Whistlers Puppy & Junior with Rice and Vegetables
Dry Extruded · completeHigh meatClear label
Our verdict
Is Whistlers Puppy & Junior with Rice and Vegetables a good dog food?
We score it 60/100 (Average). This reflects the ingredient quality, composition and label transparency of the recipe as declared on the label.
Complete extruded dry food for puppies, with dried chicken protein, rice and oats as the main ingredients.
Only part of the analytical constituents are declared, so the nutritional picture is incomplete.
47% 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, turkey, lamb, venison, pork, duck as ingredients
Consider something else if:
- Your dog avoids chicken: the label lists dried chicken protein
- Your dog avoids fish: the label lists salmon oil
- 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 28% · Fat 17%
Typical analysis (as fed)
| Nutrient | As fed |
|---|---|
| Protein | 28% |
| Fat | 17% |
| Fibre | 3% |
| Ash | 7% |
Additives & feeding info
Feeding and storage
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place.
Feeding guide
Introduce gradually over 5-7 days. Daily intake divided into 2 meals. Guide: Small (5-10kg) 76-150g; Medium (10-25kg) 100-280g; Large (25-45kg) 130-400g; Giant (45+kg) 150-600g depending on age from 1-12 months. Can be fed dry or moistened with water (typically 2 parts warm water to 3 parts dry food).
Additives declared on the label
Nutritional additives
Vitamin A/E672 21,300 iu/kg; Vitamin D/E671 2,000 iu/kg; Vitamin E/3a700 325mg/kg; Iron sulphate monohydrate 100 mg/kg; Cupric sulphate pentahydrate 40 mg/kg; Manganous oxide 95 mg/kg; Zinc sulphate monohydrate 450 mg/kg; Zinc chelate of amino acids hydrate 450 mg/kg; Sodium selenite 0.6 mg/kg; Carnitine 600 mg/kg; Taurine 1,000 mg/kg
Technological additives
Natural Antioxidants
Ingredients (19)47% of the recipe is estimated
Estimated composition
- carb 36.3%
- meat 30.2%
- veg 16.4%
- oil 6.3%
- supplement 5.2%
- fibre 3.0%
- additive 2.7%
| # | As declared | Matched | Label reading | Declared % | Est. % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dehydrated Chicken (27%) | Dried chicken protein | meat · good | 27 | 27.0 |
| 2 | Rice (26%) | Rice - white | carb · medium | 26 | 26.0 |
| 3 | Oats | Oats | carb · medium | - | 3.6 |
| 4 | Chicken Fat | Chicken Oil and Fat | oil · good | - | 3.5 |
| 5 | Prairie Meal | Prairie Meal | carb · medium | - | 3.4 |
| 6 | Barley | Barley | carb · medium | - | 3.3 |
| 7 | Chicken Liver | Chicken Liver | meat · good | - | 3.2 |
| 8 | Alfalfa | Alfalfa | veg · good | - | 3.1 |
| 9 | Unmolassed Beet Pulp | Beet Pulp | fibre · medium | - | 3.0 |
| 10 | Yeast | Yeast | supplement · good | - | 2.9 |
| 11 | Salmon Oil | Salmon Oil | oil · good | - | 2.8 |
| 12 | Salt | Salt | additive · poor | - | 2.7 |
| 13 | Seaweed | Seaweed | veg · good | - | 2.6 |
| 14 | Milk Thistle | Milk Thistle | veg · good | - | 2.4 |
| 15 | Yucca | Yucca Schidigera | supplement · good | - | 2.3 |
| 16 | Blackcurrant | Blackcurrant | veg · good | - | 2.2 |
| 17 | Kale | Kale | veg · good | - | 2.1 |
| 18 | Beetroot | Beetroot | veg · good | - | 2.0 |
| 19 | Rosemary | Rosemary | veg · good | - | 1.9 |
- 1. Dehydrated Chicken (27%)27% declared27.0% estimated
- 2. Rice (26%)26% declared26.0% estimated
- 3. Oats3.6% estimated
- 4. Chicken Fat3.5% estimated
- 5. Prairie Meal3.4% estimated
- 6. Barley3.3% estimated
- 7. Chicken Liver3.2% estimated
- 8. Alfalfa3.1% estimated
- 9. Unmolassed Beet Pulp3.0% estimated
- 10. Yeast2.9% estimated
- 11. Salmon Oil2.8% estimated
- 12. Salt2.7% estimated
- 13. Seaweed2.6% estimated
- 14. Milk Thistle2.4% estimated
- 15. Yucca2.3% estimated
- 16. Blackcurrant2.2% estimated
- 17. Kale2.1% estimated
- 18. Beetroot2.0% estimated
- 19. Rosemary1.9% estimated
Trust and sourceNo recalls recorded in our database · checked 2026-10-07
Brand and contact: Whistlers
Trust and provenance
- Recall history
- No recalls recorded in our database
- Label data last checked
- 2026-10-07
- Scored with
- Model v3 (methodology)
- Product page
- whistlersdogfood.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 60 out of 100 based on several key factors. The processing format contributed -6.7 points, and the overall quality of the ingredient list added +5.9 points. On the other hand, ingredients without printed percentages resulted in -5 points, while the carbohydrate content accounted for -4.7 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 | 0.6 | 9.191 | +5.88 |
