NutriSource Small & Medium Puppy Food Review

Intro

I cover a lot of pet gear and food, and NutriSource Small and Medium Breed Puppy Chicken & Rice came across my desk for a close read because it’s positioned specifically for pups that mature under 50 pounds. The listing calls it a smaller, bite-size dry food made with real chicken and a probiotic-friendly yeast culture, and the bag is offered in multiple sizes including a 35‑pound option — the listing I reviewed is the 35 lb bag. I dug into the ingredient list, packaging details, and owner experience in the internal notes to figure out who this food actually fits and where to be cautious.

What it is / first look

NutriSource Small & Medium Breed Puppy Chicken & Rice is a dry kibble formulated for small and medium breed puppies — the listing explicitly says it’s designed for breeds that mature at less than 50 pounds. The product description highlights smaller, bite-size shapes to make it easier for smaller mouths, and it names the primary ingredients and supplements used to support growing pups.

On the product page the brand, manufacturer, and model are all listed: NutriSource, Phillips Feed & Pet Supply, model number 131508. The item form is "pellet," the listed flavor is chicken, and the product is sold in multiple bag sizes; the full item description shows size options of 6.6 lb, 18 lb, and 35 lb. The bag I reviewed is shown with the 35‑pound weight and product dimensions are listed as 26.5 x 16.5 x 5.25 inches with an item weight of 35 pounds.

I also looked through the internal notes of real owners and caretakers. Across those notes palatability came up as a major strength — several caretakers and breeders indicated their pups readily eat this formula. There are also a few notes about picky pups taking time to adjust or requiring moistening or toppers to entice them. Given that mix, my first impression is this is a breeder‑recommended, protein-forward puppy kibble with strong palatability for many pups but not universally accepted by every individual dog.

In daily use

Feeding this to a small or medium breed puppy is straightforward because the listing tells you exactly when to use it: from weaning until the dog reaches mature body weight and size — usually about one year. The listing also calls out that the formula supplies complete and balanced nutrition for gestating and lactating females, so this same bag can be used for pregnant and nursing dogs per the product copy.

Palatability and acceptance

From my review of the internal notes, palatability is often a strong point: multiple caretakers reported their puppies love the food and that it worked when other foods failed to tempt finicky pups. That said, the internal notes also include a few owners who had puppies that were slow to accept the kibble or needed it softened with warm water or a flavor topper. If you’re switching a pup onto this formula, expect a short transition period for some dogs — the listing itself highlights “real chicken” and a chicken flavor, which seems to help acceptance for many puppies but not every single one.

Portioning and bag sizes

The listing shows multiple bag sizes: 6.6 lb, 18 lb, and 35 lb. I prefer buying the larger bag when it makes sense for household consumption, and internal notes echo that sentiment — many owners said the larger bag is more economical. The product page lists the 35‑pound bag dimensions and weight directly, so if you plan to buy in bulk, know the item weight and dimensions up front (26.5 x 16.5 x 5.25 inches; 35 pounds for the listing variant I reviewed).

Transitioning & feeding timeline

The listing recommends feeding NutriSource Small & Medium Breed Puppy from weaning until maturity — the copy clarifies that maturity for these breeds is usually about one year. That gives you a clear window for use, and the product is also recommended for gestating and lactating females, which makes it versatile for breeders and multi‑dog homes where a pregnant female may need the same formula.

Materials & build quality

For dog food the equivalent of "materials and build" is the ingredient list and formulation transparency. The listing provides a full ingredient panel and calls out special features: "holistic" ingredients and "Alltech® Good 4 Life supplements" are listed as additional features. The full ingredient list (copied from the product page) begins with chicken meal, chicken, brown rice, white rice, fish meal (a source of fish oil), oatmeal, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), flax seeds, beet pulp, tomato pomace, sunflower oil, natural flavors, dried egg product, brewers yeast, potassium chloride, salt, protonated minerals, a detailed yeast culture (probiotic strains listed), an explicit vitamin premix (A, D3, E, niacin, pantothenic acid, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin supplement, folic acid, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement), glucosamine hydrochloride, lecithin, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), choline chloride, chondroitin sulfate, yucca schidigera extract, and calcium.

