Showtime Dog Food: The No-Nonsense Field Guide for Working & Active Dog Owners (2026)
You're not here for fluff. You feed a dog that actually works — a hunting companion, a kennel dog, a high-drive breed that puts real miles on every single day.
You’ve probably heard hunters, breeders, and field trainers talk about Showtime dog food, and now you want to know if it actually lives up to that reputation.
This guide gives you the straight truth: what’s really inside every bag, which formula is right for your dog’s activity level, what the Showtime 24/20 numbers actually mean for performance, where to find Showtime dog food near me, and the honest good-and-bad based on real reviews from people who run real dogs.
No paid partnerships. No sponsored praise. Just the complete picture.
Quick Navigation
- What Is Showtime Dog Food — and Who Actually Makes It?
- The Full Showtime Lineup: Every Formula Explained
- Showtime 24/20 Deep Dive: The Most Popular Formula
- Full Ingredient & Nutrition Breakdown
- The Performance Dog Nutrition Standard: Does Showtime Meet It?
- Showtime Dog Food Reviews: Real Owners, Real Dogs
- The Honest Pros and Cons
- How Does It Compare? Showtime vs. The Competition
- Who Should Feed Showtime — and Who Probably Shouldn’t
- Where to Find Showtime Dog Food Near You
- Showtime Dog Food FAQ
- Final Verdict
What Is Showtime Dog Food — and Who Actually Makes It?
Showtime is a performance-focused dry dog food line produced by Mid-South Feeds, Inc., a feed manufacturer with decades of experience supplying nutrition for working animals across the American South and beyond.
Unlike mass-market pet food companies aiming to serve every dog in every living room, Showtime was built with a specific dog in mind: the active, working, or high-performance dog — hunting breeds, kennel dogs, field trial competitors, hog dogs, and sport breeds that genuinely burn calories for a living.
This positioning shapes everything about the brand, from its macronutrient ratios (high protein, high fat) to where it’s sold (independent feed stores and rural supply shops rather than big-box pet retailers).
Every Showtime formula is developed by a certified canine nutritionist — not just assembled from commodity ingredients. That matters in the world of working dog nutrition, where consistent performance depends on consistent feed composition.
The Full Showtime Lineup: Every Formula Explained
Showtime’s range spans seven formulas covering every activity level from lightly active kennel dogs to elite working dogs under extreme daily demand. The naming convention — two numbers separated by a slash — tells you the guaranteed protein and fat minimums at a glance.
| Formula | Protein | Fat | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ShowTime 21/12 | 21% | 12% | Kennel dogs, light to moderate activity |
| ShowTime 24/14 (Chicken & Rice) | 24% | 14% | General maintenance, breeders, pet dogs |
| ShowTime 24/20 (most popular) | 24% | 20% | All activity levels, everyday performance dogs |
| ShowTime 27/20 | 27% | 20% | Active working dogs, field dogs in season |
| ShowTime Advanced 31/22 | 31% | 22% | Hard-working dogs under demanding conditions |
| ShowTime Puppy 30/20 | 30% | 20% | All breeds, growth and development |
| ShowTime Premium Performance 27/20 | 27% | 20% | Kennel operators, field trainers |
How to Read the Numbers
The two-number formula names aren’t just shorthand — they’re the most important information on the bag:
- First number = minimum crude protein % — tells you how much of the diet supports muscle maintenance, tissue repair, and immune function
- Second number = minimum crude fat % — tells you how energy-dense the food is; fat delivers 2.25x more calories per gram than protein or carbohydrate
A dog running hard in cold weather needs both high protein AND high fat. A lightly active house dog with the same food will likely gain weight. Matching the formula to actual activity level is the key to getting results from Showtime.
Showtime 24/20 Deep Dive: The Most Popular Formula
The Showtime 24/20 is the brand’s bestselling product — the “middle of the lineup” formula that’s versatile enough for most working and active dogs without pushing calories to extremes.
