Our verdict
Is Dr. Gary's Best Breed Cocker Spaniel Diet a good dog food?
We score it 48/100 (Average). This reflects the ingredient quality, composition and label transparency of the recipe as declared on the label.
Only part of the analytical constituents are declared, so the nutritional picture is incomplete.
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 fish meal
- Your dog avoids grain: the label lists pearled barley
- 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 (49)100% of the recipe is estimated
Estimated composition
- supplement 57.3%
- additive 11.3%
- carb 7.9%
- meat 7.7%
- fibre 5.1%
- veg 4.7%
- mineral 3.7%
- oil 2.3%
| # | As declared | Matched | Label reading | Declared % | Est. % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicken Meal | Dried chicken protein | meat · good | - | 2.7 |
| 2 | Pearled Barley | Pearled Barley | carb · medium | - | 2.7 |
| 3 | Oatmeal | Oats | carb · medium | - | 2.6 |
| 4 | Dried Beet Pulp | Beet Pulp | fibre · medium | - | 2.6 |
| 5 | Chicken Fat (Preserved with Natural Mixed Tocopherols) | Chicken Oil and Fat | oil · good | - | 2.6 |
| 6 | Sorghum | Sorghum | carb · medium | - | 2.6 |
| 7 | Egg Product | Egg | meat · good | - | 2.5 |
| 8 | Brewers Dried Yeast | Yeast | supplement · good | - | 2.5 |
| 9 | Tomato Pomace | Tomato Pomace | fibre · medium | - | 2.5 |
| 10 | Menhaden Fish Meal | Fish Meal | meat · medium | - | 2.5 |
| 11 | Natural Flavor | Flavor | additive · poor | - | 2.4 |
| 12 | Flax Seed | Linseed | veg · good | - | 2.4 |
| 13 | Lecithin | Lecithin | supplement · good | - | 2.4 |
| 14 | Menhaden Fish Oil | Fish Oil | oil · good | - | 2.3 |
| 15 | Calcium Carbonate | Calcium Carbonate | supplement · medium | - | 2.3 |
| 16 | Dried Kelp | Kelp | veg · good | - | 2.3 |
| 17 | Salt | Salt | additive · poor | - | 2.3 |
| 18 | Taurine | Taurine | supplement · good | - | 2.2 |
| 19 | Canola Oil (Preserved with Natural Mixed Tocopherols) | Rapeseed oil | oil · good | - | 2.2 |
| 20 | L-Lysine | Lysine | supplement · medium | - | 2.2 |
| 21 | DL Methionine | Methionine | supplement · good | - | 2.2 |
| 22 | Monosodium Phosphate | Sodium phosphate | additive · poor | - | 2.1 |
| 23 | Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product Dehydrated | Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product | supplement · good | - | 2.1 |
| 24 | Ascorbic Acid | Vitamin C | supplement · good | - | 2.1 |
| 25 | Vitamin E Supplement | Vitamin E | supplement · good | - | 2.0 |
| 26 | Biotin | Biotin | supplement · good | - | 2.0 |
| 27 | Niacin Supplement | Niacin | supplement · good | - | 2.0 |
| 28 | d-Calcium Pantothenate | Calcium pantothenate | supplement · good | - | 2.0 |
| 29 | Vitamin A Acetate | Vitamin A | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 30 | Riboflavin Supplement | Riboflavin | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 31 | Vitamin B12 Supplement | Vitamin B12 | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 32 | Thiamine Mononitrate | Thiamine mononitrate | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 33 | Pyridoxine Hydrochloride | Pyridoxine hydrochloride | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 34 | Citric Acid | Citric Acid | additive · medium | - | 1.8 |
| 35 | Vitamin D3 Supplement | Vitamin D3 supplement | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 36 | Folic Acid | Folic acid | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 37 | Potassium Chloride | Potassium Chloride | supplement · medium | - | 1.7 |
