Holistic Cage-Free Chicken & Brown Rice Puppy Dry Food
Verified Jun 17, 2026
This is a dry chicken-and-rice puppy formula designed for growing dogs of all breeds. It uses deboned chicken as the main protein source, with brown rice, chickpeas, and vegetables for carbohydrates and fiber, plus added DHA-rich salmon oil and flaxseed for fatty acids. The recipe also includes prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics to support healthy digestion and immune function during growth.
Nutritionally, this is a well-balanced puppy kibble with good protein and fat levels for growth and a nice mix of animal and plant ingredients. I like that it uses deboned chicken as the first ingredient, adds DHA from salmon oil for brain development, and includes live probiotics plus pre- and postbiotics for gut health. It’s formulated to AAFCO standards by formulation (not feeding trials), and is a reasonable choice for many healthy puppies that tolerate chicken and dairy well.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Deboned chicken as the first ingredient, with additional animal sources (pork, dried whey) to support good-quality protein for growth.
- Solid macronutrient profile for puppies at 29% protein and 19% fat (as-fed), which is appropriate for most growing dogs on a dry diet.
- Includes salmon oil, whole flaxseed, and a defined omega-3 and omega-6 content, which helps support skin, coat, and developing brain and eyes.
- Contains prebiotics (inulin, yeast culture), probiotics (Bacillus coagulans), and postbiotic components to support a healthy digestive microbiome in puppies.
Considerations
- Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles rather than being tested in AAFCO feeding trials, so real-world digestibility hasn’t been formally verified through trials.
- Contains several common allergens, including chicken, pork, brewer’s yeast, peas, chickpeas, barley, and dried whey (dairy), so it’s not a good fit for puppies with known food sensitivities to these ingredients.
- Legumes (chickpeas and peas) appear in the top ingredients; while this is not a grain-free diet and also includes rice and barley, owners of breeds with known heart concerns may want to discuss overall diet choices with their veterinarian.
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
Brown Rice
Brown rice is a whole-grain carbohydrate and fiber ingredient commonly used in dog and cat foods to provide digestible energy, dietary fiber, and modest amounts of B‑vitamins and minerals; it typically offers more nutrients and fiber than white rice. It’s generally well tolerated and can help with sensitive stomachs, but because it is high in carbohydrates (not a primary protein source) and can contain trace inorganic arsenic depending on sourcing, it should be included in balanced formulations and monitored in overweight or diabetic pets.
03
Chickpea
Chickpeas are a legume commonly used in pet foods as a plant-based protein, source of digestible carbohydrates, and supply of soluble and insoluble fiber that helps with stool quality and satiety. They can be a useful ingredient for dogs but are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and may cause gas or digestive upset if underprocessed; additionally, high inclusion of legumes in some grain‑free diets has been discussed as a potential factor in canine dilated cardiomyopathy so diets should be balanced and any concerns discussed with your veterinarian.
04
Pork
Pork is used in pet foods primarily as a high-quality animal protein and flavor enhancer, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins (especially B12 and niacin), iron and zinc, plus fat for calorie-dense energy; it can be suitable for both dogs and cats when balanced in a complete diet. Because pork can be relatively high in fat, it may be inappropriate for pets requiring low‑fat diets or those prone to pancreatitis, some animals may have sensitivities to pork, and raw or undercooked pork can carry parasites or pathogens so it should be properly processed or cooked.
05
Brewer's Yeast
Brewer's yeast (deactivated Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a flavor enhancer and supplemental source of protein, B‑complex vitamins, trace minerals and immunomodulating components such as beta‑glucans. It can support skin, coat and general nutritional status, but may cause gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions in yeast‑sensitive pets, is not a live probiotic, and should be used cautiously in animals prone to purine‑related issues or those receiving antifungal medications.
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
Halo is the flagship brand offering holistic dog and cat food made from whole meat, sustainably sourced fish, and non-GMO vegetables. The brand emphasizes ingredient transparency and balanced nutrition without artificial additives.
Visit HaloManufacturer
Halo foods are manufactured in the United States under strict quality control oversight that adheres to FDA and AAFCO standards. The company’s manufacturing partners utilize quality assurance programs, including HACCP principles and batch testing for purity and safety.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Halo Holistic Cage-Free Chicken & Brown Rice Puppy Dry Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Halo ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Halo. 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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