Our verdict
Is Dr. Gary's Best Breed Puppy 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 puppies
- Labelling or feeding guide is aimed at large 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 fish meal
- 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 (44)100% of the recipe is estimated
Estimated composition
- supplement 60.2%
- meat 11.3%
- oil 8.0%
- carb 5.9%
- veg 5.2%
- additive 4.6%
- fibre 2.9%
- mineral 1.8%
| # | As declared | Matched | Label reading | Declared % | Est. % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicken Meal | Dried chicken protein | meat · good | - | 3.0 |
| 2 | Brown Rice | Rice - brown / whole grain | carb · medium | - | 3.0 |
| 3 | Oatmeal | Oats | carb · medium | - | 2.9 |
| 4 | Dried Beet Pulp | Beet Pulp | fibre · medium | - | 2.9 |
| 5 | Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols) | Chicken Oil and Fat | oil · good | - | 2.9 |
| 6 | Dried Egg | Dried Egg | meat · medium | - | 2.8 |
| 7 | Brewers Dried Yeast | Yeast | supplement · good | - | 2.8 |
| 8 | Natural Chicken Flavor | Chicken | meat · medium | - | 2.8 |
| 9 | Menhaden Fish Meal | Fish Meal | meat · medium | - | 2.7 |
| 10 | Lecithin | Lecithin | supplement · good | - | 2.7 |
| 11 | Menhaden Fish Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols) | Fish Oil | oil · good | - | 2.7 |
| 12 | Dried Kelp | Kelp | veg · good | - | 2.6 |
| 13 | Salt | Salt | additive · poor | - | 2.6 |
| 14 | Taurine | Taurine | supplement · good | - | 2.6 |
| 15 | Flax Seed | Linseed | veg · good | - | 2.5 |
| 16 | Sunflower Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols) | Sunflower oil | oil · good | - | 2.5 |
| 17 | L-Lysine | Lysine | supplement · medium | - | 2.5 |
| 18 | DL-Methionine | Methionine | supplement · good | - | 2.4 |
| 19 | Ascorbic Acid | Vitamin C | supplement · good | - | 2.4 |
| 20 | Vitamin E Supplement | Vitamin E | supplement · good | - | 2.4 |
| 21 | Biotin | Biotin | supplement · good | - | 2.3 |
| 22 | Niacin Supplement | Niacin | supplement · good | - | 2.3 |
| 23 | d-Calcium Pantothenate | Calcium pantothenate | supplement · good | - | 2.3 |
| 24 | Vitamin A Acetate | Vitamin A | supplement · good | - | 2.2 |
| 25 | Riboflavin Supplement | Riboflavin | supplement · good | - | 2.2 |
| 26 | Vitamin B12 Supplement | Vitamin B12 | supplement · good | - | 2.2 |
| 27 | Thiamine Mononitrate | Thiamine mononitrate | supplement · good | - | 2.1 |
| 28 | Pyridoxine Hydrochloride | Pyridoxine hydrochloride | supplement · good | - | 2.1 |
| 29 | Citric Acid | Citric Acid | additive · medium | - | 2.1 |
| 30 | Vitamin D3 Supplement | Vitamin D3 supplement | supplement · good | - | 2.0 |
| 31 | Folic Acid | Folic acid | supplement · good | - | 2.0 |
| 32 | Potassium Chloride | Potassium Chloride | supplement · medium | - | 1.9 |
| 33 | Ferrous Sulfate | Iron sulfate | supplement · good | - | 1.9 |
| 34 | Zinc Sulfate | Zinc sulfate | supplement · medium | - | 1.9 |
| 35 | Zinc Proteinate | Zinc Proteinate | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 36 | Iron Proteinate | Iron Proteinate | mineral · good | - | 1.8 |
| 37 | Zinc Oxide | Zinc Oxide | supplement · good | - | 1.8 |
| 38 | Copper Sulfate | Copper sulphate | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 39 | Manganese Sulfate | Manganese sulfate | supplement · medium | - | 1.7 |
| 40 | Manganese Proteinate | Manganese proteinate | supplement · good | - | 1.7 |
| 41 | Copper Proteinate | Copper proteinate | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 42 | Manganous Oxide | Manganese (II) Oxide | supplement · good | - | 1.6 |
| 43 | Sodium Selenite | Sodium selenite | supplement · poor | - | 1.6 |
| 44 | Calcium Iodate | Calcium iodate | supplement · medium | - | 1.5 |
- 1. Chicken Meal3.0% estimated
- 2. Brown Rice3.0% estimated
- 3. Oatmeal2.9% estimated
- 4. Dried Beet Pulp2.9% estimated
- 5. Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols)2.9% estimated
- 6. Dried Egg2.8% estimated
- 7. Brewers Dried Yeast2.8% estimated
- 8. Natural Chicken Flavor2.8% estimated
- 9. Menhaden Fish Meal2.7% estimated
- 10. Lecithin2.7% estimated
- 11. Menhaden Fish Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols)2.7% estimated
- 12. Dried Kelp2.6% estimated
- 13. Salt2.6% estimated
- 14. Taurine2.6% estimated
- 15. Flax Seed2.5% estimated
- 16. Sunflower Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols)2.5% estimated
- 17. L-Lysine2.5% estimated
- 18. DL-Methionine2.4% estimated
- 19. Ascorbic Acid2.4% estimated
- 20. Vitamin E Supplement2.4% estimated
- 21. Biotin2.3% estimated
- 22. Niacin Supplement2.3% estimated
- 23. d-Calcium Pantothenate2.3% estimated
- 24. Vitamin A Acetate2.2% estimated
- 25. Riboflavin Supplement2.2% estimated
- 26. Vitamin B12 Supplement2.2% estimated
- 27. Thiamine Mononitrate2.1% estimated
- 28. Pyridoxine Hydrochloride2.1% estimated
- 29. Citric Acid2.1% estimated
- 30. Vitamin D3 Supplement2.0% estimated
- 31. Folic Acid2.0% estimated
- 32. Potassium Chloride1.9% estimated
- 33. Ferrous Sulfate1.9% estimated
- 34. Zinc Sulfate1.9% estimated
- 35. Zinc Proteinate1.8% estimated
