nutrientBoost Chicken Recipe Small Breed Dog Food
nutrientBoost Chicken Recipe Small Breed Dog Food scores 3/5 on Moesonson's label-based analysis. Its strongest factor is protein clarity (high — 71% of the recipe's protein panel is clearly named); its weakest is animal-protein content (moderate — 65% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources).
Rating
Updated Jul 2026
How this score is made
This score isn’t a hand-wavy impression: it reads what the label actually prints — the ingredient list, guaranteed analysis and AAFCO adequacy statement — and runs it through the same algorithmic rubric as every other product. No brand pays for placement, and there are no affiliate links on reviewed products.
Is nutrientBoost Chicken Recipe Small Breed Dog Food dry dog food good?
nutrientBoost Chicken Recipe Small Breed Dog Food is a dry dog food rated 3 stars, with high ingredient transparency and moderate animal protein content. The recipe lists most animal ingredients by name and features real muscle meat as a primary protein source. However, most minerals are supplied in inorganic forms that may be less well absorbed. This recipe is free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish but contains Egg, Legumes, Poultry, Fish, Unknown Fish Meal.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Includes a fair number of clearly named animal ingredients.
- Includes plant ingredients that can provide fiber and natural antioxidants.
Cons
- Relies mostly on inorganic mineral supplements, which may be less bioavailable.
Nutrition Breakdown
| Protein | 33% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20% |
| Est. Carbs | 34% |
| Fiber | 4% |
| Ash | 8% |
Moisture (10%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
| Protein | 30% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18% |
| Est. Carbs | 31% |
| Fiber | 4% |
| Moisture | 10% |
| Ash | 7% |
Ash value not listed on label; 7% used as a standard estimate.
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is High (33% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. For many healthy dogs, this can support muscle maintenance, though dogs with kidney disease or other medical conditions should follow vet-guided diet targets.
- Fat is High (20% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. It can support calorie needs for active or growing dogs, but portion control and pancreatitis history deserve extra attention.
Ingredients Analysis
43 of 43 matched
-
1 Chicken
Animal ProteinDescription
The dominant animal protein source in pet foods. Other than protein, it is also high in iron, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
-
2 Chicken Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of chicken, it is a meat concentrate that contains up to 4 times more protein than fresh chicken on dry matter basis.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
-
3 Chickpeas
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
Also known as garbanzo beans, a type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 20% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
-
4 Peas
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 22% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
-
5 Pea Protein
Plant Protein ConcentrateDescription
Extracted protein from pea in a dry process. It contains 45 - 55% protein, which will significantly boost up the overall protein content of pet foods.
Why Notice?
High level of plant-based protein is not easy to digest and offers less biological value. Good quality pet foods should obtain sufficient protein from animal sources.
Digestion Concern
The process will concentrate the level of oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that is indigestible by dogs / cats. It offers much less biological value (less absorbed by the body) to pets compared to animal protein.
-
6 Chicken Fat
FatDescription
The fatty layer separated during the cooking process, with a high level of omega 6, It is more preferable by dogs and cats over other types of fats.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
-
7 Pumpkin
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
-
8 Sweet Potato
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent amount of vitamin A, C, B6.
-
9 Dried Egg
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of eggs, it contains almost every nutrient the body needs. It also has the highest biological value (protein absorption) among other animal proteins.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
-
10 Ocean Fish Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of unnamed fish. It is a meat concentrate that contains up to 4 times more protein than fresh fish on dry matter basis.
Why Notice?
It does not state what kind of fish is used to make the ingredient. Its quality is highly concerned, often seen in low quality pet foods.
Uncertain/Risky
Unnamed fish products could source from sick, deadly animal bodies. It is a potential risk for severe illness.
-
11 Animal Plasma Protein Powder
Animal ProteinDescription
Dried plasma protein from unnamed animal sources.
Why Concerned?
Unnamed animal by-product — species not disclosed.
-
12 Flaxseed
FatDescription
One of the richest sources of plant-based omega 3s, well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It contains around 41% of fat, 57% of the total fatty acids is omega 3s.
-
13 Brewer´s Yeast
(Detected): Brewer's Yeast
Plant Protein ConcentrateDescription
Made from fungus and often used to make beer, a rich source of minerals such as selenium. B-complex vitamins, and chromium. It contains around 40% protein.
Why Concerned?
A controversial ingredient, some believe it can support the immune system, while others say it can be linked to allergies and bloating. However, no scientific research can provide a concrete conclusion.
-
14 Animal Blood Cell Powder
Animal ProteinDescription
Dried blood cells from unnamed animal sources.
Why Concerned?
Unnamed animal by-product — species not disclosed.
