Ingredients
Parsed label
Chicken, Chicken Liver, Peas, Carrots, Chicken Broth, Eggs, Brown Rice, Rice Bran, Pumpkin, Spinach, Carrageenan, Natural Flavors, Fish Oil, Celery Powder, Choline Chloride, Vitamins and Minerals
Freshpet · Fresh dog food
Vital Chicken Recipe with Peas, Carrots & Brown Rice
Fresh refrigerated chicken leads a short, recognizable panel and the recipe is all-life-stages adequate. The tradeoff, in our view, is high moisture, so calories per dollar run higher than kibble, plus peas and egg early in the deck for sensitive dogs.
Last reviewed June 2026All life stagesFresh-cookedPartially verified
Fresh-cooked / refrigerated: limited evidence. Premium positioning ahead of the evidence. No proven edge over quality kibble. The evidence on this format ›
Strengths
- Nutrition Fit 8.0 / 10AAFCO adequacy clears the rubric and dry-matter protein and fat land in the bands we expect.
- Brand Trust 7.5 / 10WSAVA-style signals (named nutritionist, manufacturing control, recall posture) verified from primary sources.
- Low sensitivity risk 9.0 / 10Few of the most-named adverse-reaction trigger ingredients high on the label.
Watch-outs
- Common triggers on the labelSkip if your dog avoids chicken, egg, legumes. We surface this regardless of sub-score.
- Ingredient Clarity 4.0 / 10Some sources are less specific than the rubric prefers - generic terms in the ingredient list, or fields we cannot verify.
- Partially verified source confidenceSome label or pricing fields rely on retailer-mediated capture rather than the manufacturer source. See evidence notes below.
Buyer read
Dog food rubricWhat should you take away?
Usable shortlist option, with tradeoffs.
For Vital Chicken Recipe with Peas, Carrots & Brown Rice, the main watch-outs are: some label-transparency fields, like country or facility details, are not captured in this record yet. This is an evidence read, not a medical recommendation.
8.0
Nutrition FitAAFCO fit, calories, and dry matter protein/fat ranges.
30%of rating
7.5
Brand TrustWSAVA-style signals, recall mapping, and source confidence.
25%of rating
4.0
Ingredient ClarityNamed sources and label specificity.
15%of rating
9.0
Sensitivity RiskPopulation-level common allergen exposure.
15%of rating
7.0
ValueEstimated price per 1,000 kcal within category.
15%of rating
The composite rating is the weighted average of these five sub-scores - each row’s share of the total is the percentage at right.
vs. Fresh dog food
How this scorecard reads against its category.
Solid bar is this product. Hollow tick mark is the average across 4 peers in the same category. Same rubric for both, no weighting tricks.
Nutrition Fit8.0near avg
Brand Trust7.5-0.3 vs avg
Ingredient Clarity4.0-1.3 vs avg
Sensitivity Risk9.0+0.8 vs avg
Value7.0+4.5 vs avg
Score math
How PetScored got there.
Expand to see the rule-by-rule trail. Useful for checking the rubric; not required to make a buying decision.
Show the trail
Score math
How PetScored got there.
Expand to see the rule-by-rule trail. Useful for checking the rubric; not required to make a buying decision.
Nutrition Fit8.030% of total score
7 scoring rule(s)0 context item(s)
Nutrition Fit is reconstructed from deterministic dog-food v1 rules using the currently available fixture fields.
AAFCO statement matches declared life stageA verified AAFCO adequacy statement earns points only when it matches the declared life stage.
This product is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages, including the growth of large size dogs (70 lbs or more as an adult).+3.0AFeeding trials substantiate adequacyFeeding-trial language receives additional credit because it is stronger evidence than formulated-to-meet language.
This product is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages, including the growth of large size dogs (70 lbs or more as an adult).0.0AProtein dry matter basis in rangeProtein is compared on dry matter basis against the growth/all life stages range of 22.5-60%.
39.6%+2.0AFat dry matter basis in rangeFat is compared on dry matter basis against the growth/all life stages range of 8.5-45%.
29.2%+2.0ACalcium and phosphorus listedThis can earn credit once the nutrition panel stores calcium and phosphorus fields from a verified source.
not captured in v0 fixture0.0BCalorie statement presentA calorie statement is needed for value, feeding-cost, and cross-format comparison work.
618 kcal/lb+1.0ALarge-breed puppy statementThis rule is not applicable unless the product is marketed for large-breed puppies.
not applicable0.0ABrand Trust7.525% of total score
1 scoring rule(s)2 context item(s)seed in use
Brand Trust is still using the seed subscore while source signals are captured, reviewed, or blocked by conflict.
Brand Trust signal record missingThe seed Brand Trust value remains in use until a source-backed signal record is attached.
not capturedcontextSeedBrand Trust seed subscorePrototype score imported from the seed fixture. This keeps the public page auditable while verified rule events replace seed values.
7.5 / 10+7.5SeedSource confidence visibleConfidence is shown beside the score so prototype, single-source, verified, stale, and conflict records are not treated the same.
Partially verifiedcontextSeedIngredient Clarity4.015% of total score
8 scoring rule(s)0 context item(s)
Ingredient Clarity is reconstructed from named-source and label-specificity rules.
