Holistic Grain Free Cage-Free Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Small Breed Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 7, 2026
This is a grain-free dry kibble formulated for adult small-breed dogs, with deboned chicken as the primary animal protein. Sweet potatoes, potatoes, chickpeas, lentils, and peas provide carbohydrates and fiber, while added flaxseed and chicken fat supply essential fatty acids. The recipe also includes prebiotics, probiotics, and added taurine to support digestive and overall health in small, higher-metabolism dogs.
Nutritionally, this is a solid grain-free option for healthy adult small-breed dogs who do well on chicken-based diets. It provides good-quality animal protein, a moderate calorie density, and useful extras like omega fatty acids, prebiotic fiber, and a probiotic. Because it is grain-free and relies on multiple legumes, I would be a bit more cautious for breeds where heart disease is a known concern and avoid using it as the only long-term diet in those cases.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Deboned chicken as the first ingredient provides a good-quality, highly digestible animal protein source.
- Protein and fat levels are appropriate for most adult small-breed dogs with a moderate to active lifestyle.
- Includes flaxseed and chicken fat as sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat support.
- Contains inulin and Bacillus coagulans, which can help support a healthy digestive microbiome in many dogs.
Considerations
- This is a grain-free formula that uses sweet potatoes, potatoes, chickpeas, lentils, and peas; legume-heavy diets have been linked to heart issues in some dogs.
- Chicken, pork, and dairy (dried whey) may be problematic for dogs with food allergies to these proteins.
- Formulated to AAFCO maintenance standards, so it is not appropriate for puppies or pregnant or nursing dogs.
- Brewers dried yeast can trigger itchiness in a small number of yeast-sensitive 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
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
Sweet Potato
Sweet potato is used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber, vitamins (notably beta‑carotene), minerals and antioxidants, often helping with stool quality and serving as a binder or energy ingredient. It is generally well tolerated by dogs and can support gut health, but because cats poorly convert beta‑carotene to vitamin A and require preformed vitamin A from animal sources, sweet potato is not a substitute for meat-based nutrients; its relatively high carbohydrate content also means portion control is advised for overweight or diabetic pets and it should be cooked for best digestibility.
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
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.
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 Grain Free Cage-Free Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe 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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