That ingredient list tells me a few concrete things straight from the listing: it contains animal‑based protein near the top (chicken meal and chicken), it includes grains (brown rice, white rice, oatmeal), and it lists a multi‑strain yeast culture which is clearly intended as a source of probiotic or digestive support. The listing also calls the formula "holistic" and references Alltech® Good 4 Life supplements, which the copy frames as an additional feature aimed at overall health support.

What’s in (and what’s not)

• Contains grain: the ingredients include brown rice, white rice, and oatmeal — this is not a grain‑free formula.
• Animal protein sources: chicken meal and chicken are the first two ingredients listed.
• Probiotics / yeast culture: the listing explicitly names a detailed yeast culture with multiple strains, and fish meal is described as a source of fish oil.
• Joint support ingredients: glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate are included in the ingredient panel.

Safety considerations

Safety for me centers on allergen signals, choking/size fit for the intended life stage, and any product handling notes from the internal research. The listing includes an explicit Allergen Information field that reads "Brazil Nuts." That is a clear signal to anyone whose dog has known nut allergies or sensitivities — the product page lists Brazil nuts as allergen information, so check with a professional if your pup has a history of nut reactions.

Allergens & sensitivities

The product page names Brazil nuts under "Allergen Information." If your dog has a known tree‑nut allergy or sensitivity, this listing is not silent on that point — it flags Brazil nuts. For dogs with no known nut sensitivity, the ingredient panel still warrants the usual caution if your dog has any food sensitivities; the kibble contains grains and a number of ingredient categories (fish meal, egg product, yeast, etc.).

Kibble size / choking risk

The listing emphasizes "smaller, bite size shapes" specifically for small and medium breeds. That reduces the risk of a too‑large kibble for small mouths, but the listing does not provide exact kibble diameter or shape measurements. If you have an especially small‑mouthed puppy (toy breeds smaller than the stated small/medium recommendation) you may want to compare actual kibble size in person; the listing itself only states smaller, bite‑size shapes rather than exact dimensions.

Other safety signals from internal notes

From the internal research notes: a number of caretakers and breeders praise the product for palatability and for including probiotic yeast cultures — one caretaker noted strong confidence in the formula for use across many dogs. There were a few mentions of shipment damage handled by the seller and a few pups that were hesitant to eat the kibble initially and needed moistening or toppers. Those are practical usability notes rather than product‑safety defects, but they’re worth keeping in mind when timing an order so you don’t run out if the bag needs to be exchanged or your pup requires a transition period.

Who this is for / who should skip

I break this down by life stage and size so you can quickly see if this is worth trying for your dog.

Small and medium breed puppies (weaning to ~1 year)

Fits: The listing explicitly recommends this for small and medium breeds that mature under 50 lb. It says the food is designed in smaller, bite‑size shapes to make it easier for smaller mouths, and the ingredient list is oriented to a higher protein/fat profile by listing chicken meal and chicken first. The product copy also states it contains the levels of protein and fat needed by small and medium breed puppies.

Skip if: your pup has a known tree‑nut allergy (see Brazil nuts in allergen info), or if your pup has a grain sensitivity and you need a grain‑free diet — this formula includes rice and oatmeal.

Pregnant and lactating females

Fits: The product copy explicitly says it supplies complete and balanced nutrition for gestating and lactating females, so the manufacturer positions this formula for moms as well as pups.

Skip if: your breeder or qualified professional recommends a different nutrient profile for an individual dam — the listing states it is appropriate, but always double‑check with a professional for special situations.

Picky eaters

Fits: Many caretakers in the internal notes reported their puppies eat this well, and several wrote that breeder recommendation or prior exposure helped with acceptance. If your dog responds to chicken flavors and the kibble size matches, this is worth trying.

Skip/Be cautious: a handful of notes mention some pups were slow to accept the food and needed warm water or toppers. If your pup is extremely picky, be prepared for a short transition or to mix in familiar food while switching over.

