1st Choice Skin & Coat Lamb & Fish

Dry Extruded · complete

42out of 100

Poor

our rating

Our verdict

Is 1st Choice Skin & Coat Lamb & Fish a good dog food?

We score it 42/100 (Poor). The main reasons are set out in "Why you might not" below, and every step of the calculation is shown under "How we calculated this score".

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 5% 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 2 points in the rating.

Who is this food for?

Suits

Labelled by the manufacturer for adult dogs
Doesn't list chicken, beef, turkey, venison, pork, duck as ingredients

Consider something else if:

Your dog avoids lamb: the label lists lamb
Your dog avoids fish: the label lists fish meal
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 25% · Fat 15%

Typical analysis (as fed)

Nutrient	As fed
Protein	25%
Fat	15%
Fibre	5%
Ash	10%
Moisture	10%
Omega-3 fatty acids	1%
Omega-6 fatty acids	4%
Calcium	1.30%
Phosphorus	0.90%
Sodium	0.25%

Energy: 353 kcal/100g

Additives & feeding info

Feeding and storage

Feeding guide

1-1.5 kg: 30-35 g (1/4-3/8 cup); 1.5-3 kg: 35-65 g (3/8-1/2 cup); 3-5.5 kg: 65-100 g (1/2-7/8 cup); 5.5-9.5 kg: 100-150 g (7/8-1 3/8 cup); 9.5+ kg: 150+ g (65 g per 5 kg / 1 3/8+1/2 cup per 10 lb). Standard 250 ml cup = 120 g.

No additives recorded yet.

Ingredients (53)100% of the recipe is estimated

Estimated composition

supplement 45.7%
veg 16.0%
carb 9.5%
fibre 8.8%
additive 8.6%
meat 5.0%
oil 4.6%
herb 1.8%

#	As declared	Matched	Label reading	Declared %	Est. %
1	Lamb meal (a source of chondroitin sulfate)	Lamb	meat · medium	-	2.5
2	menhaden fish meal	Fish Meal	meat · medium	-	2.5
3	peas	Peas	veg · good	-	2.5
4	barley	Barley	carb · medium	-	2.4
5	oats	Oats	carb · medium	-	2.4
6	vegetable oil preserved with mixed tocopherols	Vegetable oil	oil · medium	-	2.4
7	pea starch	Pea Starch	carb · poor	-	2.4
8	millet	Millet	carb · good	-	2.3
9	flaxseed	Linseed	veg · good	-	2.3
10	natural flavor	Flavor	additive · poor	-	2.3
11	suncured alfalfa meal	Alfalfa Meal	fibre · medium	-	2.3
12	dried citrus pulp	Citrus Pulp	fibre · medium	-	2.2
13	salmon oil	Salmon Oil	oil · good	-	2.2
14	salt	Salt	additive · poor	-	2.2
15	pea fiber	Pea Fibre	fibre · medium	-	2.2
16	yeast extract	Hydrolysed Yeast	additive · medium	-	2.1
17	choline chloride	Choline	supplement · good	-	2.1
18	calcium carbonate	Calcium Carbonate	supplement · medium	-	2.1
19	chicory extract (a source of inulin)	Chicory Root Extract	fibre · good	-	2.1
20	taurine	Taurine	supplement · good	-	2.1
21	DL-methionine	Methionine	supplement · good	-	2.0
22	potassium chloride	Potassium Chloride	supplement · medium	-	2.0
23	ferrous sulfate	Iron sulfate	supplement · good	-	2.0
24	sodium hexametaphosphate	Sodium hexametaphosphate	additive · medium	-	2.0
25	alpha-tocopheryl acetate (a source of vitamin E)	Vitamin E	supplement · good	-	1.9
26	ascorbic acid (vitamin C)	Vitamin C	supplement · good	-	1.9
27	zinc oxide	Zinc Oxide	supplement · good	-	1.9
28	turmeric	Turmeric	veg · good	-	1.9
29	dried rosemary	Rosemary Leaves	herb · good	-	1.8
30	cloves	Cloves	veg · good	-	1.8
31	yucca schidigera extract	Yucca Schidigera	supplement · good	-	1.8
32	L-carnitine	L-Carnitine	supplement · medium	-	1.8
33	manganous oxide	Manganese (II) Oxide	supplement · good	-	1.7
34	niacin	Niacin	supplement · good	-	1.7
35	d-calcium pantothenate	Calcium pantothenate	supplement · good	-	1.7
36	zinc proteinate	Zinc Proteinate	supplement · good	-	1.7
37	vitamin A supplement	Vitamin A	supplement · good	-	1.7
38	cholecalciferol (a source of vitamin D3)	Vitamin D3 supplement	supplement · good	-	1.6
39	thiamine mononitrate	Thiamine mononitrate	supplement · good	-	1.6
40	grapefruit extract	Grapefruit	veg · medium	-	1.6
41	biotin	Biotin	supplement · good	-	1.6
42	dried spearmint	Spearmint	veg · good	-	1.5
43	dried parsley	Parsley Leaf (Dried)	veg · good	-	1.5
44	green tea extract	Green Tea	veg · good	-	1.5
45	dried ginger	Ginger	veg · good	-	1.5
46	sodium selenite	Sodium selenite	supplement · poor	-	1.4
47	manganese proteinate	Manganese proteinate	supplement · good	-	1.4
48	riboflavin	Riboflavin	supplement · good	-	1.4
49	pyridoxine hydrochloride	Pyridoxine hydrochloride	supplement · good	-	1.4
50	vitamin B12 supplement	Vitamin B12	supplement · good	-	1.3
51	calcium iodate	Calcium iodate	supplement · medium	-	1.3
52	copper proteinate	Copper proteinate	supplement · good	-	1.3
53	folic acid.	Folic acid	supplement · good	-	1.3

