Which Farmina Ancestral Grain Recipes Shine?
Farmina Ancestral Grain Dog Food has earned an impressive 5-star rating from our experts, solidifying its position as a reputable brand. With a wide range of 13 dry dog food options available, Farmina caters to diverse nutritional needs.
Unveiling Recipe and Label Analysis
To provide you with an in-depth analysis, we have selected the Farmina Ancestral Grain Chicken Adult Medium and Maxi. Let’s take a closer look at its recipe and nutrient composition.
A Closer Look at the Ingredients
Chicken takes the lead as the primary ingredient in this dog food. While it is a top-notch ingredient, it’s important to note that the cooking process significantly reduces its moisture content, affecting the overall meat present.
Following chicken, we have dehydrated chicken. This concentrated source of protein surpasses fresh chicken in quality. Unlike chicken meal, dehydrated chicken preserves more of the meat’s natural goodness since it undergoes minimal processing without exposure to high temperatures.
Spelt, an ancient wheat species, comes next. While it provides energy, its nutritional value for dogs is somewhat limited. Oats follow, offering B-vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
Despite its unappetizing name, chicken fat is a quality ingredient, rich in linoleic acid—an essential omega-6 fatty acid. Whole dried eggs, known for their easy digestibility and high biological value, are also included.
Herring, a fatty marine fish packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, makes an appearance as well. However, similar to raw fish, its moisture content is significantly reduced after cooking.
Dried herring, a concentrated protein source, contains almost 300% more protein than fresh fish. Beet pulp, a fiber-rich by-product of sugar beet processing, sparks debate among experts. While some question its value as a filler, others highlight its potential benefits for intestinal health.
While the list of ingredients continues, it’s important to note that those lower down the list are unlikely to significantly impact the overall rating of this Farmina product, apart from nutritional supplements.
What Makes This Dog Food Stand Out?
This particular Farmina dog food boasts noteworthy ingredients that set it apart. Alfalfa meal, known for its plant protein and fiber content, is more commonly associated with horse feeds. Taurine, a critical amino acid for heart health not typically considered essential for canines, might be necessary for certain dogs. Yeast extract, a versatile ingredient, serves specialized nutritional purposes and enhances flavor. However, concerns arise due to the presence of glutamic acid within yeast extract, which can be a topic of controversy. Unfortunately, without specifying the type of yeast extract used, it’s difficult to evaluate its quality.
Brewers yeast, a by-product of the beer-making process, is rich in minerals and other nutrients. It is believed to repel fleas and support the immune system. Claims that yeast ingredients can cause allergies are valid only if the dog is specifically allergic to yeast. Additionally, the claim that yeast increases the risk of bloat lacks scientific verification. All in all, yeast can be considered a nutritious additive, thanks to its high protein content.
This dog food also incorporates chelated minerals, chemically attached to protein for enhanced absorption. It includes selenium yeast, a natural supplement known for its potential anti-cancer benefits, instead of the more common inorganic form of selenium.
Nutrient Breakdown
Based on its ingredients, Farmina Ancestral Grain Dog Food surpasses the average dry product. It offers a protein content of 33% in dry matter, with a fat level of 20% and an estimated carbohydrate content of around 39%. Compared to typical dry dog food, this brand provides higher levels of protein and fat, along with a lower-than-average carbohydrate content.
Our Verdict on Farmina Dog Food
Farmina Ancestral Grain is a grain-inclusive dry dog food that prioritizes named meats as the primary source of animal protein. With its high-quality ingredients and nutrient-rich composition, this brand deserves its well-earned 5-star rating. We wholeheartedly recommend it to keep your furry friend happy and healthy.
Recall History
Since 2009, Farmina has had no reported recalls related to their dog food, providing peace of mind for pet owners.
Stay Informed
Stay up-to-date with the latest dog food recalls by subscribing to our email recall alerts. Your pet’s safety is our top priority, and we strive to keep you informed.
Explore More Farmina Dog Food Reviews
For more insights, check out our additional Farmina dog food reviews:
- [Farmina Prime Dog Food Review (Dry)]()
- [Farmina Pumpkin Dog Food Review (Dry)]()
Our Commitment
We want to assure you that our reviews are completely independent and unbiased. We do not accept any form of compensation or incentives for favorable consideration. The referral fees we receive from online retailers and pet food sellers help cover the costs of maintaining our free blog. Thank you for supporting us.
For further details, please refer to our Disclaimer and Disclosure page.
References
Last update: March 19, 2022