Performance Chicken & Rice Dry Dog Food
Verified Sep 23, 2026
This is a high-protein, higher-fat dry food designed for active dogs and growing puppies (but not large-breed puppies). It uses chicken and chicken meal as the main protein sources, with brown rice, barley, and oatmeal as digestible grains. Added fish meal, flaxseed, taurine, joint-support ingredients, and probiotics round out the formula for overall daily nutrition.
Jump to ingredientsAffiliate link · may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Strong Choice
This is a well-formulated, nutrient-dense kibble that suits active adult dogs, small- to medium-breed puppies, and working or sporting dogs who need higher calories and protein. The combination of chicken, chicken meal, and fish meal provides concentrated, highly digestible animal protein, while the moderate fiber and added probiotics support digestive health. It’s not appropriate for large-breed puppies, but for most other dogs with good energy needs, it can be a very solid option.
Computed from 4 of 4 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.
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
Where these benefits come from
Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.What "not formulated for" means
Life stages this food isn't certified complete and balanced for, based on its AAFCO statement.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Chicken and chicken meal are the first ingredients, giving a strong animal-protein base for muscle maintenance and growth.
- 30% protein and 20% fat make this a good fit for active or working dogs that burn more calories.
- Includes fish meal, flaxseed, and defined omega-3 and omega-6 levels, which help support skin, coat, and overall health.
- Contains added taurine, glucosamine, chondroitin, L-carnitine, and probiotics, which provide extra support for heart, joint, and digestive health.
Considerations
- Not suitable for large-breed puppies, so it should not be used for growing dogs expected to reach 70 lbs or more as adults.
- The calorie density is quite high, so portion control is important for less active dogs to avoid weight gain.
- Contains chicken and fish, which are common food allergens for some dogs and would not suit those with known sensitivities to these proteins.
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.
View ingredient
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.
View ingredient
03
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.
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.
View ingredient
05
Menhaden Fish
Menhaden fish is used in pet foods primarily as a high-quality animal protein and as a concentrated source of fish oil rich in omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which support healthy skin and coat, joint mobility, and anti‑inflammatory benefits for dogs and cats. It enhances palatability and provides essential micronutrients like iodine and selenium, but owners should be aware of possible fish allergies, caloric density and oil oxidation, and prefer products from reputable, sustainably sourced suppliers to reduce contamination risks.
View ingredient
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.Not sure how much of this to feed?
The right daily portion depends on your dog's weight, age, and activity level. Create a free account, add your dog, and get their daily calories and portion sizes.
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
A family-made line of dry and wet dog and cat food produced in Perham, Minnesota, spanning the NutriSource, PureVita, Element Series, and Choice ranges. Built around its Good 4 Life supplement system and vertically integrated manufacturing.
Manufacturer
PSC is a nonprofit that Accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification. Tuffy's Pet Foods, Inc. is a PSC Accredited business. View profile
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
No recall is listed for NutriSource Performance Chicken & Rice Dry Dog Food.
Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Oct 15, 2026
Sign up for the full picture
Ingredient Check
We'll check every ingredient against your pet's profile.
Feeding Calculator
Personalized portion sizes based on your pet's weight, age, and activity level.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare this food with alternatives to find the best fit.
Similar Foods
Post your dog's report card and challenge friends to check their food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has NutriSource ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for NutriSource. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
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 listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
Continue with Google
Continue with Facebook