Retriever Dog Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 9, 2026
This is a dry, all-life-stages formula built around chicken meal, whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal, and added fish ingredients for extra protein and fatty acids. It’s designed for active dogs such as retrievers and other field dogs who benefit from a bit more protein, with added taurine and joint-supporting ingredients such as New Zealand green-lipped mussel. The nutrient profile also makes it suitable for puppies, adults, and seniors, including large-breed puppies, when fed according to directions.
This is a high-quality, moderately high-protein dry food that should suit many active dogs and sporting breeds very well. It uses chicken meal as the main protein source, supported by digestible whole grains and helpful extras for heart, joint, skin, and coat support. It’s also formulated for all life stages, including large-breed growth, which is a plus for multi-dog households or breeders who prefer one food for most dogs.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Chicken meal as the first ingredient provides concentrated, highly usable animal protein, with total protein at 28% which is appropriate for active dogs and all life stages.
- Uses brown rice and oatmeal as primary carbohydrates, which are generally easy to digest for most dogs and provide steady energy rather than quick spikes.
- Includes multiple sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (menhaden fish meal and oil, flax seed, canola oil) that can support skin, coat, and overall health.
- Contains taurine for heart support and New Zealand green-lipped mussel plus glucosamine sources for joint support, which is particularly helpful for large and athletic breeds like retrievers and field dogs.
Considerations
- Chicken and egg are key protein sources, so this food is not a good fit for dogs with known allergies or sensitivities to poultry or eggs.
- At 466 calories per cup, this diet is energy dense; less active or easy-keeping dogs may need smaller portions to avoid unwanted weight gain.
- Contains beet pulp and brewers dried yeast, which are generally safe but can cause soft stool or digestive upset in a small number of dogs who are sensitive to these ingredients.
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
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.
04
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.
05
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.
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 Retriever Dog Recipe 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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