- 36. Iron Proteinate1.8% estimated
- 37. Zinc Oxide1.8% estimated
- 38. Copper Sulfate1.7% estimated
- 39. Manganese Sulfate1.7% estimated
- 40. Manganese Proteinate1.7% estimated
- 41. Copper Proteinate1.6% estimated
- 42. Manganous Oxide1.6% estimated
- 43. Sodium Selenite1.6% estimated
- 44. Calcium Iodate1.5% estimated
Nutrition and feedingProtein 28% · Fat 13%
Declared analysis (as fed)
| Nutrient | As fed |
|---|---|
| Protein | 28% |
| Fat | 13% |
| Fibre | 3% |
| Ash | 6.50% |
| Moisture | 10% |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | 0.90% |
| Omega-6 fatty acids | 4.30% |
| Calcium | 1.34% |
| Phosphorus | 0.95% |
| Sodium | 0.34% |
Energy: 385 kcal/100g
Additives & feeding info
Feeding and storage
Feeding guide
Feed twice daily; adjust to condition. 1 cup = ~121 g (4.3 oz). Contains 466 kcal ME per cup. See detailed feeding table for small and large breed puppies by body weight and age on the page.
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; Taurine; L-Lysine; DL-Methionine
Technological additives
Mixed Tocopherols (preservative in Chicken Fat, Menhaden Fish Oil, Sunflower 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.
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 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 +6.4 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 | +6.43 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 5.8% | -0.115 | -0.66 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 8.8% | -0.092 | -0.81 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 5.1% | -0.005 | -0.03 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 4.6% | 0.163 | +0.75 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 61.3% | -0.012 | -0.75 |
| Recipe graded poor | 4.2% | -0.065 | -0.27 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 2 | -0.876 | -1.75 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 2.6% | 0.060 | +0.16 |
| 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 | -5.63 | 0.222 | -1.25 |
| 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 | +6.43 |
| Meat share of dry matter | 0.0% | 0.096 | +0.00 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 5.8% | -0.115 | -0.66 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 8.8% | -0.092 | -0.81 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 5.1% | -0.005 | -0.03 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 4.6% | 0.163 | +0.75 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 61.3% | -0.012 | -0.75 |
| 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 | 4.2% | -0.065 | -0.27 |
| Poor-quality meat in recipe | 0.0% | -0.179 | +0.00 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 2 | -0.876 | -1.75 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 2.6% | 0.060 | +0.16 |
| 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 | -5.63 | 0.222 | -1.25 |
| 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
- 49.7
- 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 puppies and growth. 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.
Scored against FEDIAF growth minima; puppy scoring is under review; 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 | 100 |
| Fat | 13 | 14.4 | 100 |
| Calcium | 1.34 | 1.5 | 100 |
| Phosphorus | 0.95 | 1 | 100 |
| Sodium | 0.34 | 0.4 (band 0.2339779005524862+%) | 100 |
| Calcium:phosphorus ratio | 1.4 | 1.4 | 100 |
| Omega fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-3) | - | - | 100 |
| Energy (kcal/100g) | 385 | 425.4 | 100 |
Omega fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-3): scored as the mean of its declared components (omega-6 100, omega-3 100). The FEDIAF minimum for omega-6 is linoleic acid specifically.
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: 28 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
- Taurine
- L-Lysine
- DL-Methionine
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formulated with EPA and DHA for brain development in puppies of all breeds and sizes (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Balanced calcium and phosphorus for strong bone growth (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Made with USA-sourced chicken meal (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids including DHA, EPA, and linoleic acid to support healthy skin and coat, heart health, and cognitive function (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 |
| Formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growth, including growth of large size dogs (70 lbs. or more as an adult) (on page) | Nutrient | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| EU-Approved Ingredients (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Veterinarian-formulated, holistic dry dog food (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Premium, highly digestible protein from low-ash chicken meal, egg, and menhaden fish meal (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Low and slow cooked kibble made with antibiotic-free chicken (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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