1st Choice Adult Dog Food - Medium and Large Breeds - Chicken

Dry Extruded · complete

Adult Dog Food - Medium and Large Breeds - Chicken
Average
our rating

Our verdict

Is 1st Choice Adult Dog Food - Medium and Large Breeds - Chicken a good dog food?

We score it 48/100 (Average). This reflects the ingredient quality, composition and label transparency of the recipe as declared on the label.

How we score

100% of this recipe has no printed percentage. Estimated shares are model estimates, not label facts.

Why you might choose it

  • Declares energy content, which most labels omit.
  • Nutritionally complete: formulated to be fed as the whole diet.

Why you might not

  • Meat makes up an estimated 3% of the dry matter; carbohydrates dominate.
  • 100% of the recipe mass has no printed percentage, so the exact split cannot be verified.
  • Its additive load costs about 3 points in the rating.

Who is this food for?

Suits

  • Labelled by the manufacturer for adult dogs
  • Labelling or feeding guide is aimed at medium and large dogs
  • Doesn't list beef, turkey, lamb, venison, pork, duck as ingredients

Consider something else if:

  • Your dog avoids chicken: the label lists dried chicken protein
  • Your dog avoids fish: the label lists salmon oil
  • Your dog avoids grain: the label lists barley
  • You want a single-protein recipe: this one lists more than one animal protein

These points are derived from declared ingredients and analysis, not a substitute for veterinary advice. If your dog has a diagnosed condition, food choice is a medical nutrition decision: speak to your vet. Find foods that fit your dog.

Nutrition and feedingProtein 24% · Fat 14%

Typical analysis (as fed)

NutrientAs fed
Protein24%
Fat14%
Fibre6%
Ash9%
Moisture10%
Calcium1%
Phosphorus0.75%
Sodium0.15%

Energy: 349.5 kcal/100g

Additives & feeding info

Feeding and storage

Feeding guide

1-8 kg / 20-35 lb: 150-220 g (1 3/8 - 2 cups); 8-15.5 kg / 35-50 lb: 220-290 g (2 - 2 3/4 cups); 15.5-22.5 kg / 50-75 lb: 290-390 g (2 3/4 - 3 5/8 cups); 22.5-33.5 kg / 75-100 lb: 390-490 g (3 5/8 - 4 5/8 cups); 33.5-45.5 kg / 100+ lb: 490+ g (4 5/8+ cups), plus 3/8 cup per 10 lb over 100 lb. Standard 250 ml (8 oz) cup = 115 g.

Additives declared on the label

Nutritional additives

Vitamin A 18,000 IU/kg minimum; Vitamin D3 1,700 IU/kg minimum; Vitamin E 100 IU/kg minimum; Glucosamine 500 mg/kg minimum; Chondroitin sulfate 300 mg/kg minimum; Ferrous sulfate; Zinc oxide; Manganous oxide; Niacin; d-calcium pantothenate; Vitamin A supplement; Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3); Thiamine mononitrate; Biotin; Sodium selenite; Zinc proteinate; Riboflavin; Pyridoxine hydrochloride; Vitamin B12 supplement; Manganese proteinate; Calcium iodate; Copper proteinate; Folic acid; Choline chloride; Taurine; DL-methionine; L-carnitine; alpha-tocopherol acetate (vitamin E); Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)

