Small Breed Real Chicken & Veggies Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 20, 2026
This is a dry kibble formulated for adult small-breed dogs, with chicken and chicken meal as the primary protein sources. Corn, soybean meal, sorghum, peas, and brown rice provide additional protein and carbohydrates, while added omega fatty acids, taurine, and vitamins support overall nutrition. The small, crunchy pieces are designed to be easy for little mouths to manage.
Overall, this is a solid, mid-range dry food option for healthy adult small-breed dogs who do well on chicken-based diets. It offers moderate protein and fat levels with named animal proteins at the top of the ingredient list, supported by grains and legumes for energy. It’s AAFCO-formulated for adult maintenance, so it’s appropriate as a complete daily diet for most small adult dogs without specific medical needs.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Chicken and chicken meal are the first ingredients, providing clear, named animal protein sources for good amino acid quality.
- Nutrient profile (26% protein, 16% fat) is appropriate for most adult small-breed dogs and should support healthy body condition when fed correctly.
- Includes added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, taurine, and antioxidant vitamins (A, C, E), which support skin, coat, and overall wellness.
- Meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance, meaning it is complete and balanced for adult dogs when fed as directed.
Considerations
- Contains chicken, soybean meal, corn, and fish, which are common allergens for some dogs; not ideal for pets with known food sensitivities to these ingredients.
- Peas appear in the ingredient list along with other plant-based ingredients; for dogs of breeds with known heart concerns, some owners and veterinarians may prefer to avoid legume-containing diets as a precaution.
- Calorie density is relatively high at about 395 kcal per cup, so portion control is important for small dogs to help prevent weight gain.
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
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.
04
Corn
Corn is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a digestible source of carbohydrates and calories, and it also provides some plant protein, fiber, B vitamins and minerals while helping with kibble structure and palatability. While generally safe and economical, corn is relatively high in starch and has an incomplete amino acid profile for obligate carnivores (cats), can be a source of mycotoxin contamination if poorly stored, and although true corn allergies are uncommon, some pets may be sensitive, so quality and proper formulation with animal proteins are important.
05
Grain Sorghum
Grain sorghum is a gluten-free cereal grain used in pet foods primarily as a carbohydrate and fiber source that also contributes modest plant protein, B vitamins, and minerals, often serving as an alternative to corn or wheat. It supplies energy and dietary fiber for dogs and cats but is relatively low in certain essential amino acids (like lysine), and some tannin-containing varieties can reduce palatability and nutrient digestibility—processing and balanced formulation mitigate these issues, and sourcing should guard against mycotoxin contamination.
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 Small Breed 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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