Small Dog Tender Bites Chicken & Vegetable Wet Dog Food
Verified Jun 15, 2026
This is a canned wet food formulated for small adult dogs, using chicken and meat by-products as the main animal protein sources in bite-sized pieces in gravy. It includes wheat flour and wheat gluten for additional protein and structure, plus peas and carrots for some plant nutrients. The calorie content is on the higher side for a wet food, which can suit active small dogs when portions are carefully measured.
Nutritionally, this food provides moderate protein and fat for an adult small dog, with chicken and meat by-products supplying the bulk of the animal protein. It’s a practical option for owners who prefer a wet food texture and need something easy for small mouths to manage. The use of artificial colors and multiple common allergens means it may not be ideal for dogs with food sensitivities.
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
- Wet texture with small tender bites can be easier to chew and may encourage appetite in small adult dogs.
- Contains named chicken and meat by-products, which can provide a good range of animal proteins and nutrients.
- Calorie-dense for a wet food (about 340 kcal per can), which can help meet the needs of active small dogs if portions are controlled.
- Includes added vitamins and minerals to support complete nutrition for adult dogs.
Considerations
- Contains common allergen ingredients such as chicken and wheat, which won’t suit dogs with sensitivities to these proteins or grains.
- Protein level (10% as-fed in a high-moisture canned food) is adequate but not especially high compared with some other wet diets.
- Includes artificial colors (Yellow 5 and Yellow 6), which have no nutritional benefit and are unnecessary from a health standpoint.
- Uses wheat flour and wheat gluten as significant plant-based components, which may not be ideal for dogs needing more animal-protein–focused diets.
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
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
Meat By-Product
Meat by-products are rendered animal parts such as organ meats, blood, bone and other tissues used in pet food as a concentrated source of animal protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. They can provide biologically valuable nutrients—especially for cats, which require animal-derived proteins—but composition and quality vary by source so owners seeking specific ingredients or with pet food sensitivities should look for transparency and regulation-compliant sourcing.
04
Wheat Flour
Wheat flour is commonly used in pet foods as a carbohydrate source, binder and extender that provides digestible energy, some protein (including gluten), and small amounts of fiber and B‑vitamins when enriched. While generally safe and economical for many dogs, it is not a required ingredient for obligate carnivores like cats, can contribute to excess calories or a high glycemic load, and can trigger food allergies or gluten sensitivity in susceptible pets, so animals with known wheat sensitivities or weight concerns may benefit from wheat‑free formulations.
05
Wheat Gluten
Wheat gluten is a concentrated plant protein commonly used in dry pet foods as a protein booster, binder and texture improver to help form kibble and extend meat-based ingredients. It provides digestible protein for dogs and cats but is low in certain essential amino acids (notably lysine) and lacks animal-specific nutrients like taurine, so it should not be the sole protein source; pets with wheat or gluten sensitivities may also experience allergic or gastrointestinal reactions.
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
Pedigree is one of the largest global dog food brands, owned by Mars Petcare. It offers a broad range of dry and wet foods and treats for dogs across all life stages, positioned as an accessible, mass‑market brand sold in grocery, mass retail, and pet specialty channels worldwide. Marketing emphasizes everyday nutrition, affordability, and support for dog welfare and adoption initiatives.
Visit PedigreeManufacturer
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
Pedigree Small Dog Tender Bites Chicken & Vegetable Wet Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Pedigree ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Pedigree. 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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