Heirloom Ancient Grains Fish Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 9, 2026
This is a high-protein, fish-based dry food that uses pollock, salmon meal, and other fish meals as its main protein sources, paired with ancient grains like millet, quinoa, spelt, and chia. It’s designed for sedentary to moderately active dogs of most ages and sizes, offering added omega-3s, probiotics, and prebiotics to support skin, coat, and digestive health. The formula is complete and balanced for all life stages except large breed puppies over 70 pounds as adults.
This is a well-formulated, fish-focused dry food with a strong protein level and thoughtfully chosen ancient grains as the main carbohydrate sources. It offers a nice mix of omega-3 fatty acids, added taurine, prebiotics, and probiotics, making it suitable for many adult dogs and puppies that don’t fall into the large-breed category. It can be a good option for dogs who do well on fish-based diets and don’t need extremely high calorie density.
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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
- High protein (32%) with multiple animal sources, primarily fish (pollock, salmon meal, pollock meal, whitefish, catfish meal) plus egg, providing a robust amino acid profile.
- Uses ancient grains like millet, quinoa, spelt, and chia rather than refined starches, contributing extra fiber, minerals, and healthy fats.
- Good omega profile with both fish oil and salmon oil, and guaranteed EPA, DHA, omega-3, and omega-6 levels to support skin, coat, and general health.
- Includes prebiotic fibers (beet pulp, fructooligosaccharides, psyllium) and a probiotic (Bacillus coagulans) to help support gut health, along with added taurine and L-carnitine.
Considerations
- Not appropriate for large breed puppies expected to reach 70 pounds or more as adults, due to AAFCO limitations on this formula for that group.
- Contains chicken fat and egg product, so it may not be suitable for dogs with known chicken or egg allergies, despite being fish-based overall.
- Calorie density is fairly high at 405 kcal per cup, so portion control is important, especially for less active dogs prone to weight gain.
- Multiple different fish proteins are included; if your dog has a general fish allergy, this recipe would not be a good fit.
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
Pollock
Pollock is a lean white fish commonly used in pet foods as an easily digestible animal protein that boosts palatability and supplies essential amino acids. It provides some omega‑3 fatty acids and is generally low in contaminants compared with larger predatory fish, but can be an allergen for sensitive animals and must be properly processed and balanced (e.g., for taurine in cat diets) and preserved to prevent rancidity.
02
Salmon
Salmon is commonly used as a high-quality animal protein and rich source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) in dog and cat foods, supporting skin and coat condition, joint and cognitive health, and overall muscle maintenance. While very nutritious, salmon can be an allergen for some pets and raw salmon may pose risks from parasites, thiaminase-related thiamine loss, and region-specific pathogens (e.g., salmon poisoning); owners should avoid feeding uncooked bones and consider sourcing to minimize contaminant and sustainability concerns.
03
Millet
Millet is a small, gluten-free cereal grain used in pet foods primarily as a carbohydrate and fiber source that also contributes modest amounts of protein, B vitamins and minerals such as magnesium and phosphorus. It is generally well tolerated by dogs and may be used in some cat recipes, but because cats are obligate carnivores and millet is relatively high in carbohydrates and contains phytic acid (an anti‑nutrient), it is usually cooked/processed for better digestibility and should be part of a formula that meets species‑specific protein and taurine needs; pets with specific grain sensitivities may still react, so consult your veterinarian if concerned.
04
Quinoa
Quinoa is used in pet foods as a cooked pseudo‑grain providing digestible carbohydrates, fiber and a relatively high‑quality plant protein with a broad amino acid profile. It supplies B vitamins and minerals (e.g., iron, magnesium) and can be a useful energy and fiber source for dogs, but should be cooked and rinsed to remove bitter saponins, offered in moderation due to calorie density and potential digestive upset, and it should not replace essential animal‑derived nutrients (such as taurine) required by cats.
05
Spelt
Spelt is an ancient wheat grain used in pet foods mainly as a carbohydrate and fiber source that also contributes some plant-based protein, B vitamins and minerals. It can supply digestible energy and fiber for dogs (and limitedly for cats), but contains gluten and may trigger sensitivities or allergies, is not a substitute for the animal protein required by obligate carnivores, and should be avoided or discussed with a veterinarian for pets with grain intolerance, diabetes, or weight-management needs.
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
Dr. Tim’s is a premium pet food brand designed for active, athletic, and performance animals, with a focus on high-protein, high-fat formulas for optimal endurance and health. Products are formulated by veterinarians using advanced nutritional science, with options for dogs and cats that include dry kibble and treats. The brand appeals to pet owners seeking science-based formulas without marketing gimmicks.
Visit Dr. Tim'sManufacturer
Manufactured in the USA under USDA and AAFCO regulations. Dr. Tim’s works with trusted co-packing facilities that adhere to strict quality and safety standards, including hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) protocols and routine nutritional testing to ensure product consistency.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Dr. Tim's Heirloom Ancient Grains Fish Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Dr. Tim's ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Dr. Tim's. 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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