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Toy-Small Breed Recipe Dry Dog Food
Best Breed

Toy-Small Breed Recipe Dry Dog Food

Verified Jun 10, 2026

Dog · Dry All Life Stages Small

This is a dry kibble formulated for toy and small breed dogs at all life stages, including puppies and even large-breed puppies. It uses chicken meal and whitefish meal as the main protein sources, with brown rice, barley, millet, and oatmeal providing digestible carbohydrates. Added fish oils, flaxseed, probiotics, and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables support skin and coat, digestion, and overall wellness in small dogs with higher energy needs.

Over-the-counter AAFCO No recalls
Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.6 out of 10

Nutritionally, this is a well-balanced small-breed formula with a thoughtful mix of animal proteins and wholesome grains, appropriate for everything from weaning puppies to adult and senior small dogs. The protein and fat levels are nicely suited to the higher metabolism of toy and small breeds, and the inclusion of fish oils, flax, and joint-supportive ingredients is a plus. It’s also formulated to be safe for large-breed puppies, which is unusual for a small-breed diet and indicates attention to mineral balance and growth needs.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Ingredient composition Quality, beneficial additions, absence of artificial colors/flavors
Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber evaluated for stated life stage and food type
AAFCO compliance Complete and balanced certification; feeding trials valued higher
Health considerations Sensitivity profile, DCM risk, processing method
9.0 – 10 Top Pick
8.0 – 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 – 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 – 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6 Not Recommended

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

Health Benefits
Probiotic Support Digestive Health Immune Support Joint Care Antioxidant Support Skin Coat Health
Suitable For
All Life Stages Small
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Named animal protein meals (chicken meal and whitefish meal) as primary ingredients provide concentrated, high-quality protein for small, active dogs.
  • Uses a variety of whole grains (brown rice, barley, millet, oatmeal) rather than relying heavily on less nutritious fillers, offering steady energy and fiber.
  • Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from menhaden fish oil, flaxseed, and chicken fat, which can support healthy skin and coat.
  • Includes probiotics and several functional ingredients like dried fruits/vegetables and New Zealand green mussel, which can support digestive and joint health in small breeds.

Considerations

  • Contains chicken, egg, and fish, which are common food allergens for some dogs; not ideal if your dog is known to react to any of these proteins.
  • Calorie density is quite high at 528 kcal per cup, so portions need to be measured carefully to avoid weight gain, especially in less active small dogs.
  • Multiple grain sources are present; while healthy for most dogs, this may not suit pets that truly require a grain-free or very simplified ingredient list for medical reasons.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Pearled Barley, Millet, Whitefish Meal, Oatmeal, Canola Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Whole Dry Eggs, Dried Tomato Pomace, Natural Chicken Flavor, Ground Flaxseed, Menhaden Fish Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Lecithin, Dried Carrots, Dried Spinach, Dried Blueberries, Dried Cranberries, Dried Kelp Meal, New Zealand Green Mussel, Salt, DL-Methionine, Choline Chloride, L-Lysine, Taurine, Marine Microalgae, L-Carnitine, Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Biotin, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Citric Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Potassium Chloride, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product Dehydrated.

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
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
Millet
Millet is a small, gluten-free cereal grain used in pet foods primarily as a carbohydrate and fiber source that also contributes modest amounts of protein, B vitamins and minerals such as magnesium and phosphorus. It is generally well tolerated by dogs and may be used in some cat recipes, but because cats are obligate carnivores and millet is relatively high in carbohydrates and contains phytic acid (an anti‑nutrient), it is usually cooked/processed for better digestibility and should be part of a formula that meets species‑specific protein and taurine needs; pets with specific grain sensitivities may still react, so consult your veterinarian if concerned.
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.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
28.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
17.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
4.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
10.00%
Low High
528
kcal / Cup
High
Calorie density category
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

Lifestage All Life Stages
Breed size Small
Texture Kibble
Food type Dry

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.

Complete & balanced Yes
AAFCO life stages All Life Stages, Large Breed Growth (70+ lbs)
Substantiation Formulation
Best Breed Small Breed Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages, including growth of large size dogs (70lbs. or more as an adult). This formula will benefit dogs of sizes and life stages (puppy through senior).

Brand

Best Breed

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 Breed
Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Best Breed Inc.
Founded 1994
Headquarters Findlay, Ohio, USA
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region Ohio
Manufacturing oversight

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

No recalls on record

Best Breed Toy-Small Breed Recipe Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.6 /10 Grade A
Toy-Small Breed Recipe Dry Dog Food
Best Breed · kibblelab.com

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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.

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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.