Donations are going to two VICTOR partners:

• Second Chance K9, which rescues dogs and trains them as certified service dogs for Special Operations Forces of all branches of the military living with PTSD.
   
• This Able Veteran, which matches veterans living with PTSD with specially trained service dogs to help meet their unique needs, at no cost to the veteran. It has also created two PTSD service dog trainer academies that teach their methods so more veterans can be helped.

“This Able Veteran simply could not provide our veterans with the help they need without loyal and generous donors like VICTOR,” said This Able Veteran Executive Director Rebecca Renshaw. “Their gracious additional donation, alongside their yearlong support, enabled us to train two additional American Labrador puppies to be part of our next group of service dogs. VICTOR helps us play such an integral role in helping reshape the lives of veterans with PTSD."

VICTOR has worked with This Able Veteran since 2019. It has been active with Second Chance K9 since 2022.

“As a nonprofit and rescue, our lives are impacted every single day by gifts from individuals and companies like VICTOR, and they are the only reason our Rescue, Rehab and Service work can continue,” said Second Chance K9 Founding Director Travis Hall, who is a retired U.S. Special Forces veteran. “I can never thank those who support us enough for the financial help to keep this mission going.”

To expand awareness of Second Chance K9 and This Able Veteran, VICTOR has created a Veteran Pet Force designed to further the mission of these two nonprofits and let veterans know they have a community of pet owners supporting them. Beginning Oct. 21, 2024, the first 100 people to sign up for the Veteran Pet Force on VICTOR’s website will receive a free Veteran Pet Force T-shirt.

Dr. Duck shares his top dog nutrition tips for maintaining health throughout the hunting season:

• Feed a high protein diet: Active hunting dogs need a high-protein diet with ingredients like chicken, beef and fish to support dogs’ energy levels and maintain muscle health throughout hunting seasons.
• Offer energy-boosting treats: Dr. Duck likes to bring VICTOR Hi-Pro Bites or Hi-Pro Strips to keep Elvis energized and refueled during the hunt to aid in success.
• Address fatigue and weight loss: Increased activity and travel can cause additional stress on dogs during hunting season, which can sometimes decrease their appetites. To boost Elvis’s appetite, Dr. Duck likes to mix the VICTOR Performance formula with one of VICTOR’s wet food offerings. He also recommends giving dogs a few days off from hunting while keeping them in the kennel to cut down on movement and promote rest.
• Maintain consistent feeding pre-hunt: A performance-level formula tailored to active hunting dogs is crucial in maintaining success throughout the day. While every dog's needs vary, Elvis gets a cup and a half of VICTOR performance formula twice a day, morning and night. During the hunting season, Dr. Duck feeds Elvis three hours before a hunt to maintain his routine.

“It’s important to know your dog better than yourself and pay attention to their needs,” said Loosier/Dr. Duck. “Elvis is a true sports dog who trains for months and hunts nearly every day of the season. His performance-level dog food helps keep him strong, healthy and ready to tackle each hunt.”

VICTOR Premium Pet Food is designed for all types of dogs with varying nutritional needs, with a particular focus on active dogs like Elvis. As a leader in the gun dog nutrition space, VICTOR sources top-quality ingredients that support the rigorous demands of active hunting dogs.

• Quality Protein Sources: While every dog has various protein requirements, look for good sources of protein like chicken, beef, lamb or salmon ingredients. The higher up these protein sources are listed in the ingredient panel the more predominant they are in the recipe.
• Whole healthy grains: Ingredients such as sorghum and brown rice are great sources of healthy fibers and provide essential nutrients and antioxidants without the digestive issues associated with other carbohydrates like corn or soy. These quality grains can also fuel sustained energy.
• Fats and oils: Named sources like chicken fat or salmon oil are excellent for your dog’s skin and coat, provide energy and help dogs absorb vitamins.
• Natural preservatives and additives: Mixed tocopherols (a source of vitamin E), rosemary extract or ascorbic acid (vitamin C) are safe and healthy for dogs and help preserve pet food naturally.
• Vitamins, minerals and probiotics: Essential vitamins like E and D, minerals like zinc, manganese and iron, and probiotics can serve a wide variety of benefits, like helping promote your pet’s digestive health and supporting a strong immune system.

