Beneful is built around chicken and grain. All 9 kibbles list chicken among their animal proteins, and every kibble except the discontinued Grain-Free Farm-Raised Chicken contains grain, usually whole grain corn, barley and whole grain wheat. Chicken also appears in 13 of the 15 wet recipes, often with liver and meat by-products.
Kibble protein runs from 23% to 28% as fed, with estimated starch from 36% to 43%. The kibbles average 25% protein and 39.7% estimated starch, against catalog kibble averages of 26.9% and 37.4%, so they sit a little lower in protein and higher in starch. They average 359 kcal against a catalog kibble average of 395. Five kibbles include peas or lentils. The wet foods run from 8% to 11% protein, averaging 9.4% against a catalog wet average of 8.3%. Eight of the 15 are grain free and 7 include peas or lentils.
The trade-off is a narrow base. Corn, wheat and barley lead most kibble ingredient lists, soybean meal shows up in several, and only Superfood Blend Salmon adds fish. Wheat gluten sits near the top of several wet recipes. Two kibbles, Playful Life and Grain-Free, are listed as discontinued.
| Recipe | Protein | Fat | Starch | Kcal / cup | First ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthy Puppy Farm-Raised Chicken | 28% | 14% | 36% | 352 | Chicken, whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal |
| Incredibites Small Dog Chicken | 26% | 13.5% | 38.5% | 382 | Chicken, whole grain corn, barley |
| Playful Life Farm-Raised Beef | 26% | 12% | 38% | 346 | Beef, whole grain wheat, chicken by-product meal |
| IncrediBites Small Farm-Raised Beef Dog Dry Food | 26% | 13.5% | 38.5% | 376 | Beef, whole grain corn, barley |
| Healthy Weight Farm-Raised Chicken | 25% | 8% | 41.5% | 331 | Chicken, whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal |
| Superfood Blend Salmon | 24% | 14% | 39% | 366 | Salmon, chicken meal, whole grain wheat |
| Grain-Free Farm-Raised Chicken | 24% | 13% | 40% | 351 | Chicken, pea starch, cassava root flour |
| Originals Farm-Raised Chicken | 23% | 12% | 43% | 360 | Chicken, whole grain corn, barley |
| Originals Farm-Raised Beef | 23% | 12% | 43% | 366 | Beef, whole grain corn, barley |
| Line average | 25% | 12.4% | 39.7% | 359 |
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.
28% protein · 14% fat · 36% starch · 352 kcal/cup · Puppy
The only puppy recipe in the line, it has the most protein and least estimated starch at 28% and 36%, with 14% fat. Chicken, whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal, soybean meal and corn protein meal lead the list, suiting puppies on a grain-inclusive diet.
Full review of Healthy Puppy Farm-Raised Chicken26% protein · 13.5% fat · 38.5% starch · 382 kcal/cup · Adult
Made for small breeds, this chicken kibble has the most calories in the line at 382 kcal per cup, with 26% protein and 13.5% fat. It is the only kibble that contains potato and has no peas, suiting small dogs whose owners want a calorie-dense, legume-free kibble.
Full review of Incredibites Small Dog Chicken26% protein · 12% fat · 38% starch · 346 kcal/cup · Adult
The only kibble with egg, this beef-first recipe adds chicken by-product meal and has 26% protein, 12% fat and the highest kibble moisture at 14%. It is listed as discontinued, so owners currently feeding it may want to plan a replacement.
We believe this recipe has been discontinued.
Full review of Playful Life Farm-Raised Beef26% protein · 13.5% fat · 38.5% starch · 376 kcal/cup · Adult
Sold for small dogs, this beef-first kibble matches IncrediBites Small Dog Chicken at 26% protein and 13.5% fat but comes in at 376 kcal per cup. It adds soybean meal and peas, suiting small dogs that prefer beef and owners who accept legumes.
