When I was searching for the perfect food for my pint-sized pup, I stumbled upon Kindfull Small Breed Chicken and Brown Rice Dry Dog Food, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer.
This 5-pound bag of kibble, crafted in the USA, is tailored for small breeds and packed with wholesome ingredients like chicken as the first ingredient, whole grains, and no nasty fillers like wheat, corn, or soy. If you’re looking for a nutritious, affordable option that keeps your furry friend healthy and happy, this is the one to grab.
My Experience With Kindfull Small Breed Dog Food
I’ll never forget the day I brought home my Chihuahua, Tinkerbell. She’s a tiny bundle of energy, but finding a food that suited her sensitive stomach and kept her coat shiny was no small feat. After cycling through a few brands that left her either turning up her nose or dealing with tummy troubles, I spotted Kindfull at Target. The label caught my eye—chicken as the first ingredient, no by-products, and made for small breeds like Tink. I figured it was worth a shot.
The first thing I noticed was the kibble size. It’s perfectly petite, just right for Tinkerbell’s little mouth. She dove right in, which is saying something because she’s pickier than a toddler at a vegetable buffet. The resealable 5-pound bag was a lifesaver—no more struggling with bulky containers or stale kibble. I stored it in my pantry, and it fit like it was meant to be there. Over the first week, I followed the feeding instructions on the bag, gradually mixing it with her old food to ease the transition. By day three, she was wagging her tail at mealtime, and her energy levels seemed to skyrocket.
What really impressed me was how her coat started to gleam after about a month. Her digestion stabilized too—no more late-night whining from an upset stomach. I did notice she drank a bit more water, likely because it’s dry kibble, but keeping her water bowl full solved that. The only hiccup? She loved it so much I had to watch her portions to keep her from packing on extra ounces. Overall, this food has made mealtime a joy for both of us, and I’m thrilled to have found something that checks all the boxes for my small breed companion.
Also read: My Thoughts on CapShield Maxx for Dogs.
Pros Of Kindfull Small Breed Chicken And Brown Rice Dry Dog Food
- High-Quality Protein Source
One of the biggest wins with Kindfull is that chicken is the first ingredient. I can’t stress enough how much this matters. Real, whole chicken means your dog is getting a protein-packed meal that supports muscle maintenance and energy needs. For small breeds like mine, who burn energy like tiny rockets, this is crucial. The high protein content—around 26% on a dry matter basis—keeps Tinkerbell active and strong without overloading her system.
- No Fillers or Allergens
I love that Kindfull skips the junk. There’s no wheat, corn, or soy, which are common culprits for allergies in dogs. Tinkerbell’s sensitive stomach used to act up with other brands, but since switching to Kindfull, those issues are history. The absence of by-product meals and artificial preservatives also gives me peace of mind. I know I’m feeding her something that’s as close to natural as you can get in a kibble.
- Tailored for Small Breeds
The kibble size is a godsend. Small breeds often struggle with larger chunks, but Kindfull’s bite-sized pieces are perfect for tiny jaws. It’s formulated for all life stages, so whether your pup is a bouncing puppy or a senior slowing down, this food adapts. The bag’s feeding instructions are clear, making it easy to adjust portions based on your dog’s age and activity level.
- Affordable and Accessible
Let’s talk price. At about $1.77 to $2.20 per pound for the 5-pound bag, Kindfull won’t break the bank. I grab mine at Target during my regular shopping trips, and the convenience of that resealable bag means I’m not wrestling with storage. For a high-quality food, it’s a steal compared to premium brands that cost double.
- Made in the USA
Knowing this food is made in the USA gives me confidence in its quality control. While ingredients are sourced globally, the production happens stateside, meeting strict AAFCO standards. That’s a big deal when you’re trusting a brand with your dog’s health.
