Our verdict
Is Dr. Gary's Best Breed Working Dog Recipe 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.
100% 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 all lifestages
- 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 green-lipped mussel
- Your dog avoids grain: the label lists rice flour
- 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.
Ingredients (45)100% of the recipe is estimated
Estimated composition
- supplement 60.9%
- meat 11.0%
- carb 8.5%
- oil 5.4%
- veg 5.2%
- additive 4.5%
- fibre 2.8%
- mineral 1.8%
| # | As declared | Matched | Label reading | Declared % | Est. % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicken Meal | Dried chicken protein | meat · good | - | 2.9 |
| 2 | Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols) | Chicken Oil and Fat | oil · good | - | 2.9 |
| 3 | Rice Flour | Rice flour | carb · medium | - | 2.9 |
| 4 | Oatmeal | Oats | carb · medium | - | 2.8 |
| 5 | Brown Rice | Rice - brown / whole grain | carb · medium | - | 2.8 |
| 6 | Dried Beet Pulp | Beet Pulp | fibre · medium | - | 2.8 |
| 7 | Dried Egg | Dried Egg | meat · medium | - | 2.7 |
| 8 | Catfish Meal | Catfish | meat · good | - | 2.7 |
| 9 | Brewers Dried Yeast | Yeast | supplement · good | - | 2.7 |
| 10 | Flax Seed | Linseed | veg · good | - | 2.6 |
| 11 | Natural Chicken Flavor | Chicken | meat · medium | - | 2.6 |
| 12 | New Zealand Green Mussel | Green-Lipped Mussel | supplement · good | - | 2.6 |
| 13 | Lecithin | Lecithin | supplement · good | - | 2.5 |
| 14 | Dried Kelp | Kelp | veg · good | - | 2.5 |
| 15 | Salt | Salt | additive · poor | - | 2.5 |
| 16 | Menhaden Fish Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols) | Fish Oil | oil · good | - | 2.5 |
| 17 | Potassium Chloride | Potassium Chloride | supplement · medium | - | 2.4 |
| 18 | DL-Methionine | Methionine | supplement · good | - | 2.4 |
| 19 | L-Lysine | Lysine | supplement · medium | - | 2.4 |
| 20 | Ascorbic Acid | Vitamin C | supplement · good | - | 2.3 |
| 21 | Vitamin E Supplement | Vitamin E | supplement · good | - | 2.3 |
| 22 | Biotin | Biotin | supplement · good | - | 2.3 |
| 23 | Niacin Supplement | Niacin | supplement · good | - | 2.2 |
| 24 | d-Calcium Pantothenate | Calcium pantothenate | supplement · good | - | 2.2 |
| 25 | Vitamin A Acetate | Vitamin A | supplement · good | - | 2.2 |
| 26 | Riboflavin Supplement | Riboflavin | supplement · good | - | 2.1 |
| 27 | Vitamin B12 Supplement | Vitamin B12 | supplement · good | - | 2.1 |
| 28 | Thiamine Mononitrate | Thiamine mononitrate | supplement · good | - | 2.1 |
| 29 | Pyridoxine Hydrochloride | Pyridoxine hydrochloride | supplement · good | - | 2.0 |
| 30 | Citric Acid | Citric Acid | additive · medium | - | 2.0 |
| 31 | Vitamin D3 Supplement | Vitamin D3 supplement | supplement · good | - | 2.0 |
| 32 | Folic Acid | Folic acid | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 33 | Potassium Chloride | Potassium Chloride | supplement · medium | - | 1.9 |
| 34 | Ferrous Sulfate | Iron sulfate | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 35 | Zinc Sulfate | Zinc sulfate | supplement · medium | - | 1.8 |
| 36 | Zinc Proteinate | Zinc Proteinate | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 37 | Iron Proteinate | Iron Proteinate | mineral · good | - | 1.8 |
| 38 | Zinc Oxide | Zinc Oxide | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 39 | Copper Sulfate | Copper sulphate | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 40 | Manganese Sulfate | Manganese sulfate | supplement · medium | - | 1.7 |
| 41 | Manganese Proteinate | Manganese proteinate | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 42 | Copper Proteinate | Copper proteinate | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 43 | Manganous Oxide | Manganese (II) Oxide | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 44 | Sodium Selenite | Sodium selenite | supplement · poor | - | 1.5 |
