With Tender Bites for Small Dogs Complete Nutrition Adult Chicken & Steak Flavor Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 6, 2026
This is a dry kibble designed for adult small-breed dogs, combining crunchy pieces with softer "tender bites" to make it easier to chew. It uses chicken by-product meal, meat and bone meal, soybean meal, and corn gluten meal as its main protein sources, with corn and wheat as primary carbohydrates. The recipe is fortified with vitamins, minerals, linoleic acid, and added glucosamine and chondroitin to support overall nutrition for everyday adult dogs.
Nutritionally, this food provides complete and balanced adult maintenance nutrition with moderate protein and fat levels that are acceptable for most small adult dogs. It relies heavily on grains and plant-based meals for calories, with multiple animal by-product sources contributing protein and minerals, and includes added glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-6 fatty acids. It’s a reasonable everyday option for healthy small-breed adults, but not a particularly high-protein or ingredient-dense formula compared with more premium diets.
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
- Provides complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs with moderate protein (21%) and fat (11%) appropriate for many small adult pets.
- Multiple animal-based ingredients (chicken by-product meal, chicken meal, meat and bone meal) supply essential amino acids, calcium, and phosphorus.
- Added linoleic acid, zinc, and vitamin E support skin, coat, and antioxidant needs.
- Includes added glucosamine and chondroitin, which can contribute building blocks for joint tissues, though the levels are modest.
Considerations
- Contains several common allergens, including chicken, meat and bone meal (likely beef or mixed species), wheat, and soy, so it’s not a good fit for dogs with food sensitivities to these ingredients.
- Protein level is on the lower side compared with many small-breed formulas, which often benefit from somewhat higher protein for lean body mass and metabolism.
- Uses artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 2), which add no nutritional value and can be unnecessary for many pets.
- Includes added sugars and relies heavily on grains and plant meals (corn, wheat, soybean meal, corn gluten meal) as primary calorie sources, which may not be ideal for very active or muscle-focused dogs who benefit from higher animal-protein content.
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
Whole Grain Corn
Whole grain corn is commonly used as a carbohydrate and energy source in pet foods, providing digestible starch, dietary fiber, some protein, and B vitamins and minerals while retaining more nutrients than refined corn. It is generally economical and well-tolerated by most dogs and many cats, but because cats are obligate carnivores animal-based proteins are nutritionally more important, and pets with grain sensitivities, certain metabolic conditions, or requirements for low-carbohydrate diets may need alternatives; proper sourcing and processing also reduce mycotoxin risk and improve digestibility.
02
Chicken By-Product
Chicken by-product is a common protein ingredient in pet foods made from edible parts of the bird not typically consumed by people—such as organs (liver, heart), necks and other tissues—and is used to add protein, flavor and nutrient density. It can provide concentrated protein, essential amino acids, B vitamins and minerals (and may contribute taurine when organ meats are included), but composition and quality vary by source, so pet parents concerned about sourcing, higher ash/fat content or chicken allergies should check the manufacturer’s labeling and quality standards.
03
Corn Gluten
Corn gluten (often listed as corn gluten meal) is a concentrated plant-based protein and kibble-binding ingredient commonly used in dry pet foods to boost protein content, energy density, and help with texture. It provides digestible protein for dogs but is relatively low in essential amino acids like lysine, is not an ideal sole protein source for obligate carnivores such as cats, and can be a sensitivity/allergen for some pets, so it’s best used alongside high-quality animal proteins and complementary ingredients.
04
Animal Fat
Animal fat is used in pet foods as a concentrated energy source and palatability enhancer, and can provide fat-soluble vitamin absorption and essential fatty acids (including arachidonic and linoleic acids, depending on the source) that support skin, coat and overall cellular function—particularly important for obligate carnivores like cats. Because it is calorie-dense and prone to oxidation, fats are typically rendered and stabilized; owners should be aware that high-fat diets can contribute to obesity and may trigger pancreatitis in susceptible dogs, so quality, source, and total dietary fat should be considered.
05
BHA
BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) is a synthetic antioxidant commonly used in pet foods to prevent fat oxidation and rancidity, helping preserve flavor, fats and fat‑soluble vitamins; it is not a nutritional ingredient for dogs or cats. Although approved for use at regulated low levels, some laboratory studies have linked high doses to cancer risk, so some manufacturers and pet owners prefer natural alternatives (e.g., mixed tocopherols) and those with concerns should discuss options with their veterinarian.
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
Brand
Pedigree is one of the largest global dog food brands, owned by Mars Petcare. It offers a broad range of dry and wet foods and treats for dogs across all life stages, positioned as an accessible, mass‑market brand sold in grocery, mass retail, and pet specialty channels worldwide. Marketing emphasizes everyday nutrition, affordability, and support for dog welfare and adoption initiatives.
Visit PedigreeManufacturer
Mars Petcare operates large-scale manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America with formal quality and food safety systems modeled on human food standards. Facilities follow HACCP-based programs, Good Manufacturing Practices, and are routinely audited for compliance with local regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA and USDA in the U.S., FEDIAF-related standards in Europe). Mars maintains in‑house research and development centers, employs veterinarians and pet nutrition scientists, and conducts digestibility and palatability studies and AAFCO feeding trials for many of its complete-and-balanced diets.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Pedigree With Tender Bites for Small Dogs Complete Nutrition Adult Chicken & Steak Flavor Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Pedigree ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Pedigree. 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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