Small Bites Chicken, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 7, 2026
This is a small-kibble dry food formulated for adult small-breed dogs, with chicken and chicken meal as the main animal protein sources. It uses a blend of brewers rice, barley, oatmeal, and brown rice for carbohydrates and fiber, and includes added omega fatty acids, taurine, and joint-supporting glucosamine and chondroitin. The recipe is designed as a complete and balanced maintenance diet for everyday feeding of healthy small adult dogs.
Nutritionally, this is a solid, moderate-protein dry food for small adult dogs that prefer smaller kibble. It features named chicken and chicken meal up front, supported by multiple whole and refined grains, and it’s fully formulated to meet AAFCO maintenance standards. It also provides added taurine and modest levels of glucosamine and chondroitin, which may offer some joint support for smaller dogs as they age.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Named chicken and chicken meal as primary ingredients provide clear, consistent animal protein sources.
- Balanced nutrient profile for adult maintenance, with appropriate protein (22% min) and fat (12% min) for many small-breed adults.
- Includes added taurine plus omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which can support heart, skin, and coat health.
- Contains added glucosamine and chondroitin, offering some joint-supportive nutrition, which can be helpful for small dogs prone to mobility issues.
Considerations
- Chicken and turkey are common protein allergens, so this formula would not be suitable for dogs with known poultry allergies.
- Protein level is moderate rather than high, which is fine for many dogs but may be on the lower side for very active or working small breeds that burn a lot of calories.
- Canola meal and rice by-products are more economical plant-based protein and fiber sources; while nutritionally acceptable, they contribute less to overall animal-protein density than additional meat or meat meal would.
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
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.
05
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber (notably beta‑glucans), serving as a gentle filler or binder that can support healthy digestion and steady energy release. It provides B vitamins and minerals, is generally well tolerated by dogs and many cats when cooked and plain, but should be free of added sugars or flavorings and used cautiously for overweight or diabetic pets or animals with individual grain sensitivities.
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
Nature's Recipe offers premium dog food made with natural ingredients and without artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. It is positioned toward pet owners seeking accessible natural nutrition.
Visit Nature's RecipeManufacturer
Post Holdings operates manufacturing facilities acquired from J.M. Smucker, following FDA and AAFCO regulatory standards.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Nature's Recipe Small Bites Chicken, Barley & Brown 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 Nature's Recipe ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Nature's Recipe. 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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