Specific Senior Large & Giant Breed
Dry Extruded · complete
Our verdict
Is Specific Senior Large & Giant Breed a good dog food?
We score it 44/100 (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".
Complete extruded dry food for senior dogs, with wheat, maize gluten and fish meal 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 senior dogs
- Labelling or feeding guide is aimed at giant dogs
- Doesn't list chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, venison, duck as ingredients
Consider something else if:
- Your dog avoids fish: the label lists fish meal
- Your dog avoids pork: the label lists pork fat
- Your dog avoids grain: the label lists wheat
- 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 20.10% · Fat 9%
Typical analysis (as fed)
| Nutrient | As fed | Dry matter |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 20.10% | 13.70% |
| Fat | 9% | 6.10% |
| Fibre | 3.10% | 2.10% |
| Moisture | 9.10% | - |
| Carbohydrates | 53.50% | 36.40% |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | 0.55% | - |
| Calcium | 0.57% | - |
| Phosphorus | 0.52% | - |
| Sodium | 0.16% | - |
Energy: 352 kcal/100g
Additives & feeding info
Feeding and storage
Feeding guide
Feeding guide in grams per day by body weight (e.g. 20 kg: thin 325 / normal 270 / overweight 215; 50 kg: thin 645 / normal 535 / overweight 430; 95 kg: thin 1040 / normal 870 / overweight 695). Adjust for breed, environment, season and activity level.
Additives declared on the label
Nutritional additives
vitamin D3 814 IU; copper 4.4 mg (copper chelate of glycine hydrate); iron 79 mg (ferrous sulphate monohydrate); zinc 156 mg (zinc chelate of glycine hydrate); manganese 10.2 mg (manganese chelate of glycine hydrate); iodine 1.9 mg (calcium iodate anhydrous); taurine 0.9 g; L-Carnitine 300 mg
Technological additives
natural antioxidants
Ingredients (11)100% of the recipe is estimated
Estimated composition
- meat 28.3%
- carb 23.0%
- oil 17.6%
- fibre 17.1%
- supplement 14.0%
| # | As declared | Matched | Label reading | Declared % | Est. % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wheat | Wheat | carb · poor | - | 12.9 |
| 2 | maize protein | Maize gluten | carb · poor | - | 12.2 |
| 3 | fish meal | Fish Meal | meat · medium | - | 11.6 |
| 4 | beet pulp | Beet Pulp | fibre · medium | - | 11.0 |
| 5 | pork fat | Pork Fat | oil · medium | - | 10.3 |
| 6 | animal protein hydrolysate | Hydrolysed Animal Protein | meat · medium | - | 9.7 |
| 7 | egg powder | Dried Whole Egg | meat · good | - | 9.0 |
| 8 | fish oil | Fish Oil | oil · good | - | 8.4 |
| 9 | minerals | Vitamins and minerals | supplement · medium | - | 7.7 |
| 10 | psyllium husk | Psyllium fibre | fibre · good | - | 7.1 |
| 11 | yeast (0.1%) | Yeast | supplement · good | 0.1 | 0.1 |
- 1. Wheat12.9% estimated
- 2. maize protein12.2% estimated
- 3. fish meal11.6% estimated
- 4. beet pulp11.0% estimated
- 5. pork fat10.3% estimated
- 6. animal protein hydrolysate9.7% estimated
- 7. egg powder9.0% estimated
- 8. fish oil8.4% estimated
- 9. minerals7.7% estimated
- 10. psyllium husk7.1% estimated
- 11. yeast (0.1%)0.1% declared0.1% estimated
Trust and sourceNo recalls recorded in our database · checked 2026-09-14
Brand and contact: Specific
Trust and provenance
- Recall history
- No recalls recorded in our database
- Label data last checked
- 2026-09-14
- Scored with
- Model v3 (methodology)
- Product page
- www.specific-diets.co.uk
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 a final score of 44 out of 100 based on several key factors. The overall quality of the ingredient list added +2.7 points. However, ingredients without printed percentages reduced the score by -10.5. Additionally, the processing format deducted -6.7 and the carbohydrate content contributed -2.5.
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 | 0.3 | 9.191 | +2.68 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 22.0% | -0.115 | -2.53 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 19.0% | -0.092 | -1.75 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 14.0% | -0.012 | -0.17 |
| Recipe graded poor | 23.0% | -0.065 | -1.49 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 2 | -0.876 | -1.75 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 11.8% | 0.060 | +0.71 |
| Undeclared quantities | 99.9% | -0.106 | -10.55 |
| Complete diet | yes | 2.294 | +2.29 |
| Low meat (under 10% of dry matter) | yes | -3.158 | -3.16 |
| 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 | 0.3 | 9.191 | +2.68 |
| Meat share of dry matter | 0.0% | 0.096 | +0.00 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 22.0% | -0.115 | -2.53 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 19.0% | -0.092 | -1.75 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 0.0% | -0.005 | +0.00 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 0.0% | 0.163 | +0.00 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 14.0% | -0.012 | -0.17 |
| 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 | 23.0% | -0.065 | -1.49 |
| Poor-quality meat in recipe | 0.0% | -0.179 | +0.00 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 2 | -0.876 | -1.75 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 11.8% | 0.060 | +0.71 |
| Undeclared quantities | 99.9% | -0.106 | -10.55 |
| 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 | 0.00 | 0.222 | +0.00 |
| 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
- 43.6
- Final score
- 44/100
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 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.
| Nutrient | As fed (label) | Dry matter (scored) | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | 20.1 | 22.1 (band 18 to 40%) | 81.2 |
| Fat | 9 | 9.9 (band 5.5 to 20%) | 88.2 |
| Fibre | 3.1 | 3.4 (band 0.5 to 5%) | 100 |
| Calcium | 0.57 | 0.6 (band 0.5 to 2.5%) | 73.8 |
| Phosphorus | 0.52 | 0.6 (band 0.4 to 1.6%) | 78.6 |
| Sodium | 0.16 | 0.2 (band 0.1+%) | 100 |
| Calcium:phosphorus ratio | 1.1 | 1.1 (band 1 to 2%) | 75.8 |
| Energy (kcal/100g) | 352 | 387.2 | 100 |
Scored over 8 declared nutrients (combined weight 95); undeclared nutrients do not affect the score.
Declared fortification: 8 nutritional additives on the label
- vitamin D3 814 IU
- copper 4.4 mg (copper chelate of glycine hydrate)
- iron 79 mg (ferrous sulphate monohydrate)
- zinc 156 mg (zinc chelate of glycine hydrate)
- manganese 10.2 mg (manganese chelate of glycine hydrate)
- iodine 1.9 mg (calcium iodate anhydrous)
- taurine 0.9 g
- L-Carnitine 300 mg
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) | 5/5 |
| Complete/complementary designation (mandatory) | 5/5 |
| Feeding guidance given (mandatory) | 10/10 |
| 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, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| rich in Omega-3 from fish for healthy coat skin and joint (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| helps to maintain the ideal bodyweight (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Beet pulp as a source of fermentable fibres to support beneficial microflora and intestinal health (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Reduced protein, phosphorous and sodium to lower workload on the kidneys (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Added Taurine and L-Carnitine supports the heart muscle function (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Extra large kibble to encourage chewing (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Contains no added artificial colours or flavourings (on pack) | Free-from | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| contains L carnitine – a fat burning amino acid (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| less energy dense food (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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