Originals With Natural Salmon Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 8, 2026
This is a complete and balanced dry food for adult dogs featuring salmon as the first ingredient, supported by chicken by-product meal and plant proteins for overall protein supply. It uses corn, wheat, barley, oats, and rice as the main carbohydrate and energy sources, with added salmon-related fats and soybean oil contributing essential fatty acids that can support skin and coat. The formula is AAFCO-formulated for adult maintenance and includes a standard vitamin and mineral premix for everyday nutrition.
Overall, this is a solid, mid-range dry food for healthy adult dogs that combines animal and plant proteins with multiple grains for energy. The nutrient profile (23% protein, 13% fat) is appropriate for most adult pets with average activity, and salmon as the first ingredient is a nice feature for owners looking for a fish-based formula. It’s best suited to dogs without known allergies to chicken, beef, wheat, soy, or corn and who do well on a grain-containing diet.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Salmon listed as the first ingredient provides a good animal protein source, supported by chicken by-product meal and egg flavor for a complete amino acid profile.
- Multiple whole grains (corn, wheat, barley, oats, rice) offer readily available energy and fiber, which can suit many normally active adult dogs.
- AAFCO complete and balanced for adult maintenance, so it’s designed to meet the daily nutrient needs of adult dogs when fed as the sole diet.
- Includes added linoleic acid and vegetable/soybean oils, which help supply essential fatty acids that can support skin and coat health.
Considerations
- Contains several common allergens (salmon/fish, chicken by-product meal, egg flavor, beef fat, wheat, soy), so it may not be appropriate for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients.
- Protein level at 23% (dry matter will be higher but still moderate) is adequate for most adults, though very active or working dogs may benefit from a higher-protein option.
- Relies partly on plant protein sources (soybean meal, corn protein meal), which are nutritionally acceptable but provide a different amino acid profile than exclusively meat-based diets.
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
Salmon
Salmon is commonly used as a high-quality animal protein and rich source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) in dog and cat foods, supporting skin and coat condition, joint and cognitive health, and overall muscle maintenance. While very nutritious, salmon can be an allergen for some pets and raw salmon may pose risks from parasites, thiaminase-related thiamine loss, and region-specific pathogens (e.g., salmon poisoning); owners should avoid feeding uncooked bones and consider sourcing to minimize contaminant and sustainability concerns.
02
Whole Grain Corn
Whole grain corn is commonly used as a carbohydrate and energy source in pet foods, providing digestible starch, dietary fiber, some protein, and B vitamins and minerals while retaining more nutrients than refined corn. It is generally economical and well-tolerated by most dogs and many cats, but because cats are obligate carnivores animal-based proteins are nutritionally more important, and pets with grain sensitivities, certain metabolic conditions, or requirements for low-carbohydrate diets may need alternatives; proper sourcing and processing also reduce mycotoxin risk and improve digestibility.
03
Whole Grain Wheat
Whole grain wheat is used in pet foods as a digestible source of carbohydrates, fiber and some plant protein, and provides B‑vitamins and minerals to supply energy and help support stool quality—its nutritional contribution is typically more relevant for dogs than for obligate‑carnivore cats. While whole wheat retains more nutrients and fiber than refined wheat, it is calorie‑dense and can trigger gluten or grain sensitivities in a minority of pets, so animals with known wheat allergies or weight management concerns may be better served by wheat‑free or lower‑carbohydrate options.
04
Soybean
Soybean is a common plant-based ingredient in pet foods used as a concentrated protein and fat source (in forms such as soybean meal, soy protein concentrate/isolate, and soybean oil) that supplies essential amino acids, calories, and beneficial polyunsaturated fats. It can be a cost-effective, digestible protein for many dogs but is less ideal as the sole protein for obligate carnivores like cats and may trigger allergies or deliver phytoestrogens and antinutritional factors (e.g., trypsin inhibitors, phytates) that are typically reduced by proper processing, so diets using soy should be balanced and monitored.
05
Barley
Barley is a cereal grain used in pet foods primarily as a digestible carbohydrate and source of dietary fiber (including soluble beta‑glucans), along with modest amounts of B vitamins and minerals. It can support healthy digestion, help moderate post‑meal blood sugar and aid weight management in dogs, but provides limited protein for obligate carnivores like cats, must be cooked/processed for good digestibility, and may be unsuitable for pets with grain sensitivities or calorie‑restricted diets.
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
Beneful is a mid-range brand offering dry and wet dog food featuring real ingredients, vibrant packaging, and a focus on balanced nutrition with appealing taste and texture.
Visit BenefulManufacturer
Nestlé Purina operates its own manufacturing facilities in the United States and globally with rigorous quality assurance programs. Facilities comply with FDA and USDA standards and implement HACCP-based food safety systems. The company conducts AAFCO feeding trials and employs board-certified veterinary nutritionists.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Beneful Originals With Natural Salmon Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Beneful ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Beneful. 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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