Why the 24/20 Is So Popular
It hits a practical sweet spot: enough protein (24%) to support lean muscle maintenance and recovery, enough fat (20%) to keep energy up during sustained physical activity, and a calorie density (3,750 kcal/kg, or 470 kcal/cup) that lets owners feed a reasonable portion without underfeeding a working dog.
The 24/20 is particularly popular with:
- Hunting dog owners who need their dog at peak physical condition from October through February
- Hog hunters and cur dog owners who run dogs on multi-hour hunts in demanding terrain
- Kennel operators who need consistent results across a number of dogs
- Active-breed owners (German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Catahoulas, Treeing Walkers) with high energy outputs
Showtime 24/20 Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Guaranteed Value |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | Min 24.00% |
| Crude Fat | Min 20.00% |
| Crude Fiber | Max 3.00% |
| Moisture | Max 12.00% |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | Min 3.45% |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Min 0.26% |
| Calorie Content | 3,750 kcal/kg · 470 kcal/cup |
The low fiber ceiling (max 3%) is intentional: working dogs benefit from high digestibility and quick gastric emptying, not bulky stool. The calorie density is on the higher end for a 24/20 formula — useful for dogs burning serious energy in the field.
Full Ingredient & Nutrition Breakdown
Here is the complete ingredient list for Showtime 24/20, which is representative of the broader product line:
Poultry & Porcine Meal, Ground Whole Wheat, Chicken Fat (preserved with BHA), Ground Yellow Corn, Corn Gluten Meal, Wheat Middlings, Ground Flaxseed, Dried Brewer’s Yeast, Menhaden Fish Meal, Dried Beet Pulp, Poultry Digest, Malted Barley Flour, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Propionate, Choline Chloride, L-Lysine Hydrochloride, Iron Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Manganese Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Proteinate, Riboflavin, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin, Biotin, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin B-12, Vitamin D-3, Cobalt Carbonate, Folic Acid
Ingredient-by-Ingredient Analysis
🥩 Protein Sources
Poultry & Porcine Meal (first ingredient) — This is the cornerstone of Showtime’s protein strategy. Meat meals are concentrated: they’ve already had moisture removed, which means their actual protein contribution in the finished kibble is significantly greater than a whole-meat first ingredient (which is mostly water). Poultry and porcine meal deliver the essential amino acids — particularly lysine and methionine — that are critical for muscle metabolism and immune function in active dogs.
Menhaden Fish Meal — A marine protein source added deeper in the list. Fish meal brings a full amino acid profile and is a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), directly supporting joint health and reducing inflammation — important for dogs under sustained physical stress.
Corn Gluten Meal — A plant-based protein booster derived from corn processing. It increases the total protein percentage but does not provide the same amino acid quality as animal proteins. This is one reason Dog Food Advisor gives the brand a conservative rating — the protein percentage looks high, but some of it is backed by a less bioavailable plant source.
Dried Brewer’s Yeast — A secondary protein source that also supplies B vitamins naturally and can improve palatability.
🧈 Fat Sources
Chicken Fat (preserved with BHA) — The primary fat source. Chicken fat is a concentrated, digestible energy source rich in omega-6 fatty acids. The use of BHA as a preservative is worth noting — it’s a synthetic antioxidant that has raised questions in some research. Most working dog owners consider it acceptable at the quantities used in dog food, but it’s something ingredient-conscious buyers should be aware of.
Ground Flaxseed — Provides plant-based omega-3 fatty acids (ALA), contributing to the formula’s skin and coat support. ALA must be converted to EPA/DHA by the dog’s body, making it a less direct omega-3 source than fish oil — but still valuable in combination with fish meal.
Poultry Fat — Referenced in the brand’s marketing literature as part of the omega fatty acid blend. Works alongside chicken fat to maintain the fat-to-protein ratio needed for sustained energy output.