Full review of IncrediBites Small Farm-Raised Beef Dog Dry Food25% protein · 8% fat · 41.5% starch · 331 kcal/cup · Adult
Made for weight management, this kibble has the least fat and fewest calories per cup in the line at 8% and 331 kcal, plus the highest kibble fiber at 7.5%. With 25% protein and 41.5% estimated starch, it suits adult dogs whose owners want a lower-calorie kibble.
Full review of Healthy Weight Farm-Raised Chicken24% protein · 14% fat · 39% starch · 366 kcal/cup · Adult
Salmon leads the ingredient list here, ahead of chicken meal, whole grain wheat, barley and rice, making it the only kibble with fish. It has 24% protein, 14% fat and 3690 kcal per kg with no peas, suiting owners who want a fish-led grain kibble.
Full review of Superfood Blend Salmon24% protein · 13% fat · 40% starch · 351 kcal/cup · Adult
The only grain-free kibble, it replaces corn and wheat with pea starch and cassava root flour, at 24% protein, 13% fat and 40% estimated starch. Because it is listed as discontinued, it mainly matters to owners who already feed it and need a grain-free alternative.
We believe this recipe has been discontinued.
Full review of Grain-Free Farm-Raised Chicken23% protein · 12% fat · 43% starch · 360 kcal/cup · Adult
Tied for the lowest protein and highest estimated starch among the kibbles at 23% and 43%, this recipe lists chicken, whole grain corn, barley, whole grain wheat and soybean meal first. It has no peas, suiting owners who want a basic chicken and grain kibble without legumes.
Full review of Originals Farm-Raised Chicken23% protein · 12% fat · 43% starch · 366 kcal/cup · Adult
This beef-first version of Originals shares the chicken recipe's 23% protein and 43% estimated starch but adds rice to its grains and includes peas. At 366 kcal per cup, it suits owners who want the Originals formula with beef as the lead protein.
Full review of Originals Farm-Raised Beef| Recipe | Protein | Fat | Moisture | Kcal / kg | First ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freshly Prepared Blends with Beef, Carrots, Peas and Barley | 11% | 2% | 78% | 936 | Beef Broth, Beef, Wheat Gluten |
| IncrediBites Small Breed with Real Chicken in Gravy | 11% | 2.5% | 76% | 1,026 | Chicken broth, chicken, wheat gluten |
| Freshly Prepared Blends with Turkey, Sweet Potatoes, Brown Rice and Spinach | 11% | 2% | 78% | 1,056 | Turkey Broth, Turkey, Wheat Gluten |
| Freshly Prepared Classics With Lamb, Chopped Kale and Carrots Pate | 11% | 4% | 78% | 1,143 | Chicken, chicken broth, liver |
| Steak & Green Beans in Gravy | 10% | 2% | 80% | 878 | Water, Chicken, Liver |
| Prepared Meals Beef Chicken | 10% | 2% | 78% | 935 | Beef and chicken broth, beef, wheat gluten |
| Freshly Prepared Classics Turkey Dinner with Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans Pate | 10% | 4% | 78% | 1,043 | Chicken, turkey, chicken and turkey broth |
| IncrediBites Small Breed Loaf with Real Beef | 9% | 6% | 78% | 1,254 | Chicken, chicken and beef broth, liver |
| IncrediBites Small Breed Loaf with Real Salmon | 9% | 6% | 78% | 1,258 | Chicken, Chicken And Salmon Broth, Liver |
| Freshly Prepared Classics Chicken Dinner with Carrots and Peas Pate | 9% | 5% | 78% | 1,140 | Chicken, chicken broth, liver |
| Chicken & Carrots Loaf | 8% | 6% | 78% | 1,157 | Chicken, Chicken Broth, Liver |
| Beef & Peas Loaf | 8% | 6% | 78% | 1,156 | Chicken, chicken broth, liver |
| Freshly Prepared Classics With Salmon, Green Beans and Spinach Pate | 8% | 5% | 78% | 1,141 | Chicken, chicken broth, liver |
| Freshly Prepared Stews Turkey Dinner with Spinach and Ditalini Pasta in Gravy | 8% | 2% | 82% | 911 | Turkey and chicken broth, turkey, chicken |
| Freshly Prepared Stews Chicken Dinner with Carrots and Rice in Gravy | 8% | 2% | 82% | 835 | Chicken, chicken broth, liver |
| Line average | 9.4% | 3.8% | 78.5% | 1,058 |
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.
