Grain Free Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 15, 2026
This is a grain-free dry dog food made with chicken as the primary protein source, supported by salmon, fish, chicken, and turkey meals for additional animal protein. Sweet potatoes, peas, and potatoes supply carbohydrates and fiber, while added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, taurine, and joint-supporting glucosamine and chondroitin round out the formula. It’s designed for dogs of all ages and sizes who do well on a grain-free kibble.
Nutritionally, this is a solid, mid- to upper-tier grain-free dry food with moderate protein and fat levels suitable for many healthy dogs, including puppies and adults, when fed correctly. It offers multiple animal protein sources, added omega-3 and omega-6 fats, taurine, and joint-support ingredients. However, it relies heavily on legumes and potatoes for carbohydrates, which is something to think about in light of current concerns about some grain-free diets and heart health.
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
- Chicken plus several named fish and poultry meals provide multiple sources of animal protein.
- Protein and fat levels are appropriate for many active adult dogs and growing puppies when fed as directed.
- Includes added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which support skin, coat, and overall health.
- Contains added glucosamine and chondroitin, which can help support joint nutrition, especially in larger or active dogs.
Considerations
- This is a grain-free formula that relies on peas, pea starch, and potato, which have been linked to heart concerns in some grain-free diets.
- Chicken is a common food allergen for dogs, so this may not suit dogs with known chicken sensitivities.
- Canola and sunflower meals are plant proteins, so part of the listed protein does not come from animal sources.
- Not ideal if you are specifically trying to avoid legume-heavy diets due to your vet’s advice or your dog’s heart history.
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
Salmon
Salmon is commonly used as a high-quality animal protein and rich source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) in dog and cat foods, supporting skin and coat condition, joint and cognitive health, and overall muscle maintenance. While very nutritious, salmon can be an allergen for some pets and raw salmon may pose risks from parasites, thiaminase-related thiamine loss, and region-specific pathogens (e.g., salmon poisoning); owners should avoid feeding uncooked bones and consider sourcing to minimize contaminant and sustainability concerns.
03
Canola
Canola is commonly used in pet foods primarily as a calorie-dense fat source (canola oil) and, less often, as a meal to add plant protein and fiber; its oil supplies monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids including alpha‑linolenic acid (an omega‑3) and linoleic acid (an omega‑6), which help support energy, skin and coat condition in dogs and to a lesser extent in cats. Modern canola is low in erucic acid and generally safe, but canola meal has lower biological protein quality than animal proteins and may not meet obligate feline amino acid needs, the oil is prone to oxidation so antioxidants and proper storage are important, and a small number of pets can have sensitivities.
04
Sweet Potato
Sweet potato is used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber, vitamins (notably beta‑carotene), minerals and antioxidants, often helping with stool quality and serving as a binder or energy ingredient. It is generally well tolerated by dogs and can support gut health, but because cats poorly convert beta‑carotene to vitamin A and require preformed vitamin A from animal sources, sweet potato is not a substitute for meat-based nutrients; its relatively high carbohydrate content also means portion control is advised for overweight or diabetic pets and it should be cooked for best digestibility.
05
Pea Starch
Pea starch is used in pet foods primarily as a carbohydrate binder, thickener and texture agent to help form kibble and provide readily digestible energy, rather than as a protein or fiber source. It is a gluten‑free, highly digestible starch that can increase calorie density and glycemic load (important for overweight or diabetic pets) and, like other pea/legume ingredients used in high amounts in some grain‑free diets, should be part of a balanced formulation chosen with veterinary guidance for pets with special health concerns.
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
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 Grain Free Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
Sign up for the full picture
Feeding Calculator
Personalized portion sizes based on your pet's weight, age, and activity level.
Get startedSimilar Foods
Post your dog's report card and challenge friends to check their food.
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.
Continue with Google
Continue with Facebook