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Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Cat Food
Health Extension

Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Cat Food

Verified Jun 14, 2026

Cat · Dry All Life Stages All Breed Sizes

This is a high-protein, chicken-based dry cat food designed for cats and kittens of all ages. It uses chicken and chicken meal as primary protein sources, with brown rice and oatmeal for digestible carbohydrates, plus herring oil and flaxseed for omega fatty acids. The recipe is enriched with taurine, probiotics, and a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and supplements to support overall wellness and digestion.

Over-the-counter AAFCO No recalls
Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.7 out of 10

This is an excellent-quality dry food for kittens through senior cats, with a strong emphasis on animal protein and a thoughtful blend of added nutrients. The protein and fat levels are well within a good range for most healthy cats, and it includes taurine and omega-3s, which are especially important for heart, eye, skin, and coat health. It should suit many indoor and moderately active cats, though cats with chicken or egg sensitivities would need a different option.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Ingredient composition Quality, beneficial additions, absence of artificial colors/flavors
Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber evaluated for stated life stage and food type
AAFCO compliance Complete and balanced certification; feeding trials valued higher
Health considerations Sensitivity profile, DCM risk, processing method
9.0 – 10 Top Pick
8.0 – 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 – 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 – 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6 Not Recommended

KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.


At a Glance

Health Benefits
Probiotic Support Digestive Health Immune Support Skin Coat Health Joint Care Heart Care Brain Health Weight Management Endurance Support
Suitable For
All Life Stages All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • High protein content (36% as-fed) from named animal sources like chicken, chicken meal, and menhaden fish meal, which supports lean muscle maintenance in cats of all ages.
  • Balanced fat level (16% as-fed) with herring oil and flaxseed providing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support skin, coat, and overall health.
  • Formulated to be complete and balanced for all life stages according to AAFCO, so it can be used for kittens, adults, and seniors as a sole diet.
  • Includes multiple digestive-support ingredients such as dried beet pulp, chicory root, and added probiotics, which can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome.

Considerations

  • Contains chicken, egg, and fish, which are common food allergens for some cats; not ideal if your cat has known sensitivities to any of these proteins.
  • Fiber is moderately high for a cat food (6% max), which can be helpful for some cats but may be too much for those who do better on very low-fiber diets.
  • Calorie density is on the higher side at 422 kcal per cup, so portion control is important, especially for indoor or less active cats prone to weight gain.
  • Relies on formulation rather than AAFCO feeding trials, so while it meets nutrient profile standards on paper, its digestibility and real-world performance haven’t been verified through formal trials.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Menhaden Fish Meal, Herring Oil (source of DHA), Flaxseed, Sweet Potato, Dried Egg Product, Tomato Pomace, Taurine, Chicory Root, Dried Beet Pulp, Coconut Oil, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Organic Turmeric, Organic Black Pepper, Organic Ginger, Bovine Colostrum, Organic Blueberries, Cranberries, Organic Goji Berries, Organic Pineapple, Organic Papaya, Dried Kelp, Dried Seaweed Meal, New Zealand Green Mussel, Organic Carrots, Organic Pumpkin, Green Tea Extract, Sage Extract, Organic Parsley, Organic Spinach, Organic Kale, Sweet Basil, Thyme Extract, Organic Ashwagandha, Organic Chaga, Organic Lion's Mane, Organic Reishi, Organic Turkey Tail, Organic Shiitake, Organic Maitake, Organic Cordyceps, Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin E Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Choline Chloride, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Biotin, Inositol, Organic Dehydrated Kelp, Zinc Polysaccharide Complex, Iron Polysaccharide Complex, Manganese Polysaccharide Complex, Copper Polysaccharide Complex, Cobalt Polysaccharide Complex, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Pectin, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus licheniformis Fermentation Product, Dried Baciollus coagulans Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus oryzae Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus niger Fermentation Product.

Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.

Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.

Top 5 Ingredients Explained

01
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
02
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
03
Brown Rice
Brown rice is a whole-grain carbohydrate and fiber ingredient commonly used in dog and cat foods to provide digestible energy, dietary fiber, and modest amounts of B‑vitamins and minerals; it typically offers more nutrients and fiber than white rice. It’s generally well tolerated and can help with sensitive stomachs, but because it is high in carbohydrates (not a primary protein source) and can contain trace inorganic arsenic depending on sourcing, it should be included in balanced formulations and monitored in overweight or diabetic pets.
04
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber (notably beta‑glucans), serving as a gentle filler or binder that can support healthy digestion and steady energy release. It provides B vitamins and minerals, is generally well tolerated by dogs and many cats when cooked and plain, but should be free of added sugars or flavorings and used cautiously for overweight or diabetic pets or animals with individual grain sensitivities.
05
Chicken Fat
Chicken fat is used in dog and cat foods as a concentrated energy and flavor source that supplies essential fatty acids (notably linoleic acid) and aids absorption of fat‑soluble vitamins, improving palatability and supporting skin and coat health. Because it is calorie‑dense, diets must account for added fat to prevent weight gain, and quality (proper rendering and antioxidant protection to prevent rancidity) is important; although fats are less commonly allergenic than proteins, pets with poultry sensitivities may still react in some cases.

Nutritional Breakdown

How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
36.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
16.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
6.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
10.00%
Low High
422
kcal / Cup
3719
kcal / Kg
Moderate
Calorie density category
What is calorie density How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.

Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Lifestage All Life Stages
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Kibble
Processing method Slow Cooked
Food type Dry

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.

Complete & balanced Yes
AAFCO life stages All Life Stages
Substantiation Formulation
Holistic Health Extension Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

Brand

Health Extension

Health Extension is the flagship brand of Health Extension Pet Care, offering holistic dog and cat foods made with premium proteins and whole-food ingredients. The brand targets pet owners seeking natural, grain-inclusive, and grain-free options without artificial additives.

Visit Health Extension
Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Health Extension Pet Care
Founded 1963
Headquarters Hauppauge, New York, USA
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region New York
Manufacturing oversight

Health Extension Pet Care oversees manufacturing in facilities that comply with FDA and AAFCO standards. Each batch undergoes quality assurance and safety checks, and foods are made in the USA using high-quality ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers.

Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.

Recall History

No recalls on record

Health Extension Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.7 /10 Grade A
Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Cat Food
Health Extension · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Health Extension ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Health Extension. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.

How does KibbleLab rate foods?

Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.

Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?

No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.

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KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.

KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.

Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.