11% protein · 2% fat · 255 kcal/serving · Adult
One of only two wet recipes without chicken, this blend relies on beef alone and ties for the highest wet protein at 11%, with 2% fat. It contains barley, wheat gluten and peas, suiting owners steering clear of chicken who accept grain and legumes.
Full review of Freshly Prepared Blends with Beef, Carrots, Peas and Barley11% protein · 2.5% fat · 47 kcal/serving · Adult
Made for small breeds, this gravy recipe has the lowest moisture of the wet foods at 76% and ties for the highest wet protein at 11%, at 47 kcal per serving. It uses chicken alone with wheat gluten, suiting small dogs whose owners are fine with grain.
Full review of IncrediBites Small Breed with Real Chicken in Gravy11% protein · 2% fat · 1,056 kcal/kg · Adult
This is the only recipe in the line with turkey as its sole animal protein, with turkey broth and turkey leading the list at 11% protein and 2% fat. It includes wheat gluten, brown rice and sweet potatoes but no peas, suiting owners avoiding chicken and legumes.
Full review of Freshly Prepared Blends with Turkey, Sweet Potatoes, Brown Rice and Spinach11% protein · 4% fat · 308 kcal/carton · Adult
The only wet recipe with lamb, this pate pairs it with chicken and kale and ties for the highest wet protein at 11%, with 4% fat and 308 kcal per carton. It has no grain or peas but does contain potato, suiting owners who want a lamb option.
Full review of Freshly Prepared Classics With Lamb, Chopped Kale and Carrots Pate10% protein · 2% fat · 137 kcal/can · Adult
This gravy recipe is the only one in the line with water listed first, followed by chicken, liver and meat by-products, and it has 10% protein and 2% fat at 137 kcal per can. It contains wheat gluten and peas, so it suits owners who are fine with grain and legumes.
Full review of Steak & Green Beans in Gravy10% protein · 2% fat · 935 kcal/kg · Adult
Beef and chicken broth leads this recipe, with beef, wheat gluten and white rice close behind, at 10% protein, 2% fat and 935 kcal per kg. It contains grain and peas, suiting owners who want a beef-forward wet meal and accept both.
Full review of Prepared Meals Beef Chicken10% protein · 4% fat · 281 kcal/carton · Adult
Chicken comes ahead of turkey in this pate, which lists sweet potatoes in its first five ingredients and has 10% protein, 4% fat and 281 kcal per carton. It is grain free but includes peas and potato, suiting owners who want a turkey and chicken pate without grain.
Full review of Freshly Prepared Classics Turkey Dinner with Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans Pate9% protein · 6% fat · 106 kcal/can · Adult
Made for small breeds, this loaf has 9% protein and 6% fat at 106 kcal per can, below the 180 kcal per can of Beef & Peas Loaf. It combines chicken and beef with no grain, peas or potato, suiting small dogs whose owners avoid those ingredients.
Full review of IncrediBites Small Breed Loaf with Real Beef9% protein · 6% fat · 1,258 kcal/kg · Adult
This small breed loaf has the most calories per kg of the wet foods at 1258 and adds salmon to chicken. It has no grain, peas or potato, which suits small dogs whose owners want a calorie-dense fish option.
Full review of IncrediBites Small Breed Loaf with Real Salmon9% protein · 5% fat · 310 kcal/serving · Adult
This pate names chicken as its only animal protein and lists carrots and peas in its first five ingredients, at 9% protein and 5% fat. It is grain free but contains peas and potato, with 310 kcal per serving, suiting owners who want a chicken-only pate.