Cons Of Kindfull Small Breed Chicken And Brown Rice Dry Dog Food
- Limited Flavor Variety
One thing I’ve noticed is that Kindfull’s flavor options are a bit limited. Chicken and brown rice is great, but if your dog craves variety or has a chicken allergy, you’re out of luck. Other brands offer a wider range of proteins like lamb or fish, which can be a better fit for dogs with specific dietary needs. I wish Kindfull would expand their lineup to keep things fresh for picky eaters like Tinkerbell.
- Not Grain-Free
If you’re on the grain-free bandwagon, Kindfull might not be your cup of tea. It includes brown rice and barley, which are healthy but not ideal for dogs with grain sensitivities. I don’t mind grains for Tink, but I know some pet parents prefer grain-free options, especially if their dog has specific allergies.
- Potential for Sensitive Stomachs
While Tinkerbell’s tummy loves Kindfull, I’ve read reviews from other pet parents saying their dogs had mild digestive issues during the transition. If you don’t ease into it slowly, the switch could cause some upset. I was careful to mix it with her old food over a week, but not everyone remembers to do that.
- Limited Availability
You can only find Kindfull at Target or their website, which is a bummer if you don’t live near one or prefer shopping elsewhere. I’ve had to plan my trips to stock up, and if Target’s out of stock, you’re stuck waiting for a restock or ordering online, which isn’t always ideal.
Comparison With Other Brands
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed
Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection Small Breed formula is a popular choice, and I’ve tried it with Tinkerbell before. Like Kindfull, it uses chicken as the first ingredient and includes whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal. However, Blue Buffalo adds LifeSource Bits—little nuggets packed with antioxidants—which Kindfull lacks. On the flip side, Blue Buffalo is pricier, often costing $2.50 per pound or more, and I didn’t notice a huge difference in Tink’s health compared to Kindfull. Blue Buffalo also has more flavor options, which is great if your dog gets bored easily, but Kindfull’s simpler ingredient list feels cleaner to me.
- Wellness Complete Health Small Breed
Wellness Complete Health is another brand I’ve tested. It’s formulated by veterinarians, much like Kindfull, and uses deboned chicken and oatmeal for a nutrient-rich profile. What sets Wellness apart is its inclusion of probiotics for gut health, which Kindfull doesn’t advertise. However, Wellness can be a bit heavy on plant-based ingredients like peas, which might not suit every dog. It’s also more expensive—around $2.80 per pound—and I found the kibble slightly larger, which wasn’t ideal for Tink’s tiny mouth. Kindfull’s affordability and small kibble size make it a better fit for us.
- Iams Proactive Health Small Breed
Iams is a budget-friendly option I’ve considered, especially for its lamb and rice formula, which helped a friend’s dog with allergies. It’s similar to Kindfull in price—around $1.50 per pound—and uses high-quality proteins. However, Iams includes chicken by-product meal in some recipes, which I’m not thrilled about. Kindfull’s commitment to no by-products gives it an edge for me. Iams also has a broader range of formulas for specific needs, like weight control, but I found Kindfull’s all-life-stages approach more versatile for Tinkerbell’s changing needs.
Read More: My Thoughts on Cesar Wet Dog Food.
- Canidae All Life Stages
Canidae’s All Life Stages formula is another I’ve explored, and it’s a solid competitor. It uses chicken, oatmeal, and barley, much like Kindfull, and is formulated for all breeds and ages. Canidae includes probiotics and a variety of protein sources, which is great for diversity but risky for dogs with allergies. It’s also pricier—closer to $2.40 per pound—and I noticed Tinkerbell wasn’t as enthusiastic about the taste. Kindfull’s straightforward recipe and lower cost make it more appealing for my budget and Tink’s palate.
Maintenance Tips For Feeding Kindfull Small Breed Dog Food
- Gradual Transition is Key
When I switched Tinkerbell to Kindfull, I learned the hard way that you can’t just dive in. A sudden change can upset your dog’s stomach, so mix the new food with their old one over 7-10 days. Start with 25% Kindfull and 75% old food, then gradually increase the Kindfull portion. By day 10, Tink was fully on Kindfull with no issues. This slow approach helps their digestive system adjust to the new ingredients.
