Original Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 6, 2026
This is a lamb-based dry dog food that uses lamb meal and herring meal as its main animal protein sources, with brown and white rice plus oatmeal providing the carbohydrates. It includes avocado, avocado oil, and flaxseed to supply omega fatty acids, along with added vitamins, minerals, and probiotics for complete and balanced nutrition. The formula is designed for dogs at all life stages except large-breed puppies, and may suit dogs who need an alternative to corn, wheat, or soy.
Nutritionally, this is a solid, well-balanced dry food centered around lamb meal and rice, with moderate protein and fat levels that work well for many adult dogs and non–large-breed puppies. I like that it’s complete and balanced for all life stages (with the standard exclusion for large-breed growth) and includes omega-rich ingredients and probiotics. It’s a good option for dogs who do well on a moderate-protein, rice-based diet and don’t have issues with lamb or chicken fat.
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
What "not formulated for" means
Life stages this food isn't certified complete and balanced for, based on its AAFCO statement.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Lamb meal as the first ingredient provides a named, concentrated animal protein source, supported by herring meal for additional high-quality protein and omega-3s.
- Uses brown and white rice plus oatmeal as the main carbohydrates, which are generally easy to digest and rarely associated with food allergies.
- Contains avocado, avocado oil, flaxseed, and added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to help support skin and coat health.
- Includes multiple probiotic fermentation products and a full vitamin–mineral premix, and is formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages except large-breed puppies.
Considerations
- Protein (21% min) and fat (11% min) are on the moderate side for an all-life-stages food, which is fine for many dogs but may be lower than ideal for very active or working dogs who need more calories and protein density.
- Contains lamb and chicken fat, which are common animal proteins/fats; dogs with lamb or chicken-related food allergies would need a different formula.
- Not specifically formulated for the growth of large-breed puppies, so it would not be the best choice for breeds expected to reach 70 lb or more as adults.
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
Lamb
Lamb is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a high-quality animal protein that supplies essential amino acids, iron and B vitamins and is often chosen for its palatability or as a “novel” protein in elimination diets. It can be higher in fat and calories than some other meats and may still cause allergic reactions in sensitive animals, so owners of overweight pets or those with food sensitivities should consult a veterinarian and use proper handling/cooking practices if feeding raw or homemade lamb.
02
Brown Rice
Brown rice is a whole-grain carbohydrate and fiber ingredient commonly used in dog and cat foods to provide digestible energy, dietary fiber, and modest amounts of B‑vitamins and minerals; it typically offers more nutrients and fiber than white rice. It’s generally well tolerated and can help with sensitive stomachs, but because it is high in carbohydrates (not a primary protein source) and can contain trace inorganic arsenic depending on sourcing, it should be included in balanced formulations and monitored in overweight or diabetic pets.
03
White Rice
White rice is a highly digestible carbohydrate commonly used in pet foods as an energy source, binder or filler and is often included in bland diets to help manage gastrointestinal upset. It supplies readily available calories but contains little protein, fat, fiber or micronutrients (so complete diets must be balanced), and should be used judiciously in overweight or diabetic pets due to its high glycemic index; prolonged exclusive feeding is not recommended.
04
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber (notably beta‑glucans), serving as a gentle filler or binder that can support healthy digestion and steady energy release. It provides B vitamins and minerals, is generally well tolerated by dogs and many cats when cooked and plain, but should be free of added sugars or flavorings and used cautiously for overweight or diabetic pets or animals with individual grain sensitivities.
05
Chicken Fat
Chicken fat is used in dog and cat foods as a concentrated energy and flavor source that supplies essential fatty acids (notably linoleic acid) and aids absorption of fat‑soluble vitamins, improving palatability and supporting skin and coat health. Because it is calorie‑dense, diets must account for added fat to prevent weight gain, and quality (proper rendering and antioxidant protection to prevent rancidity) is important; although fats are less commonly allergenic than proteins, pets with poultry sensitivities may still react in some cases.
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
AvoDerm Natural is a premium pet food brand known for incorporating California avocados and omega-rich ingredients designed to support healthy skin and coats. The brand targets pet owners seeking natural, wholesome nutrition for dogs and cats.
Visit AvoDerm NaturalManufacturer
Central Garden & Pet oversees quality control and manufacturing for its brands, utilizing both in-house and contracted facilities. The company adheres to FDA and AAFCO regulations for pet food manufacturing, ensuring compliance with labeling and nutritional standards.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
AvoDerm Natural Original Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
Sign up for the full picture
Feeding Calculator
Personalized portion sizes based on your pet's weight, age, and activity level.
Get startedSimilar Foods
Post your dog's report card and challenge friends to check their food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has AvoDerm Natural ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for AvoDerm Natural. 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.