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Chicken Soup Dog Food Review: A Holistic Approach to Pet Nutrition

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Ma. Leonor Dollisen

Reviewed by

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chicken soup dog food review

Unless you live under a rock, you are probably familiar with the Chicken Soup for the Soul line of books. Each book follows a particular theme and is filled with heart-warming stories submitted by readers.

Because the Chicken Soup brand makes it their goal to touch the hearts of people, it should come as no surprise that they are also making an effort to appeal to pet owners as well.

The Chicken Soup for the Soul brand was founded in 1993 by Mark Victor Hansen and Jack Canfield and it eventually expanded into the pet industry with a line of foods for dogs and cats.

Chicken Soup dog food offers a variety of products including classic and grain-free formulas, both dry foods and wet foods – they also offer a selection of dog treats.

According to the company website, Chicken Soup understands the special bond between pets and their people which is why they make every effort to create quality products.

Chicken Soup also partners with local animal shelters to nourish pets in need and to help them find their new forever homes.

Who Makes Chicken Soup Dog Food?

The Chicken Soup line of dog food is part of the Chicken Soup for the Soul brand which started as a series of anthologies made up of heart-warming true tales.

The brand eventually grew to include a line of pet food products for both dogs and cats. Chicken Soup pet food products were previously manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods, one of the largest pet food manufacturers in the United States. As of the moment, we do not have information who their current manufacturer is.

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Chicken Soup Dog Food Reviews

The Chicken Soup for the Soul brand released their first line of wholesome pet foods over a decade ago. The company claims to follow a holistic approach to pet nutrition, using only the finest ingredients such as real meat, fresh fruits, and wholesome vegetables.

Chicken Soup states that their pet foods “promote overall health and well-being for dogs and cats” and that they are free from corn, wheat, and soy ingredients as well as artificial additives.

Chicken Soup offers two lines of dog food products, All Life Stages and Grain-Free, both of which are marketed as wholesome sources of quality nutrition.

A quick review of the ingredients lists for several Chicken Soup products reveals a mixed bag of ingredients – mostly high-quality proteins, digestible carbohydrates and healthy fats with a few ingredients thrown in that some might consider questionable.

Dry Dog Food

Chicken Soup for The Soul’s dry dog food recipes are divided into two categories: Classic and Grain-Free. The Classic category features healthy grains alongside premium meat ingredients, while the Grain-Free sub-range instead uses healthy alternatives to grains to give canines a complete and balanced meal.

Classic

Chicken Soup for The Soul’s Classic line has specific recipes catering to various kinds of canines, from puppies to seniors and from small breeds to large ones. Classic also has a weight control formulation (Weight Care) designed to help dogs maintain a lean and healthy body.

For this section, let’s just review the Adult formula that’s crafted to suit all breeds.

1. Classic Chicken, Turkey, & Brown Rice Recipe

Chicken Soup Dog Food Review: A Holistic Approach to Pet Nutrition 1

First 5 ingredients:

Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley

Protein: 25.0% min

Fat: 13.0% min

Fiber: 4.5% max

Moisture: 10.0% max

Food Type: Dry

Best for: Adult, All Breeds

Rating:

This food is designed to promote lifelong health by enhancing lean muscle and strengthening the immune system. It combines high-quality protein, antioxidants, and superfoods, with four main meat ingredients: chicken, turkey, chicken meal, and turkey meal.

Meat meals are nutrient-dense because their water content is reduced, making them excellent protein sources. The recipe also includes salmon, duck, and a variety of complex carbohydrates like barley, peas, brown rice, oatmeal, and faba beans, which help maintain energy and regulate blood sugar.

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It also includes antioxidants from superfoods such as apples, spinach, blueberries, and carrots, which support overall health. Prebiotics aid digestion, allowing better nutrient absorption.

It has balanced levels of protein, fiber, fat, moisture, and omega fatty acids to maintain healthy skin and fur. Overall, this holistic formula provides well-rounded nourishment for adult dogs.

Grain-Free

The Grain-Free range of dry dog food recipes is available in several different flavors for dogs of all life stages and breeds. For this review, let’s look at one of them.

