Virbac Veterinary HPM Senior Small & Toy
Dry Extruded complete Clear label
Is Virbac Veterinary HPM Senior 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 +4.7 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
- Nutritionalmedium95
- 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 hydrolysed animal protein as the main ingredients.
Why you might choose it
- Prints ingredient percentages on the label.
- High in protein: 35% protein on a dry-matter basis.
- Nutritionally complete: formulated to be fed as the whole diet.
Why you might not
We found no significant drawbacks in the data we hold for this product.
Estimated composition
Typical analysis (as fed)
- Protein
- 32%
- Fat
- 14%
- Fibre
- 9.50%
- Ash
- 6.50%
- Moisture
- 9%
- Carbohydrates
- 29%
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- 0.90%
- Omega-6 fatty acids
- 1.80%
- Calcium
- 1.20%
- Phosphorus
- 0.70%
- Sodium
- 0.40%
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
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 | - | 8.2 |
| 2 | Rice 7% Field Bean | Rice - white | carb | medium | - | 7.9 |
| 3 | Hydrolysed Animal Protein | Hydrolysed Animal Protein | meat | medium | - | 7.7 |
| 4 | Whole Pea | Peas | veg | good | - | 7.4 |
| 5 | Lignocellulose | Lignocellulose | fibre | medium | - | 7.1 |
| 6 | Animal Fat | Unspecified Animal Fats and Oils | oil | poor | - | 6.9 |
| 7 | Potato Starch 4% Mineral Salts | Potato starch | carb | poor | - | 6.6 |
| 8 | Fish Oil | Fish Oil | oil | good | - | 6.4 |
| 9 | Linseed | Linseed | veg | good | - | 6.1 |
| 10 | Beet Pulp | Beet Pulp | fibre | medium | - | 5.9 |
| 11 | Sunflower Oil | Sunflower oil | oil | good | - | 5.6 |
| 12 | Fructo-Oligosaccharides | Fructo-oligosaccharides | supplement | good | - | 5.4 |
| 13 | Psyllium Fibre | Psyllium fibre | fibre | good | - | 5.1 |
| 14 | Chitosan | Chitosan | supplement | medium | - | 4.8 |
| 15 | Pasteurised Lactobacillus Acidophilus | Pasteurised Lactobacillus Acidophilus | supplement | good | - | 4.6 |
| 16 | Chondroitin Sulphate | Chondroitin | supplement | good | - | 4.3 |
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 | 0.5 | 9.915 | +4.73 |
| Meat share of dry matter | 15.3% | 0.116 | +1.78 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 8.5% | -0.113 | -0.95 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 19.7% | -0.088 | -1.74 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 7.0% | -0.002 | -0.01 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 6.3% | 0.177 | +1.11 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 18.5% | -0.009 | -0.16 |
| Recipe graded poor | 16.0% | -0.045 | -0.72 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 3 | -0.868 | -2.60 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 6.1% | 0.056 | +0.35 |
| 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 | 15.3 | -0.073 | -1.12 |
| Additive penalty | -7.39 | 0.236 | -1.74 |
| 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 | 0.5 | 9.915 | +4.73 |
| Meat share of dry matter | 15.3% | 0.116 | +1.78 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 8.5% | -0.113 | -0.95 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 19.7% | -0.088 | -1.74 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 7.0% | -0.002 | -0.01 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 6.3% | 0.177 | +1.11 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 18.5% | -0.009 | -0.16 |
| 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 | 16.0% | -0.045 | -0.72 |
| Poor-quality meat in recipe | 0.0% | -0.182 | +0.00 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 3 | -0.868 | -2.60 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 6.1% | 0.056 | +0.35 |
| 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 | 15.3 | -0.073 | -1.12 |
| Meat share × fresh | 0.0 | -0.339 | +0.00 |
| Fresh × high meat | 0.0 | 16.475 | +0.00 |
| Additive penalty | -7.39 | 0.236 | -1.74 |
| 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
- 49.8
- 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 | 46/100 | |
| 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 | 32 | 35.2 (band 18 to 40%) | 100 |
| Fat | 14 | 15.4 (band 5.5 to 20%) | 100 |
| Fibre | 9.5 | 10.4 (band 0.5 to 5%) | 69.5 |
| Calcium | 1.2 | 1.3 (band 0.5 to 2.5%) | 94.6 |
| Phosphorus | 0.7 | 0.8 (band 0.4 to 1.6%) | 88.5 |
| Calcium:phosphorus ratio | 1.7 | 1.7 (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 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Developed by vets (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| Kidney and mobility support (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| Promotes oral and dental health (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| Maintains optimal weight (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| helps prevent weight gain with reduced energy content and the addition of L-carnitine, an amino acid which supports healthy fat metabolism (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 |
| low in phosphorous which helps to support healthy renal function (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| support the skin barrier and promote the natural oils that keep the skin healthy and the coat glossy (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| contains chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine to support joint health (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| high protein content helps to preserve muscle mass (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| Supports healthy weight management (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| Mobility support (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| functional ingredients like hyaluronic acid and eggshell membrane help to keep the joints mobile and flexible (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| Supports skin and coat health (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| Promotes healthy teeth and gums (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| Supports renal health (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| Eggshell membrane: Supports joint mobility (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| Eggshell membrane: Promotes joint flexibility and elasticity (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| Hyaluronic acid: Helps to keep the joints lubricated and moving freely (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 |
| Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids: Supports the skin barrier (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids: Encourages natural oil production (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids: Keeps the coat shiny (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 |
| Low phosphorus levels reduce the burden on the kidneys, helping to maintain a healthy kidney function (on page) | Functional | Manufacturer assertion |
| 29% carbohydrates (on page) | Content | Manufacturer assertion |
| Eggshell membrane: Rich in joint-friendly nutrients like collagen, glucosamine and chondroitin (on page) | Nutrient | Manufacturer assertion |
| High protein and fibre, with a reduced energy densitiy to support a senior dog (on page) | High/low level | Manufacturer assertion |
| 32% protein (84% animal origin) (on page) | Content | Manufacturer assertion |
| rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, balanced at the optimal ratios for skin and coat health (on page) | High/low level | Manufacturer assertion |
| high-protein, low-carbohydrate balance (on page) | High/low level | Manufacturer assertion |
| Suitable for entire (unneuterted) small-breed (5-10kg) dogs over 10 years old, and entire toy-breed (less than 5kg) dogs over 12 years old (on page) | Content | Manufacturer assertion |
| VETERINARY HPM® Senior Small & Toy Dog is a complete and balanced senior dog food designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of small-breed senior dogs (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.
Other products from Virbac
Alternatives to Veterinary HPM Senior Small & Toy
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.
Community
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share how this went down with your dog.