Animal protein sources named in top 10Named species such as chicken meal or salmon count as clearer than generic terms such as meat meal or poultry by-product meal.
chicken | chicken liver | chicken broth | eggs+3.0BFat sources named in top 10Named fats, such as chicken fat or salmon oil, are clearer than generic animal fat.
none detected0.0BGrain sources are specificSpecific grains such as rice, barley, oatmeal, or sorghum earn clarity credit. Generic grain terms do not.
brown rice | rice bran+1.0BPreservatives explicitly namedExplicit preservative language earns clarity credit because the label tells readers what is preserving the fat or formula.
not explicitly detected0.0ACountry of manufacture statedThis can earn credit once the product source record stores a verified made-in or country-of-manufacture statement.
not captured in v0 fixture0.0CManufacturer identifiableThis can earn credit once the source record identifies the manufacturer from a verified product page or label.
not captured in v0 fixture0.0CCo-packer or facility disclosedThis can earn credit once the product or brand source record publicly discloses the facility or co-packer.
not captured in v0 fixture0.0CIngredient splitting high on labelRelated starch or pulse ingredients high on the label are flagged for transparency. This is not treated as proof of harm.
rice: brown rice | rice bran0.0CSensitivity Risk9.015% of total score
9 scoring rule(s)0 context item(s)
Sensitivity Risk is reconstructed from common allergen exposure patterns in the ingredient list.
Sensitivity baselineSensitivity Risk starts at 10 and adjusts for common exposure patterns. It is not a prediction for an individual dog.
10 / 10 before ingredient exposure adjustments+10.0ABeef or beef-derived ingredient in top 5Beef exposure in the top five ingredients lowers the score because beef is commonly reported in canine food-reaction studies.
chicken | chicken liver | peas | carrots | chicken broth0.0ADairy ingredient anywhereDairy exposure is counted anywhere on the label because even lower-position ingredients may matter for sensitive dogs.
chicken | chicken liver | peas | carrots | chicken broth | eggs | brown rice | rice bran | pumpkin | spinach | carrageenan | natural flavors | fish oil | celery powder | choline chloride | vitamins and minerals0.0AChicken or chicken-derived ingredient in top 5Chicken exposure in the top five ingredients lowers the score as a population-level sensitivity flag.
chicken | chicken liver | peas | carrots | chicken broth-1.0AWheat or wheat gluten in top 5Wheat exposure in the top five ingredients is flagged without implying the food is unsafe.
chicken | chicken liver | peas | carrots | chicken broth0.0ALamb in top 5Lamb receives a smaller exposure adjustment under the current dog-food rubric.
chicken | chicken liver | peas | carrots | chicken broth0.0AMultiple common sensitivity ingredients in top 5Multiple common exposure families high in the ingredient list receive an additional small adjustment.
1 of beef, dairy, chicken, wheat detected0.0BHydrolyzed protein primary dietHydrolyzed-protein diets can receive credit when hydrolyzed protein is a primary ingredient.
not detected0.0ASingle novel protein sourceA single novel animal protein can receive credit, but marketing claims alone do not count.
not detected0.0BValue7.015% of total score
3 scoring rule(s)2 context item(s)
Value is reconstructed from package size, price, kcal density, category median, and quality caps.
Package weight parsedPackage weight is parsed from the product fixture so price can be normalized before scoring.
10.89 kgcontextCCost per 1,000 kcal calculatedValue uses calories rather than package price alone, because calorie density changes how long a bag lasts.
USD 5.38contextCCategory relative price bandThe base Value score comes from cost per 1,000 kcal relative to the product category median.
90% of Fresh cooked median+7.0CNutrition Fit value capA low Nutrition Fit score caps Value so a cheap food is not over-rewarded when core nutrition evidence is weak.
Nutrition Fit 8.00.0CBrand Trust value capA low Brand Trust score caps Value so price does not overpower weak manufacturer/source signals.
Brand Trust 7.50.0CSensitivity flags
May matter for individual dogs
chickenegglegumes
These flags reflect population-level prevalence of commonly reported canine food allergens in the published literature (Mueller and Olivry 2016), not a prediction that this dog will react. Read how we score this in the dog food rubric and the medical disclaimer.
Data status
Source-capture hold.
We have not yet captured the full source and verification record for this product.
Until those records are captured, this scorecard runs on label-seed data and is marked by source confidence rather than presented as verified.
- Data
- Partially verified
- Last reviewed
- June 2026
- Stage
- Source capture
- Checklist
- missing
- Source record
- missing
Brand Trust evidence
Brand Trust runs on its seed value.
We have not yet captured a source-backed signal record for this brand. The Brand Trust sub-score uses our seed value until signals are verified, and it is marked by source confidence rather than presented as verified.
- Signal record
- not yet captured
- Score basis
- Seed value, pending verification
- Unresolved signals
- 11
- Conflicts
- 0
- Brand sources
- 0
Source record
Confidence is visible by design.
