Puppy Chow Complete Chicken & Rice Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 16, 2026
This is a complete dry food designed for puppies and other growing dogs, including large breeds. It uses a mix of corn, chicken by-product meal, corn gluten meal, and soybean meal to provide moderate protein and energy, with added fish oil for DHA and an appropriate calcium and phosphorus balance for growth. The formula is fortified with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support development of the immune system, bones, and brain during the growth phase.
Nutritionally, this is a solid, basic puppy diet that meets AAFCO requirements for all life stages, including large-breed growth, and provides appropriate levels of protein, fat, calcium, and DHA for developing puppies. It relies heavily on grains and plant-based proteins, but also includes named animal protein sources and organ-rich by-products, which can be very nutrient-dense. This food can work well for many puppies, especially if you’re looking for an all-life-stages option that is safe for large-breed growth, though some owners may prefer a formula without artificial colors and with a higher proportion of animal protein.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages, including large-breed puppy growth, so it’s appropriate for growing puppies of any size as well as adults.
- Includes multiple animal-derived ingredients (chicken by-product meal, chicken, poultry and pork digest, fish oil) that provide essential amino acids and fatty acids, plus DHA for brain and eye development.
- Calcium and phosphorus levels are appropriate for growth, and overall protein (27.5% min) and fat (12% min) are reasonable for most puppies.
- Uses a blend of grains and fiber sources that are generally easy to digest for many dogs and avoids peas, lentils, and chickpeas, so it does not fall into the grain-free/pulse-heavy category linked with DCM concerns.
Considerations
- Main ingredients are grain- and plant-based (corn, corn gluten meal, soybean meal), so the proportion of animal protein is likely lower than in some other puppy foods; very active or working-breed puppies may do better on a higher animal-protein formula.
- Contains several common allergens, including chicken, egg flavor, and soy, so it would not be a good fit for puppies with known sensitivities to these ingredients.
- Uses multiple artificial colors (Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Red 40, Blue 2), which are not nutritionally necessary and some owners prefer to avoid.
- Moderate fat level (12%) may be on the lower side for very high-energy, underweight, or hard-working puppies who might need a more calorie-dense diet.
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 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.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
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.
Visit Purina Dog ChowManufacturer
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
Purina Dog Chow Puppy Chow Complete Chicken & Rice Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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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 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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