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Complete Chicken & Rice Puppy Dry Dog Food
Purina Dog Chow

Complete Chicken & Rice Puppy Dry Dog Food

Verified Aug 21, 2026

Dog · Dry Puppy All Breed Sizes

This is a complete dry puppy food made with chicken by-product meal, corn, and soy as the main protein and energy sources. It’s formulated for all life stages, including large-breed growth, and provides added DHA, calcium, and antioxidants to support growing puppies. The recipe is designed to meet the higher calorie and nutrient needs of young, developing dogs in a convenient kibble format.

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Over-the-counter AAFCO No recalls

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KibbleLab Score
8.0 out of 10

Strong Choice

Nutritionally, this is a solid, well-balanced puppy food from a large manufacturer that knows how to formulate for growth, including large-breed puppies. It offers appropriate protein, fat, and controlled calcium and phosphorus for growth, plus added DHA and vitamin C. It does rely heavily on corn and soy and uses artificial colors, which are not harmful but aren’t nutritionally necessary.

Nutritional profile 9.6
Ingredient composition 5.5
Adequacy substantiation 7.0
Health considerations 10.0

Computed from 4 of 4 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber on a dry-matter basis, for the stated life stage and format
Adequacy substantiation Complete and balanced substantiation; feeding trials valued higher
Ingredient composition Screened for unnamed sources, artificial additives, and label protein inflation. Not a quality ranking.
Health considerations Pulse-heavy grain-free (DCM) pattern and recall history
Verified manufacturer evidence A small bonus when we can verify evidence addressing WSAVA selection criteria
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 6.0 Review Carefully

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At a Glance

Marketed Benefits
Where these benefits come from Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.
Brain Health Eye Health Immune Support Bone Health Digestive Health Antioxidant Support Joint Care
Suitable For
Puppy All Breed Sizes
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We'll check every ingredient against your pet's sensitivities and avoidance list.

Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Formulated to meet AAFCO standards for all life stages, including large-breed puppy growth, which is a big plus for safety in growing pups.
  • Protein level is appropriate for puppies, with animal-derived ingredients like chicken by-product meal and fish oil contributing key amino acids and fatty acids.
  • Contains DHA from fish oil to support developing brain and vision in growing puppies.
  • Includes added calcium, phosphorus, and antioxidants such as vitamin C to support bone development and immune function.

Considerations

  • Chicken by-product meal, chicken, fish, and soy are common allergens, so this may not suit puppies with known food allergies to these ingredients.
  • The formula relies heavily on corn and soy as major ingredients, which are nutritious but may not suit owners looking for more meat-forward recipes.
  • Artificial colors like Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 40, and Blue 2 are included; they are considered safe but do not add nutritional value.
  • Calorie density is fairly high, so measuring portions carefully is important to avoid rapid growth or excess weight, especially in large-breed puppies.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal, corn protein meal, animal fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols, soybean meal, barley, egg and chicken flavor, ground rice, chicken, poultry and pork digest, mono and dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, fish oil, salt, potassium chloride, soybean oil, choline chloride, MINERALS [zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, calcium iodate, sodium selenite], L-Lysine monohydrochloride, VITAMINS [Vitamin E supplement, niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A supplement, calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Vitamin B-12 supplement, thiamine mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin D-3 supplement, riboflavin supplement (Vitamin B-2), menadione sodium bisulfite complex (Vitamin K), folic acid (Vitamin B-9), biotin (Vitamin B-7)], Yellow 6, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (Vitamin C), Yellow 5, DL-Methionine, Red 40, Blue 2, garlic oil.

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 Protein Meal
Corn protein meal is a concentrated plant-based protein ingredient commonly used to raise crude protein and energy in dry kibbles, treats and some wet diets as a cost-effective alternative to animal protein sources. It provides digestible amino acids for dogs but has an incomplete amino acid profile (notably low in lysine and lacking taurine), so it should be balanced with higher-quality animal proteins for growing animals and obligate‑carnivore cats; some pets may also be sensitive to corn and quality/sourcing can affect safety and nutrient content.
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
Mixed Tocopherol
Mixed tocopherols are a blend of natural vitamin E compounds (alpha, beta, gamma and delta tocopherols) used in pet foods primarily as a natural antioxidant and preservative to protect fats and fat‑soluble nutrients and extend shelf life. They also supply dietary vitamin E—an essential antioxidant for immune function, skin and coat health and cellular integrity in dogs and cats—and are generally safe at typical use levels, though they are not a substitute for a complete vitamin formulation and may be less effective in animals with fat‑absorption disorders.

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)
27.50%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
12.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
5.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
12.00%
Low High
3597
kcal / Kg
414
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.

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Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Lifestage Puppy
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Kibble
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 All Life Stages, Large Breed Growth (70+ lbs)
Substantiation Formulation
Puppy Chow Complete is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages, including growth of large sized dogs (70 lb. or more as an adult).

Brand

Purina Dog Chow is one of the brand’s oldest and most recognized, offering affordable dog food options focused on balanced everyday nutrition. It’s marketed toward loyal Purina customers and value-minded owners.

Price tier $$

Manufacturer

Company name Nestlé Purina PetCare
Parent company Nestlé S.A.
Founded 2001
Headquarters St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region Missouri
Manufacturing oversight

Nestlé Purina operates its own manufacturing facilities in the United States and globally with rigorous quality assurance programs. Facilities comply with FDA and USDA standards and implement HACCP-based food safety systems. The company conducts AAFCO feeding trials and employs board-certified veterinary nutritionists.

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

No recall is listed for Purina Dog Chow Complete Chicken & Rice Puppy Dry Dog Food.

Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.0 /10 Grade A
Complete Chicken & Rice Puppy Dry Dog Food
Purina Dog Chow · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Purina Dog Chow ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Purina Dog Chow. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.

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.

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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 listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.