Freshpet® Vital™Balanced Nutrition Chicken Adult Dog Food

by FreshPet

Overall Score: 90/100

Ingredients

1. Chicken (protein)
2. Chicken Liver (protein)
3. Peas (carbohydrate)
4. Carrots (other)
5. Chicken Broth (protein)
6. Eggs (protein)
7. Brown Rice (carbohydrate)
8. Rice Bran (other)
9. Pumpkin (other)
10. Spinach (other)
11. Carrageenan (additive)
12. Natural Flavors (additive)
13. Fish Oil (protein)
14. Minerals (Zinc Proteinate (other)
15. Iron Proteinate (mineral)
16. CopperProteinate (other)
17. Manganese Proteinate (mineral)
18. Sodium Selenite (mineral)
19. Calcium Iodate) (other)
20. Celery Powder (other)
21. Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement (other)
22. Vitamin A Supplement (vitamin)
23. Riboflavin (vitamin)
24. Thiamine Mononitrate (vitamin)
25. PyridoxineHydrochloride (other)
26. Vitamin D3 Supplement (vitamin)
27. Vitamin B12 Supplement (vitamin)
28. Folic Acid) (other)
29. Choline Chloride (vitamin)

Ingredient concerns

• Peas (low concern): Peas and other legumes have been associated with the FDA investigation into a potential link between grain-free diets high in legumes and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. While a definitive causal relationship has not been established, the FDA continues to investigate. Peas are frequently used in grain-free formulations as a primary carbohydrate and protein source.
• Carrageenan (high concern): Research has shown that both degraded carrageenan (poligeenan) and food-grade carrageenan can promote intestinal inflammation in animal models. Studies have linked carrageenan exposure to intestinal lesions, ulcerations, and colitis-like symptoms in laboratory animals. While the FDA considers food-grade carrageenan safe, concerns remain about degradation during processing and digestion. The Cornucopia Institute petitioned the USDA to remove carrageenan from organic food standards.
• Sodium Selenite (low concern): Sodium selenite is an inorganic form of selenium with a narrower safety margin than organic forms (such as selenium yeast). It has lower bioavailability and higher potential for toxicity at elevated levels compared to organic selenium sources. Some premium pet foods use selenium yeast instead as a safer alternative.

Guaranteed analysis (dry-matter basis)

On a dry-matter basis (water removed for a fair wet-vs-dry comparison): protein 39.6%, fat 29.2%, fiber 6.2%, ash 29.2%, carbohydrate 0%. By calories: 35.8% from protein, 64.2% from fat, 0% from carbohydrate.

AAFCO compliance

This food meets the AAFCO adult dog nutrient minimums we can verify — protein 39.6% vs 18% minimum, fat 29.2% vs 5.5% minimum.

Fresh food, with grains, for the adult life stage.

Similar products

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• Freshpet Homestyle Creations Chicken and Turkey Recipe — 96/100
• Freshpet Nature’s Fresh Chicken Recipe — 91/100

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