| 45 | Calcium Iodate | Calcium iodate | supplement · medium | - | 1.5 |
- 1. Chicken Meal2.9% estimated
- 2. Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols)2.9% estimated
- 3. Rice Flour2.9% estimated
- 4. Oatmeal2.8% estimated
- 5. Brown Rice2.8% estimated
- 6. Dried Beet Pulp2.8% estimated
- 7. Dried Egg2.7% estimated
- 8. Catfish Meal2.7% estimated
- 9. Brewers Dried Yeast2.7% estimated
- 10. Flax Seed2.6% estimated
- 11. Natural Chicken Flavor2.6% estimated
- 12. New Zealand Green Mussel2.6% estimated
- 13. Lecithin2.5% estimated
- 14. Dried Kelp2.5% estimated
- 15. Salt2.5% estimated
- 16. Menhaden Fish Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols)2.5% estimated
- 17. Potassium Chloride2.4% estimated
- 18. DL-Methionine2.4% estimated
- 19. L-Lysine2.4% estimated
- 20. Ascorbic Acid2.3% estimated
- 21. Vitamin E Supplement2.3% estimated
- 22. Biotin2.3% estimated
- 23. Niacin Supplement2.2% estimated
- 24. d-Calcium Pantothenate2.2% estimated
- 25. Vitamin A Acetate2.2% estimated
- 26. Riboflavin Supplement2.1% estimated
- 27. Vitamin B12 Supplement2.1% estimated
- 28. Thiamine Mononitrate2.1% estimated
- 29. Pyridoxine Hydrochloride2.0% estimated
- 30. Citric Acid2.0% estimated
- 31. Vitamin D3 Supplement2.0% estimated
- 32. Folic Acid1.9% estimated
- 33. Potassium Chloride1.9% estimated
- 34. Ferrous Sulfate1.9% estimated
- 35. Zinc Sulfate1.8% estimated
- 36. Zinc Proteinate1.8% estimated
- 37. Iron Proteinate1.8% estimated
- 38. Zinc Oxide1.7% estimated
- 39. Copper Sulfate1.7% estimated
- 40. Manganese Sulfate1.7% estimated
- 41. Manganese Proteinate1.6% estimated
- 42. Copper Proteinate1.6% estimated
- 43. Manganous Oxide1.6% estimated
- 44. Sodium Selenite1.5% estimated
- 45. Calcium Iodate1.5% estimated
Nutrition and feedingProtein 24% · Fat 22%
Declared analysis (as fed)
| Nutrient | As fed |
|---|---|
| Protein | 24% |
| Fat | 22% |
| Fibre | 3.50% |
| Ash | 6.50% |
| Moisture | 10% |
| Calcium | 1.40% |
| Phosphorus | 1.10% |
| Sodium | 0.35% |
Energy: 4.3 kcal/100g
Additives & feeding info
Feeding and storage
Feeding guide
Feed to condition; at least twice daily. Body Weight (lbs) / Cups per day: Up to 10 = 1/4 to 1/2; 11-23 = 1/2 to 1; 24-36 = 1 to 1-1/2; 37-49 = 1-1/2 to 2; 50-62 = 2 to 2-1/2; 63-75 = 2-1/2 to 3; 76-89 = 3 to 3-1/2; 90 or more = 3-1/2 cups plus 1/2 cup for every 10 lbs over 90. 1 cup ≈ 133 g. Pregnant females: minimal increase first 6 weeks, up to 25% weeks 7-9. Lactating females: 50% increase post-whelping, up to 300% during peak lactation.
Additives declared on the label
Nutritional additives
Ascorbic Acid; Vitamin E Supplement; Biotin; Niacin Supplement; d-Calcium Pantothenate; Vitamin A Acetate; Riboflavin Supplement; Vitamin B12 Supplement; Thiamine Mononitrate; Pyridoxine Hydrochloride; Vitamin D3 Supplement; Folic Acid; Ferrous Sulfate; Zinc Sulfate; Zinc Proteinate; Iron Proteinate; Zinc Oxide; Copper Sulfate; Manganese Sulfate; Manganese Proteinate; Copper Proteinate; Manganous Oxide; Sodium Selenite; Calcium Iodate
Technological additives
Mixed Tocopherols (preservative in Chicken Fat and Menhaden Fish Oil); Citric Acid
Trust and sourceNo recalls recorded in our database · checked 2026-09-13
Brand and contact: Dr. Gary's Best Breed
- Website
- https://bestbreed.com/
- [email protected]
- Phone
- 1-800-500-5999
- Address
- 2000-C Fostoria Ave., Findlay, OH 45840
- Contact page
- bestbreed.com
Trust and provenance
- Recall history
- No recalls recorded in our database
- Label data last checked
- 2026-09-13
- Scored with
- Model v3 (methodology)
- Product page
- bestbreed.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 rating of 50 out of 100. The inclusion of ingredients without printed percentages contributed -10.6 points, and the processing format adjusted the score by -6.7. Conversely, the overall quality of the ingredient list added +6.3 points, while being labelled nutritionally complete contributed +2.3 points to the final evaluation.
