Our verdict
Is Canidae Heartland Puppy Recipe 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.
Complete extruded dry food for puppies, with deboned chicken, dried chicken protein and rice as the main ingredients.
Only part of the analytical constituents are declared, so the nutritional picture is incomplete.
100% of this recipe has no printed percentage. Estimated shares are model estimates, not label facts.
Who is this food for?
Suits
- Labelled by the manufacturer for puppies
- Doesn't list beef, turkey, lamb, venison, duck as ingredients
Consider something else if:
- Your dog avoids chicken: the label lists deboned chicken
- Your dog avoids fish: the label lists salmon oil
- Your dog avoids pork: the label lists dehydrated pork protein
- Your dog avoids grain: the label lists rice - brown / whole grain
- 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 10%
Typical analysis (as fed)
| Nutrient | As fed |
|---|---|
| Protein | 25% |
| Fat | 10% |
| Fibre | 5% |
| Moisture | 10% |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | 1% |
| Omega-6 fatty acids | 2% |
| Calcium | 1.20% |
Additives & feeding info
Feeding and storage
Storage
Complete & balanced dry dog food for puppies up to 12 months old
Additives declared on the label
Nutritional additives
Zinc 100 mg/kg; Selenium 0.35 mg/kg; Vitamin E 50 IU/kg
Technological additives
mixed tocopherols a preservative
Ingredients (47)100% of the recipe is estimated
Estimated composition
- supplement 54.1%
- veg 13.1%
- carb 10.8%
- meat 8.2%
- additive 6.9%
- oil 4.9%
- mineral 2.0%
| # | As declared | Matched | Label reading | Declared % | Est. % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deboned Chicken | Deboned Chicken | meat · good | - | 2.8 |
| 2 | chicken meal (source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate) | Dried chicken protein | meat · good | - | 2.8 |
| 3 | brown rice | Rice - brown / whole grain | carb · medium | - | 2.8 |
| 4 | barley | Barley | carb · medium | - | 2.7 |
| 5 | whole grain sorghum | Sorghum | carb · medium | - | 2.7 |
| 6 | millet | Millet | carb · good | - | 2.7 |
| 7 | dried yeast | Yeast | supplement · good | - | 2.6 |
| 8 | pumpkin | Pumpkin | veg · good | - | 2.6 |
| 9 | pork meal (source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate) | Dehydrated Pork Protein | meat · good | - | 2.6 |
| 10 | alfalfa | Alfalfa | veg · good | - | 2.5 |
| 11 | flax seed | Linseed | veg · good | - | 2.5 |
| 12 | peas | Peas | veg · good | - | 2.5 |
| 13 | chicken fat | Chicken Oil and Fat | oil · good | - | 2.5 |
| 14 | salmon oil | Salmon Oil | oil · good | - | 2.4 |
| 15 | natural flavor | Flavor | additive · poor | - | 2.4 |
| 16 | Threonine | Threonine | supplement · medium | - | 2.4 |
| 17 | salt | Salt | additive · poor | - | 2.3 |
| 18 | potassium chloride | Potassium Chloride | supplement · medium | - | 2.3 |
| 19 | choline chloride | Choline | supplement · good | - | 2.3 |
| 20 | taurine | Taurine | supplement · good | - | 2.2 |
| 21 | Tryptophan | L-Tryptophan | supplement · good | - | 2.2 |
| 22 | mixed tocopherols (a preservative) | Tocopherols | additive · good | - | 2.2 |
| 23 | vitamin E supplement | Vitamin E | supplement · good | - | 2.2 |
| 24 | zinc proteinate | Zinc Proteinate | supplement · good | - | 2.1 |
| 25 | zinc sulfate | Zinc sulfate | supplement · medium | - | 2.1 |
| 26 | L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate | L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate | supplement · good | - | 2.1 |
| 27 | ferrous sulfate | Iron sulfate | supplement · good | - | 2.0 |
| 28 | iron proteinate | Iron Proteinate | mineral · good | - | 2.0 |
| 29 | niacin supplement | Niacin | supplement · good | - | 2.0 |
| 30 | copper sulfate | Copper sulphate | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 31 | copper proteinate | Copper proteinate | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 32 | vitamin A supplement | Vitamin A | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 33 | sodium selenite | Sodium selenite | supplement · poor | - | 1.9 |
| 34 | manganese sulfate | Manganese sulfate | supplement · medium | - | 1.8 |
| 35 | manganese proteinate | Manganese proteinate | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 36 | thiamine mononitrate | Thiamine mononitrate | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 37 | d-calcium pantothenate | Calcium pantothenate | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 38 | riboflavin supplement | Riboflavin | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 39 | pyridoxine hydrochloride | Pyridoxine hydrochloride | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 40 | vitamin B12 supplement | Vitamin B12 | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 41 | calcium iodate | Calcium iodate | supplement · medium | - | 1.6 |
| 42 | dried Bacillus amyloliquefaciens fermentation product | Dried Bacillus amyloliquefaciens fermentation product | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 43 | folic acid | Folic acid | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 44 | vitamin D3 supplement | Vitamin D3 supplement | supplement · good | - | 1.5 |
