9 out of 10 dog owners are feeding their dog the wrong food
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Shelter manager, certified canine nutritionist, and lifelong dog lover
• Kibbles ‘n Bits delivers on affordability and palatability but falls notably short on ingredient quality, relying heavily on corn, soybean meal, and meat by-products as primary ingredients.
• The brand meets minimum AAFCO standards with 19% protein, but much comes from plant sources rather than digestible animal proteins, making it inadequate for active dogs.
• A serious 2018 recall involving sodium pentobarbital contamination exposed supply chain weaknesses, and the brand provides minimal transparency about sourcing and quality control measures.
• The dual-texture format successfully appeals to picky eaters, with many dogs accepting it enthusiastically, though some pick out the artificially colored pieces.
• Suitable only for healthy adult dogs without special dietary needs, as the brand offers no puppy, senior, therapeutic, or allergen-friendly formulas in its limited product line.
Kibbles ‘n Bits launched in 1981 under Quaker Oats as part of the Ken-L Ration line, marketed as the first dual-textured dry dog food combining crunchy kibbles with soft, meaty bits. The idea was simple: give dogs variety in every bowl to keep mealtimes interesting while keeping costs low for owners. Over the decades, the brand changed hands multiple times—from Quaker to Heinz in 1995, then to Del Monte Foods, later to J.M. Smucker Company in 2015, and most recently to Post Consumer Brands in April 2023.
Despite these ownership shifts, the core philosophy hasn’t changed much. Kibbles ‘n Bits positions itself squarely in the economy segment, prioritizing affordability and palatability over premium ingredients or specialized nutrition. The brand’s reputation rests on being a grocery-store staple that dogs generally eat willingly and that owners can afford consistently. It’s not trying to compete with Blue Buffalo or Orijen; it’s aiming to be the go-to choice for budget-conscious families who want a recognizable name and a food their dog will actually eat.
Kibbles ‘n Bits enjoys high brand recognition thanks to decades of shelf presence in major retailers like Walmart, Target, and grocery chains nationwide. For many dog owners, it’s a familiar, dependable option that’s always in stock and rarely breaks the bank. But familiarity doesn’t equal quality. The brand has faced criticism from pet nutrition experts for relying heavily on corn, soybean meal, and meat by-products as primary ingredients, along with artificial colors and the preservative BHA, which some studies have flagged as a potential carcinogen.
In 2018, the brand experienced a significant recall due to FDA detection of sodium pentobarbital—a euthanasia drug—in some batches, raising serious questions about supply chain oversight at the time. While no recalls have been reported since then for the dry food line, that incident left a lasting mark on consumer trust. More recently, in 2023, Kibbles ‘n Bits discontinued its wet food products following another recall, leaving only dry kibble in the current portfolio.
Overall, the brand’s reliability is moderate. It meets federal regulatory standards and AAFCO nutritional profiles, but transparency around ingredient sourcing, quality control measures, and sustainability initiatives is notably lacking. If you’re looking for a brand with published feeding trials, third-party certifications, or detailed information about where and how ingredients are sourced, Kibbles ‘n Bits won’t deliver that level of accountability.
When you flip a bag of Kibbles ‘n Bits and read the ingredient list, the first few items tell you most of what you need to know: corn, soybean meal, beef and bone meal, and animal fat preserved with BHA. These aren’t the hallmarks of a high-quality dog food. Let’s break down what’s actually going into your dog’s bowl.
Corn sits at the top of the ingredient list in most Kibbles ‘n Bits formulas. While corn isn’t inherently toxic to dogs, it’s a cheap filler that provides carbohydrates and some plant-based protein, but little else of nutritional value. It’s nowhere near as digestible or bioavailable as animal protein. Soybean meal follows closely, another plant protein used to boost the overall protein percentage on paper without the cost of real meat.
The animal protein comes primarily from beef and bone meal—a rendered product where moisture has been removed to concentrate protein. Meat meals aren’t necessarily bad, but they’re a step down from fresh or fresh-frozen whole meats in terms of quality and digestibility. The vague term “animal fat” is also a red flag. Without specifying the source—chicken fat, beef fat, etc.—you have no way of knowing what you’re really feeding your dog, and it raises questions about consistency and quality control.
Kibbles ‘n Bits uses artificial colors throughout its product line—those little green, red, and brown bits are dyed to look appealing to human eyes, not because they add any nutritional value for your dog. In fact, some owners report their dogs pick out and refuse the colored pieces, which tells you everything you need to know about their palatability.