- Portion Control for Small Breeds
Small breeds like Tinkerbell can gain weight fast if you’re not careful. The bag’s feeding guide is a great starting point—usually about 1/4 to 1/2 cup per day for a 5-10 pound dog, depending on activity level. I weigh Tink monthly and adjust her portions to keep her at a healthy 6 pounds. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which is tough on tiny joints, so use a measuring cup and stick to the schedule.
- Keep Water Handy
Dry kibble like Kindfull can make your dog thirstier. I noticed Tink drinking more after we switched, so I make sure her water bowl is always full. Place multiple bowls around your home to encourage hydration, especially if your pup is active. This helps with digestion and keeps their kidneys happy.
- Store It Right
The resealable 5-pound bag is a dream, but I still transfer mine to an airtight container to keep it fresh longer. Store it in a cool, dry place—your pantry or a cupboard works great. Humidity can make kibble stale or moldy, so avoid damp basements. I check the expiration date on the bag too, just to be safe.
- Regular Health Check-Ins
Even with a great food like Kindfull, I take Tink to the vet twice a year to monitor her health. Watch for signs like excessive scratching, dull coat, or changes in stool, which could mean the food isn’t agreeing with your dog. Tink’s been thriving, but every pup is different, so keep an eye out and consult your vet if something seems off.
- Add Variety Sparingly
Tinkerbell loves her Kindfull, but I sometimes mix in a tiny bit of wet food or a vet-approved topper for variety. Don’t overdo it—too many extras can unbalance the diet. I stick to a teaspoon of Kindfull’s wet food once a week as a treat, which keeps her excited without messing with her nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions (Faq)
I think Kindfull is a solid choice, especially for the price. It’s made in the USA, uses chicken as the first ingredient, and skips fillers like wheat, corn, and soy. Tinkerbell’s been thriving on it—her coat’s shinier, and her energy’s through the roof. That said, it’s not perfect for every dog. If your pup has a chicken allergy or needs a grain-free diet, you might need to look elsewhere. The brand’s transparency could improve too—Target doesn’t share much about their manufacturing partners. But for most small breeds, it’s a reliable, affordable option.
Picking the “healthiest” dog food is tricky because it depends on your dog’s needs. For Tinkerbell, Kindfull works wonders, but brands like Orijen or Wellness Core often get top marks for their high protein content and minimal fillers. Orijen’s Amazing Grains Fit & Trim, for example, boasts 42% protein and novel proteins like fish, which is great for allergies. Ultimately, the best food is one that’s tailored to your dog’s age, size, and health, meets AAFCO standards, and keeps them happy. Consult your vet to nail it down.
Target, the company behind Kindfull, keeps the manufacturer’s identity under wraps, which is a bit frustrating. I know the food is made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients, but beyond that, details are scarce. Some speculate it’s produced by a third-party facility, possibly one that makes other private-label brands, but Target hasn’t confirmed. This lack of transparency is a minor red flag, but the food’s quality and AAFCO compliance keep me confident in feeding it to Tink.
The healthiest food depends on your dog’s unique needs, but it should be complete, balanced, and AAFCO-approved. For Tink, Kindfull’s chicken and brown rice hits the mark with high protein and no fillers. Generally, look for foods with whole proteins as the first ingredient, healthy fats like chicken fat or fish oil, and minimal artificial additives. Fresh or gently cooked options like The Farmer’s Dog can be great but are pricier. Always check with your vet to match the food to your dog’s age, breed, and health conditions.
Conclusion
After months of feeding Kindfull Small Breed Chicken and Brown Rice Dry Dog Food to my Chihuahua, I’m sold. It’s affordable, packed with quality ingredients, and tailored for small breeds. The resealable bag and lack of fillers make it a practical, healthy choice. If you want a reliable, USA-made food that keeps your pup thriving without emptying your wallet, grab a bag at Target. Your furry friend will thank you with every tail wag.