| 38 | Ferrous Sulfate | Iron sulfate | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 39 | Zinc Sulfate | Zinc sulfate | supplement · medium | - | 1.7 |
| 40 | Zinc Proteinate | Zinc Proteinate | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 41 | Iron Proteinate | Iron Proteinate | mineral · good | - | 1.6 |
| 42 | Zinc Oxide | Zinc Oxide | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 43 | Copper Sulfate | Copper sulphate | supplement · good | - | 1.5 |
| 44 | Manganese Sulfate | Manganese sulfate | supplement · medium | - | 1.5 |
| 45 | Manganese Proteinate | Manganese proteinate | supplement · good | - | 1.5 |
| 46 | Copper Proteinate | Copper proteinate | supplement · good | - | 1.5 |
| 47 | Manganous Oxide | Manganese (II) Oxide | supplement · good | - | 1.4 |
| 48 | Sodium Selenite | Sodium selenite | supplement · poor | - | 1.4 |
| 49 | Calcium Iodate. | Calcium iodate | supplement · medium | - | 1.4 |
- 1. Chicken Meal2.7% estimated
- 2. Pearled Barley2.7% estimated
- 3. Oatmeal2.6% estimated
- 4. Dried Beet Pulp2.6% estimated
- 5. Chicken Fat (Preserved with Natural Mixed Tocopherols)2.6% estimated
- 6. Sorghum2.6% estimated
- 7. Egg Product2.5% estimated
- 8. Brewers Dried Yeast2.5% estimated
- 9. Tomato Pomace2.5% estimated
- 10. Menhaden Fish Meal2.5% estimated
- 11. Natural Flavor2.4% estimated
- 12. Flax Seed2.4% estimated
- 13. Lecithin2.4% estimated
- 14. Menhaden Fish Oil2.3% estimated
- 15. Calcium Carbonate2.3% estimated
- 16. Dried Kelp2.3% estimated
- 17. Salt2.3% estimated
- 18. Taurine2.2% estimated
- 19. Canola Oil (Preserved with Natural Mixed Tocopherols)2.2% estimated
- 20. L-Lysine2.2% estimated
- 21. DL Methionine2.2% estimated
- 22. Monosodium Phosphate2.1% estimated
- 23. Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product Dehydrated2.1% estimated
- 24. Ascorbic Acid2.1% estimated
- 25. Vitamin E Supplement2.0% estimated
- 26. Biotin2.0% estimated
- 27. Niacin Supplement2.0% estimated
- 28. d-Calcium Pantothenate2.0% estimated
- 29. Vitamin A Acetate1.9% estimated
- 30. Riboflavin Supplement1.9% estimated
- 31. Vitamin B12 Supplement1.9% estimated
- 32. Thiamine Mononitrate1.8% estimated
- 33. Pyridoxine Hydrochloride1.8% estimated
- 34. Citric Acid1.8% estimated
- 35. Vitamin D3 Supplement1.8% estimated
- 36. Folic Acid1.7% estimated
- 37. Potassium Chloride1.7% estimated
- 38. Ferrous Sulfate1.7% estimated
- 39. Zinc Sulfate1.7% estimated
- 40. Zinc Proteinate1.6% estimated
- 41. Iron Proteinate1.6% estimated
- 42. Zinc Oxide1.6% estimated
- 43. Copper Sulfate1.5% estimated
- 44. Manganese Sulfate1.5% estimated
- 45. Manganese Proteinate1.5% estimated
- 46. Copper Proteinate1.5% estimated
- 47. Manganous Oxide1.4% estimated
- 48. Sodium Selenite1.4% estimated
- 49. Calcium Iodate.1.4% estimated
Nutrition and feedingProtein 25% · Fat 12%
Declared analysis (as fed)
| Nutrient | As fed |
|---|---|
| Protein | 25% |
| Fat | 12% |
| Fibre | 4.50% |
| Moisture | 10% |
Energy: 390 kcal/100g
Additives & feeding info
Feeding and storage
Feeding guide
Feed at least twice daily; adjust to condition. Up to 10 lbs: 1/4–3/4 cup; 11–23 lbs: 3/4–1-1/4 cups; 24–36 lbs: 1-1/4–1-3/4 cups; 37–49 lbs: 1-3/4–2-1/4 cups; 50–62 lbs: 2-1/4–3 cups; 63–75 lbs: 3–3-1/2 cups; 76–89 lbs: 3-1/2–4 cups; 90+ lbs: 4 cups plus 1/2 cup for every 10 lbs over 90. 1 cup ≈ 114 g. Puppies: up to 33% more than adult levels. Pregnant: minimal increase first 6 weeks; weeks 7–9 up to 25%. Lactating: 50% increase post-whelping; up to 300% at peak lactation. Fresh water always available.
