Large Breed Adult Chicken Meal & Rice Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 15, 2026
This is a dry kibble formulated for large breed adult dogs, using chicken meal as the main protein source along with brown rice and rice as primary carbohydrates. It includes added glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support, plus flaxseed and chicken fat to provide omega fatty acids for skin and coat health. The recipe is designed to be a complete and balanced option for everyday feeding of healthy, active large-breed dogs.
Overall, this is a solid, well-balanced dry food for healthy large-breed adult dogs who do well on chicken-based diets. It offers moderate protein and fat levels appropriate for most adult large breeds, with joint-supporting glucosamine and chondroitin built in. The use of chicken meal, rice, and brown rice provides digestible nutrition, though the inclusion of peas as a top ingredient is something to be aware of, especially if you prefer to limit legumes.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Chicken meal as the first ingredient provides a concentrated, named animal protein source suitable for active adult dogs.
- Formulated specifically for large-breed adults, with glucosamine and chondroitin which can help support joint health in bigger dogs.
- Balanced omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids from chicken fat and flaxseed to support skin and coat health.
- AAFCO complete and balanced for adult maintenance, with a reasonable calorie density for many large-breed dogs (about 357 kcal per cup).
Considerations
- Contains chicken, which is a common allergen; not ideal for dogs with known chicken sensitivities.
- Peas appear as the third ingredient, making legumes a notable carbohydrate source; some owners and vets prefer to limit legumes in dog diets, particularly in grain-inclusive foods.
- Protein level at 23% (min) is adequate for most large adult dogs but on the moderate side; very athletic or working dogs may benefit from a higher-protein formula.
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
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.
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
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.
05
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.
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
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 UltimatesManufacturer
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
Ultimates Large Breed Adult Chicken Meal & Rice Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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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.
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.