Full review of Freshly Prepared Classics Chicken Dinner with Carrots and Peas Pate8% protein · 6% fat · 157 kcal/serving · Adult
Chicken is the only animal protein in this loaf, which pairs 8% protein with 6% fat and lists carrots in its first five ingredients. It has no grain, peas or potato, which suits owners avoiding all three in an all-breeds adult loaf.
Full review of Chicken & Carrots Loaf8% protein · 6% fat · 180 kcal/can · Adult
Despite the name, chicken is the first ingredient in this loaf and beef comes fifth, after chicken broth, liver and meat by-products. It is grain free but includes peas, with 8% protein, 6% fat and 180 kcal per can, suiting owners who do not mind chicken.
Full review of Beef & Peas Loaf8% protein · 5% fat · 311 kcal/serving · Adult
Although sold as a salmon pate, it lists chicken, liver and beef ahead of salmon, making it the only wet recipe here with three animal proteins. It has 8% protein, 5% fat and 311 kcal per serving, and includes peas and potato but no grain.
Full review of Freshly Prepared Classics With Salmon, Green Beans and Spinach Pate8% protein · 2% fat · 245 kcal/carton · Adult
This stew is the only recipe with pasta and lists tapioca in its first five ingredients, at 8% protein, 2% fat and 82% moisture. It combines turkey and chicken at 245 kcal per carton, suiting owners who want a higher-moisture, grain-inclusive meal without peas.
Full review of Freshly Prepared Stews Turkey Dinner with Spinach and Ditalini Pasta in Gravy8% protein · 2% fat · 225 kcal/carton · Adult
At 835 kcal per kg, this stew has the fewest calories in the line and shares the top wet moisture figure of 82% with the turkey stew. It uses chicken alone with carrots and rice and no peas, suiting owners who want a lighter-calorie wet food.
Full review of Freshly Prepared Stews Chicken Dinner with Carrots and Rice in GravyMost Beneful kibble is not. Only Grain-Free Farm-Raised Chicken skips grain, and it is listed as discontinued. Among wet foods, 8 of 15 are grain free, including Chicken & Carrots Loaf and the IncrediBites Small Breed loaves with Real Beef and Real Salmon.
Among kibbles, Healthy Puppy Farm-Raised Chicken has the most at 28%. Among wet foods, several recipes tie at 11%, including Freshly Prepared Blends with Beef, Carrots, Peas and Barley and IncrediBites Small Breed with Real Chicken in Gravy.
Five of the 9 kibbles and 7 of the 15 wet recipes include peas or lentils. Kibbles without them include Originals Farm-Raised Chicken and Superfood Blend Salmon, and wet options without them include Chicken & Carrots Loaf.
Protein is close to the average kibble we review (28.5% on a dry matter basis).
Starch is higher than average, at 40% of the food as fed.
96% of recipes lead with a meat, fish or egg ingredient (89% across the site).
38% 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.
EL Elemental dry dog food, two additional lots (expansion)
EL Elemental prescription dry dog food (8 lb, 20 lb)
PPVD EN Gastroenteric Low Fat wet dog food 13.4 oz cans (contained Purina ONE True Instinct Turkey & Venison)
Beneful Prepared Meals, Beneful Chopped Blends and Pro Plan Savory Meals 10 oz wet dog food tubs, Best Before Jun-Aug 2017
Purina ONE beyOnd Our White Meat Chicken & Whole Barley Recipe Adult dry dog food, limited bags
All Waggin' Train and Canyon Creek Ranch dog treats (chicken jerky) sold in US (market withdrawal)
We keep reviews of discontinued recipes online, each with suggested replacements, because bags stay on shelves and in pantries for months.
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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Now, is your dog's food any good?
Look it up: estimated starch, calories per cup and every ingredient, for 3,207 foods.
