Nature's Recipe Grain Free Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food - 12lbs

Common questions

Is Nature's Recipe Grain Free Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food - 12lbs healthy?

Nature's Recipe Grain Free Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food - 12lbs scores 68/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This dog food contains high-quality protein sources like chicken and chicken meal, along with beneficial ingredients such as sweet potatoes and pumpkin, which provide essential nutrients and fiber.

How processed is Nature's Recipe Grain Free Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food - 12lbs?

Nature's Recipe Grain Free Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food - 12lbs is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Nature's Recipe Grain Free Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food - 12lbs' score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Chicken, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes count in its favor; Canola Meal, Natural Flavor are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Nature's Recipe Grain Free Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food - 12lbs

68 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 7
Harmful ingredients 2
Category Pet Food
Summary

This dog food contains high-quality protein sources like chicken and chicken meal, along with beneficial ingredients such as sweet potatoes and pumpkin, which provide essential nutrients and fiber. However, the presence of 'natural flavor' as a processed ingredient and the overall processing level of the product limit its score. Despite these factors, the product maintains a relatively clean ingredient list with no major harmful additives.

Key ingredients 20

Chicken
Good

High-quality, complete animal protein source that provides essential amino acids for muscle maintenance.

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Chicken Meal
Good

Concentrated source of protein derived from rendered chicken with most moisture removed.

Sweet Potatoes
Good

Nutrient-dense carbohydrate source providing dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

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Chicken Fat
Good

Quality animal-based fat source that provides essential fatty acids and enhances palatability.

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Pumpkin
Good

Whole food ingredient rich in fiber and beta-carotene, supporting healthy digestion.

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Taurine
Good

Essential amino acid that supports cardiovascular and eye health in dogs.

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Rosemary Extract
Good

Natural antioxidant used to preserve freshness without synthetic chemicals.

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Tapioca Starch
Neutral

Processed starch used as a binder and carbohydrate source, generally easily digestible.

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Garbanzo Beans
Neutral

Plant-based source of protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates.

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Peas
Neutral

Legume providing plant-based protein and fiber, commonly used in grain-free pet foods.

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Salt
Neutral

Used for flavor enhancement and essential electrolyte balance.

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Potassium Chloride
Neutral

Nutritional supplement used as a source of potassium.

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Dl-methionine
Neutral

Essential amino acid commonly added to pet food to support urinary tract health.

Vitamins
Neutral

Added micronutrients to ensure complete and balanced nutrition.

Minerals
Neutral

Essential trace elements and minerals added to support overall physiological function.

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Choline Chloride
Neutral

Nutrient essential for cellular function and liver health.

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Lactic Acid
Neutral

Organic acid used as a pH adjuster or preservative.

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Citric Acid
Neutral

Natural preservative and flavor enhancer.

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Natural Flavor
Bad

Umbrella term that can hide dozens of undisclosed synthetic constituents.

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Canola Meal
Very Bad

Processed seed meal derived from canola, classified as a seed oil byproduct which is heavily penalized due to high omega-6 content and processing methods.

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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