Dr. Gary's Best Breed Grain Free Farmer's Chicken Recipe
Dry Baked · complete
Our verdict
Is Dr. Gary's Best Breed Grain Free Farmer's Chicken Recipe a good dog food?
We score it 51/100 (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, turkey, lamb, venison, pork as ingredients
Consider something else if:
- Your dog avoids chicken: the label lists dried chicken protein
- Your dog avoids fish: the label lists white fish
- Your dog avoids duck: the label lists dried duck protein
- 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 (54)100% of the recipe is estimated
Estimated composition
- supplement 54.6%
- veg 17.7%
- meat 9.3%
- oil 6.8%
- additive 3.6%
- mineral 3.4%
- carb 2.3%
- fibre 2.2%
| # | As declared | Matched | Label reading | Declared % | Est. % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicken Meal | Dried chicken protein | meat · good | - | 2.5 |
| 2 | Red Lentils | Lentils | veg · medium | - | 2.4 |
| 3 | Chickpeas | Chickpeas | veg · good | - | 2.4 |
| 4 | Green Peas | Peas | veg · good | - | 2.4 |
| 5 | Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols) | Chicken Oil and Fat | oil · good | - | 2.4 |
| 6 | Duck Meal | Dried Duck Protein | meat · good | - | 2.3 |
| 7 | Tapioca | Tapioca | carb · medium | - | 2.3 |
| 8 | Whitefish Meal | White Fish | meat · good | - | 2.3 |
| 9 | Canola Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols) | Rapeseed oil | oil · good | - | 2.3 |
| 10 | Dried Tomato Pomace | Tomato Pomace | fibre · medium | - | 2.2 |
| 11 | Natural Chicken Flavor | Chicken | meat · medium | - | 2.2 |
| 12 | Ground Flaxseed | Ground Flaxseed (2%) | supplement · good | - | 2.2 |
| 13 | Menhaden Fish Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols) | Fish Oil | oil · good | - | 2.2 |
| 14 | Lecithin | Lecithin | supplement · good | - | 2.2 |
| 15 | Dried Carrots | Carrots | veg · good | - | 2.1 |
| 16 | Dried Spinach | Spinach | veg · good | - | 2.1 |
| 17 | Dried Cranberries | Cranberries | veg · good | - | 2.1 |
| 18 | Dried Blueberries | Blueberries | veg · good | - | 2.1 |
| 19 | Dried Kelp | Kelp | veg · good | - | 2.0 |
| 20 | New Zealand Green Mussel | Green-Lipped Mussel | supplement · good | - | 2.0 |
| 21 | Salt | Salt | additive · poor | - | 2.0 |
| 22 | Choline Chloride | Choline | supplement · good | - | 2.0 |
| 23 | DL-Methionine | Methionine | supplement · good | - | 2.0 |
| 24 | Monosodium Phosphate | Sodium phosphate | additive · poor | - | 1.9 |
| 25 | Taurine | Taurine | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 26 | L-Lysine | Lysine | supplement · medium | - | 1.9 |
| 27 | L-Carnitine | L-Carnitine | supplement · medium | - | 1.9 |
| 28 | Vitamin E Supplement | Vitamin E | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 29 | Ascorbic Acid | Vitamin C | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 30 | Biotin | Biotin | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 31 | Niacin Supplement | Niacin | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 32 | d-Calcium Pantothenate | Calcium pantothenate | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 33 | Vitamin A Acetate | Vitamin A | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 34 | Riboflavin Supplement | Riboflavin | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 35 | Vitamin B12 Supplement | Vitamin B12 | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 36 | Thiamine Mononitrate | Thiamine mononitrate | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 37 | Pyridoxine Hydrochloride | Pyridoxine hydrochloride | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 38 | Citric Acid | Citric Acid | additive · medium | - | 1.6 |
| 39 | Vitamin D3 Supplement | Vitamin D3 supplement | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 40 | Folic Acid | Folic acid | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 41 | Potassium Chloride | Potassium Chloride | supplement · medium | - | 1.5 |
| 42 | Ferrous Sulfate | Iron sulfate | supplement · good | - | 1.5 |
| 43 | Zinc Sulfate | Zinc sulfate | supplement · medium | - | 1.5 |
| 44 | Zinc Proteinate | Zinc Proteinate | supplement · good | - | 1.5 |
| 45 | Iron Proteinate | Iron Proteinate | mineral · good | - | 1.5 |
| 46 | Zinc Oxide | Zinc Oxide | supplement · good | - | 1.4 |
| 47 | Copper Sulfate | Copper sulphate | supplement · good | - | 1.4 |
