Our verdict
Is Virbac Digestive Support Dog Wet Food a good dog food?
We score it 54/100 (Average). This reflects the ingredient quality, composition and label transparency of the recipe as declared on the label.
Complete wet paté food for adult dogs, with neck, chicken liver and kidney as the main ingredients.
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 adult dogs
- Grain-free: no grain ingredients listed
- Doesn't list beef, turkey, lamb, venison, duck as ingredients
Consider something else if:
- Your dog avoids chicken: the label lists chicken neck
- Your dog avoids fish: the label lists fish oil
- Your dog avoids pork: the label lists pork
- You want a single-protein recipe: this one lists more than one animal protein
- You are limiting fat: 33.9% on a dry-matter basis is in the high band
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 13% · Fat 9.50%
Typical analysis (as fed)
| Nutrient | As fed |
|---|---|
| Protein | 13% |
| Fat | 9.50% |
| Fibre | 1.10% |
| Ash | 2.40% |
| Moisture | 72% |
| Carbohydrates | 2% |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | 0.75% |
| Omega-6 fatty acids | 2.50% |
| Calcium | 0.26% |
| Phosphorus | 0.18% |
| Sodium | 0.25% |
Additives & feeding info
Feeding and storage
Feeding guide
If exclusively feeding with wet Body weight (kg) Pouch/day Overweight Normal* Recovery Underweight 3 0.5 0.5 1 5 1 1 1.5 8 1.5 1.5 1.5 10 1.5 1.5 2 15 2 2 2.5 20 2.5 2.5 3 25 3 3 3.5 30 3 3.5 4 40 4 4 5 60 5 5.5 6.5 * Mixed feeding is also possible, combining VETERINARY HPM Wet and Dry Digestive diets. We propose to provide around 50% of the energy needed with wet and 50% with dry, but all combinations are possible depending on the individual case.
Additives declared on the label
Nutritional additives
Vitamin A 22000 iu/kg; Vitamin D3 240 iu/kg; Vitamin E 200 mg/kg; Vitamin B1 Thiamine 1.8 mg/kg; Vitamin B2 Riboflavine 5 mg/kg; Vitamin B3 PP. niacine nicotic AC 40 mg/kg; Vitamin B5 Pantothenic AC 9 mg/kg; Vitamin B6 Pyridoxine 1.5 mg/kg; Vitamin B8 Biotine. Vitamin H 0.08 mg/kg; Vitamin B9 Folic AC 0.2 mg/kg; Vitamin B12 Cobalamine 0.03 mg/kg; Choline 1000 mg/kg; Taurine 1000 mg/kg; Copper 5 mg/kg; Iron 40 mg/kg; Iodine 0.8 mg/kg; Manganese 8 mg/kg; Selenium 0.4 mg/kg; Zinc 40 mg/kg
Technological additives
Bentonite 900 mg/kg
Ingredients (15)100% of the recipe is estimated
Estimated composition
- meat 53.0%
- oil 13.6%
- carb 12.2%
- fibre 10.7%
- supplement 5.8%
- additive 4.6%
| # | As declared | Matched | Label reading | Declared % | Est. % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | chicken neck | Chicken Neck | meat · good | - | 8.7 |
| 2 | chicken liver | Chicken Liver | meat · good | - | 8.4 |
| 3 | pork kidney | Kidney | meat · good | - | 8.1 |
| 4 | chicken tripes | Chicken | meat · medium | - | 7.8 |
| 5 | mechanically deboned chicken meat | Deboned Chicken | meat · good | - | 7.5 |
| 6 | pea protein extract | Pea protein | carb · medium | - | 7.2 |
| 7 | fish oil | Fish Oil | oil · good | - | 7.0 |
| 8 | sunflower oil | Sunflower oil | oil · good | - | 6.7 |
| 9 | pork plasma | Pork | meat · medium | - | 6.4 |
| 10 | egg white | Egg | meat · good | - | 6.1 |
| 11 | minerals and vitamins | Vitamins and minerals | supplement · medium | - | 5.8 |
| 12 | cellulose | Cellulose | fibre · medium | - | 5.5 |
| 13 | lignocellulose | Lignocellulose | fibre · medium | - | 5.2 |
| 14 | potato starch | Potato starch | carb · poor | - | 4.9 |
| 15 | caramel | Caramel Colour | additive · poor | - | 4.6 |
- 1. chicken neck8.7% estimated
- 2. chicken liver8.4% estimated
- 3. pork kidney8.1% estimated
- 4. chicken tripes7.8% estimated
- 5. mechanically deboned chicken meat7.5% estimated
- 6. pea protein extract7.2% estimated
- 7. fish oil7.0% estimated
- 8. sunflower oil6.7% estimated
- 9. pork plasma6.4% estimated
- 10. egg white6.1% estimated
- 11. minerals and vitamins5.8% estimated
- 12. cellulose5.5% estimated
- 13. lignocellulose5.2% estimated
- 14. potato starch4.9% estimated
- 15. caramel4.6% estimated
Trust and sourceNo recalls recorded in our database · checked 2026-09-14
Brand and contact: Virbac
- Website
- https://uk.virbac.com/
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
- uk.virbac.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 score of 54 out of 100 based on several key factors. The presence of ingredients without printed percentages reduced the score by -10.6. Conversely, the overall quality of the ingredient list added +5.5 to the total. Additionally, the oil and fat content lowered the score by -2.3, while being labelled nutritionally complete contributed +2.3.
