Our verdict
Is Virbac Veterinary HPM Adult Small & Toy a good dog food?
We score it 41/100 (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 puppies, with poultry, rice and peas as the main ingredients.
89% 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, lamb, fish, 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 pork: it is listed as an ingredient
- Your dog avoids grain: the label lists rice - white
- 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 35% · Fat 17%
Typical analysis (as fed)
| Nutrient | As fed |
|---|---|
| Protein | 35% |
| Fat | 17% |
| Fibre | 5% |
| Ash | 8% |
| Moisture | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 26% |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | 0.80% |
| Omega-6 fatty acids | 2% |
| Calcium | 1.30% |
| Phosphorus | 1% |
| Sodium | 0.60% |
Additives & feeding info
Feeding and storage
Feeding guide
Feeding Guidelines Body weight (kg) Daily ration (g/day) Age (months) 2 3 4-6 7 8-9 10 0.5 50 45 35 35 1 80 70 60 55 45 40 1.5 105 90 75 70 60 50 2 125 110 95 85 75 65 3 165 145 125 110 100 80 4 200 175 150 135 120 100 5 200 175 155 140 115 6 195 175 155 130 7 195 175 145 8 215 190 160 9 205 170 10 185 * These amounts are approximate and may vary depending on the breed and activity level of the puppy.
No additives recorded yet.
Ingredients (16)89% of the recipe is estimated
Estimated composition
- fibre 28.5%
- meat 18.0%
- supplement 17.2%
- carb 11.0%
- veg 9.2%
- oil 8.8%
- additive 7.2%
| # | As declared | Matched | Label reading | Declared % | Est. % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dehydrated Pork and Poultry Protein | Poultry | meat · medium | - | 8.3 |
| 2 | 7% min Rice | Rice - white | carb · medium | 7 | 7.0 |
| 3 | Whole Pea | Peas | veg · good | - | 8.0 |
| 4 | Animal Fat | Unspecified Animal Fats and Oils | oil · poor | - | 7.7 |
| 5 | Hydrolysed Animal Protein | Hydrolysed Animal Protein | meat · medium | - | 7.4 |
| 6 | Potato Starch | Potato starch | carb · poor | - | 7.1 |
| 7 | 4% min | Lentils | veg · medium | 4 | 4.0 |
| 8 | Potato Starch | Potato starch | carb · poor | - | 6.8 |
| 9 | Lignocellulose Linseed | Lignocellulose | fibre · medium | - | 6.5 |
| 10 | Field Bean Hulls | Field Bean Hulls | fibre · medium | - | 6.2 |
| 11 | Mineral Salts | Salt | additive · poor | - | 5.9 |
| 12 | Beet Pulp | Beet Pulp | fibre · medium | - | 5.6 |
| 13 | Fructo-Oligosaccharides | Fructo-oligosaccharides | supplement · good | - | 5.3 |
| 14 | Psyllium Fibre | Psyllium fibre | fibre · good | - | 5.0 |
| 15 | Yeast Betaglucan | Yeast Beta-glucan | supplement · good | - | 4.7 |
| 16 | Pasteurised Lactobacillus Acidophilus | Pasteurised Lactobacillus Acidophilus | supplement · good | - | 4.4 |
- 1. Dehydrated Pork and Poultry Protein8.3% estimated
- 2. 7% min Rice7% declared7.0% estimated
- 3. Whole Pea8.0% estimated
- 4. Animal Fat7.7% estimated
- 5. Hydrolysed Animal Protein7.4% estimated
- 6. Potato Starch7.1% estimated
- 7. 4% min4% declared4.0% estimated
- 8. Potato Starch6.8% estimated
- 9. Lignocellulose Linseed6.5% estimated
- 10. Field Bean Hulls6.2% estimated
- 11. Mineral Salts5.9% estimated
- 12. Beet Pulp5.6% estimated
- 13. Fructo-Oligosaccharides5.3% estimated
- 14. Psyllium Fibre5.0% estimated
- 15. Yeast Betaglucan4.7% estimated
- 16. Pasteurised Lactobacillus Acidophilus4.4% 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 rating of 41 out of 100 based on several key factors. The overall quality of the ingredient list contributed +3 points to the total. However, ingredients without printed percentages reduced the score by -9.4, the processing format subtracted -6.7, and the additive load contributed -2 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 | 0.3 | 9.191 | +2.98 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 8.7% | -0.115 | -1.01 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 10.7% | -0.092 | -0.98 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 1.7% | -0.005 | -0.01 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 7.9% | 0.163 | +1.29 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 19.4% | -0.012 | -0.24 |
| Recipe graded poor | 20.0% | -0.065 | -1.30 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 3 | -0.876 | -2.63 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 8.8% | 0.060 | +0.53 |
| Undeclared quantities | 89.0% | -0.106 | -9.40 |
| Low meat (under 10% of dry matter) | yes | -3.158 | -3.16 |
| Additive penalty | -9.07 | 0.222 | -2.01 |
| 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 | +2.98 |
| Meat share of dry matter | 0.0% | 0.096 | +0.00 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 8.7% | -0.115 | -1.01 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 10.7% | -0.092 | -0.98 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 1.7% | -0.005 | -0.01 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 7.9% | 0.163 | +1.29 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 19.4% | -0.012 | -0.24 |
| 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 | 20.0% | -0.065 | -1.30 |
| Poor-quality meat in recipe | 0.0% | -0.179 | +0.00 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 3 | -0.876 | -2.63 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 8.8% | 0.060 | +0.53 |
| Undeclared quantities | 89.0% | -0.106 | -9.40 |
| 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 | -9.07 | 0.222 | -2.01 |
| 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
- 41.4
- Final score
- 41/100
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.
