Northwest Naturals Chicken Recipe
Northwest Naturals Chicken Recipe scores 5/5 on Moesonson's label-based analysis. Its two scoring factors rate evenly: protein clarity (high — 100% of the recipe's protein panel is clearly named) and animal-protein content (strong — 100% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources).
Rating
Updated May 2026
How this score is made
This score isn’t a hand-wavy impression: it reads what the label actually prints — the ingredient list, guaranteed analysis and AAFCO adequacy statement — and runs it through the same algorithmic rubric as every other product. No brand pays for placement, and there are no affiliate links on reviewed products.
Is Northwest Naturals Chicken Recipe freeze-dried dog food good?
Northwest Naturals Chicken Recipe is a freeze-dried dog food rated 5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. The recipe lists most animal ingredients by name and features real muscle meat as a primary protein source. This recipe is free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Legumes, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Egg, Poultry, Fish.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.
- Contains organ meats that provide natural vitamins and minerals.
- Includes plant ingredients that can provide fiber and natural antioxidants.
- Uses mainly organic mineral sources, which are typically better absorbed.
Nutrition Breakdown
| Protein | 53% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 31% |
| Est. Carbs | 2% |
| Fiber | 7% |
| Ash | 7% |
Moisture (5%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
| Protein | 50% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 29% |
| Est. Carbs | 2% |
| Fiber | 7% |
| Moisture | 5% |
| Ash | 7% |
Ash value not listed on label; 7% used as a standard estimate.
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is Super High (53% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This can fit very active, working, or growing dogs, but dogs with kidney disease or other medical conditions need vet-guided diet targets.
- Fat is Super High (31% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This is very energy-dense and may fit some working or underweight dogs, while dogs with pancreatitis history need veterinary guidance.
Ingredients Analysis
28 of 28 matched
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1 Chicken
Animal ProteinDescription
The dominant animal protein source in pet foods. Other than protein, it is also high in iron, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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2 Ground Chicken Bone
Animal ProteinDescription
The ground bone meal of chicken, it is rich in calcium and phosphorous.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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3 Chicken Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
An excellent source of vitamin A, chromium, and copper.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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4 Chicken Gizzard
Animal ProteinDescription
The gizzard is a muscle found in the digestive tract of the chicken, low in fat and high in vitamins such as vitamin B12.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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5 Cantaloupe
CarbsDescription
Cantaloupe melon, a source of vitamins A and C and potassium.
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6 Carrots
CarbsDescription
Well known for its alpha and beta-carotene content, also rich in potassium and vitamin B6. Most pet foods use it as a minor ingredient (include 0.1% to 3% of the total composition).
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7 Broccoli
CarbsDescription
A safe treat for both dogs and cats in small amounts, as it contains isothiocyanates which can cause gastric irritation.
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8 Lettuce
CarbsDescription
High water content and low in fiber, it is a good source of vitamin A and K.
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9 Egg
Animal ProteinDescription
It contains almost every nutrient the body needs. It also has the highest biological value (protein absorption) among other animal proteins.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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10 Ground Flaxseed
FatDescription
One of the richest sources of plant-based omega 3s, well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It contains around 41% of fat, 57% of the total fatty acids is omega 3s.
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11 Fish Oil
FatDescription
Oil derived from fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, and EPA.
Why Concerned?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
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12 Apple Cider Vinegar
CarbsDescription
Made by combining apples with yeast, it is said to improve digestion, prevent infection, and relieve allergy. These claims are not supported by research yet.
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13 Blueberry
CarbsDescription
Superfood packed with antioxidants, a good source of vitamin C, K, and manganese.
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14 Cranberry
CarbsDescription
High in vitamin C and antioxidants, it is also best known for fighting Urinary Tract Infections. While it could be true for humans, the effect on pets is yet to be confirmed by further research.
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15 Inulin
CarbsDescription
A prebiotic that promote friendly bacteria in the gut and support better digestion.
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16 Dried Kelp
CarbsDescription
An excellent source of various minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium. Rich in rare mineral iodine essential for healthy thyroid function.
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17 Potassium Chloride
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of potassium, which offers 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body. It is essential for important functions like nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and carbon dioxide / oxygen transport.
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18 Sodium Chloride
OthersDescription
Mainly added to enhance the flavor, might cause kidney and blood pressure issues in a larger dose. High-quality pet foods should get a sufficient amount from raw meat, additional salt is not necessary.
Why Concerned?
A controversial ingredient that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.