- Captured
- June 05, 2026
- Confidence
- Partially verified
- Sources
- Freshpet official product page (GA + ingredients + calories) captured June 05, 2026
Chewy 6 lb roll case-of-4 price + AAFCO captured June 05, 2026 - Adequacy
- This product is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages, including the growth of large size dogs (70 lbs or more as an adult).
Appears in
PetScored best-for lists this food is on
- Best dog food for sensitive dogsRanked by lowest population-level sensitivity risk. We do not diagnose individual dogs; the goal is to reduce the number of common trigger ingredients on the label.
- Best-value dog foodRanked by estimated cost per 1,000 kcal within category. Cheap kibble can score well here; that is the point. Cost per calorie is the only honest value metric.
- Best all-life-stages dog foodFoods labeled AAFCO-adequate for all life stages can feed puppies through seniors. Useful for multi-dog households. We rank by overall composite within this filter.
- Best dog food for large-breed dogsFoods whose AAFCO statement explicitly covers large-size dogs. The regulatory floor for safely feeding a 70+ lb adult or growing puppy.
- Best dog food for puppiesFoods whose AAFCO adequacy statement explicitly covers growth. The legally meaningful version of “puppy formula.”
- Best fresh dog foodFresh-cooked, refrigerated dog foods, ranked by composite score. Fresh is a format, not proof of better nutrition - and the value penalty per 1,000 kcal is real. We rank what the label actually proves.
Head to head
Comparisons featuring Freshpet Vital Chicken Recipe with Peas, Carrots & Brown Rice
Compare to similar
Same category, within 1.2 composite
Where to buy
Buying Freshpet Vital Chicken Recipe with Peas, Carrots & Brown Rice
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FAQ
About Freshpet Vital Chicken Recipe with Peas, Carrots & Brown Rice
What is the PetScored rating for Freshpet Vital Chicken Recipe with Peas, Carrots & Brown Rice?
Freshpet Vital Chicken Recipe with Peas, Carrots & Brown Rice scores 7.3 out of 10 on the PetScored deterministic rubric. Strongest sub-score: Sensitivity Risk. Weakest sub-score: Ingredient Clarity. See the full sub-score breakdown and rule-event trail on the scorecard.
Is Freshpet Vital Chicken Recipe with Peas, Carrots & Brown Rice good for dogs with food sensitivities?
Skip this food if your dog avoids chicken, egg, legumes. These are common adverse-reaction trigger ingredients in published case series. If your dog tolerates these proteins, the sub-score reflects the population-level risk; individual dogs vary.
Is Freshpet Vital Chicken Recipe with Peas, Carrots & Brown Rice AAFCO complete and balanced?
Freshpet Vital Chicken Recipe with Peas, Carrots & Brown Rice carries this AAFCO adequacy statement: "This product is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages, including the growth of large size dogs (70 lbs or more as an adult)." The all-life-stages designation covers growth and maintenance.
What life stage is Freshpet Vital Chicken Recipe with Peas, Carrots & Brown Rice for?
Per the bag, Freshpet Vital Chicken Recipe with Peas, Carrots & Brown Rice is intended for All life stages (format: Fresh-cooked). Always cross-check the AAFCO statement on your actual bag, since recipes and life-stage designations can change between production runs.
How much does Freshpet Vital Chicken Recipe with Peas, Carrots & Brown Rice cost per calorie?
Captured retailer price: $79.76 for a 6 lb roll (case of 4) bag, at 1363 kcal/kg. PetScored Value sub-score benchmarks cost per 1,000 kcal against the category median rather than the sticker price - see the Value detail on the scorecard.
Related reading
How we read this label, and what we don’t penalize
- Are by-products actually bad for dog food?"No by-products" is one of the most effective marketing lines in the pet aisle. By AAFCO's definition, a named by-product is mostly organ meat. PetScored does not penalize it, and here is the reasoning.
- Chicken meal vs chicken: is "meal" a cheap filler?A bag that lists fresh chicken first sounds better than one that lists chicken meal. Because of how the ingredient list is weighed, the opposite is often true.
- Feeding trials vs "formulated to meet": the AAFCO line that decides a lot.Every complete dog food carries an AAFCO statement, and it comes in two flavors. One means the recipe was calculated on paper. The other means dogs actually ate it for six months. Our rubric weighs them differently.
- Wet vs dry dog food: what the rubric actually rewards.Format is the first thing buyers argue about and nearly the last thing our rubric cares about. Wet and dry both show up near the top and the bottom. Here is what the scorecard is really reacting to.
- Is fresh dog food better than kibble?Fresh, gently cooked food is more digestible than kibble in controlled studies. Whether that buys your dog better health, at several times the price, is a separate question the evidence has not answered.
- Is raw dog food worth it?Raw feeding promises a shinier coat and better health. In the peer-reviewed record the balance runs the other way: the risks are measured and repeated, the benefits are not.
- How much protein does a dog actually need?The protein percentage on the front of the bag is not the number you think it is. Here is how to read it on a dry-matter basis, and what the regulatory floor actually is.
This score is our opinion, formed by applying a published rubric to label and public source records, not a statement of objective fact and not veterinary advice. Label fields we cannot verify are marked by source confidence rather than assumed. See the methodology and medical disclaimer.