Puppy & Performance Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Dry Dog Recipe
Verified Jun 17, 2026
This is a high-protein, high-fat dry kibble designed for puppies and active dogs, using chicken meal as the primary protein source with brown rice, sorghum, and barley as the main carbohydrates. It includes added menhaden fish meal and flaxseed to supply omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat, plus probiotics and beet pulp to support digestive health. The calorie-dense formula suits growing or hard-working dogs that need more energy in a smaller volume of food, but is not intended for large-breed puppy growth.
Nutritionally, this is a rich, calorie-dense formula well-suited for most puppies and highly active dogs that need extra energy and higher protein and fat. It uses named animal protein sources, quality grains, and includes omega fatty acids and probiotics, making it a solid all-life-stages option for small- and medium-breed puppies and adult dogs with higher activity levels. It is not appropriate for large-breed puppies, who need a different calcium and calorie balance to support controlled growth.
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At a Glance
What "not formulated for" means
Life stages this food isn't certified complete and balanced for, based on its AAFCO statement.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- High protein (30%) and fat (20%) levels are appropriate for growth and for performance/working dogs that burn a lot of energy.
- Uses named animal proteins (chicken meal, menhaden fish meal, egg) along with digestible grains (brown rice, sorghum, barley) rather than relying on lower-value fillers.
- Includes flaxseed and menhaden fish oil to provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that support skin, coat, and overall health.
- Contains added probiotics and beet pulp to help support a healthy digestive tract, and is AAFCO-complete for all life stages except large-breed growth.
Considerations
- Not suitable for large-breed puppies (expected adult weight 70 lb or more), who require different nutritional control during growth.
- Chicken, egg, and fish are all common protein allergens, so this formula would not be a good fit for dogs with known sensitivities to any of these ingredients.
- The calorie content per cup is quite high (about 522 kcal/cup), so portion control is important to avoid unwanted weight gain in less active dogs.
Full Ingredient List
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
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 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.
04
Mixed Tocopherol
Mixed tocopherols are a blend of natural vitamin E compounds (alpha, beta, gamma and delta tocopherols) used in pet foods primarily as a natural antioxidant and preservative to protect fats and fat‑soluble nutrients and extend shelf life. They also supply dietary vitamin E—an essential antioxidant for immune function, skin and coat health and cellular integrity in dogs and cats—and are generally safe at typical use levels, though they are not a substitute for a complete vitamin formulation and may be less effective in animals with fat‑absorption disorders.
05
Beet Pulp
Beet pulp is a moderately fermentable fiber ingredient derived from sugar beet processing that is commonly added to dog and some cat foods to provide soluble and insoluble fiber for healthy digestion and firmer stool. It supports beneficial gut bacteria and satiety by producing short-chain fatty acids, but it is not a significant source of protein or vitamins and quality can vary, so pets with specific dietary sensitivities or strict low‑carbohydrate needs should have its use discussed with a veterinarian.
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.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
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.Brand
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 AdirondackManufacturer
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
Adirondack Puppy & Performance Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Dry Dog Recipe has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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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.
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.
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