Small Breed Adult Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 5, 2026
This is a dry kibble formulated specifically for adult small-breed dogs, using chicken and chicken meal as the main protein sources with rice and barley as digestible grains. It offers moderate protein and fat levels suited to small dogs’ higher energy needs, plus added omega fatty acids, probiotics, and a variety of “superfood” ingredients. The small, crunchy kibble is designed to be easy for small mouths to chew while helping provide some mechanical tooth cleaning.
Overall, this is a well-balanced small-breed adult dry food with chicken-based protein and a mix of wholesome grains. The nutrient profile (27% protein, 16% fat) is very reasonable for most healthy adult small dogs, and the inclusion of probiotics, omega fatty acids, and added vitamins and minerals supports general health. It should suit many small adult dogs who do well on chicken and grains and maintain their weight appropriately on a moderately calorie-dense diet.
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
- Chicken and chicken meal provide clearly named animal protein sources at the top of the ingredient list, offering good-quality amino acids for adult maintenance.
- Includes digestible grains (barley, rice, sorghum) rather than relying heavily on peas or other pulses, which is a plus from a heart-health perspective in dogs.
- Added probiotics, dried chicory root (a prebiotic fiber), and beet pulp can help support a healthy digestive tract in many dogs.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance, with added omega fatty acids, L-carnitine, and antioxidant-rich ingredients like blueberries, spinach, and carrots.
Considerations
- Chicken and egg are common food allergens for dogs, so this formula would not be appropriate for dogs with known sensitivities to these ingredients.
- The calorie density is fairly high at about 418 kcal per cup, so portion control is important for small dogs who gain weight easily.
- This diet is formulated for adult maintenance only and is not suitable as the sole diet for growing puppies, including small-breed puppies.
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
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
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
White Rice
White rice is a highly digestible carbohydrate commonly used in pet foods as an energy source, binder or filler and is often included in bland diets to help manage gastrointestinal upset. It supplies readily available calories but contains little protein, fat, fiber or micronutrients (so complete diets must be balanced), and should be used judiciously in overweight or diabetic pets due to its high glycemic index; prolonged exclusive feeding is not recommended.
05
Grain Sorghum
Grain sorghum is a gluten-free cereal grain used in pet foods primarily as a carbohydrate and fiber source that also contributes modest plant protein, B vitamins, and minerals, often serving as an alternative to corn or wheat. It supplies energy and dietary fiber for dogs and cats but is relatively low in certain essential amino acids (like lysine), and some tannin-containing varieties can reduce palatability and nutrient digestibility—processing and balanced formulation mitigate these issues, and sourcing should guard against mycotoxin contamination.
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
Diamond Naturals is a mid-range premium brand featuring whole-food ingredients and added probiotics for digestive health. It provides grain-inclusive and grain-free formulas designed for balanced nutrition and holistic wellness.
Visit Diamond NaturalsManufacturer
Diamond Pet Foods maintains a rigorous quality assurance program that includes in-house testing for mycotoxins, pathogens, and nutritional analysis. The company adheres to FDA, AAFCO, and HACCP standards, employing extrusion and cooking processes designed to ensure product safety.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Diamond Naturals Small Breed Adult Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Diamond Naturals ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Diamond Naturals. 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.
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