Essence LIR Landfowl Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 17, 2026
This is a high-protein, dry dog food featuring turkey and chicken as the main animal protein sources, with quinoa and pumpkin providing additional carbohydrates and fiber. It’s formulated for growing puppies and younger dogs who do best on a concentrated, performance-style diet, but it is not appropriate for large-breed puppies. The recipe also includes added taurine, marine microalgae oil, and joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin.
Nutritionally, this is a very protein-rich, animal-focused kibble designed for growth and active dogs, with most of the protein coming from turkey and chicken and their meals. It offers a dense calorie content, added taurine, and joint-support ingredients, which can be helpful for energetic, smaller-breed puppies and young dogs. It is specifically not suitable for large-breed puppies, and the high protein and fat levels mean portion control is important for dogs prone to weight gain.
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
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 (41% min) and substantial fat (20.5% min) from named turkey, chicken, and their meals, which supports growth and active lifestyles.
- Animal ingredients make up the bulk of the formula, with up to 90% of protein from animal sources, which generally supports good amino acid balance for dogs.
- Includes glucosamine and chondroitin, which can help support joint structures, plus added taurine and L-carnitine, and marine microalgae oil as an omega-3 source.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for growth (excluding large-breed growth), so it is complete and balanced for appropriate puppies and young dogs.
Considerations
- Not appropriate for large-breed puppies, as it is specifically formulated for growth excluding large size dogs expected to be 70 lbs or more as adults.
- Contains chicken and turkey, which are common protein allergens, so it would not be suitable for dogs with poultry allergies or sensitivities.
- Very calorie-dense (437 kcal per cup), so overfeeding is easy; dogs with lower activity levels or a tendency to gain weight may need carefully measured portions.
- The high protein and fat levels may be more than some sedentary or older dogs need, especially if they are not in a growth phase or highly active.
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
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.
03
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.
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
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.
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
Essence is a grain-free and animal protein–focused pet food brand designed around high meat inclusion and sustainable ingredients, offering premium nutrition for dogs and cats.
Visit EssenceManufacturer
Pets Global partners with trusted U.S.-based manufacturers for its products, maintaining oversight of ingredient sourcing and recipe formulation to ensure food safety and nutritional quality standards. Its products are formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles and follow U.S. FDA manufacturing guidelines.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Essence Essence LIR Landfowl 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 Essence ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Essence. 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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