Viva La Venison Grain-Free Venison Small Breed Dry Dog Food
Verified Aug 26, 2026
This is a grain-free dry food for small-breed dogs of all life stages, using venison and venison meal as the main animal protein sources. Peas and tapioca provide carbohydrates, while coconut oil and flaxseed supply fats and omega fatty acids. It’s formulated for dogs that may need a novel protein or avoid common ingredients like chicken, wheat, corn, and soy.
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Strong Choice
Overall, this is a well-formulated small-breed dry food centered around venison, which can be helpful for dogs that don’t do well on more common proteins. Protein and fat levels are appropriate for most small dogs, and it’s fully AAFCO-complete for all life stages except large-breed puppies. The grain-free, pea-heavy design is something to weigh carefully, especially for breeds with any heart health concerns.
Computed from 4 of 4 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
At a Glance
Where these benefits come from
Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.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 clear, animal-based protein focus that may suit dogs avoiding more common meats.
- Complete and balanced to AAFCO standards for all life stages except large-breed puppies, so it can cover puppies through seniors in small breeds.
- Includes flaxseed and coconut oil, which contribute beneficial fatty acids for skin and coat support.
- Added fruits, vegetables, kelp, and taurine supply extra micronutrients and antioxidants beyond the basic vitamin-mineral mix.
Considerations
- Green peas, pea protein, and yellow peas appear high in the list, making this a legume-heavy, grain-free formula linked in some studies to heart issues in certain dogs.
- Beef hydrolysate is present, so it is not truly a single-protein or strict venison-only option for dogs with beef allergies.
- Brewer’s dried yeast may not suit dogs that have had issues with yeast-sensitive skin, although many dogs tolerate it well.
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).
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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).
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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.
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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.Not sure how much of this to feed?
The right daily portion depends on your dog's weight, age, and activity level. Create a free account, add your dog, and get their daily calories and portion sizes.
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.
Manufacturer
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
No recall is listed for Addiction Viva La Venison Grain-Free Venison Small Breed Dry Dog Food.
Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Addiction ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Addiction. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
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 listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
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