Dr. Gary's Best Breed Freeze-dried Chicken Recipe
Dry Extruded · complete
Our verdict
Is Dr. Gary's Best Breed Freeze-dried Chicken Recipe a good dog food?
We score it 52/100 (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
- Grain-free: no grain ingredients listed
- Doesn't list beef, lamb, venison, pork, duck as ingredients
Consider something else if:
- Your dog avoids chicken: the label lists chicken
- Your dog avoids turkey: the label lists organic chicken & turkey bones/cartilage
- Your dog avoids fish: the label lists mussels
- 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 (43)100% of the recipe is estimated
Estimated composition
- supplement 41.8%
- veg 25.4%
- meat 14.8%
- carb 5.8%
- additive 4.9%
- oil 2.8%
- fibre 2.5%
- mineral 2.1%
| # | As declared | Matched | Label reading | Declared % | Est. % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicken | Chicken | meat · medium | - | 3.1 |
| 2 | Ground Chicken bones | Chicken | meat · medium | - | 3.0 |
| 3 | Chicken Liver | Chicken Liver | meat · good | - | 3.0 |
| 4 | Quinoa | Quinoa | carb · good | - | 3.0 |
| 5 | Dried Eggs | Dried Egg | meat · medium | - | 2.9 |
| 6 | Sunflower Seeds | Sunflower Seeds | veg · good | - | 2.9 |
| 7 | Flaxseeds | Linseed | veg · good | - | 2.9 |
| 8 | Apple | Apples | veg · good | - | 2.8 |
| 9 | Sweet Potato | Sweet Potatoes | carb · good | - | 2.8 |
| 10 | Salmon Oil | Salmon Oil | oil · good | - | 2.8 |
| 11 | New Zealand Green Mussels | Mussels | meat · good | - | 2.7 |
| 12 | Carrot | Carrots | veg · good | - | 2.7 |
| 13 | Spinach | Spinach | veg · good | - | 2.6 |
| 14 | Chicken Cartilage | Organic Chicken & Turkey Bones/Cartilage | supplement · good | - | 2.6 |
| 15 | Dicalcium Phosphate | Dicalcium phosphate | supplement · medium | - | 2.6 |
| 16 | Potassium Chloride | Potassium Chloride | supplement · medium | - | 2.5 |
| 17 | Salt | Salt | additive · poor | - | 2.5 |
| 18 | Inulin | Inulin | fibre · good | - | 2.5 |
| 19 | Vitamin E Supplement | Vitamin E | supplement · good | - | 2.4 |
| 20 | Mixed Tocopherols | Tocopherols | additive · good | - | 2.4 |
| 21 | Organic Blueberries | Blueberries | veg · good | - | 2.4 |
| 22 | Organic Cranberries | Cranberries | veg · good | - | 2.3 |
| 23 | Organic Pumpkin | Pumpkin | veg · good | - | 2.3 |
| 24 | Organic Broccoli | Broccoli | veg · good | - | 2.3 |
| 25 | Organic Kelp | Kelp | veg · good | - | 2.2 |
| 26 | Zinc Proteinate | Zinc Proteinate | supplement · good | - | 2.2 |
| 27 | Iron Proteinate | Iron Proteinate | mineral · good | - | 2.1 |
| 28 | Taurine | Taurine | supplement · good | - | 2.1 |
| 29 | Calcium Carbonate | Calcium Carbonate | supplement · medium | - | 2.1 |
| 30 | Copper Proteinate | Copper proteinate | supplement · good | - | 2.0 |
| 31 | Manganese Proteinate | Manganese proteinate | supplement · good | - | 2.0 |
| 32 | D-Calcium Pantothenate | Calcium pantothenate | supplement · good | - | 2.0 |
