Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 20, 2026
This is a grain-inclusive dry dog food designed for all life stages (except large-breed puppies), featuring chicken and chicken meal as the primary protein sources with brown rice as the main carbohydrate. It offers moderate protein and fat levels with added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from fish oil and flaxseed to support skin, coat, and overall health. The formula is AAFCO-complete and balanced for most dogs, making it suitable as a everyday diet for many puppies, adults, and seniors.
Nutritionally, this is a solid, well-balanced dry food with chicken-based protein and a gentle, grain-inclusive carbohydrate source. The protein and fat levels are appropriate for most dogs, and the inclusion of fish oil, flaxseed, and beet pulp provides beneficial fatty acids and fiber. It is formulated to AAFCO standards for all life stages except large-breed growth, so it’s generally a good fit for small to medium-breed puppies, adults, and seniors who do well on chicken.
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
What "not formulated for" means
Life stages this food isn't certified complete and balanced for, based on its AAFCO statement.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Named animal proteins (chicken, chicken meal, whitefish meal, chicken liver) appear high in the ingredient list, providing good-quality, animal-based protein.
- Grain-inclusive formula using brown rice rather than relying heavily on peas or lentils, which avoids the legume-heavy pattern that has been linked to some heart concerns in dogs.
- Good omega profile with listed EPA, DHA, omega-3, and omega-6 levels from menhaden fish oil and flaxseed, which can support skin, coat, and general health.
- Complete and balanced to AAFCO standards for all life stages (except large-breed puppies), with a reasonable calorie density for an everyday food.
Considerations
- Contains multiple chicken ingredients, so it is not suitable for dogs with chicken allergies or sensitivities.
- Not appropriate as the sole diet for large-breed puppies (expected adult weight 70 lb or more), due to its all-life-stages formulation excluding that group.
- Includes several different carbohydrate sources (brown rice, tapioca starch, potato starch, potato flour); while generally fine, very low-activity or weight-prone dogs may need careful portion control given the 392 kcal per cup.
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
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
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.
03
Brown Rice
Brown rice is a whole-grain carbohydrate and fiber ingredient commonly used in dog and cat foods to provide digestible energy, dietary fiber, and modest amounts of B‑vitamins and minerals; it typically offers more nutrients and fiber than white rice. It’s generally well tolerated and can help with sensitive stomachs, but because it is high in carbohydrates (not a primary protein source) and can contain trace inorganic arsenic depending on sourcing, it should be included in balanced formulations and monitored in overweight or diabetic pets.
04
Tapioca Starch
Tapioca starch is a purified carbohydrate used in pet foods mainly as a thickener, binder and easily digestible energy source, contributing virtually no protein, fat, vitamins or minerals. It is low‑allergy and gluten‑free, but because it is a high‑glycemic, low‑nutrient filler it should be limited in diets for overweight or diabetic pets and not relied on for essential nutrition.
05
Potato Starch
Potato starch is a highly digestible carbohydrate commonly used in pet foods as a binder, thickener and texture agent to help kibble formation, stabilize wet formulas and create chewy treats. It provides readily available energy but is low in protein, fat and micronutrients, so while generally safe, its high glycemic load and limited nutritional value mean it should be used sparingly—particularly for overweight pets, diabetic animals or cats on low‑carbohydrate diets, and excessive amounts can sometimes contribute to loose stools.
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 Chicken & Brown Rice 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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