutrition expected from VICTOR.”

You can look for Elite Canine where VICTOR is sold.

1. Puppy nutrition versus adult dog nutrition: 

Puppies mature rapidly and their muscles, joints, bones, internal organs and immune system are just a few of the major components that are developing in their first one to two years of life. They require a high energy diet with quality protein sources and increased levels of many essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids. When comparing formulas for your new pup be sure to look into formulas that are appropriate for “all life stages.” Also keep in mind that if your new puppy is a larger size dog (will be 70 lbs or more as an adult), they will need specific nutrients and a formula that meet their needs.

At VICTOR, we have a variety of super premium formulas that are a great match for puppies of varying sizes and can carry them through all their life stages. Some popular options are our Hi-Pro Plus and Grain Free Active Dog & Puppy formulas. You can check out all our options (and compare them) on our site, here, using the “puppy” filter and compare tool.
 

2. Look for high quality ingredients:

Packed with quality protein from varying meat sources, every VICTOR formula is rooted in nutrition and created with scientifically advanced and nutritionally complete ingredients. We believe every ingredient helps build a lasting bond with our loyal companions. That’s why we carefully develop every VICTOR formula with thoughtfully sourced and tested ingredients to help foster a healthy life.

Additionally, each of our dog kibble formulas are built upon our proprietary VPRO  Blend, an exclusive mix of supplements, vitamins and minerals designed to help maximize the genetic potential of every dog regardless of breed, age, or activity level. Developed by industry-leading experts, VPRO works within your dog to support superior digestibility, strong immune system function, and healthy skin and coat. You can learn more about our VPRO Blend here.
 

3. Transitioning formulas:

Formulas that are appropriate for “all life stages” are designed to meet the nutritional needs of a dog from puppy through adult and can be fed throughout a dog’s life. However, there’s a number of reasons you might consider transitioning your puppy to a new formula. Keeping an eye on their stool and overall digestion is a good place to start if you suspect there may be a problem, or you might want to look into a different formula to simply offer them some taste variety! Whatever the reason, if you do need to make a change (your veterinarian can help you decide if this is needed), transitioning should be done gradually over the course of one week to 10 days, increasing the amount of the new formula every few days.

We want you to feel confident in the super premium nutrition you select for your new puppy, so we’re here to help! Our customer service team is available to walk you through in-depth questions about your specific puppy to help determine what formula would be the best fit. You can reach them during regular business hours at 888-428-7544 or through our website.

Since our founding we’ve worked hard to create super premium pet nutrition for the loyal companions who are Always By Your Side. Like your new puppy, we want to be there alongside you as you navigate this new adventure with your pup!

“As East Texas natives we were really excited to see that a brand just down the road from us, with the kind of history VICTOR has within the hunting and working dog space, was partnering with Realtree to create super premium dog food formulas that were created for the nutritional needs of hunting dogs,” said Dennis. “We can’t wait to get out and hunt this season and we’re excited to be feeding our dogs VICTOR’s Realtree MAX-5 PRO formula to keep them running strong all season through a variety of climates.”

You can follow along on Dr. Duck’s journey this season, and see how their dogs are performing with VICTOR’s Realtree formulas by following along their new season of Black Cloud, tuning into their Podcast, or following them on social!

The veterans who participate in the This Able Veteran program receive a multi-faceted approach to coping with PTSD symptoms as they combine specially trained service dogs with a trauma resiliency program and life skills training. The service dogs receive training specifically for the unique diagnosis and needs of the veteran they will be paired with.

“In my opinion, it’s the best program to train service dogs for veterans, hands down. They are the most committed and dedicated to training and providing the highest quality service dogs for veterans,” said Eric Provow, a Veteran who has been through the This Able Veteran program and has been paired with his service dog Denny.

Since being paired with Denny, Eric shares “My life is so much better. My anxiety level used to be through the roof going grocery shopping. Anything like that was hard to do. Denny gives me reassurance that it’s okay, and I can put myself in those vulnerable conditions or places.”