| 45 | biotin | Biotin | supplement · good | - | 1.5 |
| 46 | green tea extract | Green Tea | veg · good | - | 1.5 |
| 47 | rosemary extract | Rosemary | veg · good | - | 1.4 |
- 1. Deboned Chicken2.8% estimated
- 2. chicken meal (source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate)2.8% estimated
- 3. brown rice2.8% estimated
- 4. barley2.7% estimated
- 5. whole grain sorghum2.7% estimated
- 6. millet2.7% estimated
- 7. dried yeast2.6% estimated
- 8. pumpkin2.6% estimated
- 9. pork meal (source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate)2.6% estimated
- 10. alfalfa2.5% estimated
- 11. flax seed2.5% estimated
- 12. peas2.5% estimated
- 13. chicken fat2.5% estimated
- 14. salmon oil2.4% estimated
- 15. natural flavor2.4% estimated
- 16. Threonine2.4% estimated
- 17. salt2.3% estimated
- 18. potassium chloride2.3% estimated
- 19. choline chloride2.3% estimated
- 20. taurine2.2% estimated
- 21. Tryptophan2.2% estimated
- 22. mixed tocopherols (a preservative)2.2% estimated
- 23. vitamin E supplement2.2% estimated
- 24. zinc proteinate2.1% estimated
- 25. zinc sulfate2.1% estimated
- 26. L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate2.1% estimated
- 27. ferrous sulfate2.0% estimated
- 28. iron proteinate2.0% estimated
- 29. niacin supplement2.0% estimated
- 30. copper sulfate1.9% estimated
- 31. copper proteinate1.9% estimated
- 32. vitamin A supplement1.9% estimated
- 33. sodium selenite1.9% estimated
- 34. manganese sulfate1.8% estimated
- 35. manganese proteinate1.8% estimated
- 36. thiamine mononitrate1.8% estimated
- 37. d-calcium pantothenate1.7% estimated
- 38. riboflavin supplement1.7% estimated
- 39. pyridoxine hydrochloride1.7% estimated
- 40. vitamin B12 supplement1.6% estimated
- 41. calcium iodate1.6% estimated
- 42. dried Bacillus amyloliquefaciens fermentation product1.6% estimated
- 43. folic acid1.6% estimated
- 44. vitamin D3 supplement1.5% estimated
- 45. biotin1.5% estimated
- 46. green tea extract1.5% estimated
- 47. rosemary extract1.4% estimated
Trust and sourceNo recalls recorded in our database · checked 2026-08-22
Brand and contact: Canidae
- Website
- https://canidae.com/
Trust and provenance
- Recall history
- No recalls recorded in our database
- Label data last checked
- 2026-08-22
- Scored with
- Model v3 (methodology)
- Product page
- canidae.com
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.
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. The inclusion of ingredients without printed percentages contributed -10.6 points, and the processing format adjusted the score by -6.7. Conversely, the overall quality of the ingredient list added +6.1 points, while being labelled nutritionally complete contributed +2.3 points to the final evaluation.
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 | 0.7 | 9.191 | +6.14 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 11.7% | -0.115 | -1.34 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 5.9% | -0.092 | -0.54 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 4.7% | -0.005 | -0.02 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 7.6% | 0.163 | +1.24 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 60.8% | -0.012 | -0.74 |
| Recipe graded poor | 6.6% | -0.065 | -0.43 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 3 | -0.876 | -2.63 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 2.4% | 0.060 | +0.14 |
| Undeclared quantities | 100.0% | -0.106 | -10.56 |
| Complete diet | yes | 2.294 | +2.29 |
| Low meat (under 10% of dry matter) | yes | -3.158 | -3.16 |
| Additive penalty | -8.35 | 0.222 | -1.85 |
| 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 | 0.7 | 9.191 | +6.14 |
| Meat share of dry matter | 0.0% | 0.096 | +0.00 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 11.7% | -0.115 | -1.34 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 5.9% | -0.092 | -0.54 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 4.7% | -0.005 | -0.02 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 7.6% | 0.163 | +1.24 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 60.8% | -0.012 | -0.74 |
| 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 | 6.6% | -0.065 | -0.43 |
| Poor-quality meat in recipe | 0.0% | -0.179 | +0.00 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 3 | -0.876 | -2.63 |
| 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 | yes | 2.294 | +2.29 |
| 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 | -8.35 | 0.222 | -1.85 |
| 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
- Additives declared on label
- +2 transparency bonus
- Subtotal
- 47.9
- 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.
Score history across model versions
The score shown above is always computed with the latest published model. Earlier scores are kept for the record and are never edited or deleted; a scoring change ships as a new model version with a public write-up on the methodology page.