| 33 | Niacin Supplement | Niacin | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 34 | Riboflavin Supplement | Riboflavin | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 35 | Thiamine Mononitrate | Thiamine mononitrate | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 36 | Pyridoxine Hydrochloride | Pyridoxine hydrochloride | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 37 | Folic Acid | Folic acid | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 38 | Vitamin D3 Supplement | Vitamin D3 supplement | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 39 | Vitamin B12 Supplement | Vitamin B12 | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 40 | Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product | Lactobacillus casei | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 41 | Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product | Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 42 | Dried Bifidobacterium animalis Fermentation Product | Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 43 | Dried Lactobacillus reuteri Fermentation Product. | Limosilactobacillus reuteri | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
- 1. Chicken3.1% estimated
- 2. Ground Chicken bones3.0% estimated
- 3. Chicken Liver3.0% estimated
- 4. Quinoa3.0% estimated
- 5. Dried Eggs2.9% estimated
- 6. Sunflower Seeds2.9% estimated
- 7. Flaxseeds2.9% estimated
- 8. Apple2.8% estimated
- 9. Sweet Potato2.8% estimated
- 10. Salmon Oil2.8% estimated
- 11. New Zealand Green Mussels2.7% estimated
- 12. Carrot2.7% estimated
- 13. Spinach2.6% estimated
- 14. Chicken Cartilage2.6% estimated
- 15. Dicalcium Phosphate2.6% estimated
- 16. Potassium Chloride2.5% estimated
- 17. Salt2.5% estimated
- 18. Inulin2.5% estimated
- 19. Vitamin E Supplement2.4% estimated
- 20. Mixed Tocopherols2.4% estimated
- 21. Organic Blueberries2.4% estimated
- 22. Organic Cranberries2.3% estimated
- 23. Organic Pumpkin2.3% estimated
- 24. Organic Broccoli2.3% estimated
- 25. Organic Kelp2.2% estimated
- 26. Zinc Proteinate2.2% estimated
- 27. Iron Proteinate2.1% estimated
- 28. Taurine2.1% estimated
- 29. Calcium Carbonate2.1% estimated
- 30. Copper Proteinate2.0% estimated
- 31. Manganese Proteinate2.0% estimated
- 32. D-Calcium Pantothenate2.0% estimated
- 33. Niacin Supplement1.9% estimated
- 34. Riboflavin Supplement1.9% estimated
- 35. Thiamine Mononitrate1.9% estimated
- 36. Pyridoxine Hydrochloride1.8% estimated
- 37. Folic Acid1.8% estimated
- 38. Vitamin D3 Supplement1.8% estimated
- 39. Vitamin B12 Supplement1.7% estimated
- 40. Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product1.7% estimated
- 41. Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product1.6% estimated
- 42. Dried Bifidobacterium animalis Fermentation Product1.6% estimated
- 43. Dried Lactobacillus reuteri Fermentation Product.1.6% estimated
Nutrition and feedingProtein 38% · Fat 28%
Declared analysis (as fed)
| Nutrient | As fed |
|---|---|
| Protein | 38% |
| Fat | 28% |
| Fibre | 4.80% |
| Ash | 8.40% |
| Moisture | 8% |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | 1% |
| Calcium | 1.51% |
| Phosphorus | 1.24% |
| Sodium | 0.50% |
Energy: 399 kcal/100g
Additives & feeding info
Feeding and storage
Feeding guide
Feed to condition using the chart provided. When used as a balanced diet: up to 5 lbs less than 1 cup; 6-15 lbs 1 to 2-1/4 cups; 16-25 lbs 2-1/4 to 2-3/4 cups; 26-40 lbs 2-3/4 to 3-1/4 cups; 41-60 lbs 3-1/4 to 4-3/4 cups; 61-80 lbs 4-3/4 to 5-1/2 cups; 81-100 lbs 5-1/2 to 6-3/4 cups; over 100 lbs add 1/2 cup per 10 lbs. When used as a topper: up to 20 lbs 1/4 cup; 21-40 lbs 1/2 cup; over 40 lbs 3/4 cup. Reconstitute 1 oz food with 2 oz water. Puppies may require up to twice the amounts; nursing/pregnant mothers up to 3 times.