🌾 Carbohydrate Sources
Ground Whole Wheat & Ground Yellow Corn — The primary carbohydrate sources. These are traditional energy-delivery ingredients in working dog nutrition. They’re digestible, energy-dense, and familiar to dogs with no grain sensitivity. Both have been criticized by some corners of the pet food industry as “fillers,” but in working dog diets, fast-burning carbohydrates serve a real purpose: fueling short bursts of intense activity.
Wheat Middlings — A byproduct of wheat milling, providing additional carbohydrate and some fiber.
Dried Beet Pulp — A prebiotic fiber source. Beet pulp is a long-respected ingredient in performance pet nutrition: it ferments slowly in the gut, feeding beneficial bacteria, supporting stool consistency, and maintaining intestinal health under the stress of heavy work. This is a meaningful positive in the formula.
Malted Barley Flour — A minor carbohydrate and enzymatic source.
💊 Vitamins, Minerals & Additives
Showtime 24/20 includes a comprehensive vitamin and mineral pack covering all AAFCO requirements. Some highlights:
- Zinc Proteinate & Manganese Proteinate — These are chelated mineral forms, meaning the minerals are bound to proteins for superior bioavailability compared to basic sulfate forms. This is a genuine quality indicator in working dog nutrition.
- Vitamin A & E at elevated levels — Immune system support; particularly relevant for dogs exposed to the elements, kennel environments, or biological stress
- L-Lysine Hydrochloride — An essential amino acid supplement, compensating for any lysine limitations in the plant-based protein fractions
- Choline Chloride — Supports liver health and neurological function
One concern worth noting: Chicken fat is preserved with BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole), a synthetic preservative. Mixed tocopherols (natural vitamin E) would be preferable. For most working dog owners this is not a deal-breaker, but buyers of ultra-clean diets should be aware.
The Performance Dog Nutrition Standard: Does Showtime Meet It?
To answer “is Showtime dog food good” properly for working dog owners, it’s worth measuring against what veterinary sports medicine and canine nutrition science actually recommends for active dogs.
What Performance Dogs Need
| Nutrient | Recommended for Active/Working Dogs | Showtime 24/20 (Dry Matter Basis) |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 25–30%+ | ~27% (DMB) |
| Fat | 15–25% | ~23% (DMB) |
| Carbohydrates | 30–45% (depends on sport type) | ~43% (estimated DMB) |
| Fiber | Low (2–4%) | ~3% (max) |
| Calories | 450–500 kcal/cup for performance | 470 kcal/cup ✅ |
| Omega-3s | Present; marine source preferred | Fish meal + flaxseed ✅ |
| Chelated Minerals | Recommended | Zinc & Manganese proteinate ✅ |
Assessment: On macronutrient ratios and calorie density, Showtime 24/20 aligns closely with performance dog nutrition guidelines. The inclusion of chelated minerals, beet pulp, and marine protein sources (fish meal) elevate it above basic kennel rations. The reliance on corn gluten meal as a protein booster and BHA preservation are legitimate concerns from a premium-ingredient standpoint, but they don’t undermine the formula’s practical performance value.
Showtime Dog Food Reviews: What Real Owners and Experts Say
From the Working Dog Community
Showtime has developed a significant grassroots following in the hunting, hog hunting, and field trial communities — this isn’t manufactured buzz, it’s word-of-mouth among people who stake their dogs’ performance on what they eat.
Across hunting forums, TikTok videos from field hunters, and farm supply store reviews, the most consistent themes are:
What owners love:
- Dogs gain and hold lean body condition easily during hunting season
- Coat quality visibly improves within 3–6 weeks of switching
- High acceptance — even picky working dogs eat it willingly
- Stool consistency is solid and manageable (low volume, low waste — a sign of good digestibility)
- The price per pound makes it sustainable for multi-dog kennels
- Available in 50 lb bags — practical for serious working dog owners
What some owners don’t love:
- Some users report inconsistency between bags in recent production runs (kibble texture variations)
- A subset of owners has noted reproductive and health concerns after extended feeding — though these reports are anecdotal and not linked to any official investigation
- The ingredient list does include corn, wheat, and corn gluten meal — ingredients that more ingredient-conscious owners avoid
From Expert Review Sites
Dog Food Advisor rates Showtime at 1.5 out of 5 stars, noting that while the macronutrient profile is solid, the use of corn gluten meal as a significant protein source reduces the quality of the total protein, and the first ingredient is a generic “poultry and porcine meal” rather than a specifically named protein.
