Rating
Type
Hot Extruded / Dry
Grain
Grain Free
Origin
Italy
Recipes
7
Is Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Dry Dog Food Good?
Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Dry Dog Food is a second top tier pet food with a 4-star rating — around 10% of all the pet food we review fall in this tier.
They seem to be higher in protein and less in carbs, contain mainly named animal products as main ingredients, and a decent amount of meat. We recommend this!
What We like
- No Plant Protein in Top Ingredients
- Use Organic Minerals to Improve Absorption
- No Chemicals or Suspicious Ingredients
What We Concern
- More than 34% Carbs
- Numberous Controversial Ingredients
- Seems No Probiotics to Aid Digestion
- Contain Potential Allergens like Corn, Soy, Gluten, and Dairy products
「Chief of Food」Fat Hill
Recipes Rating
Recipes could have different ingredients in the same product line. We rate each recipe and list them from higest to lowest ratings.
Higher protein and lower carbs recipes are rated higher
Recipe and 1st Ingredient
Rating
Grain Free
Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Lamb & Blueberry Puppy Mini / Medium & Maxi
1️⃣Lamb 🍚Carbs：29% 4.5
Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Chicken & Pomegranate Adult Mini / Medium & Maxi
1️⃣Deboned Chicken 🍚Carbs：37% 4
Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Chicken & Pomegranate Light Mini / Medium & Maxi
1️⃣Deboned Chicken 🍚Carbs：34% 4
Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Chicken & Pomegranate Puppy Mini / Medium & Maxi
1️⃣Deboned Chicken 🍚Carbs：30% 4
Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Chicken & Pomegranate Senior Mini / Medium & Maxi
1️⃣Deboned Chicken 🍚Carbs：40% 3.5
Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Lamb & Blueberry Adult Mini / Medium & Maxi
1️⃣Lamb 🍚Carbs：37% 3.5
Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Selection Adult Medium & Maxi
1️⃣Deboned Chicken 🍚Carbs：42% 3
Tips
Recipes have different ratings. This means they might be designed a bit differently.
Recipe to review
To rate Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Dry Dog Food, we will take one representative recipe to evaluate the nutrition, ingredients and meat content of this product line.
We have chosen Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Chicken & Pomegranate Adult Mini / Medium & Maxi.
Nutrition Label
Pet food show guaranteed analysis on their labels. It includes moisture and does not reflect the level of carbs — which we prefer lower for dogs and as low as possible for cats.
From the label of Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Chicken & Pomegranate Adult Mini / Medium & Maxi
Protein
30%
Fat
18%
Fiber
2.9%
Carbs
?%
Calculate the dry value (no moisture) on a dry matter basis will help us to estimate the carbs level and other nutrition without water — so we can get a better idea about the ratio.
(We think the ideal nutrition profile would be Protein > Fat > Carbs)
| Nutrition | Our Ideal | Dry Value | Like? |
| Protein | 30% or more | 33% | |
| Fat | 15% or more | 20% | |
| Carbs | Less than 28% | 37% | |
| Fiber | Less than 5% | 3.2% |
Ingredients Overview
52 ingredients are listed on the label. We research their quality to pet and use our best judgement to group them in the proportion of Prefer, Concerned, and Notice ingredients in the bar chart.
♨ Allergen
1 units
🌋 Indigest
1 units
⁉ Uncertain
0 units
Organic Minerals Seems to Include
Probiotics Seems Not Included
Prefer
Concerned
Notice
Neutral
Click an ingredient to see the detail
Boneless Chicken
Animal Protein The dominant animal protein source in pet foods. Other than protein, it is also high in iron, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins.
Prefer A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Dehydrated Chicken
Animal Protein Dehydrated form of chicken. it is a meat concentrate that contains up to 4 times more protein than fresh chicken on dry matter basis.
Prefer A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Spelt
Carbs ♨🌋
A type of grain that is high in carbs and fiber, often regarded as an alternative filler.
Concerned An inexpensive filler with gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
♨
Allergen Contains gluten, which is one of the most common allergens that can cause skin rashes, itchiness, and irritation.
🌋
Related to Digest Gluten intolerances can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract, may result in diarrhea and discomfort stomach.
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Whole Oats
Carbs A whole grain that has higher protein and fats compared to other types. It is rich in B-vitamins and dietary fiber.
Concerned An inexpensive filler without gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Chicken Fat
Fat The fatty layer separated during the cooking process, with a high level of omega 6, It is more preferable by dogs and cats over other types of fats.
Prefer A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Dried Whole Eggs
Animal Protein A dehydrated form of eggs, it contains almost every nutrient the body needs. It also has the highest biological value (protein absorption) among other animal proteins.
Prefer A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Herring
Animal Protein A small silvery fish with low content of mercury. It is high in protein, vitamin D, selenium, and omega 3s.
Prefer A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Dehydrated Herring
Animal Protein A dehydrated form of herring, which contains up to 400% more protein than the fresh form. It is a small silvery fish with low content of mercury. It is high in protein, vitamin D, selenium, and omega 3s.
