Small Breed All Life Stage Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 17, 2026
This is a grain-free, meat-focused dry food for small-breed dogs at any life stage, using chicken meal, turkey, and salmon meal as its main protein sources. Lentils and peas provide the primary carbohydrates, while added omega-rich ingredients, fruits, vegetables, and probiotics support overall nutrition. The small kibble size makes it easier for little dogs to chew and handle comfortably.
Nutritionally, this is a high-protein, grain-free dry food tailored to the needs of small-breed dogs, from puppies through adults and seniors (but not appropriate for large-breed puppies). It offers multiple quality animal proteins, added taurine, omega fatty acids, and a nice mix of fruits, vegetables, and probiotics. Because it relies heavily on legumes (lentils and peas) as the main carbohydrate source, I’d be a bit more cautious using it as a long-term sole diet in breeds where heart disease is a concern.
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At a Glance
What "not formulated for" means
Life stages this food isn't certified complete and balanced for, based on its AAFCO statement.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- High protein (around 30% as fed) from multiple animal sources, including chicken meal, turkey, salmon meal, and egg, which helps provide a complete amino acid profile.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages (except large-breed puppy growth), so it can be used for small-breed puppies, adults, and seniors with appropriate portion control.
- Includes added taurine and a relatively high omega-3 and omega-6 content, which can support heart, skin, and coat health.
- Contains a blend of probiotics, prebiotics (fructooligosaccharides), and various fruits and vegetables, which can support digestive health and provide natural antioxidants.
Considerations
- This is a grain-free, legume-heavy formula (red lentils and pea ingredients high on the list); for dogs, especially certain breeds, there have been concerns about a possible association between legume-rich, grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy.
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
Red Lentil
Red lentils are a plant-based source of digestible protein, complex carbohydrates, and soluble and insoluble fiber that are used in pet foods to boost protein and fiber content and provide micronutrients such as folate and iron. They can support digestive health and weight management, but are lower in some essential amino acids compared with animal proteins, may contain antinutrients that are reduced by cooking/processing, and because high-legume diets have been scrutinized in relation to diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs and lack certain nutrients (e.g., taurine) important for cats, they should be included only as part of a complete, balanced formulation.
03
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.
04
Pea Flour
Pea flour is a finely milled powder from whole peas used in pet foods as a plant-based source of protein, starch and fiber to add bulk, improve texture and boost overall protein content. It provides digestible protein, fiber and some micronutrients, but plant proteins are lower in certain essential amino acids (important for cats in particular) and high inclusion of legumes can create formulation imbalances, so manufacturers typically supplement limiting amino acids and process pea flour to reduce anti-nutritional factors; pet owners should note rare allergies and rely on complete, balanced diets rather than single-ingredient comparisons.
05
Chicken Fat
Chicken fat is used in dog and cat foods as a concentrated energy and flavor source that supplies essential fatty acids (notably linoleic acid) and aids absorption of fat‑soluble vitamins, improving palatability and supporting skin and coat health. Because it is calorie‑dense, diets must account for added fat to prevent weight gain, and quality (proper rendering and antioxidant protection to prevent rancidity) is important; although fats are less commonly allergenic than proteins, pets with poultry sensitivities may still react in some cases.
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 Small Breed All Life Stage Grain-Free 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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