Oven-Baked Tradition
Grain-Free Chicken Small Breed All Life Stages
Rating
Is Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Small Breed All Life Stages dry dog food good?
Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Small Breed All Life Stages is a dry dog food rated 3.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and moderate 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, Egg, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish but contains Legumes, Poultry, Fish, Unknown Fish Meal.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Includes a fair number of clearly named animal ingredients.
- 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 38%
- Fat 20%
- Est. Carbs 29%
- Fiber 6%
- Ash 8%
Moisture (10%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
- Protein 34%
- Fat 18%
- Est. Carbs 26%
- Fiber 5%
- Moisture 10%
- 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 High (38% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. For many healthy dogs, this can support muscle maintenance, though dogs with kidney disease or other medical conditions should follow vet-guided diet targets.
- Fat is High (20% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. It can support calorie needs for active or growing dogs, but portion control and pancreatitis history deserve extra attention.
Ingredients Analysis
48 of 48 matched
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1 Deboned 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 Chicken Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of chicken, it is a meat concentrate that contains up to 4 times more protein than fresh chicken on dry matter basis.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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3 Whole Peas
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 22% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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4 Whole Chickpeas
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
Also known as garbanzo beans, a type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 20% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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5 Fresh Fish
Animal ProteinDescription
Unnamed fish from unknown source, which its quality is highly questionable.
Why Notice?
It does not state what kind of fish is used to make the ingredient. Its quality is highly concerned, often seen in low quality pet foods.
Uncertain/Risky
Unnamed fish products could source from sick, deadly animal bodies. It is a potential risk for severe illness.
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6 Pea Fiber
CarbsDescription
Produced by separating the starch of peas from fiber, consists mainly of insoluble fiber, contains around 6 - 12% protein.
Why Concerned?
A controversial filler with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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7 Pea Protein
Plant Protein ConcentrateDescription
Extracted protein from pea in a dry process. It contains 45 - 55% protein, which will significantly boost up the overall protein content of pet foods.
Why Notice?
High level of plant-based protein is not easy to digest and offers less biological value. Good quality pet foods should obtain sufficient protein from animal sources.
Digestion Concern
The process will concentrate the level of oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that is indigestible by dogs / cats. It offers much less biological value (less absorbed by the body) to pets compared to animal protein.
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8 Canola Oil
FatDescription
Oil extracted from canola seed, high in omega 6 fats and contains a small amount of trans-fats which is not optimal for health.
Why Concerned?
A controversial, less optimal choice of fat.
Digestion Concern
High amount of plant-based fat is not easily digested by dogs / cats, can cause obstruction and gastrointestinal upset.
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9 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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10 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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11 Pumpkin
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
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12 Fish Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of unnamed fish. It is a meat concentrate that contains up to 4 times more protein than fresh fish on dry matter basis.
Why Notice?
It does not state what kind of fish is used to make the ingredient. Its quality is highly concerned, often seen in low quality pet foods.
Uncertain/Risky
Unnamed fish products could source from sick, deadly animal bodies. It is a potential risk for severe illness.
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13 Dicalcium Phosphate
SupplementDescription
A supplement for calcium and phosphorus. It is mainly used to improve the texture of pet foods. It is also found in some toothpaste as a polishing agent.
Why Notice?
A risky supplement that can cause health issues, backed by research studies.
Digestion Concern
It does not absorb any water, almost insoluble, and becomes very hard in digesting.
Uncertain/Risky
Studies show that it can cause the formulation of kidney stones.
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14 Natural Flavor
Food AdditiveDescription
Made of extracts from plant or animal sources to improve the taste of food.
Why Concerned?
Contrary to its name, natural flavors are highly processed and contain many chemical additives.
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15 Sea Salt
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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16 Taurine
SupplementDescription
An essential amino acid (building blocks of protein) to maintain a healthy brain and heart functions.
Why Prefer?
A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein).
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17 Inulin
CarbsDescription
A prebiotic that promote friendly bacteria in the gut and support better digestion.
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18 Spinach
CarbsDescription
Nutrient-dense leafy greens, an excellent source of vitamin A, C, K1, B9, iron, and calcium.
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19 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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20 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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21 Green Tea Extract
OthersDescription
One of the most healthy tea in the world. It contains catechins, which are natural antioxidants that help prevent radical damages to the body and offer many health benefits.
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22 Choline Chloride
SupplementDescription
Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.
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23 Glucosamine Hydrochloride
SupplementDescription
The most common joint supplement for reducing the level of pain and inflammation.
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24 Yucca Schidigera Extract
CarbsDescription
Yucca schidigera is a desert plant found in the arid southwestern US and Mexico. It has been shown to reduce fecal aroma (poop's smell) without any harmful effect.
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25 Dried Seaweed
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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26 Apple
CarbsDescription
Contains mainly carbs and sugar with multiple antioxidants to prevent radical damages by oxidative stress.