Additives declared on the label
Nutritional additives
Vitamin E Supplement; Zinc Proteinate; Iron Proteinate; Taurine; Calcium Carbonate; Copper Proteinate; Manganese Proteinate; D-Calcium Pantothenate; Niacin Supplement; Riboflavin Supplement; Thiamine Mononitrate; Pyridoxine Hydrochloride; Folic Acid; Vitamin D3 Supplement; Vitamin B12 Supplement; Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product; Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product; Dried Bifidobacterium animalis Fermentation Product; Dried Lactobacillus reuteri Fermentation Product
Technological additives
Mixed Tocopherols (a preservative)
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 score of 52 out of 100 based on several key factors. The inclusion of ingredients without printed percentages contributed -10.6 points, while the overall quality of the ingredient list added +7 points. Additionally, the processing format adjusted the score by -6.7, and being labelled nutritionally complete contributed +2.3 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 | 0.8 | 9.191 | +6.98 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 4.8% | -0.115 | -0.55 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 4.0% | -0.092 | -0.36 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 14.2% | -0.005 | -0.07 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 6.4% | 0.163 | +1.04 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 55.8% | -0.012 | -0.68 |
| Recipe graded poor | 2.5% | -0.065 | -0.16 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 1 | -0.876 | -0.88 |
| 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 | -5.93 | 0.222 | -1.32 |
| 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 | +6.98 |
| Meat share of dry matter | 0.0% | 0.096 | +0.00 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 4.8% | -0.115 | -0.55 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 4.0% | -0.092 | -0.36 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 14.2% | -0.005 | -0.07 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 6.4% | 0.163 | +1.04 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 55.8% | -0.012 | -0.68 |
| 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 | 2.5% | -0.065 | -0.16 |
| Poor-quality meat in recipe | 0.0% | -0.179 | +0.00 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 1 | -0.876 | -0.88 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 2.5% | 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 | -5.93 | 0.222 | -1.32 |
| 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
- 52.0
- Final score
- 52/100
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 | 38 | 41.3 (band 19.516304347826086 to 40%) | 100 |
| Fat | 28 | 30.4 (band 5.963315217391304 to 20%) | 100 |
| Fibre | 4.8 | 5.2 (band 0.5 to 5%) | 100 |
| Calcium | 1.51 | 1.6 (band 0.5421195652173912 to 2.5%) | 100 |
| Phosphorus | 1.24 | 1.3 (band 0.43369565217391304 to 1.6%) | 100 |
| Sodium | 0.5 | 0.5 (band 0.10842391304347826+%) | 100 |
| Calcium:phosphorus ratio | 1.2 | 1.2 (band 1 to 2%) | 83.1 |
| Energy (kcal/100g) | 399 | 433.7 | 100 |
Scored over 8 declared nutrients (combined weight 95); undeclared nutrients do not affect the score.
Declared fortification: 19 nutritional additives on the label
- Vitamin E Supplement
- Zinc Proteinate
- Iron Proteinate
- Taurine
- Calcium Carbonate
- Copper Proteinate
- Manganese Proteinate
- D-Calcium Pantothenate
- Niacin Supplement
- Riboflavin Supplement
- Thiamine Mononitrate
- Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
- Folic Acid
- Vitamin D3 Supplement
- Vitamin B12 Supplement
- Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product
- Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product
- Dried Bifidobacterium animalis Fermentation Product
- Dried Lactobacillus reuteri Fermentation Product
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 — 2 checkable claims: 2 consistent, 0 contradicted.
Consistent with the label
- "High Protein" — supported by the declared high protein data.
- "complete and balanced nutrition you can serve as a meal, topper, supplement, or Guilt-Free Treating™" — supported by the declared complete and balanced data.
12 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supports healthy skin and a vibrant coat (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Made with New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussels and natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin to help support joint and mobility health (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Supports a strong immune system (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Salmon Oil for Skin & Coat (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Minimally Processed (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Veterinarian Developed (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| High Protein (on page) | High/low level | consistent | Manufacturer assertion |
| Antioxidant Rich (on page) | High/low level | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Never On a Recall List (on page) | Free-from | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| USDA-Inspected Facility (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| complete and balanced nutrition you can serve as a meal, topper, supplement, or Guilt-Free Treating™ (on page) | Content | consistent | Manufacturer assertion |
| Protein-rich, low-ash USA-sourced chicken is the #1 ingredient (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Prebiotics & Probiotics (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Small Batch Made in Oregon, 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.
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