VICTOR Premium Pet Food is designed with a nutritional purpose of helping pets achieve optimal health and well-being while maintaining a great value. The brand sources top-quality ingredients from trusted partners to help meet your pet’s nutritional requirements.

In addition to choosing pet food with quality ingredients, it is important to avoid ingredients that may limit your dog’s ultimate potential, such as:

• Ingredients like corn, soy or wheat: These simple carbohydrates can cause spikes in blood sugar and can be hard for dogs to digest.
• Artificial preservatives: Additives like BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin have been linked to skin irritations, digestive issues and liver damage.
• Artificial colors: Dyes such as Red 40, Blue 1 or Blue 2 have no nutritional value and could contribute to food allergies.
• Unnecessary sugars or sweeteners: Additions like corn syrup can contribute to weight gain.

Every bag of VICTOR dog food is designed to provide immune support, improve metabolic function, strengthen gut health and promote healthy coat and paws.

• Making capital investments to the facility and equipment to improve safety, efficiency and production capabilities
•  Adding team members with decades of pet experience to newly created senior management positions within VICTOR’s quality and manufacturing departments
• Installing automated systems to sample finished products as part of VICTOR’s ongoing, robust test and hold program
• Engaging an industry-leading third-party laboratory for finished product testing to ensure all test results are objective and accurate
• Implementing additional training and process enhancements, including thousands of quality inspections weekly
• Updating sanitation protocols to include a 12-hour deep cleaning of the manufacturing equipment and facility before production begins every week

“We take the safety and well-being of every pet very seriously, and this investment underscores our unwavering commitment to pet safety and the highest quality standards,” said Jeff Caswell, CEO of VICTOR Super Premium Pet Food. “We’re confident these changes add even more assurance that pet owners are providing the best nutrition for their beloved pets when they feed them VICTOR.”

The East Texas facility has been certified through the SQF Program since 2018, a rigorous food safety program recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative that scores on a scale of 100. Since then, VICTOR has consistently scored 98 or higher.

“This Able Veteran simply could not serve our veterans and provide them with the help they need without loyal and generous donors like VICTOR,” said Rebecca Renshaw, Executive Director of This Able Veteran. “Their gracious additional donation enabled us to add two American Labrador puppies that we are currently training to our upcoming group of service dogs. VICTOR helps us play such an integral role in helping reshape the lives of veterans with PTSD."

We know that the bond we share with our dogs runs deep, and through our history of partnering with these two incredible groups, we’ve seen the bond that’s shared between a military veteran and service dog is exceptionally profound.

As part of VICTOR’s ongoing support of This Able Veteran, we are proud to share that Victor, the puppy we sponsored in the 2023 This Able Veteran graduating class, has been matched with his veteran!

The work both groups do in the lives of veterans is incredible and we’re honored to help support them.
 

Through VICTOR’s long history of backing the work of NWTF, we appreciate their dedication to help communities understand the in's and out's of sustainable forests, habitats, and ground cover to protect wildlife in your area.

We’re proud to support the work NWTF does with leaders from across the conservation industry — including CEOs, federal agency chiefs, state wildlife directors and conservation groups, and other committed conservationists — to discuss everything from amplifying partnerships to communicating the importance of forest management.

Sharing a passion for the outdoors, we’re proud to be long-time supporters of NWTF and hope to see you at next year’s show!

We have implemented advanced measures aimed at elevating our manufacturing process.

This comprehensive pet food safety plan includes:
• Quality control measures at every step of the production process.
• Rigorous raw material screening.
• Adherence to strict hygiene standards, regular equipment maintenance, and continuous staff training on food safety protocols.
• Rigorous finished product testing with multiple tests performed on every batch of pet food before it is released for shipping.
• Hundreds of safety checks per day, ensuring that our products meet the highest standards for safety and quality.

