Virbac Veterinary HPM Baby Small & Toy
Dry Extruded complete Clear label
Is Virbac Veterinary HPM Baby Small & Toy a good dog food?
We score it 50/100 (Average). This reflects the ingredient quality, composition and label transparency of the recipe as declared on the label.
Why this score?
This recipe achieves an overall score of 50 out of 100 based on several key factors. The overall quality of the ingredient list adds +4 points, while printing percentages on the label contributes +3.2 points. Conversely, the processing format takes away -7 points, and ingredients without printed percentages deduct -11.6 points from the total.
89% of this recipe has no printed percentage. Estimated shares are model estimates, not label facts.
- Recipe50
- Nutritionalmedium98
- Transparency47
- Safety100
- Evidencelimited33
The Recipe score measures how attractive and transparent the declared ingredient list is. It is not, by itself, proof that the food is nutritionally appropriate for long-term feeding. The Nutritional and Evidence scores measure what we can verify towards that stronger claim.
Complete extruded dry food for senior dogs, with poultry, rice and unspecified animal fats and oils as the main ingredients.
Why you might choose it
- Prints ingredient percentages on the label.
- High in protein: 40% protein on a dry-matter basis.
- Nutritionally complete: formulated to be fed as the whole diet.
Why you might not
- High in fat: 23% fat on a dry-matter basis.
Estimated composition
Typical analysis (as fed)
- Protein
- 36%
- Fat
- 21%
- Fibre
- 4%
- Ash
- 7.50%
- Moisture
- 9%
- Carbohydrates
- 22.50%
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- 1%
- Omega-6 fatty acids
- 2.50%
- Calcium
- 1.20%
- Phosphorus
- 0.90%
- Sodium
- 0.60%
Additives & feeding info
No additives recorded yet.
Who is this food for?
Suits
- Labelled by the manufacturer for senior dogs
- 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: 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
- You are limiting fat: 23.1% 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. Use the homepage filter to find foods that fit your dog.
Ingredients (16)
| # | As declared | Matched | Category | Tier | Declared % | Est. % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dehydrated Pork and Poultry Protein | Poultry | meat | medium | - | 8.3 |
| 2 | 7% Rice | Rice - white | carb | medium | 7 | 7.0 |
| 3 | Animal Fat | Unspecified Animal Fats and Oils | oil | poor | - | 8.0 |
| 4 | Whole Pea | Peas | veg | good | - | 7.7 |
| 5 | 4% Potato Starch | Potato starch | carb | poor | 4 | 4.0 |
| 6 | Hydrolysed Animal Protein | Hydrolysed Animal Protein | meat | medium | - | 7.4 |
| 7 | Lignocellulose | Lignocellulose | fibre | medium | - | 7.1 |
| 8 | Beet Pulp | Beet Pulp | fibre | medium | - | 6.8 |
| 9 | Field Bean Hulls | Field Bean Hulls | fibre | medium | - | 6.5 |
| 10 | Mineral Salts | Salt | additive | poor | - | 6.2 |
| 11 | Linseed | Linseed | veg | good | - | 5.9 |
| 12 | Fish Oil | Fish Oil | oil | good | - | 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 |
Brand
- 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 v2 (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.
Recipe: how the 1-100 score is calculated
Scored with model v2 on 2026-09-22. Each component is the feature value for this product multiplied by the model's published coefficient.
| Component | Input | Coefficient | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base score | - | 32.336 | +32.34 |
| Average ingredient quality | 0.4 | 9.915 | +4.04 |
| Meat share of dry matter | 17.3% | 0.116 | +2.01 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 8.6% | -0.113 | -0.97 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 16.2% | -0.088 | -1.43 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 7.8% | -0.002 | -0.01 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 6.7% | 0.177 | +1.19 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 16.0% | -0.009 | -0.14 |
| Recipe graded poor | 18.2% | -0.045 | -0.81 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 3 | -0.868 | -2.60 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 8.0% | 0.056 | +0.45 |
| Undeclared quantities | 89.0% | -0.131 | -11.65 |
| Prints ingredient percentages | yes | 3.194 | +3.19 |
| Complete diet | yes | 1.703 | +1.70 |
| Meat share × printed percentages | 17.3 | -0.073 | -1.27 |
| Additive penalty | -7.81 | 0.236 | -1.84 |
| Processing multiplier | 1.00 | 32.336 | +32.34 |
| Processing: Dry Extruded | yes | -6.996 | -7.00 |
Show all 40 components
| Component | Input | Coefficient | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base score | - | 32.336 | +32.34 |
| Average ingredient quality | 0.4 | 9.915 | +4.04 |
| Meat share of dry matter | 17.3% | 0.116 | +2.01 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 8.6% | -0.113 | -0.97 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 16.2% | -0.088 | -1.43 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 7.8% | -0.002 | -0.01 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 6.7% | 0.177 | +1.19 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 16.0% | -0.009 | -0.14 |
| Other share of dry matter | 0.0% | -0.371 | +0.00 |
| Unrecognised share of dry matter | 0.0% | -0.022 | +0.00 |
| Recipe graded poor | 18.2% | -0.045 | -0.81 |
| Poor-quality meat in recipe | 0.0% | -0.182 | +0.00 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 3 | -0.868 | -2.60 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 8.0% | 0.056 | +0.45 |
| Undeclared quantities | 89.0% | -0.131 | -11.65 |
| Prints ingredient percentages | yes | 3.194 | +3.19 |
| Complete diet | yes | 1.703 | +1.70 |
| Frozen or chilled fresh | no | 11.440 | +0.00 |
| High meat (30%+ of dry matter) | no | -0.506 | +0.00 |
| Low meat (under 10% of dry matter) | no | -1.988 | +0.00 |
| High carb and low meat | no | -1.250 | +0.00 |
| Meat share × printed percentages | 17.3 | -0.073 | -1.27 |
| Meat share × fresh | 0.0 | -0.339 | +0.00 |
| Fresh × high meat | 0.0 | 16.475 | +0.00 |
| Additive penalty | -7.81 | 0.236 | -1.84 |
| Processing multiplier | 1.00 | 32.336 | +32.34 |
| Processing: Raw | no | 13.322 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Chilled | no | 7.712 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Frozen | no | 6.583 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Refrigerated | no | 4.857 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Shelf | no | 0.072 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Freeze Dried | no | 11.127 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Air Dried | no | 9.320 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Cold Pressed | no | 4.569 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Baked | no | -2.321 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Extruded | yes | -6.996 | -7.00 |
| Processing: Dry Semi Moist | no | -6.833 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Muesli | no | -10.711 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Wet Pate | no | 2.935 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Wet Chunks | no | 2.292 | +0.00 |
- Processing-type offset
- -0.01
- Subtotal
- 49.5
- Final score
- 50/100
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.
