Small Breed Adult Lamb & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 20, 2026
This is a dry kibble formulated specifically for small-breed adult dogs, using lamb and lamb meal as the main animal protein sources with rice and other grains for energy. It offers moderate protein and fat levels, added taurine and L-carnitine, and incorporates probiotics and various plant ingredients. The small, crunchy kibble is designed to suit small mouths while supporting overall digestive and skin and coat health.
This is a well-balanced, grain-inclusive dry food for small-breed adult dogs that relies on lamb and lamb meal for good-quality protein. The nutrient profile (25% protein, 15% fat) is appropriate for most healthy small adults, and the addition of probiotics, omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, taurine, and L-carnitine is a plus. It should suit many small dogs with normal activity levels who do well on lamb-based diets and tolerate grains like rice and barley.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Lamb and lamb meal appear early in the ingredient list, providing named, animal-based protein sources suitable for most small adult dogs.
- Moderate protein (25%) and fat (15%) levels are appropriate for the average small-breed adult, with a relatively high calorie density to match their higher metabolic needs.
- Includes multiple added nutrients and supplements such as taurine, L-carnitine, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and probiotics to support heart, metabolic, skin/coat, and digestive health.
- Grain-inclusive formula with rice, barley, sorghum, and oatmeal, which can be easier to tolerate than some legume-heavy grain-free diets for many dogs.
Considerations
- Contains lamb, egg product, and chicken fat, which are common animal protein and fat sources; dogs with known allergies to lamb, egg, or chicken should avoid this formula.
- At 414 calories per cup, this is a fairly calorie-dense diet, so portion control is important to help prevent weight gain in small dogs.
- Formulated for maintenance only, so it is not suitable for puppies, pregnant, or nursing dogs.
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
Lamb
Lamb is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a high-quality animal protein that supplies essential amino acids, iron and B vitamins and is often chosen for its palatability or as a “novel” protein in elimination diets. It can be higher in fat and calories than some other meats and may still cause allergic reactions in sensitive animals, so owners of overweight pets or those with food sensitivities should consult a veterinarian and use proper handling/cooking practices if feeding raw or homemade lamb.
02
Lamb
Lamb is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a high-quality animal protein that supplies essential amino acids, iron and B vitamins and is often chosen for its palatability or as a “novel” protein in elimination diets. It can be higher in fat and calories than some other meats and may still cause allergic reactions in sensitive animals, so owners of overweight pets or those with food sensitivities should consult a veterinarian and use proper handling/cooking practices if feeding raw or homemade lamb.
03
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.
04
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.
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 Lamb & 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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