Frequently Asked Questions

SPORTMiX is a line of dog and cat food products carefully crafted by Midwestern Pet Foods. We create our own nutritious recipes, selectively choose our ingredients and prepare our foods with care in our state-of-the-art family owned kitchens located in the US. Midwestern Pet Foods was founded in 1926 as a small milling company and is now in its 4th generation of family leadership. We independently manufacture our pet foods and treats and do not specialty co-pack for any other brands.

Our dry pet food is produced in one of our four state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, located in Chickasha, OK; Evansville, IN; Monmouth, IL; and Waverly, NY. We manufacture our own dry pet food and treats using high-quality ingredients and strict quality control standards to feeding your pets as we would our own. We do not co-pack for other brands.

Find your nearest SPORTMiX retailer. Please contact the store directly to ensure they carry the specific recipe you are looking for.

At Midwestern Pet Foods, we take great pride in crafting high-quality pet products and providing world class customer service. We answer each email in the order they are received, and a personalized response is provided to each message. Please allow 2-3 business days for a response to your inquiry. Our Consumer Affairs team is available Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST. You can contact us here.

All SPORTMiX foods are designed to provide complete and balanced nutrition and meet Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) requirements.

Midwestern Pet Foods is committed to the humane treatment of all animals and does not test on animals in laboratories. When introducing a new product, Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) feeding trials are completed at a farm with an in-home atmosphere that is non-invasive, non-lethal and cage-free. All animals are humanely treated.

With so many great formulas available, it can be difficult to navigate. Please click to send a message to our Consumer Affairs team. We will gather more information about you and your pet(s) and will be happy to help you with this decision.

We apologize for the inconvenience of our products currently being unavailable on Chewy.com. We are working closely with them to ensure our pet food products are back in stock as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience and continued interest in our high-quality pet nutrition.

Find your nearest SPORTMiX retailer. Please contact the store directly to ensure they carry the specific recipe you are looking for.

All SPORTMiX products do have a 100% guarantee, so if you are not satisfied for any reason, you can return the product with the packaging and receipt to the retailer. We would love to help you find the best SPORTMiX recipe for your pet. Please click to send a message to our Consumer Affairs team so we can get more information about you and your pet.

For a food to be classified as all life stages, it must pass a certain protocol used by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) to determine if the food has the nutrient content necessary to fully support multiple stages of life. These are gestation, lactation, growth, and maintenance. A food with this classification may be used for a pet in any of these life stages so long as the correct amount is fed. However, certain specific life stage foods may be more appropriate in meeting the nutritional needs of puppies, large breed dogs, small breed dogs, and those needing to control or lose weight.

Midwestern Pet Foods offers many different shapes and sizes of kibble depending upon the formula. We choose the shape and size of the kibble, in part, to ensure the food is cooked just right for maximum palatability, digestibility, and performance. An added benefit is that this provides pet owners a variety of choices in case their dog has specific needs. For example, larger breeds will need a large sized kibble to encourage them to eat more slowly and chew their food, while the same kibble would be difficult for a smaller breed to eat. Please refer to the kibble charts below to determine which formulas might be a good size and shape for your pet.

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Sometimes the size of the kibble may vary slightly depending on the cook of the product (how much it puffs up). This means that although the exact same recipe is used, ingredients are carefully measured, and the same process is followed, sometimes the kibble will puff up and be rounded and other times the pieces will turn out flatter. Although consistency is our goal, variation is natural. It doesn’t affect the taste of the food or the nutrients.

Our team carefully tracks and monitors all customer concerns as they are reported through our system. Each issue is thoroughly reviewed and investigated by our Quality Assurance team to ensure pet food safety and product quality.

If you experience a specific concern related to our products, we encourage you to contact us directly via email or phone so we can gather detailed information and assist you. We remain committed to continuously monitoring and addressing all reported issues to uphold our standards for quality and consumer trust.

