Whitefish Meal & Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified May 20, 2026
This is an adult maintenance dry dog food that uses whitefish meal as the main protein source, supported by brown rice and rice as the primary carbohydrates. It includes chicken fat and flaxseed to supply essential fatty acids, with added omega-6 and omega-3s aimed at supporting skin and coat. The moderate protein and fat levels make it suitable for generally healthy adult dogs who do not need a high-calorie performance diet.
This formula offers a straightforward, fish-based adult maintenance diet with moderate protein and fat, which can work well for many average-activity adult dogs. The use of whitefish meal as the primary protein, along with rice-based carbohydrates and added omega fatty acids, supports good digestibility and basic skin and coat health. It’s a reasonable option for adult dogs without special medical or life-stage needs, though it’s not designed for growth or reproduction and does include chicken fat and peas, which may matter for some dogs.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Whitefish meal as the first ingredient provides a defined, animal-based protein source for adult maintenance needs.
- Rice and brown rice are generally easy-to-digest carbohydrate sources that suit many dogs well.
- Includes added omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, plus flaxseed and fish-derived fats, which can help support skin and coat quality.
- Complete and balanced to AAFCO standards for adult maintenance, so it’s appropriate as a sole diet for healthy adult dogs.
Considerations
- Contains chicken fat, so it is not suitable for dogs with chicken fat or poultry-related fat sensitivities, even though the main protein is fish.
- Peas appear high in the ingredient list; for dogs of breeds with known predisposition to heart issues, some cardiologists prefer avoiding diets where legumes are prominent, especially in grain-free-style recipes.
- Protein (22% min) and fat (12% min) are on the moderate side compared with many active or working-dog formulas, so very high-activity or underweight dogs may require a more calorie-dense option.
- Formulated for maintenance only, so it is not appropriate for puppies or pregnant/lactating females.
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
Whitefish
Whitefish (such as pollock, cod, or haddock) is commonly used in pet foods as a lean animal protein source that provides high‑quality essential amino acids, good digestibility, and some omega‑3 fatty acids to support skin, coat and muscle maintenance. While generally palatable and useful for weight‑managed formulas, pet parents should be aware of potential fish allergies and the importance of responsible sourcing and processing to minimize contaminants; cats also require adequate dietary taurine, so whitefish should be part of a complete, balanced diet.
02
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.
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
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.
05
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.
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 Whitefish 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.
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