2. Grain-Free Lamb & Pea Recipe

Chicken Soup Dog Food Review: A Holistic Approach to Pet Nutrition 2

First 5 ingredients:

Lamb, Lamb Meal, Peas, Lentils, Faba Beans

Protein: 27.0% min

Fat: 14.0% min

Fiber: 6.0% max

Moisture: 10.0% max

Food Type: Dry

Best for: Adult, All Breeds

Special Diet: Grain-free

Rating:

Some dogs, especially those that are sensitive to grain products, thrive on grain-free diets and for those that do, the brand created a dry dog food line especially for them.

This particular formulation is designed to meet the nutritional needs of dogs of all sizes and life stages, from puppies to seniors. It emphasizes premium protein, starting with fresh lamb and lamb meal, both of which provide essential nutrients, including iron, Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, and amino acids. Although lamb was once considered a novel protein, it remains a highly nutritious option.

Instead of grains, this recipe includes alternative carbohydrates like lentils, faba beans, peas, and flaxseed. While faba beans have been controversial due to potential compounds that may harm dogs, recent studies suggest that up to 20% of faba beans in dog food is safe and healthy. It is also rich in antioxidants from fruits like tomatoes, raspberries, and blueberries, which support overall health.

The high protein content suits active puppies, while the fiber content (at 6%) aids digestion and remains within safe limits for most dogs. Prebiotics are also included for better digestion. The recipe uses natural preservatives, ensuring a balanced, nutrient-rich meal for dogs across all stages of life.

Wet Dog Food

Just like with their dry dog food range, their wet food line is also divided into two kinds. One with grains (Classic) and one without (Grain-Free).

Classic

The classic formulations are crafted for all breed sizes. There are recipes made for all life stages as well as specific ones that cater only to puppies, adults, or seniors. All of the Classics are in pate form.

For this section, let’s review the brand’s most popular Classic formulation — Chicken, Turkey & Duck for Adults.

3. Adult Pate Chicken, Turkey & Duck

Chicken Soup Dog Food Review: A Holistic Approach to Pet Nutrition 3

First 5 ingredients:

Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Broth, Turkey Broth, Duck

Protein: 8.0% min

Fat: 7.0% min

Fiber: 1.0% max

Moisture: 78.0% max

Food Type: Wet, Pâté

Best for: Adult, All Breeds

Rating:

While puppies need a lot of care for their growing bodies, adult dogs need a lot of attention too. Older canines require proper nutrition for maintaining and repairing their tissues and supporting their energy needs. This Classic Pate is crafted to meet those needs and get your adult pup in tip-top shape for many years.

This pate offers a nutritious blend of poultry meats and fish, with a focus on natural ingredients. It starts with chicken and turkey, followed by chicken and turkey broth, which add moisture and enhance flavor. Salmon and chicken liver are included for their healthy fats, omega acids, and rich vitamin content.

The recipe is balanced with complex carbohydrates like brown rice, oatmeal, potatoes, barley, and peas, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Apples, cranberries, and dried kelp further enhance the nutritional profile, with kelp adding a boost of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Yucca schidigera is included to reduce stool odor, while the canning process eliminates the need for preservatives. Although wet food typically contains fewer nutrients than dry food, this recipe still offers quality protein from multiple animal sources. However, its higher caloric content (due to grains) may require careful portion control, especially for overweight dogs.

Overall, this pate is a well-balanced and nutritious choice for adult dogs.

Grain-Free

The Grain-Free wet food line comes in stew form. They’re only for adults but all dog breeds can enjoy them. Let’s take a look at one of the Grain-Free options and see why it’s one of the most popular offerings of the brand.

4. Beef & Legumes Recipe Stew

Chicken Soup Dog Food Review: A Holistic Approach to Pet Nutrition 4

First 5 ingredients:

Beef, Beef Broth, Oceanfish Broth, Beef Liver, Dried Egg Whites

Protein: 8.0% min

Fat: 2.5% min

Fiber: 1.0% max

Moisture: 82.0% max

Food Type: Wet, Pâté

Best for: Adult, Small – Medium – Large Breeds

Special Diet: Grain-free

Rating:

Ideal for canines with dietary restrictions or sensitivities, this tasty meal supplies dogs with all the nutrition they need without the grains. It comes in stew form which adds a little more moisture than its pate counterpart.

This beef recipe features both beef muscle meat and nutrient-rich beef liver, packed with vitamins A and B, iron, and copper. It includes beef broth for added moisture and taste, with an ocean fish broth providing a flavorful twist. Complex carbohydrates from sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and lentils offer sustained energy and fullness, reducing hunger between meals.

