Vitalin Chicken with Thyme & Root Veg Small Breed
Dry Extruded · completeHigh meatClear label
Our verdict
Is Vitalin Chicken with Thyme & Root Veg Small Breed a good dog food?
We score it 66/100 (Average). This reflects the ingredient quality, composition and label transparency of the recipe as declared on the label.
Complete extruded dry food for adult dogs, with dried chicken protein, chicken and potatoes as the main ingredients.
Only part of the analytical constituents are declared, so the nutritional picture is incomplete.
46% 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 adult dogs
- Labelling or feeding guide is aimed at small dogs
- Grain-free: no grain ingredients listed
- Single named protein: chicken
- Doesn't list beef, turkey, lamb, fish, venison, pork, duck as ingredients
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 27% · Fat 13%
Typical analysis (as fed)
| Nutrient | As fed |
|---|---|
| Protein | 27% |
| Fat | 13% |
| Fibre | 3% |
| Ash | 8% |
Additives & feeding info
Feeding and storage
Storage
With recyclable packaging and our handy reseal, the last bowl will be as fresh as the first, delivering holistic vitality from farm to tail.
Feeding guide
Weight (kg) | Daily Amount (g) 1-2 | 30-50 2-4 | 50-85 4-6 | 85-115 6-8 | 115-145 8-10 | 145-170
Additives declared on the label
Nutritional additives
Vitamin A 25000 iu; Vitamin D3 1500 iu; Vitamin E 125 mg; Zinc 100 mg; Iron 60 mg; Manganese 50 mg; Copper 5 mg; Iodine 1 mg; Selenium 0.05 mg
Technological additives
Natural Antioxidants
Ingredients (24)46% of the recipe is estimated
Estimated composition
- meat 40.0%
- veg 24.7%
- carb 15.1%
- supplement 12.6%
- oil 4.0%
- additive 3.3%
- fibre 0.3%
| # | As declared | Matched | Label reading | Declared % | Est. % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dried Chicken 29% | Dried chicken protein | meat · good | 29 | 29.0 |
| 2 | Freshly Prepared Chicken 10% | Chicken | meat · medium | 10 | 10.0 |
| 3 | Chicken Gravy 1% | Chicken | meat · medium | 1 | 1.0 |
| 4 | Potato | Potatoes | carb · medium | - | 4.3 |
| 5 | Sugar Beet | Sugar Beet | carb · medium | - | 4.2 |
| 6 | Chicken Oil | Chicken Oil and Fat | oil · good | - | 4.0 |
| 7 | Whole Peas (5.0%) | Peas | veg · good | 5 | 5.0 |
| 8 | Sweet Potato | Sweet Potatoes | carb · good | - | 3.9 |
| 9 | Dried Carrot (4.0%) | Carrots | veg · good | 4 | 4.0 |
| 10 | Dried Parsnip (4.0%) | Parsnips | veg · good | 4 | 4.0 |
| 11 | Whole Linseed | Linseed | veg · good | - | 3.7 |
| 12 | Chicory Root Extract (as a source of Prebiotic FOS) (0.3%) | Chicory Root Extract | fibre · good | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| 13 | Citrus Extracts (0.2%) | Citric Acid | additive · medium | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| 14 | Mannan-oligosaccharides (Prebiotic MOS) (0.1%) | Mannanoligosaccharides | supplement · good | 0.1 | 0.1 |
| 15 | Glucosamine | Glucosamine | supplement · good | - | 3.5 |
| 16 | MSM | MSM | supplement · good | - | 3.4 |
| 17 | Chondroitin | Chondroitin | supplement · good | - | 3.2 |
| 18 | Apple Cider Vinegar Powder | Apple Cider Vinegar | additive · medium | - | 3.1 |
| 19 | Dried Spearmint | Spearmint | veg · good | - | 2.9 |
| 20 | Honey Powder | Honey Powder | carb · medium | - | 2.8 |
| 21 | Dried Nettle | Nettles | veg · good | - | 2.6 |
| 22 | Dried Thyme | Dried Thymus Vulgaris | veg · medium | - | 2.5 |
| 23 | Extract of Yucca Schidigera | Yucca Schidigera | supplement · good | - | 2.3 |
| 24 | Tyndallised Lactobacillus Helveticus HA-122 (0.005%). | Tyndallised Lactobacillus | supplement · medium | 0.005 | 0.01 |
- 1. Dried Chicken 29%29% declared29.0% estimated
- 2. Freshly Prepared Chicken 10%10% declared10.0% estimated
- 3. Chicken Gravy 1%1% declared1.0% estimated
- 4. Potato4.3% estimated
- 5. Sugar Beet4.2% estimated
- 6. Chicken Oil4.0% estimated
- 7. Whole Peas (5.0%)5% declared5.0% estimated
- 8. Sweet Potato3.9% estimated
- 9. Dried Carrot (4.0%)4% declared4.0% estimated
- 10. Dried Parsnip (4.0%)4% declared4.0% estimated
- 11. Whole Linseed3.7% estimated
- 12. Chicory Root Extract (as a source of Prebiotic FOS) (0.3%)0.3% declared0.3% estimated
- 13. Citrus Extracts (0.2%)0.2% declared0.2% estimated
- 14. Mannan-oligosaccharides (Prebiotic MOS) (0.1%)0.1% declared0.1% estimated
- 15. Glucosamine3.5% estimated
- 16. MSM3.4% estimated
- 17. Chondroitin3.2% estimated
- 18. Apple Cider Vinegar Powder3.1% estimated
- 19. Dried Spearmint2.9% estimated
- 20. Honey Powder2.8% estimated
- 21. Dried Nettle2.6% estimated
- 22. Dried Thyme2.5% estimated
- 23. Extract of Yucca Schidigera2.3% estimated