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27 Banana
CarbsDescription
High in carbs and natural sugar, well known for its potassium content.
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28 Blueberry
CarbsDescription
Superfood packed with antioxidants, a good source of vitamin C, K, and manganese.
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29 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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30 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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31 Sweet Potato
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent amount of vitamin A, C, B6.
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32 Chondroitin Sulfate
SupplementDescription
Derived from animal parts containing cartilage, as a supplement to support joint health.
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33 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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34 Alfalfa
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
Typically used in horse feed, high in fiber, and contains around 20% plant protein.
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35 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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36 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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37 Niacin Supplement
SupplementDescription
Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
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38 Vitamin A Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
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39 Calcium D-pantothenate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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40 Riboflavin Supplement
SupplementDescription
A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.
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41 Thiamine
SupplementDescription
A supplement for vitamin B1, which is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
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42 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).
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43 Vitamin B12 Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B12, which is vital for carbon transfer and propionate metabolism. A deficiency will result in symptoms similar to gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhea and weight loss.
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44 Pyridoxine
SupplementDescription
A synthetical supplement of vitamin B6, which is an essential element for nearly every part of metabolism.
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45 Calcium Iodate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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46 Sodium Selenite
Food AdditiveDescription
An inorganic selenium supplement. It remains controversial as the long term effect of consuming it is not known, and there is a much safer organic alternative available.
Why Concerned?
A food additive that is likely to be safe but unnecessary.
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47 Folic Acid
SupplementDescription
A synthetic form of folate, which is also known as vitamin B9. It plays an important role to support the body's functions, such as cell growth.
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48 Rosemary Extract
CarbsDescription
A common herb used for cooking, it is rich in antioxidants to fight off radical damages in the body.
Tips
- Some protein sources are less clear: Fresh Fish appear near the top without a clearly defined animal source.
- Plant protein signal: Whole Peas, Whole Chickpeas, Pea Protein may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
- Higher-priority ingredients to review: Fresh Fish, Pea Protein, Fish Meal.
- Higher-caution ingredients: Fresh Fish, Fish Meal, Dicalcium Phosphate have caution notes in the ingredient database.
- Possible digestion triggers: Whole Peas, Whole Chickpeas, Pea Fiber, and 3 more have digestion notes; watch tolerance if your pet has a sensitive stomach.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
Moderate- Named 67%
- Unnamed 33%
Mixed clarity: 67% of Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Small Breed All Life Stages's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named, but 33% use vague terms such as "meat meal" and 0% are by-products. Where names are vague, you cannot verify the source or check for allergens.
Contributing ingredients
Named
Unnamed
Animal Protein
Moderate- Animal 70%
- Plant 14%
- Plant concentrate 16%
Mixed protein sources in Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Small Breed All Life Stages: 70% animal, 14% whole plants, and 16% plant-protein concentrates. The recipe combines meat with notable plant-protein signals.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant
Plant concentrate
Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Small Breed All Life Stages dry dog food Review
Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Small Breed All Life Stages is a solid mid-tier dry dog food at 3.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and moderate animal protein content. It has clear strengths alongside a few trade-offs worth weighing.
Best for
- Owners who want clearly named protein sources
- Pets avoiding gluten grains
- Owners prioritizing bioavailable minerals
Avoid if
- You're avoiding legumes
- You need to know the exact animal source of every protein
- You're avoiding plant-protein concentrates like pea or soy isolate
Key takeaways
- Named animal proteins make up 67% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Plant-protein concentrates appear in the top 10 ingredients: Pea Protein.
- Contains common allergens: Legumes, Poultry, Fish, Unknown Fish Meal.
- On a dry-matter basis: 38% protein, 20% fat, 29% estimated carbohydrates.
- 70% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
Frequently asked questions
Is Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Small Breed All Life Stages good for dogs?
Mostly — a solid mid-tier pick at 3.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and moderate animal protein content. Best paired with knowledge of your pet's needs.
Does Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Small Breed All Life Stages contain Dairy?
No — based on the ingredient list, Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Small Breed All Life Stages doesn't include Dairy or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Small Breed All Life Stages contain Egg?
No — based on the ingredient list, Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Small Breed All Life Stages doesn't include Egg or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Small Breed All Life Stages contain Legumes?
Yes — based on the ingredient list, Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Small Breed All Life Stages contains Legumes, so pets sensitive to Legumes should generally avoid this product or consult a vet first.
Does Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Small Breed All Life Stages contain Nuts?
No — based on the ingredient list, Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Small Breed All Life Stages doesn't include Nuts or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid this allergen here.
Is Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Small Breed All Life Stages grain-free?
Yes — there are no grains in this recipe.
What are the main protein sources in Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Small Breed All Life Stages?
The top animal proteins are Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chicken Liver — clearly named, so you can verify the source.
