Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Small Breed Cage-Free Chicken Recipe
Rating
Updated Jun 2026
Is Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Small Breed Cage-Free Chicken Recipe dry dog food good?
Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Small Breed Cage-Free Chicken Recipe is a dry dog food rated 4.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong 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, Egg, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Legumes, Poultry, Fish.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.
- Contains organ meats that provide natural vitamins and minerals.
- 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 | 38% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 16% |
| Est. Carbs | 33% |
| Fiber | 6% |
| Ash | 8% |
Moisture (12%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
| Protein | 33% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 14% |
| Est. Carbs | 29% |
| Fiber | 5% |
| Moisture | 12% |
| 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 (38% 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 Medium (16% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This is a moderate energy-density signal for many adult dogs, assuming the full diet matches activity and body condition.
Ingredients Analysis
55 of 55 matched
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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.
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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.
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3 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.
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4 Lentils
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 27% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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5 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.
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6 Tomato Pomace
CarbsDescription
The leftover by-product of the process in making ketchup and other tomato products. Depending on quality, it could provide a certain amount of vitamin C, K1, and potassium.
Why Concerned?
Vegetables are fair source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
-
7 Natural Chicken Flavor
Food AdditiveDescription
The flavor made of chicken parts, it is used to make pet food more tasty and palatable.
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8 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.
-
9 Chicken Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
An excellent source of vitamin A, chromium, and copper.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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10 Suncured Alfalfa Meal
(Detected): Sun-Cured Alfalfa Meal
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
Typically used in horse feed, high in fiber, and contains around 20% plant protein.
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11 Chicken Gizzard
Animal ProteinDescription
The gizzard is a muscle found in the digestive tract of the chicken, low in fat and high in vitamins such as vitamin B12.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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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.
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13 Chicken Cartilage
Animal ProteinDescription
The gummy chewy part connects the bones, contains a high amount of glucosamine which is important for joints health.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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14 Fenugreek Seed
CarbsDescription
Seeds of the fenugreek herb, used in traditional medicine for various health benefits.
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15 Pumpkin
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
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16 Coconut Flour
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
The ground residue of coconut meat after extracting the oil. It contains a much higher protein (18%) compared to unprocessed coconut meat.
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17 Pumpkin Seed
Fat Plant ProteinDescription
The seed inside of a pumpkin, rich in potassium and linoleic acid. It contains around 18% of protein, and around 30% protein if it is dehulled.
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18 Organic Cranberries
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.
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19 Organic Spinach
CarbsDescription
Nutrient-dense leafy greens, an excellent source of vitamin A, C, K1, B9, iron, and calcium.
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20 Organic Broccoli
CarbsDescription
Organically grown broccoli, a safe treat containing vitamins and fiber.
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21 Organic Beets
CarbsDescription
Organically grown beets, high in sugar, carbs, fiber, and vitamin C.
Why Concerned?
Controversial - Some say it is a good dietary fiber source, some believe it is just an inexpensive filler.
-
22 Organic Carrots
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).
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23 Organic Squash
CarbsDescription
Organically grown squash, a source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta-carotene.
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24 Organic Blueberries
CarbsDescription
Organically grown blueberries, a superfood packed with antioxidants.
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25 Inulin
CarbsDescription
A prebiotic that promote friendly bacteria in the gut and support better digestion.
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26 Blueberries
CarbsDescription
Superfood packed with antioxidants, a good source of vitamin C, K, and manganese.
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27 Turmeric
CarbsDescription
Orange ginger-like plant often used in making curry. It contains curcumin, which is a strong antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects. However, its color is the main purpose of adding it to pet foods.
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28 Rosemary Extract
CarbsDescription
A common herb used for cooking, it is rich in antioxidants to fight off radical damages in the body.
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29 Tocopherols
Food AdditiveDescription
A form of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant used as a natural preservative.
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30 Dried Kelp
CarbsDescription
An excellent source of various minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium. Rich in rare mineral iodine essential for healthy thyroid function.
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31 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).
-
32 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.
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33 Potassium Chloride
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of potassium, which offers 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body. It is essential for important functions like nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and carbon dioxide / oxygen transport.
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34 Calcium Carbonate
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.