Technological additives

Mixed tocopherols (preservative for chicken fat); Sodium hexametaphosphate

Ingredients (53)100% of the recipe is estimated

Estimated composition

  • supplement 50.1%
  • veg 16.3%
  • additive 11.1%
  • fibre 9.2%
  • carb 4.9%
  • meat 2.5%
  • oil 2.3%
  • herb 1.9%
  • other 1.8%
#As declaredMatchedLabel readingDeclared %Est. %
1Chicken meal (a source of chondroitin sulfate)Dried chicken proteinmeat · good-2.5
2barleyBarleycarb · medium-2.5
3oatsOatscarb · medium-2.5
4peasPeasveg · good-2.4
5chicken fat preserved with mixed tocopherolsTocopherolsadditive · good-2.4
6pea fiberPea Fibrefibre · medium-2.4
7suncured alfalfa mealAlfalfa Mealfibre · medium-2.4
8natural flavorFlavoradditive · poor-2.3
9flaxseedLinseedveg · good-2.3
10dried citrus pulpCitrus Pulpfibre · medium-2.3
11salmon oilSalmon Oiloil · good-2.3
12calcium carbonateCalcium Carbonatesupplement · medium-2.2
13monocalcium phosphateMonocalcium phosphatesupplement · good-2.2
14saltSaltadditive · poor-2.2
15yeast extractHydrolysed Yeastadditive · medium-2.2
16choline chlorideCholinesupplement · good-2.1
17chicory extract (a source of inulin)Chicory Root Extractfibre · good-2.1
18taurineTaurinesupplement · good-2.1
19DL-methionineMethioninesupplement · good-2.1
20potassium chloridePotassium Chloridesupplement · medium-2.1
21glucosamine hydrochlorideGlucosaminesupplement · good-2.0
22ferrous sulfateIron sulfatesupplement · good-2.0
23alpha-tocopherol acetate (a source of vitamin E)Vitamin Esupplement · good-2.0
24sodium hexametaphosphateSodium hexametaphosphateadditive · medium-2.0
25ascorbic acid (vitamin C)Vitamin Csupplement · good-1.9
26turmericTurmericveg · good-1.9
27dried rosemaryRosemary Leavesherb · good-1.9
28clovesClovesveg · good-1.9
29zinc oxideZinc Oxidesupplement · good-1.8
30yucca schidigera extractYucca Schidigerasupplement · good-1.8
31dried wheySweet whey powderother · medium-1.8
32L-carnitineL-Carnitinesupplement · medium-1.8
33manganous oxideManganese (II) Oxidesupplement · good-1.7
34niacinNiacinsupplement · good-1.7
35d-calcium pantothenateCalcium pantothenatesupplement · good-1.7
36grapefruit extractGrapefruitveg · medium-1.7
37vitamin A supplementVitamin Asupplement · good-1.7
38cholecalciferol (a source of vitamin D3)Vitamin D3 supplementsupplement · good-1.6
39thiamine mononitrateThiamine mononitratesupplement · good-1.6
40biotinBiotinsupplement · good-1.6
41dried spearmintSpearmintveg · good-1.6
42dried parsleyParsley Leaf (Dried)veg · good-1.5
43green tea extractGreen Teaveg · good-1.5
44dried gingerGingerveg · good-1.5
45sodium seleniteSodium selenitesupplement · poor-1.5
46zinc proteinateZinc Proteinatesupplement · good-1.4
47riboflavinRiboflavinsupplement · good-1.4
48pyridoxine hydrochloridePyridoxine hydrochloridesupplement · good-1.4
49vitamin B12 supplementVitamin B12supplement · good-1.4
50manganese proteinateManganese proteinatesupplement · good-1.3
51calcium iodateCalcium iodatesupplement · medium-1.3
52copper proteinateCopper proteinatesupplement · good-1.3
53folic acid.Folic acidsupplement · good-1.3
  1. 1. Chicken meal (a source of chondroitin sulfate)2.5% estimated
    Dried chicken protein · meat · good
  2. 2. barley2.5% estimated
    Barley · carb · medium
  3. 3. oats2.5% estimated
    Oats · carb · medium
  4. 4. peas2.4% estimated
    Peas · veg · good
  5. 5. chicken fat preserved with mixed tocopherols2.4% estimated
    Tocopherols · additive · good
  6. 6. pea fiber2.4% estimated
    Pea Fibre · fibre · medium
  7. 7. suncured alfalfa meal2.4% estimated
    Alfalfa Meal · fibre · medium
