CORE Digestive Health Large Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 15, 2026
This is a dry kibble formulated for large-breed dogs, using deboned chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal as the main protein sources with brown rice, barley, and oatmeal as the primary carbohydrates. It includes added prebiotics, probiotics, and beet pulp to support gut health, along with omega fatty acids and joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin. The nutrient profile is appropriate for all life stages, including growing large-breed dogs, when fed according to directions
This formulation offers a well-balanced, digestible option for large-breed dogs, with good-quality animal proteins and moderate fat content that suits many big dogs’ calorie needs. The inclusion of multiple prebiotic fibers, live probiotics, and beet pulp is helpful for maintaining a healthy gut environment, and the calcium, phosphorus, and joint-support nutrients are appropriate for large breeds. It should work well for most healthy large-breed dogs who do well on chicken-based diets and benefit from extra digestive and joint support.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Deboned chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal provide concentrated, high-quality animal protein at a solid 30% protein level for a dry food.
- Uses wholesome grains (brown rice, barley, oatmeal) rather than relying on peas or lentils, which is reassuring for owners concerned about grain-free/legume-heavy formulas.
- Contains added prebiotics, pumpkin, beet pulp, and guaranteed probiotics to support a healthy gut microbiome and stool quality.
- Includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids plus glucosamine and chondroitin, which are useful nutrients for large-breed dogs’ joints and skin/coat health.
Considerations
- Chicken and turkey are common protein allergens, so this diet is not ideal for dogs with known poultry sensitivities.
- At 399 kcal per cup, it is moderately calorie-dense; large-breed dogs prone to weight gain may need careful portion control to avoid excess weight on their joints.
- Fiber is moderate (4% max), which is fine for most dogs, but those needing a very high-fiber diet for specific stool or weight issues might require a different 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
Turkey
Turkey is commonly used as a primary animal protein in dog and cat foods, offering highly digestible, high‑quality protein and supplying essential amino acids along with B vitamins, phosphorus and zinc to support muscle maintenance and metabolism. Its fat level varies by cut so products can be lean or richer; some pets may develop allergies to poultry, cooked bones are hazardous, raw meat carries bacterial risk, and owners should rely on balanced commercial formulations (and ensure adequate taurine for cats) if turkey is a main ingredient.
03
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.
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
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.
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
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.
Visit WellnessManufacturer
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
Wellness CORE Digestive Health Large Breed 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 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.
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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