- 24. Tyndallised Lactobacillus Helveticus HA-122 (0.005%).0.005% declared0.01% estimated
Trust and sourceNo recalls recorded in our database · checked 2026-09-14
Brand and contact: Vitalin
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +44
- Address
- Vitalin Pet Food, Lodge Farm, Wigsley Road, North Scarle, Lincoln, LN6 9HD
- Contact page
- vitalinpetfood.co.uk
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
- vitalinpetfood.co.uk
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 66 out of 100 based on several key factors. The overall quality of the ingredient list adds +7.5 points, and the meat content contributes +3.8 points to the total. However, the processing format reduces the score by -6.7 points, and ingredients without printed percentages deducts -4.9 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 | 0.8 | 9.191 | +7.45 |
| Meat share of dry matter | 39.4% | 0.096 | +3.78 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 10.9% | -0.115 | -1.26 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 5.3% | -0.092 | -0.49 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 24.6% | -0.005 | -0.13 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 3.9% | 0.163 | +0.64 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 15.4% | -0.012 | -0.19 |
| Undeclared quantities | 46.4% | -0.106 | -4.90 |
| Complete diet | yes | 2.294 | +2.29 |
| High meat (30%+ of dry matter) | yes | 0.707 | +0.71 |
| Additive penalty | -3.94 | 0.222 | -0.87 |
| 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 | 0.8 | 9.191 | +7.45 |
| Meat share of dry matter | 39.4% | 0.096 | +3.78 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 10.9% | -0.115 | -1.26 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 5.3% | -0.092 | -0.49 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 24.6% | -0.005 | -0.13 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 3.9% | 0.163 | +0.64 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 15.4% | -0.012 | -0.19 |
| 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 | 0.0% | -0.065 | +0.00 |
| Poor-quality meat in recipe | 0.0% | -0.179 | +0.00 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 0 | -0.876 | +0.00 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 0.0% | 0.060 | +0.00 |
| Undeclared quantities | 46.4% | -0.106 | -4.90 |
| 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) | yes | 0.707 | +0.71 |
| Low meat (under 10% of dry matter) | no | -3.158 | +0.00 |
| 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 | -3.94 | 0.222 | -0.87 |
| 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
- 66.4
- Final score
- 66/100
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 | 27 | 29.8 (band 18 to 40%) | 100 |
| Fat | 13 | 14.4 (band 5.5 to 20%) | 100 |
| Fibre | 3 | 3.3 (band 0.5 to 5%) | 100 |
Scored over 3 declared nutrients (combined weight 50); undeclared nutrients do not affect the score. Moisture was not declared and was estimated at 9.5% from the food type.
Declared fortification: 9 nutritional additives on the label
- Vitamin A 25000 iu
- Vitamin D3 1500 iu
- Vitamin E 125 mg
- Zinc 100 mg
- Iron 60 mg
- Manganese 50 mg
- Copper 5 mg
- Iodine 1 mg
- Selenium 0.05 mg
Low confidence: partial analysis or moisture 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 (53.6% of the recipe mass) (voluntary) | 10.7/20 |
| Analytical constituents declared (mandatory) - not on file | 0/15 |
| 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) | 10/10 |
| Country of manufacture stated (voluntary) | 10/10 |
| Batch and date labelling (mandatory) - not on file | 0/5 |
Capped at 60: mandatory items missing (Analytical constituents 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.
Claims on file; none we can check against the label
| Claim | Type | Check | Substantiation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Added prebiotics & paraprobiotics help to support healthy gut function (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| glucosamine, chondroitin & MSM support joint health (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| contains citrus extract to help support dental health (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Our Chicken with Thyme & Root Veg small breed recipe includes freshly prepared chicken, thyme, peas, potato, parsnip, carrot, and a tasty gravy. (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.
Alternatives to Chicken with Thyme & Root Veg Small Breed
Similar on ingredients, protein, format or nutrition, using the same stored data.
Community0 comments
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share how this went down with your dog.