Small Breed Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 9, 2026
This is a high‑protein dry food formulated specifically for small-breed dogs of all ages, including puppies and even large-breed puppies. It uses multiple animal protein sources like turkey, chicken, fish, and organ meats, with relatively low starch from lentils and beans. The recipe also includes added omega-3s, joint support nutrients, and probiotics to support skin and coat, digestion, and overall health in small dogs with higher energy needs.
Nutritionally, this is a very strong, meat-forward kibble for small-breed dogs, with high protein, moderate fat, and relatively low starch. It should suit active small dogs well and is formulated to cover all life stages, including growth of large-breed puppies, which speaks to careful mineral balance. The main caveats are the heavy use of legumes in a grain-free formula and the inclusion of multiple common protein allergens, which may not be ideal for dogs with food sensitivities or in breeds where DCM is a concern.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Very high protein at 38% with multiple animal sources, including fresh and dehydrated poultry, fish, and organ meats.
- Formulated for all life stages, including large-breed growth, with appropriate calcium and phosphorus levels listed.
- Includes marine omega-3 sources like salmon, herring, pollock oil, and green mussels to support skin, coat, and joint health.
- Relatively low dietary starch at a maximum of 18%, which many active small dogs do well on.
Considerations
- This is a grain-free, legume-heavy recipe with peas, lentils, beans, and chickpeas, which have been linked to DCM in some dogs.
- Contains several common allergens, including chicken, turkey, eggs, and fish, so it will not suit dogs with those specific food sensitivities.
- The 18% minimum fat content may be a bit rich for very sedentary or easily overweight small dogs if portions are not carefully controlled.
- High animal-protein content is excellent for most, but dogs with certain kidney or metabolic issues may need a lower-protein diet instead.
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
Turkey
Turkey is commonly used as a primary animal protein in dog and cat foods, offering highly digestible, high‑quality protein and supplying essential amino acids along with B vitamins, phosphorus and zinc to support muscle maintenance and metabolism. Its fat level varies by cut so products can be lean or richer; some pets may develop allergies to poultry, cooked bones are hazardous, raw meat carries bacterial risk, and owners should rely on balanced commercial formulations (and ensure adequate taurine for cats) if turkey is a main 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.
03
Turkey Giblet
Turkey giblets (commonly hearts, livers, gizzards and sometimes neck) are used in pet foods as a flavorful animal protein source and palatability enhancer, supplying concentrated protein, B vitamins (notably B12), iron, zinc and other trace minerals. They are nutrient-dense for both dogs and cats but should be included in balanced amounts because liver is very high in vitamin A and can cause hypervitaminosis if overused, may trigger poultry allergies in sensitive animals, and must be properly processed to minimize bacterial contamination.
04
Turkey Liver
Turkey liver is an organ meat commonly used in dog and cat foods as a protein-rich, palatability-enhancing ingredient and a concentrated source of vitamins and minerals—particularly vitamin A, B vitamins (including B12), iron, and copper. It offers nutritional benefits for metabolism and skin/coat health but should be included in moderation within a balanced diet to avoid vitamin A excess and high purine intake, and must be properly handled or cooked to reduce foodborne risks.
05
Turkey Heart
Turkey heart is an organ meat commonly used in pet foods as a high-quality protein and palatability ingredient that also provides essential amino acids (including taurine), B vitamins, iron, zinc and other trace minerals. It can be especially beneficial for cats because of its taurine content and for dogs as a nutrient-dense protein source, but should be included in balanced amounts (not as the sole diet component) and handled/processed properly to avoid pathogens or intolerance in sensitive pets.
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
ORIJEN is Champion Petfoods' flagship super-premium brand, designed to mimic the evolutionary diets of dogs and cats. ORIJEN foods feature a high inclusion of fresh, whole meats and minimal processing. The brand positions itself in the super-premium segment, appealing to pet owners prioritizing ancestral feeding principles and transparency in ingredient sourcing.
Visit OrijenManufacturer
Champion Petfoods maintains full control over its manufacturing through its own award-winning kitchens — NorthStar in Alberta, Canada, and DogStar in Kentucky, USA. The company implements strict quality control, adheres to HACCP and FDA manufacturing standards, and monitors safety through both internal testing and third-party audits.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Orijen 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 Orijen ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Orijen. 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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