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Large Breed Adult Whitefish Meal With Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food
Blackwood

Large Breed Adult Whitefish Meal With Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food

Verified Jun 6, 2026

Dog · Dry Adult Large

This is a slow-cooked dry food formulated for adult large-breed dogs, using whitefish meal as the main animal protein alongside a blend of oats, barley, sorghum, millet, and brown rice. It includes added omega fatty acids, prebiotics, and probiotics to support digestion, plus trace minerals and ingredients like green mussel to help meet the needs of bigger dogs. The recipe is designed as a complete and balanced maintenance diet for large adult dogs 70 pounds and over.

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

A well-rounded dry food for large adult dogs, with whitefish meal as the primary protein source and a thoughtful mix of whole grains and functional ingredients. The protein and fat levels are appropriate for most healthy, moderately active large-breed adults, and the added omega fatty acids, probiotics, and specialized minerals are nice extras. It’s a solid option if you want a fish-based, grain-inclusive formula without peas or lentils high on the list.

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 Joint Care Brain Health Immune Support Skin Coat Health
Suitable For
Adult Large
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Whitefish meal as the first ingredient provides a concentrated, high-quality animal protein source suitable for many dogs, including some with poultry sensitivities (though it does contain egg).
  • Uses a variety of digestible grains (oats, barley, sorghum, millet, brown rice) instead of relying on legumes, which avoids the concern seen with some grain-free, pulse-heavy diets.
  • Includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, plus flaxseed and fish-based ingredients, which can support skin and coat health.
  • Contains prebiotics (inulin, beet pulp) and multiple probiotic strains to help support a healthy digestive tract, along with added taurine and L-carnitine for overall metabolic and cardiac support in large breeds.

Considerations

  • Contains chicken fat and dried egg product, so it is not suitable for dogs with confirmed chicken or egg allergies, despite being fish-based.
  • At 24% protein and 12% fat, it’s moderate rather than high in protein and calories; very active, working, or underweight large-breed dogs may need a higher-energy diet or larger portions.
  • Formulated for adult maintenance only, so it is not appropriate for large-breed puppies or pregnant/lactating dogs.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Whitefish meal, oats, barley, sorghum, millet, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), brown rice, rice bran, dried beet pulp, dried egg product, brewers dried yeast, dried tomato pomace, natural flavor, flaxseed, salt, dicalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, pumpkin, dried kelp, blueberries, cranberries, DL-methionine, dried apple pomace, L-lysine, inulin, choline chloride, green mussel, taurine, L-carnitine, mixed tocopherols (a preservative), yucca schidigera extract, ground rosemary, ground thyme, ground cumin, ground yellow mustard, crushed red chili pepper, calcium carbonate, vitamin E supplement, zinc amino acid complex, iron amino acid complex, manganese amino acid complex, copper amino acid complex, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), niacin supplement, D-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, thiamine mononitrate, vitamin A acetate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement, biotin, folic acid, sodium selenite, calcium iodate, dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus reuteri fermentation product

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
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.
02
Oat
Oats are commonly used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber (beta‑glucans), plant protein, B vitamins and minerals, which can support healthy digestion and help moderate blood glucose and cholesterol. They are generally well tolerated by dogs and can be included sparingly for cats, but owners should avoid flavored or sweetened preparations (and ingredients like xylitol or raisins), be mindful of possible grain sensitivities or cross‑contamination with gluten, and prefer cooked oats for better digestibility and portion control due to caloric content.
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
Sorghum
Sorghum is a cereal grain commonly used in pet foods as a source of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber and modest plant protein, often chosen as a gluten‑free alternative to wheat or corn. It can provide fermentable fiber and antioxidant compounds that may support digestion and glycemic control, but is generally less digestible than some grains unless properly processed and certain tannin‑rich varieties can reduce nutrient availability, so quality sourcing and appropriate formulation are important—particularly for cats, whose diets should remain primarily animal‑based.
05
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.

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)
24.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
12.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
4.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
10.00%
Low High
3536
kcal / Kg
414
kcal / Cup
4
kcal / G
Moderate
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 Adult
Breed size Large
Texture Kibble
Processing method Slow Cooked
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 Adult Maintenance
Substantiation Formulation
Blackwood Large Breed Whitefish Meal & Oats Recipe dog food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles for maintenance

Brand

Blackwood

Blackwood is a premium pet food brand that offers small-batch, slow-cooked recipes for dogs and cats made in the USA. The brand targets pet owners seeking natural, high-quality nutrition with an emphasis on digestibility, freshness, and family-owned production values.

Visit Blackwood
Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Blackwood Pet Food
Parent company BrightPet Nutrition Group
Founded 1994
Headquarters Lisbon, Ohio, USA
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region Ohio
Manufacturing oversight

Blackwood Pet Food manufactures its products in-house in the USA at USDA-inspected, AAFCO-compliant facilities. All recipes are slow-cooked in small batches to ensure better nutrient retention, with oversight on ingredient sourcing and process control.

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

Blackwood Large Breed Adult Whitefish Meal With Ancient Grains 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.
8.4 /10 Grade A
Large Breed Adult Whitefish Meal With Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food
Blackwood · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Blackwood ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Blackwood. 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.