Pacific Ocean Fish Meal Original Formula Small Bites Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 20, 2026
This is a limited-ingredient dry dog food using ocean fish meal (from herring, anchovy, and sardines) as its main animal protein source, with potatoes as the primary carbohydrate. It’s formulated for all life stages, including large-breed puppies, and designed to be relatively simple and easy to digest for dogs with food sensitivities. The small-bite kibble works well for smaller mouths or dogs that prefer a smaller piece size.
Nutritionally, this is a solid all-life-stages fish-based kibble with a straightforward ingredient list and a moderate protein and fat profile. The use of a single main animal protein and potato as the carb source can be helpful for many dogs with suspected food allergies or sensitive stomachs. It’s also formulated to meet AAFCO standards for all life stages, including large-breed growth, which is a plus if you have a large-breed puppy and want one food for all your dogs.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Limited-ingredient design with a single primary animal protein (ocean fish meal) and potato as the main carbohydrate, which can simplify things for dogs with food sensitivities.
- Moderate protein (23% min) and fat (10% min) levels suitable for many dogs, including those who don’t need a very high-calorie diet.
- Formulated to be complete and balanced for all life stages, including large-breed puppies, so it can safely be used across different ages and sizes.
- Added taurine and chelated (proteinate) trace minerals, which can support good overall nutrient absorption and heart health in a well-balanced diet.
Considerations
- Fish and chicken fat are present, so this food is not appropriate for dogs with confirmed fish or chicken-fat-related allergies (even though the fat is processed to remove protein, very highly sensitive dogs may still react).
- Protein and fat levels are a bit lower than many performance or very active-dog formulas, so highly athletic or working dogs may need a higher-calorie option or larger portions.
- Tomato pomace is used as a fiber source; while nutritionally acceptable, the relatively higher fiber (up to 8%) may not suit some dogs who do better on lower-fiber diets.
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
Ocean Fish
Ocean fish is commonly used in pet food as a high-quality animal protein and flavor ingredient and is valued for providing omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) plus minerals like iodine and selenium that support skin and coat, joint, heart, and cognitive health in dogs and cats. While it offers important nutritional benefits, fish can be an allergen for some pets and may carry environmental contaminants (mercury, PCBs) depending on source, so responsible sourcing, proper processing, and variety in protein choices are recommended.
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
Tomato Pomace
Tomato pomace is a byproduct of tomato processing made up of skins, seeds and pulp that is typically used in pet foods as a source of insoluble fiber and bulk, with small amounts of vitamins and antioxidant compounds like lycopene. It can help promote stool bulk and support weight management in dogs, but offers limited protein or essential nutrients for obligate carnivores like cats, may cause loose stools at high inclusion rates, and its nutrient content can vary depending on processing and sourcing (including potential residue concerns).
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 Pacific Ocean Fish Meal Original Formula Small Bites 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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