Proactive Health is built around chicken and grain. Chicken appears in 18 of the 19 kibbles and all 6 wet foods, and egg is in every kibble. None of the 26 recipes is grain free, and corn, sorghum, barley and rice show up throughout the kibble ingredient lists. Other proteins are scarce: lamb is in 3 kibbles, and beef, salmon, pork and turkey are each in a single kibble.
Kibble protein runs from 20% to 30% as fed, and estimated starch from 32% to 50%. The kibble average of 25.5% protein sits below the catalog kibble average of 26.9%, while average estimated starch of 40.1% sits above the catalog's 37.4%. Wet foods range from 7% to 10% protein, averaging 9% against a catalog wet average of 8.3%. The single topper has 8% protein, well under the 18.4% catalog topper average. Peas or lentils appear in 6 kibbles and 4 wet foods.
The trade-off is protein variety. Even the lamb and beef recipes include chicken, and the two Healthy Weight kibbles list corn ahead of chicken. Owners after higher protein have the Adult High Protein and puppy kibbles.
| Recipe | Protein | Fat | Starch | Kcal / cup | First ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult High Protein | 30% | 18% | 32% | 416 | Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum |
| Puppy Small Breed | 30% | 18% | 32% | 454 | Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Whole Grain Corn |
| Healthy Puppy | 29% | 17.5% | 33.5% | 397 | Chicken, chicken by-product meal, ground whole grain corn |
| Puppy | 29% | 17.5% | 33.5% | 397 | Chicken, chicken by-product meal, ground whole grain corn |
| Puppy Large Breed | 28% | 14% | 38% | 378 | Chicken, ground whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal (source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate) |
| Small Breed Lamb AND Rice | 27% | 17% | 36% | 399 | Lamb, Chicken By-Product Meal, Brewers Rice |
| Adult Small Breed | 27% | 17% | 36% | 393 | Chicken, chicken by-product meal, ground whole grain corn |
| Healthy Aging Adult Large Breed | 26% | 11% | 41.5% | 346 | Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal (Source of Chondroitin Sulfate and Glucosamine), Ground Whole Grain Barley |
| Adult Beef AND Rice | 25% | 13.5% | 41.5% | 381 | Beef, Chicken By-Product Meal, Brewers Rice |
| MiniChunks Chicken & Whole Grains | 25% | 14.5% | 40.5% | 393 | Chicken, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum |
| Adult Minichunks | 25% | 14% | 41% | 380 | Chicken, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum |
| Adult Minichunks with Lamb & Rice | 25% | 14% | 40% | 382 | Lamb, Chicken By-Product Meal (source of Chondroitin Sulfate and Glucosamine), Ground Whole Grain Barley |
| Healthy Aging | 24% | 10.5% | 44.5% | 349 | Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Barley |
| Sensitive Skin & Stomach Adult Salmon | 24% | 16% | 41% | 407 | Salmon, pork meal, ground whole grain sorghum |
| Mature Adult | 24% | 10.5% | 44.5% | 350 | Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Whole Grain Barley |
| Adult Large Breed | 22.5% | 12.5% | 44% | 354 | Chicken, Ground Barley, Ground Whole Grain Corn |
| Adult Large Breed Lamb & Rice | 22.5% | 12.5% | 44% | 335 | Lamb, Chicken By-Product Meal (source of Chondroitin Sulfate and Glucosamine), Ground Whole Grain Barley |
| Adult Healthy Weight Large Breed | 22% | 9% | 48% | 325 | Ground Whole Grain Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal (Source of Chondroitin Sulfate and Glucosamine), Ground Whole Grain Sorghum |
| Adult Healthy Weight | 20% | 9% | 50% | 326 | Ground Whole Grain Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum |
| Line average | 25.5% | 14% | 40.1% | 377 |
All figures as fed, from the guaranteed analysis on each label. Starch is our estimate, since no bag prints it. Highest in the line is marked in bold, lowest in italics.
