Smart Essentials Adult High Protein Real Chicken & Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 5, 2026
This is a dry, chicken-based adult dog food that uses real chicken and chicken meal as its main protein sources, supported by several whole grains like sorghum, barley, and brown rice for energy and fiber. The formula includes added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, joint-supporting glucosamine and chondroitin, and a probiotic strain (Bacillus subtilis) to support digestion. It’s designed for healthy adult dogs of any size who do well on a grain-inclusive, chicken-based diet.
Nutritionally, this is a well-balanced, grain-inclusive adult dry dog food with good-quality chicken and chicken meal up front and a moderate protein and fat profile suitable for most adult dogs. I like that it includes omega fatty acids, joint-support supplements, and a named probiotic, which together support several aspects of general health. It should suit many healthy adult dogs who tolerate chicken and grains and don’t need a specialized or prescription diet.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Real chicken and chicken meal as the first ingredients provide good-quality, highly digestible animal protein.
- Grain-inclusive formula using brewer’s rice, sorghum, barley, and brown rice offers complex carbohydrates and fiber without relying on peas or lentils.
- Added glucosamine and chondroitin, plus omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, can help support joints, skin, and coat in active adult dogs.
- Contains a named probiotic (Bacillus subtilis) and beet pulp, which can support healthy digestion.
Considerations
- Chicken and chicken meal are prominent, so this food isn’t a good match for dogs with chicken allergies or known sensitivities.
- At 26% protein on an as-fed basis, it’s appropriate for most adult pets but may be on the moderate side for very high-energy or working dogs that benefit from higher protein diets.
- Cups are relatively calorie-dense (about 388 kcal per cup), so portion control is important to prevent weight gain in less active dogs.
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
Sorghum
Sorghum is a cereal grain commonly used in pet foods as a source of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber and modest plant protein, often chosen as a gluten‑free alternative to wheat or corn. It can provide fermentable fiber and antioxidant compounds that may support digestion and glycemic control, but is generally less digestible than some grains unless properly processed and certain tannin‑rich varieties can reduce nutrient availability, so quality sourcing and appropriate formulation are important—particularly for cats, whose diets should remain primarily animal‑based.
05
Barley
Barley is a cereal grain used in pet foods primarily as a digestible carbohydrate and source of dietary fiber (including soluble beta‑glucans), along with modest amounts of B vitamins and minerals. It can support healthy digestion, help moderate post‑meal blood sugar and aid weight management in dogs, but provides limited protein for obligate carnivores like cats, must be cooked/processed for good digestibility, and may be unsuitable for pets with grain sensitivities or calorie‑restricted diets.
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 Adult High Protein Real Chicken & Rice 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 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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