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The recipe has two fat sources: sunflower oil and menhaden fish oil, which supply omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, promoting healthy skin, shiny fur, and reduced shedding. Raspberries, blueberries, and tomato pomace are included for their antioxidants and fiber, enhancing the meal's nutritional value.

Supplemental vitamins and minerals round out the recipe, ensuring complete nutrition for adult dogs. The formula is simple yet balanced, containing no fillers—every ingredient contributes to holistic health.

Protein, fat, and fiber levels are average for canned food, with high moisture content. It's a leaner option than classic canned foods, making it suitable for dogs, including those who need to manage their weight.

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Dog Treats

A dog’s meal wouldn’t be complete without snacks to round off a meal or the day. Fortunately for us, Chicken Soup for the Soul offers a wide range of treats to reward our furry friend. The brand has three lines of treats to satisfy any dog that’s hankering for a bit of munchie.

These aren’t ordinary treats. These are all naturally-flavored and colored and do not contain by-products or meals. And if your dog is the sensitive kind, you’re in luck because the food does not have any wheat, soy or corn, either.

The treats are divided into three sub-ranges. These are Crunchy Bits, Savory Snacks, and Savory Sticks. Let’s review one from each.

Savory Snacks

1. Savory Snacks Lamb

Chicken Soup Dog Food Review: A Holistic Approach to Pet Nutrition 5

First 5 ingredients:

Lamb, Brown Rice, Oat Groats, Cane Molasses, Chicken Meal

Protein: 12.0% min

Fat: 7.0% min

Fiber: 4.0% max

Moisture: 28.0% max

Food Type: Treats

Best for: Adult, All Breeds

Rating:

Savory Snacks are yummy treats that come in heart shapes and in three of our canines’ most-liked flavors — chicken, lamb, and beef. The adult snacks are easy enough to break apart for small pooches to enjoy.

Most of the brand's products begin with real meat as the first ingredient, and these treats are no different. The primary ingredient is lamb and the protein content is further supported by the inclusion of chicken meal further down the list.

Brown rice, oat groats, and potato starch give the snacks their carbohydrate content. You’re probably already familiar with brown rice, but what are oat groats and potato starch? Oat groats are simply oats with the outer hull removed. These are minimally processed and have a low glycemic index.

Potato starch, on the other hand, does not contain nutrients but it does improve the digestibility of a food’s nutrients and reduces the food’s density.

Another ingredient that may catch your notice is the cane molasses. These are the byproducts from the extraction of sugar from sugar canes and sugar beets. It has sugar, which may be problematic for dogs in large amounts, but in treats (which are given sparingly) these should not cause any problem.

Why are they in your dog treats? They have a range of uses in dog food, such as acting as sweeteners, binders, or humectants. They also contain a pretty good amount of nutrients, like calcium, iron, and vitamin B6. The rest of the treat’s ingredients are made up of mostly natural flavors and natural preservatives.

Based on the figures, these snacks provide ample protein. Fiber, fat, and moisture are all at ideal levels too. It’s also a great thing to see that each bit only offers 8 kcal, so those looking for tasty low-calorie snacks for their pets will be much satisfied with these.

These aren’t truly soft like some ‘soft’ treats are. They’re a little bit firmer, but not hard. They’re easy to break off into smaller pieces in case you’ve got a smaller dog to feed.

Crunchy Bites

2. Crunchy Bites Bacon & Cheese

Chicken Soup Dog Food Review: A Holistic Approach to Pet Nutrition 6

First 5 ingredients:

Oatmeal, Ground Barley, Ground Potatoes, Pea Starch, Bacon

Protein: 6.0% min

Fat: 7.0% min

Fiber: 7.0% max

Moisture: 10.0% max

Food Type: Treats

Best for: Adult, All Breeds

Rating:

Like the Savory Snacks, these treats are also heart-shaped, except that these are yummy snacks in a crunchy, lip-smacking form. They’re available in three wag-inducing flavors — Peanut Butter, Chicken, and Bacon & Cheese.

Due to its drier and more crispy form, Crunchy Bites needs less preservatives than the soft Savory Snacks. The result is that the ingredients list is far shorter. In fact, there are only 8 on the list.

The snacks feature four types of starches — oatmeal, barley, potatoes, and pea starch. Oatmeal and barley are abundant in fiber, which can be very helpful for dogs with bowel irregularities.

