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Lean Senior Adult Chicken Meal With Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food
Blackwood

Lean Senior Adult Chicken Meal With Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food

Verified May 31, 2026

Dog · Dry Adult Senior All Breed Sizes

A low-calorie, dry kibble designed for adult and senior dogs, especially those who are older or need help maintaining a healthy weight. It uses chicken meal as the main protein source with brown rice, oats, barley, and millet providing digestible carbohydrates and fiber. Added omega fatty acids, L-carnitine, and probiotics support skin and coat, metabolism, and digestive health for aging dogs.

Over-the-counter AAFCO No recalls
Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.4 out of 10

This is a thoughtfully formulated maintenance diet for adult and senior dogs who are less active, overweight, or prone to weight gain. The moderate protein and lower fat levels help control calories, while multiple whole grains and beet pulp provide good fiber for digestive support. It also includes probiotics, omega-3 and -6 fats, L-carnitine, and chelated minerals, which are all nice extras for senior support.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Ingredient composition Quality, beneficial additions, absence of artificial colors/flavors
Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber evaluated for stated life stage and food type
AAFCO compliance Complete and balanced certification; feeding trials valued higher
Health considerations Sensitivity profile, DCM risk, processing method
9.0 – 10 Top Pick
8.0 – 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 – 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 – 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6 Not Recommended

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At a Glance

Health Benefits
Weight Management Digestive Health Probiotic Support Joint Care Brain Health Immune Support Skin Coat Health
Suitable For
Adult Senior All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Calorie-conscious formula (about 360 kcal per cup) with moderate protein (20%) and low fat (6.5–9%), well-suited for overweight or lower-activity adult and senior dogs.
  • Chicken meal as the first ingredient provides a concentrated, high-quality protein source, with supplemental protein from egg and fish meals.
  • Includes multiple fermentable fibers (beet pulp, inulin) plus added probiotics, which can support gut health and stool quality.
  • Good skin and coat support from chicken fat, menhaden fish oil, and flaxseed providing omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, along with chelated trace minerals for joint and immune support.

Considerations

  • Contains chicken, egg, and fish, which are common food allergens; not ideal for dogs with known sensitivities to these ingredients.
  • The 20% protein level is on the moderate side; very active seniors or those needing higher protein for muscle maintenance may do better on a higher-protein senior formula, under veterinary guidance.
  • Formulated for maintenance rather than growth, so it is not appropriate for puppies or pregnant/lactating dogs.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Chicken meal, brown rice, millet, sorghum, oat, barley, rice bran, dried beet pulp, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), natural flavor, brewers dried yeast, dried tomato pomace, dried egg product, whitefish meal, flaxseed, salt, sodium triphosphate, menhaden fish oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), potassium chloride, inulin, calcium carbonate, dried kelp, cranberries, blueberries, choline chloride, dicalcium phosphate, L-carnitine, pumpkin, dried apple pomace, L-lysine, DL-methionine, taurine, mixed tocopherols (a preservative), yucca schidigera extract, ground rosemary, ground thyme, ground cumin, ground yellow mustard, crushed red chili pepper, vitamin E supplement, zinc amino acid complex, iron amino acid complex, manganese amino acid complex, copper amino acid complex, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), niacin supplement, D-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, thiamine mononitrate, vitamin A acetate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement, biotin, folic acid, sodium selenite, calcium iodate, dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus reuteri fermentation product

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
Millet
Millet is a small, gluten-free cereal grain used in pet foods primarily as a carbohydrate and fiber source that also contributes modest amounts of protein, B vitamins and minerals such as magnesium and phosphorus. It is generally well tolerated by dogs and may be used in some cat recipes, but because cats are obligate carnivores and millet is relatively high in carbohydrates and contains phytic acid (an anti‑nutrient), it is usually cooked/processed for better digestibility and should be part of a formula that meets species‑specific protein and taurine needs; pets with specific grain sensitivities may still react, so consult your veterinarian if concerned.
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
Oat
Oats are commonly used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber (beta‑glucans), plant protein, B vitamins and minerals, which can support healthy digestion and help moderate blood glucose and cholesterol. They are generally well tolerated by dogs and can be included sparingly for cats, but owners should avoid flavored or sweetened preparations (and ingredients like xylitol or raisins), be mindful of possible grain sensitivities or cross‑contamination with gluten, and prefer cooked oats for better digestibility and portion control due to caloric content.

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.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
20.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
6.50%
Low High
Crude Fat (max)
9.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
4.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
10.00%
Low High
3277
kcal / Kg
360
kcal / Cup
3
kcal / G
Moderate
Calorie density category
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

Lifestage Adult
Lifestage Senior
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Kibble
Processing method Slow Cooked
Food type Dry

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.

Complete & balanced Yes
AAFCO life stages Adult Maintenance
Substantiation Formulation
Blackwood Lean Senior Chicken Meal with Ancient Grains Recipe dog food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles for maintenance.

Brand

Blackwood

Blackwood is a premium pet food brand that offers small-batch, slow-cooked recipes for dogs and cats made in the USA. The brand targets pet owners seeking natural, high-quality nutrition with an emphasis on digestibility, freshness, and family-owned production values.

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Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Blackwood Pet Food
Parent company BrightPet Nutrition Group
Founded 1994
Headquarters Lisbon, Ohio, USA
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region Ohio
Manufacturing oversight

Blackwood Pet Food manufactures its products in-house in the USA at USDA-inspected, AAFCO-compliant facilities. All recipes are slow-cooked in small batches to ensure better nutrient retention, with oversight on ingredient sourcing and process control.

Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.

Recall History

No recalls on record

Blackwood Lean Senior Adult Chicken Meal With Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.4 /10 Grade A
Lean Senior Adult Chicken Meal With Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food
Blackwood · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Blackwood ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Blackwood. 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.

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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.