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Limited Ingredient Chicken Meal With Blueberries Small Bites Dry Dog Food
FirstMate

Limited Ingredient Chicken Meal With Blueberries Small Bites Dry Dog Food

Verified Jun 10, 2026

Dog · Dry All Life Stages All Breed Sizes

This is a limited-ingredient dry dog food using chicken meal as the single animal protein source and potatoes as the main carbohydrate, with blueberries added for antioxidant support. The small-bite kibble is designed for dogs with smaller mouths and can be used for most life stages, from puppies to adults and seniors, as long as they are not large-breed puppies. Its moderate protein and fat levels make it suitable as an everyday diet, including many dogs with sensitive stomachs or food sensitivities to multiple proteins.

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

A well-formulated, limited-ingredient dry food centered on chicken meal and potatoes, which can work very well for dogs that need a simpler ingredient list or have sensitive digestion. Protein and fat levels are appropriate for most puppies and adult dogs, and it’s complete and balanced for all life stages except large-breed growth. It’s a good option if you want a straightforward, single-protein kibble without legumes or multiple animal proteins.

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
Sensitive Stomach Antioxidant Support
Diet & Compliance
Limited Ingredient
Suitable For
All Life Stages All Breed Sizes
Not Formulated For
What "not formulated for" means Life stages this food isn't certified complete and balanced for, based on its AAFCO statement.
Excludes Large Breed Growth
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Single animal protein source (chicken meal) with a short, simple ingredient list, which can be helpful for dogs with food sensitivities.
  • No peas, lentils, chickpeas, or other pulses; carbohydrates come mainly from potatoes, avoiding current concerns around legume-heavy diets.
  • Complete and balanced to AAFCO standards for all life stages except large-breed puppy growth, with appropriate calcium and phosphorus levels for general use.
  • Includes blueberries for natural antioxidants and added taurine, which supports heart and overall health.

Considerations

  • Not appropriate for large-breed puppies, so it should be avoided for growing dogs expected to reach 70 lb or more as adults.
  • Chicken is a common food allergen in dogs, so this diet would not be suitable for dogs with known chicken allergies.
  • Potato is the primary carbohydrate source; while fine for most dogs, some owners may prefer more variety in fiber sources for dogs prone to constipation or loose stools.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Chicken Meal, Burbank Potato, Norkotah Potato, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Whole Blueberries, Potassium Chloride, DL-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Calcium Propionate (a preservative), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Calcium Carbonate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Selenium Yeast, Calcium Iodate), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, D-pantothenic Acid, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Taurine, Rosemary extract, Yeast Extract

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
Burbank Potato
Burbank potato is a variety of cooked white potato used in pet foods primarily as a digestible carbohydrate source and binder, contributing starch, some dietary fiber, potassium and B vitamins and often serving as a grain‑free alternative. It is generally well tolerated but is high in digestible carbohydrates (so may be unsuitable for obese or diabetic pets) and should always be cooked because raw or green potatoes can contain solanine, a naturally occurring toxin.
03
Norkotah Potato
Norkotah potato is a cultured potato variety used in pet foods primarily as a digestible carbohydrate and source of dietary fiber, starch, vitamin C and potassium while contributing low fat and good palatability. Cooked potatoes are commonly included in limited-ingredient or grain-free formulas and are generally well tolerated by dogs (and in small amounts by cats), but they are high‑glycemic so should be used cautiously in overweight or diabetic pets and never fed raw because of solanine and reduced digestibility.
04
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.
05
Mixed Tocopherol
Mixed tocopherols are a blend of natural vitamin E compounds (alpha, beta, gamma and delta tocopherols) used in pet foods primarily as a natural antioxidant and preservative to protect fats and fat‑soluble nutrients and extend shelf life. They also supply dietary vitamin E—an essential antioxidant for immune function, skin and coat health and cellular integrity in dogs and cats—and are generally safe at typical use levels, though they are not a substitute for a complete vitamin formulation and may be less effective in animals with fat‑absorption disorders.

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)
25.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
14.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
4.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
10.00%
Low High
3400
kcal / Kg
527
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
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 All Life Stages
Exclusions Excludes Large Breed Growth
Substantiation Formulation
FirstMate Chicken Meal with Blueberries Formula is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages except for the growth of large sized dogs (70lbs or more as an adult)

Brand

FirstMate

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 FirstMate
Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name FirstMate Pet Foods
Parent company Nasta Pet Food
Founded 1989
Headquarters North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country Canada
Manufacturing region British Columbia
Manufacturing oversight

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

No recalls on record

FirstMate Limited Ingredient Chicken Meal With Blueberries Small Bites 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.
8.4 /10 Grade A
Limited Ingredient Chicken Meal With Blueberries Small Bites Dry Dog Food
FirstMate · kibblelab.com

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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.

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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.