| 48 | Manganese Sulfate | Manganese sulfate | supplement · medium | - | 1.4 |
| 49 | Manganese Proteinate | Manganese proteinate | supplement · good | - | 1.4 |
| 50 | Copper Proteinate | Copper proteinate | supplement · good | - | 1.3 |
| 51 | Manganous Oxide | Manganese (II) Oxide | supplement · good | - | 1.3 |
| 52 | Sodium Selenite | Sodium selenite | supplement · poor | - | 1.3 |
| 53 | Calcium Iodate | Calcium iodate | supplement · medium | - | 1.3 |
| 54 | Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product Dehydrated | Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product | supplement · good | - | 1.2 |
- 1. Chicken Meal2.5% estimated
- 2. Red Lentils2.4% estimated
- 3. Chickpeas2.4% estimated
- 4. Green Peas2.4% estimated
- 5. Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols)2.4% estimated
- 6. Duck Meal2.3% estimated
- 7. Tapioca2.3% estimated
- 8. Whitefish Meal2.3% estimated
- 9. Canola Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols)2.3% estimated
- 10. Dried Tomato Pomace2.2% estimated
- 11. Natural Chicken Flavor2.2% estimated
- 12. Ground Flaxseed2.2% estimated
- 13. Menhaden Fish Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols)2.2% estimated
- 14. Lecithin2.2% estimated
- 15. Dried Carrots2.1% estimated
- 16. Dried Spinach2.1% estimated
- 17. Dried Cranberries2.1% estimated
- 18. Dried Blueberries2.1% estimated
- 19. Dried Kelp2.0% estimated
- 20. New Zealand Green Mussel2.0% estimated
- 21. Salt2.0% estimated
- 22. Choline Chloride2.0% estimated
- 23. DL-Methionine2.0% estimated
- 24. Monosodium Phosphate1.9% estimated
- 25. Taurine1.9% estimated
- 26. L-Lysine1.9% estimated
- 27. L-Carnitine1.9% estimated
- 28. Vitamin E Supplement1.8% estimated
- 29. Ascorbic Acid1.8% estimated
- 30. Biotin1.8% estimated
- 31. Niacin Supplement1.8% estimated
- 32. d-Calcium Pantothenate1.7% estimated
- 33. Vitamin A Acetate1.7% estimated
- 34. Riboflavin Supplement1.7% estimated
- 35. Vitamin B12 Supplement1.7% estimated
- 36. Thiamine Mononitrate1.7% estimated
- 37. Pyridoxine Hydrochloride1.6% estimated
- 38. Citric Acid1.6% estimated
- 39. Vitamin D3 Supplement1.6% estimated
- 40. Folic Acid1.6% estimated
- 41. Potassium Chloride1.5% estimated
- 42. Ferrous Sulfate1.5% estimated
- 43. Zinc Sulfate1.5% estimated
- 44. Zinc Proteinate1.5% estimated
- 45. Iron Proteinate1.5% estimated
- 46. Zinc Oxide1.4% estimated
- 47. Copper Sulfate1.4% estimated
- 48. Manganese Sulfate1.4% estimated
- 49. Manganese Proteinate1.4% estimated
- 50. Copper Proteinate1.3% estimated
- 51. Manganous Oxide1.3% estimated
- 52. Sodium Selenite1.3% estimated
- 53. Calcium Iodate1.3% estimated
- 54. Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product Dehydrated1.2% estimated
Nutrition and feedingProtein 32% · Fat 17%
Declared analysis (as fed)
| Nutrient | As fed |
|---|---|
| Protein | 32% |
| Fat | 17% |
| Fibre | 4% |
| Ash | 6.90% |
| Moisture | 10% |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | 0.90% |
| Omega-6 fatty acids | 3.60% |
| Calcium | 1.50% |
| Phosphorus | 1.10% |
| Sodium | 0.29% |
Energy: 394.7 kcal/100g
Additives & feeding info
Feeding and storage
Feeding guide
Feed twice daily based on body weight: Up to 10 lbs: 1/4 to 3/4 cup; 11-23 lbs: 3/4 to 1-1/4 cups; 24-36 lbs: 1-1/4 to 1-3/4 cups; 37-49 lbs: 1-3/4 to 2-1/4 cups; 50-62 lbs: 2-1/4 to 3 cups; 63-75 lbs: 3 to 3-1/2 cups; 76-89 lbs: 3-1/2 to 4 cups; 90+ lbs: 4 cups plus 1/2 cup for every 10 lbs over 90. 1 cup = ~114 g. Puppies may be fed up to 33% more than adult levels. 476 kcal/cup ME.
Additives declared on the label
Nutritional additives
Vitamin E Supplement; Ascorbic Acid; Biotin; Niacin Supplement; d-Calcium Pantothenate; Vitamin A Acetate; Riboflavin Supplement; Vitamin B12 Supplement; Thiamine Mononitrate; Pyridoxine Hydrochloride; Vitamin D3 Supplement; Folic Acid; Choline Chloride; DL-Methionine; Taurine; L-Lysine; L-Carnitine; Ferrous Sulfate; Zinc Sulfate; Zinc Proteinate; Iron Proteinate; Zinc Oxide; Copper Sulfate; Manganese Sulfate; Manganese Proteinate; Copper Proteinate; Manganous Oxide; Sodium Selenite; Calcium Iodate; Potassium Chloride; Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product Dehydrated
Technological additives
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.
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?