This is worth contextualizing: Dog Food Advisor’s rating system prioritizes ingredient transparency and named protein specificity. By that measure, Showtime genuinely falls short of premium brands. However, for working dog owners who care more about field performance than ingredient philosophy, the practical results speak differently.
The Honest Pros and Cons
What Showtime Gets Right
Performance-calibrated macros — The protein/fat ratios across the lineup are designed around actual canine energy expenditure, not shelf appeal. The 24/20, 27/20, and 31/22 formulas give owners real tools to match nutrition to workload.
Chelated minerals — Zinc proteinate and manganese proteinate are genuine quality markers, improving the absorption of key micronutrients. Many budget brands still use cheaper sulfate forms.
Beet pulp fiber — A well-respected, prebiotic fiber source that supports gut integrity under athletic stress. Smart inclusion.
Fish meal for omega-3s — Marine-source omega-3s (EPA/DHA) are more bioavailable for dogs than plant-source ALA, and the presence of menhaden fish meal gives this formula a legitimate anti-inflammatory edge for hard-working joints.
Calorie density is real — 470 kcal/cup in the 24/20 means active dogs can be fed practical portions without constant supplementation.
Price-to-performance value — For kennel operators feeding multiple dogs, Showtime delivers meaningful nutrition at a per-pound price that allows quality feeding at scale.
Formulated by a canine nutritionist — This isn’t marketing language. Having a credentialed nutritionist behind the formulation matters in a category where many brands are assembled without professional oversight.
What Gives Us Pause
Generic “Poultry & Porcine Meal” — A named protein (Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal) is more transparent and verifiable than “poultry meal.” Generic meal designations are permitted by AAFCO but don’t tell you exactly what species or parts are included.
Corn gluten meal as a protein booster — It inflates the protein percentage with plant-based amino acids that are less bioavailable and have a different (less complete) amino acid profile than meat protein. The actual meat-based protein content is meaningfully lower than the label percentage suggests.
BHA preservation — Chicken fat preserved with BHA rather than mixed tocopherols (natural vitamin E). BHA is FDA-approved at these levels, but natural preservation is the industry standard for premium formulas.
No recall history data — As of June 2026, no major recalls are on record for Showtime, which is a positive sign — but the brand is also less scrutinized than mass-market brands, so this data point has limits.
Availability is limited — Showtime is primarily stocked at independent feed stores, rural supply shops, and farm co-ops in the Southern and Southeastern US. If you’re not in that footprint, you may face shipping costs or limited access. More on this below.
Showtime vs. The Competition
How does Showtime stack up against other brands popular in the working/hunting dog market?
| Feature | Showtime 24/20 | Diamond Naturals | Purina Pro Plan Sport 30/20 | 4Health Sport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protein % (DMB) | ~27% | ~29% | ~33% | ~29% |
| Fat % (DMB) | ~23% | ~17% | ~22% | ~20% |
| Calories/cup | 470 kcal | 409 kcal | 474 kcal | 418 kcal |
| Named 1st protein | ❌ (generic) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Chelated minerals | ✅ (partial) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Grain-inclusive | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Corn gluten meal | ✅ (present) | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| BHA used | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Recall history | None on record | Multiple | Multiple | None on record |
| Price per lb (approx.) | $0.55–$0.70 | $0.80–$1.10 | $1.30–$1.60 | $0.75–$0.90 |
| Availability | Feed stores (regional) | Wide | Wide | Tractor Supply (wide) |
Key takeaway: Showtime competes on price and calorie density. Where it loses ground is ingredient transparency (generic meal, corn gluten meal, BHA) versus Purina Pro Plan Sport or Diamond Naturals, which score higher on named proteins and natural preservation. For budget-sensitive kennel operators in Showtime’s distribution footprint, the tradeoff may make sense. For owners who can access better-priced alternatives, brands like 4Health Sport (sold at Tractor Supply) offer comparable performance with cleaner ingredient panels at a similar cost.
