Our verdict
Is Dr. Gary's Best Breed Toy-Small Breed 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
- Labelling or feeding guide is aimed at small dogs
- 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 white fish
- Your dog avoids grain: the label lists rice - brown / whole grain
- 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 54.7%
- veg 12.3%
- carb 9.6%
- meat 9.3%
- oil 6.8%
- additive 3.6%
- fibre 2.2%
- mineral 1.5%
| # | As declared | Matched | Label reading | Declared % | Est. % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicken Meal | Dried chicken protein | meat · good | - | 2.5 |
| 2 | Brown Rice | Rice - brown / whole grain | carb · medium | - | 2.4 |
| 3 | Pearled Barley | Pearled Barley | carb · medium | - | 2.4 |
| 4 | Millet | Millet | carb · good | - | 2.4 |
| 5 | Whitefish Meal | White Fish | meat · good | - | 2.4 |
| 6 | Oatmeal | Oats | carb · medium | - | 2.3 |
| 7 | Canola Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols) | Rapeseed oil | oil · good | - | 2.3 |
| 8 | Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols) | Chicken Oil and Fat | oil · good | - | 2.3 |
| 9 | Whole Dry Eggs | Egg | meat · 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 Blueberries | Blueberries | veg · good | - | 2.1 |
| 18 | Dried Cranberries | Cranberries | veg · good | - | 2.1 |
| 19 | Dried Kelp Meal | 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 | DL-Methionine | Methionine | supplement · good | - | 2.0 |
| 23 | Choline Chloride | Choline | supplement · good | - | 2.0 |
| 24 | L-Lysine | Lysine | supplement · medium | - | 1.9 |
| 25 | Taurine | Taurine | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 26 | Marine Microalgae | Microalgae | veg · good | - | 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. Brown Rice2.4% estimated
- 3. Pearled Barley2.4% estimated
- 4. Millet2.4% estimated
- 5. Whitefish Meal2.4% estimated
- 6. Oatmeal2.3% estimated
- 7. Canola Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols)2.3% estimated
- 8. Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols)2.3% estimated
- 9. Whole Dry Eggs2.3% 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 Blueberries2.1% estimated
- 18. Dried Cranberries2.1% estimated
- 19. Dried Kelp Meal2.0% estimated
- 20. New Zealand Green Mussel2.0% estimated
- 21. Salt2.0% estimated
- 22. DL-Methionine2.0% estimated
- 23. Choline Chloride2.0% estimated
- 24. L-Lysine1.9% estimated
- 25. Taurine1.9% estimated
- 26. Marine Microalgae1.9% 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 28% · Fat 17%
Declared analysis (as fed)
| Nutrient | As fed |
|---|---|
| Protein | 28% |
| Fat | 17% |
| Fibre | 4% |
| Ash | 7.10% |
| Moisture | 10% |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | 1.30% |
| Omega-6 fatty acids | 3.70% |
| Calcium | 1.50% |
| Phosphorus | 1.10% |
| Sodium | 0.32% |
Energy: 394 kcal/100g
Additives & feeding info
Feeding and storage
Feeding guide
Feed according to body weight: Up to 5 lbs 1/4 cup (less active) – 1/2 cup (active); 6-10 lbs 2/3 – 1 cup; 11-15 lbs 1 – 1-1/4 cups; 16-20 lbs 1-1/4 – 1-1/2 cups; 21-25 lbs 1-1/2 – 1-3/4 cups; 26-30 lbs 1-3/4 – 2 cups. 1 cup = approximately 139 g. 528 kcal per cup ME. Puppies up to 33% more; pregnant/lactating females increase per guidelines. Feed at least twice daily.
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; 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 Canola Oil, Chicken Fat, Menhaden Fish Oil); Citric Acid; Lecithin
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 score of 50 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 +6.9 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 | 0.7 | 9.191 | +6.87 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 9.5% | -0.115 | -1.09 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 7.6% | -0.092 | -0.70 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 12.5% | -0.005 | -0.06 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 3.7% | 0.163 | +0.60 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 56.6% | -0.012 | -0.69 |
| 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 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 | +6.87 |
| Meat share of dry matter | 0.0% | 0.096 | +0.00 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 9.5% | -0.115 | -1.09 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 7.6% | -0.092 | -0.70 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 12.5% | -0.005 | -0.06 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 3.7% | 0.163 | +0.60 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 56.6% | -0.012 | -0.69 |
| 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 | 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
- 50.0
- 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 | 28 | 30.9 (band 19.591160220994478 to 40%) | 100 |
| Fat | 17 | 18.8 (band 5.986187845303869 to 20%) | 100 |
| Fibre | 4 | 4.4 (band 0.5 to 5%) | 100 |
| Calcium | 1.5 | 1.7 (band 0.5441988950276244 to 2.5%) | 100 |
| Phosphorus | 1.1 | 1.2 (band 0.43535911602209953 to 1.6%) | 100 |
| Sodium | 0.32 | 0.4 (band 0.10883977900552488+%) | 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 | 435.4 | 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. Moisture was not declared and was estimated at 9.5% from the food type.
Declared fortification: 24 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
- 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.
Claims on file; none we can check against the label
| Claim | Type | Check | Substantiation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Never On a Recall List (on page) | provenance | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Made with antibiotic-free, USA-raised chicken (on page) | provenance | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Complete and balanced (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Specially sized for toy and small breed dogs' smaller mouths for easier digestion (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Mini-Bite Kibble (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Small Batch Made in Ohio, USA (on page) | provenance | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Supports healthy skin and a vibrant coat, heart health, and cognitive function (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Probiotic cultures 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 |
| Taurine for heart, vision, and reproductive health (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages (on pack) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Low & Slow Cooked (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Higher healthy fat content meets the elevated energy needs of toy and small breeds (on page) | High/low level | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Antioxidant-rich carrots, spinach, blueberries, and cranberries (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| EU-approved, antibiotic-free chicken and whitefish meals (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Balanced ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Without by-product meals, cheap fillers, or artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors (on page) | Free-from | 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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