Prefer A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Dried Beet Pulp
Carbs The leftover pulp after sugar is extracted from sugar beets, contains higher fiber and less sugar compared to whole beets.
Concerned Controversial - Some say it is a good dietary fiber source, some believe it is just an inexpensive filler.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Herring Oil
Fat The fish oil extracted from herring. It is an excellent source of omega 3s, DHA, and EPA, which help reduce inflammation in the body.
Prefer A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Dried Carrot
Carbs Well known for its alpha and beta-carotene content, also rich in potassium and vitamin B6. Most pet foods use it as a minor ingredient (include 0.1% to 3% of the total composition).
Neutral Vegetables are fair source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Suncured Alfalfa Meal
Carbs, Plant Protein Typically used in horse feed, high in fiber, and contains around 20% plant protein.
Neutral A fair ingredient as a source of fiber and a small amount of plant protein.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Inulin
Carbs A prebiotic that promote friendly bacteria in the gut and support better digestion.
Neutral A harmless ingredient with potential health benefits.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Fructo-oligosaccharide
Prebiotics Known as FOS, a type of fiber derived from chicory roots, beets, or cane. It is added as prebiotics for good bacteria growth in the colon, which aids digestion.
Neutral A safe supplement for prebiotics, which may improve digestive health.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Yeast Extract
Plant Protein Concentrate Made from fungus and often used to make beer, a rich source of minerals such as selenium. B-complex vitamins, and chromium. It contains around 40% protein.
Concerned A controversial ingredient, some believe it can support the immune system, while others say it can be linked to allergies and bloating. However, no scientific research can provide a concrete conclusion.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Dried Pomegranate
Carbs The red round fruit with many small edible seeds called "arils" inside. Arils are high in sugar - and a good source of vitamin C, K, folate, and potassium. Punicalagins, the antioxidant from the fruit, is said to be 3 times more powerful than green tea.
Neutral Fruit is an acceptable source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Dried Apple
Carbs Contains mainly carbs and sugar with multiple antioxidants to prevent radical damages by oxidative stress.
Neutral Fruit is an acceptable source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Dried Spinach
Carbs Nutrient-dense leafy greens, an excellent source of vitamin A, C, K1, B9, iron, and calcium.
Neutral Vegetables are fair source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Psyllium Seed Husk
Carbs A light-brown-ish seed absorbs the water in the gut and promotes more bowel movement. It is a natural fiber source and is often added as a prebiotic.
Neutral A harmless seed with potential health benefits.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Dried Sweet Orange
Carbs Type of citrus fruit, moderate in sugar content, packed with vitamin C and potassium.
Neutral Fruit is an acceptable source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Dried Blueberry
Carbs Superfood packed with antioxidants, a good source of vitamin C, K, and manganese.
Neutral Fruit is an acceptable source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Salt
Others Mainly added to enhance the flavor, might cause kidney and blood pressure issues in a larger dose. High-quality pet foods should get a sufficient amount from raw meat, additional salt is not necessary.
Concerned A controversial ingredient that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Brewers Dried Yeast
Plant Protein Concentrate Made from fungus and often used to make beer, a rich source of minerals such as selenium. B-complex vitamins, and chromium. It contains around 40% protein.
Concerned A controversial ingredient, some believe it can support the immune system, while others say it can be linked to allergies and bloating. However, no scientific research can provide a concrete conclusion.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Turmeric
Carbs Orange ginger-like plant often used in making curry. It contains curcumin, which is a strong antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects. However, its color is the main purpose of adding it to pet foods.
Neutral A harmless plant with potential health benefits.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Glucosamine Hydrochloride
Supplement The most common joint supplement for reducing the level of pain and inflammation.
Neutral A safe supplement for potential health benefits.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Chondroitin Sulfate
Supplement Derived from animal parts containing cartilage, as a supplement to support joint health.
Neutral A safe supplement for potential health benefits.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Vitamin A Supplement
Supplement Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Vitamin D3 Supplement
Supplement Supplement for vitamin D3 (animal-derived), which is essential for calcium homeostasis - to maintain a constant concentration of calcium. A deficiency will result in osteopenia (lower bone mass).
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Vitamin E Supplement
Supplement Supplement for vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that protects oxidative damages on cellular membranes by free radicals. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia, depression, and dermatitis.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Ascorbic Acid
Supplement Supplement for vitamin C, which can help to prevent oxidative damages by radicals, maintain healthy skin, and boost the immune system.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Niacin
Supplement Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Calcium Pantothenate
Supplement An organic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Riboflavin
Supplement A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
Supplement A synthetical supplement of vitamin B6, which is an essential element for nearly every part of metabolism.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Thiamine Mononitrate
Supplement An organic form of thiamine, has 5 - 15% more absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Biotin
Supplement A water-soluble vitamin B that is important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Folic Acid
Supplement A synthetic form of folate, which is also known as vitamin B9. It plays an important role to support the body's functions, such as cell growth.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Vitamin B12 Supplement
Supplement Supplement for vitamin B12, which is vital for carbon transfer and propionate metabolism. A deficiency will result in symptoms similar to gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhea and weight loss.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Choline Chloride
Supplement Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.
