Unrefined Smoked Salmon Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 7, 2026
This is a salmon-based dry dog food with ancient grains, designed for all life stages including large-breed puppies. It uses salmon and salmon meal as key protein sources, with oats, barley, quinoa, and brown rice providing carbohydrates and fiber, plus a variety of fruits, vegetables, and added omega fatty acids, taurine, and L-carnitine. The formula also includes prebiotics and probiotics to support digestive health.
Overall, this is a high-quality, thoughtfully formulated dry food suitable for most dogs, including large-breed puppies and active adults. It provides moderate protein and fat from named fish sources, a nice mix of whole grains, and added omega-3s, taurine, and L-carnitine, which support general heart and metabolic health. It’s a good option for owners looking for a fish-and-ancient-grains formula rather than a grain-free or poultry-based diet.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Named fish ingredients (salmon, salmon meal, whitefish meal) provide identifiable animal protein sources with good omega-3 content.
- Includes a variety of whole grains (oats, barley, quinoa, brown rice) and seeds (chia, flaxseed) that contribute fiber, essential fatty acids, and micronutrients.
- Fortified with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, taurine, L-carnitine, and vitamin E, supporting skin, coat, and overall health needs for all life stages including large-breed growth.
- Contains prebiotics (chicory root/inulin) and multiple probiotic fermentation products, which can support a healthy gut microbiome and stool quality.
Considerations
- Fish and egg are common protein allergens, so this diet would not be appropriate for dogs with known sensitivities to those ingredients.
- The 24% protein level is adequate for all life stages but a bit lower than some higher-protein performance or working-dog diets, so very high-energy or athletic dogs may need a higher-protein option.
- Crude fiber is relatively high at 9.5% max, which is fine for many dogs but could cause softer stools or increased stool volume in some sensitive individuals.
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
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.
02
Oat
Oats are commonly used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber (beta‑glucans), plant protein, B vitamins and minerals, which can support healthy digestion and help moderate blood glucose and cholesterol. They are generally well tolerated by dogs and can be included sparingly for cats, but owners should avoid flavored or sweetened preparations (and ingredients like xylitol or raisins), be mindful of possible grain sensitivities or cross‑contamination with gluten, and prefer cooked oats for better digestibility and portion control due to caloric content.
03
Barley
Barley is a cereal grain used in pet foods primarily as a digestible carbohydrate and source of dietary fiber (including soluble beta‑glucans), along with modest amounts of B vitamins and minerals. It can support healthy digestion, help moderate post‑meal blood sugar and aid weight management in dogs, but provides limited protein for obligate carnivores like cats, must be cooked/processed for good digestibility, and may be unsuitable for pets with grain sensitivities or calorie‑restricted diets.
04
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.
05
Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is used in pet foods as a concentrated fat source to increase energy density, palatability and supply linoleic acid (an essential omega‑6) that helps maintain healthy skin and coat. It is beneficial for dogs and cats but is high in omega‑6 and low in omega‑3—so formulas should balance fatty acids to avoid an inflammatory imbalance; it is calorie‑dense (important for weight control and pancreatitis-prone animals) and may require antioxidants or high‑oleic formulations for better shelf stability.
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 Unrefined Smoked Salmon Recipe 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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