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Zero/G Free Run Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
Darford

Zero/G Free Run Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food

Verified Jun 11, 2026

Dog · Dry All Life Stages All Breed Sizes

A grain-free, baked dry food for adult dogs featuring deboned chicken and chicken meal as the main protein sources. Lentils, peas, and potatoes provide carbohydrates and fiber, while added prebiotics and multiple probiotic strains support digestive health. The recipe offers a moderately high protein level with antioxidant-rich fruits and added taurine.

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

A high-protein, baked chicken-based kibble that should work well for many healthy adult dogs who do well on grain-free diets. It uses quality animal protein, moderate fat, and includes probiotics and prebiotic fiber to support digestion. The reliance on legumes and potatoes as primary carbohydrates means it may not be the best fit for dogs with heart concerns in breeds already at risk or for those with chicken sensitivities.

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 Antioxidant Support
Diet & Compliance
Limited Ingredient
Suitable For
All Life Stages All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Deboned chicken and chicken meal provide concentrated, highly digestible animal protein at a solid 30% level.
  • Baked kibble with moderate fat and calories can suit many adult dogs, including those prone to weight gain if portions are controlled.
  • Includes probiotics and chicory root, which can help support a healthy gut microbiome and stool quality.
  • Blueberries and cranberries add natural antioxidant sources for overall wellness support.

Considerations

  • Grain-free formula relies on lentils, peas, and potatoes; legume-heavy diets have been linked to heart issues in some at-risk dogs.
  • Contains chicken, which is a common food allergen, so it is not ideal for dogs with known chicken sensitivity.
  • Formulated only for adult maintenance, so it is not appropriate for growing 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

Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Lentils, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Yellow Peas, Dried Potatoes, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Flaxseeds, Natural Flavor, Blueberries, Cranberries, Sunflower Oil, Calcium Carbonate, Dried Chicory Root, Dried Bacillus, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Enterococcus Faecium, Bifidobacterium Animalis, Bifidobacterium Bifidum, Dried Bacillus Fermentation Product, Choline Chloride , Vitamins: (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Thiamin Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin), Minerals: (Calcium Carbonate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Taurine, DL-Methionine, Rosemary Extract, Sunflower Lecithin

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
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.
03
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.
04
Sweet Potato
Sweet potato is used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber, vitamins (notably beta‑carotene), minerals and antioxidants, often helping with stool quality and serving as a binder or energy ingredient. It is generally well tolerated by dogs and can support gut health, but because cats poorly convert beta‑carotene to vitamin A and require preformed vitamin A from animal sources, sweet potato is not a substitute for meat-based nutrients; its relatively high carbohydrate content also means portion control is advised for overweight or diabetic pets and it should be cooked for best digestibility.
05
Yellow Pea
Yellow pea is a common plant-based ingredient in dog and cat foods used as a source of digestible protein, starch and both soluble and insoluble fiber, and it also contributes B vitamins and minerals. It can help increase protein and fiber content and replace grains, but formulators must balance essential amino acids and process peas to reduce anti-nutrients, and pet owners should know that very high inclusion of pulses in some grain‑free diets has been scrutinized for possible links to canine DCM, so feeding complete, balanced diets and veterinary monitoring is recommended.

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)
30.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
14.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
6.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
10.00%
Low High
3700
kcal / Kg
518
kcal / Cup
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 All Life Stages
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Kibble
Processing method Baked
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
Darford ZERO/G is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile for Adult Maintenance.

Brand

Darford

Darford is a premium brand of all-natural, oven-baked dog treats crafted from North American ingredients. The brand targets pet owners seeking healthy, natural, and preservative-free treats for their dogs, with product lines that include Grain Free, Zero/G, and Organic varieties.

Visit Darford
Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Darford International Inc.
Founded 1987
Headquarters Vernon, British Columbia, Canada
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country Canada
Manufacturing region British Columbia
Manufacturing oversight

Darford maintains its own production facilities in British Columbia, Canada, and conducts all baking and quality control in-house. The company adheres to stringent food safety standards and follows guidelines similar to those for human-grade food manufacturing.

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

Darford Zero/G Free Run Chicken 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.
8.2 /10 Grade A
Zero/G Free Run Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
Darford · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Darford ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Darford. 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.