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Grain Free Beef & Chicken Protein Plus Clusters Dry Dog Food
The Honest Kitchen

Grain Free Beef & Chicken Protein Plus Clusters Dry Dog Food

Verified Jun 10, 2026

Dog · Dry Puppy Adult All Breed Sizes

A high-protein, grain-free dry dog food made with beef, chicken, and organ meats as key animal protein sources, supported by peas, lentils, and potatoes for carbohydrates. The formula is fortified with added vitamins, chelated minerals, taurine, fish oil, and probiotics, making it suitable as a complete meal for puppies and adult dogs when appropriately balanced. It’s designed for dogs who do well on grain-free diets and benefit from a nutrient-dense, cluster-style kibble.

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

This is a protein‑dense, grain‑free dry food with multiple animal protein sources and added probiotics, suitable for many healthy puppies and adult dogs. The protein and fat levels are appropriate for active dogs, and the inclusion of fish oil and flaxseed adds useful omega fatty acids. However, peas and lentils feature prominently, so I’d be cautious using this as a long‑term sole diet in breeds where grain‑free, legume‑heavy foods are a concern for heart health.

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
Digestive Health Probiotic Support Skin Coat Health Heart Care Antioxidant Support
Suitable For
Puppy Adult All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Beef and chicken, plus organ meats like liver, provide rich and highly digestible animal protein sources.
  • The 32% protein and 17% fat are appropriate for growing puppies and active adult dogs who need more energy and amino acids.
  • Fish oil and flaxseed supply omega fatty acids that can support skin, coat, and overall health.
  • Includes a probiotic (Bacillus coagulans) and pumpkin, which can help support a healthy digestive tract.

Considerations

  • Peas, lentils, and pea protein are high in the ingredient list. Legume‑heavy grain‑free diets have been linked to heart issues in some dogs.
  • This recipe contains common allergens like beef, chicken, egg, and fish, so it is not ideal for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities.
  • At 410 calories per cup, it is fairly calorie‑dense. Less active or smaller dogs may need careful portion control to avoid weight gain.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Beef, chicken, potatoes, beef liver, peas, lentils, pea protein concentrate, flaxseed, dried whey protein concentrate, beef bone broth, dicalcium phosphate, egg, chicken liver, natural beef flavor, pumpkin, salt, fish oil, vitamins [ vitamin A supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E supplement, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), calcium pantothenate (vitamin B5), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement, niacin supplement], dried kelp, taurine, minerals [iron amino acid chelate, copper amino acid chelate, manganese amino acid chelate, zinc amino acid chelate, sodium selenite], mixed tocopherols (preservative), choline chloride, dried bacillus coagulans fermentation product, rosemary 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
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
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.
03
Potato
Potato is commonly used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate source and functional binder, supplying starch, fiber, and modest amounts of vitamins (B6, C) and potassium—often included as cooked or dehydrated flakes, starch, or protein concentrates. While it provides energy and helps formulate grain‑free recipes, potatoes are not a primary protein for dogs or cats (and are not nutritionally required for obligate‑carnivore cats), can contribute to excess calories or affect blood glucose in diabetic animals, and must be cooked and free of green skins or sprouts to avoid solanine toxicity; allergies are uncommon but possible.
04
Beef Liver
Beef liver is an organ meat commonly used in dog and cat foods and treats as a highly palatable, protein-rich, nutrient-dense ingredient that provides concentrated, bioavailable vitamins (especially vitamin A and B12), heme iron, copper, and essential amino acids. While it supports blood health and overall nutrition, beef liver should be fed in moderation because excess vitamin A can cause toxicity, its richness may upset sensitive stomachs or contribute to pancreatitis in predisposed pets, and proper sourcing/processing is important to minimize contaminant or bacterial risks.
05
Pea
Pea is a plant-based ingredient used in pet foods as a source of protein, soluble and insoluble fiber, and micronutrients (often included as whole peas, pea flour, or pea protein concentrate) to boost protein content and improve texture. While peas can provide digestible carbohydrates, fiber, and some plant protein useful especially for dogs, they are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and — when overused, particularly in concentrated forms or as a major component of grain‑free diets — have been scrutinized for a possible association with canine dilated cardiomyopathy and can contribute to nutrient imbalances or excess calories, so balanced formulation and compliance with AAFCO nutritional profiles are important.

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
Protein (typical)
32.00%
Low High
Fat (typical)
17.00%
Low High
Fiber (typical)
4.50%
Low High
Moisture (typical)
12.00%
Low High
410
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 Puppy
Lifestage Adult
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Whole Pieces
Processing method Cold Pressed
Food type Dry

Brand

The Honest Kitchen

The Honest Kitchen is a premium pet food brand offering human-grade dehydrated, dry, and wet pet foods made from whole food ingredients sourced from trusted farms and suppliers. It targets pet owners seeking minimally processed, nutritionally complete diets for dogs and cats emphasizing transparency and ingredient quality.

Visit The Honest Kitchen
Price tier $$$$$

Manufacturer

Company name The Honest Kitchen, Inc.
Founded 2002
Headquarters San Diego, California, USA
Manufacturing type Contract Manufacturer
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region California; Kansas
Manufacturing oversight

The Honest Kitchen operates under human food production standards and manufactures its products in human food facilities. It follows FDA regulations for human-grade food manufacturing, maintains strict quality control over ingredient sourcing and processing, and produces all products according to human food safety protocols.

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

The Honest Kitchen Grain Free Beef & Chicken Protein Plus Clusters Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
SOLID PICK.
7.8 /10 Grade B
Grain Free Beef & Chicken Protein Plus Clusters Dry Dog Food
The Honest Kitchen · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has The Honest Kitchen ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for The Honest Kitchen. 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.