Who Should Feed Showtime — and Who Probably Shouldn’t
Showtime Is a Strong Fit For:
- Working hunting dog owners in the South and Southeast looking for a regionally available, performance-calibrated feed
- Kennel operators feeding multiple active dogs who need a reliable, cost-efficient option
- Field trainers who prioritize calorie density and high fat for sustained energy
- Hog hunters, cur dog owners, and retriever trainers with dogs that run hard seasonally
- Multi-formula buyers who want the flexibility to dial protein/fat up or down by season (light work → 21/12; peak season → 27/20 or 31/22)
Showtime Probably Isn’t the Best Choice For:
- House pets and lightly active dogs — the higher-fat formulas will cause weight gain in dogs that don’t burn those calories
- Dogs with corn or wheat sensitivities — the grain-inclusive formulas lead with wheat and corn
- Ingredient-first buyers who want named single proteins, no corn gluten meal, and natural preservation
- Buyers outside Showtime’s regional footprint — shipping a 50 lb bag adds cost that can undermine the price advantage
- Dogs on prescription or veterinary-grade diets — Showtime isn’t designed for therapeutic nutrition
Where to Find Showtime Dog Food Near You
Finding Showtime dog food near me is one of the most common questions new buyers ask — and the honest answer is that it depends heavily on where you live.
Physical Retail (Best Value)
Showtime is primarily distributed through:
- Independent farm and feed supply stores across Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, and surrounding states
- Rural supply co-ops and livestock feed dealers
- Local hunting and outdoor supply stores in the South and Southeast
- Care-A-Lot Pet Supply (Virginia/North Carolina region)
- Tractor Supply Company — availability varies by location; call ahead
The best way to find a local dealer: Visit midsouthfeeds.com and use the dealer locator. This gives you the most accurate and up-to-date list of authorized retailers in your area.
Online Options
If you’re outside Showtime’s primary distribution zone:
- Chewy.com — limited selection, but available with shipping (note: 50 lb bags are heavy; shipping costs can be significant)
- Amazon — occasional stock availability
- Instacart — selected retailer partners carry Showtime in applicable markets for same-day delivery
Important Note on 50 lb Bag Purchases
Many retailers only sell Showtime in 50 lb bags — the standard size for working dog and kennel customers. This is cost-effective for multi-dog households but not ideal for single-dog owners with storage limitations. Ask retailers whether smaller bag sizes are available in your area.
Price Guidance (June 2026)
| Formula | Size | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|
| Showtime 21/12 | 50 lb | $28–$35 |
| Showtime 24/20 | 50 lb | $32–$40 |
| Showtime 27/20 | 50 lb | $34–$42 |
| Showtime Advanced 31/22 | 50 lb | $38–$46 |
| Showtime Puppy 30/20 | 50 lb | $34–$42 |
| Showtime Chicken & Rice 24/14 | 50 lb | $30–$38 |
Prices vary by retailer and region. Pallet pricing may be available for large kennel orders — contact your local dealer or Mid-South Feeds directly.
showtime 24/20 dog food Food FAQ
What does “24/20” mean in Showtime dog food?
The numbers refer to the guaranteed minimum crude protein (24%) and minimum crude fat (20%) on an as-fed basis. These are the two most important macronutrients for working and performance dogs. Higher numbers = more energy-dense food designed for harder-working animals. Always match the formula to your dog’s actual activity level.