30% protein · 18% fat · 32% starch · 416 kcal/cup · Adult
The only kibble here with turkey, and the highest-protein adult kibble at 30% protein and 18% fat, with 32% estimated starch and 416 kcal per cup. It suits active adults whose owners want more protein and fewer carbs.
Full review of Adult High Protein30% protein · 18% fat · 32% starch · 454 kcal/cup · Puppy
The most calorie-dense recipe in the line at 454 kcal per cup, with 30% protein, 18% fat and 32% estimated starch. Brewers rice sits fourth on the label, and it suits small breed puppies with small stomachs.
Full review of Puppy Small Breed29% protein · 17.5% fat · 33.5% starch · 397 kcal/cup · Puppy
The Proactive Health Healthy Puppy kibble, led by chicken and chicken by-product meal, at 29% protein, 17.5% fat and 33.5% estimated starch. Its figures match the Iams Puppy listing, and it suits puppies of all breed sizes.
Full review of Healthy Puppy29% protein · 17.5% fat · 33.5% starch · 397 kcal/cup · Puppy
Sold as Iams Puppy, this all-breed puppy kibble has the same 29% protein, 17.5% fat and 397 kcal per cup as Healthy Puppy. Chicken and chicken by-product meal lead, suiting puppies of average size.
Full review of Puppy28% protein · 14% fat · 38% starch · 378 kcal/cup · Puppy
A large breed puppy kibble with corn second and dried plain beet pulp fifth, at 28% protein and 14% fat. At 378 kcal per cup, the fewest among the puppy kibbles, it suits fast-growing big puppies.
Full review of Puppy Large Breed27% protein · 17% fat · 36% starch · 399 kcal/cup · Adult
A small breed adult kibble with lamb first, then chicken by-product meal and brewers rice. At 27% protein, 17% fat, 36% estimated starch and 3831 kcal per kg, the most energy-dense kibble per kg here, it suits small dogs whose owners want lamb named first.
Full review of Small Breed Lamb AND Rice27% protein · 17% fat · 36% starch · 393 kcal/cup · Adult
A chicken-led small breed adult kibble with chicken fat fifth on the label and peas or lentils included. Its 27% protein, 17% fat and 393 kcal per cup suit small adult dogs whose owners prefer chicken over lamb.
Full review of Adult Small Breed26% protein · 11% fat · 41.5% starch · 346 kcal/cup · Senior
A senior kibble sold for large breeds, with 26% protein, more than the other senior kibbles, and the most fiber in the line at 5.5%. At 346 kcal per cup, it suits older large dogs.
Full review of Healthy Aging Adult Large Breed25% protein · 13.5% fat · 41.5% starch · 381 kcal/cup · Adult
The only kibble in the line with beef, which leads the label ahead of chicken by-product meal and brewers rice. It sits mid-line at 25% protein and 41.5% estimated starch, suiting adults whose owners want beef in a dry food.
Full review of Adult Beef AND Rice25% protein · 14.5% fat · 40.5% starch · 393 kcal/cup · Adult
A MiniChunks kibble with corn and sorghum ahead of chicken by-product meal, and the only kibble with soybean meal in its first five ingredients. At 25% protein and 393 kcal per cup with peas or lentils, it suits adults eating smaller pieces.
Full review of MiniChunks Chicken & Whole Grains25% protein · 14% fat · 41% starch · 380 kcal/cup · Adult
An adult MiniChunks kibble labeled for small breeds, with dried beet pulp fifth on the label and no peas or lentils. At 25% protein, 14% fat and 380 kcal per cup, it suits small adults eating little pieces.
Full review of Adult Minichunks25% protein · 14% fat · 40% starch · 382 kcal/cup · Adult
A MiniChunks kibble led by lamb and chicken by-product meal, with no peas or lentils. At 25% protein, 5% fiber and 382 kcal per cup, it suits adults of any size whose owners want lamb in a smaller piece.
