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Bison Meal & Rice Dry Dog Food
Ultimates

Bison Meal & Rice Dry Dog Food

Verified Jun 15, 2026

Dog · Dry Adult All Breed Sizes

This is a dry kibble for adult dogs that uses bison meal as the primary animal protein, supported by beef meal and chicken fat for additional protein and energy. Rice and brown rice provide digestible carbohydrates, while flaxseed and added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support skin and coat. Vegetable fibers like beet pulp help support normal digestion in otherwise healthy adult dogs.

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

This food offers a moderate-protein, moderate-fat formula suitable for many average-activity adult dogs who do well on a grain‑inclusive diet. Bison meal and beef meal supply the main animal proteins, with rice and brown rice as the primary carbohydrate sources and peas contributing some extra plant protein and fiber. It’s a reasonable everyday option for adult dogs without special medical or life-stage needs who maintain weight easily on mid-range calorie foods.

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
Skin Coat Health Digestive Health
Suitable For
Adult All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Bison meal and beef meal provide concentrated animal protein, with chicken fat as a highly digestible energy source.
  • Grain-inclusive formula using rice and brown rice, which are generally easy to digest and rarely cause food reactions compared with some other ingredients.
  • Includes flaxseed and guaranteed omega-3 and omega-6 levels, which can support skin and coat health.
  • AAFCO-formulated as complete and balanced for adult maintenance, so it can be fed as a sole diet for healthy adult dogs.

Considerations

  • Contains multiple common animal allergens (bison/beef, chicken fat), so it is not appropriate for dogs with known beef or poultry-related food allergies.
  • Peas and pea protein appear relatively high in the ingredient list, meaning a portion of the protein is plant-based rather than purely from animal sources.
  • The 22% minimum protein is adequate for most adult dogs but on the modest side compared with many higher-protein options, which may matter for very active or working dogs.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Bison Meal, Rice, Peas, Brown Rice, Beef Meal, Pea Starch, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Pea Protein, Rice Bran, Dried Beet Pulp, Flaxseed, DL-Methionine, 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), 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
Bison
Bison is used as a high-quality animal protein in dog and cat foods, commonly included in limited-ingredient or novel-protein formulas for pets with food sensitivities. It supplies essential amino acids, iron and B vitamins and is typically leaner than beef—making it a lower-fat option that may require added fat or formulation adjustments for energy needs; as with all meats it should be part of a complete, balanced diet (especially for cats who need adequate taurine), be sourced and processed safely, and may still cause allergic reactions in some individual pets.
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
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.
04
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.
05
Beef
Beef is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a primary animal protein and palatability enhancer, supplying high-quality essential amino acids, B vitamins, iron, and zinc that support muscle maintenance and overall health. Owners should note beef can be calorie- and fat-dense and is a relatively common allergen, and raw or improperly handled beef carries microbial risks, so formulation, fat content, and sourcing/processing are important considerations.

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)
22.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
12.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
5.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
10.00%
Low High
3300
kcal / Kg
325
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 Adult
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 Adult Maintenance
Substantiation Formulation
Ultimates Bison Meal & Rice Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance.

Brand

Ultimates

Ultimates is Sunshine Mills' grain-free and holistic-inspired brand featuring meat-first recipes tailored for pet owners seeking higher-quality alternatives without premium pricing.

Visit Ultimates
Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Sunshine Mills, Inc.
Founded 1947
Headquarters Red Bay, Alabama, USA
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region Alabama
Manufacturing oversight

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

No recalls on record

Ultimates Bison Meal & Rice Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
SOLID PICK.
7.6 /10 Grade B
Bison Meal & Rice Dry Dog Food
Ultimates · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Ultimates ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Ultimates. 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.