  8. 8. natural flavor2.3% estimated
    Flavor · additive · poor
  9. 9. flaxseed2.3% estimated
    Linseed · veg · good
  10. 10. dried citrus pulp2.3% estimated
    Citrus Pulp · fibre · medium
  11. 11. salmon oil2.3% estimated
    Salmon Oil · oil · good
  12. 12. calcium carbonate2.2% estimated
    Calcium Carbonate · supplement · medium
  13. 13. monocalcium phosphate2.2% estimated
    Monocalcium phosphate · supplement · good
  14. 14. salt2.2% estimated
    Salt · additive · poor
  15. 15. yeast extract2.2% estimated
    Hydrolysed Yeast · additive · medium
  16. 16. choline chloride2.1% estimated
    Choline · supplement · good
  17. 17. chicory extract (a source of inulin)2.1% estimated
    Chicory Root Extract · fibre · good
  18. 18. taurine2.1% estimated
    Taurine · supplement · good
  19. 19. DL-methionine2.1% estimated
    Methionine · supplement · good
  20. 20. potassium chloride2.1% estimated
    Potassium Chloride · supplement · medium
  21. 21. glucosamine hydrochloride2.0% estimated
    Glucosamine · supplement · good
  22. 22. ferrous sulfate2.0% estimated
    Iron sulfate · supplement · good
  23. 23. alpha-tocopherol acetate (a source of vitamin E)2.0% estimated
    Vitamin E · supplement · good
  24. 24. sodium hexametaphosphate2.0% estimated
    Sodium hexametaphosphate · additive · medium
  25. 25. ascorbic acid (vitamin C)1.9% estimated
    Vitamin C · supplement · good
  26. 26. turmeric1.9% estimated
    Turmeric · veg · good
  27. 27. dried rosemary1.9% estimated
    Rosemary Leaves · herb · good
  28. 28. cloves1.9% estimated
    Cloves · veg · good
  29. 29. zinc oxide1.8% estimated
    Zinc Oxide · supplement · good
  30. 30. yucca schidigera extract1.8% estimated
    Yucca Schidigera · supplement · good
  31. 31. dried whey1.8% estimated
    Sweet whey powder · other · medium
  32. 32. L-carnitine1.8% estimated
    L-Carnitine · supplement · medium
  33. 33. manganous oxide1.7% estimated
    Manganese (II) Oxide · supplement · good
  34. 34. niacin1.7% estimated
    Niacin · supplement · good
  35. 35. d-calcium pantothenate1.7% estimated
    Calcium pantothenate · supplement · good
  36. 36. grapefruit extract1.7% estimated
    Grapefruit · veg · medium
  37. 37. vitamin A supplement1.7% estimated
    Vitamin A · supplement · good
  38. 38. cholecalciferol (a source of vitamin D3)1.6% estimated
    Vitamin D3 supplement · supplement · good
  39. 39. thiamine mononitrate1.6% estimated
    Thiamine mononitrate · supplement · good
  40. 40. biotin1.6% estimated
    Biotin · supplement · good
  41. 41. dried spearmint1.6% estimated
    Spearmint · veg · good
  42. 42. dried parsley1.5% estimated
    Parsley Leaf (Dried) · veg · good
  43. 43. green tea extract1.5% estimated
    Green Tea · veg · good
  44. 44. dried ginger1.5% estimated
    Ginger · veg · good
  45. 45. sodium selenite1.5% estimated
    Sodium selenite · supplement · poor
  46. 46. zinc proteinate1.4% estimated
    Zinc Proteinate · supplement · good
  47. 47. riboflavin1.4% estimated
    Riboflavin · supplement · good
  48. 48. pyridoxine hydrochloride1.4% estimated
    Pyridoxine hydrochloride · supplement · good
  49. 49. vitamin B12 supplement1.4% estimated
    Vitamin B12 · supplement · good
  50. 50. manganese proteinate1.3% estimated
    Manganese proteinate · supplement · good
  51. 51. calcium iodate1.3% estimated
    Calcium iodate · supplement · medium
  52. 52. copper proteinate1.3% estimated
    Copper proteinate · supplement · good
  53. 53. folic acid.1.3% estimated
    Folic acid · supplement · good

