Classic 24/20 High Energy Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 16, 2026
This is a high‑energy dry kibble designed for active dogs and growing puppies, including large breeds. It uses chicken by‑product meal as the primary protein source, with corn, wheat, and rice providing carbohydrates, and added chicken fat and flaxseed supplying essential fatty acids. The formula is enriched with joint-support nutrients, probiotics, and a balanced omega profile to support skin, coat, and overall wellness for dogs at all life stages.
This is a solid, nutrient-dense all‑life‑stages food formulated to meet AAFCO standards, including for large-breed puppies, which is an important safety point that many high‑energy diets don’t meet. Protein and fat levels are appropriate for very active dogs, working dogs, or those needing extra calories, and it includes several thoughtful extras like omega fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, and probiotics. It’s a grain‑inclusive, chicken‑based diet that can work well for many healthy dogs, but the higher calorie density and common-allergen ingredients mean it won’t be the best match for every pet.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Formulated to be complete and balanced for all life stages, including growth of large-breed dogs, which is relatively rare for high‑energy formulas.
- Chicken by‑product meal as the first ingredient provides concentrated, highly nutritious animal protein, with a robust 24% protein and 20% fat suitable for active or working dogs.
- Includes added omega‑3 and omega‑6 fatty acids, plus a stated “Omega Pride System,” to support skin, coat, and immune function.
- Contains joint-support ingredients (glucosamine and chondroitin) and a blend of probiotics and chicory root (a prebiotic source) to support digestive health.
Considerations
- Calorie density is high at about 397 kcal per cup, which can be excessive for low‑activity or overweight dogs unless portions are carefully controlled.
- Primary ingredients include chicken and egg, which are common food allergens for some dogs; this diet is not ideal for pets with known chicken or egg sensitivities.
- Carbohydrate sources are mainly corn meal, ground wheat, rice, and corn gluten meal; while nutritionally acceptable, some dogs with specific wheat sensitivities would need a different option.
- High fat level (20% minimum) can be too rich for dogs with a history of pancreatitis or those who do better on moderate‑fat diets.
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
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.
03
Wheat
Wheat is a common cereal grain used in pet foods as a source of digestible carbohydrates, some plant-based protein, B vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, and it also helps with kibble texture and binding. It provides energy and fiber for many dogs but can cause food allergies or gluten sensitivities in a minority of pets and is generally less ideal as a primary ingredient for obligate carnivores like cats, so pets with known grain or wheat sensitivities should avoid it and calorie intake should be monitored to prevent weight gain.
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 24/20 High Energy 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.