| Meat share of dry matter | 31.8% | 0.096 | +3.05 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 41.0% | -0.115 | -4.72 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 7.9% | -0.092 | -0.73 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 5.5% | -0.005 | -0.03 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 3.1% | 0.163 | +0.50 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 6.1% | -0.012 | -0.07 |
| Recipe graded poor | 2.7% | -0.065 | -0.17 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 1 | -0.876 | -0.88 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 2.7% | 0.060 | +0.16 |
| Undeclared quantities | 47.0% | -0.106 | -4.96 |
| Complete diet | yes | 2.294 | +2.29 |
| High meat (30%+ of dry matter) | yes | 0.707 | +0.71 |
| Additive penalty | -3.24 | 0.222 | -0.72 |
| 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 | 0.6 | 9.191 | +5.88 |
| Meat share of dry matter | 31.8% | 0.096 | +3.05 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 41.0% | -0.115 | -4.72 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 7.9% | -0.092 | -0.73 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 5.5% | -0.005 | -0.03 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 3.1% | 0.163 | +0.50 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 6.1% | -0.012 | -0.07 |
| 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 | 2.7% | -0.065 | -0.17 |
| Poor-quality meat in recipe | 0.0% | -0.179 | +0.00 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 1 | -0.876 | -0.88 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 2.7% | 0.060 | +0.16 |
| Undeclared quantities | 47.0% | -0.106 | -4.96 |
| 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 | -3.24 | 0.222 | -0.72 |
| 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
- 59.6
- Final score
- 60/100
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 | 28 | 30.9 | 100 |
| Fat | 17 | 18.8 | 100 |
Scored over 2 declared nutrients (combined weight 40); undeclared nutrients do not affect the score. Moisture was not declared and was estimated at 9.5% from the food type.
Declared fortification: 11 nutritional additives on the label
- Vitamin A/E672 21,300 iu/kg
- Vitamin D/E671 2,000 iu/kg
- Vitamin E/3a700 325mg/kg
- Iron sulphate monohydrate 100 mg/kg
- Cupric sulphate pentahydrate 40 mg/kg
- Manganous oxide 95 mg/kg
- Zinc sulphate monohydrate 450 mg/kg
- Zinc chelate of amino acids hydrate 450 mg/kg
- Sodium selenite 0.6 mg/kg
- Carnitine 600 mg/kg
- Taurine 1,000 mg/kg
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% of the recipe mass) (voluntary) | 10.6/20 |
| 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) | 5/10 |
| Country of manufacture stated (voluntary) | 10/10 |
| Batch and date labelling (mandatory) | 5/5 |
Capped at 60: mandatory items missing (Analytical constituents declared).
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.
0/100 · limited — 2 checkable claims: 0 consistent, 2 contradicted.
Contradicted by the label
- "wheat- and wheat gluten-free formulation" — the declared label says otherwise on grain-free.
- "Containing a single source of Meat protein for gentle digestion" — the declared label says otherwise on single protein.
7 further claims on file that we cannot check against the label.
Limited: at least one claim contradicts the declared label, or a recent upheld ASA ruling applies.
| Claim | Type | Check | Substantiation |
|---|---|---|---|
| wheat- and wheat gluten-free formulation (on page) | Free-from | contradicted | Manufacturer assertion |
| naturally hypoallergenic dog food (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| may help pups that suffer from poor skin and coat condition, itching, scratching and hot spots (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Containing a single source of Meat protein for gentle digestion (on page) | Content | contradicted | Manufacturer assertion |
| containing no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives (on page) | Free-from | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| With added carnitine and taurine to help support development (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Contains beneficial ingredients to help support healthy joints (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Contains mannan oligosaccharides (a prebiotic) and natural antioxidants (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Provides essential nutrients for coat condition (on page) | Functional | not checkable | 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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