Small Dog Bite Size Chicken Recipe Wet Dog Food
Verified Jun 10, 2026
This is a gently cooked, grain-free wet food designed for small-breed dogs of all life stages (not including large-breed puppies). It features chicken and chicken liver as the primary protein sources, with vegetables like carrots and spinach plus added vitamins, minerals, and fish oil to round out the nutrition. The higher protein and fat levels are tailored to match the higher energy needs common in small dogs.
Nutritionally, this is a high-quality, high-energy wet diet that suits most small dogs very well, including small-breed puppies and adults, as long as they’re not intended to grow into large-breed dogs. It uses named animal proteins up front and a relatively simple ingredient list, which many dogs do well on. The grain-free formula relies on pea ingredients for some plant protein and fiber, which is something to keep in mind if you prefer diets without legumes or are watching current research on grain-free diets.
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At a Glance
What "not formulated for" means
Life stages this food isn't certified complete and balanced for, based on its AAFCO statement.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Chicken and chicken liver as the first ingredients provide highly digestible, animal-based protein and important nutrients like iron and B vitamins.
- Formulated to be complete and balanced for all life stages (except large-breed growth) according to AAFCO, so it can serve as a sole diet for most small dogs.
- Higher protein (16% as-fed) and fat (12% as-fed) for a wet food make it well-suited to the higher calorie needs of many small, active dogs.
- Includes fish oil and vegetables such as carrots, spinach, and cranberries, which can contribute omega-3 fatty acids and natural antioxidants.
Considerations
- Contains chicken, egg, and fish oil, which are common allergens; not ideal for dogs with known sensitivities to these ingredients.
- This is a grain-free formula that uses pea protein and pea fiber; for dogs on grain-free diets, it’s wise to discuss current research about legume-heavy diets and heart health with your veterinarian, especially for breeds at higher risk of cardiac issues.
- Wet, gently cooked foods are more perishable and must be stored and handled carefully to maintain safety and quality.
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
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.
05
Egg
Eggs are used in pet foods as a highly digestible, complete animal protein and nutrient source—providing essential amino acids, bioavailable vitamins (A, D, E, B-complex including B12), minerals like selenium and iron, choline and healthy fats—while also improving palatability and texture. They support muscle maintenance, skin/coat and cognitive health in dogs and cats, but raw eggs can carry bacterial risk and contain avidin in whites that may reduce biotin with long-term feeding; some pets may also have egg allergies or require portion control for calorie management.
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 Dog Bite Size 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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