1. Lamb meal (a source of chondroitin sulfate)2.5% estimated
Lamb · meat · medium
2. menhaden fish meal2.5% estimated
Fish Meal · meat · medium
3. peas2.5% estimated
Peas · veg · good
4. barley2.4% estimated
Barley · carb · medium
5. oats2.4% estimated
Oats · carb · medium
6. vegetable oil preserved with mixed tocopherols2.4% estimated
Vegetable oil · oil · medium
7. pea starch2.4% estimated
Pea Starch · carb · poor
8. millet2.3% estimated
Millet · carb · good
9. flaxseed2.3% estimated
Linseed · veg · good
10. natural flavor2.3% estimated
Flavor · additive · poor
11. suncured alfalfa meal2.3% estimated
Alfalfa Meal · fibre · medium
12. dried citrus pulp2.2% estimated
Citrus Pulp · fibre · medium
13. salmon oil2.2% estimated
Salmon Oil · oil · good
14. salt2.2% estimated
Salt · additive · poor
15. pea fiber2.2% estimated
Pea Fibre · fibre · medium
16. yeast extract2.1% estimated
Hydrolysed Yeast · additive · medium
17. choline chloride2.1% estimated
Choline · supplement · good
18. calcium carbonate2.1% estimated
Calcium Carbonate · supplement · medium
19. chicory extract (a source of inulin)2.1% estimated
Chicory Root Extract · fibre · good
20. taurine2.1% estimated
Taurine · supplement · good
21. DL-methionine2.0% estimated
Methionine · supplement · good
22. potassium chloride2.0% estimated
Potassium Chloride · supplement · medium
23. ferrous sulfate2.0% estimated
Iron sulfate · supplement · good
24. sodium hexametaphosphate2.0% estimated
Sodium hexametaphosphate · additive · medium
25. alpha-tocopheryl acetate (a source of vitamin E)1.9% estimated
Vitamin E · supplement · good
26. ascorbic acid (vitamin C)1.9% estimated
Vitamin C · supplement · good
27. zinc oxide1.9% estimated
Zinc Oxide · supplement · good
28. turmeric1.9% estimated
Turmeric · veg · good
29. dried rosemary1.8% estimated
Rosemary Leaves · herb · good
30. cloves1.8% estimated
Cloves · veg · good
31. yucca schidigera extract1.8% estimated
Yucca Schidigera · supplement · good
32. L-carnitine1.8% estimated
L-Carnitine · supplement · medium
33. manganous oxide1.7% estimated
Manganese (II) Oxide · supplement · good
34. niacin1.7% estimated
Niacin · supplement · good
35. d-calcium pantothenate1.7% estimated
Calcium pantothenate · supplement · good
36. zinc proteinate1.7% estimated
Zinc Proteinate · supplement · good
37. vitamin A supplement1.7% estimated
Vitamin A · supplement · good
38. cholecalciferol (a source of vitamin D3)1.6% estimated
Vitamin D3 supplement · supplement · good
39. thiamine mononitrate1.6% estimated
Thiamine mononitrate · supplement · good
40. grapefruit extract1.6% estimated
Grapefruit · veg · medium
41. biotin1.6% estimated
Biotin · supplement · good
42. dried spearmint1.5% estimated
Spearmint · veg · good
43. dried parsley1.5% estimated
Parsley Leaf (Dried) · veg · good
44. green tea extract1.5% estimated
Green Tea · veg · good
45. dried ginger1.5% estimated
Ginger · veg · good
46. sodium selenite1.4% estimated
Sodium selenite · supplement · poor
47. manganese proteinate1.4% estimated
Manganese proteinate · supplement · good
48. riboflavin1.4% estimated
Riboflavin · supplement · good
49. pyridoxine hydrochloride1.4% estimated
Pyridoxine hydrochloride · supplement · good
50. vitamin B12 supplement1.3% estimated
Vitamin B12 · supplement · good
51. calcium iodate1.3% estimated
Calcium iodate · supplement · medium
52. copper proteinate1.3% estimated
Copper proteinate · supplement · good
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

