Grain Free Beef & Legumes Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified Jul 17, 2026
This is a grain-free dry dog food for all life stages, using beef and menhaden fish meal as the main animal protein sources with peas, lentils, and other legumes as the primary carbohydrates. It provides moderate protein and fat levels, added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and supplemented taurine. The formula also includes probiotics and prebiotic chicory root to support digestive health for puppies and adult dogs, including large breeds.
Nutritionally, this is a solid all-life-stages dry food with moderate protein and fat and a good range of added nutrients. It suits many healthy dogs, including large-breed puppies, as long as they tolerate beef and a legume-heavy, grain-free formula. Because peas, lentils, and faba beans are prominent, I would be cautious using this as the sole long-term diet in breeds with known heart concerns until we know more about the DCM connection.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Beef and menhaden fish meal provide animal-based protein to support muscle maintenance and growth.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO standards for all life stages, including growth of large-breed puppies.
- Contains salmon oil and ground flaxseed, supplying omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat support.
- Includes added probiotics and chicory root, which may help support a healthy digestive tract.
Considerations
- Peas, lentils, faba beans, and pea flour are major ingredients; legume-heavy, grain-free diets have been linked to heart issues in some dogs.
- This recipe will not be appropriate for dogs with beef or fish allergies.
- Legume-focused formulations may not suit some dogs with sensitive digestion, so transitions should be gradual and monitored.
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
Beef
Beef is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a primary animal protein and palatability enhancer, supplying high-quality essential amino acids, B vitamins, iron, and zinc that support muscle maintenance and overall health. Owners should note beef can be calorie- and fat-dense and is a relatively common allergen, and raw or improperly handled beef carries microbial risks, so formulation, fat content, and sourcing/processing are important considerations.
02
Menhaden Fish
Menhaden fish is used in pet foods primarily as a high-quality animal protein and as a concentrated source of fish oil rich in omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which support healthy skin and coat, joint mobility, and anti‑inflammatory benefits for dogs and cats. It enhances palatability and provides essential micronutrients like iodine and selenium, but owners should be aware of possible fish allergies, caloric density and oil oxidation, and prefer products from reputable, sustainably sourced suppliers to reduce contamination risks.
03
Pea
Pea is a plant-based ingredient used in pet foods as a source of protein, soluble and insoluble fiber, and micronutrients (often included as whole peas, pea flour, or pea protein concentrate) to boost protein content and improve texture. While peas can provide digestible carbohydrates, fiber, and some plant protein useful especially for dogs, they are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and — when overused, particularly in concentrated forms or as a major component of grain‑free diets — have been scrutinized for a possible association with canine dilated cardiomyopathy and can contribute to nutrient imbalances or excess calories, so balanced formulation and compliance with AAFCO nutritional profiles are important.
04
Lentil
Lentils are a plant-based source of protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber and micronutrients (notably folate and iron) commonly used in pet foods to add bulk, promote satiety and help moderate post-meal blood sugar. They can be a useful ingredient for dogs when properly processed and balanced with animal-derived amino acids, but lentil protein is less digestible and incomplete for obligate carnivores like cats; high legume inclusion can also increase gas or digestive upset and has been discussed in the context of diet-associated heart concerns in dogs, so lentils should be used in nutritionally complete, vetted formulations.
05
Faba Bean
Faba beans (fava beans) are a legume used in pet foods as a plant-based source of protein, fiber and complex carbohydrates, often added to boost protein content and calorie balance while lowering reliance on animal ingredients. They can provide digestible energy and fiber but have a limited amino acid profile for obligate carnivores, may require processing to reduce antinutrients and lectins, can cause gastrointestinal upset or flatulence in some pets, and — as with other pulses — are used cautiously in grain‑free diets because of unsettled links to canine heart concerns.
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
Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food offers holistic, natural dog and cat foods positioned around wellness and emotional bonding, inspired by the popular Chicken Soup for the Soul brand. The brand targets pet owners seeking wholesome, balanced diets at an accessible premium price point.
Visit Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet FoodManufacturer
Products are manufactured by contracted co-packers in Utah (dry) and Kansas (canned) under AAFCO and FDA standards.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food Grain Free Beef & Legumes Recipe Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
Sign up for the full picture
Feeding Calculator
Personalized portion sizes based on your pet's weight, age, and activity level.
Get startedSimilar Foods
Post your dog's report card and challenge friends to check their food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food. 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.
Continue with Google
Continue with Facebook