Black Gold Pet Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food Merrick Kitchen Comforts Small Breed Real Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food
Merrick Kitchen Comforts Small Breed Real Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food scores higher on KibbleLab, 9.2 to 8.8. Compare ingredients, guaranteed analysis, and AAFCO nutritional adequacy, side by side.
Black Gold Pet Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food and Merrick Kitchen Comforts Small Breed Real Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food compared
| Attribute |
Verified Aug 28, 2026 |
Verified Oct 12, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
KibbleLab scoreThe KibbleLab expert rating, 0 to 10, based on published veterinary science. |
8.8 / 10 | 9.2 / 10 |
| Guaranteed analysis (as fed) | ||
ProteinGuaranteed analysis gives label minimums and maximums, not measured values, shown as fed. |
Not listed | 27.00% |
| Fat | 16.00% | 16.00% |
| Fiber | 3.50% | 14.00% |
| Calcium | 1.20% | Not listed |
| Phosphorus | 1.00% | Not listed |
| Omega-3 | 0.50% | 0.30% |
| Omega-6 | 2.50% | 2.40% |
| Taurine | 0.10% | 0.17% |
MoistureHigher moisture means a wetter food; it dilutes the other percentages above. |
10.00% | 12.00% |
| Calories | 3586 kcal/kg | Not listed |
| Calorie density | Moderate | High |
| Ingredients | ||
Full ingredient listEvery ingredient on each label, in order of weight. |
Chicken Meal (Source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate), Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Pearled Barley, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Brewers Rice, Natural Flavors, Flaxseed, Salmon Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) (source of DHA), Potassium Chloride, Monosodium Phosphate, Salt, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid), Dried Egg Product, Yeast Culture, Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Calcium Iodate), Taurine, L-Threonine, Inulin, Choline Chloride, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Pea Protein, Dried Carrots, Dried Chicory Root, Dried Tomato Pomace, Dried Spinach, Dried Blueberries, Dried Cranberries, Rosemary Extract. Show full list Show less |
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oat Meal, Canola Meal, Beef Fat Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols, Natural Flavor, Dried Yeast, Sunflower Oil, Dried Egg Product, Fish Oil, Lamb Meal, Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Quinoa, Carrots, Apples, Minerals [Zinc Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], Taurine, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Biotin (Vitamin B-7), Vitamin D-3 Supplement], Choline Chloride, Calcium Carbonate. F280825 Show full list Show less |
| Limited ingredient | No | No |
| Marketed benefits | Mobility support, Immune support, Skin coat health, Digestive health, Joint care, Heart care | Joint care, Skin coat health, Digestive health, Immune support |
| Format & suitability | ||
| Food type | Dry | Dry |
| Texture | Kibble | Kibble |
| Processing | Not listed | Not listed |
| Life stage | Adult, Puppy, All Life Stages | Adult |
| Breed size | Large | Small |
| AAFCO nutritional adequacy | ||
Complete & balancedWhether the manufacturer's label claims the food meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for a life stage. Not an independent test. |
Yes | Not indicated |
| Life stages | All Life Stages, Large Breed Growth (70+ lbs) | Not listed |
SubstantiationHow adequacy was established. Feeding trials are the higher bar; formulation means the recipe is calculated to meet the profile. |
Formulation | Not listed |
| Maker standards | ||
WSAVA guidelinesThe World Small Animal Veterinary Association publishes criteria for evaluating a manufacturer: qualified nutritionists on staff, feeding trials, and published research. It does not certify or endorse brands. |
No | No |
PSC accreditedThe Pet Sustainability Coalition is a nonprofit that accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact through third-party verification. It reflects sustainability practices, not food quality. |
No | No |
| Recalls & where to buy | ||
Recalls on recordWe track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here. |
None | None |
| Where to buy | ||
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Shared ingredients
Both foods list these among their top ingredients, by label weight.
- Chicken
- Brown Rice
- Oat
- Mixed Tocopherol
- Barley
- Natural Flavor
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Common Questions
Which food scores higher on KibbleLab?
Merrick Kitchen Comforts Small Breed Real Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food scores higher, 9.2 to 8.8 out of 10. Scores reflect published veterinary science.
Do these two foods share ingredients?
Yes. They share these top ingredients: Chicken, Brown Rice, Oat, Mixed Tocopherol, Barley, Natural Flavor.
Are both foods AAFCO complete and balanced?
Black Gold Pet Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food is labeled complete and balanced; Merrick Kitchen Comforts Small Breed Real Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food does not list an AAFCO status.
See the full profiles: Black Gold Pet Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food and Merrick Kitchen Comforts Small Breed Real Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food .
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
This is a neutral, factual comparison, not a ranking or an endorsement of either product. A food's guaranteed analysis gives legal minimums and maximums for a few nutrients, not measured values. No one can pay for placement or a higher score.
Product details are compiled from public sources and may not reflect the latest formulation. Represent one of these brands? Request a correction. Anyone else can email us.