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26% Protein Active Recipe Dry Dog Food
Adirondack

26% Protein Active Recipe Dry Dog Food

Verified Jun 20, 2026

Dog · Dry Adult All Breed Sizes

This is a dry kibble formulated for active adult dogs, using pork and chicken meals as the main protein sources with brown rice, oats, sorghum, and barley providing complex carbohydrates. It offers moderate-to-high protein and fat levels, added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and a probiotic source to support digestion. The recipe is grain-inclusive and designed for dogs with higher energy needs across all breed sizes.

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

This is a solid, well-balanced dry food for active adult dogs, with animal meals as the primary protein sources and a variety of whole grains for sustained energy. The nutrient profile (26% protein, 15% fat) suits many moderately to highly active dogs, and the inclusion of fish oil, flaxseed, and probiotics is a nice nutritional plus. It does contain multiple common protein sources, so it’s best suited for dogs without food allergies rather than those needing a limited-ingredient diet.

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
High Energy Probiotic Support Skin Coat Health
Suitable For
Adult All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Named animal meals (pork meal and chicken meal) high on the ingredient list provide concentrated, high-quality protein for active dogs.
  • Balanced macronutrient profile for an adult dry food, with 26% protein and 15% fat to support lean muscle and energy needs.
  • Includes menhaden fish oil and ground flaxseed, which contribute omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that can support skin and coat health.
  • Contains a dried Lactobacillus fermentation product as a probiotic source, plus beet pulp and brewers yeast that can help support gut health and stool quality.

Considerations

  • Contains chicken and pork, both of which can be problematic if your dog has known food allergies or sensitivities to these proteins.
  • Grain-inclusive formula with brown rice, barley, oats, and sorghum, which is generally fine for most dogs but not appropriate for those on a veterinarian-directed grain-free or grain-avoidant plan.
  • Calorie density is fairly high at about 452 kcal per cup, so portion control is important, especially for less active dogs to avoid unwanted weight gain.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Pork Meal, Brown Rice, Chicken Meal, Oat Groats, Ground Grain Sorghum, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Pearled Barley, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Brewers Dried Yeast, Whole Ground Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Menhaden Fish Oil, DL-Methionine, L-Lysine, Choline Chloride, Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product Dehydrated, Salt, Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Niacin Supplement, Organic Dried Kelp, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Acetate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Citric Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Iron Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate.

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
Pork
Pork is used in pet foods primarily as a high-quality animal protein and flavor enhancer, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins (especially B12 and niacin), iron and zinc, plus fat for calorie-dense energy; it can be suitable for both dogs and cats when balanced in a complete diet. Because pork can be relatively high in fat, it may be inappropriate for pets requiring low‑fat diets or those prone to pancreatitis, some animals may have sensitivities to pork, and raw or undercooked pork can carry parasites or pathogens so it should be properly processed or cooked.
02
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.
03
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.
04
Oat Groat
Oat groats are the whole, minimally processed oat kernels (hull removed) used in pet foods as a source of complex carbohydrates, soluble fiber (including beneficial beta‑glucans), and modest amounts of protein, B vitamins, and minerals. They provide digestible energy and can support gastrointestinal health and weight management when cooked or processed for improved digestibility, but should be used in moderation—especially in cat diets and in pets with grain sensitivities or carbohydrate‑restricted conditions such as diabetes.
05
Grain Sorghum
Grain sorghum is a gluten-free cereal grain used in pet foods primarily as a carbohydrate and fiber source that also contributes modest plant protein, B vitamins, and minerals, often serving as an alternative to corn or wheat. It supplies energy and dietary fiber for dogs and cats but is relatively low in certain essential amino acids (like lysine), and some tannin-containing varieties can reduce palatability and nutrient digestibility—processing and balanced formulation mitigate these issues, and sourcing should guard against mycotoxin contamination.

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)
26.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
15.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
4.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
10.00%
Low High
3601
kcal / Kg
453
kcal / Cup
4
kcal / G
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 Adult
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Kibble
Processing method Slow Cooked
Food type Dry

Brand

Adirondack

Adirondack is a premium pet food brand offering slow-cooked, nutrient-dense dry dog and cat food recipes. The brand emphasizes wholesome ingredients, high digestibility, and small-batch manufacturing for optimal taste and nutrition.

Visit Adirondack
Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Adirondack Pet Food
Parent company BrightPet Nutrition Group
Founded 1978
Headquarters Lisbon, Ohio, USA
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region Ohio
Manufacturing oversight

Adirondack Pet Food manufactures its products in its own SQF-certified facility under BrightPet Nutrition Group. Quality control procedures include ingredient testing, in-process monitoring, and adherence to AAFCO nutritional standards.

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

Adirondack 26% Protein Active Recipe Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.2 /10 Grade A
26% Protein Active Recipe Dry Dog Food
Adirondack · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Adirondack ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Adirondack. 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.