Pet food, like many consumable products, can develop mold if exposed to improper storage conditions at any point after manufacturing. This is especially true for formulas made without artificial preservatives or stabilizers, as they rely on proper handling to maintain fresh and safe to consume.

The oils used in our pet food recipes are primarily monounsaturated fats and low in saturated fat, which allows them to liquefy more easily under certain conditions. These oils are carefully selected for their high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, an essential nutrient for your pet’s nutrition.

During normal distribution and storage, natural temperature fluctuations may cause these oils to liquefy. This is a normal characteristic of the oils and does not impact the intended nutritional value of the product.

Thank you for your message and your interest in our pet food. At this time, we do not have the infrastructure to sell or ship directly to customers. However, we do encourage you to use our Where to Buy locator to find a local pet specialty retailer or store that carries our products.

All of our pet food products are backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee through the original retailer of purchase. You may return the product, along with your receipt, to the store for a refund or exchange.

We apologize you have had a less than perfect experience with our product, and we appreciate the opportunity to make it right.

We have dedicated team members at each of our facilities who test incoming ingredients, monitor production, and check finished pet food products to ensure they meet our strict quality and safety standards. Our products are only released once they pass all our testing and required quality checks.

We follow the FDA’s current Good Manufacturing Practices (21-CFR-507-cGMPs) (more commonly referred to as FSMA – Food Safety Modernization Act), and our facilities are assessed by FDA to ensure we meet all pet food safety and regulatory standards.

We conduct third-party testing on all incoming raw ingredients and finished pet food products before they are released to the market. Independent laboratories verify that our recipes meet AAFCO nutrient standards for complete and balanced nutrition.

We also follow a positive release program, meaning our products are only released after passing strict safety and quality testing, including pathogen analysis, to help ensure the safety of your pet’s food.

Our recipes are only released under a comprehensive positive release policy, ensuring they meet strict standards for pet food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

This process includes pathogen testing, contamination review, and careful evaluation of production and quality control data before any product reaches the shelf.

Midwestern Pet Foods is committed to the humane treatment of animals and responsible pet food development. As new recipes are introduced, we may conduct a combination of analytical laboratory testing and feeding trials to ensure our products provide complete and balanced nutrition, support pet health, and deliver great palatability.

Our feeding trials are conducted under the supervision of licensed, professionally managed facilities designed to provide a comfortable, home-like environment. All animals are cared for in a safe, clean, and enriching setting, with a strong focus on their overall well-being and quality of life.

Midwestern Pet Foods sources all ingredients from US suppliers whenever possible. Some examples of ingredients that must be sourced outside the US are lamb meal from Australia or New Zealand and flaxseed from Canada. Vitamin premixes are formulated, sourced and blended in the United States by a US company in a human grade facility.

Our natural flavors are derived from pork or poultry liver that has been hydrolyzed using natural enzymes. This process creates a highly palatable flavor to enhance taste. Hydrolyzed ingredients are also processed in a way that reduces the likelihood of triggering food sensitivities.

Our pet food formulas and manufacturing processes are proprietary to our products, so we do not disclose the specific percentages of animal-based protein versus plant-based protein. However, all of our recipes are formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition that meets established pet food industry standards.

We are continuously looking for ways to improve our products while ensuring they meet our high standards for quality and nutrition. From time to time, this may include updates to our ingredient formulations.  any changes are made with your pet’s well-being in mind. Our commitment to providing your pets with the same balanced, high-quality nutrition we would feed our own remains our top priority.

Fresh meat contains a high percentage of water (typically 75–80%) and relatively lower levels of protein, meaning it contributes less nutritional value on a dry matter basis. In contrast, meat meals are a concentrated source of high-quality protein, providing essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and beneficial nutrients such as naturally occurring glucosamine and chondroitin that support joint health.

Dogs and cats require specific nutrients rather than individual ingredients alone. That’s why we carefully select and balance ingredients based on the nutritional benefits they provide, ensuring complete and balanced nutrition for overall pet health.