Your trust is our passion. If you have any questions, we want to help and are happy to share more about our enhanced safety plan that we believe is best-in-class. Please give us a call during regular business hours at 1.888.428.7544.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers. Children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems may be at greater risk of Salmonella infection.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have may only exhibit decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Voluntarily recalled brands produced at the Mount Pleasant facility include: Victor Super Premium Dog Foods, Wayne Feeds Dog Food, Eagle Mountain Pet Food, and some Member’s Mark varieties with Best By Dates before 10/31/24.   Recalled products were distributed to distributors and retailers throughout the United States.  The affected products include:
 

The Best By Date is found on the middle top of the back of each bag. This expanded voluntary recall is being issued due to some of the product lots testing positive for Salmonella through random and targeted sampling of finished product, including by the firm and the South Carolina Department of Agriculture.

As of November 1, 2023, seven people reported Salmonella infections.

Retailers and distributors should immediately pull all product from their inventory and shelves and destroy product.  Do not sell or donate the recalled products.

Do not feed the recalled product to pets or any other animals.  Destroy the food in a way that children, pets, and wildlife cannot access.  Wash and sanitize pet food bowls, cups, and storage containers.  Always ensure that you wash and sanitize your hands after handling recalled food or any utensils that come in contact with recalled food.

Contact Mid America Pet Food Consumer Affairs at 1-888-428-7544 from 8 AM to 11 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) seven days a week for additional information. 

This is a voluntary recall being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Product Pictures:

We are proud to introduce you to our 2023 sponsored puppy, Victor! Victor will be graduating the TAV program with the 2023 class in the coming months and is finalizing his training as he prepares to be matched with his veteran who is living with PTSD.

His trainer shares that “Victor is a super sweet, reliable boy who is an absolute clown. He loves everyone he meets and does everything with 100 percent enthusiasm.”

We are honored to support the important work TAV is doing as we generate awareness for their organization and support the programs they offer veterans with PTSD through their service dogs. To date, This Able Veteran has helped hundreds of dogs and veterans by way of their matching program and their two PTSD service dog trainer academies, so more professional trainers can be educated and more veterans can be helped.
 

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The affected product was only sold in 5-pound bags.  No human or pet illnesses have been reported to date.  

Products were distributed to various distributors and retailers in the United States.  The affected product consists of 644 cases sold in 5-pound bags with lot code 1000016385 with Best By Date 4/30/2024.   Lot code information is found on the back of the bag. 

No other products are included in this recall.  

This voluntary recall is being issued due to a single sample of Victor Super Premium Dog Food that tested positive for Salmonella in a random sample test conducted by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture.

Retailers and distributors should immediately pull the recalled lot from their inventory and shelves.  Do not sell or donate the recalled products.

Do not feed the recalled product to pets or any other animals.  Destroy the food in a way that children, pets and wildlife cannot access.  Wash and sanitize pet food bowls, cups and storage containers.  Always ensure you wash and sanitize your hands after handling recalled food or any utensils that come in contact with recalled food.

Contact Mid America Pet Food Consumer Affairs at info@mapf.com or 1-888-428-7544 from 8 AM to 5 PM Central Time, Monday through Friday for additional information.  
This is a voluntary recall being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

This notable recognition is a result of Hi-Pro Plus being made by a trusted brand and offering “…comprehensive nutrition with a wholesome blend of protein from meat, vegetables and grains that’s perfect for all life stages,” as shared in the article.

“Since the beginning, we’ve been rooted in our vision of creating super premium pet food at a common-sense value,” said Greg Cyr, CEO of Mid America Pet Food, manufacturer of VICTOR. “Having Hi-Pro Plus be recognized by an outlet like the Chicago Tribune is a great validator for the work we do as we continue making super premium nutrition available to pet parents who want to feed their pets really great nutrition that fits within their budget.”

You can read the article here, and learn more about Hi-Pro Plus here.

• What are the best feeding times for hunting dogs?
•  How much should my dog be eating?
• What are the best snacks for dogs?
• Should I change my dog’s diet for hunting season?

