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Complete Health Senior Chicken & Barley Dry Dog Food
Wellness

Complete Health Senior Chicken & Barley Dry Dog Food

Verified Jul 29, 2026

Dog · Dry Senior All Breed Sizes

This is a dry kibble formulated specifically for senior dogs, using deboned chicken and chicken meal as the main protein sources with barley, brown rice, sorghum, and oatmeal providing digestible carbohydrates. It includes added glucosamine and chondroitin from the chicken meal for joint support, omega fatty acids from flaxseed and chicken fat, and probiotics plus various fruits and vegetables for overall wellness. The moderate protein and fat levels are typical for many older dogs who may not need the higher calories of active adult formulas.

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Over-the-counter AAFCO Pet Sustainability Coalition Accredited No recalls

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Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.8 out of 10

Strong Choice

Overall, this is a well-balanced senior dry food that should suit many older dogs with normal kidney function and typical activity levels. It provides moderate protein and fat, joint-supporting nutrients, and a variety of whole grains and fiber sources to help maintain a healthy weight and digestion. It’s a good general option for senior dogs who do well on chicken-based, grain-inclusive diets.

Nutritional profile 10.0
Ingredient composition 8.0
Adequacy substantiation 7.0
Health considerations 10.0

Computed from 4 of 4 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber on a dry-matter basis, for the stated life stage and format
Adequacy substantiation Complete and balanced substantiation; feeding trials valued higher
Ingredient composition Screened for unnamed sources, artificial additives, and label protein inflation. Not a quality ranking.
Health considerations Pulse-heavy grain-free (DCM) pattern and recall history
Verified manufacturer evidence A small bonus when we can verify evidence addressing WSAVA selection criteria
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 6.0 Review Carefully

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At a Glance

Marketed Benefits
Where these benefits come from Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.
Joint Care Probiotic Support Skin Coat Health Antioxidant Support
Suitable For
Senior All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Deboned chicken and chicken meal provide named, animal-based proteins, with added glucosamine and chondroitin to support aging joints.
  • Grain-inclusive formula with barley, brown rice, sorghum, and oatmeal offers complex carbohydrates and fiber, which can help with weight control and digestive health in seniors.
  • Includes added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, taurine, and probiotic cultures, which can support skin and coat, heart health, and gut health.
  • Calcium and phosphorus levels are on the moderate side for a senior diet, which is generally appropriate for many older dogs not on a veterinary therapeutic diet.

Considerations

  • Chicken is the primary protein source, so this food is not a fit for dogs with chicken allergies or sensitivities.
  • Peas appear fairly high in the ingredient list; while this diet is not grain-free, owners of breeds at higher risk for heart disease may prefer formulas where legumes are less prominent.
  • At 405 kcal per cup with 10% minimum fat, calorie density is moderate; less active or overweight seniors may still need measured portions and monitoring to avoid weight gain.
  • The 22% minimum protein is reasonable for healthy seniors but may be on the lower side for very active older dogs who still have high muscle mass needs.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Barley, Peas, Sorghum, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Mixed Tocopherols (added to preserve freshness), Flaxseed, Chicken Fat, Natural Flavor, Dried Kelp, Dried Chicory Root, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Spinach, Broccoli, Vitamin E Supplement, Carrots, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries, Kale, Niacin, Zinc Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Riboflavin, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Calcium Iodate, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus licheniformis Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint.

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.
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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.
View ingredient
03
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a dietary supplement commonly added to pet foods and treats to support joint health by promoting cartilage maintenance and repair and helping maintain joint function in dogs and cats. It can help reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis and improve mobility in older or large-breed animals, but effects are variable and may take weeks to appear; it is generally well tolerated though mild gastrointestinal upset can occur and many preparations are shellfish-derived (allergy and dosing, especially in diabetic pets, should be considered).
04
Chondroitin Sulfate
Chondroitin sulfate is a structural component of cartilage commonly added to pet foods and supplements to support joint health, often paired with glucosamine to help maintain cartilage integrity and reduce signs of osteoarthritis in dogs and cats. It is generally considered safe but evidence of benefit varies, quality and dosage matter, and owners should consult a veterinarian—use cautiously in pets with bleeding disorders or those on anticoagulant medications and watch for possible gastrointestinal upset.
05
Barley
Barley is a cereal grain used in pet foods primarily as a digestible carbohydrate and source of dietary fiber (including soluble beta‑glucans), along with modest amounts of B vitamins and minerals. It can support healthy digestion, help moderate post‑meal blood sugar and aid weight management in dogs, but provides limited protein for obligate carnivores like cats, must be cooked/processed for good digestibility, and may be unsuitable for pets with grain sensitivities or calorie‑restricted diets.
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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)
10.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
4.25%
Low High
Moisture (max)
10.00%
Low High
405
kcal / Cup
3494
kcal / Kg
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.

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Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Lifestage Senior
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
Complete and balanced

Brand

Wellness is WellPet’s flagship brand, offering a full range of natural pet foods including dry, canned, and toppers for dogs and cats. The brand focuses on complete, balanced nutrition using natural ingredients and is positioned within the holistic and premium segment of the market.

Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Wellness Pet Company
Parent company Clearlake Capital Group
Founded 2021
Headquarters Tewksbury, Massachusetts, USA
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region Arkansas; Indiana
Manufacturing oversight

Products are manufactured in company-owned and partner facilities in the United States under strict quality and safety programs, including adherence to FDA and AAFCO standards for pet food production. Wellness Pet Company maintains internal quality assurance teams and ingredient traceability protocols.

Pet Sustainability Coalition Accredited business seal
Pet Sustainability Coalition Accredited

PSC is a nonprofit that Accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification. Wellness Pet Company is a PSC Accredited business. View profile

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

No recall is listed for Wellness Complete Health Senior Chicken & Barley Dry Dog Food.

Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.8 /10 Grade A
Complete Health Senior Chicken & Barley Dry Dog Food
Wellness · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Wellness ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Wellness. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.

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 listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.