Pulsar Chicken Whole Grain Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 15, 2026
This is a chicken-based dry dog food that uses chicken meal and fresh chicken as its main protein sources, combined with whole grains like barley, rye, oats, and quinoa for carbohydrates and fiber. It’s designed as an all-life-stages formula, including large-breed puppies, and includes added taurine, probiotics, and omega-rich ingredients to support overall health. The recipe also features fruits, vegetables, and chelated minerals to help provide a well-rounded nutrient profile.
This is a well-formulated, moderate-protein dry food that should suit many dogs, from puppies to seniors, including large-breed puppies, as long as they tolerate chicken and grains. I like the focus on whole grains, a single animal protein source, added taurine, and a broad mix of probiotics and chelated minerals. It’s a good option for owners looking for a stable, everyday diet with thoughtful extras like omega fats and antioxidants, rather than a very high-protein or grain-free approach.
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
- Chicken meal and chicken provide concentrated, highly digestible animal protein as the primary protein sources.
- Uses whole grains (hullless barley, rye, oats, quinoa) instead of refined grains, which can help provide steady energy and additional fiber and micronutrients.
- Complete and balanced for all life stages including growth of large-breed dogs, which is a stricter nutritional standard.
- Includes added taurine, multiple probiotic strains, flaxseed and chicken fat for omega fatty acids, and a variety of fruits and vegetables for natural antioxidants.
Considerations
- Chicken is the only animal protein source, so this food won’t be suitable for dogs with chicken allergies or chicken-sensitive stomachs.
- At 24% protein and 14% fat, this is a moderate, not high-protein/high-fat formula; very high-energy working or sporting dogs may need a richer diet.
- Contains multiple cereal grains (barley, rye, oats), which are fine for most dogs but may not suit those requiring a grain-free or very low-grain diet for specific medical reasons.
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
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.
03
Rye
Rye is a cereal grain used in pet foods mainly as a carbohydrate and fiber source, providing modest protein, B vitamins and minerals and fermentable fibers that can support healthy gut bacteria. Because it contains gluten-like proteins and offers limited essential nutrients for obligate carnivores, rye may be unsuitable for pets with grain sensitivities or for cats with high meat requirements, and proper sourcing/processing is important to minimize risks such as mycotoxin contamination.
04
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.
05
Oat
Oats are commonly used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber (beta‑glucans), plant protein, B vitamins and minerals, which can support healthy digestion and help moderate blood glucose and cholesterol. They are generally well tolerated by dogs and can be included sparingly for cats, but owners should avoid flavored or sweetened preparations (and ingredients like xylitol or raisins), be mindful of possible grain sensitivities or cross‑contamination with gluten, and prefer cooked oats for better digestibility and portion control due to caloric content.
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
Pulsar features single-protein, limited-ingredient recipes with pulses (lentils and peas) as sustainable carbohydrate sources, offering affordability while maintaining Horizon’s Canadian quality standards.
Visit PulsarManufacturer
All products are manufactured in Horizon’s own human-grade production facility in Rosthern, Saskatchewan. The company maintains strict quality control, source traceability, and adheres to Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) standards, AAFCO nutritional guidelines, and HACCP-based food safety practices.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Pulsar Pulsar Chicken Whole Grain Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Pulsar ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Pulsar. 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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