Trust and sourceNo recalls recorded in our database · checked 2026-09-19

Brand and contact: 1st Choice
1st Choice logo
Phone
1 866 752-7378
Address
1361, Graham Bell Street, Boucherville, Quebec, J4B 6A1, Canada
Contact page
www.1stchoice.ca

Trust and provenance

Recall history
No recalls recorded in our database
Label data last checked
2026-09-19
Scored with
Model v3 (methodology)
Product page
www.1stchoice.ca

Recall history is presentation-only and never affects the score. Dates are when we recorded the data, not when the manufacturer last changed the recipe.

External platform ratings are not scores for this individual recipe.

Trustpilot: 4.9/5 · 2,373 reviews

Spotted a mistake in this listing? Report it here and we'll take a look.

Score details and methodologyCalculations, history and evidence

Recipe: how the 1-100 score is calculated

Why this score?

This recipe achieves an overall rating of 48 out of 100 based on several key factors. The overall quality of the ingredient list contributed +6.2 points to the total. However, ingredients without printed percentages reduced the score by -10.6, the processing format subtracted -6.7, and the additive load contributed -3 points.

Scored with model v3 on 2026-10-25. Each component is the feature value for this product multiplied by the model's published coefficient.

ComponentInputCoefficientContribution
Base score-30.909+30.91
Average ingredient quality0.79.191+6.18
Carb share of dry matter5.1%-0.115-0.58
Oil share of dry matter2.6%-0.092-0.24
Vegetable share of dry matter12.2%-0.005-0.06
Additive share of dry matter11.6%0.163+1.90
Supplement share of dry matter54.0%-0.012-0.66
Other share of dry matter1.0%-0.375-0.39
Recipe graded poor6.0%-0.065-0.39
Number of poor ingredients3-0.876-2.63
Largest single poor ingredient2.3%0.060+0.14
Undeclared quantities100.0%-0.106-10.56
Complete dietyes2.294+2.29
Low meat (under 10% of dry matter)yes-3.158-3.16
Additive penalty-13.320.222-2.96
Processing multiplier0.9833.786+33.11
Processing: Dry Extrudedyes-6.713-6.71
Show all 40 components
ComponentInputCoefficientContribution
Base score-30.909+30.91
Average ingredient quality0.79.191+6.18
Meat share of dry matter0.0%0.096+0.00
Carb share of dry matter5.1%-0.115-0.58
Oil share of dry matter2.6%-0.092-0.24
Vegetable share of dry matter12.2%-0.005-0.06
Additive share of dry matter11.6%0.163+1.90
Supplement share of dry matter54.0%-0.012-0.66
Other share of dry matter1.0%-0.375-0.39
Unrecognised share of dry matter0.0%-0.027+0.00
Recipe graded poor6.0%-0.065-0.39
Poor-quality meat in recipe0.0%-0.179+0.00
Number of poor ingredients3-0.876-2.63
Largest single poor ingredient2.3%0.060+0.14
Undeclared quantities100.0%-0.106-10.56
Prints ingredient percentagesno0.000+0.00
Complete dietyes2.294+2.29
Frozen or chilled freshno0.000+0.00
High meat (30%+ of dry matter)no0.707+0.00
Low meat (under 10% of dry matter)yes-3.158-3.16
High carb and low meatno-1.180+0.00
Meat share × printed percentages0.00.000+0.00
Meat share × fresh0.00.000+0.00
Fresh × high meat0.011.084+0.00
Additive penalty-13.320.222-2.96
Processing multiplier0.9833.786+33.11
Processing: Rawno-0.054+0.00
Processing: Fresh Chilledno-2.354+0.00
Processing: Fresh Frozenno-2.354+0.00
Processing: Fresh Refrigeratedno0.000+0.00
Processing: Fresh Shelfno-0.672+0.00
Processing: Dry Freeze Driedno6.629+0.00
Processing: Dry Air Driedno6.331+0.00
Processing: Dry Cold Pressedno-6.713+0.00
Processing: Dry Bakedno-6.713+0.00
Processing: Dry Extrudedyes-6.713-6.71
Processing: Dry Semi Moistno-6.174+0.00
Processing: Dry Mueslino-10.146+0.00
Processing: Wet Pateno-0.672+0.00
Processing: Wet Chunksno-0.672+0.00
Processing-type offset
+0.02
Additives declared on label
+2 transparency bonus
Subtotal
48.2
Final score
48/100

Contributions are rounded to two decimals, so they may not sum exactly to the subtotal. The full coefficient table is published on the methodology page.

Nutritional: declared analysis vs reference ranges

How the declared analysis compares with FEDIAF reference ranges for adult dogs. The label prints as-fed values; we convert to a dry-matter basis before scoring, and the bands are dry-matter ranges. Scores rise to 100 at the band midpoint: the reference is adequacy, not maximisation. Nutrients with a published upper limit taper again above it; fat is policed through calorie density rather than a direct penalty.