Potatoes are noted for their high potassium levels, which is excellent in maintaining a healthy blood pressure in canines. Pea starch provides much the same nutrition as potatoes.

All four of the above contain carbohydrates that provide energy for boundless plays or to give working or sporting dogs enough fuel for their work/performance.

The flavors for this treat occupy the fifth (bacon) and seventh (cheese) spots. Unlike in some snacks where the bacon taste is courtesy of a bacon flavoring only, in this recipe it’s an actual meat ingredient.

Now bacon is usually high in fat and salt, but since the bacon here doesn’t take up too much volume in the treat, your pup can safely enjoy munching on a bit of the kibble every now and then.

Cheese is included primarily for flavor, with a small amount contributing calcium, but not enough to cause weight gain. Chicken fat, placed between the bacon and cheese, serves as an essential fat source for energy and enhancing the treat’s taste. The last ingredient, mixed tocopherols, is a natural preservative and form of vitamin E that prevents fats from going rancid.

While meat isn't the first ingredient, the grains and starches leading the list are acceptable since this is a low-calorie treat meant for occasional consumption. The high carb content is not a concern for treats like this.

They’re crafted small, but you can break them into even smaller pieces easily to give as training treats. Since the treats are low in calories, a few pieces for rewarding great behavior would not be amiss.

Savory Sticks

3. Savory Sticks Real Duck

Chicken Soup Dog Food Review: A Holistic Approach to Pet Nutrition 7

First 5 ingredients:

Duck, Chicken, Pearled Barley, Oat Flour, Glycerin

Protein: 21.0% min

Fat: 15.0% min

Fiber: 3.0% max

Moisture: 24.0% max

Food Type: Treats

Best for: Adult, All Breeds

Special Diet: Grain-free

Rating:

These are narrow rolled tubes that come in four different meaty flavors: Duck, Beef, Bacon & Cheese, and Chicken. All of the recipes start with a real meat ingredient, and none of the formulations contain any hint of grains.

This dog treat is crafted with real duck as the first ingredient, followed by turkey and pork broth, which enhances both moisture and flavor while boosting the protein content. Chickpeas are included as a grain-free source of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber.

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Some ingredients may raise concern, such as glycerin (a safe humectant), cane molasses (a sugar byproduct with small amounts offering iron and calcium), potato starch (a binding agent that aids digestion), dextrose (a sweetener that adds flavor but offers no nutritional benefit), and apple cider vinegar (a natural preservative with health benefits).

The treats also contains natural flavors like rosemary and smoke, and has a high protein content due to the two meat sources. It has a soft, firm texture, making it suitable for small dogs, though its relatively high calorie count suggests portion control. While most ingredients are beneficial, the inclusion of dextrose as a filler is unnecessary and offers no value to dogs.

Chicken Soup for the soul Dog Food

Is It Made in the United States?

Yes. The Chicken Soup for the Soul line of pet foods was first launched over a decade ago and, like the brand’s line of short story anthologies, it has expanded rather quickly. Though Chicken Soup pet foods are part of the larger Chicken Soup for the Soul brand, their products are made by a separate company – Diamond Pet Foods.

Still, the Chicken Soup brand states that all of their products are manufactured in the United States. The company website does not, however provide any specific information about exactly where or how their products are made. Chicken Soup for the Soul is headquartered in Cos Cob, Connecticut but it is unlikely that their products are made in the same location.

Where Do They Get Their Ingredients?

Chicken Soup for the Soul states that all of their products are made in the United States, but they do not provide specific information about where their ingredients come from.

They do say that their recipes are made with “real meat as first ingredients, fruits, vegetables, and herbs” and that their formulas are free from added corn, wheat, soy, and artificial additives.

Food Recall History

The brand claims that they started making their own pet food because they “understand the unique relationship between people and pets”. In the same way that their stories warm the hearts of people around the globe, their pet foods are designed to nourish the health of dogs and cats.

While Chicken Soup products are all made in the United States, the company used to outsource their production to Diamond Pet Foods.

Not only is Diamond Pet Foods one of the largest pet food manufacturers in the country, but it is also known for frequent recalls. The Chicken Soup brand in particular has been affected by two recalls in brand history.

Here are the details of those recalls:

  • In April 2007, the Chicken Soup for the Soul brand of dog food was involved in the major Menu Foods recall which was issued due to melamine contamination.
  • In May 2012, the FDA issued a recall for all types of Chicken Soup for the Soul pet foods in a certain production run due to potential salmonella contamination.
Chicken Soup Dog Food

How expensive is their food?

