Venture Alaska Pollock Meal & Pumpkin Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 8, 2026
This is a limited-ingredient, grain-free dry dog food using Alaska pollock meal as the sole animal protein source, with pumpkin, tapioca, and butternut squash as the main carbohydrate and fiber ingredients. It’s formulated for all life stages, including large-breed puppies, and includes added taurine, L-carnitine, DHA, and probiotics to support overall nutrition. The moderate protein and fat levels make it suitable for many dogs, especially those needing a fish-based, simpler ingredient list due
Nutritionally, this is a well-balanced, all-life-stages kibble built around a single fish protein source, which can be helpful for dogs with chicken or beef sensitivities. The protein and fat levels are moderate and appropriate for a wide range of dogs, and it includes useful additions like taurine, omega fatty acids, L-carnitine, and probiotics. Because it’s grain-free and relies on tapioca and squash instead of legumes, it avoids the main DCM concern seen with many grain-free diets, though the limited ingredient profile may not be necessary for every dog.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Single animal protein source (Alaska pollock meal) can be useful for dogs with sensitivities to more common proteins like chicken or beef.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages, including large-breed growth, which is a stricter standard.
- Contains added taurine, DHA, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and L-carnitine, all supportive of heart, brain, and skin/coat health needs.
- Limited-ingredient, grain-free formula without peas, lentils, or chickpeas, which helps avoid the legume-heavy grain-free pattern linked to DCM concerns.
Considerations
- Fish is a common allergen for some dogs, so this formula would not be appropriate if your dog reacts to fish-based diets.
- At 26% protein and 13% fat, this is a moderate rather than very high-protein or high-fat food, which may be less ideal for very high-performance or working dogs that need more calories from fat.
- Being a grain-free diet based on tapioca and squash, it may not offer the same fiber variety and micronutrient profile as some grain-inclusive options.
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
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is used in pet foods primarily as a fiber-rich carbohydrate and moisture source that can help regulate digestion and firm up loose stools or add bulk for softer stools, and it provides beta-carotene (vitamin A precursor) plus small amounts of vitamins and minerals for dogs and cats. It is safe and beneficial when plain cooked or canned (not spiced or sweetened pie filling), should be fed in moderation as a supplement rather than a primary food, and introduced gradually since large amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset or interfere with absorption of some medications.
03
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.
04
Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is a cooked vegetable ingredient used in pet foods as a source of soluble and insoluble fiber, complex carbohydrates, and antioxidants (notably beta‑carotene/vitamin A), often included to aid digestion, add moisture, and support healthy weight management. It can benefit dogs and, to a lesser extent, cats by supplying fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium, but should be cooked and seedless for digestibility, used sparingly in diabetic animals due to carbohydrate content, and treated as a complement to—not a replacement for—animal-based protein.
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 limited-ingredient line under Earthborn Holistic designed for pets with food sensitivities. It emphasizes novel proteins and simple ingredient lists while maintaining holistic nutritional philosophy.
Visit Earthborn Holistic VentureManufacturer
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 Venture Venture Alaska Pollock Meal & Pumpkin 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 Venture ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Earthborn Holistic Venture. 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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