Small Breed Sustainable Salmon Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 10, 2026
This is a high-protein, fish-based dry food made for small-breed dogs and puppies, using wild-caught salmon and whitefish as the main animal protein sources. Sweet potato, potato, and tapioca provide carbohydrates, while added fish oil, flaxseed, and guaranteed EPA/DHA and omega fatty acids support skin, coat, and overall nutrition. It is formulated as a complete and balanced diet for all life stages, except for large-breed puppy growth.
Nutritionally, this is a strong option for small-breed dogs who do well on a fish-based, grain-free kibble. It offers solid protein, relatively moderate fat, and very good omega-3 levels, with added taurine and an all-life-stages AAFCO profile (excluding large-breed puppies). It can work well for small dogs needing concentrated calories and those who tolerate legumes and potatoes without issue.
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At a Glance
What "not formulated for" means
Life stages this food isn't certified complete and balanced for, based on its AAFCO statement.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Salmon and whitefish meal provide high-quality animal protein at a robust 30% protein level for a dry food.
- Very good omega-3 content from fish oil and flaxseed, with guaranteed EPA and DHA to support skin, coat, and development.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO standards for all life stages, so it is suitable for puppies and adults of small breeds.
- Added taurine is a plus for heart support, especially in a grain-free, legume-containing formula.
Considerations
- This is a grain-free diet using potatoes, sweet potato, peas, and pea protein as main carbs and plant proteins.
- Legume ingredients are fairly prominent, which some owners may wish to avoid in light of grain-free and DCM concerns in certain dogs.
- The calorie density is high, so precise portion control is important to prevent weight gain in small dogs.
- Fish is a common food allergen for some dogs, so this recipe is not suitable for dogs with known fish allergies.
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
Salmon
Salmon is commonly used as a high-quality animal protein and rich source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) in dog and cat foods, supporting skin and coat condition, joint and cognitive health, and overall muscle maintenance. While very nutritious, salmon can be an allergen for some pets and raw salmon may pose risks from parasites, thiaminase-related thiamine loss, and region-specific pathogens (e.g., salmon poisoning); owners should avoid feeding uncooked bones and consider sourcing to minimize contaminant and sustainability concerns.
02
Whitefish
Whitefish (such as pollock, cod, or haddock) is commonly used in pet foods as a lean animal protein source that provides high‑quality essential amino acids, good digestibility, and some omega‑3 fatty acids to support skin, coat and muscle maintenance. While generally palatable and useful for weight‑managed formulas, pet parents should be aware of potential fish allergies and the importance of responsible sourcing and processing to minimize contaminants; cats also require adequate dietary taurine, so whitefish should be part of a complete, balanced diet.
03
Sweet Potato
Sweet potato is used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber, vitamins (notably beta‑carotene), minerals and antioxidants, often helping with stool quality and serving as a binder or energy ingredient. It is generally well tolerated by dogs and can support gut health, but because cats poorly convert beta‑carotene to vitamin A and require preformed vitamin A from animal sources, sweet potato is not a substitute for meat-based nutrients; its relatively high carbohydrate content also means portion control is advised for overweight or diabetic pets and it should be cooked for best digestibility.
04
Potato
Potato is commonly used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate source and functional binder, supplying starch, fiber, and modest amounts of vitamins (B6, C) and potassium—often included as cooked or dehydrated flakes, starch, or protein concentrates. While it provides energy and helps formulate grain‑free recipes, potatoes are not a primary protein for dogs or cats (and are not nutritionally required for obligate‑carnivore cats), can contribute to excess calories or affect blood glucose in diabetic animals, and must be cooked and free of green skins or sprouts to avoid solanine toxicity; allergies are uncommon but possible.
05
Potato Protein
Potato protein is a concentrated plant-based protein used in pet foods as a protein source, binder and texture enhancer, offering a highly digestible amino acid profile with relatively good lysine content compared with other plant proteins. It can be a useful hypoallergenic alternative for dogs and a supplement in balanced formulas, but it should not be the sole protein for obligate carnivores like cats because it lacks certain nutrients (e.g., sufficient taurine and other animal-derived factors) and must be used within complete, nutritionally formulated diets; quality processing also minimizes potato-specific compounds such as glycoalkaloids.
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
Tender & True is a premium to super-premium pet food brand offering USDA-certified organic, antibiotic-free, and sustainably sourced dog and cat foods. The brand caters to pet owners seeking ethically produced, environmentally responsible, and high-quality nutrition options for their pets.
Visit Tender & TrueManufacturer
All Tender & True products are made in the United States in facilities following USDA Organic and Global Animal Partnership (GAP) certification standards. The company prioritizes quality control, traceability, and ethical sourcing through partnerships with certified humane farms and audited suppliers. Their products meet AAFCO nutritional standards.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Tender & True Small Breed Sustainable Salmon 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 Tender & True ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Tender & True. 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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