Grain Free Small Breed Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 15, 2026
This is a high-moisture, gently steam-cooked dry-style food formulated for adult small-breed dogs, with chicken and chicken liver as the main animal protein sources. It’s grain-free and uses peas and eggs to further boost protein, with carrots and spinach contributing some fiber and micronutrients. The nutrient levels are geared toward the higher energy needs of smaller dogs while keeping fiber and moisture on the higher side for easier digestion.
Overall, this is a high-moisture, grain-free dry food that should suit many healthy small-breed adult dogs. It offers moderate protein and fat levels with chicken and chicken liver as primary animal sources. The relatively low calorie density can be helpful for small dogs prone to weight gain, as long as you follow the feeding guidelines and adjust to your dog’s body condition over time.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Chicken and chicken liver provide good-quality, highly digestible animal protein.
- High moisture and lower calorie density can help with weight control in small dogs when portions are monitored.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance, so it is complete and balanced for adult dogs.
- Simple ingredient list without artificial colors, plus fruits and vegetables like carrots and spinach for added nutrients.
Considerations
- Pea protein and pea fiber are significant ingredients, so this may not be ideal if you want to avoid pea-heavy, grain-free diets due to DCM concerns.
- Chicken and eggs are common food allergens, so this recipe would not suit dogs with known sensitivities to these proteins.
- The moderate 20% protein on an as-fed basis reflects the high moisture; dogs needing higher protein may do better on a different formula.
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
Chicken Liver
Chicken liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat commonly used in pet foods and treats as a highly palatable protein source and flavor enhancer, providing concentrated vitamins (especially vitamin A and B-complex), iron, and copper that support energy metabolism, red blood cell formation, and skin/coat health in both dogs and cats. Because it is so rich, liver should be fed in moderation—excessive intake can cause vitamin A toxicity, and its high fat content and risk of bacterial contamination mean it should be properly sourced or cooked and limited for pets with pancreatitis or specific dietary restrictions.
03
Pea Protein
Pea protein is a concentrated plant-based protein and functional ingredient in pet foods used to raise protein levels, improve texture and contribute soluble fiber, vitamins and minerals. It can be a useful, digestible protein source for dogs and a supplemental protein in some cat formulas, but because it is lower in certain essential amino acids (and cats are obligate carnivores), diets relying heavily on pea protein should be formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles and owners should note potential legume sensitivities and the debated link between high‑pulse, grain‑free diets and canine heart concerns.
04
Egg
Eggs are used in pet foods as a highly digestible, complete animal protein and nutrient source—providing essential amino acids, bioavailable vitamins (A, D, E, B-complex including B12), minerals like selenium and iron, choline and healthy fats—while also improving palatability and texture. They support muscle maintenance, skin/coat and cognitive health in dogs and cats, but raw eggs can carry bacterial risk and contain avidin in whites that may reduce biotin with long-term feeding; some pets may also have egg allergies or require portion control for calorie management.
05
Natural Flavor
Natural flavor is used primarily as a palatability enhancer in pet foods to improve taste and aroma and is not intended to provide significant nutrients, typically coming from concentrated extracts of meat, poultry, plant, or fermentation sources. While it can increase acceptance in picky dogs and cats, manufacturers are not required to disclose specific sources so pets with known sensitivities or allergies may react, and presence of natural flavor should not be taken as a guarantee of overall product quality.
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
Freshpet is a pet food brand that produces fresh, refrigerated meals for dogs and cats. Positioned as a premium alternative to traditional kibble and canned food, Freshpet products are made from fresh meats and vegetables, gently cooked and refrigerated to preserve nutrients.
Visit FreshpetManufacturer
Freshpet operates its own kitchens with in-house manufacturing, quality testing, and temperature-controlled processes that comply with USDA and FDA pet food safety standards. They employ rigorous sanitation and inspection systems throughout production.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Freshpet Grain Free Small Breed Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Freshpet ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Freshpet. 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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