veterinary diet
This is a medical nutrition decision. Speak to your vet.
This is a veterinary diet product: a "dietetic" feed designed for a particular nutritional purpose and intended for use under veterinary direction. The score and figures below are readings of the label, the same as for any other food: they can't tell you whether this product is right for your dog.
Virbac Kidney Support Dog Food K1
Dry Extruded · completeveterinary diet
Our verdict
Is Virbac Kidney Support Dog Food K1 a good dog food?
We score it 47/100 (Average). This reflects the ingredient quality, composition and label transparency of the recipe as declared on the label.
Complete extruded dry food for dogs of all life stages, with rice, poultry and unspecified animal fats and oils 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 all lifestages
- Doesn't list beef, lamb, venison, duck as ingredients
Consider something else if:
- Your dog avoids chicken: the label lists poultry
- Your dog avoids turkey: the label lists poultry
- Your dog avoids fish: the label lists fish oil
- Your dog avoids pork: the label lists hydrolysed pork
- Your dog avoids grain: the label lists rice - white
- You want a single-protein recipe: this one lists more than one animal protein
- You are limiting fat: 24.2% 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 20.50% · Fat 22%
Typical analysis (as fed)
| Nutrient | As fed |
|---|---|
| Protein | 20.50% |
| Fat | 22% |
| Fibre | 5.50% |
| Ash | 5.50% |
| Moisture | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 37.50% |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | 1% |
| Omega-6 fatty acids | 2.70% |
| Calcium | 0.80% |
| Phosphorus | 0.40% |
| Sodium | 0.30% |
Additives & feeding info
Feeding and storage
Feeding guide
Body weight (kg) Daily ration (g/day) Overweight Normal* Underweight 5 75 85 100 8 100 115 140 10 120 135 160 15 155 175 210 20 190 210 255 25 220 245 295 30 245 280 335 40 300 335 405 60 390 440 530 The daily ration is based on the dog's current bodyweight, and must be adjusted every month. Always provide a generous supply of fresh drinking water. *senior dog with optimal body weight and normal physical activity.
Additives declared on the label
Nutritional additives
Vitamin A 11000 IU; Vitamin D3 1100 IU; Vitamin E 570 mg; Vitamin B1 3.8 mg; Vitamin B2 11 mg; Vitamin B3 30 mg; Vitamin B5 26 mg; Vitamin B6 3 mg; Vitamin B9 0.48 mg; Vitamin B12 0.062 mg; Choline 740 mg; Taurine 1500 mg; Copper 15 mg; Iron 25 mg; Iodine 1.1 mg; Zinc 120 mg; L-carnitine 330 mg
Technological additives
Bentonite 5 g; Killed Lactobacilli 7 mg; Chitosan 800 mg; Calcium carbonate 1%
Ingredients (17)100% of the recipe is estimated
Estimated composition
- supplement 29.0%
- fibre 17.9%
- carb 14.5%
- meat 13.6%
- veg 12.7%
- oil 12.4%
| # | As declared | Matched | Label reading | Declared % | Est. % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rice | Rice - white | carb · medium | - | 7.7 |
| 2 | dehydrated pork and poultry proteins | Poultry | meat · medium | - | 7.5 |
| 3 | animal fats | Unspecified Animal Fats and Oils | oil · poor | - | 7.2 |
| 4 | peas | Peas | veg · good | - | 7.0 |
| 5 | potato starch | Potato starch | carb · poor | - | 6.8 |
| 6 | faba bean hulls | Faba bean hulls | fibre · medium | - | 6.6 |
| 7 | minerals | Vitamins and minerals | supplement · medium | - | 6.3 |
| 8 | hydrolysed pork and poultry proteins | Hydrolysed Pork | meat · medium | - | 6.1 |
| 9 | lignocellulose | Lignocellulose | fibre · medium | - | 5.9 |
| 10 | linseed | Linseed | veg · good | - | 5.7 |
| 11 | beet pulp | Beet Pulp | fibre · medium | - | 5.4 |
| 12 | fish oil | Fish Oil | oil · good | - | 5.2 |
| 13 | fructo-oligosaccharides | Fructo-oligosaccharides | supplement · good | - | 5.0 |
| 14 | brewers yeast | Brewer's Yeast | supplement · good | - | 4.8 |
| 15 | hydrolysed crustacean (source of chitosan) | Chitosan | supplement · medium | - | 4.5 |
| 16 | Lactobacillus acidophilus | Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product | supplement · good | - | 4.3 |
| 17 | chondroitin sulfate | Chondroitin | supplement · good | - | 4.1 |
- 1. Rice7.7% estimated
- 2. dehydrated pork and poultry proteins7.5% estimated
- 3. animal fats7.2% estimated
- 4. peas7.0% estimated
- 5. potato starch6.8% estimated
- 6. faba bean hulls6.6% estimated
- 7. minerals6.3% estimated
- 8. hydrolysed pork and poultry proteins6.1% estimated
- 9. lignocellulose5.9% estimated
- 10. linseed5.7% estimated
- 11. beet pulp5.4% estimated
- 12. fish oil5.2% estimated
- 13. fructo-oligosaccharides5.0% estimated
- 14. brewers yeast4.8% estimated
- 15. hydrolysed crustacean (source of chitosan)4.5% estimated
- 16. Lactobacillus acidophilus4.3% estimated
- 17. chondroitin sulfate4.1% 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?