| Model | Score | |
|---|---|---|
| v2 | 50/100 | current |
| v1 | 45/100 | |
| v1.9 | 46/100 |
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 | 36 | 39.6 (band 18 to 40%) | 100 |
| Fat | 21 | 23.1 (band 5.5 to 20%) | 100 |
| Fibre | 4 | 4.4 (band 0.5 to 5%) | 100 |
| Calcium | 1.2 | 1.3 (band 0.5 to 2.5%) | 94.6 |
| Phosphorus | 0.9 | 1 (band 0.4 to 1.6%) | 99.5 |
| Calcium:phosphorus ratio | 1.3 | 1.3 (band 1 to 2%) | 90 |
| 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 7 declared nutrients (combined weight 90); undeclared nutrients do not affect the score.
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) - 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 (Additives 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 marketing claims made on the pack and product page, and how much evidence sits behind them. We record the claims as stated; we do not assess whether they are true.
| Claim | Type | Substantiation |
|---|---|---|
| low energy density to meet reduced energy needs (on page) | High/low level | Manufacturer assertion |
| Muscle and mobility support (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| Oral and dental health (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| Weight and appetite control (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| high in protein and fibre to promote satiety (on page) | High/low level | Manufacturer assertion |
| complete and balanced dry food for neutered dogs in their senior years (on page) | Content | Manufacturer assertion |
| high protein helps to maintain muscle mass, which is essential for joint stability and support (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed helps you protect your small dog's oral health by limiting plaque and tartar formation and reducing bad breath (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| high level of quality protein in this neutered dog food stimulates water intake and increases urine volume which helps encourage healthy urinary system (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| Supports healthy weight management (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| L-carnitine helps to contribute to healthy fat metabolism (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| Supports joint health (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| High protein preserves muscle mass, while functional ingredients like hyaluronic acid and eggshell membrane help to support joint health (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| Promotes healthy teeth and gums (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed helps to limit plaque and tartar formation, promote healthy gums and reduce bad breath (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| Supports renal health (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| Low phosphorus levels reduce the burden on the kidneys, helping to maintain a healthy kidney function (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| Supports the urinary system (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| High-quality proteins stimulate water intake, increase urine volume and optimise urinary pH (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| Eggshell membrane Supports mobility in the joints (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| Eggshell membrane Promotes joint flexibility and elasticity (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| Hyaluronic acid Keeps the joints lubricated and moving freely (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| Chondroitin sulphate Supports the structure of the joint cartilage (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| Chondroitin sulphate Helps to prevent the breakdown of cartilage (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| Chondroitin sulphate Supports the production of lubricating fluid in the joints (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| L-carnitine Supports energy production from fat (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| L-carnitine Helps to preserve lean muscle (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| high-protein, low-carbohydrate balance is ideal for preserving lean muscle mass, achieving a healthy weight, and supporting your dog's digestion (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and amino acids to promote skin and coat health (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| L-carnitine Amino acid (on page) | Content | Manufacturer assertion |
| Hyaluronic acid Key component of synovial fluid in the joints (on page) | Content | Manufacturer assertion |
| High protein and fibre, with a reduced energy densitiy to support a senior dog (on page) | High/low level | Manufacturer assertion |
| low in phosphorous which helps to support healthy kidney function (on page) | High/low level | Manufacturer assertion |
| contains L-carnitine, an amino acid that encourages healthy fat metabolism (on page) | Nutrient | Manufacturer assertion |
| Eggshell membrane Rich in joint-friendly nutrients like collagen, glucosamine and chondroitin (on page) | Content | Manufacturer assertion |
Limited: at least one claim rests on manufacturer assertion alone.
The full scoring method is published. See the methodology for exactly how the headline score and each dimension are calculated.
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Foods in our database that are similar on ingredients, protein, format or price. Scores and figures are from the same deterministic model used everywhere on the site.
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