Holistic Cage-Free Chicken & Brown Rice Small Breed Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 10, 2026
This is a chicken-based dry food formulated for adult small-breed dogs, with a smaller kibble size and higher calorie density to match their faster metabolisms. Deboned chicken is the main protein source, supported by brown rice, peas, and other carbs, with added salmon oil and flaxseed to supply omega fatty acids. It also includes prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotic yeast components to support digestive and immune health, and is complete and balanced for adult maintenance.
Nutritionally, this is a high-quality option for healthy adult small-breed dogs who do well on chicken-based diets. It offers a solid protein level for a small-breed maintenance food, with whole chicken as the lead ingredient, digestible grains like brown rice and barley, and added omega fatty acids and probiotics. The formulated-to-meet AAFCO profile provides complete and balanced nutrition for adult maintenance, though it has not undergone feeding trials.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Whole deboned chicken as the first ingredient, supported by additional animal sources (pork, chicken fat, salmon oil) for good-quality protein and fat.
- Well-balanced macronutrient profile for adult small-breed dogs (28% protein, 17% fat on an as-fed basis) with appropriately high calorie density for small dogs (441 kcal per cup).
- Includes prebiotic fiber (inulin), live probiotics (Bacillus coagulans), and yeast culture/postbiotics aimed at supporting digestive and immune function.
- Uses healthy grains (brown rice, barley) instead of relying heavily on legumes, and adds omega-3 and omega-6 sources (flaxseed and salmon oil) for skin and coat support, plus added taurine.
Considerations
- Contains multiple common allergens, including chicken, pork, peas, and dried whey (dairy), so it is not a good fit for dogs with known sensitivities to these ingredients.
- Peas are fairly high in the ingredient list; while this is not a grain-free formula and the legume content is moderate, owners of breeds with heart concerns may still prefer a diet with fewer legumes.
- AAFC O adequacy is based on formulation rather than feeding trials, so real-world digestibility has not been independently verified through trials.
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
Deboned Chicken
Deboned chicken is a common primary animal protein in pet foods, providing highly digestible essential amino acids and nutrients such as B vitamins and iron that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health in both dogs and cats. It is generally palatable and relatively lean, but can be a common food allergen for some animals and its nutritional and fat content varies with inclusion of skin or fat—ensure proper sourcing and handling to reduce contamination risk and consult a veterinarian if you suspect a food sensitivity.
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
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.
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 Small Breed Dry Dog 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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