The overall score is 47 out of 100. Ingredients without printed percentages contributed -10.6 points, and the processing format contributed -6.7 points. The overall quality of the ingredient list contributed +4.8 points, with being labelled nutritionally complete adding +2.3. This is a general explanation of how the score works, not veterinary advice. For any health condition, food choice is a decision for your vet.
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 | 0.5 | 9.191 | +4.79 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 10.3% | -0.115 | -1.19 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 15.0% | -0.092 | -1.38 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 7.5% | -0.005 | -0.04 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 32.4% | -0.012 | -0.40 |
| Recipe graded poor | 14.0% | -0.065 | -0.91 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 2 | -0.876 | -1.75 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 7.2% | 0.060 | +0.43 |
| 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 | -0.22 | 0.222 | -0.05 |
| 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 | 0.5 | 9.191 | +4.79 |
| Meat share of dry matter | 0.0% | 0.096 | +0.00 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 10.3% | -0.115 | -1.19 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 15.0% | -0.092 | -1.38 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 7.5% | -0.005 | -0.04 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 0.0% | 0.163 | +0.00 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 32.4% | -0.012 | -0.40 |
| 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 | 14.0% | -0.065 | -0.91 |
| Poor-quality meat in recipe | 0.0% | -0.179 | +0.00 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 2 | -0.876 | -1.75 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 7.2% | 0.060 | +0.43 |
| 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 | -0.22 | 0.222 | -0.05 |
| 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
- 47.4
- Final score
- 47/100
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 | 20.5 | 22.5 (band 18 to 40%) | 82.3 |
| Fat | 22 | 24.2 (band 5.5 to 20%) | 100 |
| Fibre | 5.5 | 6 (band 0.5 to 5%) | 100 |
| Calcium | 0.8 | 0.9 (band 0.5 to 2.5%) | 81.4 |
| Phosphorus | 0.4 | 0.4 (band 0.4 to 1.6%) | 72 |
| Sodium | 0.3 | 0.3 (band 0.1+%) | 100 |
| Calcium:phosphorus ratio | 2 | 2 (band 1 to 2%) | 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). 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: 17 nutritional additives on the label
- Vitamin A 11000 IU
- Vitamin D3 1100 IU
- Vitamin E 570 mg
- Vitamin B1 3.8 mg
- Vitamin B2 11 mg
- Vitamin B3 30 mg
- Vitamin B5 26 mg
- Vitamin B6 3 mg
- Vitamin B9 0.48 mg
- Vitamin B12 0.062 mg
- Choline 740 mg
- Taurine 1500 mg
- Copper 15 mg
- Iron 25 mg
- Iodine 1.1 mg
- Zinc 120 mg
- L-carnitine 330 mg
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.
Claims on file; none we can check against the label
| Claim | Type | Check | Substantiation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry dog food to support kidney function and wellbeing in adult and senior dogs with temporary or chronic kidney disease. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Also suitable for dogs with chronic hepatic (liver) disease. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Support kidney function (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Support chronic liver disorders (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| This is balanced with high energy density to give your dog the energy they need from smaller portions – ideal for periods of appetite loss. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| It also features chitosan, an ingredient that binds to phosphorus and reduces levels in the body. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Balanced calcium and phosphorus to protect against secondary hyperparathyroidism. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Adapted protein level to reduce production of uraemic toxins whilst maintaining body condition. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Calcium carbonate to help limit the risk of metabolic acidosis. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps to limit oxidative stress on the kidneys and other organs. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Omega-3 fatty acids support skin and coat health and help to limit inflammation. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Chondroitin sulphate helps to support joint cartilage health. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Chitosan optimises the breakdown and absorption of chondroitin. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| The high energy density meets your dog's energy needs even with smaller portions. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Reduces the risk of inflammation, hyperparathyroidism, urinary tract dysfunction and metabolic acidosis. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| VETERINARY HPM® K1 Kidney Support contains low levels of phosphorus (0.4%) to protect your dog's kidney function. (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| High energy density (on page) | High/low level | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Low in phosphorous to support kidney function (on page) | High/low level | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Contains a restricted amount of high-quality proteins to preserve lean muscle mass whilst considering kidney health. (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Rich animal ingredients for a taste your dog will love. (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Omega-3 fatty acids • Help limit inflammation that can lead to joint pain and degeneration. • Help to support joint cartilage health. • Supports joint flexibility. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Chondroitin sulphate • Supports the structure of the joint cartilage. • Helps to prevent the breakdown of cartilage. • Supports the production of lubricating fluid in the joints. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Chitosan • Optimises the breakdown and absorption of chondroitin. • Maintains the integrity of the joint cartilage. • Binds to phosphorus to keep levels low. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Vitamin E • A powerful antioxidant. • Helps limits the effects of inflammatory damage. • Helps limits oxidative stress on the kidneys. (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| VETERINARY HPM® K1 Kidney Support contains a restricted amount of high-quality proteins (20.5%) to preserve lean muscle mass without adding additional strain on the kidneys. (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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