Small Dog Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor Dry Dog Food
Verified May 31, 2026
This is a dry kibble formulated for adult small-breed dogs, using chicken by-product meal and meat and bone meal as its main animal protein sources alongside corn, wheat, and soybean meal for carbohydrates and additional protein. It includes added glucosamine and chondroitin, omega-6 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals to support joint health, skin and coat, and overall nutrition. The small-sized kibble also offers some mechanical cleaning action on teeth as your dog chews.
Nutritionally, this formula provides a complete dry diet for adult small-breed dogs with moderate protein and fat levels, which will suit many average, healthy small dogs. It relies on a mix of animal by-product meals and plant ingredients for protein and energy, and it includes joint-support ingredients and omega-6 fatty acids. It’s a reasonable everyday option for dogs without specific medical or dietary needs, though owners who prefer higher meat content or who avoid artificial colors may want to consider that when choosing.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Provides a balanced macronutrient profile for adult small dogs, with 21% protein and 11% fat, appropriate for many average-activity pets.
- Uses nutrient-dense chicken by-product meal and meat and bone meal, which supply essential amino acids and naturally occurring minerals, plus added glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support.
- Includes omega-6 fatty acids (from animal fat and linoleic acid) and vitamin E, which support skin, coat, and antioxidant needs.
- Contains whole grains like corn and wheat along with brewers rice, which offer digestible carbohydrate and energy for small, active dogs.
Considerations
- Contains several common allergens, including chicken by-product meal, soybean meal, wheat, and meat and bone meal, so it is not a good fit for dogs with known food sensitivities to these ingredients.
- Protein level is on the moderate side compared with some other small-breed formulas, so very active or underweight small dogs may benefit from a higher-protein option.
- Uses multiple artificial colors (Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 2, Red 40), which are not nutritionally necessary and some owners prefer to avoid.
- Includes BHA as a preservative, which is considered safe at regulated levels but may concern owners who prefer foods without synthetic preservatives.
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
Chicken By-Product
Chicken by-product is a common protein ingredient in pet foods made from edible parts of the bird not typically consumed by people—such as organs (liver, heart), necks and other tissues—and is used to add protein, flavor and nutrient density. It can provide concentrated protein, essential amino acids, B vitamins and minerals (and may contribute taurine when organ meats are included), but composition and quality vary by source, so pet parents concerned about sourcing, higher ash/fat content or chicken allergies should check the manufacturer’s labeling and quality standards.
03
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a dietary supplement commonly added to pet foods and treats to support joint health by promoting cartilage maintenance and repair and helping maintain joint function in dogs and cats. It can help reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis and improve mobility in older or large-breed animals, but effects are variable and may take weeks to appear; it is generally well tolerated though mild gastrointestinal upset can occur and many preparations are shellfish-derived (allergy and dosing, especially in diabetic pets, should be considered).
04
Chondroitin Sulfate
Chondroitin sulfate is a structural component of cartilage commonly added to pet foods and supplements to support joint health, often paired with glucosamine to help maintain cartilage integrity and reduce signs of osteoarthritis in dogs and cats. It is generally considered safe but evidence of benefit varies, quality and dosage matter, and owners should consult a veterinarian—use cautiously in pets with bleeding disorders or those on anticoagulant medications and watch for possible gastrointestinal upset.
05
Corn Gluten
Corn gluten (often listed as corn gluten meal) is a concentrated plant-based protein and kibble-binding ingredient commonly used in dry pet foods to boost protein content, energy density, and help with texture. It provides digestible protein for dogs but is relatively low in essential amino acids like lysine, is not an ideal sole protein source for obligate carnivores such as cats, and can be a sensitivity/allergen for some pets, so it’s best used alongside high-quality animal proteins and complementary ingredients.
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
Pedigree is one of the largest global dog food brands, owned by Mars Petcare. It offers a broad range of dry and wet foods and treats for dogs across all life stages, positioned as an accessible, mass‑market brand sold in grocery, mass retail, and pet specialty channels worldwide. Marketing emphasizes everyday nutrition, affordability, and support for dog welfare and adoption initiatives.
Visit PedigreeManufacturer
Mars Petcare operates large-scale manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America with formal quality and food safety systems modeled on human food standards. Facilities follow HACCP-based programs, Good Manufacturing Practices, and are routinely audited for compliance with local regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA and USDA in the U.S., FEDIAF-related standards in Europe). Mars maintains in‑house research and development centers, employs veterinarians and pet nutrition scientists, and conducts digestibility and palatability studies and AAFCO feeding trials for many of its complete-and-balanced diets.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Pedigree Small Dog Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Pedigree ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Pedigree. 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.