Filet Mignon Flavor & Spring Vegetables Dry Dog Food
Verified May 31, 2026
This is a dry kibble formulated for adult small-breed dogs, using beef as the first ingredient along with several grain and plant-based proteins. It provides 26% protein and 12.5% fat on an as-fed basis, with added vitamins and minerals to meet complete and balanced nutrition for adult maintenance. The recipe also includes beet pulp and vegetables like peas and carrots for added fiber and plant nutrients.
Nutritionally, this food provides adequate protein and fat levels for most healthy adult small-breed dogs and is formulated to be complete and balanced for maintenance. It relies on a mix of animal and plant protein sources, with beef leading the ingredient list but also including meat and bone meal and chicken by-product meal, which can still be very nutritious. This can be a reasonable option for small adult dogs who do well on a conventional, grain-containing dry diet and do not have food allergies or sensitivities to beef, chicken, wheat, soy, or artificial colors.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Beef listed as the first ingredient, supported by additional animal protein sources like meat and bone meal, chicken by-product meal, and chicken meal to help meet amino acid needs.
- AAFCO complete and balanced for adult maintenance, so it should meet the basic nutrient requirements for healthy adult dogs.
- Moderate protein (26%) and fat (12.5%) levels are appropriate for many small adult dogs with typical activity levels.
- Includes beet pulp and vegetables (peas, carrots) that can contribute dietary fiber to support normal digestion.
Considerations
- Contains multiple common allergens, including beef, chicken by-product meal, chicken meal, wheat, and soy, so it may not suit dogs with food sensitivities to these ingredients.
- Uses artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Blue 2), which are not nutritionally necessary and some owners prefer to avoid for long-term feeding.
- Includes added sugar, which is not needed nutritionally and is best minimized in everyday diets, especially for small dogs prone to weight gain or dental issues.
- Uses meat and bone meal and unspecified animal fat; while these can be nutritious, their quality depends heavily on manufacturing standards, so this diet may be less ideal for owners seeking very tightly defined animal-source ingredients.
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
Wheat
Wheat is a common cereal grain used in pet foods as a source of digestible carbohydrates, some plant-based protein, B vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, and it also helps with kibble texture and binding. It provides energy and fiber for many dogs but can cause food allergies or gluten sensitivities in a minority of pets and is generally less ideal as a primary ingredient for obligate carnivores like cats, so pets with known grain or wheat sensitivities should avoid it and calorie intake should be monitored to prevent weight gain.
03
Meat And Bone
Meat and bone is a rendered animal protein and mineral ingredient commonly used in pet foods to provide concentrated protein, fat and elevated levels of calcium and phosphorus from both muscle tissue and ground bone. It can be a cost‑effective source of essential amino acids and minerals for dogs and cats, but nutrient composition and digestibility vary by source (often higher in ash), so owners should note the ingredient’s nonspecific labeling and rely on reputable manufacturers and proper formulation to ensure species‑appropriate nutrients and safe processing.
04
Whole Grain Corn
Whole grain corn is commonly used as a carbohydrate and energy source in pet foods, providing digestible starch, dietary fiber, some protein, and B vitamins and minerals while retaining more nutrients than refined corn. It is generally economical and well-tolerated by most dogs and many cats, but because cats are obligate carnivores animal-based proteins are nutritionally more important, and pets with grain sensitivities, certain metabolic conditions, or requirements for low-carbohydrate diets may need alternatives; proper sourcing and processing also reduce mycotoxin risk and improve digestibility.
05
Brewer's Rice
Brewer’s rice is a milling byproduct of rice processing made up of small broken white rice kernels commonly used in pet foods as a highly digestible carbohydrate source, filler and binder that provides readily available energy for dogs and cats while contributing little protein, fat or fiber. It is generally gentle on the stomach and cost‑effective, but diets using it must supply other ingredients for essential nutrients; pet owners should note its relatively high glycemic load (relevant for weight or diabetic pets), the potential for trace environmental contaminants associated with rice, and not confuse it with brewer’s yeast.
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
Cesar is a Mars Petcare brand focused primarily on small dogs, offering wet trays, pouches, and some dry foods and treats. Marketing emphasizes gourmet-style meals, variety of flavors, and small-portion convenience with a strong lifestyle and companionship focus.
Visit CesarManufacturer
Mars Petcare operates large-scale manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America with formal quality and food safety systems modeled on human food standards. Facilities follow HACCP-based programs, Good Manufacturing Practices, and are routinely audited for compliance with local regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA and USDA in the U.S., FEDIAF-related standards in Europe). Mars maintains in‑house research and development centers, employs veterinarians and pet nutrition scientists, and conducts digestibility and palatability studies and AAFCO feeding trials for many of its complete-and-balanced diets.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Cesar Filet Mignon Flavor & Spring Vegetables Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Cesar ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Cesar. 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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