Guaranteed-analysis FEDIAF score: crude minimums and maximums are bounds, not typical values; moisture (a maximum) uses the processing median where available; experimental US score.

NutrientAs fed (label)Dry matter (scored)Score
Protein2426.5 (band 18 to 40%)93.2
Fat1415.5 (band 5.5 to 20%)100
Fibre66.6 (band 0.5 to 5%)100
Calcium11.1 (band 0.5 to 2.5%)88.1
Phosphorus0.750.8 (band 0.4 to 1.6%)91.4
Sodium0.150.2 (band 0.1+%)100
Calcium:phosphorus ratio1.31.3 (band 1 to 2%)90
Energy (kcal/100g)349.5386.2100

Scored over 8 declared nutrients (combined weight 95); undeclared nutrients do not affect the score. Moisture was not declared and was estimated at 9.5% from the food type.

Declared fortification: 29 nutritional additives on the label
  • Vitamin A 18,000 IU/kg minimum
  • Vitamin D3 1,700 IU/kg minimum
  • Vitamin E 100 IU/kg minimum
  • Glucosamine 500 mg/kg minimum
  • Chondroitin sulfate 300 mg/kg minimum
  • Ferrous sulfate
  • Zinc oxide
  • Manganous oxide
  • Niacin
  • d-calcium pantothenate
  • Vitamin A supplement
  • Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3)
  • Thiamine mononitrate
  • Biotin
  • Sodium selenite
  • Zinc proteinate
  • Riboflavin
  • Pyridoxine hydrochloride
  • Vitamin B12 supplement
  • Manganese proteinate
  • Calcium iodate
  • Copper proteinate
  • Folic acid
  • Choline chloride
  • Taurine
  • DL-methionine
  • L-carnitine
  • alpha-tocopherol acetate (vitamin E)
  • Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)

Medium confidence: the full five-part analysis is on file; where moisture was not declared it was estimated from the food type.

This measures agreement with published reference ranges, not suitability for an individual dog. For medical conditions, follow veterinary guidance.

Transparency: what the label discloses

How much the manufacturer discloses, measured against the FEDIAF Code of Good Labelling Practice and Regulation 767/2009. Mandatory items dominate the weighting.

ItemPoints
✓ Ingredient list on the label (mandatory)10/10
✗ Printed percentages on the label (voluntary) - not on file0/20
✓ Analytical constituents declared (mandatory)15/15
✓ Additives declared (mandatory)10/10
✓ Energy value declared (voluntary)5/5
✓ Complete/complementary designation (mandatory)5/5
✓ Feeding guidance given (mandatory)10/10
✓ Manufacturer identity and address (mandatory)10/10
✓ Country of manufacture stated (voluntary)10/10
✗ Batch and date labelling (mandatory) - not on file0/5

Capped at 60: mandatory items missing (Batch and date labelling).

Safety: recall history

Recall and safety-notice history, time-decayed. This dimension is shown alongside the score and never feeds the headline number.

No recalls recorded in our database.

See all current recalls we track.

Evidence: what the brand claims, and what supports it

The claims made on the pack and product page, checked against the declared label. We record claims as stated; "consistent" means our stored label data supports the claim, "contradicted" means it conflicts with it. Functional claims are recorded but never scored.

100/100 · moderate — 1 checkable claim: 1 consistent, 0 contradicted.

Consistent with the label

  • "Complete and balanced to meet the specific needs of medium and large breed ADULT DOGS" — supported by the declared complete and balanced data.

3 further claims on file that we cannot check against the label.

Moderate: every checkable claim is consistent with the declared label.

ClaimTypeCheckSubstantiation
Well-balanced prebiotic fibers promote digestive health. They regulate transit and improve stool quality. (on page)Functionalnot checkableManufacturer assertion
Antioxidants help reduce inflammation. The addition of glucosamine and chondroitin also helps support cartilage and joint health. (on page)Functionalnot checkableManufacturer assertion
Chicken 24% Protein 14% Fat (on pack)Contentnot checkableManufacturer assertion
Complete and balanced to meet the specific needs of medium and large breed ADULT DOGS (on pack)ContentconsistentManufacturer assertion

The full scoring method is published. See the methodology for exactly how the headline score and each dimension are calculated.

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