Wholesome Meals Chicken, Carrots, Barley & Green Beans Wet Dog Food
Verified Jun 15, 2026
This is a broth-based wet food for adult dogs featuring chicken as the first ingredient, supported by carrots, barley, and green beans for added fiber and nutrients. The formula is relatively low in fat and includes added vitamins and minerals to help provide complete daily nutrition when fed as directed. Its soft, moist texture can work well for small dogs or those who prefer a more spoonable meal or topper over dry kibble.
Overall this is a solid, moderate-protein wet dog food with chicken as the primary animal protein and simple, recognizable plant ingredients. The low fat level and high moisture make it a light option that can be helpful for dogs who do better on leaner diets or who need extra hydration. It’s best suited to healthy adult dogs without chicken or soy sensitivities, either as a main meal or as a topper to increase palatability and moisture in a dry diet.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Chicken as the first ingredient provides a clearly identified animal protein source.
- Includes vegetables and barley that contribute fiber and some additional nutrients, which can support normal digestion when balanced correctly.
- Very high moisture and a broth-based texture, which can help with hydration and is often appealing to small or picky dogs.
- Contains added vitamins and minerals to help round out the nutrient profile when used as a complete diet.
Considerations
- Chicken is a common food allergen for dogs, so this recipe would not be appropriate for dogs with known chicken sensitivities.
- Crude fat is quite low at 1% as-fed, which may not be ideal for very active dogs or those needing higher calorie density from fat.
- Formula relies on added fiber sources like powdered cellulose and beet fiber, which are safe but may be too bulky for some dogs with very low calorie needs if large volumes are required to meet energy needs.
- Contains soy oil and soy lecithin, which are generally safe but could be an issue for dogs with confirmed soy allergies.
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
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.
03
Carrot
Carrot is used in pet foods as a vegetable ingredient providing fiber, moisture, texture and antioxidant nutrients such as beta‑carotene (a provitamin A), vitamin K, vitamin C and potassium, contributing to palatability and digestive bulk. Cooked carrots are more digestible and release more beta‑carotene, but cats cannot efficiently convert beta‑carotene to active vitamin A so carrots are more nutritionally useful for dogs than as a primary vitamin A source for cats; they should be fed in moderation due to natural sugars and should be offered in appropriately sized pieces to avoid choking.
04
Barley
Barley is a cereal grain used in pet foods primarily as a digestible carbohydrate and source of dietary fiber (including soluble beta‑glucans), along with modest amounts of B vitamins and minerals. It can support healthy digestion, help moderate post‑meal blood sugar and aid weight management in dogs, but provides limited protein for obligate carnivores like cats, must be cooked/processed for good digestibility, and may be unsuitable for pets with grain sensitivities or calorie‑restricted diets.
05
Green Bean
Green beans are a low-calorie vegetable commonly used in pet foods and treats as a source of soluble and insoluble fiber, moisture, and modest amounts of vitamins and minerals (such as vitamins A and K, folate, and potassium), helping support digestive health and weight management. They are not a primary protein source and provide limited nutrition for obligate carnivores like cats, so feed in moderation and use plain, cooked or fresh beans without added salt, seasonings, or sauces to avoid gastrointestinal upset or excess sodium.
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
Brand
Cesar is a Mars Petcare brand focused primarily on small dogs, offering wet trays, pouches, and some dry foods and treats. Marketing emphasizes gourmet-style meals, variety of flavors, and small-portion convenience with a strong lifestyle and companionship focus.
Visit CesarManufacturer
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
Cesar Wholesome Meals Chicken, Carrots, Barley & Green Beans Wet Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Cesar ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Cesar. 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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