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Daily Dish Smoothies Chicken Treat
Caru

Daily Dish Smoothies Chicken Treat

Verified Jun 3, 2026

Dog · Treat All Life Stages All Breed Sizes

This is a very low-calorie, lickable chicken treat designed to be fed as a snack or topper for dogs of any age or size. It features water and chicken as the primary ingredients, creating a high-moisture, soft puree that can help boost hydration and palatability. The simple formula uses tapioca starch and plant gums for texture, with sunflower oil adding a small amount of fat.

Over-the-counter No recalls
Official product page
KibbleLab Score
7.4 out of 10

Nutritionally, this is a light, high-moisture treat meant to complement a complete and balanced dog food, not replace it. The chicken-based recipe with relatively few ingredients can work well for dogs who enjoy soft, lickable snacks or need encouragement to eat or drink a bit more. Because it is low in calories and fat, it’s generally a suitable option for most dogs as an occasional reward or meal topper, as long as their main diet is balanced.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Ingredient composition Quality, beneficial additions, absence of artificial colors/flavors
Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber evaluated for stated life stage and food type
AAFCO compliance Complete and balanced certification; feeding trials valued higher
Health considerations Sensitivity profile, DCM risk, processing method
9.0 – 10 Top Pick
8.0 – 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 – 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 – 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6 Not Recommended

KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.


At a Glance

Health Benefits
Hydration Support
Suitable For
All Life Stages All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • High moisture content, which can help increase your dog’s overall water intake, especially when used as a topper or snack.
  • Chicken as the main animal ingredient provides a palatable protein source for most dogs.
  • Very low in calories per tube, making it easier to use as a frequent small treat without adding much to daily energy intake.
  • Relatively short, straightforward ingredient list without added sugars, artificial colors, or artificial preservatives.

Considerations

  • This product is not complete and balanced, so it should only be used as a supplemental treat or topper alongside a nutritionally complete dog food.
  • Chicken is a common food allergen for dogs, so this wouldn’t be appropriate if your dog is sensitive or allergic to chicken.
  • The protein level is quite low compared with regular dog food, which is fine for a treat, but it reinforces that this should not make up a large portion of the diet.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Water, Chicken, Tapioca Starch, Yeast Extract, Sunflower Oil, Locust Bean Gum, Guar Gum.

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
Water
Water is an essential nutrient and the primary solvent and moisture component in pet foods, especially wet and canned diets, and is also used in processing and to adjust texture and palatability. It is vital for digestion, nutrient transport, temperature regulation and waste removal in dogs and cats; pets must have constant access to clean water as dehydration can quickly lead to serious health issues and requirements increase with activity, heat, or illness, while moisture in wet food can help meet part of their daily needs.
02
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.
03
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.
04
Yeast Extract
Yeast extract is a concentrated, water‑soluble ingredient used primarily as a natural flavor enhancer and palatant in pet foods, while also supplying soluble proteins, free amino acids, nucleotides and B‑group vitamins. It can improve palatability and provide small supportive nutrients for metabolism and digestive/immune health, but may contain notable sodium and could be a concern for animals with yeast sensitivity or those on sodium‑restricted or renal prescription diets—consult your veterinarian if unsure.
05
Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is used in pet foods as a concentrated fat source to increase energy density, palatability and supply linoleic acid (an essential omega‑6) that helps maintain healthy skin and coat. It is beneficial for dogs and cats but is high in omega‑6 and low in omega‑3—so formulas should balance fatty acids to avoid an inflammatory imbalance; it is calorie‑dense (important for weight control and pancreatitis-prone animals) and may require antioxidants or high‑oleic formulations for better shelf stability.

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.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
7.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
1.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
2.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
90.00%
Low High
295
kcal / Kg
4
kcal / Tube
Low
Calorie density category
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

Lifestage All Life Stages
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Paste
Food type Treat

Brand

Caru

Caru is a premium pet food brand offering human-grade, slow-cooked stews, broths, and treats for dogs and cats. The brand focuses on natural ingredients and home-style preparation methods, appealing to pet owners seeking minimally processed, high-quality nutrition for their pets.

Visit Caru
Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Caru Pet Food Company
Founded 2014
Headquarters Vero Beach, Florida, USA
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region Florida
Manufacturing oversight

Caru Pet Food Company manufactures its products in the United States in a USDA-inspected human-grade facility. The company follows Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) food safety guidelines and ensures all products are made to human food standards using 100% human-grade ingredients.

Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.

Recall History

No recalls on record

Caru Daily Dish Smoothies Chicken Treat has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
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7.4 /10 Grade B
Daily Dish Smoothies Chicken Treat
Caru · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Caru ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Caru. 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.

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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.