The preservative BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) is used to prevent fat from going rancid. While it’s approved by the FDA for use in pet food, BHA has been flagged as a possible carcinogen in some studies. Premium brands have moved away from it in favor of natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols (vitamin E), but Kibbles ‘n Bits sticks with BHA to keep costs down.
You won’t find whole meats like chicken breast, beef chunks, or fish fillets listed prominently. There are no novel proteins like venison, duck, or rabbit for dogs with common protein sensitivities. There’s no mention of probiotics for digestive health, glucosamine or chondroitin for joint support, or meaningful levels of omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health. The ingredient list is stripped down to the bare minimum needed to meet AAFCO standards and keep production costs low.
| Price per pound | Under $1.00 |
| Primary protein | Beef and bone meal, corn, soybean meal |
| By-products | Yes (meat by-products) |
| AAFCO compliance | Yes (nutritional profiles only) |
| Formula options | Limited (5-6 flavors, adult maintenance only) |
| Availability | Grocery stores nationwide (Walmart, Target) |
On paper, Kibbles ‘n Bits meets AAFCO nutritional profiles for adult dog maintenance, which means it provides the minimum levels of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals required to keep a dog alive and functioning. But meeting minimums and providing optimal nutrition are two very different things.
Most Kibbles ‘n Bits formulas contain around 19% protein, which is just above the AAFCO minimum of 18% for adult dogs. The small breed formula bumps that up slightly to 21%, and the newer Triple Steak Flavor line markets itself as “high protein,” though exact percentages aren’t disclosed. Compare that to premium brands, which often deliver 25-35% protein, and the gap becomes clear.
Even more concerning is the source of that protein. A significant portion comes from corn and soybean meal—plant proteins that dogs can’t digest as efficiently as animal proteins. The meat and bone meal provides some animal protein, but it’s rendered and processed, which reduces its biological value compared to whole meats. If you’re feeding an active dog, a working breed, or a dog recovering from illness, 19% protein sourced largely from plants simply isn’t enough to support muscle maintenance, energy, and overall health.
Fat content in Kibbles ‘n Bits dry food averages around 9.8%, which is on the lower end for dog food. Fat is a crucial energy source and supports healthy skin, coat, and brain function. Lower fat content means your dog may need to eat more volume to meet their caloric needs, which can lead to larger, more frequent stools—a practical inconvenience for owners.
Carbohydrates aren’t listed on pet food labels, but you can estimate them by subtracting protein, fat, fiber, moisture, and ash from 100%. Given that corn and soybean meal dominate the ingredient list, carbohydrate content likely exceeds 40% on a dry matter basis. Dogs don’t have a biological requirement for carbs the way they do for protein and fat, so high carbohydrate levels are essentially filler—cheap calories that pad out the food without adding much nutritional value.
Kibbles ‘n Bits claims to include “all essential vitamins and minerals” and some formulas mention antioxidants, but specifics are vague. There’s no breakdown of omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acid ratios, no mention of probiotic strains for gut health, and no joint-supporting supplements like glucosamine or chondroitin. The brand does what’s legally required—fortifying the food to meet AAFCO standards—but doesn’t go beyond that to address modern nutritional insights or common health concerns in dogs.
Kibbles ‘n Bits is formulated exclusively for adult dogs in maintenance mode. The brand’s own feeding guidelines explicitly state the food is “not recommended for puppies under one year of age” or for pregnant or nursing dogs. There are no senior-specific formulas, no weight management options, no grain-free or limited ingredient diets, and no therapeutic or veterinary formulas for dogs with health issues.
This food works best for healthy adult dogs without special dietary needs and owners for whom budget is the primary constraint. If you have a medium-sized, moderately active dog with no allergies, sensitivities, or health concerns, and you need to keep feeding costs as low as possible, Kibbles ‘n Bits will provide adequate nutrition to meet basic requirements. The dual-texture format can be helpful for dogs with minor dental issues who struggle with uniformly hard kibble.
The small breed Mini Bits line is sized appropriately for toy and small breeds, and the slightly higher protein content (21%) is a modest improvement over the standard formula. If you have a small dog who’s a picky eater and you’re on a tight budget, it’s worth a try.
If your dog falls into any of these categories, look elsewhere:
Imagine your dog often struggles with itching and hot spots. Feeding a food loaded with potential allergens like corn and soy, plus artificial colors, is likely to make things worse, not better. Or picture a high-energy border collie who needs dense, quality nutrition to keep up with hours of activity—Kibbles ‘n Bits simply won’t provide the fuel that dog needs.
