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CanineX Chicken Protein Dry Dog Food
Sportmix

CanineX Chicken Protein Dry Dog Food

Verified Jun 20, 2026

Dog · Dry All Life Stages All Breed Sizes

This is a high-protein, high-fat dry food designed for active dogs of all ages, including large-breed puppies. It uses chicken meal as the primary protein source, with added whitefish meal, egg, peas, and flaxseed, providing concentrated animal protein and omega fatty acids. The recipe is grain-free and includes added L-carnitine, taurine, DHA, and joint-supporting nutrients from chicken meal to support muscle, brain, and joint health in hard-working or very active dogs.

Over-the-counter AAFCO No recalls
Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.4 out of 10

Nutritionally, this is a dense, performance-style kibble with high protein and fat, suitable for active dogs and those who do well on richer diets. The formulation is complete and balanced for all life stages, including large-breed growth, and includes useful extras like DHA, taurine, and L-carnitine. It may be too calorie-rich for more sedentary or easy-to-gain dogs, and it won’t suit dogs with chicken, fish, or egg allergies.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Ingredient composition Quality, beneficial additions, absence of artificial colors/flavors
Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber evaluated for stated life stage and food type
AAFCO compliance Complete and balanced certification; feeding trials valued higher
Health considerations Sensitivity profile, DCM risk, processing method
9.0 – 10 Top Pick
8.0 – 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 – 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 – 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6 Not Recommended

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

Health Benefits
High Energy Immune Support Joint Care Digestive Health
Suitable For
All Life Stages All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Chicken meal as the first ingredient provides concentrated, high-quality protein.
  • High protein and fat levels make this a good fit for active, working, or performance dogs.
  • Includes DHA, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support skin, coat, and developing puppies.
  • Formulated to AAFCO standards for all life stages, including large-breed puppies, which is hard to do well.

Considerations

  • The high calorie and fat content can lead to weight gain in less active dogs if portions are not carefully controlled.
  • Contains chicken, fish, and egg, which are common triggers for food-allergic dogs.
  • Peas appear high in the ingredient list, which some owners of DCM-prone breeds may wish to discuss with their vet.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Chicken Meal (Natural Source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin), Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Peas, Pea Starch, Whitefish Meal (source of DHA-Docosahexaenoic Acid), Dried Yeast, Flaxseed, Dried Egg, Dried Beet Pulp, L-carnitine, Taurine, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Cobalt Carbonate), Rosemary Extract.

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 Fat
Chicken fat is used in dog and cat foods as a concentrated energy and flavor source that supplies essential fatty acids (notably linoleic acid) and aids absorption of fat‑soluble vitamins, improving palatability and supporting skin and coat health. Because it is calorie‑dense, diets must account for added fat to prevent weight gain, and quality (proper rendering and antioxidant protection to prevent rancidity) is important; although fats are less commonly allergenic than proteins, pets with poultry sensitivities may still react in some cases.
03
Mixed Tocopherol
Mixed tocopherols are a blend of natural vitamin E compounds (alpha, beta, gamma and delta tocopherols) used in pet foods primarily as a natural antioxidant and preservative to protect fats and fat‑soluble nutrients and extend shelf life. They also supply dietary vitamin E—an essential antioxidant for immune function, skin and coat health and cellular integrity in dogs and cats—and are generally safe at typical use levels, though they are not a substitute for a complete vitamin formulation and may be less effective in animals with fat‑absorption disorders.
04
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.
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.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
30.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
22.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
5.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
10.00%
Low High
4000
kcal / Kg
408
kcal / Cup
Moderate
Calorie density category
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

Lifestage All Life Stages
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Kibble
Food type Dry

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.

Complete & balanced Yes
AAFCO life stages All Life Stages, Large Breed Growth (70+ lbs)
Substantiation Formulation
CanineX Chicken Protein is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages including growth of large size dogs (70 lb. or more as an adult).

Brand

Sportmix

Sportmix provides affordable, performance-oriented pet nutrition for active dogs and cats. The brand targets value-conscious consumers seeking reliable formulas for sporting and working animals.

Visit Sportmix
Price tier $$

Manufacturer

Company name Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc.
Parent company Nunn Milling Company, Inc.
Founded 1926
Headquarters Evansville, Indiana, USA
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region Illinois, Indiana, Oklahoma, New York
Manufacturing oversight

Midwestern Pet Foods manufactures its products in company-owned facilities located in Monmouth, Illinois; Evansville, Indiana; Chickasha, Oklahoma; and Waverly, New York. The company oversees production and quality control internally, using established safety and testing protocols. It has been subject to FDA oversight and recall processes, most notably in 2020–2021.

Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.

Recall History

No recalls on record

Sportmix CanineX Chicken Protein Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.4 /10 Grade A
CanineX Chicken Protein Dry Dog Food
Sportmix · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Sportmix ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Sportmix. 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.

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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.