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 | +5.50 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 13.8% | -0.115 | -1.59 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 24.5% | -0.092 | -2.25 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 7.6% | 0.163 | +1.23 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 9.7% | -0.012 | -0.12 |
| Recipe graded poor | 9.6% | -0.065 | -0.62 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 2 | -0.876 | -1.75 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 4.9% | 0.060 | +0.30 |
| 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 | -5.57 | 0.222 | -1.24 |
| Processing multiplier | 1.00 | 33.786 | +33.79 |
| Processing: Wet Pate | yes | -0.672 | -0.67 |
Show all 40 components
| Component | Input | Coefficient | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base score | - | 30.909 | +30.91 |
| Average ingredient quality | 0.6 | 9.191 | +5.50 |
| Meat share of dry matter | 0.0% | 0.096 | +0.00 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 13.8% | -0.115 | -1.59 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 24.5% | -0.092 | -2.25 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 0.0% | -0.005 | +0.00 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 7.6% | 0.163 | +1.23 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 9.7% | -0.012 | -0.12 |
| 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 | 9.6% | -0.065 | -0.62 |
| Poor-quality meat in recipe | 0.0% | -0.179 | +0.00 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 2 | -0.876 | -1.75 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 4.9% | 0.060 | +0.30 |
| 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 | -5.57 | 0.222 | -1.24 |
| Processing multiplier | 1.00 | 33.786 | +33.79 |
| 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 | no | -6.713 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Semi Moist | no | -6.174 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Muesli | no | -10.146 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Wet Pate | yes | -0.672 | -0.67 |
| Processing: Wet Chunks | no | -0.672 | +0.00 |
- Processing-type offset
- -0.08
- Additives declared on label
- +2 transparency bonus
- Subtotal
- 54.0
- Final score
- 54/100
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 | 13 | 46.4 (band 18 to 40%) | 100 |
| Fat | 9.5 | 33.9 (band 5.5 to 20%) | 100 |
| Fibre | 1.1 | 3.9 (band 0.5 to 5%) | 100 |
| Calcium | 0.26 | 0.9 (band 0.5 to 2.5%) | 82.9 |
| Phosphorus | 0.18 | 0.6 (band 0.4 to 1.6%) | 82.1 |
| Sodium | 0.25 | 0.9 (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 |
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 8 declared nutrients (combined weight 95); undeclared nutrients do not affect the score.
Declared fortification: 19 nutritional additives on the label
- Vitamin A 22000 iu/kg
- Vitamin D3 240 iu/kg
- Vitamin E 200 mg/kg
- Vitamin B1 Thiamine 1.8 mg/kg
- Vitamin B2 Riboflavine 5 mg/kg
- Vitamin B3 PP. niacine nicotic AC 40 mg/kg
- Vitamin B5 Pantothenic AC 9 mg/kg
- Vitamin B6 Pyridoxine 1.5 mg/kg
- Vitamin B8 Biotine. Vitamin H 0.08 mg/kg
- Vitamin B9 Folic AC 0.2 mg/kg
- Vitamin B12 Cobalamine 0.03 mg/kg
- Choline 1000 mg/kg
- Taurine 1000 mg/kg
- Copper 5 mg/kg
- Iron 40 mg/kg
- Iodine 0.8 mg/kg
- Manganese 8 mg/kg
- Selenium 0.4 mg/kg
- Zinc 40 mg/kg
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) | 10/10 |
| Energy value declared (voluntary) - not on file | 0/5 |
| 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 (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 — 2 checkable claims: 2 consistent, 0 contradicted.
Consistent with the label
- "complete and balanced food" — supported by the declared complete and balanced data.
- "complete nutrition" — supported by the declared complete and balanced data.
31 further claims on file that we cannot check against the label.
Moderate: every checkable claim is consistent with the declared label.
| Claim | Type | Check | Substantiation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highly digestible ingredients (on pack) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Supports digestive function (on pack) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Supports recovery and convalescence (on pack) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| clinically formulated to aid dogs with gastrointestinal disorders (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Supports nutritional recovery and the management of acute and chronic gastrointestinal conditions (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| gentle on your dog's sensitive stomach and digestive system (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| limits the workload of the digestive tract (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| The high water content of the food supports hydration (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Supports muscle mass and ideal body composition (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Stimulates water intake to improve hydration (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| rich in naturally tasty animal ingredients with high fat and protein content (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| very low in carbohydrates (on page) | High/low level | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| highly digestible proteins and fats (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| VETERINARY HPM® Digestive Support Dog Wet Food - For Sensitive Stomachs (on pack) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| complete and balanced food (on page) | Content | consistent | Manufacturer assertion |
| High-quality protein 13% protein (87% animal origin) (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Bentonite Helps to regulate the digestive tract (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Promotes well-formed stools (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Reduces stool odour (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Compensates for nutrient loss (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Energy- and nutrient-dense formula to compensate for malabsorption (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Helps to restore optimal body condition (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Helps to restore lost muscle mass and a return to a healthy weight (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| High digestible fats and protein to help provide high digestive tolerance (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Supports digestive recovery (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Provides complete nutrition in smaller portions to reduce the workload of the digestive system (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| High proportion of animal origin ingredients makes the formula highly palatable (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| High protein and water content help to stimulate drinking and boost hydration (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| 2.3% carbohydrates (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| complete nutrition (on page) | Content | consistent | Manufacturer assertion |
| Not suitable for dogs with chronic kidney disease or growing dogs (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| rich animal proteins (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| to respect the natural carnivore diet (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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