Viva La Venison Grain-Free Premium Venison Small Breed Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 10, 2026
A grain-free dry food for small-breed dogs using venison and venison meal as the main animal protein sources. Peas and tapioca provide carbohydrates, while coconut oil and flaxseed contribute fats and omega fatty acids. It’s formulated to be a complete diet for all life stages (except large-breed puppies), with added taurine, vitamins, minerals, and fruit and vegetable inclusions like cranberries, apples, spinach, and blueberries.
This is a well-formulated, grain-free small-breed kibble centered around venison, which can be useful for dogs that don’t tolerate more common proteins. Protein and fat levels are moderate for an all-life-stages dry food, and it includes added taurine and several antioxidant-rich ingredients. Because peas and pea protein are used heavily, it’s best suited for small dogs without heart disease concerns, and I would be cautious using it as the only diet long term in breeds at higher risk for diet-associated DCM.
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At a Glance
What "not formulated for" means
Life stages this food isn't certified complete and balanced for, based on its AAFCO statement.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Venison and venison meal provide a more novel animal protein source, which can help some dogs that react to common meats like chicken or beef.
- Complete and balanced to AAFCO standards for all life stages (excluding large-breed puppies), so it can be used for small-breed puppies and adults under veterinary guidance.
- Includes added taurine plus a range of added vitamins and chelated (amino acid–complexed) minerals to support overall nutrition.
- Contains coconut oil, flaxseed, and fruit/vegetable ingredients (cranberries, apples, spinach, blueberries, kelp) that contribute fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants.
Considerations
- This is a grain-free formula with peas, pea protein, and yellow peas high in the ingredient list; legume-heavy grain-free diets have been associated with dilated cardiomyopathy in some dogs, so I’d be cautious in breeds already prone to heart issues.
- Venison is the primary protein but the recipe is not truly limited-ingredient: it also contains beef hydrolysate, which matters if you’re avoiding beef for allergy reasons.
- The 24% minimum protein and 12% minimum fat are on the moderate side for an all-life-stages food; very active or underweight small dogs may need a higher-calorie or higher-protein option.
- Brewer’s dried yeast is generally safe but can trigger itchiness or stomach upset in a small subset of sensitive dogs.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Venison
Venison is used in pet food primarily as a high-quality, novel animal protein source that is lean and rich in essential amino acids, iron and B vitamins, making it suitable for both dogs and cats and commonly included in limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic formulas. It can benefit pets with sensitivities to common proteins like beef or chicken and offer a lower-fat alternative, but owners should note that it may be too lean for growing animals, still can cause allergies in some pets, and raw or poorly sourced venison may carry parasites or contaminants (risks that are minimized in properly processed commercial diets).
02
Venison
Venison is used in pet food primarily as a high-quality, novel animal protein source that is lean and rich in essential amino acids, iron and B vitamins, making it suitable for both dogs and cats and commonly included in limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic formulas. It can benefit pets with sensitivities to common proteins like beef or chicken and offer a lower-fat alternative, but owners should note that it may be too lean for growing animals, still can cause allergies in some pets, and raw or poorly sourced venison may carry parasites or contaminants (risks that are minimized in properly processed commercial diets).
03
Green Pea
Green peas are used in pet foods as a plant-based source of protein, starch and both soluble and insoluble fiber, often serving as a carbohydrate ingredient and binder that adds energy, texture and satiety. They supply fermentable fiber and modest vitamins and minerals that can support gut health, but their protein is less bioavailable than animal sources (important for obligate-carnivore cats), may contribute excess carbohydrate if overused, and high pea-heavy or grain-free formulations have been scrutinized—though not definitively proven—as a potential factor in canine dilated cardiomyopathy, so peas are best included in moderated, properly balanced and processed complete diets.
04
Tapioca
Tapioca is a processed starch from the cassava root commonly used in pet foods and treats as a gluten-free carbohydrate, binder and thickening agent, providing easily digestible calories but very little protein, fat, vitamins or minerals. While useful in hypoallergenic or grain-free formulations, it has limited nutritional value and a high glycemic index, so it should be used in moderation—especially for overweight or diabetic dogs and cats—and only in properly processed form to avoid cassava-related toxins.
05
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is used as a concentrated fat source and palatability enhancer in dog and cat diets, providing medium-chain triglycerides (notably lauric acid) that can be rapidly metabolized for energy and may help support skin and coat condition. Because it is high in saturated fat and calories, coconut oil should be used sparingly and introduced gradually to avoid gastrointestinal upset, and pets with obesity or a history of pancreatitis should only use it under veterinary guidance.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.Brand
Addiction is a premium pet food brand offering grain-free and novel protein-based recipes for dogs and cats. It targets consumers seeking allergen-free and high-quality nutrition options produced in New Zealand using ethically sourced ingredients. The brand promotes sustainability and animal welfare in its ingredient sourcing and manufacturing practices.
Visit AddictionManufacturer
Addiction Foods operates its own manufacturing facility in New Zealand, where it follows stringent quality control procedures and exports under New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) guidelines. The company focuses on maintaining safety and regulatory compliance in accordance with AAFCO standards.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Addiction Viva La Venison Grain-Free Premium Venison Small Breed Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Addiction ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Addiction. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
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