Paw Lickin Chicken Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Verified Jun 10, 2026
This is a very high-protein, freeze-dried chicken dog food made with 96% boneless, skinless chicken breast as the main ingredient. It’s a complete and balanced diet for adult dogs that can be fed as the main food, or used as a high-value topper or treat, with added vitamins and minerals to round out the nutrition. The bite-sized, fully cooked cubes can be served dry or rehydrated with water, which can be helpful for dogs who enjoy softer textures or need extra moisture.
Nutritionally, this is a very high-protein, meat-focused freeze-dried food that should suit active adult dogs who do well on chicken. The short ingredient list is straightforward, with chicken as the clear star and added vitamins and minerals to make it complete and balanced. Its calorie density and rich protein content mean it’s important to measure portions carefully, especially for smaller or less-active dogs.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Very high protein level (minimum 68%) from chicken, which supports lean muscle in active adult dogs.
- Simple, meat-heavy ingredient list with chicken and chicken fat as key ingredients, which many dogs find highly palatable.
- Freeze-dried, fully cooked format offers the convenience of dry food with the option to add moisture by rehydrating.
- Formulated as a complete and balanced diet for everyday feeding, while also working well as a topper or high-value treat.
Considerations
- Chicken is a common food allergen, so this would not be appropriate for dogs with known chicken sensitivities.
- The high protein and relatively high calorie density (about 235 kcal per cup) mean portion control is important to avoid unwanted weight gain, particularly in less-active dogs.
- Tapioca starch is the main carbohydrate source, which offers energy but does not add much fiber; some dogs may benefit from additional fiber from other parts of the diet.
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
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.
03
Mixed Tocopherol
Mixed tocopherols are a blend of natural vitamin E compounds (alpha, beta, gamma and delta tocopherols) used in pet foods primarily as a natural antioxidant and preservative to protect fats and fat‑soluble nutrients and extend shelf life. They also supply dietary vitamin E—an essential antioxidant for immune function, skin and coat health and cellular integrity in dogs and cats—and are generally safe at typical use levels, though they are not a substitute for a complete vitamin formulation and may be less effective in animals with fat‑absorption disorders.
04
Tapioca Starch
Tapioca starch is a purified carbohydrate used in pet foods mainly as a thickener, binder and easily digestible energy source, contributing virtually no protein, fat, vitamins or minerals. It is low‑allergy and gluten‑free, but because it is a high‑glycemic, low‑nutrient filler it should be limited in diets for overweight or diabetic pets and not relied on for essential nutrition.
05
Eggshell
Eggshell is used in pet foods as a natural source of calcium (primarily calcium carbonate) and trace minerals to support bone growth, maintenance and reproductive needs in dogs and cats. When cleaned, heat-treated and finely ground it can provide a bioavailable, sustainable calcium supplement, but it must be balanced with phosphorus in the diet and used cautiously in growing animals or pets with metabolic or urinary issues, and only from properly processed sources to avoid contamination or physical hazards.
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
The flagship Weruva brand offers premium wet cat and dog foods made with whole cuts of meat and fish, produced according to strict human food standards. Known for its high-moisture, protein-rich recipes, Weruva caters to pet owners seeking top-quality nutrition.
Visit WeruvaManufacturer
Weruva pet foods are manufactured in human food facilities that meet strict standards for safety and quality, including FDA, BRC, and HACCP certifications. The company oversees manufacturing closely to ensure ingredient integrity and overall product safety.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Weruva Paw Lickin Chicken Freeze-Dried Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Weruva ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Weruva. 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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