Halo Grain Free Small Breed Dog Chicken & Chickpea Recipe Review

PawDiet has been helping pet owners since 2015. To fund our efforts, articles may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission.


Review of Halo Grain Free Small Breed Dog Chicken & Chickpea Recipe

According to our data, this Halo recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult dogs. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Halo Grain Free Small Breed Dog Chicken & Chickpea Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult dogs.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Halo Grain Free Small Breed Dog Chicken & Chickpea Recipe, we'll examine all 35 ingredients and highlight the nutritional contribution of each ingredient.

While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.

  1. Chicken is a lean, easily digestible source of protein that provides essential nutrients for your dog's growth and maintenance. It's also a great source of vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

  2. Chicken broth is a flavorful, hydrating ingredient that adds moisture to your dog's food, making it more palatable. It also contains essential nutrients, like vitamins and minerals, to support your dog's overall health and well-being.

  3. Chicken liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides your dog with protein, fat, and vitamin A. It's also a great source of iron, copper, niacin, zinc, and phosphorus.

  4. Chickpea is a nutrient-dense legume that provides a valuable source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential minerals to support your dog's overall wellbeing.

  5. Agar-agar is a natural, plant-based thickening agent that helps create the desired consistency in dog food, while also providing a source of fiber to support digestion.

  6. Flaxseed is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients, which can support your dog's skin, coat, and digestive health.

  7. Tricalcium phosphate is used as a calcium supplement in dog foods, contributing to strong teeth and bones.

  8. Parsley is a source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and it also supports fresh breath.

  9. Salmon oil is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which support your dog's skin and coat health, immune system, and cognitive function.

  10. Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.

  11. While salt is a necessary component of a dog's diet, providing essential minerals such as sodium and chloride for proper cellular function, it should be provided in moderation to avoid health issues like hypertension or kidney damage.

  12. Blueberry is a nutrient-rich fruit that provides antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which can help support your dog's immune system and overall health.

  13. Cranberry is a fruit that can provide your dog with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, promoting urinary tract health and boosting their immune system.

  14. Dried New Zealand green mussel is a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin, beneficial for joint health in dogs.

  15. L-carnitine is an essential nutrient that helps your dog's body convert fat into energy, promoting a healthy weight and supporting their overall well-being.

  16. Minerals are essential nutrients that support a wide range of bodily functions in dogs, including bone and teeth development, nerve function, and enzyme activity. A balanced blend of minerals is crucial for your dog's overall health and well-being.

  17. Vitamins are essential nutrients that play a crucial role in your dog's overall health, supporting functions such as immune health, metabolism, and cellular function.

  18. Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.

  19. Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.

  20. Niacin supplement is an important source of vitamin B3, which plays a crucial role in supporting your dog's energy metabolism, nervous system function, and overall health. It also aids in maintaining healthy skin and coat, as well as promoting proper digestion.

  21. D-Calcium Pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid, a B-vitamin that helps in energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.

  22. Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.

  23. Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.

  24. Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.

  25. Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.

  26. Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a source of vitamin B6, which is essential for your dog's nervous system function, immune health, and red blood cell production.

  27. Vitamin D3 supplement is an essential vitamin that supports bone health, immune function, and overall well-being in dogs. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus balance in the body, promoting strong and healthy bones.

  28. Folic acid is a crucial B-vitamin that aids in the synthesis of DNA and supports healthy cell growth. It's essential for maintaining your dog's overall health, particularly during periods of rapid growth.

  29. Zinc amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of zinc that supports your dog's immune system, skin, and coat health. This ingredient also plays a crucial role in wound healing and maintaining a healthy metabolism.

  30. Iron amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of iron that supports red blood cell production, oxygen transport, and overall health in dogs.

  31. Copper amino acid chelate is an easily absorbed form of copper, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's connective tissue formation, metabolism, and overall health.

  32. Manganese amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of manganese, a trace mineral that supports bone health and metabolic function.

  33. Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.

  34. Cobalt amino acid chelate is an easily absorbed form of cobalt, an essential trace mineral that supports the production of vitamin B12 and overall red blood cell health in dogs.

  35. Potassium iodide is a chemical compound that can be used as a source of iodine in your dog's diet. Iodine is crucial for the proper functioning of your dog's thyroid gland.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The crude protein content of at least 9.00% in the Halo Grain Free Small Breed Dog Chicken & Chickpea Recipe is primarily derived from the chicken, chicken liver, and dried New Zealand green mussels listed in the ingredients. Chicken is a high-quality source of protein that provides essential amino acids necessary for a dog's muscle development and maintenance. Chicken liver is also a dense source of protein and adds to the overall protein content, while green mussels contribute not only protein but also omega-3 fatty acids.

The crude fat minimum of 8.50% can be attributed to the chicken, which contains natural fats, and to added fats such as salmon oil and flaxseed. Salmon oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for a dog's coat and skin health. Flaxseed also contributes healthy fats and is a source of omega-3s.

Crude fiber is listed at a maximum of 1.50%, which is relatively low, indicating the food is designed to be easily digestible. The fiber comes from ingredients such as chickpeas and flaxseed. Chickpeas are a good source of dietary fiber and also contribute to the protein content, while flaxseed provides both soluble and insoluble fiber.

The calorie content of 1229.00 kcal/kg is a measure of the energy provided by the food. This energy comes from the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the ingredients. The primary contributors to the calorie content would be the chicken and fats like salmon oil, as fats are more calorie-dense than proteins or carbohydrates. Chickpeas also contribute to the caloric content, providing energy in the form of complex carbohydrates.