If you have a high-energy dog, a working breed, or just a pup that can’t seem to keep weight on, you have likely heard whispers about Victor Hi-Pro Plus in the dog park or breeding circles. For years, this teal bag was the best-kept secret among K9 handlers and sporting dog enthusiasts, offering elite nutrition without the boutique price tag.
However, the brand faced a massive hurdle with a significant recall in late 2023, shaking consumer trust. Now that the dust has settled and shelves are restocked with fresh batches, the question remains: is it still the powerhouse kibble it used to be? If you need a nutrient-dense fuel that doesn’t break the bank, this might still be your answer, provided you are comfortable with the brand’s recovery efforts.
My Experience With Victor Hi-Pro Plus
I switched my German Shepherd to Victor Hi-Pro Plus a few years ago when I noticed he was looking a bit ribby despite eating mountains of his previous “premium” food.
He is a high-drive dog who runs, hikes, and never seems to sit still, so standard maintenance kibble wasn’t cutting it.
I needed something with higher calories per cup that wouldn’t require me to feed him four times a day.
The first thing I noticed was the kibble size.
It’s relatively small, which I initially thought was odd for a “Hi-Pro” formula often marketed toward big working dogs.
However, my dog didn’t mind; he inhaled it. The transition was surprisingly smooth.
Usually, switching foods leads to a week of “digestive upset” (to put it politely), but with Victor, his stools actually firmed up almost immediately. This is likely due to the VPRO blend and the use of sorghum rather than corn or wheat, which seems to agree with sensitive stomachs.
Within about three weeks, the physical changes were undeniable. His coat, which had been dull and shedding excessively, developed a deep, glossy shine that felt slick to the touch. More importantly, he filled out. I wasn’t seeing ribs anymore, just lean muscle. The energy density is real—88% of the protein comes from meat sources (beef, chicken, pork, and fish meal), and you can see the difference in their stamina.
I did have to pause usage during the recall scare, which was a headache, but I have recently reintroduced a fresh bag to see if the quality holds up. So far, the smell, texture, and my dog’s enthusiasm remain unchanged. It still feels like a serious tool for serious dogs, rather than just “dog food.”
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Pros Of Victor Hi-Pro Plus
- Exceptional Caloric Density: This is the main reason to buy this food. It packs around 406 kcal per cup, which is significantly higher than most standard dog foods. This means you feed less to get the same energy. For working dogs, pregnant females, or hard keepers, this efficiency is wallet-friendly and ensures they get the fuel they need without getting bloated on massive volume.
- Multi-Protein Source Profile: Unlike limited-ingredient diets that rely solely on chicken or lamb, this formula uses a mix of beef, chicken, pork, and fish meals. This diversity provides a broader range of amino acids. It mimics a more natural, varied diet and helps prevent the dog from developing an intolerance to a single protein source over time.
- Firm Stool and Digestion: The inclusion of the “VPRO Blend”—a proprietary mix of selenium yeast, mineral complexes, prebiotics, and probiotics—actually works. Many users, myself included, report smaller, firmer stools. The selenium yeast specifically is a more bioavailable form of the mineral, supporting immune function better than the standard sodium selenite found in cheaper brands.
- All Life Stages Formula: This is incredibly convenient if you have a multi-dog household. It is approved for puppies, adults, and pregnant dogs. You don’t need to buy “Puppy Chow” for the little one and “Adult” for the big one; everyone can eat from the same bag (with adjusted portions), making feeding time much simpler.
- No Corn, Wheat, or Soy: While it is grain-inclusive (using sorghum and millet), it avoids the common allergens of corn, wheat, and soy. Sorghum is a gluten-free ancient grain that provides steady energy without the blood sugar spikes associated with cheap fillers. This makes it a great middle-ground for owners who want to avoid cheap fillers but are wary of the heart issues potentially linked to grain-free legume-heavy diets.
Cons Of Victor Hi-Pro Plus
- Recall History and Trust Issues: We have to address the elephant in the room. In late 2023, Mid America Pet Food (Victor’s parent company) issued a massive recall due to Salmonella contamination. It took time for the brand to get products back on shelves, and for many loyal customers, that breach of safety was a dealbreaker. While they have implemented new safety protocols, the shadow of that event still lingers for cautious owners.
- Kibble Size is Small: If you have a massive breed like a Mastiff or a zealous eater like a Lab, the small kibble size can be a negative. Some large dogs tend to gulp it down without chewing. This can increase the risk of choking or bloat if you don’t use a slow-feeder bowl to pace them.
