Dog Chow Soft Bites Smoked Chicken Flavor Soft Dog Food
Verified Jun 11, 2026
This is a soft, chewy, high-moisture dry food formulated as a complete and balanced diet for adult dogs, but it can also be used as a topper or snack. It uses beef by-products and chicken as animal protein sources, with several soy ingredients and wheat flour providing additional protein and carbohydrates. The recipe is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to meet AAFCO standards for adult maintenance.
Nutritionally, this product meets adult maintenance needs and offers a softer, more palatable texture that can work well for dogs who struggle with hard kibble or who need a moist option for mixing with other foods. Protein is at an acceptable level for an adult maintenance diet, and the food is fully fortified with vitamins and minerals. However, it does rely heavily on soy ingredients and added sugars (corn syrups), and it includes artificial colors, which are not necessary from a nutritional standpoint.
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
- Complete and balanced to AAFCO standards for adult maintenance, so it can be used as a sole diet if desired.
- Contains animal-based protein from beef by-products and chicken, providing essential amino acids for adult dogs.
- Soft, high-moisture texture can be helpful for dogs with dental issues or for mixing with other foods to encourage eating.
- Includes a full complement of vitamins and minerals to support overall nutritional adequacy for adult dogs.
Considerations
- Relies heavily on soy (soy flour, soy grits, soy protein isolate), which may not suit dogs with soy allergies or sensitivities.
- Contains added sugars from high fructose corn syrup and corn syrup, which are not nutritionally necessary and can contribute extra calories without added benefit.
- Uses artificial colors (Yellow 5, Red 40, Blue 1), which are cosmetic only and do not provide nutritional value.
- Includes multiple common allergens (beef by-products, chicken, wheat, soy), so it is not a good fit for dogs with known food allergies to these ingredients.
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
Beef By-Product
Beef by-product is used as a concentrated protein and nutrient source in pet foods and typically includes organ meats, trimmings, and other edible parts aside from skeletal muscle, supplying protein, B vitamins (including B12), vitamin A, iron, zinc and certain fats and connective tissue components. It can be highly palatable and nutrient-dense for dogs and cats, but composition and quality vary with the source and processing, so selecting products from reputable manufacturers helps ensure safety, consistent nutrient content and mitigates risks for pets with specific allergies or sensitivities.
02
Soy Flour
Soy flour is a plant-derived protein and carbohydrate ingredient used in dog and cat foods as a protein source, binder and texture improver, supplying moderate-quality protein, fiber and calories though it is lower in some amino acids (notably methionine) than typical animal proteins. It can be a cost-effective, digestible ingredient, but soy is a common allergen for some pets and may be less suitable as a primary protein for obligate-carnivore cats; it also contains isoflavones that could influence hormone-sensitive or thyroid-compromised animals, while proper processing reduces antinutritional factors.
03
Soy Grit
Soy grits are coarsely ground, defatted soybean pieces commonly used in pet foods as a plant-based protein, fiber source and texturizer or binder to extend protein content and improve kibble texture. They supply digestible protein, fiber and soy phytonutrients but are lower in certain essential amino acids for obligate carnivores (like cats), can trigger allergies in sensitive animals, and must be properly heat-processed to deactivate anti-nutritional factors such as trypsin inhibitors and lectins; many soy ingredients are also sourced from GMO crops, which some owners may wish to avoid.
04
High Fructose Corn Syrup
High fructose corn syrup is a liquid sweetener and humectant used to improve palatability and texture in some pet treats and processed foods, providing readily digestible simple sugars but no essential nutrients. Because it contributes empty calories and can promote weight gain, dental disease and poor glycemic control—especially problematic for diabetic, overweight pets and obligate carnivores like cats—it is generally considered undesirable in regular diets and should be limited or avoided.
05
Water
Water is an essential nutrient and the primary solvent and moisture component in pet foods, especially wet and canned diets, and is also used in processing and to adjust texture and palatability. It is vital for digestion, nutrient transport, temperature regulation and waste removal in dogs and cats; pets must have constant access to clean water as dehydration can quickly lead to serious health issues and requirements increase with activity, heat, or illness, while moisture in wet food can help meet part of their daily needs.
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 Soft Bites Smoked Chicken Flavor Soft 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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