One area where Kibbles ‘n Bits genuinely delivers is palatability. The brand’s signature dual-texture approach—combining crunchy kibbles with soft, meaty bits—creates sensory variety that many dogs find appealing. Customer reviews consistently mention that dogs “love” the food and eat it enthusiastically, even picky eaters who’ve turned their noses up at other brands.
The brand offers a handful of flavor profiles, all heavily beef-focused: Savory Beef & Chicken, Bistro Oven Roasted Beef with Spring Vegetable & Apple, Triple Steak Flavor, Meaty Middles Prime Rib, and Savory Bacon & Steak. The Mini Bits line mirrors these flavors in smaller kibble sizes. There are no lamb, fish, poultry-only, or novel protein options, which limits variety if your dog needs rotation or has sensitivities to beef or pork.
The flavor comes largely from meat meals, animal fat, and added flavoring agents rather than whole meats, which may explain why some dogs initially love it but lose interest over time. The artificial colors don’t enhance taste—several owners report their dogs pick out the green bits and refuse to eat them—so the dyes are purely cosmetic for human buyers.
The kibble is easy to portion and store, and the various bag sizes (3.5 lb, 15 lb, 31 lb, 45 lb) let you buy in bulk if your dog takes to it. The dual-texture format means some dogs may pick out their preferred pieces, leaving others behind, which can create waste. A few owners mention the food has a strong smell, though opinions vary on whether that’s appealing or off-putting.
Transition time is standard—7 to 10 days of gradually mixing new food with old is recommended. Some dogs adjust smoothly, while others experience digestive upset during the switch, particularly loose stools or gas. Once acclimated, most dogs maintain steady acceptance, though there are reports of dogs suddenly refusing the food after months of eating it happily, sometimes coinciding with suspected formula changes or batch variations.
Kibbles ‘n Bits is one of the most affordable commercial dog foods you can buy, typically priced well under $1 per pound for larger bags. For a 30-pound dog eating roughly half a pound per day, that works out to about $0.35 per day or around $10.50 per month. Compare that to mid-range brands like Purina Pro Plan at $2-2.80 per pound or premium options like Blue Buffalo at $3-4 per pound, and the cost savings are undeniable.
Here’s where things get complicated. Yes, you’re paying less, but you’re also getting less. Lower protein content means your dog may need to eat more volume to feel satisfied, which can offset some of the savings. The reliance on cheap fillers and by-products means you’re not investing in your dog’s long-term health the way you would with a higher-quality food. And if your dog develops health issues down the road—skin problems, digestive upset, joint pain—that could require veterinary intervention or a costly switch to therapeutic diets.
In my opinion, Kibbles ‘n Bits delivers exactly what it promises: bare-minimum nutrition at a rock-bottom price. If you’re in a financial situation where every dollar counts and your dog is healthy, it’s a functional choice. But if you can stretch your budget even slightly, moving up to a mid-range food with better ingredient quality and higher protein content will likely pay off in fewer vet visits and a healthier, more energetic dog.
In the budget tier, Kibbles ‘n Bits competes with brands like Pedigree, Alpo, and Purina Dog Chow. Pedigree offers slightly better ingredient transparency and a wider range of formulas, including some grain-free options. Purina Dog Chow tends to have marginally higher protein content and better quality control given Purina’s larger research and development resources. Kibbles ‘n Bits holds its own on price but falls short on nutritional quality compared to even these budget competitors.
If you’re considering a step up, brands like Purina One or Iams offer meaningfully better ingredients—more whole meats, fewer fillers, no artificial colors—for only a modest increase in price. Not sure whether to choose a budget brand or invest a bit more? Read our Essence dog food review for a look at what a specialty, high-protein option can offer if you’re willing to stretch your budget further.
Kibbles ‘n Bits is manufactured at a single facility in Lawrence, Kansas, which reportedly produces up to 2 million pounds of dog food per day. The production process is highly automated, using extruders, mixers, grinders, and computer-controlled systems to maintain efficiency and consistency. While that sounds reassuring, the brand provides almost no public information about specific quality control measures, third-party audits, or food safety certifications like HACCP or ISO 22000.
