Bison Meal & Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 16, 2026
This is a dry kibble for adult dogs that uses bison meal as the main protein source, supported by rice and brown rice as the primary carbohydrates. It includes additional animal proteins like beef meal, plus chicken fat and flaxseed to supply omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat. Vegetable fibers such as beet pulp and rice bran help support digestive regularity in otherwise healthy adult dogs.
Overall this is a solid, mid- to upper-tier adult dry dog food that relies on bison meal and beef meal for protein and a rice-based carbohydrate blend. The protein and fat levels are moderate, which can work well for many average-activity adult dogs who don’t need a very high-calorie diet. It’s a good everyday option for adult dogs who do well on grain-containing diets but who might benefit from avoiding corn, wheat, and soy.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Bison meal listed first, with additional animal protein from beef meal, providing a clear source of meat-based protein.
- Rice and brown rice are generally easy-to-digest grains for most dogs and are rarely associated with food allergies.
- Includes chicken fat and flaxseed, supplying omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids that support skin and coat health.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance, so it provides complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs.
Considerations
- Contains multiple animal proteins (bison, beef, chicken fat), so it’s not ideal if you’re trying to do a strict limited-ingredient or single-animal-protein diet for allergy workups.
- Peas and pea protein appear fairly high in the ingredient list, meaning a portion of the protein is coming from plant sources rather than strictly from meat.
- The 22% minimum protein and 12% minimum fat are on the moderate side; very active or working dogs may do better with a higher-protein, higher-fat 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
Bison
Bison is used as a high-quality animal protein in dog and cat foods, commonly included in limited-ingredient or novel-protein formulas for pets with food sensitivities. It supplies essential amino acids, iron and B vitamins and is typically leaner than beef—making it a lower-fat option that may require added fat or formulation adjustments for energy needs; as with all meats it should be part of a complete, balanced diet (especially for cats who need adequate taurine), be sourced and processed safely, and may still cause allergic reactions in some individual pets.
02
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.
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
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
Beef
Beef is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a primary animal protein and palatability enhancer, supplying high-quality essential amino acids, B vitamins, iron, and zinc that support muscle maintenance and overall health. Owners should note beef can be calorie- and fat-dense and is a relatively common allergen, and raw or improperly handled beef carries microbial risks, so formulation, fat content, and sourcing/processing are important considerations.
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
A value-to-premium line of pet foods offering natural, grain-inclusive and grain-free options. Wholesomes highlights family-owned production and affordable nutrition using U.S.-sourced ingredients.
Visit WholesomesManufacturer
Midwestern Pet Foods manufactures its products in company-owned facilities located in Monmouth, Illinois; Evansville, Indiana; Chickasha, Oklahoma; and Waverly, New York. The company oversees production and quality control internally, using established safety and testing protocols. It has been subject to FDA oversight and recall processes, most notably in 2020–2021.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Wholesomes Bison Meal & 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 Wholesomes ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Wholesomes. 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.