Puppy Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 15, 2026
This is a dry puppy food formulated for growth, using chicken meal as the main protein source with brown and white rice and oatmeal as easily digestible carbohydrates. It includes herring meal, flaxseed, and avocado/avocado oil to supply omega fatty acids for skin, coat, and overall development, plus added DHA and probiotics. The nutrient profile is designed for growing puppies and can also be used for pregnant or lactating adult dogs.
Nutritionally, this is a well-balanced puppy formula with a solid protein level, moderate fat, and a thoughtfully rounded vitamin and mineral profile for growth. Chicken meal and herring meal provide concentrated animal protein, while rice and oatmeal offer gentle carbohydrate sources. It should suit most healthy puppies, and the added omega fatty acids and probiotics are nice extras for skin, coat, and digestive support.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Chicken meal as the first ingredient provides a concentrated, high-quality animal protein source suitable for growing puppies.
- Good fat level (16% minimum) with chicken fat, herring meal, flaxseed, and avocado/avocado oil contributing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin, coat, and development.
- Carbohydrate sources are mainly rice and oatmeal, which are generally easy to digest for most puppies and avoid corn and wheat for those that don’t tolerate them well.
- Complete and balanced to AAFCO standards for growth, with detailed vitamin, mineral, and amino acid levels plus added DHA and probiotics for additional support.
Considerations
- Contains chicken, egg, and fish, which are common protein allergens, so it’s not a good fit for puppies with known sensitivities to any of those ingredients.
- Formulated by AAFCO nutrient profiles rather than being backed by AAFCO feeding trials, so its performance is based on formulation rather than long-term feeding studies.
- Avocado and avocado oil are safe and can be beneficial in dog foods, but if your puppy has a very sensitive stomach, any higher-fat ingredient change should be introduced gradually, as they recommend.
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
White Rice
White rice is a highly digestible carbohydrate commonly used in pet foods as an energy source, binder or filler and is often included in bland diets to help manage gastrointestinal upset. It supplies readily available calories but contains little protein, fat, fiber or micronutrients (so complete diets must be balanced), and should be used judiciously in overweight or diabetic pets due to its high glycemic index; prolonged exclusive feeding is not recommended.
04
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.
05
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.
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
AvoDerm Natural is a premium pet food brand known for incorporating California avocados and omega-rich ingredients designed to support healthy skin and coats. The brand targets pet owners seeking natural, wholesome nutrition for dogs and cats.
Visit AvoDerm NaturalManufacturer
Central Garden & Pet oversees quality control and manufacturing for its brands, utilizing both in-house and contracted facilities. The company adheres to FDA and AAFCO regulations for pet food manufacturing, ensuring compliance with labeling and nutritional standards.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
AvoDerm Natural Puppy Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has AvoDerm Natural ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for AvoDerm Natural. 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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