Pets, like people, are all different. Some can handle switching foods easily without any problems. Others with more sensitive stomachs cannot handle change well and experience digestive issues. We recommend taking 7 to 10 days when changing your pet’s food. Please refer to the transition chart below for further guidance.

It is important to note that all SPORTMiX recipes are individual formulations, and not just different flavors of the same thing with a few ingredients swapped out. For that reason, we recommend that you take 7 to 10 days when changing your pet’s food, even within the same brand. This is even more important when the formulas have different protein sources.

Pets, like people, are all different. Some can handle switching foods easily without any problems. Others with more sensitive stomachs cannot handle change well and experience digestive issues. You know your pet best so use your best judgement. To be on the safe side, a gradual switch is always best. Please refer to the transition chart below for further guidance.

We employ a dedicated, in-house animal nutritionist to develop complete and balanced pet food recipes and feeding guidelines for cats and dogs, ensuring optimal pet health and well-being. Their academic background includes coursework in animal nutrition, physiology, microbiology, and biochemistry, along with postdoctoral training focused on microbiology and food science, supporting expertise in pet food formulation, ingredient safety, and nutritional quality.

Our dry pet foods are produced using an advanced extrusion process, which applies controlled heat and pressure to cook the kibble. We carefully fine-tune the cooking times to ensure that the starches have cooked while preserving essential nutrients and ingredient quality.

This method allows for thorough cooking and expansion, which enhances the taste for your pets. We take great care throughout our manufacturing process to ensure our kibble consistently meets the highest standards for pet food quality and nutrition.

Midwestern Pet Foods sources all ingredients from U.S.-based suppliers whenever possible to support quality and consistency in our pet food manufacturing. In cases where certain ingredients are not available in the USA, we carefully source them from trusted global partners. All ingredients undergo rigorous quality testing and certification to ensure they meet our strict standards for purity, safety, and nutritional quality.

 All of our recipes are individually formulated and are not intended to be used as a rotational diet. When transitioning your pet to a new pet food formula, we recommend a gradual transition over 7 to 10 days, even within the same brand.

This is especially important when switching between different protein sources (for example, from poultry to fish), as it can impact digestive health. Pets, like people, are unique. Some can transition foods easily, while others with more sensitive stomachs may experience digestive upset.

You know your pet best, so use your judgment, but to support optimal gut health and minimize issues, a slow and gradual transition is always recommended.

Our best recommendation would be the SPORTMiX Puppy Small Bites recipe since it is specially formulated to meet the unique needs of growing puppies of any size and breed.

An all life stages formula simply means that it meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines for the nutritional needs of both puppies and adult dogs. After the puppy stage (typically around one year of age), your dog can be transitioned to any SPORTMiX formula. We recommend taking 7 to 10 days when changing your pet’s food, even within the same brand.

In general, small breed dogs should remain on a puppy formula for 10 to 12 months; for larger breeds, it is 12 to 16 months; and for giant breeds, like Great Danes, it is 24 months. We recommend that you work with your vet to determine when your dog is ready for this change.

With so many great formulas available, it can be difficult to navigate this choice. Please click to send a message to our Consumer Affairs team. We will gather more information about you and your pet(s) and will be happy to help you with this decision.

We do not manufacture prescription pet food or veterinary diets; however, our recipes are formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition for everyday pet care. We believe our products offer some of the most nutritionally balanced pet foods available, but we always recommend consulting your veterinarian when addressing specific health conditions or dietary needs.

We believe our products are the one of the most suitable pet food on the market. Each recipe is formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition, with essential nutrients and key ingredients thoughtfully incorporated and processed with care. In most cases, additional pet supplements are not necessary unless recommended by your veterinarian to support specific health needs.

We believe that our SPORTMiX recipes are some of the best on the market today in their price range. All nutrients are carefully balanced, the food is fortified with key ingredients and processed with great care. The addition of any other supplement is typically not necessary and could upset the balance of nutrition provided by the foods.