You can listen to the episode here.
 

“We are very thankful for the partnership we have with Pet Supplies Plus and are honored to be named a Top Dog,” said Greg Cyr, CEO of Mid America Pet Food. “This award is a great honor and validates that the work we do each day to execute our vision of enriching the lives of pet families today, tomorrow, and always is seen. Like everyone has experienced, the past two years have brought their challenges, but our team has continuously pulled together to deliver, and we’re proud to be a reliable and trusted partner for our customers and retail partners, like Pet Supplies Plus.”

“The Vendor Partner of the Year award showcases the dedication and determination of our vendor community to provide the best products and services for our customers at everyday low prices while enabling mutual growth and success. We are excited to honor Mid America Pet Food and all of our Partner of the Year award winners for being instrumental in our success and growth through this historically challenging retail environment,” said Seth Estep, Tractor Supply’s Executive Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer.

This honor was named as part of Tractor Supply’s 2022 Partnership Conference this past week in Nashville.

“To be named Partner of the Year by Tractor Supply Company is truly an honor,” said Greg Cyr, CEO of Mid America Pet Food. “To be singled out amongst the hundreds of excellent partners that they have is a testament to our great relationship. Our team works hard every day to be a strong, trusted and reliable partner for all of our customers so we really appreciate this acknowledgment!”

You can learn more about the honor here.

Features of Hi-Pro Bites and Hi-Pro Strips include:

• Real beef as first ingredient
• High protein
• Tender & tasty
• No artificial flavors or colors
• Free from corn, soy and wheat
• Made with our VPRO® Blend of ingredients that support effective metabolism, immune system strength, digestive health and a healthy skin and coat.

“Our new treats are a natural extension of our portfolio as they are high protein, real beef treats and are a great compliment to the super premium nutrition dogs currently enjoy from their VICTOR food,” said Greg Cyr, CEO and president of Mid America Pet Food, manufacturer of VICTOR. “The nutrition in these treats make you feel good about treating the dog who is Always By Your Side.”

In the coming weeks you can look for VICTOR Hi-Pro Bites and Hi-Pro Strips where VICTOR is sold! Find your closest retailer, or shop one of our online retailers, here.

A high protein, low carb formula for dogs of all life stages, Nutra Pro is a great food for golden retrievers and was recognized from Discover Magazine for featuring high quality chicken meal as the first ingredient and including “…excellent sources of carbohydrates and dietary fiber.”

In addition, Nutra Pro, like all VICTOR kibble, includes VICTOR’s VPRO Blend which is designed to help maximize the genetic potential of your dog and supports an effective metabolism, immune system strength, digestive health and a healthy skin and coat.

You can learn more about Nutra Pro here, and can find your local VICTOR retailer here to see if they’re carrying Nutra Pro!

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.

Gun Dog: What Should We Feed our Sporting Dogs for Optimal Performance? 

Michael Keith (Senior Vice President of Nutrition and Supply Chain, VICTOR Super Premium Pet Food):

While it would be nice, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for the best formula to feed a hunting dog. Much like humans, each dog has a unique metabolism and energy need; however, we do know that active hunting and sporting dogs perform best when eating a high-fat, high-protein diet.

When selecting a kibble for your gun dog, remember that protein and fat percentages are important, but don’t get caught up in the numbers. A good place to start is looking at brands that use high-quality ingredients and then search for a formula that will deliver, at a minimum, 28 percent protein and 20 percent fat, to meet the caloric requirements of your active sporting dog. 

The key to feeding for performance is making sure your dog is getting the calories they need. Again, there’s no universal answer, but a solid reference is (based on a 50-lb. dog): 1,450 calories for a non-active dog, 1,800 calories for a dog with moderate exercise, and 2,200+ calories to support a hard day of hunting. 

Created specifically for the nutritional needs of hunting and working dogs, VICTOR’s Realtree MAX-5 PRO formula delivers on the desirable 30/20 protein to fat breakdown, but if your hunting dog needs more calories then look into our EDGE ENERGY formula, which is our most calorie-dense formula, at 28/22 protein to fat.