Full review of Adult Minichunks with Lamb & Rice24% protein · 10.5% fat · 44.5% starch · 349 kcal/cup · Senior
A senior kibble under the Proactive Health Healthy Aging name, listing ground barley third, at 24% protein and 10.5% fat. With 349 kcal per cup and 3428 kcal per kg, it suits older dogs of any size.
Full review of Healthy Aging24% protein · 16% fat · 41% starch · 407 kcal/cup · Adult
Sold for sensitive skin and stomach, this is the only kibble with fish or pork and the only one without chicken, led by salmon and pork meal. It contains peas or lentils and potato at 24% protein, suiting owners avoiding chicken.
Full review of Sensitive Skin & Stomach Adult Salmon24% protein · 10.5% fat · 44.5% starch · 350 kcal/cup · Senior
Sold as Iams Mature Adult, this senior kibble lists ground whole grain barley third, at 24% protein and 44.5% estimated starch. With 350 kcal per cup and 3444 kcal per kg, it suits older dogs of all sizes.
Full review of Mature Adult22.5% protein · 12.5% fat · 44% starch · 354 kcal/cup · Adult
A large breed adult kibble with chicken first and ground barley second, and the only large breed adult recipe that includes peas or lentils. At 22.5% protein and 354 kcal per cup, it suits big adult dogs on chicken.
Full review of Adult Large Breed22.5% protein · 12.5% fat · 44% starch · 335 kcal/cup · Adult
A large breed adult kibble with lamb first and ground whole grain barley third, and no peas or lentils. At 22.5% protein and 335 kcal per cup, it suits big adult dogs whose owners want lamb in the lead.
Full review of Adult Large Breed Lamb & Rice22% protein · 9% fat · 48% starch · 325 kcal/cup · Adult
Sold for weight control in large breeds, this has the fewest calories in the line at 325 kcal per cup and 3394 kcal per kg. Corn comes first, with 22% protein and 48% estimated starch, suiting big dogs on a calorie budget.
Full review of Adult Healthy Weight Large Breed20% protein · 9% fat · 50% starch · 326 kcal/cup · Adult
Sold for weight control, this has the least protein (20%) and the most estimated starch (50%) in the line, with corn listed first. At 326 kcal per cup, it suits adults of any size whose owners are counting calories.
Full review of Adult Healthy Weight| Recipe | Protein | Fat | Moisture | Kcal / kg | First ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Lamb, Peas and Carrots Recipe | 10% | 4% | 80% | 1,040 | Chicken Broth, Lamb, Chicken |
| Adult Beef, Peas and Carrots Recipe | 10% | 4% | 80% | 983 | Beef Broth, Beef, Chicken |
| Adult Chicken, Peas and Carrots Recipe | 10% | 4% | 80% | -- | Chicken Broth, Chicken, Chicken Liver |
| Puppy With Chicken AND Rice Classic Ground | 9% | 8% | 78% | 1,267 | Sufficient Water for Processing, Chicken, Meat By-Products |
| With Chicken AND Whole Grain Rice Classic Ground | 8% | 6% | 78% | 1,024 | Chicken, water, meat by-products |
| Senior With Slow Cooked Chicken AND Rice Classic Ground | 7% | 3% | 84% | 830 | Water, chicken, animal liver |
| Line average | 9% | 4.8% | 80% | 1,029 |
All figures as fed, from the guaranteed analysis on each label. Wet food is mostly water, so compare it with other wet food only. Highest in the line is marked in bold, lowest in italics.
10% protein · 4% fat · 1,040 kcal/kg · Adult
The only wet recipe in the line with lamb, which comes second after chicken broth and ahead of chicken, chicken liver and chicken heart. At 10% protein and 1040 kcal per kg with peas included, it suits adult dogs whose owners want lamb in a wet food.
Full review of Adult Lamb, Peas and Carrots Recipe10% protein · 4% fat · 98 kcal/pouch · Adult
The only wet food in the line with beef, listed right after beef broth, with chicken, chicken liver and wheat gluten behind it. At 10% protein and 98 kcal per pouch, it suits adult dogs whose owners want beef; it also contains peas.
