High Performance Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 10, 2026
A high-calorie, high-protein dry food designed for active dogs, growing puppies, and nursing mothers. It uses chicken meal and Pacific ocean fish meal as concentrated animal protein sources, with oatmeal and brown rice providing digestible grains for energy. The formula is grain-inclusive without corn, wheat, peas, or potatoes, and includes berry ingredients for antioxidant support.
This is a nutrient-dense, higher-fat kibble well suited for very active adult dogs, smaller-breed puppies, and lactating dogs that need more calories from a relatively small volume of food. The 32% protein and 20% fat, coming mainly from chicken meal and fish meal plus chicken fat, make it a strong option when you need more energy without overfeeding. It is not appropriate for large-breed puppies but is formulated to be complete and balanced for other life stages.
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
What "not formulated for" means
Life stages this food isn't certified complete and balanced for, based on its AAFCO statement.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- High protein (32%) and fat (20%) levels are ideal for active dogs, growing puppies (except large breeds), and nursing females that need extra calories and nutrients.
- Uses named animal meals (chicken meal and Pacific ocean fish meal) as primary protein sources, which are concentrated and generally highly digestible.
- Grain-inclusive formula with oatmeal and brown rice and no corn, wheat, peas, or potatoes, which avoids the legume-heavy pattern associated with some diet-associated DCM concerns.
- Includes berry ingredients (blueberries, raspberries, cranberries) that provide natural antioxidants, along with a full vitamin and chelated mineral premix for balanced nutrition.
Considerations
- Not suitable for large-breed puppies, as it is specifically excluded from large-breed growth; those dogs need a different calcium and energy profile to support controlled growth.
- Contains chicken and fish, which are common food allergens for some dogs, so it would not be a good match for dogs with known sensitivities to these proteins.
- The calorie density is quite high (about 550 kcal per cup), so portions need to be carefully measured to avoid unwanted weight gain in less active 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
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
Pacific Ocean Fish
Pacific Ocean fish is commonly used in pet foods as a highly digestible animal protein and palatant that also provides long‑chain omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), vitamins and minerals to support skin and coat, joint, and cognitive health, and in cats can contribute essential amino acids such as taurine. Because “Pacific Ocean fish” can encompass different species and batches, nutrient and fat levels vary and manufacturers must manage risks like mercury/PCB contamination, oxidation/rancidity, and fish allergies (and, for raw fish, thiaminase), so reliable sourcing and proper processing are important.
03
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber (notably beta‑glucans), serving as a gentle filler or binder that can support healthy digestion and steady energy release. It provides B vitamins and minerals, is generally well tolerated by dogs and many cats when cooked and plain, but should be free of added sugars or flavorings and used cautiously for overweight or diabetic pets or animals with individual grain sensitivities.
04
Brown Rice
Brown rice is a whole-grain carbohydrate and fiber ingredient commonly used in dog and cat foods to provide digestible energy, dietary fiber, and modest amounts of B‑vitamins and minerals; it typically offers more nutrients and fiber than white rice. It’s generally well tolerated and can help with sensitive stomachs, but because it is high in carbohydrates (not a primary protein source) and can contain trace inorganic arsenic depending on sourcing, it should be included in balanced formulations and monitored in overweight or diabetic pets.
05
Chicken Fat
Chicken fat is used in dog and cat foods as a concentrated energy and flavor source that supplies essential fatty acids (notably linoleic acid) and aids absorption of fat‑soluble vitamins, improving palatability and supporting skin and coat health. Because it is calorie‑dense, diets must account for added fat to prevent weight gain, and quality (proper rendering and antioxidant protection to prevent rancidity) is important; although fats are less commonly allergenic than proteins, pets with poultry sensitivities may still react in some cases.
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
FirstMate is the flagship brand of FirstMate Pet Foods, offering premium, grain-free and limited-ingredient diets for dogs and cats. The brand focuses on nutrition, sustainability, and ingredient traceability, appealing to pet owners looking for high-quality, family-made Canadian pet food.
Visit FirstMateManufacturer
FirstMate Pet Foods owns and operates its own manufacturing facilities, ensuring complete control over production, quality, and safety standards. The company complies with HACCP and ISO safety and quality standards and follows CFIA and FDA guidelines.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
FirstMate High Performance Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has FirstMate ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for FirstMate. 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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