Verdict

NutriSource Small & Medium Breed Puppy Chicken & Rice is a well‑specified puppy kibble with clear use recommendations on the listing: formulated for puppies that mature under 50 lb., sold in multiple bag sizes (6.6 lb, 18 lb, 35 lb), and indicated for use from weaning until about one year of age. Ingredients list animal protein sources first, includes grains, and shows probiotic yeast cultures and joint support ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin. Internal notes I reviewed point to strong palatability in many cases and breeder/caretaker acceptance, though a minority of pups took time to accept the food.

Pros

• Designed for small and medium breed puppies with smaller, bite‑size kibble (per listing).
• Contains chicken meal and chicken near the top of the ingredient list, plus fish meal for fish oil.
• Includes a detailed yeast culture (probiotic strains) and named supplements (Alltech® Good 4 Life), plus glucosamine and chondroitin.
• Listing explicitly states it supplies complete and balanced nutrition for gestating and lactating females as well as puppies (weaning to maturity).
• Multiple bag sizes available; the 35 lb bag is listed with dimensions and weight on the product page.

Cons / things to watch

• Allergen information on the product page includes Brazil nuts — not suitable for dogs with tree‑nut allergies without professional guidance.
• Contains grains (brown rice, white rice, oatmeal) — not suitable if you need a grain‑free formula.
• Kibble diameter/shape measurements aren’t provided beyond the listing’s "smaller, bite size shapes," so very small toy breeds may need to verify kibble size in person.
• A minority of pups in the internal notes were slow to accept the food or required moistening/toppers during transition.

Check before you buy (quick checklist)

• Confirm your dog fits the target size: small or medium breeds that mature under 50 lb. (the listing specifies this recommendation).
• Check allergen needs — the listing lists Brazil nuts under Allergen Information.
• Decide which bag size you need: the product is offered in 6.6 lb, 18 lb, and 35 lb options (the listing lists these sizes explicitly).
• Plan for a short transition if your pup has been on a different formula — the internal notes include examples of pups needing warm water or toppers at first.
• Confirm whether the kibble texture and "smaller, bite size shapes" are suitable for your pup; exact kibble measurements aren’t provided on the listing.

Colors & packaging

What the images suggest (from the listing filenames): available colors may include standard bag/label colorways — I list these conservatively below. The product images on the listing are named B0047ZM39K_9214.jpg, B0047ZM39K_9560.jpg, B0047ZM39K_119.jpg, B0047ZM39K_323.jpg, B0047ZM39K_1671.jpg, B0047ZM39K_8241.jpg, B0047ZM39K_8031.jpg, and B0047ZM39K.jpg. Those filenames indicate multiple image angles and possible label colorways, so expect the typical branded bag graphics and not multiple brightly different color variants like apparel items.

• available colors may include blue, brown, white (bag/label colorways)

Final thoughts

If you have a small or medium breed puppy and you want a breeder‑recommended, chicken‑forward kibble with probiotics and joint support ingredients, NutriSource Small & Medium Breed Puppy Chicken & Rice is worth considering. The listing is transparent about ingredient highlights and intended life stages (weaning to maturity, and gestating/lactating females), and internal notes I reviewed show many puppies accept this food readily. Do a quick allergen check (Brazil nuts are flagged on the product page) and be ready to transition slowly if your pup is finicky.

For breeders and multi‑dog homes that value a single formula usable for moms and pups, the product copy explicitly positions this bag for that use case. If you need grain‑free, have a nut‑sensitive dog, or require detailed kibble sizing before purchase, the product page is clear enough to raise those flags so you can make an informed choice.

Check before you buy

• Does your dog fit the recommended breed size? (Listing recommendation: small and medium breeds that mature at less than 50 lb.)
• Do you or a professional have concerns about the Brazil nuts listed in Allergen Information?
• Which bag size do you need? (Listing shows 6.6 lb, 18 lb, 35 lb.)
• Are you okay with a grain‑containing formula? (Ingredients include brown rice, white rice, and oatmeal.)
• Will a shorter transition be acceptable if your pup needs warm water or toppers to accept the new kibble?