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The short answer: Dave's wins by 1 point (B/79 vs B/78) — one of the closest matchups in the B-tier band. Both are family-owned, both are grain-inclusive, both feature multiple named animal proteins. The decision turns on supplement profile: Dave's adds turmeric and yeast culture for anti-inflammatory and digestive support; NutriSource counters with a deeper six-strain named probiotic stack and salmon oil for marine EPA/DHA.

The scores

Dave's Pet Food Naturally Healthy Adult Dry: B (79/100) — Chicken Meal, Ground Barley, Ground Oats, Ground Brown Rice, Chicken Fat.

NutriSource Adult Chicken & Rice: B (78/100) — Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Chicken Fat.

How the ingredients compare

The top-five ingredients reveal the formulation split between these two brands:

Dave's: Chicken Meal, Ground Barley, Ground Oats, Ground Brown Rice, Chicken Fat

NutriSource: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Chicken Fat

The 1-point gap (Dave's wins by 1 point) shows where the v15 rubric weights ingredient breadth, protein density, and supplement depth differently.

Where Dave's pulls ahead

Turmeric inclusion: Dave's Naturally Healthy carries turmeric (curcumin) in the supplement panel — one of the few B-tier kibbles to do so. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory effects relevant for joint comfort and oxidative-stress modulation in dogs. NutriSource does not currently include turmeric. Shop on Amazon →

Four-protein lineup: Chicken meal at #1, fresh chicken at #6, lamb meal at #10, and salmon at #12 produce four named animal proteins from three species. NutriSource carries chicken (whole), chicken meal, and fish meal — strong but slightly narrower amino-acid breadth.

Whole-food vegetable depth: Dave's adds sweet potatoes, carrots, blueberries, cranberries, and raspberries. NutriSource's formulation focuses more on supplement-form micronutrients than on whole-food inclusion. For owners who prefer whole-food micronutrient delivery, Dave's has the edge.

Where NutriSource holds its own

Six named probiotic strains: NutriSource carries Aspergillus oryzae, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Trichoderma longibrachiatum, Enterococcus faecium, and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Dave's relies on yeast culture for digestive support without naming bacterial strains. For dogs with chronic digestive sensitivity, NutriSource's six-strain stack is functionally meaningful. Shop on Amazon →

Salmon oil for marine EPA/DHA: NutriSource adds dedicated salmon oil as a marine omega-3 source — directly usable EPA and DHA. Dave's relies on salmon at #12 and flaxseed meal for the omega-3 contribution — less directly bioavailable.

Whole chicken lead: NutriSource fronts whole chicken at #1 (moisture-included muscle meat); Dave's fronts chicken meal (already rendered) at #1. The panel-position optics favor NutriSource, though Dave's chicken-meal-first formulation typically delivers more usable post-cook protein.

The bottom line

Dave's Naturally Healthy edges NutriSource Adult Chicken & Rice by 1 point (B/79 vs B/78). Dave's wins on turmeric inclusion, broader protein lineup (four named animal proteins from three species), and deeper whole-food micronutrient panel. NutriSource wins on six named probiotic strains, dedicated salmon oil for marine EPA/DHA, and whole-chicken-led optics. For owners drawn to anti-inflammatory supplementation and whole-food micronutrient inclusion, Dave's. For owners prioritizing probiotic strain depth and marine omega-3 supplementation, NutriSource.