-
15 Natural Flavour
Food AdditiveDescription
Made of extracts from plant or animal sources to improve the taste of food.
Why Concerned?
Contrary to its name, natural flavors are highly processed and contain many chemical additives.
-
16 Dicalcium Phosphate
SupplementDescription
A supplement for calcium and phosphorus. It is mainly used to improve the texture of pet foods. It is also found in some toothpaste as a polishing agent.
Why Notice?
A risky supplement that can cause health issues, backed by research studies.
Digestion Concern
It does not absorb any water, almost insoluble, and becomes very hard in digesting.
Uncertain/Risky
Studies show that it can cause the formulation of kidney stones.
-
17 Carrot
CarbsDescription
Well known for its alpha and beta-carotene content, also rich in potassium and vitamin B6. Most pet foods use it as a minor ingredient (include 0.1% to 3% of the total composition).
-
18 Blueberry
CarbsDescription
Superfood packed with antioxidants, a good source of vitamin C, K, and manganese.
-
19 Cranberry
CarbsDescription
High in vitamin C and antioxidants, it is also best known for fighting Urinary Tract Infections. While it could be true for humans, the effect on pets is yet to be confirmed by further research.
-
20 Ginger
CarbsDescription
Knowns for its digestive properties, especially its aid in digesting fats.
-
21 Salmon Oil
FatDescription
The oil extracted from salmon, an excellent source of fat and omega 3s, which is important to reduce inflammation in the body.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
-
22 Vitamin C
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin C, which can help to prevent oxidative damages by radicals, maintain healthy skin, and boost the immune system.
-
23 Niacin
SupplementDescription
Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
-
24 Pantothenic Acid
SupplementDescription
A water-soluble dietary supplement for vitamin B5, which is essential for energy metabolism in the body.
-
25 Vitamin B2
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B2, which is vital for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia and weight loss.
-
26 Vitamin B6
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B6, which is vital for producing glucose, red blood cells, and synthesis of niacin, taurine, dopamine. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anemia, seizures, and heart-related issues.
-
27 Vitamin B1
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B1, which is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
-
28 Vitamin A
SupplementDescription
Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
-
29 Vitamin B12
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B12, which is vital for carbon transfer and propionate metabolism. A deficiency will result in symptoms similar to gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhea and weight loss.
-
30 Vitamin D3
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin D3 (animal-derived), which is essential for calcium homeostasis - to maintain a constant concentration of calcium. A deficiency will result in osteopenia (lower bone mass).
-
31 Biotin
SupplementDescription
A water-soluble vitamin B that is important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails.
-
32 Folic Acid
SupplementDescription
A synthetic form of folate, which is also known as vitamin B9. It plays an important role to support the body's functions, such as cell growth.
-
33 Ferrous Sulfate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of iron. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
-
34 Zinc Sulfate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
-
35 Zinc Oxide
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
-
36 Copper Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of copper, which is important for the production of blood cells, hair coat color pigmentation, and maintaining the nervous system. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
-
37 Sodium Selenite
Food AdditiveDescription
An inorganic selenium supplement. It remains controversial as the long term effect of consuming it is not known, and there is a much safer organic alternative available.
Why Concerned?
A food additive that is likely to be safe but unnecessary.
-
38 Calcium Iodate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
-
39 Dried Chicory Root
CarbsDescription
Contains insulin, which is a prebiotic that promotes friendly bacteria in the gut and supports better digestion.
-
40 Dl-methionine
SupplementDescription
Added to balance the amino acids profile of pet foods with limited amounts of meat protein. Meat / fish naturally contains methionine, which does not require extra supplements. It is sometimes used to help support urine acidification.
Why Concerned?
A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein). However, it could imply the lack of meat protein - usually in lower quality pet foods.
-
41 Taurine
SupplementDescription
An essential amino acid (building blocks of protein) to maintain a healthy brain and heart functions.
Why Prefer?
A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein).
-
42 Rosemary Extract
CarbsDescription
A common herb used for cooking, it is rich in antioxidants to fight off radical damages in the body.
-
43 Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product
ProbioticsDescription
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. Bacillus coagulans is often taken by humans to treat bowel syndrome (IBS) and diarrhea.
Tips
- Some protein sources are less clear: Ocean Fish Meal appear near the top without a clearly defined animal source.
- Plant protein signal: Chickpeas, Peas, Pea Protein may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
- Higher-priority ingredients to review: Pea Protein, Ocean Fish Meal, Dicalcium Phosphate.
- Higher-caution ingredients: Ocean Fish Meal, Dicalcium Phosphate have caution notes in the ingredient database.