To date, This Able Veteran has helped hundreds of dogs and veterans through their program and the two PTSD service dog trainer academies they have created so more professional trainers can be educated and more veterans can be helped.

You can show your support by looking for our Hero Canine bag in a store near you. To learn more about the work of This Able Veteran, please check out their website, here.

MAX-5 PRO is a nutritionally complete, beef meal-first formula that draws inspiration from our popular Hi-Pro Plus formula. It features an ideal 30/20 protein to fat ratio, gluten-free grains, added glucosamine and chondroitin, and an 88 percent protein level from beef, fish and duck meal meat sources.

EDGE ENERGY is our highest calorie formula at 415 kcal per cup, ideal for dogs in colder weather regions who are burning energy all day long and those who enjoy upland hunting. This nutritionally complete formula features a 28/22 protein to fat ratio, gluten-free grains, added glucosamine and chondroitin, added salmon oil for immune system support and improved cognitive function, and protein from beef, fish and duck meal meat sources.

Knowing what it takes to have a successful hunting season and how important your dog’s nutrition can be to that success, we were excited to give our friends at Duck Commander a sneak peek of these new formulas.

“Our dogs are an important part of our family and a key part of having a successful hunt,” said Jase Robertson of Duck Commander. “We’ve trusted the high-quality nutrition of VICTOR for years and we’re excited to introduce these new Realtree formulas to our dogs as they’ll offer important benefits like hip and joint support as we look to keep our dogs healthy and running strong throughout the entire season.”

You can look for Realtree MAX-5 PRO and Realtree EDGE ENERGY where VICTOR is sold.

“Since we started in 2007, nutrition has been a key focus for us, so we’re honored to be recognized by NBC News for offering one of the best dry and senior dog foods,” said Greg Cyr, CEO of Mid America Pet Food. “We know the bond we share with our loyal companions runs deep, that’s why we work hard to continue offering nutritious, high quality food for the pets we’re entrusted to feed.”

Our Hi Pro Plus formula is a nutrient-dense recipe made with premium-quality beef, chicken, pork and fish meals. Featuring a desirable 30 percent protein, 20 percent fat ratio, it is an excellent option for dogs that need high levels of quality protein while offering sustainable energy for sporting dogs and those with high physical demands.

Our Senior Healthy Weight formula is ideal for older dogs that are less active, and adult dogs that need to reduce their overall weight. The recipe is nutrient-dense and made with premium-quality beef, chicken, pork and fish meals. This formula also has added Glucosamine and Chondroitin to promote long-term joint health and features L-Carnitine aids for converting fat to energy, aiding in lean muscle development.

You can find a retailer near you carrying Hi Pro Plus and Senior Healthy Weight, or any of our other formulas, on our website, here. We look forward to the opportunity to help fuel the loyal companion who is always by your side!

A 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, This Able Veteran provides specially trained service dogs for U.S. Military Veterans who have been diagnosed with PTSD. The veterans in their program receive a multi-faceted approach to coping with PTSD symptoms as they combine specially trained service dogs with a trauma resiliency program and life skills training. The service dogs receive training specifically for each veteran’s unique diagnosis and needs.

In support of their important work, you’ll notice our VICTOR Hero Canine 30lb bag has a temporary new look. The back of the bag highlights This Able Veteran with additional information about the organization and a photo of a veteran who has gone through their program with his dog.

“It’s an honor for us at VICTOR to support the work of This Able Veteran,” said Greg Cyr, CEO of Mid America Pet Food. “The role these specially trained service dogs play in the lives of the veterans they serve is crucial and it’s especially inspiring to see the bond they share.”

Our updated VICTOR Hero Canine bags will be available through the summer as we look to bring awareness and support to This Able Veteran and the services they offer veterans with PTSD through their dogs.

“We’re excited to partner with VICTOR to help bring awareness to our cause,” said Pam Largent, president of This Able Veteran. “We are thankful for the impactful donation VICTOR makes to our organization as a result of this partnership. It plays a big role in supporting us as we look to help as many U.S. Military Veterans with PTSD as we can.”