Website: https://www.1stchoice.ca/
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.

Brand and retailer reviews

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 42 out of 100 based on several key factors. The overall quality of the ingredient list contributed +5.6 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 -2.3 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.

Component	Input	Coefficient	Contribution
Base score	-	30.909	+30.91
Average ingredient quality	0.6	9.191	+5.59
Carb share of dry matter	9.7%	-0.115	-1.12
Oil share of dry matter	5.3%	-0.092	-0.49
Vegetable share of dry matter	11.9%	-0.005	-0.06
Additive share of dry matter	8.9%	0.163	+1.46
Supplement share of dry matter	48.7%	-0.012	-0.59
Recipe graded poor	8.3%	-0.065	-0.54
Number of poor ingredients	4	-0.876	-3.50
Largest single poor ingredient	2.4%	0.060	+0.14
Undeclared quantities	100.0%	-0.106	-10.56
Low meat (under 10% of dry matter)	yes	-3.158	-3.16
Additive penalty	-10.39	0.222	-2.31
Processing multiplier	0.98	33.786	+33.11
Processing: Dry Extruded	yes	-6.713	-6.71

Show all 40 components

Component	Input	Coefficient	Contribution
Base score	-	30.909	+30.91
Average ingredient quality	0.6	9.191	+5.59
Meat share of dry matter	0.0%	0.096	+0.00
Carb share of dry matter	9.7%	-0.115	-1.12
Oil share of dry matter	5.3%	-0.092	-0.49
Vegetable share of dry matter	11.9%	-0.005	-0.06
Additive share of dry matter	8.9%	0.163	+1.46
Supplement share of dry matter	48.7%	-0.012	-0.59
Other share of dry matter	0.0%	-0.375	+0.00
Unrecognised share of dry matter	0.0%	-0.027	+0.00
Recipe graded poor	8.3%	-0.065	-0.54
Poor-quality meat in recipe	0.0%	-0.179	+0.00
Number of poor ingredients	4	-0.876	-3.50
Largest single poor ingredient	2.4%	0.060	+0.14
Undeclared quantities	100.0%	-0.106	-10.56
Prints ingredient percentages	no	0.000	+0.00
Complete diet	no	2.294	+0.00
Frozen or chilled fresh	no	0.000	+0.00
High meat (30%+ of dry matter)	no	0.707	+0.00
Low meat (under 10% of dry matter)	yes	-3.158	-3.16
High carb and low meat	no	-1.180	+0.00
Meat share × printed percentages	0.0	0.000	+0.00
Meat share × fresh	0.0	0.000	+0.00
Fresh × high meat	0.0	11.084	+0.00
Additive penalty	-10.39	0.222	-2.31
Processing multiplier	0.98	33.786	+33.11
Processing: Raw	no	-0.054	+0.00
Processing: Fresh Chilled	no	-2.354	+0.00
Processing: Fresh Frozen	no	-2.354	+0.00
Processing: Fresh Refrigerated	no	0.000	+0.00
Processing: Fresh Shelf	no	-0.672	+0.00
Processing: Dry Freeze Dried	no	6.629	+0.00
Processing: Dry Air Dried	no	6.331	+0.00
Processing: Dry Cold Pressed	no	-6.713	+0.00
Processing: Dry Baked	no	-6.713	+0.00
Processing: Dry Extruded	yes	-6.713	-6.71
Processing: Dry Semi Moist	no	-6.174	+0.00