Transparency around ingredient sourcing is minimal. The brand doesn’t disclose where its corn, soybean meal, or meat meals come from, and there’s no batch-level traceability for consumers. The vague term “animal fat” on the ingredient list is a red flag—premium brands specify the source (chicken fat, beef fat) because they have confidence in their supply chain. Kibbles ‘n Bits’ lack of specificity suggests cost-driven sourcing with less emphasis on quality or consistency.
The 2018 recall due to sodium pentobarbital contamination was a serious incident that exposed weaknesses in the brand’s supply chain oversight. Sodium pentobarbital is a euthanasia drug, and its presence in dog food suggests rendered animal by-products from euthanized animals may have entered the supply chain—a disturbing possibility. While the brand addressed the immediate problem and no further recalls of dry food have been reported since, the lack of detailed transparency about corrective measures leaves lingering questions.
In 2023, Kibbles ‘n Bits discontinued its wet food line following another recall, leaving only dry kibble in the current portfolio. The dry food has had no recent recalls, but the brand’s overall safety record is mixed, and the absence of published quality control protocols or third-party certifications doesn’t inspire confidence.
Kibbles ‘n Bits provides virtually no information about sustainability initiatives, environmental impact, or ethical sourcing practices. There are no published CSR reports, no commitments to carbon neutrality or renewable energy, and no details about animal welfare standards for the meat and by-products used in the food. Packaging is standard multi-layer plastic bags with no recyclable or biodegradable alternatives mentioned.
The brand’s current owner, Post Consumer Brands, is a large publicly held corporation, but there’s no evidence of pet-food-specific social responsibility programs or community engagement initiatives tied to Kibbles ‘n Bits. The Lawrence plant is described as a stable local employer, but beyond that, the brand’s ethical footprint is largely invisible.
For dog owners who prioritize sustainability, transparency, and ethical sourcing, Kibbles ‘n Bits offers nothing meaningful. If those values matter to you, you’ll need to look to brands that publish detailed sustainability reports and source ingredients responsibly, even if it means paying more.
I work at a local dog shelter, and we’re always testing different foods to see what works well for the variety of dogs that come through our doors. For this review, I tried Kibbles ‘n Bits with a dog named Riley, a five-year-old beagle mix who’d been with us for about three weeks. Riley didn’t have any major health issues—no allergies, no digestive problems—but she was a bit overweight and notoriously picky about food. She’d been on a mid-range kibble before arriving at the shelter, and while she ate it, she never seemed particularly excited about mealtimes.
When I first poured Kibbles ‘n Bits into Riley’s bowl, she approached it with her usual cautious sniff. The dual-texture pieces—crunchy kibbles mixed with softer, darker bits—seemed to catch her attention more than the uniform kibble she’d been eating. She started eating right away, which was a good sign. Over the first few days, she finished her meals consistently and seemed more enthusiastic at feeding time than she had been before.
Riley ate Kibbles ‘n Bits willingly for the two weeks we kept her on it. She didn’t pick out pieces or leave food behind, which was a win given her picky tendencies. Her energy level stayed about the same—moderate, typical for a beagle who’s a bit overweight and not getting as much exercise as she ideally should. Her coat didn’t change noticeably in that short time, and her stools remained firm and regular, though they were a bit larger in volume than they’d been on her previous food, likely due to the higher carbohydrate content and lower digestibility.
One thing I did notice was that Riley seemed hungrier between meals. She’d beg more often and seem less satisfied after eating, even though we were feeding her the recommended amount based on her weight. That’s not uncommon with lower-protein, higher-carb foods—they don’t keep dogs feeling full as long as more protein-dense options do.
Honestly, there weren’t any dramatic changes, positive or negative. Riley’s digestion stayed solid, no skin issues cropped up, and her energy remained steady. She didn’t suddenly become more playful or sluggish, and her coat stayed the same—decent but not particularly shiny. In practical terms, Kibbles ‘n Bits did its job: it kept Riley fed, healthy, and willing to eat. But it didn’t do anything beyond that. There were no noticeable improvements, which isn’t surprising given the ingredient quality and nutritional profile.
For a shelter setting where budget is tight and we need a food that most dogs will accept without issue, Kibbles ‘n Bits worked fine for Riley. But if she’d been my personal dog, I’d have been looking for something with better ingredients and higher protein to help her lose weight more effectively and feel more satisfied after meals.