To date, This Able Veteran has helped hundreds of dogs and veterans through their program and the two PTSD service dog trainer academies they have created so more professional trainers can be educated and more veterans can be helped.

You can show your support by looking for our updated Hero bag in a store near you. To learn more about the work of This Able Veteran, please check out their website, here.

Staying true to our passion for offering scientifically advanced ingredients that are packed with quality, these treats, like our pet food formulas, are built upon our proven VPRO ingredients.  

In addition to utilizing VPRO ingredients, we work to ensure that every ingredient in the treats meet our own high standards of quality and offer the nutrition you want and your dog deserves .  

“Introducing VICTOR Crunchy Treats allows us to provide a high-quality treat with flavors that dogs are sure to love at a great value,” said Greg Cyr, CEO of Mid America Pet Food. “VICTOR has a history of offering super premium pet food at a great price and that’s something we’re proud to be building upon with this new treat line.”

Our commitment to always strive to provide the highest-quality ingredients remains steadfast as our treats have no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.

“These treats are a natural extension for VICTOR,” said Michael Keith, Senior Vice President of Sales and Nutrition at Mid America Pet Food. “We’re happy to offer a treat for the passionate fans of our brand that mirrors the nutritional quality their dogs already enjoy in VICTOR Super Premium Dog Food.”

In the coming weeks you can look for VICTOR Crunchy Dog Treats where VICTOR is sold. Find your closest store carrying VICTOR here.

To help drive awareness to This Able Veteran the VICTOR Hero Canine 30lb bag has a temporary new look as we honor U.S. Military Veterans. “We’re excited to be featured on the bag. It raises awareness about our non-profit, but more importantly brings awareness to the Military Veterans we are serving,” says Pam. 

This Able Veteran pioneered programs to train PTSD service dogs specifically for each veteran’s unique diagnosis and needs. In addition, they developed a Trauma Resiliency Program for both veteran and dog, which compliments the skills of the service dogs. They have also created PTSD service dog trainer academies so professional trainers can be educated and more veterans can be helped across the country.

Through their program and trainer academies they have enabled hundreds of dogs to be trained for service. To learn more about This Able Veteran visit thisableveteran.org

In addition to driving awareness of This Able Veteran on the VICTOR Packaging, we are also proud to support this great cause through sponsorship. “We are excited to contribute to such a great organization who works so hard training and matching PTSD service dogs with U.S. Military Veterans. Dogs make great companions, but with the help of This Able Veteran, these dogs are able to do so much more.” – Greg Cyr, CEO of Mid America Pet Food, the proud manufacturer of VICTOR Super Premium Pet Food.

Show your support of our Military Veterans by finding one of these bags where you buy your VICTOR today.

We’re pleased to have had the company of our friend, Justin Martin on the first weekend. Fans of Duck Commander and Duck Dynasty made their way through the crowd and to the VICTOR booth to talk with Justin about hunting, fishing and of course dog food! 

VICTOR is proud to be the official dog food of Duck Commander. Justin and his team trust VICTOR to keep their dogs at peak performance level all season long.It’s an outdoorsman’s paradise and a wonderland for their dogs.

We’re proud to have made the list! Check it out and find the right gift for your deserving dad at: www.duckcommander.com/blog/fathers-day-gift-guide

Catch our episode on May 30th and watch every Thursday as she chases down the best food, farming, and people across the country. 
Chasing Down Madison Brown | Season 3 Episode 5 | RFDTV

Throughout her showing career, Annie has won several awards, including:

• Multiple Best in Show and Group Placing International Champion
• UKC Champion
• AKC #1 All Systems Bitch in 2016

Annie comes from a line of winners. Her nephew Lucas was the first AKC National Puppy Champion of the Year for 2017, and her mother and father are AKC Grand Champions. AKC gives a special medallion to the first 10 dogs of a breed to win the title of Grand Champion, and with Annie and her parents, the Lormises have won three of those medallions.

Kathy and Roy are AKC Breeders of Merit and members of the AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T Program. Their dogs are fueled by VICTOR Professional and VICTOR Hi-Pro Plus.

