N&D Ancestral Grain Chicken & Pomegranate Puppy Mini Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 4, 2026
This is a high-protein, ancestral-grain dry food designed for small-breed puppies and is also formulated to support all life stages, including large-breed growth. It features chicken (fresh and dehydrated) and herring as main animal protein sources, with spelt, oats, and rice providing carbohydrates, plus added omega-3s, glucosamine, and chondroitin. The recipe includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and prebiotic fibers to support digestion and overall development.
N&D Ancestral Grain Chicken & Pomegranate Puppy Mini is a nutritionally robust dry food that should suit most healthy puppies very well, including those expected to reach large adult sizes. The protein and fat levels are appropriately high for growth, and the calcium and phosphorus levels and ratio are within a safe range for large-breed puppies, which is a major plus. It’s based on multiple named animal proteins, uses digestible grains rather than heavy pulses, and includes omega-3s and joint-support ingredients.
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
- Multiple named animal proteins (chicken, dehydrated chicken, herring, dehydrated herring, dried whole egg) provide high-quality, varied amino acids for growing puppies.
- Strong macronutrient profile for growth: 30% protein and 20% fat (as-fed) is very appropriate for active, growing dogs.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO profiles for all life stages including growth of large-size dogs, with calcium (1.1%) and phosphorus (0.91%) in a reasonable range for large-breed puppies.
- Contains EPA and DHA, flaxseed, and herring oil for omega-3s, plus glucosamine and chondroitin, which can support developing joints, especially in small and large-breed puppies with higher activity or growth demands.
Considerations
- Includes several common protein allergens (chicken, egg, fish); not ideal if your puppy has known sensitivities to these ingredients.
- Calorie density is quite high at about 440 kcal per cup, so portions will need to be carefully measured to avoid overfeeding, especially in small or less active puppies.
- Uses multiple fat sources (chicken fat, pork fat, herring oil), which is fine for most dogs but may not suit puppies with a history of fat-sensitive digestive issues.
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
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.
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
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.
04
Whole Grain Oat
Whole Grain Oat is used in pet foods primarily as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble and insoluble fiber—especially beta‑glucans—that support healthy digestion and can help moderate post‑meal blood sugar and lipid levels. It also provides modest protein, B‑vitamins and minerals, is generally well tolerated by dogs (cats require far fewer carbs), but should be fed in appropriate amounts for weight or diabetic pets and may pose an issue for animals with grain sensitivities unless certified gluten‑free and properly processed for digestibility.
05
Chicken Fat
Chicken fat is used in dog and cat foods as a concentrated energy and flavor source that supplies essential fatty acids (notably linoleic acid) and aids absorption of fat‑soluble vitamins, improving palatability and supporting skin and coat health. Because it is calorie‑dense, diets must account for added fat to prevent weight gain, and quality (proper rendering and antioxidant protection to prevent rancidity) is important; although fats are less commonly allergenic than proteins, pets with poultry sensitivities may still react in some cases.
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
Farmina is the flagship brand of Farmina Pet Foods, known for its Natural & Delicious (N&D) and Vet Life lines. The brand focuses on diets that combine natural ingredients with scientific research. Farmina’s offerings target premium pet owners seeking nutritionally balanced recipes made with high-quality proteins and low-glycemic carbohydrates.
Visit FarminaManufacturer
Farmina operates its own manufacturing facilities in Italy, Serbia, and Brazil, allowing complete control over ingredient sourcing, formulation, and production quality. The company follows strict quality assurance protocols and complies with international food safety standards including HACCP and ISO-certified processes.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Chicken & Pomegranate Puppy Mini Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Farmina ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Farmina. 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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