Full review of Adult Beef, Peas and Carrots Recipe10% protein · 4% fat · Adult
The chicken version of the peas and carrots wet recipes, led by chicken broth, chicken, chicken liver and chicken heart, with wheat gluten fifth. It shares 10% protein and 4% fat with its lamb and beef mates, suiting adults whose owners want chicken as the only meat.
Full review of Adult Chicken, Peas and Carrots Recipe9% protein · 8% fat · 467 kcal/serving · Puppy
The only wet recipe sold for puppies, with the most fat (8%) and the most calories (1267 kcal per kg) among the line's wet foods. Dried egg product sits fourth on the label, suiting owners who feed growing puppies wet food.
Full review of Puppy With Chicken AND Rice Classic Ground8% protein · 6% fat · 378 kcal/can · Adult
An adult wet food where chicken is the only named meat, with brown rice fifth on the label and no peas or lentils. At 8% protein, 6% fat and 378 kcal per can, it suits adults whose owners want a pea-free wet option.
Full review of With Chicken AND Whole Grain Rice Classic Ground7% protein · 3% fat · 306 kcal/can · Senior
Sold for seniors, this has the least protein (7%), the least fat (3%) and the fewest calories (830 kcal per kg) among the wet foods, with 84% moisture. Water leads the label, suiting older dogs whose owners want a lower-calorie wet food.
Full review of Senior With Slow Cooked Chicken AND Rice Classic Ground| Recipe | Protein | Fat | Moisture | Kcal / kg | First ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| With Lamb AND Rice Classic Ground | 8% | 6% | 78% | 1,045 | Chicken, Sufficient Water For Processing, Meat By-Products |
All figures as fed, from the guaranteed analysis on each label. Wet food is mostly water, so compare it with other wet food only. Highest in the line is marked in bold, lowest in italics.
8% protein · 6% fat · 145 kcal/can
The line's only topper, with chicken, meat by-products and animal liver listed ahead of lamb in its first five ingredients. Its 8% protein sits well below the 18.4% catalog topper average, and at 145 kcal per can it suits owners spooning lamb and rice over a meal.
Full review of With Lamb AND Rice Classic GroundNo. All 26 recipes contain grain, and the kibbles use corn, sorghum, barley and rice. Even the Sensitive Skin & Stomach Adult Salmon kibble lists sorghum, brown rice and barley.
Among the kibbles, Adult High Protein and Puppy Small Breed tie at 30% protein as fed. Among the wet foods, the Adult Lamb, Beef and Chicken Peas and Carrots recipes have 10%.
Some recipes do. Peas or lentils are in 6 of 19 kibbles, including Adult Healthy Weight and Adult Small Breed, and 4 of 6 wet foods, including the three Peas and Carrots recipes. The Adult Beef and Rice and Healthy Puppy kibbles have none.
Protein is close to the average kibble we review (28.3% on a dry matter basis).
Starch is higher than average, at 40% of the food as fed.
85% of recipes lead with a meat, fish or egg ingredient (89% across the site).
0% of recipes are grain-free.
this range, lowest to highest its average average of all 3,205 foods we review
Starch is our estimate from the guaranteed analysis, since no manufacturer prints it. How we work it out
Share of recipes that list each animal protein as an ingredient, not counting oils, fats or flavorings. Useful if your dog has a food sensitivity.
These are not unsafe. They are listed because readers ask about them.
Limited lots of Iams and Eukanuba dry dog and cat food (P&G)
Ten everyday foods. Safe, In Moderation or Never. No googling, no second guesses. Then share your score with your friends, however embarrassing it turns out to be.
115 foods in the deck. Grapes are in there. So is cheese.
Ten foods, one at a time. Call each one Safe, In Moderation or Never, then flip the card to see if you had it right. The ones you miss are listed at the end.
Keys: 1 Safe 2 Moderation 3 Never Enter Next
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Look it up: estimated starch, calories per cup and every ingredient, for 3,207 foods.
