Real Chicken & Veggies Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 11, 2026
This is a dry kibble formulated for adult dogs of all sizes, with chicken as the primary animal protein. It uses a mix of corn, wheat, sorghum, peas, and rice as carbohydrate and additional protein sources, and includes added omega fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and taurine for complete and balanced adult maintenance nutrition. It’s designed as an everyday maintenance diet rather than a specialized or therapeutic food.
Overall, this is a solid, mid-range adult dry dog food that provides complete and balanced nutrition with chicken as the first ingredient. The protein and fat levels are appropriate for many average adult dogs, and the inclusion of added omega-3s, omega-6s, and taurine is a plus. It relies on a mix of grains and legumes for additional protein and calories, which works well for most dogs but may not suit those with specific grain, soy, or chicken sensitivities.
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
- Chicken as the first ingredient provides a good primary animal protein source for most dogs.
- AAFCO-complete and balanced for adult maintenance, with appropriate protein (23%) and fat (13%) levels for many adult pets.
- Includes added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, EPA/DHA, vitamins C and E, and taurine, which support general health needs in adult dogs.
- Grains like corn, wheat, and brown rice provide digestible carbohydrates and additional protein, and are well tolerated by most dogs.
Considerations
- Contains several common allergens, including chicken, soy, wheat, and fish, so it’s not a good fit for dogs with sensitivities to any of those ingredients.
- Peas appear in the top 10 ingredients; while this isn’t a grain-free diet, owners of breeds with a history of heart issues may still prefer formulas that are less legume-heavy.
- The protein level, while adequate for most average adults, may be on the lower side for very active, working, or performance dogs that have higher protein needs.
- Includes artificial color (carmine), which is not necessary from a nutritional standpoint, though it is considered safe.
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
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
02
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.
03
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.
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
Pea
Pea is a plant-based ingredient used in pet foods as a source of protein, soluble and insoluble fiber, and micronutrients (often included as whole peas, pea flour, or pea protein concentrate) to boost protein content and improve texture. While peas can provide digestible carbohydrates, fiber, and some plant protein useful especially for dogs, they are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and — when overused, particularly in concentrated forms or as a major component of grain‑free diets — have been scrutinized for a possible association with canine dilated cardiomyopathy and can contribute to nutrient imbalances or excess calories, so balanced formulation and compliance with AAFCO nutritional profiles are important.
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
Rachael Ray Nutrish is a pet food brand developed in partnership with celebrity chef Rachael Ray. Originally launched under Ainsworth Pet Nutrition, the brand was later owned by The J.M. Smucker Company before being acquired by Post Holdings in April 2023. Nutrish offers natural dog and cat food recipes emphasizing simple, wholesome ingredients.
Visit Rachael Ray NutrishManufacturer
Post Holdings operates manufacturing facilities acquired from J.M. Smucker, following FDA and AAFCO regulatory standards.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Chicken & Veggies Recipe Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Rachael Ray Nutrish ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Rachael Ray Nutrish. 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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