Processing: Dry Muesli	no	-10.146	+0.00
Processing: Wet Pate	no	-0.672	+0.00
Processing: Wet Chunks	no	-0.672	+0.00

Processing-type offset: +0.02
Subtotal: 42.2
Final score: 42/100

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.

Nutrient	As fed (label)	Dry matter (scored)	Score
Protein	25	27.6 (band 18 to 40%)	96.2
Fat	15	16.6 (band 5.5 to 20%)	100
Fibre	5	5.5 (band 0.5 to 5%)	100
Calcium	1.3	1.4 (band 0.5 to 2.5%)	98.1
Phosphorus	0.9	1 (band 0.4 to 1.6%)	99.7
Sodium	0.25	0.3 (band 0.1+%)	100
Calcium:phosphorus ratio	1.4	1.4 (band 1 to 2%)	96.7
Omega fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-3)	-	-	100
Energy (kcal/100g)	353	390.1	100

Omega fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-3): scored as the mean of its declared components (omega-6 100). The FEDIAF minimum for omega-6 is linoleic acid specifically.

Scored over 9 declared nutrients (combined weight 105); undeclared nutrients do not affect the score. Moisture was not declared and was estimated at 9.5% from the food type.

No nutritional additives section declared on the label.

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.

Item	Points
✓ Ingredient list on the label (mandatory)	10/10
✗ Printed percentages on the label (voluntary) - not on file	0/20
✓ Analytical constituents declared (mandatory)	15/15
✗ Additives declared (mandatory) - not on file	0/10
✓ 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 file	0/5

Capped at 60: mandatory items missing (Additives declared, 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.

Claims on file; none we can check against the label

Claim	Type	Check	Substantiation
Skin and Coat formula for toy and small breed adult dogs (on page)	Functional	not checkable	Manufacturer assertion
Healthy Aging SOLUTION, a clinically proven blend of polyphenol-rich plants and extracts that helps strengthen adult dog's immune system (on page)	Functional	not checkable	Manufacturer assertion
Chicken-free option (on page)	Content	not checkable	Manufacturer assertion
An optimal ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids reduces shedding, protects the skin, and makes the coat shiny (on page)	Functional	not checkable	Manufacturer assertion
Vitality+ for energy support and a healthy weight (on page)	Functional	not checkable	Manufacturer assertion
Prebiotic fiber and healthy whole grains support bowel function and prevent constipation (on page)	Functional	not checkable	Manufacturer assertion
Defense+ unique blend of antioxidants boosts the immune system and protects organs, skin, and coat (on page)	Functional	not checkable	Manufacturer assertion
Lamb & Fish 25% Protein 15% Fat (on page)	Content	not checkable	Manufacturer assertion