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19 Ginger
CarbsDescription
Knowns for its digestive properties, especially its aid in digesting fats.
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20 Parsley
CarbsDescription
A type of plant native to the Mediterranean. It is particularly rich in vitamin K, and a good source of vitamin A, C, and antioxidants.
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21 Garlic
CarbsDescription
Often added to improve the taste of pet foods. According to research, garlic is completely safe in a small amount.
Why Concerned?
A controversial vegetable that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.
Uncertain/Risky
It contains thiosulfate, when feed in a larger amount, it can cause oxidative damage to the red blood cells of the body, resulting in hemolytic anemia.
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22 Zinc Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
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23 Iron Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of iron. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
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24 Vitamin E Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that protects oxidative damages on cellular membranes by free radicals. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia, depression, and dermatitis.
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25 Copper Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of copper, which is important for the production of blood cells, hair coat color pigmentation, and maintaining the nervous system. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
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26 Manganese Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% higher absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is essential for normal metabolic function with the body.
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27 Mixed Tocopherols
Food AdditiveDescription
A mixture of different types of vitamin E, usually found in plant oils, seed and green vegetables. They are powerful antioxidants used as a natural preservative to slow down the spoilage of food.
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28 Vitamin D3 Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin D3 (animal-derived), which is essential for calcium homeostasis - to maintain a constant concentration of calcium. A deficiency will result in osteopenia (lower bone mass).
Tips
- Named animal proteins near the top: Chicken, Ground Chicken Bone are listed early in the ingredient panel.
- Ingredients worth checking: Fish Oil, Sodium Chloride, Garlic.
- Higher-caution ingredients: Garlic have caution notes in the ingredient database.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
High- Named 100%
Strong clarity: 100% of Northwest Naturals Chicken Recipe's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named (like chicken or salmon). Only 0% use vague terms such as "meat meal" and 0% are by-products. Named protein ingredients let you verify the source and check for allergens.
Contributing ingredients
Named
Animal Protein
High- Animal 100%
Meat-forward: 100% of the weighted protein in Northwest Naturals Chicken Recipe comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (0% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Northwest Naturals Chicken Recipe freeze-dried dog food Review
Northwest Naturals Chicken Recipe is a strong choice — rated 5 stars with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. A confident pick when the ingredient panel matches your pet's needs.
Best for
- Owners who want clearly named protein sources
- Pets avoiding gluten grains
- Pets that thrive on muscle-meat protein
Avoid if
- Your pet is allergic to eggs
Key takeaways
- Named animal proteins make up 100% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Contains common allergens: Egg, Poultry, Fish.
- On a dry-matter basis: 53% protein, 31% fat, 2% estimated carbohydrates.
- 100% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Legumes, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.
Frequently asked questions
Is Northwest Naturals Chicken Recipe good for dogs?
Yes — Northwest Naturals Chicken Recipe earns 5 out of 5 stars on Moesonson’s label-based analysis, combining high ingredient transparency with strong animal protein content. The score is computed from the printed ingredient list and guaranteed analysis rather than marketing claims — a confident pick when the label matches your dog’s needs.
Does Northwest Naturals Chicken Recipe contain Dairy?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Northwest Naturals Chicken Recipe does not include Dairy or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does Northwest Naturals Chicken Recipe contain Egg?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, Northwest Naturals Chicken Recipe contains Egg. Pets with a known Egg sensitivity should generally avoid this recipe, or check with a veterinarian first. Moesonson flags allergens directly from the label’s ingredient panel, so this reflects what the manufacturer actually declares.
Does Northwest Naturals Chicken Recipe contain Legumes?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Northwest Naturals Chicken Recipe does not include Legumes or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Legumes can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does Northwest Naturals Chicken Recipe contain Nuts?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Northwest Naturals Chicken Recipe does not include Nuts or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Is Northwest Naturals Chicken Recipe grain-free?
Yes — Northwest Naturals Chicken Recipe is grain-free according to its printed ingredient list: no gluten grains (like wheat) and no gluten-free grains (like rice or corn) appear in the recipe. That makes it a candidate for pets with diagnosed grain sensitivities, though grain-free offers no automatic benefit for pets without one.
What are the main protein sources in Northwest Naturals Chicken Recipe?
The main animal proteins in Northwest Naturals Chicken Recipe are Chicken, Ground Chicken Bone, Chicken Liver. Each is named by species on the printed ingredient list — a protein-clarity strength in Moesonson’s scoring, because named sources let you verify what your dog is eating and avoid specific proteins when managing food allergies.
