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Chicken Meal & Brown Rice With Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food
Blackwood

Chicken Meal & Brown Rice With Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food

Verified Jun 10, 2026

Dog · Dry Adult All Breed Sizes

This is a slow-cooked dry food for adult dogs featuring chicken meal as the primary protein source, supported by grains like brown rice, millet, oats, and sorghum for energy and fiber. Menhaden fish meal and fish oil provide additional animal protein and omega fatty acids, while added prebiotics, probiotics, and select fruits and pumpkin support digestive health. It’s formulated to be complete and balanced for adult maintenance according to AAFCO profiles.

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

Nutritionally, this is a solid adult maintenance formula with chicken meal up front and a nice mix of grains that provide steady energy and fiber. The inclusion of fish meal, fish oil, flaxseed, and added omega fatty acids is a plus for skin and coat, and the multiple probiotic strains and prebiotic fibers support gut health. It should suit many healthy adult dogs well, as long as they tolerate chicken and grains.

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
Digestive Health Probiotic Support Joint Care Brain Health Immune Support Skin Coat Health
Suitable For
Adult All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Chicken meal as the first ingredient provides a concentrated, highly digestible source of animal protein for adult dogs.
  • Balanced grain blend (brown rice, millet, oats, sorghum) offers complex carbohydrates and fiber without relying on legumes, avoiding the grain-free/legume-heavy DCM concern.
  • Added omega-3 and omega-6 sources (menhaden fish oil, flaxseed, chicken fat) support skin and coat health, with declared omega levels on the analysis.
  • Includes prebiotics (inulin, beet pulp) and multiple probiotic strains, which can help support a healthy digestive tract in many dogs, and is formulated to meet AAFCO adult maintenance nutrient profiles.

Considerations

  • Contains chicken, fish, and egg, which are common protein allergens, so it is not a good option for dogs with known sensitivities to these ingredients.
  • At 24% protein and 14% fat, this is a moderate-protein, moderate-fat diet; very high-activity or working dogs may do better on a higher-protein, higher-calorie formula.
  • Brewers dried yeast and tomato pomace are well-tolerated by most dogs but may cause soft stool or gas in a small number of sensitive individuals.
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, millet, oat, sorghum, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), rice bran, dried beet pulp, brewers dried yeast, menhaden fish meal, dried egg product, dried tomato pomace, natural flavor, flaxseed, salt, dicalcium phosphate, menhaden fish oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), potassium chloride, inulin, dried kelp, cranberries, blueberries, taurine, apple pomace, pumpkin, L-lysine, DL-methionine, 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, 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
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
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.
04
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.
05
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.

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)
14.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
4.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
10.00%
Low High
3601
kcal / Kg
421
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 All Breed Sizes
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
Chicken Meal & Brown Rice with Ancient Grains 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 Chicken Meal & Brown Rice 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.
8.3 /10 Grade A
Chicken Meal & Brown Rice 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.