Smart Essentials Small Breed Adult High Protein Chicken & Rice Dry Dog Food
Verified May 26, 2026
This is a high-protein dry kibble designed specifically for small-breed adult dogs, with real chicken and chicken meal as the main protein sources. It uses rice and sorghum as the primary carbohydrates and includes added omega fatty acids, joint-support nutrients, and a probiotic to support overall health. The formula avoids corn, wheat, soy, and artificial flavors or preservatives, while providing moderate calories appropriate for many small, active adult dogs.
Overall, this is a well-formulated dry food for healthy small-breed adult dogs who do well on chicken-based diets. It offers good-quality, named animal protein at the top of the ingredient list, balanced fat, and helpful extras like omega fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, and a probiotic. It should suit many small dogs with normal activity, though it’s not appropriate for dogs with chicken sensitivities and does not include whole fresh vegetables or fruits, which some owners prefer but aren’t nutritionally required.
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
- Chicken and chicken meal as the first ingredients provide good-quality, highly digestible animal protein to support lean muscle and heart health.
- Balanced macronutrient profile for an adult dry food at 28% protein, 18% fat, and 3% fiber, which works well for many small, moderately active adult dogs.
- Includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, plus flaxseed, which can support skin and coat health.
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin from chicken meal and supplements, as well as added Bacillus subtilis (a probiotic), which can support joint and digestive health in some dogs.
Considerations
- Chicken is the main protein source, so this food is not a good choice for dogs with known chicken allergies or sensitivities.
- Although marketed as high protein, 28% protein is solid but not especially high compared with some other small-breed formulas; very high-energy or very lean dogs might benefit from even higher protein under veterinary guidance.
- Brewers rice and beet pulp are perfectly acceptable ingredients but are more processed carbohydrate and fiber sources; they’re nutritionally adequate but less “whole food” than some alternatives.
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
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
Brewer's Rice
Brewer’s rice is a milling byproduct of rice processing made up of small broken white rice kernels commonly used in pet foods as a highly digestible carbohydrate source, filler and binder that provides readily available energy for dogs and cats while contributing little protein, fat or fiber. It is generally gentle on the stomach and cost‑effective, but diets using it must supply other ingredients for essential nutrients; pet owners should note its relatively high glycemic load (relevant for weight or diabetic pets), the potential for trace environmental contaminants associated with rice, and not confuse it with brewer’s yeast.
04
Grain Sorghum
Grain sorghum is a gluten-free cereal grain used in pet foods primarily as a carbohydrate and fiber source that also contributes modest plant protein, B vitamins, and minerals, often serving as an alternative to corn or wheat. It supplies energy and dietary fiber for dogs and cats but is relatively low in certain essential amino acids (like lysine), and some tannin-containing varieties can reduce palatability and nutrient digestibility—processing and balanced formulation mitigate these issues, and sourcing should guard against mycotoxin contamination.
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
Brand
Greenies is a dental treat brand for dogs and cats under Mars Petcare. It focuses on oral health, offering chews and treats designed to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup and freshen breath. Many Greenies products carry the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance for plaque and/or tartar control, and the brand is frequently recommended by veterinarians for dental care support.
Visit GreeniesManufacturer
Mars Petcare operates large-scale manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America with formal quality and food safety systems modeled on human food standards. Facilities follow HACCP-based programs, Good Manufacturing Practices, and are routinely audited for compliance with local regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA and USDA in the U.S., FEDIAF-related standards in Europe). Mars maintains in‑house research and development centers, employs veterinarians and pet nutrition scientists, and conducts digestibility and palatability studies and AAFCO feeding trials for many of its complete-and-balanced diets.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Greenies Smart Essentials Small Breed Adult High Protein Chicken & Rice Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Greenies ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Greenies. 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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