This dog food is a little more expensive than the average kibble but still affordable. Prices vary from one recipe to another, but the cost for a 25- of 30-pound bag of Chicken Soup dry dog food is about $38 to $65.

You can purchase 13-ounce cans of wet dog food in cases of 12 for $16 to $30 which gives you an average price of around $2.00 per can.

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What Kind of Dog Food Do They Offer?

When it comes to their dog food products, Chicken Soup for the Soul offers a variety of dry foods and wet foods. Chicken Soup dog foods can be divided into two product lines – Grain-Free and Life Stages. The Grain-Free formulas are made with quality proteins and digestible carbohydrates like peas, sweet potatoes, and lentils.

The Life Stages product lineup consists of recipes for puppies and adult dogs, including large-breed dogs and senior dogs. There is also a limited selection of dog treats available.

Dry Products

chicken soup dog food

Chicken Soup for the Soul dry dog foods fall into two categories. The Life Stages line includes seven recipes for puppies through mature dogs including large- and small-breed formulas and one recipe for weight management.

The Grain-Free product line includes four recipes made with digestible grain-free carbohydrates and high-quality proteins – there is even one limited ingredient recipe.

Here is a list of Chicken Soup for the Soul dry dog food recipes:

Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Recipes:

  • Salmon, Pea & Sweet Potato
  • Chicken, Pea & Sweet Potato
  • Beef & Legumes
  • Lamb & Pea
  • Chicken & Legumes
  • Salmon & Legumes

Classic Dry Dog Food Recipes:

All the Classic dry dog foods are only available in one flavor — chicken, turkey & brown rice. However, the formulations differ from one another in ingredient content, kibble size, and nutrient levels.

  • Adult All Breeds
  • Mature All Breeds
  • Large Bree
  • Large Breed Puppy
  • Puppy
  • Small Bites Adult
  • Weight Care Adult

Wet Products

chicken soup dog food review

In addition to their dry food products, Chicken Soup for the Soul also offers a limited selection of wet foods.

The Life Stages line of wet foods includes three recipes for puppies through mature dogs and the Grain-Free lineup includes four recipes made with premium proteins and digestible carbohydrates. Here is a list of Chicken Soup for the Soul wet dog food recipes:

Grain-Free Wet Dog Food Recipes:

All of the Grain-Free canned recipes are designed only for adult dogs, although they are ideal for all breeds.

  • Beef and Legumes (Adult)
  • Chicken (Adult)
  • Turkey (Adult)
  • Lamb & Pea (Adult)

Classic Wet Dog Food Recipes:

  • Chicken, Turkey & Duck (Adult)
  • Chicken, Turkey & Duck (Mature)
  • Chicken, Turkey & Duck (Puppy)
  • Chicken & Brown Rice (All Life Stages)
  • Turkey & Bacon (Adult)
  • Beef (All Life Stages)
  • Lamb & Brown Rice (All Life Stages)

Dog Treats

Chicken Soup Dog Food Review: A Holistic Approach to Pet Nutrition 8

The brand offers a wide assortment of dog treats to satisfy any picky canine. Not only does Chicken Soup for the Soul offer dog food products, both dry and wet, but they also offer an assortment of dog treats. Here are the dog treats that this brand has to offer:

Crunchy Bites:

  • Peanut Butter
  • Chicken
  • Bacon & Cheese

Savory Snacks:

  • Lamb
  • Chicken
  • Beef

Savory Sticks:

  • Duck
  • Beef
  • Bacon & Cheese
  • Chicken

Verdict

The brand offers a well-balanced, nutritious formula with a focus on wholesome ingredients. It includes real meats like chicken, turkey, and duck as primary proteins, along with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates such as brown rice and peas. The brand emphasizes natural sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which support overall health.

However, while the company incorporates quality proteins and nutrient-dense ingredients, it also includes some fillers, like tomato pomace or ingredients like dextrose, that provide little nutritional value. Additionally, some of their recipes are higher in carbohydrates and calories, which may not be ideal for less active or overweight dogs.

Overall, this is a reliable option for pet owners seeking a nutritionally complete dog food, but it may not be the best choice for dogs needing a lower calorie or specialized diet. Moderation and portion control may be necessary depending on your dog’s individual needs.

chicken soup for the soul dog food

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