Virbac Veterinary HPM Senior Small & Toy
Dry Extruded · completeClear label
Our verdict
Is Virbac Veterinary HPM Senior Small & Toy a good dog food?
We score it 42/100 (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 senior dogs, with poultry, rice and hydrolysed animal protein 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 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. Find foods that fit your dog.
Nutrition and feedingProtein 32% · Fat 14%
Typical analysis (as fed)
| Nutrient | 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
Feeding and storage
Feeding guide
Body weight (kg) Daily ration (g/day) Active - Active = Active + 1 40 45 45 2 60 70 75 3 80 90 100 4 95 110 120 5 115 125 140 6 130 140 155 7 140 155 175 8 155 170 190 9 165 185 250 10 180 200 220 * These amonts amounts are approximate and may vary depending on the dog's breed.
No additives recorded yet.
Ingredients (16)89% of the recipe is estimated
Estimated composition
- fibre 23.2%
- supplement 17.0%
- oil 16.8%
- meat 14.1%
- veg 12.0%
- carb 11.0%
- additive 5.9%
| # | As declared | Matched | Label reading | 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 |
- 1. Dehydrated Pork and Poultry Protein8.2% estimated
- 2. Rice 7% Field Bean7.9% estimated
- 3. Hydrolysed Animal Protein7.7% estimated
- 4. Whole Pea7.4% estimated
- 5. Lignocellulose7.1% estimated
- 6. Animal Fat6.9% estimated
- 7. Potato Starch 4% Mineral Salts6.6% estimated
- 8. Fish Oil6.4% estimated
- 9. Linseed6.1% estimated
- 10. Beet Pulp5.9% estimated
- 11. Sunflower Oil5.6% estimated
- 12. Fructo-Oligosaccharides5.4% estimated
- 13. Psyllium Fibre5.1% estimated
- 14. Chitosan4.8% estimated
- 15. Pasteurised Lactobacillus Acidophilus4.6% estimated
- 16. Chondroitin Sulphate4.3% 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 42 out of 100 based on several key factors. The overall quality of the ingredient list adds +4.4 points. Conversely, the oil and fat content reduces the score by -1.8, the processing format takes off -6.7, and ingredients without printed percentages deduct -9.4.
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 | +4.38 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 8.5% | -0.115 | -0.98 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 19.7% | -0.092 | -1.81 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 7.0% | -0.005 | -0.04 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 6.3% | 0.163 | +1.02 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 18.5% | -0.012 | -0.23 |
| Recipe graded poor | 16.0% | -0.065 | -1.04 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 3 | -0.876 | -2.63 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 6.1% | 0.060 | +0.37 |
| Undeclared quantities | 89.0% | -0.106 | -9.40 |
| Low meat (under 10% of dry matter) | yes | -3.158 | -3.16 |
| Additive penalty | -7.39 | 0.222 | -1.64 |
| 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 | +4.38 |
| Meat share of dry matter | 0.0% | 0.096 | +0.00 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 8.5% | -0.115 | -0.98 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 19.7% | -0.092 | -1.81 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 7.0% | -0.005 | -0.04 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 6.3% | 0.163 | +1.02 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 18.5% | -0.012 | -0.23 |
| 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 | 16.0% | -0.065 | -1.04 |
| Poor-quality meat in recipe | 0.0% | -0.179 | +0.00 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 3 | -0.876 | -2.63 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 6.1% | 0.060 | +0.37 |
| 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 | -7.39 | 0.222 | -1.64 |
| 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
- 42.2
- Final score
- 42/100
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 | 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 |
| Sodium | 0.4 | 0.4 (band 0.1+%) | 100 |
| 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 8 declared nutrients (combined weight 95); 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 — 3 checkable claims: 3 consistent, 0 contradicted.
Consistent with the label
- "High protein and fibre, with a reduced energy densitiy to support a senior dog" — supported by the declared high protein data.
- "high-protein, low-carbohydrate balance" — supported by the declared high protein data.
- "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" — supported by the declared complete and balanced data.
32 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Developed by vets (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Kidney and mobility support (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Promotes oral and dental health (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Maintains optimal weight (on page) | Functional | not checkable | 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 | not checkable | 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 | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| low in phosphorous which helps to support healthy renal function (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| support the skin barrier and promote the natural oils that keep the skin healthy and the coat glossy (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| contains chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine to support joint health (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| high protein content helps to preserve muscle mass (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Supports healthy weight management (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Mobility support (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| functional ingredients like hyaluronic acid and eggshell membrane help to keep the joints mobile and flexible (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Supports skin and coat health (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Promotes healthy teeth and gums (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Supports renal health (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Eggshell membrane: Supports joint mobility (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Eggshell membrane: Promotes joint flexibility and elasticity (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Hyaluronic acid: Helps to keep the joints lubricated and moving freely (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Chondroitin sulphate: Helps to prevent the breakdown of cartilage (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Chondroitin sulphate: Supports the production of lubricating fluid in the joints (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids: Supports the skin barrier (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids: Encourages natural oil production (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids: Keeps the coat shiny (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| L-carnitine: Supports energy production from fat (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| L-carnitine: Helps to preserve lean muscle (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Low phosphorus levels reduce the burden on the kidneys, helping to maintain a healthy kidney function (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| 29% carbohydrates (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Eggshell membrane: Rich in joint-friendly nutrients like collagen, glucosamine and chondroitin (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| High protein and fibre, with a reduced energy densitiy to support a senior dog (on page) | High/low level | consistent | Manufacturer assertion |
| 32% protein (84% animal origin) (on page) | Content | not checkable | 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 | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| high-protein, low-carbohydrate balance (on page) | High/low level | consistent | 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 | not checkable | 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 | 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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