Classic Active Adult & Puppy Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 15, 2026
This is an all-life-stages dry kibble designed to meet the needs of both growing puppies, including large breeds, and active adult dogs. It uses chicken by-product meal as the main protein source, with rice, corn, and wheat providing carbohydrates, and includes added omega fatty acids, joint supplements, probiotics, and taurine. The nutrient profile is relatively high in protein and fat, making it suitable for dogs with higher energy needs when fed in appropriate amounts.
Overall, this is a solid all-life-stages formula with a good protein and fat level for active dogs and growing puppies, including large breeds. I like that it combines chicken by-product meal, omega-rich fats, DHA, joint-support ingredients, and multiple probiotics in a formulation that meets AAFCO standards for all life stages. It’s a good fit for many healthy, active dogs, but not ideal for dogs with chicken, egg, wheat, or corn sensitivities.
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 by-product meal as the first ingredient provides concentrated, highly nutritious animal protein.
- 27% protein and 17% fat are appropriate for active adult dogs and growing puppies, including large breeds.
- Contains DHA, glucosamine, and chondroitin, which support developing brains and joint health needs.
- Includes multiple probiotic strains plus beet pulp and flaxseed to support digestive health and stool quality.
Considerations
- Contains chicken, egg, wheat, and corn, so it is not a good choice for dogs with sensitivities to these ingredients.
- Relies partly on plant protein from corn protein meal, which may be less ideal for very high-performance dogs that need more animal-based protein.
- Uses chicken fat and natural chicken flavor, so dogs with chicken allergies should avoid this food.
- Brewer’s dried yeast can be problematic for a small number of dogs prone to yeast-related skin or ear issues.
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 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.
02
Rice
Rice is a common carbohydrate source and binder in dog and cat foods, supplying readily digestible energy and often used in formulations for sensitive stomachs or hypoallergenic diets. White rice is gentle and easy to digest while brown rice provides more fiber and micronutrients, but rice is low in essential amino acids, has a relatively high glycemic index, and can accumulate trace arsenic, so it should not be relied on as a primary protein and portions should be considered for diabetic or weight‑management pets.
03
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.
04
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.
05
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.
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
Sportsman's Pride is a high-performance dog food brand targeting hunters, sporting, and active dogs. It emphasizes high-protein, meat-first formulations designed for working and athletic dogs.
Visit Sportsman's PrideManufacturer
Manufacturing is conducted in the United States under FDA and USDA oversight. Facilities are SQF- and HACCP-certified to ensure compliance with national food safety standards.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Sportsman's Pride Classic Active Adult & Puppy Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Sportsman's Pride ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Sportsman's Pride. 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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