At Midwestern Pet Foods, your pet’s health is important to us. Sometimes pets do have issues that require additional care regarding certain components of their food. Please click to contact Consumer Affairs and request additional information.

Pets, like people, are all different. For that reason, there is no specific number of treats per day that should be fed. Typically, treats should not make up more than 10% of their daily calories. Using this guide, that means a small dog with an average metabolism would usually get about 3 or 4 treats per day. In contrast, a typical Golden Retriever eats around 1,000 calories per day so they might receive 5 to 10 treats per day if they are active. The most important thing is to pay attention to your dog and make sure that they are maintaining a good weight and eating a healthy and well-balanced diet.

Should there be an inadvertent feeding mix-up, please know that there is no cause for alarm. However, SPORTMiX_® recipes are specifically formulated with your animal’s optimal health in mind. Because dogs and cats have unique nutritional needs and different digestive systems, their foods are made with those requirements in mind. Dogs should only eat dog recipes and cats eat cat recipes to ensure that all their nutritional needs are being met.

We do not recommend feeding pet food that has passed its expiration date. Over time, the guaranteed analysis, nutritional value, aroma, and flavor begin to decline. Once expired, the fats and oils can become unstable, and the risk of bacterial growth increases, which may impact pet food safety and quality.

We are dedicated to delivering high-quality pet food. Our dry recipes are produced on shared production lines; however, our quality control and food safety teams implement thorough production flushes between batches to help minimize the risk of cross-contamination. While we cannot guarantee complete absence, we take extra precautions to maintain the integrity and safety of our products.

Please refer to the expiration date on the packaging. We do not recommend feeding any food or treat after the expiration as the freshness, palatability and nutritional content will be diminished.

Once exposed to air, dry kibble can begin to go stale and can become less enjoyable for the pet. We recommend that you feed your pet within 4-6 weeks from opening the bag. Remember to properly seal the food between feedings as exposure to air reduces shelf life.

If your pet is unable to finish the bag within 4-6 weeks, please repackage the food into smaller well-sealed bags or containers and freeze until it is needed. (Just make sure to defrost it first!)

The expiration date on SPORTMiX dry pet foods is stamped on the back of each bag, along the top of the package. The first line will reflect the expiration date and will appear on dry products like: EXP 16/NOV/18. Expiration dates are listed by day, month and then year.

The expiration date is stamped on the packaging during the same process, and with the same machine, that seals the bag. Because of this, the expiration date stamp (also known as a bag code or date code) and the seal must be next to each other.

We have always positioned our SPORTMiX line at an everyday low price! We have recently started a Frequent Buyer Program through Astro Loyalty at participating retailers. Be sure to sign up for our email list below for future coupon offers.

Yes, we still offer our pet food loyalty program. We have transitioned from paper envelopes and receipts to a convenient digital rewards platform through Astro Loyalty’s Frequent Buyer Program.

With this program, customers can purchase 12 bags of qualifying dry pet food and receive their 13th bag free. Participation may vary, as individual pet specialty retailers must be enrolled as Astro members for customers to take advantage of the program.

Check with your local retailer for availability.

At this time, our pet food coupon program is not compatible with the variety of software systems used by local pet specialty retailers. Because of these system limitations, retailers are unable to accept or process digital coupons.

All SPORTMiX products are 100% guaranteed for taste and nutrition. If you are unsatisfied for any reason, simply return any unused food along with the bag and receipt to the authorized retailer where it was purchased for a full refund or exchange. Ask your retailer for details.

Please note: Midwestern Pet Foods strongly advises against purchasing SPORTMiX products from unauthorized resellers. A full listing of independently-owned-and-operated authorized retailers and online partners is available . If you find a SPORTMiX product at a retailer not on this list, it may have been acquired through non-traditional means and as a result could be tampered with, expired, stored improperly, or counterfeit.