Skip to content

6,000+ pet foods rated. Your best match, free in 30 seconds.

Back
MaxMeat Air Dried Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Only Natural Pet

MaxMeat Air Dried Chicken Recipe Dog Food

Verified Jun 9, 2026

Dog · Dry All Life Stages All Breed Sizes

This is an air-dried chicken-based dog food that’s very high in animal ingredients, designed to be fed as a complete meal, topper, or treat for adult dogs. It provides a concentrated source of protein and fat with pumpkin and chicory root to support digestion, plus added taurine and a full vitamin and mineral blend. The air-dried format makes it more calorie-dense than typical kibble, so smaller portions go a long way.

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

This is a high-protein, meat-forward air-dried food that should suit many healthy adult dogs who do well on chicken. The nutrient profile is concentrated (34% protein, 16% fat with only 25% moisture), and the ingredient list is straightforward, relying heavily on chicken and organs with some functional fiber sources like pumpkin and chicory root. It’s formulated to be complete and balanced for adult maintenance, and works well either as a full diet or as a nutrient-dense topper for dogs who need more calories in a small volume.

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

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

Health Benefits
Sensitive Stomach Digestive Health Heart Care High Energy
Suitable For
All Life Stages All Breed Sizes
Does this food work for your pet?
We'll check every ingredient against your pet's sensitivities and avoidance list.
Check for my pet

Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Chicken and chicken liver are the primary ingredients, giving highly digestible animal protein and natural vitamins and minerals from organs.
  • Good overall nutrient profile for an adult maintenance food (34% protein, 16% fat, moderate fiber) in a concentrated air-dried format.
  • Includes dried pumpkin, ground flaxseed, chicory root, and kelp, which can support digestive health and provide fiber and trace nutrients.
  • Added taurine and a comprehensive vitamin and chelated/non-chelated mineral mix help support a balanced amino acid and micronutrient profile.

Considerations

  • Chicken is a common food allergen for dogs, so this formula is not ideal for dogs with known chicken sensitivities or poultry allergies.
  • As an air-dried food at about 331 calories per cup, it is more calorie-dense than many kibbles, so portions need to be measured carefully to avoid unwanted weight gain.
  • This recipe is formulated for adult maintenance, so it is not appropriate as the sole diet for growing 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, Chicken Liver, Vegetable Glycerin, Dried Pumpkin, Ground Flaxseed, Calcium Carbonate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Dried Chicory Root, Chicken Heart, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid), Salt, Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Sulfate), Rosemary Extract, Dried Kelp, Choline Chloride, Taurine

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 Liver
Chicken liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat commonly used in pet foods and treats as a highly palatable protein source and flavor enhancer, providing concentrated vitamins (especially vitamin A and B-complex), iron, and copper that support energy metabolism, red blood cell formation, and skin/coat health in both dogs and cats. Because it is so rich, liver should be fed in moderation—excessive intake can cause vitamin A toxicity, and its high fat content and risk of bacterial contamination mean it should be properly sourced or cooked and limited for pets with pancreatitis or specific dietary restrictions.
03
Vegetable Glycerin
Vegetable glycerin is a plant-derived humectant and sweet-tasting solvent commonly used in pet foods and treats to retain moisture, improve texture, dissolve flavorings or vitamins, and enhance palatability. It provides usable calories, is generally regarded as safe for dogs and cats in typical amounts, but excessive intake can cause digestive upset and may be a consideration for diabetic pets or those needing calorie-restricted diets.
04
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is used in pet foods primarily as a fiber-rich carbohydrate and moisture source that can help regulate digestion and firm up loose stools or add bulk for softer stools, and it provides beta-carotene (vitamin A precursor) plus small amounts of vitamins and minerals for dogs and cats. It is safe and beneficial when plain cooked or canned (not spiced or sweetened pie filling), should be fed in moderation as a supplement rather than a primary food, and introduced gradually since large amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset or interfere with absorption of some medications.
05
Flaxseed
Flaxseed is used in pet foods as a plant-based source of alpha‑linolenic acid (ALA) omega‑3, soluble and insoluble fiber, and modest protein, often added to support skin and coat condition, digestive health, and kibble texture; ground seed or flaxseed oil is more digestible than whole seed. Dogs can partially convert ALA to long‑chain EPA/DHA but cats convert ALA poorly and therefore still need marine sources for essential DHA/EPA; flax is calorie‑dense, prone to oxidation if not stabilized, and contains lignans (phytoestrogens) and trace cyanogenic compounds, so it should be processed and used in moderation.

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)
34.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
16.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
4.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
25.00%
Low High
3400
kcal / Kg
331
kcal / Cup
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 All Life Stages
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Whole Pieces
Processing method Air Dried
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
Only Natural Pet(R) Max Meat(R) Chicken Recipe Adult Dog Food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance.

Brand

Only Natural Pet

Only Natural Pet offers a comprehensive range of natural pet foods, supplements, treats, and wellness products focused on holistic and sustainable pet care. The brand appeals to environmentally conscious pet owners seeking high-quality, minimally processed nutrition alternatives for their pets.

Visit Only Natural Pet
Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Only Natural Pet, LLC
Parent company PetSmart, LLC
Founded 2004
Headquarters Boulder, Colorado, USA
Manufacturing type Co Packer
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region Colorado
Manufacturing oversight

Products are manufactured in the United States under strict quality assurance protocols, including adherence to FDA and AAFCO standards. The company emphasizes sustainability, renewable energy use, and third-party testing for ingredient safety.

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

Only Natural Pet MaxMeat Air Dried Chicken Recipe Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

Unlock More

Sign up for the full picture

Ingredient Check

We'll check every ingredient against your pet's profile.

Get started

Feeding Calculator

Personalized portion sizes based on your pet's weight, age, and activity level.

Get started

Side-by-Side Comparison

Compare this food with alternatives to find the best fit.

Get started

Share this food
KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.6 /10 Grade A
MaxMeat Air Dried Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Only Natural Pet · kibblelab.com

Post your dog's report card and challenge friends to check their food.


Frequently Asked Questions

Has Only Natural Pet ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Only Natural Pet. 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.

What does YOUR pet eat?
Look up any dog or cat food. Free, takes 30 seconds, no sign-up.
Check a Food

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.