Small Breed Chicken & Shrimp Pate
Verified Jun 30, 2026
This is a grain-free canned pate designed for small-breed puppies and adults, using chicken, shrimp, and chicken liver as the primary animal protein sources. It includes vegetables like sweet potato, carrots, and pumpkin, along with salmon oil and flaxseed to supply beneficial fatty acids. The recipe is formulated to be complete and balanced for all life stages except large-breed puppy growth, with added taurine and L-carnitine to support heart function and healthy metabolism.
Overall, this is a high-quality wet diet for small-breed dogs that offers a good mix of animal proteins and moderate fat in an easy-to-eat pate texture. The formula is grain-free but does not rely on peas or lentils, which avoids some of the concerns we see with certain grain-free kibbles. It’s suitable for small-breed puppies, adults, and pregnant or nursing dogs as long as they are not expected to be large-breed adults.
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
What "not formulated for" means
Life stages this food isn't certified complete and balanced for, based on its AAFCO statement.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Multiple named animal proteins (chicken, shrimp, chicken liver) at the top of the ingredient list provide high-quality, varied amino acid sources.
- Grain-free without using pulses like peas or lentils as major ingredients, which sidesteps the legume-heavy pattern associated with some heart concerns in dogs.
- Includes salmon oil and flaxseed, which are good sources of omega fatty acids that can support skin, coat, and overall health.
- AAFCO complete and balanced for all life stages except large-breed growth, so it can cover puppies, adults, and reproduction in appropriate-size dogs.
Considerations
- Contains chicken and shrimp, which are common protein allergens, so it would not be a good fit for dogs with known poultry or fish/seafood allergies.
- As a canned food with 78% moisture, the protein level looks low on the label but is appropriate once moisture is taken into account; dogs needing very high protein intake may still do better with a higher-protein option under veterinary guidance.
- Includes menadione (a synthetic vitamin K source), which is safe at regulated levels but is sometimes avoided by very cautious owners; from a nutrition standpoint it is acceptable.
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 Broth
Chicken broth is commonly used in pet foods and toppers as a flavorful liquid base or gravy to improve palatability and add moisture, providing modest amounts of soluble protein, electrolytes and minerals. It can help encourage eating and increase hydration, but owners should choose low‑sodium, onion‑ and garlic‑free formulations (or make homemade broth), since commercial broths may contain excessive salt, seasonings or additives that are unsafe or unsuitable for dogs and cats.
03
Shrimp
Shrimp is used in pet foods and treats as a lean, palatable animal protein and flavor enhancer that supplies high-quality amino acids and nutrients such as vitamin B12, selenium, phosphorus, small amounts of omega-3s and taurine (important for cats). While nutritious and often well-accepted by dogs and cats, owners should watch for shellfish allergies, high cholesterol and added sodium in processed products, and avoid shells or raw/undercooked shrimp to prevent choking and microbial or contaminant risks—choose cooked, deboned, responsibly sourced shrimp when possible.
04
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.
05
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.
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
Nulo is a premium pet food brand focused on grain-free and high-meat-protein recipes for dogs and cats. It is positioned as a performance and wellness brand, emphasizing quality ingredients, ancestral diet alignment, and the inclusion of probiotics to support digestive health.
Visit NuloManufacturer
Nulo partners with trusted manufacturing facilities in the United States and Canada that maintain high food safety standards including HACCP and SQF certification. Nulo oversees ingredient sourcing and quality control to ensure nutritional accuracy and consistency across batches.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Nulo Small Breed Chicken & Shrimp Pate has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
Sign up for the full picture
Feeding Calculator
Personalized portion sizes based on your pet's weight, age, and activity level.
Get started
Post your dog's report card and challenge friends to check their food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Nulo ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Nulo. 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.
Continue with Google
Continue with Facebook