- Possible digestion triggers: Chickpeas, Peas, Pea Protein, and 1 more have digestion notes; watch tolerance if your pet has a sensitive stomach.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
High- Named 71%
- Unnamed 29%
Strong clarity: 71% of nutrientBoost Chicken Recipe Small Breed Dog Food's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named (like chicken or salmon). Only 29% use vague terms such as "meat meal" and 0% are by-products. Named protein ingredients let you verify the source and check for allergens.
Contributing ingredients
Named
Unnamed
Animal Protein
Moderate- Animal 65%
- Plant 10%
- Plant concentrate 25%
- Auxiliary 0%
Mixed protein sources in nutrientBoost Chicken Recipe Small Breed Dog Food: 65% animal, 10% whole plants, and 25% plant-protein concentrates. The recipe combines meat with notable plant-protein signals.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant
Plant concentrate
Auxiliary
nutrientBoost Chicken Recipe Small Breed Dog Food dry dog food Review
nutrientBoost Chicken Recipe Small Breed Dog Food is a solid mid-tier dry dog food at 3 stars, with high ingredient transparency and moderate animal protein content. It has clear strengths alongside a few trade-offs worth weighing.
Best for
- Owners who want clearly named protein sources
- Pets avoiding gluten grains
Avoid if
- Your pet is allergic to eggs
- You're avoiding legumes
- You need to know the exact animal source of every protein
Key takeaways
- Named animal proteins make up 71% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Plant-protein concentrates appear in the top 10 ingredients: Pea Protein.
- Contains common allergens: Egg, Legumes, Poultry, Fish, Unknown Fish Meal.
- On a dry-matter basis: 33% protein, 20% fat, 34% estimated carbohydrates.
- 65% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
Frequently asked questions
Is nutrientBoost Chicken Recipe Small Breed Dog Food good for dogs?
Mostly — nutrientBoost Chicken Recipe Small Breed Dog Food is a solid mid-tier choice at 3 out of 5 stars on Moesonson’s label-based analysis, pairing high ingredient transparency with moderate animal protein content. It shows real strengths alongside a few trade-offs, so weigh the ingredient list against your dog’s needs — allergies, life stage and protein preference.
Does nutrientBoost Chicken Recipe Small Breed Dog Food contain Dairy?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, nutrientBoost Chicken Recipe Small Breed Dog Food does not include Dairy or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does nutrientBoost Chicken Recipe Small Breed Dog Food contain Egg?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, nutrientBoost Chicken Recipe Small Breed Dog Food contains Egg. Pets with a known Egg sensitivity should generally avoid this recipe, or check with a veterinarian first. Moesonson flags allergens directly from the label’s ingredient panel, so this reflects what the manufacturer actually declares.
Does nutrientBoost Chicken Recipe Small Breed Dog Food contain Legumes?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, nutrientBoost Chicken Recipe Small Breed Dog Food contains Legumes. Pets with a known Legumes sensitivity should generally avoid this recipe, or check with a veterinarian first. Moesonson flags allergens directly from the label’s ingredient panel, so this reflects what the manufacturer actually declares.
Does nutrientBoost Chicken Recipe Small Breed Dog Food contain Nuts?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, nutrientBoost Chicken Recipe Small Breed Dog Food does not include Nuts or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Is nutrientBoost Chicken Recipe Small Breed Dog Food grain-free?
Yes — nutrientBoost Chicken Recipe Small Breed Dog Food is grain-free according to its printed ingredient list: no gluten grains (like wheat) and no gluten-free grains (like rice or corn) appear in the recipe. That makes it a candidate for pets with diagnosed grain sensitivities, though grain-free offers no automatic benefit for pets without one.
What are the main protein sources in nutrientBoost Chicken Recipe Small Breed Dog Food?
The main animal proteins in nutrientBoost Chicken Recipe Small Breed Dog Food are Chicken, Chicken Meal, Dried Egg. Each is named by species on the printed ingredient list — a protein-clarity strength in Moesonson’s scoring, because named sources let you verify what your dog is eating and avoid specific proteins when managing food allergies.
Similar Products
View All
Derm Complete Small Bites
★︎★︎★︎☆︎☆︎ 3
Puppy Salmon & White Fish
★︎★︎★︎★︎★︎ 5
Grain Free Turkey Recipe with Air Dried Chicken
★︎★︎★︎☆︎☆︎ 3.5
無穀雞肉
★︎★︎★︎★︎☆︎ 4
Astragalus Well-Being Fresh Turkey & Seaweed Mono Animal Protein
★︎★︎★︎☆︎☆︎ 3.5
N&D Ancestral Grain Chicken & Pomegranate Mini Light
★︎★︎★︎★︎★︎ 5