Neutral A safe supplement for potential health benefits.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Beta-carotene
Supplement An antioxidant and a precursor to Vitamin A helps to regulate both cellular and immune responses.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional antioxidants.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Zinc Chelate
Supplement An organic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Manganese Chelate
Supplement An organic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% higher absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is essential for normal metabolic function with the body.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Ferrous Glycine
Supplement An inorganic form of iron. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Copper Chelate
Supplement An organic form of copper, which is important for the production of blood cells, hair coat color pigmentation, and maintaining the nervous system. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Selenium Yeast
Plant Protein Concentrate Made from fungus and often used to make beer, a rich source of minerals such as selenium. B-complex vitamins, and chromium. It contains around 40% protein.
Concerned A controversial ingredient, some believe it can support the immune system, while others say it can be linked to allergies and bloating. However, no scientific research can provide a concrete conclusion.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Dl-methionine
Supplement Added to balance the amino acids profile of pet foods with limited amounts of meat protein. Meat / fish naturally contains methionine, which does not require extra supplements. It is sometimes used to help support urine acidification.
Concerned A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein). However, it could imply the lack of meat protein - usually in lower quality pet foods.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Taurine
Supplement An essential amino acid (building blocks of protein) to maintain a healthy brain and heart functions.
Prefer A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein).
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
L-carnitine
Supplement An amino acid that is naturally produced in the body. It is often added to pet foods because the normal cooking process degrades its availability from whole food.
Neutral A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein).
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Aloe Vera Gel Concentrate
Carbs Produced from dehydrated aloe and added water. Packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin B, C, E, and folic acid.
Neutral An acceptable ingredient as a source of vitamins and minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Green Tea Extract
Others One of the most healthy tea in the world. It contains catechins, which are natural antioxidants that help prevent radical damages to the body and offer many health benefits.
Neutral A harmless ingredient with potential health benefits.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Rosemary Extract
Carbs A common herb used for cooking, it is rich in antioxidants to fight off radical damages in the body.
Neutral A harmless herb with potential health benefits.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Mixed Tocopherols
Food Additive A mixture of different types of vitamin E, usually found in plant oils, seed and green vegetables. They are powerful antioxidants used as a natural preservative to slow down the spoilage of food.
Neutral A harmless food additive.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Tips
Most ingredients are considered as clear ingredients, but we do find 8 Concerned and 0 Notice ingredients from Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Chicken & Pomegranate Adult Mini / Medium & Maxi. Check from the above list to view the details.Concerned
- Spelt
- Whole Oats
- Dried Beet Pulp
- Yeast Extract
- Salt
- Brewers Dried Yeast
- Selenium Yeast
- Dl-methionine
Estimated Meat Content
Some pet food uses high plant protein ingredients to boost up the overall protein level — to make it looks like it includes a lot of meat, which is more appealing for customers.
Therefore, protein level itself cannot tell the quality and how much animal ingredients (more digestible than plants) is in the pet food.
Check if protein is overrated by plant protein boost up
Count of Plant Protein
0 / 7 (0%)
in top 7 ingredients Protein Level
33%
in dry matterBy looking at the plant protein in top ingredients and compare with the total protein level, we will try to estimate how much animal ingredients is used in the pet food as Meat Content.
Meat Content
Based on my "godly" guess, the meat content might be Medium to high !
It looks like it contains a significant amount of meat and majority of the protein should come from animal sources. Your furbabies will like it like I do!
Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Dry Dog Food Product Line Review
To make a conclusion about the whole product line, we will consider all recipes and their average nutrition ratio.
Recipes Average Compares to Ideal Level
In the total of 7 recipes, the group has an average of 34% protein, 19% fat and 36% carbohydrate.
（Protein and Fat: Prefer Higher丨Carbs: Prefer Lower）
- Protein is 4 (%) higher than ideal
- Fat is 4 (%) higher than ideal
- Carbs is 8 (%) higher than ideal
What does it mean?
Overall,Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Dry Dog Food has an carbs level that is higher than our preferred level.
Conclusion
Throughout the review, we have 3 major opinons about this pet food line:
- Quite attractive protein and/or carbs level
- Major ingredients from animals
- Medium to high level of meat content
Based on these, we can conclude Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Dry Dog Food is a pet food line with a 4 star rating.
Do we recommend Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Dry Dog Food ?
It is a good quality above average pet food that we recommend.
The review is entirely our own view and opinon. It is for informational reference only and not a purchase advice.
「Chief of Food」Fat Hill
Has an unusual obsession with the taste and ingredients of food, over 5+ years experience in professional eating. As the Chief of Food, he will tell you the truth about food.
"Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish, and Stay Hungry again!"
