With Tender Bites Complete Nutrition Adult Chicken & Steak Dry Dog Food
Verified May 31, 2026
This is a dry kibble for adult dogs that combines crunchy pieces with softer “tender bites.” It uses poultry- and meat-based meals as key protein sources, along with corn gluten meal and wheat for carbohydrates, and includes added omega-6 fatty acids, zinc, and fiber sources to support skin, coat, and digestion. The formula is designed to provide complete and balanced nutrition for adult maintenance.
Nutritionally, this food meets adult maintenance needs and provides moderate protein and fat levels that suit many average, healthy adult dogs. It relies on a mix of animal meals and plant proteins, plus added vitamins, minerals, and omega-6 fatty acids. The main drawbacks are the heavy use of plant-based protein, added sugar, and artificial colors, which are not harmful but add no nutritional advantage.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Formulated to be 100% complete and balanced for adult maintenance, so it can be used as a sole diet for healthy adult dogs.
- Includes animal-derived meals and by-products, which are nutrient-dense sources of protein and minerals when properly processed.
- Added linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid), zinc, and vitamin E to help support skin, coat, and overall health.
- Dry kibble with moderate protein (21% min) and fat (10% min) is appropriate for many average-activity adult dogs, and the combination of crunchy and tender pieces may encourage eating in some dogs.
Considerations
- Protein level is on the lower side compared with many modern adult dog foods and is partly supplied by corn gluten meal, which means less of the protein is from meat than some owners may prefer.
- Contains wheat, corn gluten meal, chicken by-product meal, and chicken meal, which can be problematic if a dog has known allergies to chicken, wheat, or corn-family ingredients.
- Includes added sugar and multiple artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 5 and 6, Blue 2), which are not nutritionally necessary and some owners may wish to avoid.
- Uses synthetic preservatives (BHA, potassium sorbate); these are considered safe but are a point of preference for some pet owners.
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
Meat
Meat is a primary animal-based source of protein and fat in pet foods, providing essential amino acids, highly bioavailable vitamins and minerals (including B vitamins, iron and zinc) and nutrients such as taurine that are particularly important for cats. While meat supports muscle maintenance, growth and palatability, it must be included within a balanced, complete formulation or appropriately supplemented because plain muscle meat can be deficient in calcium and other nutrients, and considerations about quality, fat content, sourcing, species-specific sensitivities or allergies, and pathogen risk with raw feeding are important.
02
Animal Fat
Animal fat is used in pet foods as a concentrated energy source and palatability enhancer, and can provide fat-soluble vitamin absorption and essential fatty acids (including arachidonic and linoleic acids, depending on the source) that support skin, coat and overall cellular function—particularly important for obligate carnivores like cats. Because it is calorie-dense and prone to oxidation, fats are typically rendered and stabilized; owners should be aware that high-fat diets can contribute to obesity and may trigger pancreatitis in susceptible dogs, so quality, source, and total dietary fat should be considered.
03
Omega-6 Fatty Acid
Omega-6 fatty acids are essential dietary fats commonly included in pet foods to provide energy and supply linoleic acid (and arachidonic acid for cats), supporting healthy skin and coat, cell membrane integrity, and certain immune and reproductive functions. They benefit skin/coat condition and growth but should be balanced with omega-3s because a high omega-6:omega-3 ratio can promote pro-inflammatory responses, and omega-6 fats are prone to oxidation so commercial formulas often include antioxidants like vitamin E to preserve them.
04
BHA
BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) is a synthetic antioxidant commonly used in pet foods to prevent fat oxidation and rancidity, helping preserve flavor, fats and fat‑soluble vitamins; it is not a nutritional ingredient for dogs or cats. Although approved for use at regulated low levels, some laboratory studies have linked high doses to cancer risk, so some manufacturers and pet owners prefer natural alternatives (e.g., mixed tocopherols) and those with concerns should discuss options with their veterinarian.
05
Citric Acid
Citric acid is commonly used in pet foods as a preservative, pH adjuster and mild flavoring agent that helps inhibit microbial growth and chelate metals to slow fat oxidation and preserve color and freshness. It provides no nutritional value for dogs or cats and is generally safe at the low levels used in commercial diets, though concentrated forms or excessive intake can cause gastrointestinal upset or decreased palatability in sensitive animals.
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
Pedigree is one of the largest global dog food brands, owned by Mars Petcare. It offers a broad range of dry and wet foods and treats for dogs across all life stages, positioned as an accessible, mass‑market brand sold in grocery, mass retail, and pet specialty channels worldwide. Marketing emphasizes everyday nutrition, affordability, and support for dog welfare and adoption initiatives.
Visit PedigreeManufacturer
Mars Petcare operates large-scale manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America with formal quality and food safety systems modeled on human food standards. Facilities follow HACCP-based programs, Good Manufacturing Practices, and are routinely audited for compliance with local regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA and USDA in the U.S., FEDIAF-related standards in Europe). Mars maintains in‑house research and development centers, employs veterinarians and pet nutrition scientists, and conducts digestibility and palatability studies and AAFCO feeding trials for many of its complete-and-balanced diets.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Pedigree With Tender Bites Complete Nutrition Adult Chicken & Steak Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Pedigree ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Pedigree. 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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