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Simple Small Breed Salmon & Potato Formula Dry Dog Food
Wellness

Simple Small Breed Salmon & Potato Formula Dry Dog Food

Verified May 25, 2026

Dog · Dry Adult Small

This is a limited-ingredient, grain-free dry food for adult small-breed dogs that focuses on salmon as the single animal protein source and potato and peas for carbohydrates. It offers moderate-to-high protein and fat levels with added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, plus taurine. The recipe also includes joint-supporting glucosamine and chondroitin and added probiotics to support digestive health in dogs with food sensitivities.

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

Overall, this is a high-quality limited-ingredient option for adult small-breed dogs who need a simpler recipe or who don’t do well on common proteins like chicken or beef. The nutrient profile is solid for small dogs, with respectable protein, moderate fat, and added omega fatty acids, taurine, and joint-support supplements. It is still a grain-free, legume-containing diet, so I’d be a bit more cautious for breeds where heart health is already a concern and would want this fed under a vet’s guidance in those cases.

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
Allergy Support Sensitive Stomach Probiotic Support Digestive Health Joint Care
Diet & Compliance
Limited Ingredient
Suitable For
Adult Small
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Single animal protein source from named salmon and salmon meal, which can be helpful for dogs with food sensitivities to other meats.
  • Limited-ingredient, grain-free formula using potato as the main starch, which simplifies the ingredient list for allergy workups.
  • Good protein (29% min) and moderate fat (13% min) for small adult dogs, with added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support skin and coat.
  • Includes added taurine, probiotics, and joint-supporting glucosamine and chondroitin, which are nice extras for overall support in small breeds.

Considerations

  • Grain-free and uses peas fairly high in the ingredient list; legume-heavy, grain-free diets have been associated with certain heart issues in some dogs, so it’s wise to discuss this with your veterinarian, especially for at-risk breeds.
  • Contains fish (salmon) as the main protein, which is a common allergen for some dogs, so it’s not suitable if your dog has a known fish allergy.
  • Calorie density is on the higher side at 465 kcal per cup, so portion control is important for small dogs to avoid weight gain.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Salmon, Salmon Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Dried Ground Potatoes, Peas, Canola Oil, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Flaxseed, Natural Fish Flavor, Dried Chicory Root, Taurine, Vitamin E Supplement, Choline Chloride, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Niacin, Zinc Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Riboflavin, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Calcium Iodate, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus licheniformis Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint 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
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
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.
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
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.

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)
29.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
13.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
5.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
10.00%
Low High
3551
kcal / Kg
465
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 Small
Texture Kibble
Food type Dry

Brand

Wellness

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.

Visit Wellness
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.

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

Wellness Simple Small Breed Salmon & Potato Formula Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.4 /10 Grade A
Simple Small Breed Salmon & Potato Formula 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 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.