- Not for Sedentary Dogs: This food is “high octane.” If your dog sleeps on the couch 20 hours a day, this food will make them fat. The high protein (30%) and fat (20%) content is designed for burning calories. Feeding this to a low-energy house pet requires strict portion control, or you will end up with an overweight dog very quickly.
- Price Creep and Availability: Before the recall, Victor was known as the budget-friendly premium option. Since returning to shelves, the price has crept up, and finding it can still be hit-or-miss in some rural supply stores. It is no longer the dirt-cheap secret it once was, placing it in direct competition with more widely available brands like Purina Pro Plan.
Maintenance Tips For Victor Hi-Pro Plus
- Strict Portion Control: Because this food is so nutrient-dense, the “cup” you used for your old food might be too much here. Start by feeding slightly less than the bag recommends and monitor your dog’s weight. It is very easy to overfeed Hi-Pro Plus, and seeing your dog gain unwanted weight can happen in just a couple of weeks if you aren’t careful.
- Proper Storage Containers: The bags are sturdy, but to prevent spoilage (and keep pests out), you should transfer the kibble to an airtight container. Do not pour the food directly into the plastic bin; keep it in the bag and place the whole bag inside the bin. This preserves the fat coating on the kibble and ensures you have the batch code handy in case of any future alerts.
- Hydration is Key: High-protein, low-moisture diets require your dog to drink more water to process the nutrients, especially the kidneys. Ensure fresh water is always available, and consider adding a splash of water or bone broth to the kibble. This helps with digestion and ensures they stay hydrated, especially after heavy exercise.
- Rotation Strategy: To avoid “menu fatigue” and cover all nutritional bases, I recommend rotating this food occasionally if your dog’s stomach can handle it. Victor offers other formulas like the “Yukon River” (fish-based) that you can swap in for a few months. This keeps the dog interested and varies the nutrient intake without leaving the brand ecosystem.
Comparison with Other Brands
- Victor Hi-Pro Plus vs. Purina Pro Plan Sport 30/20: This is the heavyweight title fight. Purina Pro Plan Sport is the direct competitor, offering the same 30/20 protein-to-fat ratio. Purina has a longer track record of safety and is backed by massive feeding trials. However, Victor is typically free of corn and wheat (which Purina uses) and often has a slightly higher meat inclusion. If you want science and safety guarantees, go Purina. If you want a more dense ingredient list without corn, go Victor.
- Victor Hi-Pro Plus vs. Taste of the Wild: Taste of the Wild is famous for being grain-free. Victor Hi-Pro Plus includes grains (sorghum/millet), which many vets now prefer over the pea-heavy legumes found in grain-free diets due to DCM concerns. Victor also tends to be higher in protein than the standard Taste of the Wild formulas. If you are avoiding grains entirely, Taste of the Wild is the pick, but for athletic performance, Victor usually wins.
- Victor Hi-Pro Plus vs. Diamond Naturals: Diamond Naturals is the budget option. While Diamond is cheaper, Victor is significantly more concentrated. You will likely feed more cups of Diamond to get the same results, negating the price difference. Victor’s “VPRO” fermentation culture is also generally considered superior for gut health compared to the standard probiotics in Diamond.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The recall in late 2023 was a major event involving Salmonella potential. Since then, the company has overhauled its safety protocols and testing. All bags currently on shelves with Best By dates of late 2025 and beyond are from new production runs that have passed these stricter controls. While no brand is immune to risk, the current stock is considered safe for consumption.
Yes. Victor Hi-Pro Plus is certified for “All Life Stages,” including the growth of large-size dogs (70 lbs or more as an adult). Its high protein and fat content make it excellent for growing puppies who need building blocks for muscle and bone. Just be sure to follow the feeding guidelines for growth, which are higher than for maintenance.
Yes. Even though it is a “Beef Meal” first formula, it contains Chicken Fat and Chicken Meal further down the list. If your dog has a severe poultry allergy, this is not the right food for you. You would need to look for a limited-ingredient diet that explicitly excludes poultry.
The small size is a design choice to make the food accessible for all breeds, from Beagles to Malinois. It allows for higher density in the cup. If you have a large dog that gulps food, using a slow-feeder bowl or adding water can help prevent them from inhaling it too quickly.
Conclusion
Victor Hi-Pro Plus remains one of the most efficient, high-octane dog foods on the market. It delivers professional-grade nutrition that visibly improves coat quality, muscle mass, and stool consistency. While the recent recall was a stumble for the brand, the product inside the bag is still exceptional for active dogs and working breeds. If you can look past the recent history and need a food that works as hard as your dog does, Victor is still a top-tier contender.