We scored this recipe out of 100 and arrived at 51. Undeclared ingredient shares, meaning ingredients without printed percentages, contributed -10.6. The overall quality of the ingredient list contributed +7. The processing format contributed -6.7, while being labelled nutritionally complete contributed +2.3.
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 | 0.7% | -0.115 | -0.08 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 8.1% | -0.092 | -0.74 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 12.5% | -0.005 | -0.06 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 3.9% | 0.163 | +0.63 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 60.0% | -0.012 | -0.73 |
| Recipe graded poor | 3.3% | -0.065 | -0.21 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 2 | -0.876 | -1.75 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 2.0% | 0.060 | +0.12 |
| 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 | -4.38 | 0.222 | -0.97 |
| Processing multiplier | 0.98 | 33.786 | +33.11 |
| Processing: Dry Baked | 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 | 0.7% | -0.115 | -0.08 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 8.1% | -0.092 | -0.74 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 12.5% | -0.005 | -0.06 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 3.9% | 0.163 | +0.63 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 60.0% | -0.012 | -0.73 |
| 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 | 3.3% | -0.065 | -0.21 |
| Poor-quality meat in recipe | 0.0% | -0.179 | +0.00 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 2 | -0.876 | -1.75 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 2.0% | 0.060 | +0.12 |
| 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 | -4.38 | 0.222 | -0.97 |
| 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 | yes | -6.713 | -6.71 |
| Processing: Dry Extruded | no | -6.713 | +0.00 |
| 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
- 51.1
- Final score
- 51/100
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 | 32 | 35.6 (band 19.735 to 40%) | 100 |
| Fat | 17 | 18.9 (band 6.030138888888889 to 20%) | 100 |
| Fibre | 4 | 4.4 (band 0.5 to 5%) | 100 |
| Calcium | 1.5 | 1.7 (band 0.5481944444444444 to 2.5%) | 100 |
| Phosphorus | 1.1 | 1.2 (band 0.4385555555555556 to 1.6%) | 100 |
| Sodium | 0.29 | 0.3 (band 0.1096388888888889+%) | 100 |
| Calcium:phosphorus ratio | 1.4 | 1.4 (band 1 to 2%) | 91.8 |
| Omega fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-3) | - | - | 100 |
| Energy (kcal/100g) | 394.7 | 438.6 | 100 |
Omega fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-3): scored as the mean of its declared components (omega-6 100). The FEDIAF minimum for omega-6 is linoleic acid specifically.
Scored over 9 declared nutrients (combined weight 105); undeclared nutrients do not affect the score.
Declared fortification: 31 nutritional additives on the label
- Vitamin E Supplement
- Ascorbic Acid
- Biotin
- Niacin Supplement
- d-Calcium Pantothenate
- Vitamin A Acetate
- Riboflavin Supplement
- Vitamin B12 Supplement
- Thiamine Mononitrate
- Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
- Vitamin D3 Supplement
- Folic Acid
- Choline Chloride
- DL-Methionine
- Taurine
- L-Lysine
- L-Carnitine
- Ferrous Sulfate
- Zinc Sulfate
- Zinc Proteinate
- Iron Proteinate
- Zinc Oxide
- Copper Sulfate
- Manganese Sulfate
- Manganese Proteinate
- Copper Proteinate
- Manganous Oxide
- Sodium Selenite
- Calcium Iodate
- Potassium Chloride
- Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product Dehydrated
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.
75/100 · limited — 4 checkable claims: 3 consistent, 1 contradicted.
Contradicted by the label
- "Rich in Healthy Fats" — the declared label says otherwise on high fat.
Consistent with the label
- "Grain-Free & Gluten-Free" — supported by the declared grain-free data.
- "High Protein" — supported by the declared high protein data.
- "Grain-Free Formula: Made without grains or gluten – low-glycemic red lentils, chickpeas, and green peas provide easily digestible energy. No corn, wheat, soy, or by-product meals." — supported by the declared grain-free data.
8 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| A balanced ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from menhaden fish oil and flaxseed to support healthy skin and a vibrant coat, heart health, and cognitive function (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Antioxidant-rich blueberries, cranberries, carrots, and spinach provide essential vitamins for a strong immune system (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Probiotics support healthy digestion and nutrient absorption (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| 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 |
| Sensitive Skin & Stomach (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Joint & Mobility Support (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Rich in Healthy Fats (on page) | High/low level | contradicted | Manufacturer assertion |
| Grain-Free & Gluten-Free (on page) | Free-from | consistent | Manufacturer assertion |
| High Protein (on page) | High/low level | consistent | Manufacturer assertion |
| EU-Approved Protein: Superior-quality, antibiotic-free chicken and duck meals deliver highly digestible protein rich in essential amino acids for lean muscle development and maintenance (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Grain-Free Formula: Made without grains or gluten – low-glycemic red lentils, chickpeas, and green peas provide easily digestible energy. No corn, wheat, soy, or by-product meals. (on page) | Free-from | consistent | Manufacturer assertion |
The full scoring method is published. See the methodology for exactly how the headline score and each dimension are calculated.
Alternatives to Grain Free Farmer's Chicken Recipe
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