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 | 0.7 | 9.191 | +6.32 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 8.4% | -0.115 | -0.96 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 5.9% | -0.092 | -0.54 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 5.2% | -0.005 | -0.03 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 4.5% | 0.163 | +0.73 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 62.1% | -0.012 | -0.76 |
| Recipe graded poor | 4.0% | -0.065 | -0.26 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 2 | -0.876 | -1.75 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 2.5% | 0.060 | +0.15 |
| Undeclared quantities | 100.0% | -0.106 | -10.56 |
| Complete diet | yes | 2.294 | +2.29 |
| Low meat (under 10% of dry matter) | yes | -3.158 | -3.16 |
| Additive penalty | -5.42 | 0.222 | -1.20 |
| 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 | 0.7 | 9.191 | +6.32 |
| Meat share of dry matter | 0.0% | 0.096 | +0.00 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 8.4% | -0.115 | -0.96 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 5.9% | -0.092 | -0.54 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 5.2% | -0.005 | -0.03 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 4.5% | 0.163 | +0.73 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 62.1% | -0.012 | -0.76 |
| 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 | 4.0% | -0.065 | -0.26 |
| Poor-quality meat in recipe | 0.0% | -0.179 | +0.00 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 2 | -0.876 | -1.75 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 2.5% | 0.060 | +0.15 |
| Undeclared quantities | 100.0% | -0.106 | -10.56 |
| 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) | 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 | -5.42 | 0.222 | -1.20 |
| 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
- 49.6
- 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.
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.
Guaranteed-analysis FEDIAF score: crude minimums and maximums are bounds, not typical values; moisture (a maximum) uses the processing median where available; experimental US score.
| Nutrient | As fed (label) | Dry matter (scored) | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | 24 | 26.5 (band 18 to 40%) | 93.2 |
| Fat | 22 | 24.3 (band 5.5 to 20%) | 100 |
| Fibre | 3.5 | 3.9 (band 0.5 to 5%) | 100 |
| Calcium | 1.4 | 1.5 (band 0.5 to 2.5%) | 100 |
| Phosphorus | 1.1 | 1.2 (band 0.4 to 1.6%) | 100 |
| Sodium | 0.35 | 0.4 (band 0.1+%) | 100 |
| Calcium:phosphorus ratio | 1.3 | 1.3 (band 1 to 2%) | 86.4 |
| Energy (kcal/100g) | 4.3 | 4.8 | 100 |
Scored over 8 declared nutrients (combined weight 95); undeclared nutrients do not affect the score. Moisture was not declared and was estimated at 9.5% from the food type.
Declared fortification: 24 nutritional additives on the label
- Ascorbic Acid
- Vitamin E Supplement
- Biotin
- Niacin Supplement
- d-Calcium Pantothenate
- Vitamin A Acetate
- Riboflavin Supplement
- Vitamin B12 Supplement
- Thiamine Mononitrate
- Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
- Vitamin D3 Supplement
- Folic Acid
- Ferrous Sulfate
- Zinc Sulfate
- Zinc Proteinate
- Iron Proteinate
- Zinc Oxide
- Copper Sulfate
- Manganese Sulfate
- Manganese Proteinate
- Copper Proteinate
- Manganous Oxide
- Sodium Selenite
- Calcium Iodate
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 (voluntary) - not on file | 0/20 |
| Analytical constituents declared (mandatory) | 15/15 |
| Additives declared (mandatory) | 10/10 |
| Energy value declared (voluntary) | 5/5 |
| 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 (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.
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 · moderate — 1 checkable claim: 1 consistent, 0 contradicted.
Consistent with the label
- "Formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages" — supported by the declared complete and balanced data.
11 further claims on file that we cannot check against the label.
Moderate: every checkable claim is consistent with the declared label.
| Claim | Type | Check | Substantiation |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU-Approved Protein: Superior quality, antibiotic-free chicken and catfish meals (on page) | provenance | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Made with USA-sourced chicken meal, catfish meal, and chicken fat (on page) | provenance | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Skin & Coat Vitality: A balanced ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids including EPA and DHA from menhaden fish oil and flaxseed (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Joint, Heart & Vision Health: New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussels and natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin support joint and mobility health (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Enriched with taurine for heart, vision, and reproductive health (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| High-calorie, energy-dense formula – ideal for working dogs, highly active dogs, underweight dogs, and pregnant or nursing females (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| 580 Calories Per Cup: Energy-dense formula delivering concentrated calories without requiring excessive feeding volume (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Veterinarian-formulated, holistic dry dog food (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages (on page) | Content | consistent | Manufacturer assertion |
| Never On a Recall List (on page) | Free-from | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| High Fat, Moderate Protein (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Small Batch Made in Ohio, USA (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 Working Dog Recipe
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.