Freshwater Recipe Catfish & Whole Grains Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 3, 2026
This is a dry, all-life-stages dog food based on catfish and whitefish meals, paired with whole grains like brown rice, barley, oatmeal, and millet. It offers moderate protein and fat levels with added omega-3 fatty acids, joint-support ingredients, and probiotics. The recipe is designed for dogs of all sizes, including large-breed puppies, and avoids chicken meat and chicken fat for dogs that don’t do well with those ingredients.
This formula provides a solid, fish-based option for dogs who need or prefer to avoid chicken, with whole grains and a well-balanced nutrient profile suitable for all life stages, including large-breed growth. The protein and fat levels are appropriate for many dogs, and it includes several thoughtful additions like probiotics, omega-3s, and joint-support ingredients. It’s a good everyday diet for healthy dogs, especially those with chicken sensitivities, as long as they tolerate fish and grains well.
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
- Catfish meal and whitefish meal provide named, animal-based protein sources as the foundation of the diet.
- Uses wholesome grains (brown rice, barley, oatmeal, millet) instead of relying on lower-value fillers, offering good digestible carbohydrate and fiber sources.
- Includes omega-3-rich fish oils and New Zealand green mussel, which can support skin, coat, and joint health.
- Contains added probiotics and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables like blueberries, cranberries, carrots, and spinach to support digestive and immune function, and is AAFCO-complete for all life stages including large-breed puppies.
Considerations
- Fish (catfish and whitefish) are common allergens for some dogs, so this may not suit dogs with known fish allergies, even though it avoids chicken.
- At 450 calories per cup, this is a relatively calorie-dense food, so portion control is important to prevent weight gain, especially in less active dogs.
- Canola oil is used as a primary fat source; while nutritionally acceptable, very fat-sensitive dogs may still need closer monitoring when changing to any new fat profile.
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
Catfish
Catfish is used in pet foods as a digestible animal protein and source of omega‑3 fatty acids, supporting muscle maintenance and skin/coat health in both dogs and cats. It can enhance palatability and provide lean protein but may trigger fish allergies in some animals or present contaminant risks depending on source (e.g., mercury or PCBs), and cat diets should still be formulated or supplemented to ensure adequate taurine and complete nutrition.
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
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.
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
Whitefish
Whitefish (such as pollock, cod, or haddock) is commonly used in pet foods as a lean animal protein source that provides high‑quality essential amino acids, good digestibility, and some omega‑3 fatty acids to support skin, coat and muscle maintenance. While generally palatable and useful for weight‑managed formulas, pet parents should be aware of potential fish allergies and the importance of responsible sourcing and processing to minimize contaminants; cats also require adequate dietary taurine, so whitefish should be part of a complete, balanced diet.
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
Best Breed is a premium holistic pet food brand focusing on naturally formulated diets for dogs and cats. The brand highlights its veterinarian-developed recipes, use of high-quality animal proteins, and exclusion of artificial preservatives or ingredients. It targets pet owners seeking vet-formulated, natural, holistic nutrition options.
Visit Best BreedManufacturer
Products are made in the United States with a focus on small-batch production to ensure freshness and quality. Best Breed maintains rigorous ingredient sourcing and safety protocols and follows AAFCO nutritional guidelines.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Best Breed Freshwater Recipe Catfish & Whole Grains Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Best Breed ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Best Breed. 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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