-
35 Zinc Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
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36 Iron Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of iron. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
-
37 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.
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38 Manganese Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% higher absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is essential for normal metabolic function with the body.
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39 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.
-
40 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.
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41 Vitamin E Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that protects oxidative damages on cellular membranes by free radicals. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia, depression, and dermatitis.
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42 Thiamine Mononitrate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of thiamine, has 5 - 15% more absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
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43 Niacin Supplement
SupplementDescription
Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
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44 D-calcium Pantothenate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
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45 Riboflavin Supplement
SupplementDescription
A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.
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46 Vitamin A Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
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47 Vitamin D3 Supplement
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).
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48 Vitamin B12 Supplement
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.
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49 Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
SupplementDescription
A synthetical supplement of vitamin B6, which is an essential element for nearly every part of metabolism.
-
50 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.
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51 Salt
OthersDescription
Mainly added to enhance the flavor, might cause kidney and blood pressure issues in a larger dose. High-quality pet foods should get a sufficient amount from raw meat, additional salt is not necessary.
Why Concerned?
A controversial ingredient that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.
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52 Dried Pediococcus Acidilactici Fermentation Product
ProbioticsDescription
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. Compared to other good bacteria, acidilactici can adapt and grow within a wider range of pH and temperature in the body.
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53 Dried Lactobaccillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product
(Detected): Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product
ProbioticsDescription
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. L. acidophilus produces lactic acid, which is believed to help prevent bad bacterias from growing in the intestines.
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54 Dried Bifidobacterium Longum Fermentation Product
ProbioticsDescription
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. Bifidobacterium longum binds to the intestine and prevents bad bacteria from attaching, which protects the digestive system from illness and boosts immunity.
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55 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
- Named animal proteins near the top: Chicken, Chicken Meal are listed early in the ingredient panel.
- Plant protein signal: Peas, Lentils, Suncured Alfalfa Meal may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
- Higher-priority ingredients to review: Dicalcium Phosphate.
- Higher-caution ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate have caution notes in the ingredient database.
- Possible digestion triggers: Peas, Lentils, Dicalcium Phosphate 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 100%
Strong clarity: 100% of Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Small Breed Cage-Free Chicken Recipe's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named (like chicken or salmon). Only 0% 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
Animal Protein
High- Animal 78%
- Plant 22%
Meat-forward: 78% of the weighted protein in Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Small Breed Cage-Free Chicken Recipe comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (22% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant
Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Small Breed Cage-Free Chicken Recipe dry dog food Review
Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Small Breed Cage-Free Chicken Recipe is a strong choice — rated 4.5 stars with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. A confident pick when the ingredient panel matches your pet's needs.
Best for
- Owners who want clearly named protein sources
- Pets avoiding gluten grains
- Pets that thrive on muscle-meat protein
Avoid if
- You're avoiding legumes
Key takeaways
- Named animal proteins make up 100% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Contains common allergens: Legumes, Poultry, Fish.
- On a dry-matter basis: 38% protein, 16% fat, 33% estimated carbohydrates.
- 78% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.
Frequently asked questions
Is Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Small Breed Cage-Free Chicken Recipe good for dogs?
Yes — rated 4.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content.
Does Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Small Breed Cage-Free Chicken Recipe contain Dairy?
No — based on the ingredient list, Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Small Breed Cage-Free Chicken Recipe doesn't include Dairy or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Small Breed Cage-Free Chicken Recipe contain Egg?
No — based on the ingredient list, Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Small Breed Cage-Free Chicken Recipe doesn't include Egg or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Small Breed Cage-Free Chicken Recipe contain Legumes?
Yes — based on the ingredient list, Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Small Breed Cage-Free Chicken Recipe contains Legumes, so pets sensitive to Legumes should generally avoid this product or consult a vet first.
Does Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Small Breed Cage-Free Chicken Recipe contain Nuts?
No — based on the ingredient list, Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Small Breed Cage-Free Chicken Recipe doesn't include Nuts or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid this allergen here.
Is Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Small Breed Cage-Free Chicken Recipe grain-free?
Yes — there are no grains in this recipe.
What are the main protein sources in Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Small Breed Cage-Free Chicken Recipe?
The top animal proteins are Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chicken Liver — clearly named, so you can verify the source.
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