Small Breed Grain-Free Chicken Recipe Wet Dog Food
Verified Jun 15, 2026
This is a high‑moisture, grain‑free refrigerated wet food formulated for small-breed dogs of all life stages. It uses chicken and chicken liver as the main protein sources, with carrots, sweet potatoes, cranberries, spinach, and pumpkin providing fiber and natural micronutrients. Added fish oil and a full vitamin–mineral mix help round it out as a complete and balanced diet.
Nutritionally, this is a well-balanced, meat-forward refrigerated option for small dogs, with a nice mix of animal protein and fruits/vegetables. The protein and fat levels are very reasonable for most small breeds, and it’s formulated to be complete and balanced for all life stages. It should suit many healthy small dogs, including those needing a softer, higher-moisture diet, as long as they tolerate chicken and egg well.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Chicken and chicken liver as the first ingredients provide high-quality, highly digestible animal protein and essential amino acids.
- Good wet-food macronutrient profile for dogs, with 16% protein and 12% fat on an as-fed basis and relatively low fiber for good digestibility.
- Includes beneficial ingredients like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, cranberries, spinach, and fish oil, which can contribute fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids.
- AAFCO complete and balanced for all life stages, so it can be used as a primary diet for puppies and adults, including small-breed dogs that often have higher energy needs.
Considerations
- Contains several common allergens, including chicken, egg, fish (fish oil), and pea ingredients, so it’s not ideal for dogs with sensitivities to any of these.
- This is a grain-free recipe that uses pea fiber and pea protein; while there are no pulses in the very top ingredients, owners of breeds at higher risk for heart disease may want to discuss any grain-free diet with their veterinarian.
- Being formulated for all life stages means the nutrient density is appropriate for puppies and active dogs, but some less active or overweight-prone small dogs may need careful portion control to avoid excess calorie intake.
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
Chicken Liver
Chicken liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat commonly used in pet foods and treats as a highly palatable protein source and flavor enhancer, providing concentrated vitamins (especially vitamin A and B-complex), iron, and copper that support energy metabolism, red blood cell formation, and skin/coat health in both dogs and cats. Because it is so rich, liver should be fed in moderation—excessive intake can cause vitamin A toxicity, and its high fat content and risk of bacterial contamination mean it should be properly sourced or cooked and limited for pets with pancreatitis or specific dietary restrictions.
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
Sweet Potato
Sweet potato is used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber, vitamins (notably beta‑carotene), minerals and antioxidants, often helping with stool quality and serving as a binder or energy ingredient. It is generally well tolerated by dogs and can support gut health, but because cats poorly convert beta‑carotene to vitamin A and require preformed vitamin A from animal sources, sweet potato is not a substitute for meat-based nutrients; its relatively high carbohydrate content also means portion control is advised for overweight or diabetic pets and it should be cooked for best digestibility.
05
Cranberry
Cranberries are used in pet foods and supplements as a source of fiber and antioxidants (notably polyphenols/proanthocyanidins) and are commonly included for their potential urinary tract–supporting properties in dogs and cats. While these compounds may help inhibit bacterial adhesion in the urinary tract, scientific evidence in pets is limited, and owners should choose unsweetened, preservative-free preparations (avoiding products sweetened with xylitol), watch for gastrointestinal upset or effects on urine pH, and consult a veterinarian for pets with urinary stones or taking certain medications.
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
Freshpet is a pet food brand that produces fresh, refrigerated meals for dogs and cats. Positioned as a premium alternative to traditional kibble and canned food, Freshpet products are made from fresh meats and vegetables, gently cooked and refrigerated to preserve nutrients.
Visit FreshpetManufacturer
Freshpet operates its own kitchens with in-house manufacturing, quality testing, and temperature-controlled processes that comply with USDA and FDA pet food safety standards. They employ rigorous sanitation and inspection systems throughout production.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Freshpet Small Breed Grain-Free Chicken Recipe Wet Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Freshpet ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Freshpet. 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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