Primitive Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Verified May 20, 2026
This is a grain-free, high-protein dry food for dogs and puppies, using turkey meal and chicken meal as the main protein sources with added fish meals for extra amino acids and omega fats. Tapioca and sweet potato provide the primary carbohydrates, and the recipe includes probiotics, prebiotics, taurine, L-carnitine, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. It’s formulated as a complete and balanced diet for all life stages except large-breed puppies, with a relatively high calorie density.
Nutritionally, this is a robust, high-protein, grain-free kibble that suits many active adult dogs and non–large-breed puppies. It offers multiple animal protein sources, good omega-3 and omega-6 levels, plus added taurine, L-carnitine, and probiotics, which is a nice nutritional package. Because it is grain-free and relies on tapioca and sweet potato (not pulses) as the main carbs, it avoids the current legume–DCM concern but may not be ideal for dogs who do poorly on grain-free diets in general or who need lower 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% as-fed) and moderate-to-high fat (18%) from multiple named animal meals, which generally supports good muscle maintenance and energy for active dogs.
- Grain-free formula that uses tapioca and sweet potato rather than peas or lentils, so it does not fall into the higher-risk grain-free pattern associated with DCM concerns.
- Added taurine (0.1% min) and L-carnitine, along with good omega-3 (1.2%) and omega-6 (2.2%) levels, support overall cardiac and metabolic nutrition.
- Includes prebiotic chicory root and several probiotic fermentation products, plus fruits and vegetables, which can help support a healthy gut microbiome.
Considerations
- Very high calorie density (about 365 kcal per cup) means portion sizes need to be carefully controlled, especially for less active or overweight-prone dogs.
- Contains multiple common protein allergens including chicken, turkey, egg, and fish, so it would not be a good match for dogs with known sensitivities to any of these ingredients.
- Formulated for all life stages except large-breed growth, so it is not appropriate for large-breed puppies who need specific mineral and energy profiles.
- As a grain-free diet, it may not be necessary for most dogs without a medical reason to avoid grains; some dogs actually do better on a well-made diet that includes grains.
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
Turkey
Turkey is commonly used as a primary animal protein in dog and cat foods, offering highly digestible, high‑quality protein and supplying essential amino acids along with B vitamins, phosphorus and zinc to support muscle maintenance and metabolism. Its fat level varies by cut so products can be lean or richer; some pets may develop allergies to poultry, cooked bones are hazardous, raw meat carries bacterial risk, and owners should rely on balanced commercial formulations (and ensure adequate taurine for cats) if turkey is a main ingredient.
02
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a dietary supplement commonly added to pet foods and treats to support joint health by promoting cartilage maintenance and repair and helping maintain joint function in dogs and cats. It can help reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis and improve mobility in older or large-breed animals, but effects are variable and may take weeks to appear; it is generally well tolerated though mild gastrointestinal upset can occur and many preparations are shellfish-derived (allergy and dosing, especially in diabetic pets, should be considered).
03
Chondroitin
Chondroitin is a glycosaminoglycan commonly added to pet foods and supplements to support joint health by helping maintain cartilage structure and synovial fluid, and is frequently used for dogs and cats with osteoarthritis or age‑related stiffness—often combined with glucosamine and omega‑3s. It can reduce pain and improve mobility in some animals but results vary with product bioavailability and dosing; it is generally well tolerated though mild gastrointestinal upset can occur, and owners should consult their veterinarian if their pet is on anticoagulants, has allergies, or other medical conditions.
04
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
05
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a dietary supplement commonly added to pet foods and treats to support joint health by promoting cartilage maintenance and repair and helping maintain joint function in dogs and cats. It can help reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis and improve mobility in older or large-breed animals, but effects are variable and may take weeks to appear; it is generally well tolerated though mild gastrointestinal upset can occur and many preparations are shellfish-derived (allergy and dosing, especially in diabetic pets, should be considered).
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
A premium natural pet food brand focused on holistic nutrition, sustainability, and environmentally friendly packaging. Products often highlight grain-free and limited-ingredient recipes targeting health-conscious pet owners.
Visit Earthborn HolisticManufacturer
Midwestern Pet Foods manufactures its products in company-owned facilities located in Monmouth, Illinois; Evansville, Indiana; Chickasha, Oklahoma; and Waverly, New York. The company oversees production and quality control internally, using established safety and testing protocols. It has been subject to FDA oversight and recall processes, most notably in 2020–2021.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Earthborn Holistic Primitive Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Earthborn Holistic ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Earthborn Holistic. 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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