Use the eye test to make sure you’re feeding your dog the right number of calories. Do they look physically healthy? If they’re starting to slim down or get too plump, that will signal that you need to change their caloric intake.

GD: How Often Should We Feed Our Dogs During Hunting Season? 

MK: Research tells us that the answer for canine athletes is very similar to human athletes. It typically takes 10 to 12 hours for food to be completely digested, so if you’re looking to go on a morning hunt, you’ll want to feed the night before to allow the nutrients to be absorbed appropriately.

Think about what it takes for you to perform at a high level. If you eat a very light dinner, then a large feast for breakfast right before jumping into a workout, you probably won’t perform your best. The same goes for our dogs. To get their best performance we want to allow time for their bodies to accept the nutrients they’re getting from their food so it can be properly utilized.

GD: What Should We Look for in a Dog Food Brand Regarding Safety and Standards?

MK: The basics are important, you want to make sure the brand uses high-quality ingredients, is meeting the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) regulations, and offers quality food that will help your dog perform. 

But, it’s important to dig a bit deeper into brands and find out more, like where the kibble is made, where the ingredients are sourced from and what kind of safety measures go into manufacturing the product. Ask how often their ingredients are tested and what kind of safety history the brand’s products have.

We share much of this information right on our website, and our customer service team is available by phone to answer your questions. Within a few clicks on our website, you’ll see that VICTOR proudly produces every bag of kibble in our own Texas-based facility using a majority of ingredients that come from ranches, farms, and other trusted suppliers who are within a day’s drive of our plant. We also proudly share that we regularly test our ingredients and finished products to ensure our food is continually meeting our own high standards.

The answers to these questions will help you understand if the values and strengths of the brand you’re looking into align with what you’re looking for in the nutrition that’s fueling your sporting dog.

GD: Does Age Matter When Choosing a Dog Food?

MK: Yes. Puppies have specific nutritional needs, and similarly, older dogs have unique needs of their own. 

When selecting a formula for a puppy, you’ll need to look for a puppy specific formula (sometimes referenced as a growth diet) or choose an all-life stage blend. Then, as your puppy grows, their needs will change, so at about six to 12 months if they were on a puppy food, you’ll need to transition them to an all-life stage formula.

Adult and senior dogs also have specific needs, like joint support. For adult hunting dogs that are highly active, you’ll want to look for a food with added glucosamine and chondroitin to help support their joints. Early inclusion of these supplements in their diet can help keep their joints healthy and prevent long term damage from hard days in the field, season after season.

Remember, when you transition your dog to a new food, even when it’s from the same brand, it’s important to do it over a period of time. We suggest taking one week to 10 days to make the switch. You’ll want to gradually increase the amount of the new formula each day. Not taking the proper time to transition can cause digestive issues, and these issues can sometimes be interpreted as a problem with the new formula, when really your dog is simply reacting to the change in diet being made too abruptly. 

GD: What Are Signs That I Might Not Be Feeding the Right Dog Food?  

MK: What we see on the outside of our dogs is a good indicator for what’s happening on the inside. If you’re noticing things like a dull and flaky coat, digestive issues, lethargy, and weight problems (underweight or overweight), that’s a strong signal they’re missing something in their nutrition. 

Weight issues can often be controlled by changing the number of calories your dog is consuming. Keep in mind that it’s not necessary to change formulas during hunting season. You can feed the same formula all year, you’ll just need to adjust the amount you’re feeding so it meets your dog’s increased caloric needs during the hunting season.

There are a lot of options on the market, and it can be overwhelming to find the perfect food for your dog. If you’re looking to find a new food for your gun dog, our customer service team is available to offer personalized recommendations based on your specific dog, their activity level, and other individual needs. 

A version of this article first appeared in Gun Dog Magazine, you can see it here.

As bird dog owners, if there’s one thing we desire more than birds in the bag at the end of a hunt, it’s for our faithful canine companions to lead happy, healthy, and active lives. And while we constantly strive for their top performance in the field, the other component of this equation is their nutritional intake. We demand a lot from our sporting dogs, so we owe it to them to provide them with the proper fuel they need to do their job, day in and day out.