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; Potassium Chloride; Ferrous Sulfate; Zinc Sulfate; Zinc Proteinate; Iron Proteinate; Zinc Oxide; Copper Sulfate; Manganese Sulfate; Manganese Proteinate; Copper Proteinate; Manganous Oxide; Sodium Selenite; Calcium Iodate; Calcium Carbonate; Monosodium Phosphate; Taurine; L-Lysine; DL Methionine
Technological additives
Lecithin; Citric Acid; Natural Mixed Tocopherols (preservatives in chicken fat and canola oil)
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.
Brand and retailer reviews
External platform ratings are not scores for this individual 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 48 out of 100 based on several key factors. The overall quality of the ingredient list contributed +6.1 points to the total. However, ingredients without printed percentages reduced the score by -10.6, the processing format subtracted -6.7, and the additive load contributed -3 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 | 0.7 | 9.191 | +6.13 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 7.7% | -0.115 | -0.89 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 2.6% | -0.092 | -0.24 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 4.7% | -0.005 | -0.02 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 11.3% | 0.163 | +1.84 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 58.6% | -0.012 | -0.72 |
| Recipe graded poor | 6.1% | -0.065 | -0.40 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 3 | -0.876 | -2.63 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 2.4% | 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 | -13.58 | 0.222 | -3.01 |
| 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 | +6.13 |
| Meat share of dry matter | 0.0% | 0.096 | +0.00 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 7.7% | -0.115 | -0.89 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 2.6% | -0.092 | -0.24 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 4.7% | -0.005 | -0.02 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 11.3% | 0.163 | +1.84 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 58.6% | -0.012 | -0.72 |
| 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 | 6.1% | -0.065 | -0.40 |
| Poor-quality meat in recipe | 0.0% | -0.179 | +0.00 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 3 | -0.876 | -2.63 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 2.4% | 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 | -13.58 | 0.222 | -3.01 |
| 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
- 48.1
- Final score
- 48/100
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 | 25 | 27.6 (band 19.39226519337017 to 40%) | 94 |
| Fat | 12 | 13.3 (band 5.9254143646408854 to 20%) | 100 |
| Fibre | 4.5 | 5 (band 0.5 to 5%) | 100 |
| Energy (kcal/100g) | 390 | 430.9 | 100 |
Scored over 4 declared nutrients (combined weight 60); undeclared nutrients do not affect the score. Moisture was not declared and was estimated at 9.5% from the food type.
Declared fortification: 30 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
- Potassium Chloride
- Ferrous Sulfate
- Zinc Sulfate
- Zinc Proteinate
- Iron Proteinate
- Zinc Oxide
- Copper Sulfate
- Manganese Sulfate
- Manganese Proteinate
- Copper Proteinate
- Manganous Oxide
- Sodium Selenite
- Calcium Iodate
- Calcium Carbonate
- Monosodium Phosphate
- Taurine
- L-Lysine
- DL Methionine
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 (voluntary) - not on file | 0/20 |
| Analytical constituents declared (mandatory) - not on file | 0/15 |
| 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 (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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Batch Made in Ohio, USA (on page) | provenance | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Natural antioxidants for the immune system (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Enriched with taurine for the heart (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Natural fiber from beet pulp, a moderately fermentable source of soluble and insoluble fiber for digestion and gastrointestinal function (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Natural sources of glucosamine for joints and connective tissue (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Veterinarian Developed (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Premium protein from chicken, menhaden fish, and eggs providing amino acids for muscle mass, skin, and coat (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| EU-Approved Ingredients (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Formulated to meet nutritional levels established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growth. Suitable for all life stages (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Never On a Recall List (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Menhaden Fish A premium protein that provides essential amino acids required to help build and maintain strong, lean muscle mass (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids from premium chicken fat, canola oil, and menhaden fish for ear, skin, and coat (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Low & Slow Cooked (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Try it for 30 days, love it or your money back (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Eggs Eggs are the perfect source of protein as they contain all 9 essential amino acids (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Chicken Made with protein-rich, low ash chicken sourced from the USA (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Healthy Whole Grains Thoughtfully selected, healthy, whole grains such as brown rice, oatmeal, pearled barley and millet, that are highly nutritious and easily digestible (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.
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