Dog Chow Little Bites With Real Chicken and Beef Small Breed Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 7, 2026
This is a dry kibble formulated specifically for adult small-breed dogs, with protein coming from chicken, beef, meat and bone meal, poultry by-product meal, and plant sources like corn and soybean meal. It includes grains such as corn, wheat, and rice to provide energy, along with added vitamins and minerals for balanced daily nutrition. The small kibble size is intended to be easier for small dogs to chew and eat comfortably.
Nutritionally, this is a complete and balanced dry food for maintenance of adult small-breed dogs, with moderate protein and fat levels that are appropriate for many average, healthy dogs. It relies on a mix of animal and plant proteins, along with common grains, which is typical of many mainstream diets. This can work well for small dogs without special dietary needs, though there are a few ingredients some owners may prefer to avoid for sensitive pets.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance, so it is complete and balanced for adult dogs.
- Moderate protein (25%) and fat (12%) levels are suitable for many small adult dogs with typical activity levels.
- Includes multiple animal-derived ingredients (meat and bone meal, poultry by-product meal, chicken, beef) to help supply essential amino acids.
- Calcium and phosphorus are present at reasonable minimum levels (1.1% and 0.9%), supporting bone and tooth health in adult dogs.
Considerations
- Contains several common protein allergens, including chicken, beef, poultry by-product meal, and soybean meal, so it is not a good fit for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients.
- Uses artificial colors (Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 40, Blue 2), which are not nutritionally necessary and may be undesirable for some owners of sensitive pets.
- Relies heavily on plant-based ingredients like whole grain corn, corn protein meal, soybean meal, and wheat as major components of the diet, which may not suit owners looking for a more animal-protein–focused formula.
- Includes garlic oil; while the tiny amount used in commercial foods is typically below toxic levels, it offers no clear nutritional benefit and is best avoided in dogs with any history of hematologic issues.
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
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.
03
Meat And Bone
Meat and bone is a rendered animal protein and mineral ingredient commonly used in pet foods to provide concentrated protein, fat and elevated levels of calcium and phosphorus from both muscle tissue and ground bone. It can be a cost‑effective source of essential amino acids and minerals for dogs and cats, but nutrient composition and digestibility vary by source (often higher in ash), so owners should note the ingredient’s nonspecific labeling and rely on reputable manufacturers and proper formulation to ensure species‑appropriate nutrients and safe processing.
04
Soybean
Soybean is a common plant-based ingredient in pet foods used as a concentrated protein and fat source (in forms such as soybean meal, soy protein concentrate/isolate, and soybean oil) that supplies essential amino acids, calories, and beneficial polyunsaturated fats. It can be a cost-effective, digestible protein for many dogs but is less ideal as the sole protein for obligate carnivores like cats and may trigger allergies or deliver phytoestrogens and antinutritional factors (e.g., trypsin inhibitors, phytates) that are typically reduced by proper processing, so diets using soy should be balanced and monitored.
05
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.
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 Dog Chow Little Bites With Real Chicken and Beef Small Breed 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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