With 20 formulas to choose from, every kibble formula from VICTOR Super Premium Pet Food contains their scientifically proven, expert-developed VPRO Blend of ingredients. This proprietary mix of supplements, vitamins, and minerals is designed to maximize the genetic potential of every dog, regardless of breed, age, or activity level. This unique formulation offers complete nutrition for your active dog that promotes superior digestibility, strong immune system function, and a healthy skin and coat.

The VPRO Difference

Bird hunters and sporting dog owners thrive on tracking progress and measuring results; it’s what keeps us pushing ourselves and our dogs to do better and go farther in the field. We celebrate the breakthrough moments when tangible advancements are witnessed. We pay the same attention to the health and well-being of our dogs and closely monitor what’s happening to them, both inside and out. 

VICTOR’s Senior Vice President of Nutrition and Supply Chain, Michael Keith, says digestion is related to the overall health of our dogs and that what we see on the outside is a direct reflection of what’s happening on the inside at the gut level. According to Keith, VPRO demonstrates proven, measurable results, especially in hunting dogs. 

“When we look at hunting dogs, there are lots of things to be worried about, like skin health and wound healing,” says Keith. “With our VPRO Blend, we’re delivering a high plane of nutrition and the pieces to help these dogs recover as fast as they can. You’re also going to see improved stool quality, better hair and coat health, and paw pad integrity responses within 14 to 28 days after properly transitioning over to a VICTOR product.”

The four components of VPRO include the most bioavailable forms of these key ingredients for maximum absorption that nearly eliminates the need for additional supplementation. Selenium yeast is easily absorbed and is responsible for managing metabolism, cellular regeneration, and immune system support. Essential organic and inorganic mineral complexes (zinc, manganese, and iron) operate at the cellular level to promote effective metabolic action and immune system response. These critical elements also support wound healing and joint health. Most notably, these vital nutrients are attributed to superior skin and coat health and improved paw pad integrity. VPRO also includes powerful prebiotics and probiotics that enhance digestion and strengthen the immune system.

“When we look at the whole package of our VPRO Blend, the uniqueness is that we use all four of these components at or above the research recommended rates,” says Keith. “It’s all about getting the most from the food to take care of the gut; if we take care of the gut, we take care of the rest of the dog.”

In response to increasing demand from sporting dog breeders, trainers, and owners, VICTOR set out to make a more effective and more palatable formula specifically for the nutritional needs of hunting dogs that have high-energy and stamina requirements. To do this, VICTOR partnered with Realtree and created a product line that features higher levels of essential nutrients to keep these dogs running strong all season long. The results are VICTOR’s EDGE ENERGY and MAX-5 PRO blends, which are fortified with added glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health. Made meat-centric with 85 and 88 percent animal protein (duck, beef, and fish) and 28/22 and 30/20 protein/fat ratios, these two high-quality, working dog-driven formulas are there to reliably deliver results.

We’re constantly faced with making tough choices when it comes to owning, training, and hunting with our dogs. Hopefully, selecting a breed and coming up with a pup’s name were the hardest decisions you’ll have to make in their life. Deciding on which covers to hunt, what order to drop the dogs, or which state to point the compass on for your next road trip should be the choices keeping you up at night — not choosing the right kibble to feed your dog.

“Every dog has a genetic potential and what we feed it determines if that dog can reach their full potential, and that’s the basis of our VPRO Blend,” Keith adds. 

With every VICTOR kibble formula containing VPRO and the maximum nutritional values your dog might need right at the start the choice of picking a preferred protein source or particular protein/fat ratio to feed your active hunting dog becomes a simple task. Developed, tested, and proven in science, all of VICTOR’s super premium products contain only ingredients that serve a purpose and offer optimal canine nutrition, all at an affordable cost. Enable your bond to thrive while you provide the best for the active sporting dog that is always by your side.

A version of this article first appeared in Gun Dog Magazine.

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