Puppy Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified May 19, 2026
This is a complete and balanced dry food for puppies, featuring chicken and chicken meal as the main protein sources with brown rice, corn, and soybean meal providing additional energy and nutrients. It includes added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from fish oil and flaxseed to support healthy development, along with vitamins, minerals, and taurine. The formula is designed to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages, including large-breed puppy growth.
Nutritionally, this is a solid, well-balanced puppy food that uses named chicken and chicken meal as primary protein sources and is formulated to support even large-breed puppy growth. The protein and fat levels are appropriate for growing dogs, and the inclusion of DHA, omega fatty acids, and taurine is a plus for developing puppies. It’s a good everyday option for many puppies, though dogs with chicken, soy, or corn sensitivities would need a different formula.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Chicken and chicken meal are the first ingredients, providing good-quality, animal-based protein for growing puppies.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages, including growth of large-breed puppies, which is an important safety point for large and giant breeds.
- Balanced omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid levels from flaxseed and fish oil, plus added DHA, support healthy skin, coat, and neurologic development.
- Includes a full vitamin and mineral premix and added taurine, helping cover key micronutrient needs for puppies.
Considerations
- Contains chicken, soy, and corn, which are nutritious but can be problem ingredients for puppies with known food allergies or intolerances to these specific items.
- Uses plant-based protein sources like soybean meal and corn protein concentrate in addition to meat, which means not all of the listed protein is coming from animal sources.
- Fiber is on the higher side for a puppy food (max 5%), which is fine for most puppies but may be a bit much for those with very sensitive digestion.
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
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.
03
Brown Rice
Brown rice is a whole-grain carbohydrate and fiber ingredient commonly used in dog and cat foods to provide digestible energy, dietary fiber, and modest amounts of B‑vitamins and minerals; it typically offers more nutrients and fiber than white rice. It’s generally well tolerated and can help with sensitive stomachs, but because it is high in carbohydrates (not a primary protein source) and can contain trace inorganic arsenic depending on sourcing, it should be included in balanced formulations and monitored in overweight or diabetic pets.
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
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.
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 Puppy Real Chicken & Brown Rice 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.