Nutritional: declared analysis vs reference ranges
How the declared analysis compares with FEDIAF reference ranges for puppies and growth. 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.
Scored against FEDIAF growth minima; puppy scoring is under review; 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 | 100 |
| Fat | 10 | 11 | 100 |
| Calcium | 1.2 | 1.3 | 100 |
| Omega fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-3) | - | - | 100 |
Omega fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-3): scored as the mean of its declared components (omega-6 100, omega-3 100). The FEDIAF minimum for omega-6 is linoleic acid specifically.
Scored over 4 declared nutrients (combined weight 60); undeclared nutrients do not affect the score. Moisture was not declared and was estimated at 9.5% from the food type.
Declared fortification: 3 nutritional additives on the label
- Zinc 100 mg/kg
- Selenium 0.35 mg/kg
- Vitamin E 50 IU/kg
Low confidence: partial analysis or moisture 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) - not on file | 0/15 |
| Additives declared (mandatory) | 10/10 |
| Energy value declared (voluntary) - not on file | 0/5 |
| Complete/complementary designation (mandatory) | 5/5 |
| Feeding guidance given (mandatory) - not on file | 0/10 |
| Manufacturer identity and address (mandatory) | 5/10 |
| Country of manufacture stated (voluntary) | 10/10 |
| Batch and date labelling (mandatory) - not on file | 0/5 |
Capped at 60: mandatory items missing (Analytical constituents declared, Feeding guidance given, 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.
50/100 · limited — 6 checkable claims: 3 consistent, 3 contradicted.
Contradicted by the label
- "Canidae recipes are formulated without corn, wheat, soy and no animal byproduct meals" — the declared label says otherwise on grain-free.
- "with 25% protein to support strength and energy" — the declared label says otherwise on high protein.
- "No corn, wheat, or soy ingredients" — the declared label says otherwise on grain-free.
Consistent with the label
- "Complete & Balanced Nutrition" — supported by the declared complete and balanced data.
- "100% complete & balanced puppy dog food" — supported by the declared complete and balanced data.
- "Complete & balanced dry dog food for puppies up to 12 months old" — supported by the declared complete and balanced data.
33 further claims on file that we cannot check against the label.
Limited: at least one claim contradicts the declared label, or a recent upheld ASA ruling applies.
| Claim | Type | Check | Substantiation |
|---|---|---|---|
| We use wholesome, regeneratively farmed ingredients, hearty grains and premium proteins (on page) | provenance | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Made with regeneratively farmed ingredients from trusted farmers (on page) | provenance | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Made with regeneratively farmed ingredients (on page) | provenance | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| every bite is coated with live probiotics to help support digestion and immune health (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Coated with live probiotics to support digestive health (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Regeneratively farmed, nutrient-rich ingredients from trusted farmers (on page) | provenance | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Our thoughtfully curated recipes are perfectly balanced with whole body health in mind (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Premium dry dog food for strong, active, healthy puppies (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| VITAMIN E 50 IU/kg MIN (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| High-quality, real chicken #1 ingredient (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| SELENIUM 0.35 mg/kg MIN (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| CRUDE FIBER 5.00% MAX (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| MOISTURE 10.00% MAX (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| CRUDE PROTEIN 25.00% MIN (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Canidae recipes are formulated without corn, wheat, soy and no animal byproduct meals (on page) | Free-from | contradicted | Manufacturer assertion |
| CHONDROITIN SULFATE* 700 mg/kg MIN (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| No corn, wheat, or soy ingredients and no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives (on page) | Free-from | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Supports the American Red Cross! (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| 1% of every purchase supports the American Red Cross (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| CRUDE FAT 10.00% MIN (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| ZINC 100 mg/kg MIN (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| GLUCOSAMINE* 400 mg/kg MIN (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS* 1.00% MIN (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Farm-raised chicken is our #1 ingredient, providing protein for strong muscles (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| PROBIOTIC* 50,000 CFU/lb MIN (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| features real chicken as the #1 ingredient (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS* 2.00% MIN (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Cooked in our Brownwood, Texas facility under strict safety and quality standards (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| 1% of every bag supports the American Red Cross helping pets, people, and communities in need (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| High Quality Ingredients (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Complete & Balanced Nutrition (on page) | Content | consistent | Manufacturer assertion |
| No Fillers (on page) | Free-from | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| 100% complete & balanced puppy dog food (on page) | Content | consistent | Manufacturer assertion |
| CALCIUM 1.20% MIN (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| with 25% protein to support strength and energy (on page) | High/low level | contradicted | Manufacturer assertion |
| No corn, wheat, or soy ingredients (on page) | Free-from | contradicted | Manufacturer assertion |
| Complete & balanced dry dog food for puppies up to 12 months old (on page) | Content | consistent | Manufacturer assertion |
| TAURINE* 0.15% MIN (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| farm-raised nutrition that gives back (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer 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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