Customer reviews for Kibbles ‘n Bits paint a mixed picture. On major retail platforms like Walmart and Chewy, the brand averages around 4.3 to 4.7 out of 5 stars, with the majority of reviews being positive. Dog owners consistently praise the food for being affordable, widely available, and well-accepted by their dogs. Many mention that picky eaters who’ve refused other brands happily eat Kibbles ‘n Bits, and the small breed Mini Bits line gets particularly high marks for palatability.
Common themes in positive reviews include:
One owner wrote, “I love the fact that this is cheap food but it’s still good quality. The dog food smells good…it’s good quality for the price.” Another said, “My dogs love it and have turned up their nose at other types of dog food. The smaller pieces make it easy for her to eat.”
On the flip side, roughly 10-15% of reviews are negative, with recurring complaints about:
One frustrated owner wrote, “My dog was sick after eating this, had diarrhea and vomiting for three days.” Another said, “Formula changed, and now my dog won’t touch it—this used to be the only food she’d eat.”
Professional dog food reviewers are far less enthusiastic. DogFoodAdvisor, a widely respected independent review site, gives Kibbles ‘n Bits a 1 out of 5 stars, citing poor ingredient quality, excessive use of fillers, artificial colors, and preservatives like BHA. One expert review stated, “The products don’t stand up to much scrutiny. Take a look at the filler-heavy ingredient list and we think most parents would agree that there are much better meals they could be putting into their dog’s bowl.”
Veterinarians rarely recommend Kibbles ‘n Bits, and some actively discourage it in favor of brands with better ingredient transparency and higher nutritional standards. The gap between consumer satisfaction (driven largely by price and palatability) and expert opinion (focused on ingredient quality and long-term health) is significant.
To put Kibbles ‘n Bits in perspective, let’s compare it to a few key competitors across different price tiers.
Pedigree is another mass-market, budget-friendly brand. It offers a wider range of formulas, including some grain-free options and wet food varieties. Ingredient quality is similar—corn and meat by-products dominate—but Pedigree tends to have slightly better transparency around sourcing and more consistent quality control. Pricing is comparable, making Pedigree a marginal step up if you’re staying in the budget tier.
Purina One sits in the mid-range at around $1.60-2.20 per pound. It features real meat as the first ingredient, higher protein content (25-30%), and no artificial colors or flavors. The jump in price is modest, but the improvement in ingredient quality and nutritional value is substantial. If you can stretch your budget even a little, Purina One is a smarter investment for your dog’s health.
Blue Buffalo is a premium brand priced at $3-4 per pound. It uses whole meats, no corn or soy, no by-products, and includes functional ingredients like glucosamine and omega fatty acids. The cost is significantly higher, but so is the quality. For owners who prioritize optimal nutrition and ingredient transparency, Blue Buffalo is worth the premium.
Essence is a high-protein, grain-free specialty brand targeting dogs with allergies or sensitivities. It features novel proteins like duck and venison, limited ingredients, and significantly higher protein and fat content than Kibbles ‘n Bits. Pricing is in the premium range ($3.50-5.50 per pound), and it’s sold primarily through specialty retailers and online. If your dog has specific dietary needs or you want the best possible nutrition, Essence is a strong choice. For more details, check out our Essence review.
Kibbles ‘n Bits is suitable for healthy adult dogs without special dietary needs, allergies, or health conditions. It works best for:
It is not suitable for:
If your dog is a healthy adult with no special needs and you’re on a tight budget, Kibbles ‘n Bits will get the job done. But if your dog falls outside that narrow category, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Here’s my honest take: Kibbles ‘n Bits is not a good dog food by modern nutritional standards, but it’s not outright dangerous either. It meets the bare minimum legal requirements to be sold as complete and balanced dog food, and many dogs eat it willingly and stay reasonably healthy in the short term. But “not harmful” and “good” are very different things.
The ingredient list is dominated by cheap fillers—corn, soybean meal, and meat by-products—that provide calories but not much in the way of quality nutrition. Protein content is barely above the minimum at 19%, and much of that comes from plants rather than animal sources. Fat content is low, which means less energy and potentially larger, more frequent stools. The presence of artificial colors and the preservative BHA is unnecessary and potentially risky, especially given that safer alternatives exist.
The 2018 sodium pentobarbital recall exposed serious supply chain issues, and while there haven’t been recalls since, the lack of transparency around sourcing and quality control leaves me uneasy. There’s no information about where ingredients come from, no third-party certifications, no published feeding trials, and no evidence of investment in research or innovation. The brand does the minimum required by law and nothing more.