| Nutrient | As fed (label) | Dry matter (scored) | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | 35 | 38.5 | 100 |
| Fat | 17 | 18.7 | 100 |
| Calcium | 1.3 | 1.4 | 100 |
| Phosphorus | 1 | 1.1 | 100 |
| Sodium | 0.6 | 0.7 (band 0.22+%) | 100 |
| Calcium:phosphorus ratio | 1.3 | 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 7 declared nutrients (combined weight 85); undeclared nutrients do not affect the score.
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 (11% of the recipe mass) (voluntary) | 2.2/20 |
| Analytical constituents declared (mandatory) | 15/15 |
| Additives declared (mandatory) - not on file | 0/10 |
| 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 (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.
100/100 · strong — 4 checkable claims: 4 consistent, 0 contradicted.
Consistent with the label
- "Complete dry puppy food designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of small-breed puppies" — supported by the declared complete and balanced data.
- "Contains a high amount of quality protein" — supported by the declared high protein data.
- "35% protein (90% animal origin)" — supported by the declared high protein data.
- "High amounts of high-quality animal protein, balanced mineral content and high energy density supports the crucial first year development" — supported by the declared high protein data.
25 further claims on file that we cannot check against the label.
Strong: at least three checkable claims, all consistent with the declared label, and no compliance cap.
| Claim | Type | Check | Substantiation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supports healthy growth (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Immune and digestive support (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Promotes oral and dental health (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| VETERINARY HPM® Puppy Small & Toy provides all the nutrients your puppy needs for fast, healthy growth (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Beta-glucans are an insoluble fibre extracted from yeast that helps to support your puppy's immune system development (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Can also help to improve the immune response after vaccinations, boosting your puppy's defences against disease (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion source |
| Prebiotics and probiotics support the growth of beneficial digestive flora in the gut (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Includes psyllium fibre and bentonite to regulate digestive transit and ensure normal stool odour and consistency (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed helps to limit plaque and tartar formation and reduce bad breath in puppies (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) from fish oil supports healthy brain development and cognitive function (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Suitable for puppies up to 10 months old that will weigh up to 10kg as adults (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Complete dry puppy food designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of small-breed puppies (on page) | Content | consistent | Manufacturer assertion |
| Right balance of essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Contains a high amount of quality protein (on page) | High/low level | consistent | Manufacturer assertion |
| Ideal for pregnant and lactating dogs under 10kg (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Suitable for puppies up to 10 months old, whose adult weight would be less than 10kg (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| High energy density (on page) | High/low level | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Contains beta-glucans to help improve the immune response to vaccinations and promotes the development of your puppy's own defences against disease (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion source |
| Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed helps to limit plaque and tartar formation, promote healthy gums and reduce bad breath (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Gentle and functional ingredients promote a healthy gut flora, regular digestive movement and normal stools (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| DHA from fish oil supports your puppy's brain development as they learn about the world around them (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Beta-glucans: Soluble fibre derived from brewer's yeast. Supports healthy immune development. Helps to immune response to vaccinations (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Ascophyllum nodosum: Brown seaweed. Limits plaque and tartar formation. Reduces bad breath (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Fish oil: Rich source of DHA. Supports healthy brain development. Supports learning and cognitive function (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| High-protein, low-carbohydrate balance is ideal for preserving lean muscle mass, achieving a healthy weight, and facilitating your dog's digestion (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Dogs are naturally carnivores and need to eat an abundance of high-quality animal proteins for optimal health (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| 35% protein (90% animal origin) (on page) | High/low level | consistent | Manufacturer assertion |
| 23.5% carbohydrates (on page) | High/low level | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| High amounts of high-quality animal protein, balanced mineral content and high energy density supports the crucial first year development (on page) | High/low level | consistent | 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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