Puppy Chow Tender & Crunchy Dry Puppy Food
Verified Jun 17, 2026
This is a dry puppy food designed for growing dogs, combining crunchy kibble with softer pieces. It uses corn, poultry by-product meal, soybean meal, meat and bone meal, and beef as its main protein and energy sources, and includes added DHA, calcium, and vitamins to support normal growth and development. It’s formulated for puppies from weaning onward and is energy dense, so portion control is important.
Nutritionally, this is a complete and generally well-balanced dry food for puppies, with adequate protein, fat, and appropriate calcium and phosphorus levels for growth. It relies heavily on grains and by-product meals for protein and calories, which is acceptable from a nutritional standpoint, but not as top-tier as diets that use more animal-based proteins as the primary ingredients. It can be a reasonable option for many healthy puppies, especially those without food sensitivities, as long as you measure portions carefully due to its higher calorie density.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Protein level (27.5% as-fed) and fat level (12% as-fed) are appropriate for most growing puppies, helping support lean muscle development and energy needs.
- Includes DHA from fish oil plus added vitamins A, E, and C, which support normal brain, eye, and immune function during growth.
- Contains named mineral and vitamin supplements, L-lysine, and DL-methionine to help round out the amino acid profile and micronutrient balance for a complete diet.
- Uses grains (corn, wheat, rice) as carbohydrate sources rather than being legume-heavy, so it avoids the pulse-rich profile associated with some diet-linked heart concerns in dogs.
Considerations
- Multiple animal and plant proteins are used (poultry by-product meal, meat and bone meal, beef, soybean meal, corn protein meal), which may not be ideal if your puppy has or develops food allergies to common proteins like chicken or beef.
- Artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 2) are included; they don’t add nutritional value and some owners prefer to avoid them, especially if a dog has a history of sensitivities.
- Calorie density is relatively high at 387 kcal per cup, so overfeeding is easy; careful measuring and body-condition monitoring are important to avoid excessive weight gain in growing puppies.
- Garlic oil is present in small amounts; while this level is unlikely to be harmful, it does not provide nutritional benefit and may be a concern for very sensitive dogs.
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
Poultry By-Product
Poultry by-product is used primarily as a concentrated protein, fat and micronutrient source in pet foods and consists of rendered poultry parts such as internal organs, bones and connective tissues that supply amino acids, minerals (notably calcium and phosphorus) and B‑vitamins. It can be a cost‑effective source of bioavailable nutrients, but composition and quality vary by source and processing—owners of pets with poultry allergies or who prefer named-meat ingredients may choose alternatives, and safety depends on reputable rendering and adherence to regulatory standards.
04
Whole Grain Wheat
Whole grain wheat is used in pet foods as a digestible source of carbohydrates, fiber and some plant protein, and provides B‑vitamins and minerals to supply energy and help support stool quality—its nutritional contribution is typically more relevant for dogs than for obligate‑carnivore cats. While whole wheat retains more nutrients and fiber than refined wheat, it is calorie‑dense and can trigger gluten or grain sensitivities in a minority of pets, so animals with known wheat allergies or weight management concerns may be better served by wheat‑free or lower‑carbohydrate options.
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
Brand
Puppy Chow is Purina's value-oriented puppy food brand, the growth-stage counterpart to Dog Chow, offering affordable complete and balanced nutrition for puppies. It targets value-minded owners of growing dogs.
Visit Puppy 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
Puppy Chow Puppy Chow Tender & Crunchy Dry Puppy Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Puppy Chow ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Puppy 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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