Today, Shawn trains out of Waterfowl Widowmakers Kennel in Hogansville, GA. He and his team spend time with each and every dog, patiently teaching them how to best do what they were born to do — retrieve. 

Dogs that are training day in and day out require the absolute best nutrition to allow them to work and perform their best. After trialing a few other brands of food and running into issues with consistency of different feeds, Shawn met a VICTOR representative who introduced him to VICTOR Super Premium Pet Food. He tried a few bags and liked what he saw in his retrievers. With ringing endorsements from other professionals in the field, he made the switch to VICTOR.

He counts on VICTOR to fuel his retrievers through rigorous training sessions and replenish them after exhausting days in the field. He regularly feeds VICTOR High Energy and VICTOR Performance which is fortified with glucosamine and chondroitin to promote joint health — incredibly important for the active dogs in his kennel.

The highest quality nutrition at an honest price — that’s what VICTOR has valued from the beginning, and what continues to catch the attention of seasoned professionals like Shawn.

• February: Kristin and Blue, who loves working, competition and therapy work. Blue is fueled by VICTOR Hi-Pro Plus.
• March: Rod and Skye, who eats VICTOR Grain Free Lamb Meal & Sweet Potato.
• April: Brittany and her dog Paisley (getting kisses), who loves to go for rides, swim in the river and keep up with his two sisters. Paisley is a picky eater, but when Brittany did a taste test with two out of four foods being VICTOR, “Paisley ate both VICTOR until the bowl was clean!!” Paisley is fueled by VICTOR Nutra Pro.
• June: Taylor and Kajsa, who spent her summer hanging out at softball games, camping and spending countless hours playing with the kids in the yard. She has been eating VICTOR Nutra Pro since she was 6 weeks old.
• July: Barb and her dogs Phoebe, a 14-year-old Cardigan Welsh Corgi and Quinn, a 2-year-old Golden Retriever. They both eat VICTOR Professional.
• August: Yvonne and Logan, who is fueled by VICTOR Hi-Pro Plus. Yvonne says VICTOR food has “made such a difference in his muscle development and coat condition.”
• September: Michelle and Jaxson, a 4-month-old Labrador Retriever who is in training to be a service dog for an 8-year-old boy. Jaxson is fueled by VICTOR Professional.
• October: Jo and Annie, who got her NW1 and 3rd overall in nosework with the National Association of Canine Scent Work. Annie eats VICTOR Nutri Pro.
• November: Bailey and her pack of pups, all of whom are huge, healthy and don’t have tummy troubles thanks to VICTOR Nutra Pro.
• December: Tiffany Ann and Drake, a 5-year-old lab, who shows at UKC, hunts ducks and enjoys VICTOR Ocean Fish formula.

Nala is the fifth generation of dogs bred by Brandon. Distinguished AKC Champion handler Bridgette, who Brandon got to know at dog shows over the years, also co-owns and handles Angus, a 5-year-old Treeing Walker Coonhound. Angus was also a big winner with three major 2018 AKC National Championship awards:

• National Owner Handler Series (NOHS) Finals Best of Breed
• NOHS Finals Hound Group 1st
• Nationals Championship 1st Award of Excellence

Angus finished 2018 as the #1 Owner Handled Treeing Walker Coonhound in the country! He and Nala both eat VICTOR Grain Free Yukon River Canine.

Thanks to all of you who stopped by our booth in the PBR Fan Zone and visiting with our team! We always enjoy meeting our customers and appreciate hearing your success stories of well-nourished, happy VICTOR dogs.

“Greg brings significant sales, marketing and wholesale distribution expertise, with both public and private companies, to Mid America Pet Food,” said Scott Glover, board member and founder of Mid America Pet Food. “He is an experienced and engaging leader who understands our vision to build a leading pet food company, while still staying true to the Victor brand and philosophy.”

The contest will run June 28 to September 30. Photo submissions and rescue group votes can be entered on the Fiocchi Facebook page: facebook.com/Fiocchi.of.America