Is Showtime dog food good for hunting dogs?
For most hunting breeds running in-season work — retrievers, pointers, spaniels, hounds, and cur dogs — Showtime’s 24/20 and 27/20 formulas are well-suited to seasonal performance demands. The calorie density, high fat content, and omega fatty acid sources support sustained energy and coat/joint health during demanding hunts.
Where is Showtime dog food made?
Showtime is produced by Mid-South Feeds, Inc., headquartered in the Southern United States. All formulations are made domestically.
Is Showtime good for everyday (non-working) pets?
The 21/12 or Chicken & Rice 24/14 formulas are the most appropriate for moderately active to lightly active dogs. The high-fat formulas (24/20, 27/20, 31/22) provide more calories than a sedentary dog needs and can lead to weight gain if activity levels don’t match intake.
Does Showtime dog food contain grain?
Yes — all current Showtime formulas are grain-inclusive, primarily using ground whole wheat, ground yellow corn, and wheat middlings. Showtime does not currently offer a grain-free product line. If your dog has confirmed grain sensitivity, this brand is not suitable.
Has Showtime dog food ever been recalled?
As of June 2026, there are no major recalls on record for Showtime dog food. The brand is manufactured by Mid-South Feeds, which has maintained a clean safety record. This said, Showtime is a regional brand with less national-level regulatory scrutiny than mass-market brands. Always monitor the FDA pet food recall list at fda.gov for the most current information.
How many dogs can a 50 lb bag of Showtime 24/20 feed?
At 470 kcal/cup with the 24/20 formula, a 50 lb bag contains approximately 200 cups. A 60 lb active working dog needs roughly 4.5–5 cups per day during high-activity periods, so one bag lasts about 40 days for a single dog. For a kennel of five dogs, plan for roughly 8 bags per month during hunting season.
Can puppies eat Showtime dog food?
Yes — but feed the ShowTime Puppy 30/20 formula specifically designed for growth. It contains the proper protein/fat balance for healthy development and meets AAFCO standards for growth. Do not feed adult performance formulas (27/20, 31/22) to puppies, as the macronutrient ratios are not calibrated for growth requirements.
Final Verdict: Is Showtime Dog Food Worth It?
Here’s the honest answer, broken into two parts — because what makes a dog food “good” depends entirely on which dog you’re feeding.
For Working, Hunting, and Active Dogs:
Yes — Showtime delivers. The performance formulas (24/20, 27/20, 31/22) are purpose-built for dogs that actually work. Calorie density is genuine. The macronutrient ratios align with veterinary performance nutrition guidelines. Chelated minerals, beet pulp fiber, and marine protein sources (fish meal) elevate the formula above basic kennel feed. The price per pound makes quality performance feeding sustainable for multi-dog operations. The grassroots reputation among hunting and working dog communities isn’t accident — it’s the product of consistent results.
For House Pets and Light-Activity Dogs:
There are better choices. The ingredient panel — particularly generic poultry & porcine meal, corn gluten meal as a protein supplement, and BHA preservation — doesn’t compete with mid-range options like 4Health Sport or Diamond Naturals at comparable price points. And the higher-fat formulas are simply too calorie-dense for dogs that aren’t burning it.
Our Rating
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Ingredient Quality (working dog standard) | 3.5 / 5 |
| Nutritional Performance Value | 4.5 / 5 |
| Value for Money | 4.5 / 5 |
| Palatability | 4 / 5 |
| Transparency & Labeling | 3 / 5 |
| Availability | 3 / 5 |
| Safety Record | 4 / 5 |
| Overall | 3.9 / 5 |
Bottom line: Showtime isn’t trying to win a pet food beauty contest. It’s trying to keep working dogs performing at their best without breaking the bank for the people who run them. For that specific job, it largely succeeds.
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for veterinary nutritional advice. If your dog has specific health conditions, consult a licensed veterinarian before changing their diet.