Would I buy this for my own dog? No. Even if money were tight, I’d look for a mid-range option like Purina One or Iams that offers meaningfully better ingredients for a small increase in cost. The long-term health benefits—better muscle maintenance, healthier skin and coat, fewer digestive issues—are worth the extra few dollars per month.
Would I recommend it to a friend? Only in very specific circumstances. If they’re truly in a financial bind, their dog is a healthy adult with no special needs, and they’ve exhausted other options, then yes, Kibbles ‘n Bits is better than not feeding their dog at all. But I’d also encourage them to prioritize upgrading to a better food as soon as their budget allows.
Honestly, there are better options at nearly every price point. If you can afford even a modest step up, take it. Your dog will be healthier, more energetic, and likely live a longer, better-quality life. Kibbles ‘n Bits is adequate, but adequate isn’t good enough when it comes to your dog’s health.
Yes, Kibbles ‘n Bits meets FDA and AAFCO safety standards for commercial dog food. However, the brand had a serious recall in 2018 due to sodium pentobarbital contamination, which raised concerns about supply chain oversight. While no recalls have occurred since then for the dry food line, the lack of transparency around quality control measures and ingredient sourcing doesn’t inspire complete confidence. The food won’t harm a healthy adult dog in the short term, but it’s not the safest option available.
The low price comes from using inexpensive filler ingredients like corn and soybean meal as the primary components, rather than quality animal proteins. The brand also uses meat by-products and rendered meals instead of whole meats, relies on artificial colors and cheaper preservatives like BHA, and provides minimal nutritional value beyond meeting basic AAFCO requirements. You’re paying less because you’re getting less—both in ingredient quality and nutritional density.
No, Kibbles ‘n Bits explicitly states their food is “not recommended for puppies under one year of age.” Puppies need significantly higher protein and fat content to support proper growth and development. At only 19% protein, much of it from plant sources, this food simply doesn’t provide the nutrition a growing dog requires. Look for puppy-specific formulas with 22-32% protein from animal sources instead.
No, this food is not formulated for weight management. The high carbohydrate content from corn and low protein levels can actually make weight loss more difficult, as dogs may need to eat larger volumes to feel satisfied. The low fat content (around 9.8%) means less satiety between meals. If your dog needs to lose weight, look for a weight management formula with higher protein, controlled calories, and added fiber to help your dog feel full.
Absolutely not. Kibbles ‘n Bits contains common allergens like corn, soy, and wheat, plus artificial colors and vague “animal fat” that could come from multiple protein sources. These ingredients frequently trigger allergic reactions, skin problems, and digestive upset in sensitive dogs. The brand offers no limited ingredient or hypoallergenic formulas. Dogs with allergies need foods with novel proteins and clearly identified, limited ingredients.
While both are budget-tier foods, Pedigree offers slightly better ingredient transparency and a wider range of formulas, including some grain-free options. Pedigree also tends to have more consistent quality control. The pricing is similar, but if you’re staying in the budget category, Pedigree is a marginal step up. However, moving to a mid-range brand like Purina One would provide significantly better nutrition for only a modest price increase.
While it’s not harmful to senior dogs, it’s not optimal either. Older dogs benefit from higher-quality, more digestible proteins and often need joint support ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin, which this food doesn’t provide. Senior dogs also frequently need specialized nutrition for age-related health issues. Kibbles ‘n Bits offers only basic adult maintenance nutrition, so a senior-specific formula would be a better choice.
Many dogs refuse the artificially colored pieces because they often taste different or less appealing than the regular kibble. The artificial colors are added purely for human visual appeal—they provide no nutritional value and don’t make the food taste better to dogs. Some dogs instinctively avoid these dyed pieces, which can create waste. This is actually your dog showing good judgment about what tastes natural versus artificial.
No, the protein quality is poor. At 19% total protein, a significant portion comes from plant sources like corn and soybean meal rather than animal protein. The animal protein is primarily from rendered meat and bone meal, which is less digestible and bioavailable than whole meats. Dogs can’t utilize plant proteins as efficiently as animal proteins, so the actual usable protein your dog gets is lower than the 19% listed on the bag.
Yes, always transition gradually over 7-10 days by mixing increasing amounts of Kibbles ‘n Bits with decreasing amounts of your dog’s current food. Some dogs experience digestive upset during the switch, including loose stools or gas, particularly because of the high carbohydrate content and lower digestibility compared to higher-quality foods. A slow transition helps minimize stomach upset, though some dogs may still have issues adjusting to the ingredient profile.
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